WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) was sworn-in for another term in the U.S. Senate and  appointed to key U.S. Senate committees whose jurisdictions have a direct impact on our nation’s economy and the lives of Kansans. Sen. Moran will serve on the following committees for the 115th Congress:

U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations
U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
“The new Congress brings us a host of opportunities to help Kansans and all Americans,” said Sen. Moran. “Congress’s ability to make the kind of changes that will strengthen our national security, make healthcare accessible and affordable for more Americans, secure our border and make much-awaited changes to our immigration system, simplify our tax code, help local businesses thrive, and ensure our farmers and ranchers can continue feeding the country and the globe is enhanced when the legislative and executive branches work together. I look forward to supporting policies to create jobs and opportunities for every American.”

Chair of the Committee on Committees Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) said, “Senator Moran’s commitment to Kansas and its people is without question. He always puts Kansas first and with these committee assignments, Senator Moran will be well-positioned to deliver the results his constituents expect.”

In his continued role on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Sen. Moran will work to provide oversight on a wide range of issues affecting Kansas including communications, aviation, highways, rail, shipping, transportation security, fisheries, science, space, interstate commerce and others.

“Jerry Moran is not only a hard worker, he is a good friend,” said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “I look forward to working alongside him again on the Senate Commerce Committee in the 115th Congress and continuing to protect consumers and boost our economy.”

In continuing his membership on the Appropriations committee, Sen. Moran will be seeking ways to prioritize spending across the federal government and eliminate the out-of-control national debt.

“Our nation’s finances are in dire need of repair,” said Sen. Moran. “I remain committed to opposing runaway government spending and working to lower our national debt so that we don’t lay an impossible financial burden at the feet of our children and grandchildren. It is important for the American people to know not only how much the government spends but how money is spent.”

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.

“Our veterans who have served and sacrificed deserve the very best,” said Sen. Moran. “I’ve worked with the VA for years to follow through on our promises and provide the care and benefits veterans have earned. The quality of life of our veterans has always been and will continue to be a top priority for me.”

Sen. Moran joins the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works this Congress, where he will work to ensure that federal energy and environmental policy helps create jobs, harness the power of our domestic energy resources, and assist in the efforts to strengthen our nation’s infrastructure systems.

“This new role will give me the ability to make an impact on the daily lives of every Kansan, from the roads, bridges and highways they use to get to work and school to the infrastructure they depend on to run successful farms,” said Sen. Moran. “The Committee on Environment and Public Works plays a unique role in shaping energy and infrastructure policies that impact our ag community and fighting harmful ideas like re-listing the lesser prairie chicken as an endangered species or the administration’s misguided WOTUS rule.”

Finally, Sen. Moran will continue serving on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to study and address the unique problems of American Indian, Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native peoples and propose legislation to alleviate difficulties including education, economic development and land management.

 

SEDGWICK COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Sedgwick County are investigating a suspect for vandalism on city vehicles in Goddard.

Police identified and arrested a suspect for slashing tires of the Goddard animal control vehicle. The adult male suspect was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail Tuesday for criminal damage to property.

Police appreciated the help from the public to identify the suspect. His name was not released.

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SEDGWICK COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Sedgwick County are investigating a case of vandalism and asking for help to identify a suspect.

Just before 1:30 a.m Wednesday the suspect vandalized two tires on a City of Goddard vehicle, according to a social media report.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Goddard Police Department at 794-2051 or 911.

RENO COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Reno County are investigating an apparent accidental shooting.

On Tuesday evening the Reno County Sheriff’s Department reported Detectives had talked to the parents of the shooting victim at a Wichita hospital.

The parents say that the teen is in fair condition however is still in the Intensive Care Unit. They stated that he is looking at another surgery in the next few days and is expected to make a full recovery.

Investigators are still looking into all aspects of the case to get a clear idea of what happened causing the accidental shooting. Once the investigation is complete, all reports will be forwarded to the Reno County District Attorney’s Office for review and determination on whether criminal charges are warranted.

Just after 8 pm, Monday deputies from the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and EMS were dispatched to 2203 Nickerson Blvd on the west side of Hutchinson for a 15-year-old that had been shot in the chest with a shotgun, according to a social media report.

It appears that two teens, including one who lived there and a friend that was visiting, had been out shooting shotguns earlier in the day.

They were on the backside of a barn and there was an accidental discharge, striking the friend in the left upper chest and left arm.

The young man was talking to officers and EMS at the scene and was been transported to Wichita by ground ambulance in serious but stable condition, according to the sheriff’s department.

Names are not being released at this time.

JIM SUHR, Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man accused of killing a Kansas police detective has pleaded guilty to capital murder.

Curtis Ayers pleaded guilty Tuesday to gunning down Kansas City, Kansas, Detective Brad Lancaster on May 9. He also pleaded guilty to nine other charges related to Lancaster’s death.

The 28-year-old Ayers agreed to serve life without parole on the murder count. He could face additional prison time on the nine other charges when he is sentenced March 14.

Prosecutors say Lancaster was shot seven times when he exchanged gunfire with Ayers near the Kansas Speedway. Ayers then stole the detective’s car before carjacking another vehicle and then stealing a third. He drove into Kansas City, Missouri, where police shot and wounded him before taking him into custody.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas revenue officials say the state slightly exceeded revenue estimates in December.

The Kansas Department of Revenue said Tuesday tax collections in December were nearly $531 million, exceeding revenue estimates by about $6 million, or about 1 percent. Combined with higher than expected revenues in November, the state’s budget shortfall in the current fiscal year is now about $342 million.

The new numbers come after state officials drastically reduced the revenue forecasts in November.

The biggest gains in December were in individual income taxes, which came in $2.2 million, or nearly 5 percent, above the official estimates. They were nearly 7 percent higher than in December 2015.

Acting Revenue Secretary Sam Williams says he hopes the new numbers indicate improved purchasing power in the agriculture and oil and gas sectors.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An attorney for a Las Vegas man who had $32,000 seized says the Kansas Highway Patrol is getting away with “highway robbery” through its asset forfeiture program.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the money was taken from Salvador Franco in March when he pulled into a central Kansas rest stop. No charges have been filed, but court documents allege Franco’s money is tied to controlled substances.

Franco, however, says he intended to buy a truck in St. Louis, where he thought he could get a better deal than in Las Vegas.

In Kansas, law enforcement can seize a person’s property or money if it’s suspected of having a connection to criminal activity. And an individual doesn’t have to be charged or convicted of a crime.

DICKINSON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Dickinson County are investigating three suspects in connection with various burglary charges and searching for two others.

From Friday, December 30, through Sunday January 1, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department and the Abilene Police Department executed four search warrants, three on residents and a vehicle in Abilene, and one on a residence in Enterprise, Kansas, according to a media release.

Investigators recovered items related to several business and vehicle burglaries that occurred in and around the Abilene area.

During the investigation several subjects were identified as being involved in different crimes. During the early morning hours on Saturday, deputies and officers traveled to a residence west of Abilene on Eden Road; three suspects fled the residence on foot.

A female suspect surrendered to law enforcement and a manhunt was conducted for the two remaining male suspects.

One of the suspect was located and taken into custody by a Sheriff’s deputy about an hour later. Aircraft from the Kansas Highway Patrol was able to locate the third suspect who was also taken into custody.

All suspects were transported to the Dickinson County Jail.

The Sheriff’s Department is requesting the following charges against 19 year old Zachary Swarts: 6 counts of burglary, 3 counts misdemeanor theft, and criminal damage to property. The Abilene Police Department is requesting charges of 5 counts of burglary, and 7 counts of misdemeanor theft. These charges are related to several vehicle burglaries and the alleged theft of two LED Christmas projectors.

The Sheriff’s Department is requesting the following charges against 20-year-old Brice Grizzle: 6 counts of burglary, 3 counts misdemeanor theft, and criminal damage to property.

The Abilene Police Department is requesting charges of 5 counts of burglary, and 5 counts of misdemeanor theft. These charges are related to several alleged vehicle burglaries reported in Abilene.

The Sheriff’s Department is requesting the following charges against 18-year-old Jade Crable, Abilene: burglary. The Police department is requesting charges of 6 counts of burglary and 6 counts of misdemeanor theft related to several vehicle burglaries.

Authorities are also trying to locate two additional suspects: 26-year-old Wesley “Wes” James Page and 22-year-old Tiffi Ann Shurrie Kado, both of Abilene.

Page is believed to be armed and should be considered dangerous.
If you know the whereabouts of either Kado or Page do not approach them – contact law enforcement immediately.