CHICAGO (AP) — The national debate over immigration policy could be coming to a diner near you.
Dozens of restaurants are seeking “sanctuary” status, a designation owners hope will help protect employees in an immigrant-heavy industry and tone down fiery rhetoric sparked by the presidential campaign.
First inspired by churches, the label is something cities and other public entities have sought to offer local protections to immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, whether it’s barring police from asking citizens about immigration status or refusing to cooperate with federal agents.
Roughly 80 restaurants across the country have signed up, from down-home delis to upscale bistros.
The restaurants agree to anti-discrimination policies, display signs that pronounce their sanctuary status and receive know-your-rights training — what to do if there’s a workplace raid by immigration agents.
Under Gov. Brownback’s budget plan KDOT will only let $44 million in contracts next fiscal year. That number usually hovers around $600 million. CREDIT MATT HODAPP
In what could be a blow to the road construction industry in Kansas, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Tuesday said it will only spend $44 million on new projects in the next fiscal year.
For the past several years KDOT has let about $400 million just on preservation projects, including roads and bridges.
“It’s going to cause us additional concern about the safety and reliability of our roads, getting product to market and also providing jobs for many of the folks who are in the construction business,” says Bob Totten with the Kansas Contractors Association.
Totten says some companies in the state have laid off workers due to the KDOT cuts, but most are finding work in neighboring states. Contractors are starting to find additional work in Nebraska which has has slowly been raising its gas tax over the last three years to fund road projects. Kansas companies are also finding work in Oklahoma and Arkansas.
It’s better than not working, but, says Totten, it does nothing for Kansas. “The problem with that is that the employees will be spending money in Oklahoma for gas, food, whatever else they need to have and they won’t be home mowing the grass or watching Johnny play baseball.”
Gov. Sam Brownback wants to sweep $600 million from KDOT in the next two years to balance a budget devastated by the 2012 tax cuts. Since 2011, $1.3 billion has been swept from KDOT and preservation projects all over the state have been delayed.
The news for KDOT just keeps getting worse.
In just the last two months 34 road preservation projects have been delayed. Budget Director Shawn Sullivan told the Legislature after the Governor’s State of the State address that KDOT will not begin any new expansion projects in the next two fiscal years.
While the contractors are worried Kansas roads will substantially deteriorate with these cuts, KDOT maintains state roads are doing just fine. The department says in 2015 98 percent of interstate highways exceeded performance targets for road conditions and 90 percent of other state roads are in good condition.
“Kansas continues to have one of the nation’s best highway systems and our expectation is that the spending level will allow us to continue to meet or exceed our performance targets,” KDOT Secretary Richard Carlson said in a statement.
KDOT also stresses that it will spend $286 million on projects already approved or underway.
The governor’s office also continues to insist Kansas roads are fine. “Kansas has the 3rd best highway system in America. Going forward, we are focusing on maintenance and preservation to continue to meet and surpass our performance standards,” says Brownback spokesperson Melika Willoughby.
That ranking is based on 2013 data and comes from the Reason Foundation, a libertarian think tank.
RENO COUNTY – A Kansas man paroled in Reno County on October 16, faces additional criminal charges after a disturbance inside the Reno County Correctional Facility.
Michael Lee Yates, 24, Wichita, faces two counts of battery of a correctional officer after he allegedly was responsible for a disturbance inside the detention facility.
Officers were called to the B-Pod in the jail to move Yates to another area because of bad behavior.
Witnesses say Yates then fought with jail deputies, striking two of them with a closed fist.
He continued to struggle with the officers causing them to use a taser before they could transport him to a secure location.
His bond is set at $20,000 according to the Reno County jail log. He is due back before a judge next week to learn if the state files formal charges.
Yates served time in prison for a drug distribution case in Sedgwick County from 2012.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — BNSF Railway Co.’s capital expenses plan for 2017 includes spending $125 million in Kansas, most on lines also used by Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route.
BNSF spokesman Andy Williams says upgrades in Kansas include replacing railroad ties, putting in some new rails and adding ballast. The renovations will include tracks from Emporia east to Topeka and west to Newton and Garden City.
Those lines are used by Amtrak for the Southwest Chief, which had been in limbo for years because the tracks had deteriorated.
Amtrak CEO William Boardman said last year the route was saved after several grants repaired lines in other states.
Other BNSF work in Kansas will be on tracks between Wellington and Emporia and on an auto storage area in Kansas City.
OSAGE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Osage County are investigating a bank robbery and asking the public for help to identify a suspect.
Just after 9am on Wednesday, a suspect robbed the Landmark National Bank, 102 S 6th Street in Osage City, according to a social media report.
The suspect is described as a white male with a beard and medium length hair.
He was last seen wearing a black button up coat with a brown hood, blue jeans, and unlaced tan shoes.
He left the scene in a 2002-2003 Ford F-150 Super crew Lariat FX4 4×4; white in color with grey, beige, or chrome rocker panels. The vehicle has an aftermarket heavy front bumper with an attached grill and brush guard. The front bumper has a winch opening. The pickup appears to be missing paint on the roof, on the driver’s side near the sunroof, according to the KBI.
The pickup left the bank westbound on Market Street. The vehicle was possibly seen westbound on U.S. 56 near Admire at approximately 9:30am.
If you have any information on this case, please call 785-828-3121 or Crimestoppers at 1-877-OSCRIME.
MCPHERSON, Kan. (AP) — A McPherson man was sentenced to life without possibility of parole for 25 years in the stabbing death of a man who was found in a car near Galva.
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt says 47-year-old Samuel Nelson Darrah was sentenced Tuesday for his role in the November 2014 death of 39-year-old James Amery Croft.
Darrah pleaded no contest in November to first-degree murder, attempted aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery.
Two other men have already been sentenced in Croft’s death.
Croft was found in a vehicle in a ditch near Galva. Investigators say the three assailants attacked Croft over a laptop and more than $3,000 they thought he stole from them.
Sen. Moran meets with VA Secretary nominee Dr. David Shulkin
OFFICE OF SEN. MORAN
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) was selected Tuesday to serve as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. This selection rounds out Sen. Moran’s focus on national security and complements his membership on the Defense and State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittees.
“This chairmanship gives me the opportunity to address Department of Defense investments in infrastructure, the quality of life for military families, and also make improvements at the Department of Veterans Affairs to better serve our nation’s veterans,” Sen. Moran said. “I take seriously my role in being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and will work to make certain funding is prioritized in order to follow through on the commitments made to our military men and women before and after their service, and to support critical infrastructure at home and abroad vital to keeping Kansans and Americans safe.”
“The Aerospace Industries Association congratulates Senator Moran on being named Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies,” said AIA President and CEO David F. Melcher. “He is a staunch advocate for the aerospace and defense industry and understands not only our dedication to providing the best capability to the warfighter at the best value to the taxpayer, but also our potential to create thousands of high-skill, high-paying American jobs. We look forward to working with him to achieve our mutual goals of ensuring our national security and boosting the strength of our economy.”
National Commander of The American Legion Charles Schmidt added, “The American Legion congratulates Sen. Moran on his appointment as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. We sincerely look forward to working with Senator Moran and his Senate colleagues to help put veterans and their families first.”
“I am very exciting for Kansas and Jerry. This new role demonstrates his leadership in the U.S. Senate,” said Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, John G. Montgomery of Junction City, Kan. “His chairmanship will mean great things for Kansas.”
“Senator Moran’s chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies represents his strong commitment to those military members who serve or have served our country,” said Governor’s Military Council Executive Director Perry Wiggins. “The United States Armed Forces, service members and their families, our nation’s veterans and Kansans in particular, have an excellent advocate in Senator Jerry Moran.”
As the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman, Sen. Moran will prioritize investments in programs and policies that are vital to the United States Armed Forces and veterans across the nation. Through the subcommittee’s jurisdiction over certain elements within the Department of Defense, Sen. Moran will work to ensure military installations and critical infrastructure around the globe are ready to support our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, as well as their families. Additionally, with jurisdiction over the Department of Veterans Affairs budget, Sen. Moran aims to improve VA programs that provide veterans with the timely, quality healthcare and benefits they have earned.
Sen. Moran has worked throughout his time in Congress to improve the quality of life for the nearly 250,000 veterans living in Kansas. He has served on both the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs committees and will continue this service in the 115th Congress.
Sen. Moran will continue to serve as a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.
SALINE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Saline County have found a runaway teen.
Samantha Alicia Rose Craddock, 14, and two other teens ran away from St. Francis Community Services in the 5000 Block of West Cloud Street in Salina on Monday evening, according to Sheriff’s Department Lt. Mike Smith. Deputies found two of the girls.
Craddock was last seen running from the facility south across a pasture. Deputies searched for her until about 10:30p.m. and continued a search on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, officers received a tip from a Highway Department employee, according to According to Lt. Michael Ascher.
Craddock was picked up near the intersection of West Farrelly and South Fairchilds Road. She was transported to the hospital for a health examination but had no signs of trauma, according to Ascher.
Phillipsburg resident Sharon Ann Hodge died January 24, 2017 at the Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, Nebraska at the age of 77.
She was born September 9, 1939 the daughter of Arthur & Hazel (Walter) Bane.
Sharon was united in marriage to Willis E. Hodge on June 27, 1959 in Phillipsburg, KS. He preceded her in death on Dec. 18, 2012.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, Maynard & Douglas Bane; 2 daughters, Bonnie Spangler & Sherie Dougherty; & two grandchildren, Zachary Dougherty & Alicia Sanson.
Survivors include 3 daughters, Belinda Morgan of Nixa, MO, Beverly J. Weis of Wichita, KS & Tracy J. Sanson of Phillipsburg; 2 sisters, Joy Henrich of Vilonia, AR & Eunita Windscheffel of San Diego, CA; 9 grandchildren; & 15 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2017 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor LeRoy Herder officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.
Mrs. Hodge will lie in state from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday & 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for visitation at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Isis Shrine Traveling Fund or Alicia Sanson Oxford House.
DOUGLAS COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Douglas County are investigating a report of a sexual assault between 10p.m. on December 17, 2016 and 5 a.m. on December 18.
The assault involving a female victim occurred in McCarthy Hall, 1741 Naismith Drive, according to a media release from the office of Public Safety at KU.
The victim is not a KU student. She was visiting residents in the building. She reported no physical injury.
The University of Kansas Athletics is cooperating with and has assisted with the investigation, according to the release.
There is no on-going risk to the campus, according to the release.
McCarthy is three-story building located south of Hoglund Ballpark near Allen Fieldhouse. The building houses 38 male residents in two-bedroom/two-bath and four-bedroom/ two-bath apartments, according to the university web site.
In June of 2001, Moore testified before a Senate panel on Diabetes Research Funding -image courtesy CSPAN
NEW YORK (AP) — Mary Tyler Moore, the star of two of TV’s best-loved sitcoms, has died.
Her publicist, Mara Buxbaum, says Moore died with her husband and friends nearby. She was 80.
Moore gained fame in the 1960s as the frazzled wife Laura Petrie on “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” In the 1970s, she created one of TV’s first career-woman sitcom heroines in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
She won seven Emmy awards over the years. She also was nominated for an Oscar for her 1980 portrayal of an affluent mother whose son is accidentally killed in “Ordinary People.”
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump (all times local):
1:45 p.m.
President Donald Trump is signing two executive orders in keeping with campaign promises to boost border security and crack down on immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.
The president signed the two orders Wednesday during a ceremony at the Department of Homeland Security.
The executive orders jumpstart construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall, one of his signature campaign promises, and strip funding for so-called sanctuary cities, which don’t arrest or detain immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Administration sources say President Donald Trump will begin rolling out executive actions on immigration today.
Big day planned on NATIONAL SECURITY tomorrow. Among many other things, we will build the wall!
The president is expected to jump-start his proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. He’s also expected to target so-called sanctuary cities and is reviewing proposals that would restrict the influx of refugees.
BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. (AP) — A former teacher claims in a lawsuit that a Kansas high school installed a hidden camera in a classroom where people sometimes changed clothes.
Rob Marriott filed the lawsuit against Bonner Springs High School. It was moved Tuesday from county to federal court.
The Kansas City Star reports (https://bit.ly/2jy3IPV ) Marriott alleged the videotaping occurred from 2009 to mid-2015.
The lawsuit says Marriott and others sometimes used the room to change clothes and one year it was used as a visiting locker room during a basketball tournament. Marriott also says he used the room to have confidential discussions with students and colleagues.
The current school district superintendent, Dan Brungardt, is not named in the lawsuit. He says the district is working with its attorneys on the lawsuit.
