WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Army says it has prosecuted about 1,900 cases of desertion since 2001.

However, tens of thousands of soldiers have fled the service in the face of deadly combat, long and multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and strains on military families.

The data reflects how rarely the military takes desertion cases to court.

And it underscores the complexities of such cases as a top military commander begins to review the investigation of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.

Bergdahl left his Afghanistan post in 2009 and was captured and held by the Taliban for five years.

According to Army data, more than 20,000 soldiers have been dropped from the rolls as deserters since 2006. Totals for earlier years were not available, but likely include thousands more.

Topeka — Governor Sam Brownback today issued the following statement in honor of Christmas and the upcoming New Year’s holiday.

“Christmas is a joyous time of year when both young and old enjoy the wonders of the season. It is a time to renew our faith and share the spirit of Christmas fully with others. At this time of year in particular, as we gather with friends and family, take a moment to remember those who are without their families as they serve our nation in far-off places. Remember that to those in need, even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference. And remember that this season of peace offers an opportunity for reconciliation and renewal in our relationships.

“As the new year draws near, it holds the promise of challenges well met and blessings gratefully acknowledged. It reminds us that Kansans have always aimed high – to the stars – and that despite the difficulties we may encounter, we continue to aspire, achieve and believe in greater possibilities.
“May God bless you and your family.

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Islamic State militants have captured a Jordanian pilot after his warplane crashed in Syria while carrying out airstrikes today.

Activists say the plane went down near the city of Raqqa, the group’s de facto capital. The Raqqa Media Center has published a photograph said to be of the pilot being pulled by gunmen out of what appears to be a lake.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known. Jordan’s military said only that the warplane went down in Syria. A coalition official told The Associated Press that there were no immediate indications it was shot down.

Jordan’s information minister had said his country believed the plane was shot down, but added that it was “difficult to confirm.”

The Jordanian pilot is the first foreign military member to fall into the extremists’ hands since U.S.-led coalition launched its bombing campaign against the group months ago.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sony is making “The Interview” available on a variety of digital platforms this afternoon.

Streaming partners include Google Play, YouTube Movies, Microsoft’s Xbox Video and a separate Sony website.

The film about a plot to assassinate North Korea leader Kim Jong Un generated threats from hackers to attack theaters screening the movie. That prompted Sony to cancel the theatrical release, as major chains dropped plans to show the film.

The studio reversed course yesterday, after much criticism, announcing a limited release in about 300 independently owned theaters.

In announcing the digital on demand release, Sony Pictures chair and CEO Michael Lynton says it was “essential” for the studio to release “The Interview” after what he describes as “an assault” on the company and its employees “by those who wanted to stop free speech.”

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Melody McKenzie headed to the Lawrence Wal-Mart this week planning to remove an item from layaway that she had intended to purchase for her 12-year-old daughter before money got too tight for that to happen.

The Lawrence woman thought she stilled owed $87 on the karaoke machine after paying $15 to have it put on layaway, but when she told the clerk to put the toy back on Monday, she was shocked when informed that she owed only one penny.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports the clerk told her a good Samaritan had paid off the rest.

Wal-Mart Supercenter manager Shawn Jacobson says that since Thanksgiving about 10 people had come in to pay off strangers’ layaway balances, amounting to between $2,500 and $3,000 in payment

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Some northeast Kansas American Indian tribes say they need more information before making a decision on whether to grow and sell marijuana on tribal land after the federal government said it wouldn’t interfere with those who do.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports Kickapoo Tribe spokesman Fred Thomas says he doesn’t see how legalizing marijuana on the reservation would benefit his tribe. Alan Kelley of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska says he sees no need for it, either.

Earlier this month the U.S. Department of Justice said Indian tribes can grow and sell marijuana on their lands as long as they follow the same federal conditions laid out for states that have legalized the drug.

But tribes have been taking a cautious approach as many questions remain unanswered.

By KHI NEWS SERVICE

TOPEKA — Kansas health officials on Tuesday urged flu vaccinations for all residents over 6 months of age, as surveillance programs showed influenza spreading throughout the state.

Kansas clinics in the surveillance program reported that more than 10 percent of their patients last week were being seen for flu-like symptoms. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said there is “widespread” influenza activity throughout the state and reported that 333 Kansans died of flu or pneumonia between Sept. 1 and Dec. 20.

People at high risk of dying from the flu include those over 65, those who are immune-compromised and those who have underlying health conditions.

Most cases of this year’s flu have been caused by a strain that the vaccine does not protect against as well as others. But vaccination still can prevent flu or lessen its severity, so state and federal officials have continued promoting the flu shot and nasal mist, while also urging health care providers to dole out flu treatment drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza to high-risk patients as soon as they display symptoms rather than waiting for laboratory confirmation.

“Even though some circulating viruses may differ from the vaccine strain during the current season, influenza vaccination is still an important way to reduce the risk of serious complications and death,” said Charlie Hunt, the state epidemiologist. “If you have not had your flu vaccination for this season, I encourage you to get one now.”

According to KDHE, the influenza vaccination coverage rate was approximately 47 percent in Kansas last flu season, leaving more than half the population unprotected.

In addition to getting vaccinated, KDHE said Kansans can help prevent spread of the flu by covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands and staying home when sick.

SALINA – Two people were injured in an accident just before 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Saline County.

Saline County Sheriff Glen Kochanowski said Tasha Trout, 46, rural Gypsum, was driving south on Simpson Road near Crawford Street when her car hydroplaned on the wet pavement and rolled into the ditch.

Trout and her daughter Lycia, 12, were transported to Salina Regional Health Center.

They were both properly restrained at the time of the accident according to the Sheriff.

Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON – A fire early Wednesday injured eight people at a triplex in the 400 Block of west 1st street in Hutchinson.

Hutchinson Fire Chief Kim Forbes says that all eight residents were taken to the hospital. One with critical burns  was eventually transported to Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita.

Two others suffered smoke inhalation, one critically and the other was in serious condition. The others were treated for minor smoke inhalation.

Forbes says some of the victims were trapped on the second floor and rescued by firefighters bringing them down ladders.

“When fire starts in these older structures and gets into the walls, it’s like a chimney and the fire will spread quickly,” said Forbes.

Fire investigators are now working with Hutchinson Police and the State Fire Marshals Office to determine the cause. Forbes says the building will be a total loss.

 

The Red Cross has been brought in to assist the families involved.

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Serious injuries are reported from an apartment fire early Wednesday in Hutchinson.

Fire crews were called to the 400 Block of West 1st Street just before 5 a.m. They found the structure fully engulfed in flames.

Officials reported as many as 8 people including a child were transported for treatment. One person was transported to Via Christi St. Francis with critical injuries.

Cause of the fire remains under investigation. The building is considered a total loss.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — The Hutchinson Correctional Facility has ordered new alarm pendants for contract nurses to wear in the wake of last summer’s alleged sexual assault at its central unit.

The Hutchinson News reported that the system has been ordered, but not yet installed. In the interim, the facility has given contract employees prison radios that also have an alarm feature built in.

Prison spokesman Dirk Moss says the facility provided all 116 contract workers with the radios about two months ago. Prior to that, only corrections officers had access to the radios.

The plan is to only provide the alarm pendants to the nurses so they don’t have to carry around radios, Moss said.

Moss declined to provide details of the sexual assault, saying it remains an active investigation.