TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A judge who played a key role in Kansas’s first same-sex marriage has announced his retirement.

The Kansas Office of Judicial Administration said in a news release that Johnson County District Judge Kevin Moriarty will retire June 28.

In October 2014, he ordered the county to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples following the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to hear appeals from five states seeking to preserve their bans on gay marriage. He said at the time that the ruling was meant to avoid confusion about the legal climate surrounding gay marriages.

It led to the state’s first same-sex wedding and a contentious legal fight. A failed drive was started to oust Moriarty before the nation’s Supreme Court declared a nationwide right to same-sex marriage the following June.

DICKINSON COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Tuesday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Malibu driven by Michael H. Taplin, 59, Longford, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the Enterprise exit.

The vehicle crossed the median striking a westbound 2009 Ford F 350 pickup driven by Gary W. Franklin, 60, Solomon.

A westbound 2001 Subaru station wagon driven by Connor T. Brandenberg, 20, St. Louis, Mo., struck the F350 before it was forced from the lane of traffic. The F350 came to rest on its top in the north ditch.

Debris from the collision struck a 2019 Grand Designer camper that was parked in the RV Park parking lot.

Taplin was transported to the hospital in Salina. Franklin was transported to the hospital in Abilene Bradenberg and a passenger in the Subaru were not injured.

All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

UPDATE 1:26 p.m. Tuesday: According to Trooper Ben Gardner, one westbound lane
is open again. However, first responders are still at the scene.

————–

DICKINSON COUNTY — A multi-vehicle crash in Dickson County has temporarily shut down westbound lanes on Interstate 70.

The crash occurred just before noon between Abilene and Chapman, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Check Hays Post for more as information becomes available.

ONE westbound lane has opened.

PLEASE
PLEASE

Use caution as first responders are still in the area at crash scene#SlowDown https://t.co/51UGCGhMyN

— Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) March 26, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, the House unanimously passed legislation to promote former U.S. Senator Bob Dole to the grade of colonel in the U.S. Army. Congressman Marshall met with Senator Dole today to deliver the great news of the bill’s passage. Now with the legislation through both the House and the Senate, it will head to the president’s desk for final signage.

Thank you to @RogerMarshallMD, @SenPatRoberts, @JerryMoran, @ArmyChiefStaff and members of the U.S. House and Senate for this honor. pic.twitter.com/4yMVlBHaS0

— Senator Bob Dole (@SenatorDole) March 26, 2019

“I was so proud to see the House quickly recognize and pass this bill honoring our legendary Kansas Senator, Bob Dole,” Rep. Marshall said. “There is no one I can think of more deserving of this honorary promotion than our true Kansas hero, Senator Dole.”

In January, Rep. Marshall introduced this bill in the House as a companion bill to the Senate legislation sponsored by Senator Pat Roberts and Senator Jerry Moran.

“I’m glad Senator Bob Dole is one step closer to receiving the honorary military promotion he has earned, during his lifetime of service to our great nation,” said Sen. Roberts. “Sen. Dole is Kansas’ favorite son and an American hero.”

“From Senator Bob Dole’s time in the military and in Congress, to his continued leadership on veterans, hunger and disability issues, he is a true model of public service for Kansans and all Americans,” said Sen. Moran. “It is only fitting that Senator Dole be promoted for his exemplary service and sacrifice as an Army officer and I am so pleased that this resolution is headed to the president’s desk for signature.”

In 1942, while he was a student at the University of Kansas, Senator Dole registered for the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps. He was called to active duty the following year and served in World War II. While deployed as an infantry lieutenant, he was severely wounded in combat and was twice cited for acts of heroism under fire. He finished his military service with two Purple Hearts and two awards of the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for valor. He was also awarded the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

This legislation to grant an honorary military promotion for Senator Bob Dole was supported by the entire Kansas Delegation.

“Senator Dole is one of Kansas’ favorite sons and a national icon who well deserves this promotion,” said Rep. Ron Estes. “In addition to his admirable public service in Congress and tireless advocacy for veterans, Dole’s heroic actions in World War II continue to inspire Kansans and generations of Americans around the country. I’m proud to join the Kansas delegation in supporting this promotion.”

“Bob Dole is the definition of a Statesman and a Patriot. There is no one more deserving of this honor,” said Congressman Watkins said.

“Senator Bob Dole is a decorated military veteran, dedicated public servant, and proud Kansan,” Congresswoman Davids said. “He made a significant impact on not only the state of Kansas, but the entire country, and he is more than deserving of this honorary promotion for his decades of service to our nation.”

 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man who is charged with kicking a toddler and shouting racial slurs inside a Wichita grocery store has been found competent to stand trial.

A Sedgwick County judge on Tuesday ruled that Trace Riff could face trial on several charges, including attempted aggravated battery.

Prosecutors say Riff kicked a 1-year-old black boy inside a Dillon’s Grocery store in Wichita in December. The boy was not seriously injured.

The boy’s mother and witnesses told police Riff shouted racial slurs and said he was a white supremacist during the incident.

Riff is also charged with interference with law enforcement and disorderly conduct.

Riff’s family says he has a history of mental health and substance abuse problems.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Two people  injured in an accident during a police chase Monday in Sedgwick County.

Just after 12:30 Monday, a police officer was conducting a traffic stop on a Chevy Impala in the 1700 Block of North Minnesota Street, according to officer Paul Cruz.

The driver, later identified as 21-year-old Michael Pete, refused to stop. As the suspect vehicle approached 13^thstreet, it struck a Ford passenger vehicle occupied by two men, according to Cruz.

Following an investigation that shut down traffic in the area for a couple of hours, police arrested 21-year-old Michael Pete on requested charges of flee and elude law enforcement, criminal possession of a firearm, drug distribution, driving while suspended, speeding and additional traffic violations, according to the Sedgwick County Jail online report.  He was not injured in the crash.  Pete has a previous aggravated burglary conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The driver and passenger in the Ford suffered only minor injuries, according to Cruz.