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Month: January 2018

FBI: Kansas man shot in altercation with federal officer in Arizona

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PHOENIX (AP) — The FBI says last week’s shooting of a Kansas man on his way to a spiritual retreat in Arizona occurred during an altercation with a federal officer following a traffic accident.

The FBI’s Phoenix office said Monday that a U.S. Forest Service officer stopped to help Friday after Tyler Miller was in a traffic accident on U.S. 89A in Oak Creek Canyon about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Phoenix.

The agency says the officer was also wounded in a subsequent altercation. Miller was taken to a medical center, where he died.

Family attorney Matt Bretz says the 51-year-old Miller, from Hutchinson, apparently lost control of his pickup truck on a mountain road in Coconino National Forest.

The FBI has not told The Associated Press if Miller was armed. Bretz says the agency told him Miller was unarmed.

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — A family attorney says a man killed in an Arizona shooting involving a U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer had been headed to a spiritual retreat.

The family attorney Matt Bretz says 51-year-old Tyler Miller, of Hutchinson apparently lost control of his pickup truck Friday as he was driving on a curvy mountain road, went off the road and hit a large rock. Bretz says the father of four was shot after getting out of his vehicle, although it’s unclear what happened beforehand. Bretz says the FBI indicated Miller wasn’t armed.

 

The FBI said the shooting occurred on U.S. 89A in Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona but released no information on circumstances of the shooting. Sedona is 100 miles north of Phoenix.

Police identify Kansas woman killed in 16-hour standoff

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Law enforcement on the scene of the standoff-photo courtesy WIBW TV

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Topeka police have identified a woman who was found dead inside an apartment after a 16-hour standoff with law enforcement officials as 33-year-old Tiffany Montalvo, of Eudora.

According to a media release form Lt. Colleen Stuart, Montalvo and 33-year-old Juan Lucio, of Topeka, died during the standoff. They were found dead Friday after police sent chemicals into the home.

A preliminary investigation indicates the deaths were a murder-suicide, according to Stuart. It will take weeks to complete toxicology reports for Lucio and Montalvo.

No officers were injured during the incident.

HACC is KS Special Health Care Needs satellite office

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KDHE

TOPEKA – January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is actively working to raise awareness of how common birth defects are and what steps can help to prevent them.

In the United States, a baby is born with a birth defect every 4½ minutes – about 120,000 babies each year – with around 1,150 cases occurring in Kansas. Birth defects are the most common cause of death in the first year of life and the second most common cause of death in children aged one to four years.

KDHE is participating in National Birth Defects Prevention Month by coordinating with local health agencies and healthcare providers to encourage prevention and awareness of birth defects. In addition to its efforts in prevention, KDHE also offers support to children with special health care needs. The Hays Area Children’s Center, 94 Lewis Dr., is a Kansas Special Health Care Needs satellite office. Further information on services can be found at www.kdheks.gov/shcn.

Although not all birth defects can be prevented, many steps can be taken to increase a woman’s chance of having a healthy baby. It is important to prevent those infections that can increase the risk of birth defects and other health problems for mothers and babies.

Here are some helpful tips for pregnant women or women who may become pregnant:

Get vaccinated

• Get the flu shot and the whooping cough vaccine.

• Become up-to-date with all vaccines before getting pregnant.

Prevent insect bites

• Use insect repellent.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outside.

• Consider avoiding travel to areas with Zika virus.

Practice good hygiene

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.

• Avoid putting a young child’s cup or pacifier in your mouth.

Talk to your healthcare provider

• Ask about how you can prevent infections, such as Zika virus.

• Discuss how to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

In addition to following these tips to prevent infections, all women capable of becoming pregnant should eat a healthy diet, be physically active, and take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day whether they are currently planning a pregnancy or not. These steps can go a long way in promoting a healthy you and a healthy baby. More information about the Kansas Birth Defects Program, including national resources, can be found at www.kdheks.gov/bfh/birth_defects.htm.

Kansas lawmaker apologizes for remarks on blacks, drugs

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Rep. Alford-courtesy photo

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on a Kansas state lawmaker’s remarks that marijuana and other drugs originally were outlawed in part because blacks “responded worst” to them because of “genetics and that” (all times local):

4:45 p.m.

A white Kansas state lawmaker has apologized for suggesting that blacks have a genetic predisposition to abusing drugs.

Republican state Rep. Steve Alford, of the western Kansas town of Ulysses, said in a statement that he was wrong and regrets the remarks he made Saturday during public meeting at a hospital.

He said: “I sincerely apologize to anyone whom I have hurt.”

At the meeting, The 75-year-old Alford argued against legalizing any use of marijuana. He suggested it and other drugs were originally outlawed in part because blacks were “basically users” and “responded worst” to the drugs because of their “character makeup — their genetics and that.”

Alford said in his statement that he opposes legalizing any use of marijuana because doing so opens the door to harder drugs.

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A white Kansas state lawmaker arguing against the legalization of any use of marijuana suggested that it and other drugs were originally outlawed in part because blacks were “basically users” and “responded worst” to the drugs because of their “character makeup — their genetics and that.”

State Rep. Steve Alford, a 75-year-old Republican from Ulysses, in the west of the state, made the comments Saturday during a public meeting at a hospital in Garden City. The Garden City Telegram first reported on the statement Monday and posted a video of it to YouTube.

Kansas is one of the few remaining states that haven’t legalized some form of medical marijuana, including low-THC marijuana derivatives that can’t get a user high. But the legalization question has been percolating in Kansas in recent years.

At the meeting, Alford referenced a time in the 1930s when marijuana was prohibited.

“What was the reason they did that?” he asked a crowd of about 60 people, none of whom were black. “One of the reasons why — I hate to say it — is the African-Americans, they were basically users and they responded the worst off to those drugs. It’s because of their character makeup — their genetics and that. And so basically what we’re trying to do, is we’re trying to do a complete reverse of the people not remembering what’s happened in the past.”

Asked about his remarks Monday by The Associated Press, Alford said: “I’m not going make any more remarks about that. To me, that’s neutral. Basically, I got called a racist, which I’m really not, and it’s just the way people — the interpretation of people. To me, I’m trying to look at what’s really the best for Kansas.”

Alford said the marijuana issue is very important to him because he believes it’s a gateway drug that introduces user to other drugs.

“I’m really looking for the safety of the people of Kansas, the children of Kansas, the adults of Kansas,” Alford said during a brief interview.

PBAs burn specific area in organized manner

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A prescribed burn

ECCD

What is a Prescribed Burn Association?

A Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) brings individuals and equipment together to burn a specific area in an organized manner.  Many PBAs exist in Kansas already with the nearest one located in Russell County.  It was formed in 2008.

A PBA is a 501c3 that falls under the Kansas Prescribed Burn Council; this prevents each PBA across Kansas from having to get their own 501c3.  The PBA can in turn apply for grants; they can obtain equipment from the Kansas Forest Service or equipment from other agencies, like two-way radios.

An important role of a Prescribed Burn Association is that it teaches individuals about fire.  It teaches individuals how to develop a burn plan, where to go for weather information, how to identify hazards during the planning process, how to make a fireguard, how to put down a wet-line, what type of spray rigs are needed and how much water to have on-hand.

Why is it critical to burn pastures? A controlled burn recycles valuable nutrients and works to control eastern red cedar trees and other woody invaders.  Downed trees cut with a clipper, if not burnt up, will normally result in new sprouts within a few years.   Cutting them is only part of the process.  A follow-up burn is needed.

The PBA does not accept any liability for a burn.  The person who is doing the burn must be a member of the PBA and liability falls back on them.   With the added assistance and proper planning the PBA offers however, one reduces the risk substantially.

PBAs have by-laws, elect officers and meet regularly.   The PBA cannot carry out a burn on a non-member.   The strength of the Association is it is always better to burn with many people and plenty of equipment than it is to attempt a burn by one’s self.

Interested parties may contact the Ellis County Conservation District at 2715 Canterbury Drive, Hays KS or 785-628-3081, ext 3.

HPD Activity Log Jan. 4-7

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kbyw-november16

The Hays Police Department responded to 0 animal calls and conducted 23 traffic stops Thu., Jan. 4, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Intoxicated Subject–400 block E 13th St, Hays; 2:25 AM
Parking Complaint–300 block Skyline Ct, Hays; 7:31 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block E 13th St, Hays; 9:39 AM
Burglary/business–200 block Pershing Ct, Hays; 1/2 6:25 AM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–20th and Oak, Hays; 1:24 PM; 1:38 PM
Worthless Check–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 11/22/17 9:59 PM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:47 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–Hays; 4:35 PM
Civil Dispute–100 block E 19th St, Hays; 5:48 PM
Drug Offenses–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 6:04 PM
Aggravated Assault–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 6:25 PM
Drug Offenses–1300 block Main St, Hays; 8:34 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 9:45 PM
Suspicious Activity–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 10:16 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 37 traffic stops Fri., Jan. 5, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Domestic Disturbance–300 block E 6th St, Hays; 12:22 AM
Domestic Disturbance–300 block E 6th St, Hays; 1:17 AM
Animal At Large–1200 block E 30th St, Hays; 9:07 AM
Suspicious Activity–1400 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 1/2/ 11:09 AM; 1/5 12:34 AM
Burglary/business–100 block W 20th St, Hays; 1/1 10 PM; 1/2 4:45 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–300 block E 6th St, Hays; 11 AM; 1:08 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–300 block E 6th St, Hays; 12:22 AM; 2:28 PM
Animal Call–500 block W 37th St, Hays; 3:18 PM
Animal At Large–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 3:19 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–1100 block E 22nd St, Hays; 2 PM; 4:15 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 28 traffic stops Sat., Jan. 6, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–1300 block Ash St, Hays; 12:52 AM
Driving Under the Influence–600 block W 8th St, Hays; 12:53 AM
Drug Offenses–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 2:51 AM; 11 AM
Intoxicated Subject–1700 block Felten Dr, Hays; 9:56 AM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 10:27 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–500 block Fort St, Hays; 2:37 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block E 11th St, Hays; 2:42 PM
Drug Offenses–500 block W 32nd St, Hays; 3:30 PM; 4:30 PM
Suspicious Activity–100 block W 6th St, Hays; 4:50 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 8:12 PM
Drug Offenses–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 9:08 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 17 traffic stops Sun., Jan. 7, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–700 block Milner St, Hays; 12 AM
Domestic Disturbance–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 1:33 AM
Driving Under the Influence–400 block W 6th St, Hays; 2:07 AM
Disturbance – General–500 block Elm St, Hays; 2:16 AM
Domestic Disturbance–1400 block Fort St, Hays; 1/7 4 AM; 4:30 AM
Animal At Large–32nd and Willow St, Hays; 9:03 AM
Animal At Large–500 block W 14th St, Hays; 9:47 AM
44 – Traffic Stop–200 block E 27th St, Hays; 11:48 AM
Shoplifting–3300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:35 PM; 4:36 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–Hays; 5:48 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1400 block Pine St, Hays; 9:41 PM
Suicidal Subject–2500 block Haney Dr, Hays; 11:56 PM

kbyw-november16

News From the Oil Patch, Jan. 8

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By JOHN P. TRETBAR

US oil production reached 9.64 million barrels per day in October, a 46-year record. The highest U.S. production based on monthly government data is above 10 million barrels per day, which dates back to 1970.

The Government data show New Mexico was the number three oil producer in the US in October, more than 16 million barrels, thanks to production in the Permian Basin. Texas led the way with 116 million barrels. North Dakota pumped 36 million. The Energy Information Agency placed Oklahoma fifth on the state production list with more than 15 million barrels. Kansas production came in at number ten with 2.9 million barrels in October.

A research firm says the United States is poised to become the planet’s leading crude producer. Rystad Energy says the US could ramp up crude oil production by 10% in 2018 to about 11 million barrels per day. CNN reported surging shale oil output should allow the United States to dethrone Russia and Saudi Arabia as the planet’s leading crude oil producer. The U.S. hasn’t been the global leader, nor ahead of both Russia and Saudi Arabia, since 1975.

ONEOK recently announced plans for a new 900-mile natural gas liquids pipeline that terminates in our area. The Tulsa-based company says other pipelines from North Dakota are at capacity and production is increasing there. The project is also expected to play a role in reducing natural gas flaring, a recurring problem in the booming North Dakota oil patch. The proposed Elk Creek Pipeline will have the capacity to transport up to 240,000 barrels per day of natural gas liquids from a terminal near Sidney, Mont., to the company’s facilities in Bushton, Kansas.

Opponents of TransCanada’s proposed Keystone pipeline expansion have filed their appeal of a decision by Nebraska regulators to okay an alternate route through the state for the project. Their attorney told Reuters last week that TransCanada’s approval was for a “route not supported by an application.”

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced a proposal to greatly expand offshore drilling in the US. The proposal includes 47 potential lease sales for virtually all acreage on the Outer Continental Shelf, including most of the Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic and Gulf coasts. The government proposes making over 90% of outer-shelf acreage available for exploration, including areas of the Atlantic and Pacific that have not had lease sales since the 1980s.

Oil prices were trading in a narrow range Monday morning, but domestic prices remained at two year highs, approaching $62 per barrel Monday. The market remained in a state of backwardation, with later-term futures contracts cheaper than the near-month contract. By Monday, the spread between the near-month and next-month futures price was about two cents per barrel. On Jan. 4, the spread reached 16 cents, the highest backwardation in more than three years.

Kansas Common at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $51.75 per barrel, after dropping half a dollar on Friday.

The weekly rig counts from Baker Hughes show 924 active rigs, a drop of five oil rigs. (The number of rigs actively drilling for natural gas was unchanged at 182). Independent Oil & Gas Service reported a nearly 20% increase in the statewide rig count last week. There were nine active rigs in eastern Kansas, which is down three, and 28 active rigs west of Wichita, up nine rigs. Operators are moving in completion tools at a pair of leases in Barton County, two sites in Ellis County, one in Russell County and two in Stafford County.

In the first weekly count of the new year, five permits were filed for drilling at new locations across Kansas, three east of Wichita, and two in the western half of the state.

Independent Oil & Gas Service reported 26 new well-completions for the week ending Jan. 4, 12 in eastern Kansas and 14 west of Wichita. There was one completion in Ellis County and there were two in Stafford County.

According to a Shanghai-based news portal, oil-futures trading could start as soon as January 18 on the new Shanghai International Energy Exchange, which will allow Chinese buyers to lock in oil prices and pay in local currency, and allow foreign traders to invest, a first for China’s commodities markets.

A new pipeline link between Russia and China started operations on Jan. 1. According to Chinese news sources, the move doubles the crude shipments between the two countries. Last year for the first time China imported more crude than the US, and Russia has already become China’s biggest supplier. The pipeline extension into China will increase Russia’s exports there by nearly 220 million barrels a year.

KSU research associate charged with shooting, wounding RCPD officer

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Authorities on the scene of Friday’s barricade situation photo courtesy WIBW TV

RILEY COUNTY— A Manhattan man has made his first court appearance in connection with Friday’s shooting and wounding of a Riley County Police Officer. Mark Harrison, 38, has been charged  with three counts of attempted capital murder., according to Riley County District Attorney Barry Wilkerson.

Sgt. Pat Tiede has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, according to a media release from the Riley County Police.

Tiede was wounded Friday afternoon while responding to a report of a domestic situation.

Harrison, a research associate at Kansas State University’s mechanical and nuclear engineering department surrendered after barricading himself inside a home for two hours.

He remains jailed on a $4,000.000 Bond is expected back in court January 23, according to Wilkerson.

Mildred D. Stephens

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COLBY – Mildred D. Stephens, 93, died Monday, January 8, 2018, at Prairie Senior Living Complex, Colby, KS.

Services are pending with Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel in Colby.

Former Kan. school secretary sentenced for email bomb threat

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Claudia Rodriguez-Oviedo-photo Pratt County

PRATT, Kan. (AP) — A former Pratt elementary school secretary has been sentenced to prison for making a bomb threat to the town’s high school.

Claudia Rodriguez-Oviedo was sentenced Monday to concurrent sentences of a year for aggravated criminal threat and eight months for unlawful act concerning a computer.

The threat, sent via a fake email account, prompted school officials to call police, evacuate the high school and cancel school events.

The district’s technology director determined the email was sent from within the school and traced it to a computer assigned to Rodriguez-Oviedo, who was a secretary at Southwest Elementary School.

Rodriguez-Oviedo is in the U.S. on a work visa that expires in March. Pratt County Attorney Tracey Beverlin said she will likely face deportation after her prison term.

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