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AAA: Nearly a third of new vehicles missing a spare tire

Automakers continue to eliminate spares to meet fuel economy standards

TOPEKA – In an effort to reduce weight and improve fuel economy, automakers continue to eliminate spare tires from new vehicles. According to new research from AAA, nearly one‐third (28 percent) of 2017 model year vehicles do not come with a spare tire as standard equipment, creating an unnecessary hassle and expense for drivers. Last year alone, AAA came to the rescue of more than 450,000 members faced with a flat tire whose cars did not have a spare tire. To avoid a roadside surprise, AAA Kansas urges drivers to check their trunk for a spare tire before trouble strikes.
“Having a flat tire can be a nuisance for drivers, but not having a spare could put them in an even more aggravating situation,” said Jennifer Haugh, AAA Kansas spokesperson. “This can turn the relatively routine process of changing a tire at the roadside into an inconvenient and costly situation that requires a tow to a repair facility.”
A list of spare tire availability for 2017 model year vehicles is available at NewsRoom.AAA.com (https://newsroom.aaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/AAA_SpareTireList_2017-FINAL-3.pdf).
While new vehicles are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems that alert drivers to low tire pressure, AAA’s roadside assistance data shows that tire-related problems continue to be one of the top reasons why members call for assistance. Even if drivers do have a spare tire, they are often reaching for their cell phones to call for roadside assistance rather than changing the tire themselves. According to a previous AAA survey, nearly 20 percent (39 million) of U.S. drivers do not know how to change a flat tire.
As a replacement for a spare tire, some automakers are including tire-inflator kits that can temporarily repair small punctures in flat tires. However, a 2015 AAA study found that tire-inflator kits have limited functionality and cannot provide even a temporary fix for many tire-related problems, including sidewall damage or blowouts. Not only are tire-inflator kits not a good substitute for a spare tire, they can cost up to 10 times more than a tire repair and have a shelf life of only four to eight years.
“With low-profile tires and the elimination of a spare tire, many newer vehicles are especially vulnerable to roadside tire trouble,” AAA Kansas’ Haugh said. “AAA Kansas urges drivers to make it a priority to check their vehicle’s equipment and know what to do if faced with a flat tire.”
To prevent drivers from being stranded in the event of a flat tire, AAA offers these precautionary tips:
  • Do not assume there’s a spare. When purchasing a new vehicle, always ask for a detailed list of equipment and whether a spare tire can be purchased.
  • Inspect all five tires. Check tire pressures monthly and have all tires inspected as part of routine maintenance. If your vehicle has a spare tire, be sure that it’s properly inflated.
  • Read ahead. If your vehicle is equipped with a tire-inflator kit, read the owner’s manual and understand how it works and its limitations.
  • Check expiration dates. If your vehicle is equipped with a tire-inflator kit, check its expiration date. Most need to be replaced every four to eight years.
  • Consider roadside assistance coverage. Roadside assistance coverage can offer peace of mind when faced with roadside trouble, including a flat tire. To become a AAA member, visit AAA.com/join.
In addition, drivers should identify a repair shop they trust to help keep their vehicle tires in good shape. AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) network consists of nearly 7,000 facilities that have met AAA’s high standards, including, technician certifications, ongoing training, financial stability, facility cleanliness, insurance requirements, rigorous inspections and customer satisfaction. AAA members have saved a total of more than $3 million dollars by visiting AAR facilities in the last year. Visit AAA.com/AutoRepair to find a nearby facility.

Search for more suspects in Lawrence triple-fatal shooting continues

Rayton-Photo KDOC

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating the October 1 fatal shooting on Massachusetts Street in Lawrence. The two suspects in custody made court appearances on Tuesday.

On October 1, 2017, at approximately 1:39 a.m., Lawrence Police Officers were near the intersection of 11th Street and Massachusetts Street when they heard multiple gunshots.

At the scene, officers encountered a large crowd and several victims suffering from gunshot wounds. In total five victims were identified from the shooting.

Three of the victims sustained fatal injuries: Leah Elizabeth Brown, a 22-year-old female Shawnee, Kansas resident; Colwin Lynn Henderson, a 20-year-old male Topeka resident; and Tremel Dupree Dean, a 24-year-old male Topeka resident. Two victims were treated at area hospitals for non-life threatening injuries and later released.

Law enforcement on the scene of the fatal shooting in Lawrence-photo courtesy WIBW TV

They are identified as Royelle Hunt, a 28 year old male Topeka resident, and Tahzay Rayton, a 19 year old male Topeka resident. We believe one or more individuals were specifically targeted in this incident while other individuals were bystanders in the area.

The initial response was followed by two weeks of intensive investigation. Detectives and Officers have worked over 200 leads to date, and this investigation is still ongoing.

On Monday, with the assistance of the Topeka Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Shawnee County Sherriff’s Office, multiple search and arrest warrants were served in Topeka, Kansas. At the end of the day two subjects, Ahmad Rayton and Dominique McMillon, were taken into custody and booked into the Douglas County Jail on multiple charges. We are still investigating this case with the same intensity that has brought us to this point today, and will do so until all of those responsible are brought to justice.

There are still subjects we are seeking to interview. We do anticipate further arrests on this case, but for investigative reasons we are unable to provide a number of anticipated arrests or a timeline for when they might occur. Again, this continues to be an ongoing, active investigation. If you have any information that could help with this investigation please contact the Lawrence Police Department or Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at (785)843-TIPS.

Justice for these victims and the safety of our community are our primary concerns. To that end, we will not be discussing any details that could jeopardize this ongoing investigation and future prosecution.

———–

 

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating the October 1 fatal shooting on Massachusetts Street in Lawrence and have two suspects in custody.

In a media release the police reported the suspects are identified as Ahmad Malik Rayton, 22, and Dominique Jaques Mcmillan, 19, both of Topeka.

Rayton is charged with Attempted Second Degree Murder and Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. McMillon is charged with Aggravated Assault and Battery, according to Officer Drew Fennelly.

Rayton has previous convictions for child endangerment and aggravated assault, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Three people died in the October 1, shooting including Leah Elizabeth Brown, 22, Shawnee, Colwin Lynn Henderson, 20, and Tremel Dupree Dean 24, both of Topeka. Two victims were treated at area hospitals for non-life threatening injuries.

A joint press conference with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office will provide additional information in the case on Tuesday afternoon.

Sunny, warm Wednesday

Today Sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming north 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight Clear, with a low around 45. North northeast wind around 6 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 79. East northeast wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south southeast in the afternoon.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

FridayPartly sunny, with a high near 77. Windy, with a south wind 21 to 28 mph.

Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 61. Breezy.

SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 68.

Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 40.

SundaySunny, with a high near 70.

Abilene roofer banned from doing business in Kansas

TOPEKA – An Abilene roofer has been banned from performing roofing services in Kansas after violating Kansas consumer protection laws, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Jesse Howard, doing business as Jesse Howard Roofing, has been banned from performing roofing services in the state and ordered to pay a $2,500 civil penalty for violating the KRRA. District Judge Ryan W. Rosauer approved the judgment last week in Dickinson County District Court. The defendant was accused of accepting payment from a consumer in September 2015 for roofing services that were never performed. He also was accused of failing to register as a roofing contractor as required by the KRRA. A separate, private lawsuit was brought against Howard by the homeowner, and a default judgment was granted after Howard failed to respond to the lawsuit. Howard has therefore already been ordered to pay restitution to the consumer.

Schmidt also announced he has entered into consent judgments with three other roofing contractors for violations of the KRRA. The settlements require the companies to pay civil penalties for KRRA violations and, in some cases, restitution to consumers. They also require the companies to comply with the KRRA when providing roofing services in the future. The three roofing contractors fined are:

  • Entrepreneurs Enterprises, LLC, Johnson County District Court, Case No. 2017-CV-4431
  • All the Above, LLC, Johnson County District Court, Case No. 2017-CV-4676
  • Roof Missouri, LLC, Shawnee County District Court, Case No. 2017-CV-616

In each case, Schmidt alleged the defendants engaged in advertising, soliciting or performing roofing contractor services in Kansas without registering with the attorney general’s office as required by the KRRA. Copies of the consent judgments are available at www.ag.ks.gov/roofer-enforcement.

Schmidt reminded consumers to make sure roofing contractors are properly registered before signing any contract or having any work done. Consumers should request a copy of their roofer’s registration certificate and then should check the attorney general’s consumer protection website at www.InYourCornerKansas.org to confirm that the roofer’s registration is in good standing.

Libertarian Party of KS discusses reforming Kansas drug laws

LPKS

BONNER SPRINGS – Changing the oppressive and costly drug laws in Kansas was discussed, by a diverse group of Kansas citizens, civic leaders and elected officials from across the political spectrum, at a meeting in Bonner Springs, Kansas, Sunday, October 15th. The informational meeting was hosted by the Third District, Libertarian Party of Kansas.

Dr. Micah Kubic, Executive Director of the Kansas ACLU, told those in attendance, over the last 40 years the prison population in Kansas has more than quadrupled, even though crime is at an all time low. Dr. Kubic cited the reason for this exponential increase in Kansas’ prison population is due to simple, non-violent drug offenses. Thirty-five percent of Kansas prisoners have a diagnosed mental illness which is commonly treated with medical cannabis in legal states. Dr. Kubic pointed out, in 2016 Oklahoma citizens voted to defelonize drug possession in order to reduce their prison population and directed the related non-violent offenders into rehabilitation and diversionary programs. The state of Kansas utilizes diversionary programs at half of the national average.

Lisa Sublett, President of Bleeding Kansas Advocates, educated those present on her organization’s pending legislation (SB187 & HB2348) The Kansas Safe Access Act, concerning comprehensive medical cannabis access for Kansas patients. Bleeding Kansas Advocates have lobbied the Kansas legislature and advocated for compassionate treatment of Kansas patients tirelessly over many years. Lisa and Bleeding Kansas Advocates believe, with certainty, the Kansas Safe Access Act is the robust solution called for by State Senator Vicki Schmidt, in an August 26th article by the Topeka Capital Journal, on the opioid-heroin epidemic in Kansas.

Lisa also cited a recent study by researchers at the University of California San Diego finding “hospitalization rates of people suffering from painkiller abuse and addiction dropped on average 23 percent in states that offered medical marijuana. Opioid overdose cases at hospitals in states with legal weed also dropped by an average of 13 percent, the study said.” as reported in a March 28, 2017, Newsweek article.

Kansas State Senator David Haley was the closing guest speaker and he thanked the Libertarian Party of Kansas (LPKS) for not only hosting the event but having the courage to address difficult issues head-on. Senator Haley spoke about his personal experiences as a local prosecutor and how non-violent drug crime prosecution contributes exponentially to prison overcrowding. The state of Kansas is currently considering expanding the Lansing Correctional Facility to house an additional 2000 prisoners. Senator Haley noted support for ending cannabis prohibition in Kansas is a profoundly non-partisan issue, with more than 50% of American citizens currently able to legally consume cannabis as an effective non-life threatening alternative to the current prescription opioid epidemic in America. 2018 is a critical session year for cannabis legislation in Kansas. Senator Haley passionately encouraged constituents all across the state to immediately start contacting their senators & representatives in the Kansas legislature expressing their support to end cannabis prohibition for Kansas citizens.

Jeff Caldwell, LPKS Third District Coordinator, and Kris Logan, LPKS State Chair, addressed the group, sharing personal experiences and the Libertarian Party of Kansas’ plans to continue to fight for liberty-related issues and elect Libertarian candidates in Kansas.

The Libertarian Party of Kansas has often been in the forefront of advocating for major changes in Kansas laws; including in recent years, school choice, second amendment issues, special election laws and agricultural hemp. The party’s current initiatives include civil asset forfeiture reform, ending cannabis prohibition and maximizing individual liberties for all Kansas citizens.

The LPKS live-streamed the entire event on Facebook and that video is available in the party’s Facebook page.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kris Logan – LPKS State Chair – [email protected] – 913-240-9008 or
Jeff Caldwell – LPKS 3rd District Coordinator – [email protected] – 913-484-8404

UPDATE: 3 missing Kan. foster children found safe; suspect released

Rigoberto Reyes Rangel -photo -KDOC

TONGANOXIE, Kan. — The Latest on three missing foster children in Kansas being found (all times local):

Police have released a man who was considered a person of interest after three sisters who disappeared in August from their Kansas foster home were found safe.

Authorities did not release details about where the 12-, 14- and 15-year old girls were found but police said they were safe.

Rigoberto Reyes Rangel, 48, was taken into custody in Kansas City, Missouri. Police had said the girls might be in danger if they were with him. Kansas City police released him Tuesday morning after Tonganoxie officials said they didn’t have enough evidence to charge him.

KCTV5 reports police said the man was trying to help the girls after they lied to him and said they were being abused at their foster home. Police say there is no evidence the man abused or hurt the girls.

Police have said the girls ran away from their foster home Aug. 26.

———-

TONGANOXIE, Kan.  — Authorities have arrested a man and found three sisters whose disappearance in August from their Kansas foster home touched off a larger debate about runaway foster children.

Tonganoxie police chief Jeffery Brandau says police in Kansas City, Missouri, arrested 48-year-old  Rigoberto Reyes Rangel early Tuesday, hours after identifying him as a “person of interest” and saying the 12-, 14- and 15-year-old girls would be “in danger” if they were with him. Brandau says Rangel is being detained on a 24-hour investigative hold.

Rangel has previous convictions for drugs, DUI and various other driving violations, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The case led to broader concerns among lawmakers who learned last week during a Statehouse meeting that more than 70 foster children are missing in Kansas. The number of missing represents about 1 percent of the state’s foster care population, which is in line with the national average.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Kansas landscaper who defrauded customers sent to prison

Moyer-photo KDOC

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas landscaper has been ordered to spend 10 months in prison after he failed to make restitution to two customers he defrauded.

The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office says 31-year-old Ricky Moyer was previously sentenced to five years of probation after pleading no contest to felony theft. At the time, he was ordered to pay $16,000 to two customers.

The district attorney’s office says Moyer, owner of Rick’s Tree and Landscape, didn’t make payments to his victims and committed other violations of his probation, including using cocaine. A judge on Monday ordered that Moyer be sent to prison.

Both victims had to hire other contractors to finish work they originally hired Moyer to do.

Moyer has previous convictions for Theft and Driving while Suspended.

FHSU men’s golfers finish 16th at the Washburn Invitational

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Fort Hays State men’s golf team finished tenth among MIAA teams and 16th overall at the Washburn Invitational (Oct. 16-17). The event was hosted at the Topeka Country Club, a 6,654-yard par 71 course. The Tigers improved each round and shot 314, 308 and 306 for a total of 928 for the week.

Skyler Tebo led the Tigers for the week with a consistent performance of 75 shots each round. He finished the tournament tied for 25th overall and a three round score of 225. Tebo finished tied for 17th among MIAA competitors.

Mac McNish fired a first round of 80 and then rebounded with identical rounds of 76 the last two rounds. McNish finished the tournament tied for 57th. Isaiah Grover completed the week with scores of 79, 77 and 77 to finish tied for 63rd. Lane Pauls put together round of 80, 80 and 85 on his way to a 92nd finish. Connor Schultz shot rounds of 90, 84 and 78.

Lindenwood took the team title in a playoff over Central Oklahoma on the first playoff hole. The Lions and Bronchos shot a team total of 872. Washburn the week with a third place finish and a score of 880. Washburn’s Blake Allen defeated his teammate Jared Burns on the third playoff hole sinking a birdie putt to claim the individual title. Allen shot rounds of 69, 68 and 76 for the week.

The Tigers will be back on the course next week (Oct. 23-24) as they travel to Monkey Island, Oklahoma, to compete in the MSSU Fall Invitational hosted at Shangri-La Country Club.

HHS volleyball closes out regular season in Maize

MAIZE, Kan. – The Hays High volleyball team got their final tuneup before Saturday’s sub-state tournament by going 1-1 at the Maize Triangular. The Indians lost to Maize 17-25, 19-25 but bounced back with a three-set win over Salina Central (16-25, 25-18, 25-23).

Tasiah Nunnery had eight kills, Hannah McGuire 11 assists, Brooklyn Schaffer and Savannah Schneider each recorded nine digs in their opener with Maize.

In the second match with the Mustangs, Tasiah Nunnery recorded 13 kills and 16 digs, Hannah McGuire had 26 assists and Jaycee Dale four blocks and five block assists.

Hays is now 25-8 on the season and will play in the Ulysses Sub-State Saturday.

Kansas woman held on $250K bond for alleged drug distribution

Swinnen-Photo KDOC

RENO COUNTY — A Kansas woman well known by law enforcement was arrested and jailed with a $250,000 bond for distribution of methamphetamine.

Law enforcement had been doing surveillance on Amanda Swinney and followed her to Wichita where she allegedly bought methamphetamine from a dealer to distribute in Reno County.

They say she rented a car for the trip. When she came back, she was arrested for another matter. A search uncovered 113.5 grams of methamphetamine, a scale, marijuana and personal use drug paraphernalia.

Potential charges include possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, and possession of marijuana.

While discussing her bond in court, Deputy District Attorney Tom Stanton noted that she has a distribution case pending in Harvey County as well.

Swinney had a number of prior convictions including theft, violation of the Kansas Offender registration and numerous drug-related convictions.

She’ll be back in court next week to see if the state has filed formal charges.

Kan. suspect with 6 prior convictions jailed for random shooting

Rivers-photo Saline Co.

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on weapons charges.

Police say that 25-year-old Kevin Rivers narrowly missed hitting several people when he discharged a firearm in Salina Friday afternoon.

Just after 4:30p.m., officers were called to the 400 block of Baker Street after a woman reported hearing three gunshots, according to Capt. Paul Forrester. She also told police that she saw an extended cab pickup and a man on foot, later identified as 25-year old Kevin Rivers, leave the area.

According to authorities, Rivers fired three shots from a semi-automatic handgun at two teens who passed by in the pickup.

The pickup was not hit but two of the bullets struck houses- one occupied by six people, including four children.

The other bullet hit an occupied car breaking out the rear window. Capt. Forrester said that a man doing yard work reported hearing a bullet pass overhead. Authorities found evidence of the bullet impact a few feet from where he reported hearing it pass.

Salina police located Rivers a few blocks away, near the corner of Ninth and Washington. They also recovered the handgun, which had been dumped in a yard. The investigation revealed that the handgun had been reported stolen in Ottawa County.

Police arrested Rivers and booked him into the Saline County Jail on three counts of aggravated assault, possession of a weapon by a felon, six counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied building, one count of discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, discharging a firearm into an unoccupied building, possession of stolen property and felony obstruction.

Rivers has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass and other charges, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections

FHSU women’s golf finishes 11th at the Lindenwood Invitational

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The Fort Hays women’s golf team wrapped up their fall season at the Lindenwood Fall Invitational in St. Charles, Mo. (Oct. 16-17). The event was at the Missouri Bluffs Golf Course, a 6,064-yard par-71 course. The Tigers finished sixth among MIAA schools and 11th overall. The Tigers shot a 336 in the first round before improving two shots with a 334 in the second round.

Hannah Perkins led the Tigers tying for 21st individually after firing rounds of 77 and 80 to end the week 15-over par (157).

Katie Brungardt shot identical rounds of 83 to finish in a tie for 44th. Hannah Karasiuk tied for 52nd after shooting 85 both days. Madison Roether tied for 64th after rounds of 91 and 86. Kylie McCarthy shot rounds of 92 and 96.

Missouri-St. Louis won the tournament with rounds of 294 and 302 (596). Augustana finished second at 604 and Central Oklahoma (617) finished third. Maxi Roth and Ares Boira of Missouri-St. Louis tied for the individual title as they each ended with a four-over par (146) for the tournament.

KBI investigating death of Kansas county jail inmate

Sedgwick County Jail

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at a Kansas county jail.

Just before 7:15 a.m., an inmate who had chronic medical issues prior to incarceration was found unresponsive in his cell Tuesday in the Sedgwick County Jail, according to a media release.

After immediate medical attention from onsite staff and responding EMS personnel, the 54 year old man was pronounced dead shortly before 7:50 a.m. The preliminary cause of death is unknown pending an autopsy.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigation Division were notified. The inmate’s family has been notified of his death and his identity is being withheld at their request. The inmate was being held in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on felony charges and had been in custody since July 2017.

The Sedgwick County Detention Facility has booked over 19,000 people so far this year. This is the fourth in-custody death for 2017.

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