SPRINGFIELD, Mo. –A Kansas man was sentenced in federal court Tuesday for distributing large amounts of methamphetamine in the Joplin, Mo., area.
Jacob A. Beckham, 33, Topeka, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 12 years in federal prison without parole.
On July 26, 2017, Beckham pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
According to court documents, a detective with the Newton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department saw Beckham, driving a black Ford Fusion, swerve over the yellow line several times on I-49 near Highway V on May 5, 2015. A deputy followed the vehicle to the parking lot of Shoal Creek Plaza and activated his vehicle’s emergency lights and siren. Beckham’s vehicle sped off and the deputy pursued him in a high-speed chase. During the chase, the deputy saw Beckham throw several items out of the vehicle, including a black and silver case.
When the vehicle came to a stop at a dead end near 6580 Hereford Road, Beckham attempted to flee on foot. The deputy caught Beckham after a short pursuit. When Beckham and the passengers in his vehicle were secured, law enforcement officers recovered the contents that were thrown from the vehicle during the pursuit. Those items included the black and silver case, nine clear baggies that contained a total of 167 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 22 bags with methamphetamine residue, two marijuana joints, seven cell phones and drug paraphernalia. Three passengers in the vehicle confirmed that Beckham threw the case that contained methamphetamine out of the car as he was being pursued by law enforcement.
Beckham admitted that prior to his encounter with law enforcement on May 5, 2015, he had been selling approximately two pounds or more of methamphetamine per month within the past year. Beckham is conservatively responsible for distributing approximately 24 pounds of methamphetamine.
Beckham has five previous convictions for possession of methamphetamine.
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a report of shoplifting and have two suspects in custody.
Just after 9p.m. Tuesday, officer responded to a report of shoplifting at Kohls in the 6900 Block of West Kellogg in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. When officers arrived, they saw two juvenile suspects fleeing from the store.
A 31-year-old employee of Best Buy observed the situation and approached the suspects to assist police. The suspect then brandished a hand gun and pointed at the man and continued to run, according to Davidson.
Police eventually caught and arrested the suspects. One was booked for theft and an outstanding warrant. The second suspect was booked for theft, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm for someone under the age of 18 and possession of stolen property, according to Davidson.
Police recovered the handgun. It had been stolen in Derby.
ATCHISON COUNTY — A Kansas man died in an accident just after 10a.m. Wednesday in Atchinson County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Olds Cutlass driven by Tracie E. Turpin, 53, Atchison, was northbound on U.S. 59 Highway.
The driver failed to negotiate the curve. The vehicle traveled across the roadway into the west ditch, down the embankment and struck a tree.
Passengers Michael E. Bruce, 56, Atchison, and Winfield, Martin L. Winfield, 49, Columbus, were transported to the hospital in Atchison where Bruce died.
Turpin and passengers Brandon M. Mottin, 31, Lancaster, were transported to the hospital in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Winfield, Mottin and Bruce were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Charges have been dropped against a Lawrence man who was jailed for 1.5 years in a sex crimes case.
Fifty-one-year-old Tracy Releford was charged after an encounter in August 2016 encounter with a 16-year-old girl that moved between Lawrence and Kansas City, Missouri.
Releford-photo Mo. Dept. of Corrections
The Lawrence Journal-World reports a judge ruled in February that probable cause did not exist to charge Releford with two felonies. Prosecutors dropped a remaining misdemeanor charge but said the case could be refiled.
Trial assistant Jill Spurling says the state’s witness didn’t show up for the preliminary hearing.
The original charge of aggravated human trafficking was dismissed in March 2017.
Releford will be transferred to Missouri custody on another charge.
Releford is the father of a former University of Kansas basketball player Travis Releford.
Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill), 109th House Dist.
Troy L. Waymaster, State Representative, 109th Kansas House
February 28, 2018
Bills Debated In the House
The Kansas House of Representatives discussed many bills this past week. This newsletter will focus on a few of those bills.
On Tuesday, we debated House Bill 2539 which institutes some qualifications for candidates that are seeking certain statewide offices. The upcoming gubernatorial election has drawn numerous candidates, some of those do not even reside in the state of Kansas. This bill simply clarifies that a candidate for the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Insurance Commissioner must be a qualified elector in Kansas and at least 18 years of age to run for one of those offices. There was also a residency requirement that was included in the original language in the bill. There was amendment to strike the residency requirement of four years since the bill stipulated that one needs to be a qualified elector. I supported the amendment and the bill and it passed 94-28.
House Bill 2648 changes the definition of law enforcement officer for the purposes of the crimes of assault and battery of an officer to include uniformed or properly identified federal law enforcement officers while on duty. The only concern was that this bill could have an effect on prison admission and bed space. The bill passed the House, 117-0.
Turn-Around
On Thursday, the Kansas Legislature met the critical timeline regarding our calendar which is the halfway point in the session, more commonly referred to as “Turn-Around.” We spent this past week debating and voting on over sixty bills so they could be passed out of the House of Representatives and then on to the Senate for discussion. The same was true for the Senate as their bills that were passed out will now go to the House when we reconvene on February 28. Our research department needs a few days in order to accomplish the transfer of bills from one chamber to the other. During these days off, I attended legislative coffees and townhalls throughout the district on Monday, and Tuesday.
More Bills In the House
On Thursday, we debated House Bill 2581 which was drafted and discussed to address the recent events that occurred in Wichita regarding “Swatting.” This bill increases the criminal penalties for the crime of giving a false alarm in certain situations. This bill passed with a vote of 117-0.
House Bill 2583 creates and amends current statutes regarding the control and eradication of noxious weeds in the state of Kansas. This bill moves the definition of noxious weeds from statute and allows for the Secretary of Agriculture to adopt rules and regulations to define species of plants as noxious weeds throughout the state. This bill passed the House with a vote of 101-16. I voted “yes.”
We also discussed House Bill 2674, which establishes the Kansas Telemedicine Act. This act will establish coverage parity between in-person and telemedicine-delivered healthcare services and providers. This greatly benefits patients by allowing real-time audio and visual conferencing with medical providers. This passed, 117-0.
Contact Information
As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, visit www.troywaymaster.com or email me at [email protected]. Also, if you happen to visit the statehouse, please let my office know.
It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.
INDIANAPOLIS – The Fort Hays State women’s basketball team is ranked ninth in the latest NCAA Division II Central Region Rankings, released Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 28). This is the Tigers’ first appearance in the regional rankings this season.
Eight teams in the region will earn the right to play in the NCAA Championship, with the bracket set to be released Sunday evening (March 4). The winners of the MIAA and GAC Tournaments will join Augustana, NSIC champions, with an automatic bid into the national tournament. The next five teams in the final region rankings will receive an at-large bid into the tournament.
Fort Hays State is one of five MIAA programs listed in this week’s regional top 10 list. The NSIC has three teams represented, while the final two teams are from the Great American Conference.
The Tigers will open play in the MIAA Tournament Thursday (March 1) at noon against Emporia State.
The full Central Region rankings from February 28, 2018 can be found below.
Rank Team Overall DII Record In-Region Record
1. Central Missouri 22-2 22-2
2. Southwestern Oklahoma State 25-3 25-3
3. Augustana 24-3 22-3
4. Northern State 24-5 24-5
5. Pittsburg State 21-6 21-6
6. Central Oklahoma 22-6 22-6
7. Minnesota State-Moorhead 23-5 21-5
8. Arkansas Tech 23-3 23-3 9. Fort Hays State 19-5 19-5
10. Nebraska-Kearney 17-6 17-6
SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and school district officials are investigating an alleged threat against schools in Valley Center.
According to a message from Superintendent Dr. Cory Gibson on the district’s social media account, law enforcement authorities contacted USD 262 officials Wednesday about a criminal threat directed toward officials at Valley Center High School.
The individual responsible for the threat was never on school grounds, according to the message from Gibson. Police arrested the suspect.
“We are thankful that the report was made and that law enforcement agencies responded immediately,” Gibson wrote.
POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has identified the man killed Monday evening in an officer involved shooting in Wamego, Kan.
Straub- had two previous convictions for burglary in Pottawatomie Co., according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections
Ethan M. Straub, 25, of Wamego, was confirmed as the individual killed during an exchange of gunfire with multiple law enforcement agencies in Wamego.
Just after 6 p.m. Monday, the Wamego Police Department requested KBI assistance to respond to and investigate a shooting. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.
Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 5:30 p.m. Monday, law enforcement officers responded to the report of an armed carjacking at Kreem Kup Drive In, 601 W. Hwy 24 in Wamego. Law enforcement officers from several agencies made contact with the suspect at approximately 6 p.m. in the area of 8th St. and Pine St. Shortly after, gunfire was exchanged between the male suspect and five law enforcement officers from four agencies. The agencies who had officers fire during the incident were: the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, the Wamego Police Department, and the St. George Police Department.
Officiers on the scene of Monday’s officer involved shooting-photo by Tiernan Shank courtesy WIBW TV
EMS responded, however, Straub was pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident, however, one officer was transported to the hospital as a precaution due to a health concern.
The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this incident. Once completed, the findings will be turned over to the Pottawatomie County Attorney for review.
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POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred Monday evening in Wamego, according to a media release.
Just after 6 p.m., the Wamego Police Department requested KBI assistance to respond to and investigate a shooting. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.
Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 5:30 p.m. Monday, law enforcement officers responded to the report of an armed carjacking at Kreem Kup Drive In, 601 W. Hwy 24 in Wamego. Law enforcement officers from several agencies made contact with the suspect at approximately 6 p.m. in the area of 8th St. and Pine St. Shortly after, gunfire was exchanged between the male suspect and five law enforcement officers from four agencies. The agencies who had officers fire during the incident were: the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, the Wamego Police Department, and the St. George Police Department.
EMS responded, however, the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident, however, one officer was transported to the hospital as a precaution due to a health concern.
The deceased individual will be identified once his next of kin is notified. No further information will be released at this time.
A simulation of the Johnson Corner Solar Project near Johnson in southwest Kansas.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
It will be the largest commercial solar project in Kansas, with 86,000 solar panels spread across 241 acres, to be built in far southwest Kansas.
It will also provide the first solar energy generation for Hays-based Mid-Kansas Electric Company, Inc. and its sister company Sunflower Electric Power Corporation.
Officials from both cooperatives announced the Johnson Corner Solar Project Tuesday in Hays. Construction on the 20-megawatt facility will start early next year.
The project will utilize approximately 86,000 solar panels across 241 acres.
“The location of two miles southwest of Johnson City was selected not only for its strong generating potential with some of the best solar irradiation in the Midwest but also because it will reduce loading on an existing transmission line that is currently operating at or near its full capacity,” said Stuart Lowry, president and CEO of both cooperatives. “This will potentially defer or eliminate a costly transmission upgrade that would otherwise be needed in the near future, great news for electric ratepayers as it represents a savings for them.”
Stuart Lowry, pres. and CEO of Mid-Kansas and Sunflower Electric cooperatives, talks about the new Johnson Corner Solar Project.
The facility’s location was also a “compelling reason” to move forward with the Johnson Corner Solar project, Lowry said.
“This location has some of the best solar irradiance in the Midwest.”
Mid-Kansas has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with Lightsource BP, an independent power producer that will build, own and operate the solar facility.
“I think Johnson Corner is going to get a lot of positive attention in the cooperative utility community,” predicted Kevin Christy, chief operating officer of Lightsource BP. The project will use single-axis trackers that track the sun as it moves from east to west throughout the day. “Work is now in its design-engineering-financing stages,” Christy told the crowd, “with the timeline to kick off construction by the beginning of next year which will take a few months to complete.”
The National Renewable Cooperative Organization (NRCO) with its member-owner Mid-Kansas, jointly developed the project and chose Lightsource BP as Mid-Kansas’ long-term partner.
“NRCO is thrilled to have achieved the Sunflower vision of having a solar project in its Kansas territory and engage with Lightsource BP to reach this tremendous milestone,” said Eric Spigelman, director of renewables development for NRCO.
Sunflower Electric headquarters in Hays
The Mid-Kansas and Sunflower system is a summer-peaking system, according to Lowry. Most electricity is consumed during the hottest days of the summer.
“Wind energy tends to be the most abundant when we need it the least, during the night and in the winter,” Lowry said.
“The solar project is going to generate most of the energy when our system has the highest energy demand. Having a fixed-price energy resource to mitigate the fluctuating market cost of energy will be a great benefit to our cooperative members and those that they serve.”
“The decreasing cost of solar energy, along with other industry dynamics, makes it the right time to bring solar energy into our generation mix,” said Steve Epperson, Mid-Kansas board chairman.
Stuart Lowery welcomes KS Lt. Gov. Tracey Mann to the podium.
Among the dignitaries attending yesterday’s announcement was new Kansas Lieutenant Governor Tracey Mann, a Quinter native.
The southwest Kansas location of the project is very familiar to Mann.
“My great-great grandfather John Winger actually homesteaded in Stanton County about 10 miles from this site. My mother grew up there just south of Johnson. My uncles and cousins and a lot of family members live near this site as well,” Mann told the group. “I could not be more ecstatic.”
Also attending the announcement ceremony were state representative Eber Phelps of Hays, city commissioners Sandy Jacobs and Shaun Musil and Ellis County Commissioner Barbara Wasinger.
Tuesday’s announcement fell on the 10 year anniversary of Mid-Kansas Electric Company, formed by members of the Sunflower Electric Cooperative. The six members include Western Cooperative Electric in WaKeeney, as well as Lance-Scott Electric Cooperative, Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Southern Pioneer Electric, Victory Electric Cooperative and Wheatland Electric Cooperative serving members in 32 Kansas counties.
The Hays Public Library will present “Zoo to You!” an educational program about animals of North America at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 22 in the Schmidt Gallery on the main floor of the library.
It took many miles traveled for Zach Wagner to decide he was going to stay in Hays, KS. The Hays High senior signed his National Letter of Intent to play soccer at Fort Hays State University on Wednesday morning.
Along with thanking his Hays High teammates and coaches, Wagner passed along a big thank you to his parents and family as well. Wagner plays club soccer out of Kansas City which requires large amounts of windshield time. He mentioned the hours spent as a family in the car, even though he spent trips home catching up on sleep.
Zach Wagner
The all-time assist leader in program history, Wagner visited several school before deciding on Fort Hays State. He helped lead the Indians to a state quarterfinal berth this past season, just the second such appearance in school history.
Picked as a captain for the 2017 season, Coach Silas Hibbs said it is a rare combination to have one of your most skilled players also be the vocal leader and a high character kid that the team can rally around.
Coach Silas Hibbs
Wagner led the team in assists this past season with 16 and also contributed 17 goals which ranked second. He finished his career with 47 total assists. Nearly double the second spot on the career list which his held by fellow senior and career goal record holder Ethan Nunnery. Wagner finished tied for third in number of goals scored in a career at 40, just one behind current Indian head coach Silas Hibbs.
Wagner and Nunnery set a record pace for the Indians. Nunnery finished as the career goal record holder at 57. Wagner tied for third with 40. The two also stand atop of the career points column. Nunnery at 139 and Wagner at 127, both passing their Coach Hibbs this past season. The two combined for more career points than any duo in Hays High soccer history.
Wagner is an All-Conference Western Athletic Conference selection and a First Team 4A State selection as well.
During a Hays school board meeting, Rep. Eber Phelps, D-Hays, questioned the validity of a consultant’s study on state school financing even before it is set to be released to the public on March 15.
The $200,000 study was commissioned by the leadership in the House and Senate and is being done by a researcher at Texas A&M and a consulting group. Phelps attended a preliminary presentation from the researchers on Friday.
The researcher did a similar study for Texas that was presented to the Texas Supreme Court, and her study came in millions under what had been recommended for school funding in that state, Phelps said.
The Texas Supreme Court said the study overstated rural district behavior and underestimated the influence of urban districts.
“I think they found someone they could pay $200,000 who would say that we are spending too much money,” Phelps said.
Phelps said he thinks the consultants are going to argue funding does not correlate with outcomes. He also fears the consultants will recommend less money for education of English Language Learners and disadvantaged students.
Phelps said he believes there is enough money in the state budget to increase funding for schools $200 million per year over three years for a total boost of $600 million for schools. From July to December, the state’s revenue receipts grew by $352 million compared to a year ago. Changes to federal tax codes will result in an estimated additional $138 million for the state in 2019 and $180 million in 2020.
“Is ($600 million) enough?” Phelps said. “I think it is a start.”
The Kansas Supreme Court has issued a decision that state school funding is inadequate, and the Legislature has until April 30 to present a new funding formula to the court.
The Legislature is at its halfway point in the session, and Phelps expressed frustration more has not been done to address school finance.
“There are those of us in the Legislature who are really getting frustrated with the progress thus far, especially in light of last year where there was such a collaborative effort and desire on the part of the Legislature in both the House and the Senate to get things back on track,” he said.
The Legislature established a school finance task force, but Phelps said up until now the task force has only had informational hearings.
“I was disappointed that we don’t have something out there already,” he said. “With that task-force type committee meeting prior to the session and seeing these revenue dollars coming in, it seems to me we could have had something prepared.”
Phelps said he prefers to address the school funding plan now rather than having to come back and address it in a special session.
He said leaders in both houses chose to go after the Supreme Court instead of focusing on funding. Phelps was also critical of lawmakers’ attempts to discredit Dale Dennis, deputy education commissioner, over transportation funding. Phelps called Dennis one of the most honorable and respected people in Topeka and the foremost authority on state school finance.
He also hopes the Legislature could put back about $24 million that has been cut from higher education.
Phelps also briefly addressed a bill that would have created an opt-in program to teach an NRA gun safety program at elementary schools.
It was pulled from debate because it was based on an NRA program that was not fact-based, Phelps said. Legislators are working to find a fact-based program and develop a more comprehensive safety program following the school shooting in Florida.
