TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on the Kansas Legislature. (all times local):
12:05 p.m.
Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s spokeswoman says reversing an income tax break for business owners would not help Kansas maintain a pro-growth environment.
Brownback spokeswoman Eileen Hawley also said Friday that the proposal being considered by legislators could make the state’s tax climate unstable.
The proposal emerged from negotiations between three senators and three House members on tax issues. The House planned to consider it later Friday.
The measure would end a personal income tax exemption for more than 330,000 farmers and business owners enacted in 2012. Brownback championed the exemption.
Legislators must eliminate projected shortfalls in the state’s current and next budgets totaling more than $290 million. The tax proposal would close only part of the gap, but it would help keep the budget balanced in the future.
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11:45 a.m.
A proposal that would reverse an income tax break for Kansas business owners has emerged from negotiations among legislators.
Three senators and three House negotiators agreed Friday on a proposal to end a personal income tax exemption for more than 330,000 farmers and business owners enacted in 2012. The measure is designed to help balance the state budget.
Legislative leaders appointed the negotiators to resolve differences between the House and Senate over a broad range of tax issues.
The House would vote first on the new tax plan.
Legislators must eliminate projected shortfalls in the state’s current and next budgets totaling more than $290 million. The tax proposal would close only part of the gap, but it would help keep the budget balanced in the future.
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10:05 a.m.
The Kansas House Taxation Committee’s chairman says he expects to bring a proposal to repeal an income tax break for business owners into negotiations with senators over tax issues.
Republican Rep. Marvin Kleeb of Overland Park said House and Senate negotiators will be meeting later Friday to discuss tax issues.
The targeted policy was a key part of massive personal income tax cuts enacted in 2012 and 2013 at GOP Gov. Sam Brownback’s urging in an effort to stimulate the economy. It exempted more than 330,000 farmers and business owners from personal income taxes.
Even some Republicans are pushing to reverse the tax break to help balance the state’s budget through June 2017. Lawmakers must close shortfalls totaling more than $290 million in the state’s current and next budgets.
OSAGE COUNTY – A Kansas man died in an accident just before 10 p.m. on Thursday in Osage County.
The Kansas Turnpike Authority reported a 2002 Ford Econoline Van driven by John Cooney, 53, Saint Marys, was traveling on Interstate 135 just north of Melvern.
The driver lost control of the van.
It left the road and overturned. Cooney was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the van, according to the KTA.
Cooney was transported to a local hospital where he died.
The Hays USD 489 Board of Education met Thursday night to discuss the results of a full day of meetings Wednesday with staff, administration and patrons from Hays about the qualities desired in the district’s next superintendent.
Gary Sechrist, Kansas Association of School Boards leadership specialist, led Thursday’s meeting. The KASB was hired by the board to provide guidance during the search process, and Sechrist will help narrow the field of candidates this month, culminating with interviews with selected candidates.
During Wednesday’s meetings, 86 individuals attended various group sessions to give feedback on what qualities they would like to see in the next superintendent.
“I think that a trend did come forward,” Sechrist said.
The most desired quality, he said, is someone with a “strong backbone” who can give recommendations to the school board. Honesty, integrity and visibility were also top qualities people said they wanted.
After describing the results of the meetings, Sechrist gave several procedural recommendations as candidates are identified and interviewed.
A key portion of bringing candidates in, he said, relates to how the board presents the city and the district to the candidate, recommending a list of positive attributes be created to share with candidates.
As an example, he noted that he heard positive feedback about the use of technology throughout USD 489. He said he has been in many districts and using the tech the way USD 489 does “is exciting.”
But with positives come negatives, and Sechrist shared some feedback on challenges the next superintendent may face.
The most visible of those concerns is a $94 million bond issue that is set for a June 7 election. Regardless of whether the bond passes, Sechrist said, the next superintendent must understand facility needs is “critical.”
He also said rebuilding trust – for whatever reason – would be a challenge.
“The superintendent will need to be a healer,” Sechrist said.
In a search of this nature, it is possible two exemplary candidates emerge, and Sechrist advised a “tie-breaker” question should be developed in case the board is stuck.
During Wednesday’s meetings, a question emerged that would evaluate proven successes in a leadership position and an open-door policy. Both traits ranked high on the list of desires in a candidate.
The board will now work to compile a list of 21 questions to be used in the interview process. That list will be compiled from submissions by the entire board to be turned in Monday.
While the board is finalizing questions, Sechrist and two outside advisers will filter through applications to present to the board for a meeting at 4:45 p.m. May 16. He advised the board that calls should be made to those candidates that same evening, once the board decides who they would like for interviews.
Each candidate brought forward will have a public meeting, a meal with the board and a formal interview.
Overall, Sechrist seemed optimistic about candidates who have already expressed interest in the position.
“You have some good ones, and I’m very pleased,” he said.
TOPEKA–A coalition of grocery stores and convenience marts has floated a new proposal for expanding liquor sales in Kansas saying it would generate a near-instant $41 million cash infusion toward the state’s budget deficit.
In a media release Friday from Uncork Kansas, proponents for adult beverage sales in grocery and convenience stores indicated their willingness to pay the state as much as $200,000 per store license for the opportunity to sell beer, wine, and spirits in grocery stores. For the state’s smallest grocery stores, the license buy-in would only be $10,000 per store, according to the release.
“We’re pleased to offer a revenue opportunity to the state’s leaders that could generate $40 million dollars without inflicting a tax increase on Kansans or a cut in services and programs,” said Jessica Lucas, spokesperson for Uncork Kansas.
“Economic growth happens through free enterprise. Our customers are ready for this change and we’re pleased to bring this free market solution to the Governor and legislature knowing it will infuse the Kansas budget with much needed cash.”
Officials say under the Uncork Kansas free market budget bailout, a one-time licensing fee per store would be paid by grocery stores to the State of Kansas for the opportunity to sell beer, wine, and spirits. An additional $6.5 million would be generated annually through the annual licensing fee.
A wrecker takes away the remains of Song Horton’s vehicle Wednesday morning- Photo: Salina Police Department
SALINE COUNTY – A Kansas woman injured in an accident believed to be alcohol-related just after 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning in Saline County has died at a Wichita hospital, according to Saline County Undersheriff Roger Soldan.
Salina Police reported a Chevy Silverado driven by Patrick Driscoll, 32, Salina, was southbound on North Ohio Street at Stimmel Road.
The pickup crossed the centerline and hit a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe head-on.
Driscoll and the driver of the Hyundai Song Horton, 55, Salina, were transported to Salina Regional Medical Center.
Horton was then transported to a hospital in Wichita, according to police.
The crash closed a portion of North Ohio from Pacific Avenue to Interstate 70 until just after 8 a.m.
Patrick Driscoll’s pickup
Soldan said evidence of alcohol was found in Driscoll’s pickup.
It wasn’t a gully-washer, but still-parched Ellis County received a pleasant spring shower overnight Thursday.
Most reports from the county were in the third of an inch range, although there was a report of nearly a half inch in the southern portion of the county.
Similar reports were reported in Trego County, and most of Russell County received about a quarter inch of rain.
Several reports from Ness and Rush counties exceeded a half inch of rain.
Additional precipitation is expected tonight as a front moves through western Kansas. Projected rainfall is up to 1 and 2 inches. The chance of showers persists through the weekend.
KANSAS CITY- A cutout of a Kansas City Royals baseball player taken from a billboard on Interstate 435 near East Truman Road was found on Friday morning in some nearby brush, according to Lamar Advertising.
Authorities say the 150-pound, roughly $7,500 image went missing Wednesday night or Thursday morning.
The cutout is that of a center-fielder leaping against an image of the outfield wall at Kauffman Stadium, the Royals’ home.
As vice president of Lamar Advertising, Bob Fessler says he’s been in the business for three decades and has seen the handiwork of vandals, but never anything like this theft.
Fessler says the billboard’s lights go off about midnight, leading him to believe the caper took place after that.
Jackson County authorities are reviewing surveillance video from a nearby gas station for any clues.
The Hays High baseball team was swept in a doubleheader for the first time this season, falling to Great Bend at home.
Great Bend 8, Hays 5
In the first game the Panthers scored four runs in the first inning and scored in each of the first four innings to earn the 8-5 win.
The first four hitters of the game reached base and came around to score for the Panthers as they jumped out to a 4-0 lead. The Indians got on the board with an RBI groundout by Connor Rule scoring Marcus Altman who reached on a fielder’s choice.
Great Bend scored single runs in the second and third innings and added two more in the fourth to go up 8-2. Hays got one back in the fifth and scored two in the seventh as they fall 8-5.
Altman was 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.
He also suffered the loss on the mound; he allowed eight runs over three innings.
Great Bend 15, Hays 6
In game number two the first six batters of the game for Great Bend reached base against Cole Schumacher with four of them coming home to score. After giving up a lead-off single Schumacher walked three and hit two batters before being replaced by Dalton Stout. Schumacher allowed four runs and got the loss.
With Great Bend leading 5-0 Hays answered with four runs in their half of the third inning cutting the score to 5-4. With one out in the inning Cole Schumacher drove an RBI triple to left scoring Jace Armstrong who reached on a single. Marcus Altman and Dalton Stout followed with RBI singles and Braydon Delzeit drive in the fourth run on a sacrifice fly.
Each team scored two more in the fifth inning highlighted by a Connor Rule two-run homerun.
Leading 8-6 Great Bend put together their big inning, scoring seven runs in the seventh securing the 15-6 win.
Rule was 1-for-3 with that two-run homerun and scored twice. Altman was 2-for-3, scored twice and drove in a run.
The Indians at 8-4 on the season and will host the Western Diamond Classic May 5-7.
During the fourth day of the trial of Fernando Insaurralde Cantero, 20, Paraguay, both the state and the defense wrapped up their cases. Now the jury will be given the case Friday after hearing closing arguments and jury instructions.
On Thursday, the jury heard testimony from Cantero, who before testifying was reminded that it within his rights to refrain from doing so.
Cantero pleaded not guilty on charges of suspicion of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated burglary on Dec. 10. While both parties agree sexual activity took place, Cantero claims the activity was consensual.
During questioning, Cantero spoke through a translator, giving testimony about his activities during the night of Sept. 20.
During earlier testimony, Brandon Mitchell, 21, Wichita, and Joseph Herrington, 19, Minneola, both testified they had been with Cantero that evening as Herrington and Cantero opened doors in the female section of a Fort Hays State University dormitory. But during testimony Thursday, Cantero said he was only going along with the other two men.
He said he, “had no idea what they were talking about,” as they traveled floor-to-floor and room-to-room. He also said he had never spoken to either of the two men as he cannot speak English.
Cantero also said Herrington was opening the female dorm room doors – including the door of the alleged rape victim.
After initially passing by the room after finding the alleged victim asleep, both Cantero and Herrington returned to the room. Cantero testified at that point he waved at her and “she told me to come in with her hand.”
Briefly after entering the room, he and the alleged victim began kissing, he testified. Herrington then left.
Earlier testimony focused on the alleged victim having consumed alcohol during the evening, leading to vomiting in the room. Cantero testified, however, that he could not tell if she had been drinking and smelled no vomit in the room or on the alleged victim.
After describing the details of the sexual encounter, he was asked why there was no conversation held between the two.
“I couldn’t speak to her because I don’t speak English,” Cantero said.
That language barrier was also the primary reason he said he did not know Herrington or Mitchell, as he could not communicate with either of them.
Herrington testified earlier he had hung around Cantero four or five times and considered him a friend.
Whatever the relationship between the men may have been, Cantero said he initially lied to investigators about his reason for opening doors throughout the dorm was to protect the other two men.
Cantero claimed on Sept. 29 to have been alone the night of the alleged rape, searching the dorm for his missing keys. Thursday, he admitted that had been a lie to keep Herrington and Mitchell out of trouble.
During Thursday’s testimony, however, he claimed Herrington was jiggling dorm room door handles first and Cantero followed suit because he thought it was funny.
“I was simply copying what (Herrington) was doing,” he said.
He also said Herrington lied when he testified Cantero opened the alleged victim’s door.
Closing arguments and jury instructions are set to begin at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
MANHATTAN – Administrators at Kansas State University are addressing issues from students after it was confirmed last week that the University is under a federal Title IX investigation.
Two female students filed civil rights lawsuits alleging KSU refused to investigate their rapes at off-campus fraternity houses.
The university administration sent the following communication to students and staff on Thursday.
“We are always working to improve and address issues affecting our university community. There have been many discussions about how and when the university responds to sexual violence.
Some recently published statements and information appearing in the media have included inaccuracies concerning the university’s policy prohibiting discrimination, which includes sexual violence.
These issues are critically important, and we want to be on same page with our students, faculty and staff.
The university would like to respond directly to requests from our students:
The university has been working to clarify our policy language so the university community understands when and where investigations will occur.
We plan to publish current clarifications shortly. We continually work on policy language for clarity and effectiveness.
The university reviews and processes any and all complaints of students who have reported discrimination on or off campus, should they feel a hostile environment or other discrimination exists on campus. Allegations of discrimination include sexual violence.
There are many resources available to help students regardless of the decision whether to file an official report, the applicability of our policies or the outcome of any investigations. University services include the Kansas State University Police Department, Center for Advocacy, Response and Education, support persons available through the Office of Student Life, Counseling Services, Lafene Health Center, Wildcat Walk, and Safe Ride.
Our long-standing practice has been to provide a wide range of accommodations for students, including counseling, tutoring, medical expenses, or a change in residence, class schedule, campus job, or extracurricular activity if needed. We intend to continue these practices and will review our procedures to make sure adequate resources are available.
Current policy calls for investigations to be completed within 60 days if possible. We will continue to follow this policy and make every effort to be timely.
Voluntary training in discrimination and sexual harassment has long been provided to employees at all levels of the university. We have been working to make this training mandatory for faculty and staff.
All persons at the university, including students, are strongly encouraged to report any incidents, so the university can process the allegations in accordance with its policies and help students get to the numerous resources available.
Contact the Office of Institutional Equity if you wish to file a complaint. University faculty and staff are committed to helping all students, maintaining safety, and treating all students fairly and justly.
If you have questions or concerns, please call the Office of Institutional Equity at 785-532-6220.”
Release by University Administration on ksu.edu.
This response comes days after the K-State Interfraternity Council passed a resolution wanting the University to investigate Title IX violations that occur off campus.
The InterFraternity Council resolution states, “Over the past two years members of the IFC Board of Directors and Panhellenic Council Board of Directors have met with University officials requesting a change in policy to allow the Office of Institutional Equity to investigate Title IX violations that occur off campus. These meetings have provided no clear plan of action.
We salute the bravery of victims during this time whose allegations were not fully investigated and adjudicated by the university.
Specifically, the actions of Sara Weckhorst and Tessa Farmer, two students who have filed lawsuits against Kansas State for its refusal to investigate accusations of Title IX violations, including acts of sexual violence, which occurred off campus. Their fight against sexual violence has shed light on a university policy, which has negatively impacted the lives of students for far too long.
As the leaders of our Greek community and in the interest of all students at Kansas State, we are specifically calling on our university to begin investigating allegations of sexual violence off campus.
Students of Kansas State who are victims of sexual assault have not received the care, which should be provided to them by the university. This includes but is not limited to;
• Immediate action by the university to ensure the students can continue their education free of sexual violence or harassment
• Financial accommodations to ensure students receive counseling, tutoring, medical expenses, or a change in residence, class schedule, campus job, or extracurricular activity if needed
• Investigation into the allegation whether it occurred on-campus or off which should be concluded in a 60 day time span
• Training for university employees on how to identify, report, and handle sexual violence
We also recognize the need for additional funding, resources, and staff at the Kansas State CARE Office to better assist survivors of sexual assault, sexual violence, and sex discrimination. We believe that this measure, paired with an additional investigator hired for the Office of Institutional Equity to help with the investigation and adjudication process, would be the best steps toward providing the adequate support required.
As member organizations part of a university which holds Family as its core value we will collectively be taking further steps to educate, train, and prevent sexual assault from happening within our community. While the university does have a mandatory online education program for all students, these additional steps will ensure all members of fraternities are better trained on bystander intervention, consent, and sexual violence awareness.
As members of the K-State family we are committed to End Rape on Campus, and off.
The Fort Hays Singers, the FHSU Concert Choir, and the Smoky Hill Chorale will combine with the Hays Symphony Orchestra to present this year’s President’s Concert.
The performance will be Saturday, April 30, at 7:30 pm in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center
The first half of the concert will be “REQUIEM” written by Bob Chilcott. The choirs will be joined by soloists Ivalah Allen (FHSU) and Kenneth Prewitt (Western Michigan University), and accompanied by members of the HSO. Dr. Terry Crull, FHSU Director of Choral Activities, will conduct this new and beautiful setting of the traditional requiem mass.
The second half of the concert will feature the fabulous Symphony No. 5 by Peter I. Tchaikovsky. First-year conductor and FHSU string faculty member Shah Sadikov will conduct the Hays Symphony Orchestra on this selection.
FHSU and area high school students are admitted free of charge (with their school id card) Admission for others is $6 for adults, and $4 for senior citizens.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Kansas Republican Sen. Pat Roberts is blocking a vote on the nomination of Eric Fanning to be the next Army secretary. At issue are efforts by the president to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and transfer detainees to the United States.
Republican Sen. John McCain tried to secure a vote on Fanning, who if confirmed would be the first openly gay leader of a U.S. military service.
But Roberts objected on Thursday, saying he won’t relent until the White House promises no detainees will be moved to Fort Leavenworth in Kansas.
McCain says it’s unfair to block Fanning’s nomination over an unrelated issue. McCain calls it a distortion of the Senate’s advise and consent role.
Fanning has served in several roles at the Pentagon.
Victoria, Kansas – Joseph James Dreiling, age 58, died Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at his home South of Victoria, Kansas.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, May 21, 2016, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas. Inurnment will be in St. Fidelis Cemetery Victoria, Kansas.
A vigil service will be at 7:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays and from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Monday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on the Kansas Legislature. (all times local):
