KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man who pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography was sentenced Thursday to 70 months in federal prison, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Joel Haines photo Kan. offender registry
In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay $5,000 to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act Fund and $3,000 to each of 15 victims who requested restitution.
Joel Haines, 61, Paola, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possessing child pornography. At sentencing, the prosecutor said investigators found 1,433 digital child pornography images on Haines’ computer. The images included children under the age of two being sexually abused as well as images of girls ages 6 to 12.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Organizers have cancelled this year’s annual Symphony in the Flint Hills performance because storms did extensive damage to the tents and other equipment for the event.
Storm damage photo courtesy Symphony in the Flint Hills
The group that planned the performance doesn’t plan to offer refunds for the tickets that sold for between $50 and $95. Past events attracted roughly 7,000 people to rural Kansas.
Organizers initially delayed Saturday’s planned performance from Saturday to Sunday, but later decided that the damage from a Friday-night storm was too extensive. Sunday’s forecast also called for the possibility of more severe weather.
The event would have featured a performance by the Kansas City Symphony. The ticket sales raise money to help educate people about tallgrass prairie and preserve it.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Mexican immigrants in the U.S. illegally has declined so sharply over the past decade that for the first time, they no longer make up the majority of that category, according to an estimate by the Pew Research Center Wednesday.But the number of Central Americans in the country illegally is increasing — from 1.5 million in 2007 to 1.9 million in 2017, the study found.The numbers reflect the conundrum the U.S. is facing at the southern border: The number of Central American migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border is rising dramatically, and they are not easily returned over the border — unlike in previous years when the majority of the border crossers were single men from Mexico.
Curbing immigration is President Donald Trump’s signature political issue, but his hard-line and chaotic border policies have failed to stem the tide, and in fact, the numbers have increased since he took office.
There were about 4.9 million Mexicans in the U.S. illegally in 2017, down 2 million from 2007. The decrease was the major driver in bringing down the overall population of immigrants in the country illegally. In 2017 it was about 10.5 million — the lowest since 2004. The research group found the peak was in 2007 at about 12.2 million. Previously, Mexican nationals made up most of that population. Now, it’s a combination, with Central America having the second-largest, and Asia following with 1.4 million.
Pew based the estimates on government data and used a so-called “residual” method to determine the estimate. The method is similar to those used by Homeland Security’s Office of Immigration Statistics and other groups that track immigration, like the Migration Policy Institute and Center for Migration Studies.
The method uses U.S. census counts and government surveys to calculate the number of immigrations living in the U.S. in a particular year, followed by immigrant admissions and other official counts. The number of lawful immigrants is subtracted to get the estimate of immigrants here illegally. The estimate includes some 320,000 people with Temporary Protected Status, and about 700,000 beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, two programs ended by Trump that are on hold dude to court challenges.
Their research found that longterm residents outnumber more recent arrivals. There are also fewer people working who are not legally allowed to be in the country. Five states had increases in the number of people there illegally: Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Dakota and South Dakota.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been sentenced to nearly 18 years in prison for the July shooting death of another man.
Tony Lee Foster, 33, Topeka, was sentenced Friday. A Shawnee County jury found him guilty in March of second-degree murder and a weapons count in the July 9 fatal shooting of 36-year-old David Payne, of Topeka.
Officers responding to report of a shooting at a home in the northern part of the city found Payne with a gunshot wound to his torso. He was rushed to a hospital, where he later died.
MANHATTAN – The American Legion Department of Kansas’ Boys State Committee has appointed Shane Wilson to serve as the executive director of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy.
Wilson’s three-year term began on June 8 at the close of the 2019 ALBSKLA session. He takes over for Jake Ellis who served in the role for the past four years.
Wilson, a resident of Lawrence, Kan., was a Kansas Boys State delegate in 2006 from Abilene High School before graduating there in 2007. He has served KBS in a variety of volunteer positions since 2007, most recently as its dean of counselors for the last two years. Wilson previously served Kansas Boys State as a general advisor in 2017, as a coordinator from 2014-16 and in various counselor roles from 2007-13.
Wilson is employed as a product support specialist for PROSOCO Inc., in Lawrence. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Emporia State University in 2014. Wilson is pursuing Master of Arts in educational leadership from Saint Mary’s University (Minn.). He is a member of the
Shawnee Tribe of Indians based in Miami, Okla.
As executive director for the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy, Wilson is responsible for the direction and oversight of all objectives for the program. Along with implementation of strategic planning and visioning, Wilson is accountable for the long-term health and longevity of the
ALBSKLA and its resources.
The ALBSKLA provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.
Approximately 410 young men from across the State of Kansas, all of whom will enter their senior year of high school this fall, participated in the 2019 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy. The event, which concluded its 82nd year, was held June 3-8 at Kansas State University in Manhattan for the 28th consecutive year. The 2020 session will begin on Sunday, May 31.
GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after finding a meth lab in Geary County.
Pierson photo Geary Co.
Early Saturday morning the Junction City – Geary County Drug Operations Group conducted a search warrant in the 300 block of North Washington Street for a methamphetamine manufacturing investigation. A clandestine methamphetamine lab was located and processed, according to a media release.
Authorities reported that Avery Louis Pierson, 35, Junction City, was arrested on suspicion of manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and felony interference with law enforcement.
The search warrant was served with the assistance of the Junction City Police Department, Geary County Sheriff’s office, Grandview Plaza Police Department the Riley County Police Department Emergency Response Unit, Hazardous Material Response Team and the Junction City Fire Department.
The Drug Operations Group is a joint task force composed of members of the Junction City Police Department, Geary County Sheriff’s Department and the Grandview Plaza Police Department.
LAKE OF THE OZARKS — Five people were injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Saturday at Lake of the Ozarks.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1993 Chris Craft had just been filled with fuel at the Millstone Marina dock.
The driver Robert C. Baber, 71, Kansas City, started the engine creating an explosion due to lack of ventilation and a mechanical failure. The explosion ejected passenger Patrick Baber, 39, Kansas City from the boat.
Life Flight transported passenger Carl Harris, 42, Kansas City, to University Hospital.
Camden County Ambulance transported Robert and Patrick Baber to Lake Regional Hospital.
Lake West Ambulance transported Kathryn G. Harris, 6, and Cynthina O. Sterling, 48, both of Kansas City to Lake Regional Hospital. The child was the only occupant wearing a life jacket, according to the MSHP.
Basil Jantz, 91, passed away June 14, 2019 at Salina Regional Health Center, in Salina, Kansas. She was born November 13, 1927, in Poynor, Missouri to H.C. (Cordrey) and Maudie (Anglin) Spires.
A Salina resident since 2000 coming from Hoisington, Basil was a member of the Hoisington Bible Church and resided at McCall Manor, Salina.
Survivors include: sons: Lloyd Pinon (JoLana) Topeka, KS, Steve Griffin (Kayla) Salina, KS; daughters: Becky Townsley (Gary) of Minneapolis, MN, Jo Plinsky (Don) of Wichita, KS, Bonny Wohlcke (Chip) of Arvada, CO, Belva Prins (Dave) of Waseca, MN; siblings, Shirley Juby, Clayton Spires, and William “Bill” Spires; 16 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Basil was preceded in death by her husbands, Lloyd E. Pinon, Jess Griffin and Vernon Jantz. Also preceded in death by her siblings Brice Spires, Nadine Beeman, Melba Maggard, Berniece Whitaker, Twilla Brack, and LaVerne Spires.
Family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2019 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Celebration of Basil’s life services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at Hoisington Bible Church, with Pastor Gary Clark officiating. Interment will follow at the Hoisington Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Hoisington Bible Church or the McCall Manor of Salina, Ks, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Thatch control for cool-season lawn grasses such as bluegrass and tall fescue is usually done in the fall but now is the time we should perform this operation for warm-season turfgrasses such as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. Because these operations thin the lawn, they should be performed when the lawn is in the best position to recover. For warm-season grasses that time is June through July. Buffalograss, our other common warm-season grass, normally does not need to be dethatched.
When thatch is less than one-half inch thick, there is little cause for concern; on the contrary, it may provide some protection to the crown (growing point) of the turfgrass. However, when thatch exceeds one-half inch in thickness, the lawn may start to deteriorate. Thatch is best kept in check by power-raking and/or core-aerating. If thatch is more than 3/4 inch thick, the lawn should be power-raked. Set the blades just deep enough to pull out the thatch. The lawn can be severely damaged by power-raking too deeply. In some cases, it may be easier to use a sod cutter to remove the existing sod and start over with seed, sprigs or plugs.
If thatch is between one-half and a 3/4- inch, thick, core-aeration is a better choice. The soil-moisture level is important to do a good job of core-aerating. It should be neither too wet nor too dry, and the soil should crumble fairly easily when worked between your fingers. Go over the lawn enough times so that the aeration holes are about 2 inches apart.
Excessive thatch accumulation can be prevented by not over-fertilizing with nitrogen. Frequent, light watering also encourages thatch. Water only when needed, and attempt to wet the entire root zone of the turf with each irrigation.
Finally, where thatch is excessive, control should be viewed as a long-term, integrated process (i.e., to include proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing) rather than a one-shot cure. One power-raking or core-aeration will seldom solve the problem.
Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at [email protected] or calling 620-793-1910.
Want to present a piece at the Floriculture exhibit during the 2019 Ellis County Fair? Here are some tips from the Cottonwood District Master Gardeners on how to enter.
TOPEKA —Whether your vacation takes you near or far, AAA Kansas offers travelers peace of mind with tips to keep your home safe while you’re away.
Home burglaries increase in the summer months, according to the Insurance Information Institute, since burglars see vacations as an opportunity to target empty homes. July and August have the highest rates of residential burglaries.
“Vacations require preparation and planning,” said Gary Tomes, Insurance Sales Manager for AAA Kansas. “Before you head out for vacation, take a few moments to safeguard your home and keep your possessions safe. Don’t risk leaving your home unprotected.”
Ways to protect your home and belongings while you’re away:
Make it time-consuming to break into your home. Research suggests that if burglars think it will take more than four or five minutes to break into a home, they will move on. Check outside doors and frames to ensure they are strong and made of metal or thick hardwood. Use dead-bolts on windows and doors, which can slow burglars down or deter them entirely.
Invest in an effective burglar alarm that, when triggered, alerts the police and other emergency services. Check with your insurance agent about possible alarm system discounts.
Disconnect computers and other electronic devices from the internet to prevent hackers from gaining access to your information. Make sure personal information on your computer is difficult to access and backed up on the cloud or other off-site location.
Keep valuables locked up and out of sight. Expensive jewelry, electronic devices and other high value items should be hidden from plain view and placed in lock boxes.
Make your home look inhabited. Use timers to turn lights on and off, temporarily stop newspaper deliveries, and arrange to have your mail picked up or held by the post office. An unkempt lawn is also an indicator to burglars that you are away. Hire a lawn service to maintain your yard if you will be gone for an extended period of time.
Ask a dependable neighbor, friend or family member to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
Avoid discussing your vacation plans in public places such as at the grocery store or at your local café. Although vacations are exciting, try not to post about them on social media; someone may see your posts and target your home while you’re away.
Create a home inventory. In the event that you do need to file a claim, preparing a home inventory of your possessions beforehand will make the process easier.
Check your insurance policy to ensure that you have the coverage you need in case you experience theft or damage to your property.
To find out more about homeowners or renters insurance and what types of coverage you need to be properly protected, contact your local AAA Kansas insurance agent, call 866-AAA-4YOU or visit www.aaa.com/insurance.
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 59 million members nationwide and nearly 347,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit www.AAA.com.
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Rupp was the manager of the spa and took over ownership of the business in May. The spa remains in the same location.
“I have been in the industry for 13 years now, and I come from a long line of business owners, and it just felt natural to me,” she said of taking over the spa. “It just felt like it was what I was meant to do.”
The spa has added several new services and products under Rupp.
Body + Soul Day and Med Spa now offers gel dip nails.
The spa is just finishing a new blow-dry bar and has begun offering a new gel overlay nail service. The spa also has a new shampoo station, which will give the business more options in terms of hair styles.
The spa offers make up and hair styling for special events, including weddings, prom and family photos, among other occasions.
The spa also offers massage, manicures and pedicures, and facials, as well as med spa services, including PRP facials, injectables, permanent makeup and laser hair removal.
PRP facials entails a blood draw and are performed by a doctor. The PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, which is used to stimulate healing with your own cells.
Rupp said it helps stimulate collagen production and is great for fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring and pigmentation issues.
Body + Soul Day and Med Spa is located at 107 W. 15th St. Hays. The spa is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
“One of the things that I want to focus on is being able to offer a completely unique guest experience when they come here and just offer them a wonderful service and make people feel welcome and pampered really,” Rupp said.
Rupp said she thinks her customers’ entire guest experience makes the Body + Soul stand out among other spas and salons in Hays.
“Everything from from when they walk in the door to their service to when they leave,” she said. “Having people feel better when they leave than when they walk in is one of the main things we always talk about.”
New product lines include FarmHouse Fresh skincare products, as well as Kevin Murphy haircare products.
Rupp said she has tried to focus on selling products whose companies give back to their communities and are environmentally friendly. Many of the products Rupp carries are also cruelty free or organic.
Rupp, 32, is a licensed cosmetologist and has her international skin therapy license. She has an associate’s degree in business.
Body + Soul has 13 employees and is a member of Downtown Hays Development Corp. The spa is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Learn more by calling (785) 639-1873.
Rupp encouraged anyone who has visited Body + Soul before to visit again.
“I am excited to for us to bring new services to Hays to offer people experience they can’t get every other place here in town becuase I know we are not the only place that offers these services,” Rupp said.
