McPHERSON, Kan. – The Hays High girls’ soccer team dropped a 1-0 shootout to Topeka High in the opening round of the McPherson Invitational. The match was scoreless at the end of regulation and two golden goal overtimes before the Trojans outscored the Indians 3-2 on penalty kicks.
“It was a very physical match as the foul count was 16 Topeka – 9 Hays” said HHS coach Silas Hibbs. “The girls played super tough and I couldn’t be more proud of how hard they all worked.”
The Indians are now 1-1 on the season and take on Salina South this afternoon at 2 p.m. The Cougars lost 6-0 to Maize South.
Remember all that talk about the $135 million or so that new federal income tax cuts were going to dump into Kansas? The deal was with lower federal income taxes, more of Kansans’ money would be subject to Kansas income taxes.
Pay less there (to the federal government) and you pay more to Kansas because you have more money left over. Pretty simple, you pay it there or here and the Statehouse crowd would rather you pay it here because of the opportunities it offers them.
One opportunity is for lawmakers to take that extra money that state income taxes will now yield and think of cool things to do with the cash that they didn’t have to do anything unattractive to get…like raise your taxes.
Now, that’s one way to go. Maybe use that additional money for schools, roads, health care, law enforcement, welfare and everything else we expect the state to provide? Well, so far, the answer is either yes…or no.
Spending that money on things Kansas want is generally a politically popular thing to do. Sometimes.
But there’s another politically popular thing to do with money the state didn’t expect to get—give it back to voters in an election year by cutting their state income taxes. That probably has a nice ring to it in this year when the Kansas House stands for election, and even statewide candidates can portray themselves as liking the move.
The Senate, where just one (replacement) member stands for election to the remaining two years of his term, appears to like the idea of what can pass for smaller government–“give it back” is the slogan. Who doesn’t like lower taxes? Not many who vote.
So, the Senate GOP plan is shaping up as taking that extra money the state will receive because of the new federal tax law and using it to pay for Kansas income tax cuts. Imagine that, how it can be turned into tax cuts, economy in government, all those political slogans we’ve been hearing.
And while most folks want K-12 public education funded adequately and the poor and the ill cared for, well, there are few things as nice as a tax cut.
But how to do that tax cut in the most politically valuable manner is a question. There are tax cuts and there are politically profitable tax cuts, which is what the Senate Tax Committee proposed.
First, decouple from the federal tax form, so you can itemize deductions for Kansas income taxes even if you take the new, big federal standard deduction. And then take the Kansas deductions which were slashed last year—property taxes, mortgage interest, charitable contributions, medical expenditures—and restore them to full strength again. That’s what the committee did, oh, along with boosting Kansas’ own standard deductions for taxpayers by 50 percent.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? It clearly tilts the majority of that $135 million toward homeowners with sizable mortgage interest payments to write off, but who’s going to notice if more prosperous Kansans get the bulk of that savings?
Well, probably not many are going to notice, but the ones who do may be mostly Republicans. At least those Republicans—if the tax plan passes—will be reminded several times who voted for their tax break and who didn’t.
Oh, that court-ordered increase in school funding that the $135 million would help pay? Or raises for state employees who haven’t gotten raises in several years and are actually seeing their pay drop as inflation and health insurance premiums rise? Those probably also would be good uses for that money.
But what beats an election-year tax cut?
Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver’s Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at www.hawvernews.com
HAYS, Kan. – The TMP-Marian girls’ soccer team opened their season Monday with a 10-0 victory over Word of Life out of Wichita. Ashley Ostrander and Kayla Vitztum both scored three goals. Aubrey Koeningsman added two while Kaylee Hernandez and Allison Applequist both scored one.
Julia Cox and Jasmine Robles were both in goal for the shutout.
The Monarchs travel to Wichita Classical School on Tuesday, April 3rd.
John Schlageck writes for the Kansas Farm Bureau.Long hours, less-than-ideal weather conditions and working around large machinery combine to make farming one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. This spring planting season slow down and ensure you and your family members stay safe.
During 2017, 10 deaths were reported in farm and ranch incidents in Kansas. The youngest fatality involved a nine-year-old extra rider on a tractor who fell off and was caught in the mowing attachment.
The oldest occurred when an 82-year-old male passenger died from injuries after being thrown during a tractor rollover. Tractor overturns remain the single greatest cause of death to young farm workers under the age of 25 and to older workers over the age of 55, according to statistics from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
The most effective way to prevent tractor overturn deaths is the use of a Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS). In 2012, 59 percent of tractors used on farms in the United States were equipped with ROPS. If ROPS were placed on all tractors used on U.S. farms manufactured since the mid-1960s, the prevalence of ROPS-equipped tractors could be increased to more than 80 percent.
Growing up and working on the farm instills a life-long love of agriculture, but as adults and parents, we must make sure everyone on the farm is safe.
On average, 113 youth less than 20 years of age die annually from farm-related injuries (1995 -2002), with most of these deaths occurring to youth 16-19 years of age.
Of the leading sources of fatal injuries to youth, 23 percent involved machinery (including tractors), 19 percent involved motor vehicles (including ATVs), and 16 percent drowned.
Riders on tractors remain another major cause of injuries and deaths on the farm. No riders should be allowed on a tractor unless it is equipped with a manufacturer-approved second seat, according to the National Safety Council.
Farmers, parents, children and the American public must understand, once and for all, that anyone other than the operator of a farm tractor should not be on the tractor – period. Any rider is at tremendous risk to be seriously injured or killed.
Always be aware of surroundings and think ahead. Look out for potential hazards. Notice power lines before moving ladders or other farm equipment. Turn off that combine before removing weeds and other debris.
One cardinal rule to remember always – keep children out of the workplace. That means away from machinery, storage bins and fields – anywhere they are in harm’s way.
Always be prepared for an emergency. Enroll in safety classes, especially CPR and first aid. Carry safety kits in your farm vehicles. Make sure you have them in your home and sheds.
Above all, take a little extra time this upcoming spring planting season. Make a genuine commitment to safe preparation. Your health and that of your family depend on the safe operation of your farm equipment during this busy season.
John Schlageck, a Hoxie native, is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas.
The ex-girlfriend of one of the men accused of plotting an attack against immigrants in Garden City says the men spent months studying how to make homemade explosives.
Testimony began Monday in the federal trial of three men accused of conspiring to blow up an apartment complex in Garden City that was used by Somali Muslim immigrants. By SEAN SANDEFUR / FILE PHOTO
Lula Harris was on the witness stand Monday during the first day of testimony in federal court in Wichita. She said she was in a relationship for several years with Curtis Allen, who along with Patrick Stein and Gavin Wright is charged with conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction.
The three men are accused of planning to bomb a mosque and apartment complex that was home to Somali Muslim immigrants and refugees. The defendants were arrested in October 2016 following a months-long FBI investigation.
Their attorneys argue the men – heard on recordings by an FBI informant – were engaged in banter, complaining about immigrants and the state of the country. They say that is constitutionally protected free speech.
Prosecutors say the three men went beyond banter and crossed the line into action as they discussed their plans to bomb the building in Garden City.
In her testimony, Harris – who lived with Allen from June through October 2016 – said he repeatedly watched YouTube videos explaining how to make an explosive and collected recipes for homemade explosives.
Wright, Allen and Stein-photos Sedgwick Co.
Harris recounted a time she stopped by G&G Home Center, the business Wright owned and where Allen worked. She said sitting on the kitchen island was a burner and a beaker full of a white substance she recognized from one of the YouTube videos.
She said she didn’t report the incident to police. Two weeks later, Harris reported Allen to the Liberal Police Department for alleged domestic violence. He was arrested, as were the two other men.
Harris told prosecutors the three men, who belonged to a militia group, had been discussing for some time a way to “wake people up” to what they saw as the problem of Muslims immigrating to the U.S.
“[Allen] just didn’t feel they belonged here; that they were violent,” she said. “They were a threat to our country.”
She said another plan involved killing the head of a refugee resettlement organization in Garden City and pinning the murder on a Muslim refugee.
Allen, Stein and Wright seemed so serious about their plan that even fellow members of the militia group distanced themselves from the discussion, a former member testified Monday.
Brody Benson said he met the defendants while a member of the Kansas Security Force. But he told prosecutors he resigned in June 2016, following a meeting in which Stein discussed using “high explosives” like rocket-propelled grenades to attack Somali immigrants.
The meeting, at a shooting range on Benson’s property, took place in the week after a man killed 49 people at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Benson testified that the group was just venting, but he was becoming concerned that the group was moving toward some type of violent act.
“It wasn’t just talk, it was … action,” Benson said.
During cross-examination, the defense asked Benson why he didn’t report his concerns to law enforcement and whether he was providing testimony to avoid facing charges himself. Benson can be heard on recordings made by an FBI informant suggesting targeting imams and Islamic leaders that he blamed for terrorist acts in the U.S.
Benson denied he is facing any charges.
Several other Kansas Security Force members are on the prosecution’s witness list. The trial is expected to last six weeks.
If the three men are found guilty, they could face life in prison.
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged assault and have a suspect in custody.
Police on the scene of the alleged assault investigation-photo courtesy KWCH
Just after 1:30 p.m. Monday, police an 18-year-old was jogging on the bike path near Mclean and Seneca in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz. She was approached by a man who physically assaulted and attempted to sexually assault her.
During the attack, a City of Wichita employee who was working on the nearby observed the incident and immediately called 911 for help. Officers responded quickly and took a 36-year-old suspect into custody. Citizens who were nearby also stopped to assist the victim during this incident.
The victim sustained minor injuries. Police did not release additional detail.
Today Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 54. North wind 8 to 11 mph.
Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.
Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. West southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
Wednesday NightA 20 percent chance of rain after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. North wind 6 to 9 mph.
ThursdayA 20 percent chance of rain before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 54. North northeast wind 7 to 10 mph.
Thursday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 31.
JOHNSON COUNTY — A Kansas animal shelter is celebrating a world record.
According to Unleashed Pet Rescue and Adoption, one of their Chihuahuas surprised her foster family with 11 puppies breaking the Guinness World Records for number of puppies born to a Chihuahua.
photo courtesy Unleashed Pet Rescue and Adoption
The “mommy’ dog named Laugh out Loud was one of a herd of Chihuahuas recently rescued by the organization on an outreach call in Kansas City.
She was obviously expecting and due any minute so their Foster Manager rushed to find her a foster.
Her foster family came to the rescue and took this momma and her soon-to-be family into her home to foster.
Not long after, on none other than— National Puppy Day, “LOL” gave birth to what the shelter thought was 10 puppies.
The next day, after mom was all done and settled in with her brood, foster mom Josie got the puppies out to check genders. When she ended up with 8 boys and 3 girls, she realized something didn’t add up.
She quickly recounted several times and realized she was indeed correct— “LOL” had 11 puppies.
Amid some Google searches, foster Mom discovered this was a world record for a Chihuahua.
Momma “LOL” is relieved this will be her last litter ever, but is amazing us with what a wonderful momma she is. All 11 puppies are doing fantastic and have made it to 3 days old!
If you are interested in sponsoring one of these babies, please donate by clicking on the link on this post.
SEWARD COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Monday in Seward County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Toyota Corolla driven by Rosa L. Chavez, 49, Liberal, was northbound on Pershing Avenue in Liberal. The driver failed to stop at the red light at U.S. 54.
A westbound Volvo semi driven by Jose Luis Tinoco-Montoya, Hays, collided with the Toyota.
The vehicles came to rest in the westbound lane of U.S. 54. Chavez was transported to the hospital in Liberal. Tinoco-Montoya was not injured. The KHP did not have information on seatbelt usage.
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after an altercation with a law enforcement officer.
Just after 2p.m. Sunday, police were conducting a follow up investigation on a separate case when the Dillions store in the 4700 Block of South Broadway in Wichita contacted him about an alleged shoplifter, according to officer Paul Cruz. The 23-year-old suspect walked out of the store and was approached by the officer who attempted to take him into custody.
The suspect began fighting the officer and attempted to gain control of the officer’s holstered firearm and hit the officer with large rocks, according to Cruz. With the assistance of citizens and store associates, the officer arrested the suspect. He was booked for theft, resisting arrest and battery of a law enforcement officer.
The officer did receive a hand injury. Cruz said Wichita Police are thankful for the citizens who came to the officer’s assistance to help make the arrest. Cruz did not release the name of the officer or the suspect.
DOUGLAS COUNTY- Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery and looking for suspects.
Just after 9:30 p.m. Sunday, the Lawrence Police Department responded to Sonic Drive In, 1015 E. 23rd Street after receiving reports of an armed robbery that had just occurred.
Responding officers made contact with victims inside the business who reported 2 males had entered the business with their faces covered, at least one of whom was armed with a firearm. The suspects demanded money and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash. No injuries were reported during the incident. It is believed the suspects fled to the south to a vehicle on 24th Street.
9:00 p.m. Final (Four) update:
0 Arrests
0 Citations#RCJH
Have a safe night, #DriveSober, and see you all next week. FILL IT UP AGAIN!
The investigation into the armed robbery is ongoing. No suspects are in custody at this time. Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident, is asked to contact the Lawrence Police Department at (785)832-7509, or Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at (785)843-TIPS (8477). Tips made to Crime Stoppers may remain anonymous.
Click below to listen to Tiger Talk with the “Voice of the Tigers” Gerard Wellbrock and Fort Hays State softball coach Adrian Pilkington and baseball coach Steve Johnson.
Tiger Talk airs on Monday evening at 6 p.m. on Tiger Radio Mix-103.
SCOTT CITY – A Colorado man was convicted Friday of five child sex crime-related charges, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.
A Scott County jury found Jose Armondo Contreras, 40, of Pueblo West, Colo., guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and one count of aggravated intimidation of a victim. Judge Wendel W. Wurst presided over the trial. Sentencing has been set for April 26 at 1:15 p.m. in Scott County District Court. The charges fall under Jessica’s Law because the victim was under 14 years of age.
The crimes were committed between March 2012 and February 2013.The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Scott City Police Department. Assistant Attorney General Lyndzie Carter of Schmidt’s office prosecuted the case.
Just after 2p.m. Sunday, police were conducting a follow up investigation on a separate case when the Dillions store in the 4700 Block of South Broadway in Wichita contacted him about an alleged shoplifter, according to officer Paul Cruz. The 23-year-old suspect walked out of the store and was approached by the officer who attempted to take him into custody.
