First Unitarian Society in Denver is among those already providing sanctuary for undocumented immigrants-google image
DENVER, CO (AP) — Hundreds of houses of worship are offering sanctuary to people who fear deportation under the administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
To some churches, sanctuary means spiritual support or legal assistance to fight deportation. Others promise or are already extending physical sanctuary by housing immigrants.
One advocate says about 450 houses of worship nationwide have now offered to provide some form of sanctuary for immigrants.
Churches in Denver and Philadelphia already are allowing immigrants to live in their buildings.
Trump pledged during the campaign to remove millions of immigrants living in the country illegally. Immigration and Custom Enforcement says it generally avoids entering sensitive locations such as schools, places of worship and hospitals.
It appears one of Fort Hays State’s all-time best running backs won’t be back for his senior season. Shaquille Cooper, who rushed for 971 yards and six touchdowns and had another 420 receiving yards with five scores this season, tweeted out yesterday and confirmed that he will forego his senior season for a professional career.
Cooper, who was a two-time All-MIAA first team selection, ran for 146 yards and a touchdown with 66 receiving yards and a score in the Tigers C.H.A.M.P.S Heart of Texas Bowl win. Cooper finished fourth on the school’s all-purpose yardage list and had 12, 100-yard rushing games, the second most in school history.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man convicted in a cell phone store robbery shooting that left a retired Kansas guidance counselor so seriously injured that doctors had to amputate her hands and feet is scheduled for sentencing on Friday.
On October 24, James Michael Phillips, 27, was found guilty of nine counts, including attempted first-degree murder.
Prosecutors said he shot Julie Dombo while trying to rob an AT&T store in Derby in August 2015.
Phillips also was found guilty of attempted second-degree murder for shooting at a Derby police officer. The 27-year-old Phillips acted as his own attorney during the trial.
Dombo says Phillips put her “in prison for life.” She says he’s “got to be in prison for life to make it even.”
Hays High School yearbook students were recognized for their collective effort when it was recently announced that the 2015-16 Indian Call has been awarded All-Kansas from the Kansas Scholastic Press Association.
Earlier this year, the yearbook earned All-American status from the National Scholastic Press Association.
All-Kansas is the top state award presented to student yearbooks, newspapers and websites. Yearbook awards are typically announced late fall, while newspaper and website awards are announced in late spring. Hays High’s yearbook was one of six yearbooks named in the Class 4A division. This marked the third consecutive year the Indian Call has earned the top award.
“All-Kansas is our ultimate goal for our publications, so it goes without saying that I’m extremely proud of the yearbook staff,” adviser Bill Gasper said. “The award is a result of many hours of hard work by the staff and a belief of what they are doing is very important. And, not only is their work important, they are also learning valuable future workplace skills such as effective communication, teamwork, problem solving and creative thinking.”
Yearbooks are judged in five areas – theme development, coverage, writing, design, and photography. In each area, yearbooks are awarded either an All-Kansas, an Award of Commendation, or an Award of Merit.
To earn the overall All-Kansas rating, a yearbook must have the top rating in at least three areas. The Indian Call earned the All-Kansas distinction in three: coverage, reporting and design. The yearbook earned Award of Commendations in Theme and Photography.
“I just have to say that for having a 15 person staff, you did an amazing job with this book,” the judge said. “While you have weak areas, you also have really strong areas that are impressive with the staff you had.”
Editor-in-chief of the book was Morgan Klaus, while Taylor DeBoer and Kylie Brown were assistant editors. Other staff members were Chelsey Augustine, Haley George, Taylor Groen-Younger, Kirsten Prindle, Allison Rome, Brianna Brin, Sierra Eichman, Tiana Lawson, Hannah Thomasson, Savannah Unsworth, Abigail Balman and Alyssa Owens.
Gasper said this is the fourth time in his 12-year tenure that the yearbook has won All-Kansas.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas welfare officials plan to have state staff perform all annual foster home inspections by midway through next year.
The Kansas Department for Children and Families updated lawmakers Wednesday on its efforts to respond to a highly-critical audit. DCF has been moving to take away annual inspections of foster homes from agency contractors, citing potential conflicts of interest.
DCF deputy general counsel Kaey Rogg said performing the inspections will require about 15 new DCF workers. He says the cash to pay the employees will come from the child placing agencies.
Lawmakers also questioned agency staff during a meeting of the Legislative Post Audit Committee about foster parent and social worker recruitment. Kansas has a near-record number of children in foster care — about 6,500.
Having been recently named a 2017 Military Friendly® school for its commitment to veterans and their families, Fort Hays State University was announced Thursday as a Gold Level Military Friendly® school by Victory Media.
Victory Media, originator of the family of Military Friendly® employment, entrepreneurship and education resources for veterans and their families, published its special awards for 2017 Military Friendly Schools and Employers at https://militaryfriendly.com.
“While achieving Military Friendly® status is admirable, being at the Gold standard puts us in a very elite class,” said Mike Michaelis, assistant director of the Virtual College.
New this year, Military Friendly Awards showcase the most powerful and effective programs of more than 200 companies and 1,200 post-secondary schools that were designated as Military Friendly in November. Of those designated, 154 employers and 541 schools have been recognized for excellence in different categories, highlighting not only “Are you Military Friendly?” but “How Military Friendly are you?”
“All of our Military Friendly award recipients set the standard for excellence,” said Daniel Nichols, chief product officer of Victory Media and head of Military Friendly development.
“They offer exceptional examples of what it means not just to build a program that meets federal requirements, but one that serves the military and veteran community from classrooms to careers,” he said.
For more than a decade, Military Friendly ratings have set the standard for companies and colleges demonstrating positive employment and education outcomes for veterans and their families.
Victory Media, founded in 2001, connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs, Military Spouse, Vetrepreneur®, STEM JobsSM and Military Friendly brands.
To see a complete list of this year’s award winners, or to learn more about Military Friendly® ratings and how to participate, visit https://militaryfriendly.com.
Award thresholds were set by the leading educational institution in each of 10 categories:
● Public universities less than 10,000 students
● Public universities more than 10,000 students
● Private institutions less than 10,000 students
● Private institutions more than 10,000 students
● Non-traditional institutions
● Community colleges
● Private vocational schools
● Online universities
● Graduate schools
● Tier 1 research institutions
The Military Friendly® Employers and Military Friendly® Schools designation process includes extensive research and a data-driven survey of leading companies and colleges nationwide. The survey, methodology, criteria and weightings are developed with the assistance of an independent advisory council of educators and employers, and tested by EY based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media. The survey is administered for free.
Criteria for consideration and a complete list of this year’s winners are published online at https://militaryfriendly.com and will be printed in the December issue of G.I. Jobs® or Guide to Military Friendly® Schools.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today announced the Senate approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report. The legislation, which passed the Senate by a vote of 92-7, now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
“This bill provides critical funding for our military, including equipment, pay, and programs to protect this nation from the many threats we face – and it again prohibits the administration from transferring terrorists at Guantanamo Bay to the mainland,” said Roberts. “Fortunately, we have been able to stop President Obama from honoring his campaign promise to close Guantanamo. But I remain vigilant, and I will continue to ensure detainees are not moved to the mainland to protect our national security.”
Congress has been clear & consistent. Again confirming it is against the law to transfer #GITMO detainees to the US. https://t.co/XUlKHT6cKO
The NDAA authorizes funding for the Department of Defense through Fiscal Year 2017. The bill contains the first major update to Pentagon organization in 30 years, with the goal of prioritizing innovation and improving the development and execution of defense strategy.
It also modernizes the military health system to provide military service members, retirees, and their families with higher-quality care, better access to care, and a better experience of care.
Roberts has led the charge in the Senate against the Obama administration’s attempts to close Guantanamo Bay and transfer the prisoners to the U.S. mainland, in particular Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, a site that has been surveyed by the administration. Ft. Leavenworth is the home to the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, which houses U.S. military prisoners, and it is against the law for enemy combatants to be housed with members of the U.S. military. Fort Leavenworth is also home to the Command and General Staff College, the Intellectual Center of the Army, where both American and international military officers come to study.
In March, Roberts introduced a Senate resolution formally rejecting President Obama’s plan to transfer prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay detention facilities to an alternate location in American communities.
First responders on the scene of Thursday’s fatal accident-photo courtesy KWCH
SEDGWICK COUNTY – A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 2:30p.m. on Thursday in Sedgwick County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Ford Explorer driven by Christina Kilgore, 33, Wichita, was eastbound on Kansas 96 on ramp to eastbound U.S. 54.
The SUV left the road to right, over turned and ejected the driver.
Kilgore was pronounced dead at the scene. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.
OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City high school principal is urging parents to speak to their children about tolerance after several incidents of racial harassment between students.
The Kansas City Star reports that Olathe North High School Principal Jason Herman informed parents of the problem Wednesday in a letter. He indicated that many of the incidents occurred on social media.
He said the behavior is “intolerable” and would be “swiftly” handled by administration. He said parents should speak to their children “about the importance of respecting everyone and our intolerance for any type of harassment.”
He also wrote that he had shared a similar message with students in an address he read in person.
TOPEKA — On Friday, December 2, a fire engulfed a warehouse in Oakland, California – resulting in the deaths of at least 36 people attending a party. This facility was not only being used as a warehouse but, according to media reports, provided housing even though it was not licensed to do so. This tragic fire, along with a spate of apartment building and rental home fires right here in Kansas, should cause building owners to consider whether or not they are providing the safest possible facilities for their residents.
Multi-family dwellings account for a total of 19.4% of residential structure fires in Kansas.
Through inspection and enforcement, the Office of the State Fire Marshal works with building owners and landlords to ensure compliance with building codes aimed at protecting the lives and property of residents. State Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen wants to provide information that both landlords and residents need to know to ensure safe places for living and congregating.
“There are special areas of concern when it comes to fire safety in apartment buildings,” says Jorgensen. “Families in apartment buildings live close together, affecting each other’s risks associated with fire. Landlords and tenants alike have a role to play in maintaining a fire-safe place to live.”
Landlord and occupant responsibility and safety measures
Landlords are required to install a working smoke alarm in each of their rental units and repair or replace them when they are deficient. Tenants have the responsibility to ensure that the smoke alarms in their homes are present, clean and operational, and may be responsible for changing batteries in smoke alarms, if applicable. Each rental unit should also be equipped with a fire extinguisher or automatic sprinkler system or both. Tenants should make sure they are aware of the protection available and understand its use and maintenance.
Landlords may face further responsibilities based on local jurisdiction and the rental agreement. It is imperative that both owners and tenants understand the roles and responsibilities for testing and maintaining smoke alarms to avoid failures. To be absolutely sure and safe, residents should assume a degree of personal responsibility toward working smoke alarms, regardless of what the agreement or law may state.
Almost 40% of fires in multi-family dwellings occurred above the ground floor. It is imperative residents, especially families with children, establish and practice an escape plan with multiple exits.
Building owners need to comply with the Kansas Fire Prevention Code, which covers safety systems — sprinkler systems, fire alarms, emergency lighting, exit lights, and exiting of the building. They should check with their local building code officials. Many local jurisdictions have more stringent codes than the state’s requirements.
What causes apartment fires?
Cooking – Apartment homes count for a statistically higher percentage of cooking fires than occur in other residential types. One in two apartment fires are caused by cooking, while in other types of residences cooking accounts for one in four fires. Cooking fires in apartment buildings caused a reported loss of $1,656,086 in 2015.
Smoking – No matter the type of residence, balconies/porches are the top area of origin for smoking fires. Multi-family dwellings have a larger problem with 37% of smoking fires happening on the balcony/porch. Smoking-related fires on balconies/porches at houses account for just 14% of all smoking fires. Often, this is caused by smoking materials discarded into potted plants or mulch. Both are flammable and cause smoldering fires. Guests of non-smoking renters may dispose of cigarette butts in such material when an ash tray is not made available.
Utilities – Fifty percent of Kansas water heater fires in residences occurred in multi-family dwellings. Often there is a delayed detection of this type of fire, with water heaters in dedicated utility rooms without smoke alarms. Regular maintenance, inspection, and heat/smoke alarms could reduce the number of fires.
For more information on fire safety for apartments and other residential rental properties, visit FireMarshal.ks.gov/renters.
Fire crews on the scene of reported arson fire -photo Topeka Fire Department
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A teenager has been arrested in connection with a string of arson fires in Topeka.
Shawnee County District Court judge ordered the 17-year-old to remain detained in jail after he was arrested in connection with four aggravated arsons and other charges, all linked to fires that were set in west Topeka. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports (https://j.mp/2gghPXK) the teen also was arrested in connection with five counts of arson and one count of burglary.
The fire department says each of the nine counts of arson and aggravated arson is a separate incident.
Authorities didn’t identify the youth or the fires he’s accused of starting. No one was killed in the fires, and one firefighter suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Some neighborhoods had more than one fire-damaged structure.
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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have arrested a youth in a recent outbreak of arson fires in Topeka.
The Topeka Fire Department said in a news release that the male suspect was booked Tuesday night into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on suspicion of four counts of aggravated arson, five counts of arson and one count of burglary. The release says all arson counts are related to separate incidents.
The outbreak of fires occurred in area about 1 mile north of Washburn University. No details were offered, but fire officials said earlier that the city was experiencing a higher-than-expected number of arson fires.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted with the fire department’s investigation.
The Hays High soccer team had three players named to the 4A All-State teams following the 2016 season. Ethan Nunnery was named to the 1st team. Zachary Wagner was placed on the 2nd team and Conner Staab is on the honorable mention list.
Andric McGill of McPherson and Pedro Alvaras of Bishop Miege were name the 4A co-offensive players of the year. Chandler Carey of Basehor-Linwood was named the 4A defensive player of the year. Trevor Kinch of Basehor-Linwood and West Gajan of Bishop Miege were the 4A co-goal keepers of the year. Nate Huppe of Bishop Miege was name the 4A coach of the year.
Former Indian head coach Saul Hernandez, who now coaches at Dodge City, was named the 6A coach of the year. The Red Demons Joshua Donjuan was the 6A co-offensive player of the year and Miguel Baca was the co-defensive player of the year. Dodge City had five named to the 6A first team and one to the second team. Garden City had one named to the second team and three to the honorable mention list.
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