WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court has upheld a murder conviction for a Wichita man who took part in the shooting death of a 13-year-old boy.
The court on Friday rejected an appeal from Eli Betancourt, who was convicted of premeditated first-degree murder in the June 2010 death of Miguel Andrade. The boy was shot several times when he opened his front door after hearing sounds outside.
Prosecutors say Betancourt and three other men fired on the wrong house as they sought vengeance for an attack on a relative of Betancourt’s. He is serving a Hard 25 life sentence.
Betancourt’s attorney had argued that the Sedgwick County court made several errors during the trial, including admitting his police statement as evidence, and that there was not sufficient evidence to convict him.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A carjacking suspect is dead following a police chase that ended in Kansas City, Kansas.
Authorities say the chase began after the suspect stole a van from a pest control worker in Bonner Springs. The chase went into Kansas City, Missouri, before ending after about 30 minutes when the vehicle drove through a fence near a church in Kansas City, Kansas.
Kansas City, Kansas, police spokeswoman Amber Hickerson says the driver at one point tried to hit a Kansas City, Missouri, police vehicle.
Hickerson says it is unclear if the suspect fired at officers or pointed his weapon at them but a Kansas Highway Patrol officer and three police officers shot him.
As state lawmakers consider a bill to require law enforcement officials to be equipped with body cameras, many Kansas game wardens have been using them since the fall.
In mid-November, approximately half of the game wardens with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism received body cameras, according to KDWP Director of Law Enforcement Kevin Jones.
One of those game wardens is Owen Johnson, who oversees all of Trego, Gove and the western half of Ellis County.
Owen Johnson
Johnson said he received his camera in mid-December after returning from injury and said he has tried to use it every day.
While no guidelines have been established as to when to use the camera, Johnson uses his if he is going to be in contact with a hunter or fisherman, if he is working an accident or working an investigation.
Johnson also said he tries to capture interesting things he sees along the way.
“With social media today, it gives us a way that we can show the general public what we do, other than check hunting and fishing licenses,” he said.
Game wardens in Kansas are among a few wildlife agencies that are equipped with the camera, and Johnson said he believes that can be an important tool.
“With all of the things going on, I think it is just a good thing to have,” he said, “to kind of protect us as officers and the agency as a whole.”
Game wardens are in a unique situation where often times they work alone a number of miles from backup but at the same time they are a law enforcement agent and respond to calls for backup from area law enforcement agencies.
Johnson said most of times when he has contact with the public he is the only officer involved.
“A lot of times you contact large groups of people and you’re the only one.”
But Johnson added, “If a trooper calls out for backup, a county sheriff, a PD we can respond to all those calls for backup just like anybody else.”
It took some time for Johnson to get used to the camera and he said it does have its drawbacks.
“You can’t rely on anything 100-percent, it doesn’t always work,” Johnson said.
But as a whole, according to Johnson, they work for their intended purpose.
“I definitely think there’s more benefits than cost.”
Johnson is one of five game wardens that work in the Northwest District covering all of Northwest Kansas and has been working in the area since October.
He is currently working to complete his Master’s Degree in Wildlife Biology through the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Some Kansas lawmakers want to keep some money from being transferred away from transportation projects amid the state budget crunch.
Gov. Sam Brownback has recommended transferring $724 million from transportation projects to the state’s main budget during fiscal years 2016 and 2017 to fill projected budget shortfalls. A House budget panel voted Thursday to reinstate about $280 million of that funding.
Republican Rep. Russell Jennings of Lakin says he proposed the amendment because the state has too often diverted money from infrastructure to cover budget holes elsewhere. He suggested the state raise revenues in other ways.
The House Appropriations Committee will review the committee’s budget recommendations Tuesday.
Republican Rep. J. R. Claeys of Salina said that if the move passed, it could force education cuts.
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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers want to keep money from being transferred away from transportation projects.
The House Transportation Budget Committee voted Thursday to protect $280 million in infrastructure funds that would have been transferred away over the next two fiscal years under the governor’s recommendations. Republican Gov. Sam Brownback recommended transferring a total of $724 million from transportation projects to the state’s main budget over fiscal years 2016 and 2017 to fill projected budget shortfalls.
Democratic Rep. Annie Tietze of Topeka said the move was made because infrastructure works provide jobs and are important to the state’s economy. Tietze said she anticipated the state would state issue bonds to cover the shortfall if the committee’s recommendation were to pass.
The House Appropriations Committee will review the committee’s budget recommendations on Tuesday.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Guys, if you want to get the girl, try bringing flowers — to her mother.
In a new poll, 6 in 10 young women say when they’re thinking of getting serious with someone, their mother’s approval is “extremely” or “very” important.
In the Associated Press-WE tv national poll, 4 in 10 young women say they would consider breaking up with a guy if mom didn’t like him.
Sons in the survey worried a little less than daughters about what mom thinks of their dates. Still, half of 18-to-29-year-old men say their mother’s approval is extremely or very important when a relationship might get serious.
Dads also have their say. The poll finds their opinions are more important to daters under 30 than what friends or siblings think.
Holly Weiss is one of six speakers the TEDxFHSU team has announced will be speaking at an upcoming conference. Of the seven global challenges featured throughout the event, Weiss will address Resource Management in a talk that is sure to spark deep discussion and connection, a trademark of TEDx conferences.
Weiss is a Graduate Student at Fort Hays State University pursuing a Master’s degree in Higher Education Student Affairs. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Organizational Leadership and English Literature from Fort Hays in 2014. Weiss is from Anthony, KS and is one of five children in her family. While an undergrad at FHSU she was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority where she served as President for 2013-2014. She also sat on the Student Government Senate. Weiss chose to attend FHSU because after her first visit it felt like the “home away from home.”
Weiss believes that higher education and community involvement is key to the success of young adults. She is pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education so that she can continue the cycle and create a positive experience for future students. Weiss would like to work for a university or organization one day that helps build up young adults and empower them to reach their full potential. Her experiences at FHSU made her passionate for human rights and gender-equality. She had the privilege to work for the Center for Civic Leadership where she was able to express those interests. She now works as the Graduate Assistant for Learning Communities and Student Life in the Division of Student Affairs.
Six live speakers will present at TEDxFHSU. A new speaker will be revealed once a week on Thursdays leading up to ticket distribution on March 11.
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has revealed that the band is plotting a new North American tour for later this year. Speaking recently with Billboard magazine, Wood reported that he “had a meeting in New York with the boys and we’re gonna come [to] North America again in the summer.”
The rock legends have been touring fairly regularly since launching a trek celebrating their 50 anniversary back in late 2012, with their most recent series of shows winding down on November 22 in Auckland, New Zealand.
“We’re just mind-blown about how the music is coming out even better than ever,” said Wood about the band’s recent performances. “And I’m getting it easier nowadays, ’cause we’re having an easier schedule than I used to have.”
The Rolling Stones’ latest visit to the U.S. took place in 2013, and wrapped up with a June 24 concert in Washington, D.C. No word yet on when the upcoming shows might be announced.
Wood also told Billboard that there are no concrete plans for a Faces reunion following the December 2014 death of the band’s founding keyboardist Ian McLagan, although he did team up with fellow surviving Faces Rod Stewart and Kenney Jones to play a couple of songs in tribute to McLagan at Stewart’s 70th birthday party last month.
“What else, I don’t know,” said Ronnie. “I’ve got such a busy schedule and I’m painting and playing away, so I shall wait to hear from his next of kin.”
RUSSELL — A traffic stop in Russell County earlier this week resulted in the driver’s arrest and the discovery of marijuana in the vehicle.
According to a news release from Russell County Sheriff John Fletcher, deputies conducted a traffic stop for speeding Tuesday, Feb. 10, on Interstate 70 near mile marker 194 east of Bunker Hill.
The driver and sole occupant of the 2011 Cadillac Escalade was identified as Clanton King of Fargo, North Dakota.
During the investigation, Fletcher said deputies found numerous containers filled with marijuana and a .38 caliber handgun. A large amount of U.S. currency was also discovered.
King was placed under arrest for numerous drug-related offenses and was also cited for numerous traffic citations.
LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — Get ready for superstition — times three.
Friday is the first of three Friday the 13ths this year.
Each year has at least one Friday the 13th, but there can be as many as three. 2012 was the last year with three Friday the 13ths. The next will be 2026.
It’s a quirk of the calendar that gives the superstitious three times as many reasons to avoid walking under ladders or near black cats.
But it also lets those who don’t believe in bad luck tempt fate by breaking mirrors, stepping on cracks and spilling salt.
British journalist Ellen Widdup is moving Friday while wearing a locket containing a four-leaf clover.
She never opens umbrellas indoors but says moving on Friday the 13th is a way to test her fears.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) – The Kansas City Royals and closer Greg Holland avoided salary arbitration when they agreed to an $8.25 million, one-year contract before their hearing.
Under the terms of Friday’s agreement, Holland will receive a $100,000 assignment bonus if he’s traded.
The 29-year-old right-hander was 1-3 with a 1.44 ERA for the AL champions and struck out 90 and walked 20 in 62 1-3 innings. He had seven more saves and a 0.82 ERA in the postseason. The Royals reached Game 7 of the World Series before losing to San Francisco.
Holland made $4,725,000 last year and had asked for $9 million when the sides exchanged proposed arbitration salaries last month. The Royals had offered $6.65 million.
He is eligible for free agency after the 2016 season.
February is “Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month” and with how local groups are bringing awareness to this growing problem, is Christie Brungardt, co-founder of Jana’s Campaign.
The week leading up to Valentines Day has been declared National Marriage Week in the U.S. The goal of National Marriage Week is to elevate national attention on the need to strengthen marriage, reduce the divorce rate and build a stronger marriage culture which in turn helps curtail poverty and benefits children.
Marriage breakdown is costly to kids and to society at large. According to Why Marriage Matters: Thirty Conclusions from the Social Sciences, divorce and unwed childbearing cost U.S. taxpayers a whopping $112 billion annually. In these challenging economic times, building stronger marriages helps build a stronger nation. See the study and more about the importance of marriage at www.nationalmariageweekusa.org.
It takes work to have a healthy marriage, but it is possible. Just like good nutrition and regular exercise can help you to have a healthy body, there are things you can do to have a healthy marriage. For National Marriage Week, here are seven tips using the acronym ELEVATE which can help you strengthen your marriage:
Empower Yourself- Individual health impacts the health of couple relationships. Taking care of yourself first can improve the wellness of your relationship. To care for yourself, eat healthfully and exercise regularly, get regular sleep, manage stress in positive ways and appreciate the good things in your life to cultivate greater happiness and satisfaction.
Lay the Foundation- Are you making deliberate and conscious decisions about your relationships? It is important to be intentional in nurturing your couple relationship. Stronger relationships begin by making a deliberate decision to enter into a relationship rather than sliding into one. Commit to the relationship and work to fulfill that commitment. Focus on each other’s strengths, set goals for a positive future together and work at effective ways to strengthen your relationship with one another.
Enlighten- How well do you know your partner? Sharing yourself and deepening an understanding of your partner creates stability in your relationship. Ask about your partner’s life, thoughts and feelings. Be sensitive to your partners’s worries and needs. Try to see situations through your partner’s eyes to gain a better understanding of how they look at things.
Value- Keeping a relationship healthy is the responsibility of both people in that relationship. What do you to do to show support, affection, and respect for your partner? Here are some ways to show you care: express appreciation and caring actions towards your partner, accept and value the differences you and your partner share. Give love in the way your partner likes to be loved, and make time for togetherness and moments of connection.
Attach- Developing and maintaining your friendship with your partner helps build couple identity. Envision yourselves as a team. Learning and growing together as a couple further strengthens this teamwork: find common interest and activities you can share as a couple, create traditions and rituals that promote togetherness, set and work towards common goals.
Tame- Dealing with differences in healthy ways can minimize friction among couples. Problems in healthy couple relationships may never be resolved, but they can be managed in effective ways. Understand and accept that there may be disagreements in any couple relationship, but try to stop conflict before it escalates out of control: share concerns with one another in a calm, respectful tone, avoid criticism and defensiveness that could be insulting to your partner, soothe and support one another and be open to forgiveness.
Engage- Engaging in a supportive, positive social network can be beneficial to any couple. These connections can act as a safety net to provide security to couples during both good and challenging time. Grow and maintain relationships with extended family. Develop a supportive network of friends who also have healthy couple relationships. Get involved in community organizations and services that can bring you and your partner together.
This Valentine’s Day, make an intentional decision to focus on relationship as well as romance. For more ways to strengthen your marriage, see the resources from the National Extension Relationship and Marriage Education Network at www.nermen.org.
Linda K. Beech is Ellis County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.
TOPEKA — City judges and attorneys are asking for the ability to remove their personal information from public websites.
Senate Bill 128 would allow municipal judges, attorneys, and their assistants to request that their identifying information, like home addresses and phone numbers, not be published on public websites that can be searched with keywords.
Currently the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) allows federal and state judges and prosecutors to request that their contact information be removed from public websites.
Dick Carter, Jr., representing Overland Park, said city judges and prosecutors need to be exempted as well. “Municipal judges and prosecutors deal with persons with extensive criminal histories, and with serious personality and mental health issues,” Carter said.
Last year Overland Park Municipal Court Judge Cynthia Cornwell received threats on social media that resulted in felony charges. Carter said it was one of two threats against Cornwell in the last two years.
“Our administrative prosecutor also received a letter in the mail with disturbing, violent descriptions, even towards her family,” Carter said.
Sen. Jeff King (R-Independence) proposed an amendment to also exclude special assistant attorney generals and special county and district attorneys from KORA.
In written testimony Nicole Proulx Aiken, legal counsel with the League of Kansas Municipalities, supported the bill. “It is not uncommon for them to receive threats because of their public positions and the decisions they make,” she wrote.
Budget Director Shawn Sullivan said local governments may have to spend some extra money to restrict information on public websites but said he couldn’t determine precise costs.
The committee will take final action on the bill on Feb. 19.
Austin Fisher is a senior from Lawrence studying journalism at the University of Kansas.
