PRATT COUNTY— Two people died in an accident just after 3p.m. Wednesday in Pratt County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Kenworth semi driven by Evaristo S. Mora, 63, Chaparral, NM., was eastbound on US 54.
The semi was approaching some slower moving traffic ahead, made an evasive maneuver to the left to avoid it and collided head-on with a westbound 2003 Volvo semi driven by Patricio Maturino, 36, El Paso, TX.
Maturino was transported to the hospital in Pratt where he died.
A passenger in the Kenworth Arturo Mora, 42, Chaparral, NM., was transported to the Kingman County Hospital where he died.
Evaristo Mora was transported to the hospital in Wichita. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
TOPEKA – The Sunflower Foundation Board of Trustees has awarded a $200,000 grant to the Center for Practical Bioethics to identify strategies aimed at detecting, addressing and preventing elder abuse in Kansas. Kathy Greenlee, Vice President of Aging and Health Policy at the Center, will oversee the grant.
Over the next 12 months, Greenlee will engage consumers and advocates, as well as state and national experts, to identify best practices and develop strategies and recommendations to address and prevent elder abuse in Kansas.
Kathy Greenlee
As Vice President of Aging and Health Policy at the Center, her work focuses on advance directives and end of life planning, health care reform, strengthening community organizations and raising awareness about elder abuse. During her career, Greenlee has worked on programs and policies at the local, state, national and international level. Prior to joining the Center, Greenlee had a 25-year career in public service. In 2009, she was appointed U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging by President Obama. She served in that position until July 2016.
Before leaving for Washington, Greenlee spent 18 years in Kansas state government. Among the positions she held was Secretary of Aging, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, General Counsel of the Kansas Insurance Department, and Assistant Attorney General.
“Kathy has been a pioneer in raising awareness about elder abuse and reforming and strengthening systems to support seniors,” says Billie Hall, President and CEO of the Sunflower Foundation. “She brings to this project a unique mix of seasoned experience, well-established relationships with a vast network of local, state and national partners, and a passion to prevent what is a very challenging and complex issue.”
Much like the rest of the country, the percentage of the population over 65 years old is growing and, in Kansas, the median age continues to rise. According to the National Elder Mistreatment Study (NEMS), nearly one in 10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced abuse, neglect or exploitation. But these numbers only reflect the cases reported. Experts believe that there are a significant number of cases that go unreported each year. Many communities – and states – lack the support networks necessary to easily identify and report elder abuse.
Greenlee says the primary goal of this project is to identify strategies for addressing both prevention of and response to elder abuse. This will be accomplished, in part, by developing a set of research-based recommendations to strengthen and advance the work already underway in Kansas. “With the support and funding from the Sunflower Foundation, I am thrilled to be able to lead an intensive research project – Addressing Aging Challenges in Kansas – which focuses on elder abuse and aging in Kansas.”
The final report will be released next year. For more information about this initiative, please contact Sunflower Foundation President and CEO Billie Hall at 785-232-3000 or [email protected].
TheSunflower Foundation was formed in 2000 as part of a settlement between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the Kansas attorney general, and the Kansas insurance commissioner. The Foundation’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for improving the health of all Kansans by directing resources to grant programs, special initiatives, and related activities that help people and communities achieve and maintain optimal health. The nine-member Board of Trustees governs the foundation’s work and oversees the long-term goals of the foundation. Eight of the members are appointed by the attorney general, and one member is appointed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. The voluntary trustees serve three-year terms and can serve up to three terms.
The Center for Practical Bioethics is a nonprofit, free-standing and independent organization nationally recognized for its work in practical bioethics. For more than 30 years, the Center has helped patients and their families, healthcare professionals, policymakers and corporate leaders grapple with difficult issues in healthcare and research involving patients. The Center does not wait to be called upon. Our vision and mission require us to be proactive — to call attention to ethical issues and to develop programs, policies and publications that address them.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It’s already law, but the ceremonial signing of the Kansas State Fair sales tax bill was held on the fairgrounds Wednesday afternoon.
Gov. Colyer in Hutchinson on Wednesday
The event was held in the domestic arts building with a large crowd of residents, dignitaries and local politicians. Gov. Jeff Colyer was present for the ceremonial signing.
The ceremony also included remarks from Interim GM Bob Moeder, Chamber President Debra Teufel, Reno County Commissioner Ron Hirst and Virginia Crossland-Macha, President of the Fair Board.
“There is nothing better than the Kansas State Fair,” Colyer said. “It’s a great celebration of Kansas and I’m honored to sign Senate Bill 415.
The new law will allow the fair to collect the sales tax it generates.
The funds will go to the fair’s CIP fund. Based on the events that come to the fairgrounds each year, it has the potential to generate as much as $400,000 per year.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A former Wichita police officer who wounded a 9-year-old girl when he fired at her family’s dog has pleaded not guilty to aggravated battery.
Betts -image courtesy KWCH
Dexter Betts entered the plea Wednesday. Prosecutors say Betts shot at a Wichita family’s miniature English bull Terrier twice on Dec. 30.
Officers went to the family’s home when the girl’s mother reported her husband was threatening to hurt himself.
Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett says the girl was sitting on the floor next to the dog when it moved and Betts fired twice.
The family’s attorney says the dog only went up to the officer and barked. The girl and dog were not seriously injured.
Betts was fired from the department less than a month after the shooting.
RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged computer crime.
Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, police filed a report for theft by deception and computer unlawful acts in the 1100 block of Westport Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.
Officers listed Dentistry by Design, Bret Gilsdorf, 41, of Manhattan, and CFO & Accounting as the victims of fraud online.
The suspect is unknown. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $50,000.00.
Police ask that anyone with information contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.
TOPEKA – A group of Oklahoma pavers has been permanently banned from doing business in Kansas and ordered to repay more than $40,000 to Kansas consumers after being found in violation of Kansas consumer protection laws, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.
Defendants Harry Cooper, Harry Cooper Jr., and Robert Cooper, doing business as A.L. Paving Contractors, Paving Contractors, Asphalt Paving and JJ Paving, all of Spiro, Okla., were permanently enjoined from conducting consumer transactions and door-to-door sales in Kansas in a consent judgment approved Monday by Shawnee County District Court Judge Franklin R. Theis. The judgment also requires the defendants to repay $41,430 to Kansas consumers and reimburse the attorney general’s office for the costs of its investigation.
Schmidt had accused the defendants of violating the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) by soliciting paving services door-to-door, failing to notify consumers of their three-day right to cancel the transaction and cashing their checks prior to the five-day waiting period. The defendants were accused of violating these provisions in transactions with at least 12 consumers in Butler, McPherson, Ottawa and Saline counties.
Ash Street in Hays will be closed from 8:40 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday from 19th to 27th streets to allow Midwest Energy crews to install new power lines in the area.
During this time, local traffic only will be allowed to access adjoining side streets between 19th and 26th streets.
“The road closure is necessary to enable crews to safely change out damaged poles and wires, part of a months-long project to upgrade the system and improve reliability in the area. Power will be out in the area while crews perform the work, and affected residents have been notified by phone of the outage,” said Midwest spokesman Mike Morley. “Midwest Energy appreciates everyone’s patience as they work to get this project completed safely, and with minimal disruption to residents and area businesses.”
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on two gamers charged in fatal “swatting” call in Wichita (all times local):
4 p.m.
Police body camera images of The December 28, fatal response to a hoax call -courtesy Wichita Police
Two gamers whose online dispute over a video game allegedly led to a swatting call that resulted in police fatally shooting a Wichita, Kansas, man have pleaded not guilty.
Eighteen-year-old Casey Viner, of North College Hill, Ohio, and 19-year-old Shane Gaskill, of Wichita, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to conspiracy to obstruct justice, wire fraud and other counts.
Prosecutors allege Vinter asked 25-year-old Tyler Barriss of Los Angeles to “swat” Gaskill. Police went to a Wichita home in response to the call and shot Andrew Finch, who was not involved in the dispute.
Gaskill and Viner were released on a $10,000 bond.
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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Two online gamers whose alleged dispute over a $1.50 Call of Duty WWII video game bet ultimately led police to fatally shoot a Kansas man not involved in the argument will make their first appearances in court Wednesday in a case of “swatting” that has drawn national attention.
Casey Viner, 18, of North College Hill, Ohio, and Shane Gaskill, 19, of Wichita, are charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice, wire fraud and other counts.
Viner allegedly became upset at Gaskill while playing the popular online game. Authorities say he then asked 25-year-old Tyler Barriss of Los Angeles to “swat” Gaskill, a form of retaliation sometimes used by gamers, who call police and make a false report to send first responders to an online opponent’s address.
Barriss is accused of calling Wichita police from Los Angeles on Dec. 28 to report a shooting and kidnapping at a Wichita address. Authorities say Gaskill had provided the address to Viner and later to Barriss in a direct electronic message. But the location Gaskill gave was his old address and a police officer responding to the call fatally shot the new resident Andrew Finch, 28, after he opened the door.
Viner’s defense attorney, Jim Pratt, declined comment. The attorneys for Gaskill and Barriss did not immediately respond to an email.
Viner and Gaskill have not been arrested and both were instead issued a summons to appear at Wednesday’s hearing where a judge will decide whether they can remain free on bond. Both men are also likely to enter pleas, although at this stage of the proceedings the only plea a federal magistrate can accept is not guilty.
Barriss and Viner face federal charges of conspiracy to make false reports. Barriss also is charged with making false reports and hoaxes, cyberstalking, making interstate threats, making interstate threats to harm by fire and wire fraud. He will not be in court Wednesday.
A first court appearance on the federal charges has not been set for Barriss because the Sedgwick County district attorney is going forward first with his case on the state charges, said Jim Cross, spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Kansas.
In the state case, Barriss is charged with involuntary manslaughter, giving a false alarm and interference with a law enforcement officer. That arraignment is June 29.
SALINA — Pope Francis on Wednesday named Msgr. Gerald (Jerry) L. Vincke as new bishop of the Diocese of Salina.
The announcement was made official at noon Wednesday in Rome (5 a.m. Central time).
Bishop-elect Vincke, 53, presently is the pastor of Holy Family Parish in Grand Blanc, Mich. He succeeds Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger, who was named bishop of Tucson, Ariz. on Oct. 3, 2017.
Bishop-elect Vincke was ordained to the priesthood on June 12, 1999, at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing, Mich. by Bishop Carl F. Mengeling. He was parochial vicar of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Ann Arbor, Mich., from 1999 to 2001. He became the director at Bethany House, a retreat house for youth, from 2001 to 2004. He attended the Creighton University for Spirituality courses in the summer of 2001. He also participated in the Institute for Priestly Formation Program at Creighton University for several summers. Additionally, he became the Director of Seminarians and Vocation Director in 2003, becoming full-time in those positions and relinquishing duties at Bethany House in 2004. He was the Spiritual Director at the Pontifical North American College in Rome from 2010 to 2015. While in Rome, he completed the requirements for the S.T.L. (License in Sacred Theology), with a focus on Spiritual Theology, in 2015. His Tesina is entitled: “Following the Path of St. John Vianney for the New Evangelization with Evangelii Guadium as a Guide.” In 2012, he was named a Monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI. In 2015, upon his return to the Diocese of Lansing, he was assigned as the pastor of Holy Family Parish in Grand Blanc, Mich. (a suburb of Flint, Mich.). Additionally, he currently serves on the Presbyteral Council, the Priest Assignment Committee, and the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Lansing, Mich.
Bishop-elect Vincke was born on July 9, 1964, in Saginaw, Mich., the ninth of 10 children of Henry and Fidelis Vincke. He attended New Lothrop High School and Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich., where he obtained a degree in public relations and marketing. He completed his Philosophy studies at St. Thomas More College in Crestview, Ky., and his Theology studies at Athenaeum Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio and Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, Mich.
His father died in June of 2000, and his mother is in an assisted living facility in Chesaning, Mich. His family includes six brothers and three sisters.
Ordination and installation plans are still pending. Seating will be limited. Information will be released as it becomes available.
“I am overjoyed with the news of the appointment of Bishop-elect Gerald L. Vincke to the Diocese of Salina. Bishop-elect Vincke will soon discover that he has been led to a vibrant Diocese with a strong and healthy presbyterate and a Catholic lay faithful strong in their commitment to Christ and His Church,” said Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger, Bishop of Tucson, Ariz., and 11th Bishop of the Salina Diocese. “My prayers are with him today, along with prayerful gratitude to God for sending the good people of Salina a loving and faithful new shepherd.”
“We offer to Pope Francis our love and gratitude. Certainly, the good people of Holy Family Parish in Grand Blanc, Michigan, will also miss their pastor since they recognize in him the very gifts which the Holy See finds will provide loving leadership to the Diocese of Salina. He is a fine priest, a man of deep faith in Jesus Christ, and a gentle soul. Our loss is most sincerely their gain,” said Bishop Earl Boyea, Bishop of Diocese of Lansing, Mich.
Kansas City could see World Cup soccer action in 2026 now that FIFA has officially selected the “United Bid” of Canada, Mexico and the United States to host the event eight years from now.
Arrowhead Stadium could host soccer matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup now that the “United Bid” of Canada, Mexico and the United States has been selected to host the event. CREDIT DAVID JONES/FLICKR — CC
The FIFA Congress selected the United Bid over a bid from Morocco in a 134-65 vote early Wednesday morning. Kansas City is among 23 cities listed in the bid as candidate cities to host some of the 80 matches that will be played in the three countries over the course of the event.
In the U.S., 60 World Cup matches will be played across 10 cities. Kansas City and Cincinnati are the only candidate cities in the Midwest.
If Kansas City is chosen, matches would be played at Arrowhead Stadium. The bid book lists Arrowhead’s total capacity as 76,640, but about 7,500 of those seats would be used for VIPs and media, leaving the stadium’s capacity at just over 69,000 for the World Cup.
Arrowhead has experience with Major League Soccer events, having hosted the Kansas City Wizards — now known as Sporting Kansas City — for 12 years and the U.S. Open Cup Final in 2004. The stadium has also hosted World Cup qualifying games in the past. If it’s selected, Kansas City would host quarter-final games and possibly the third-place game.
Events for fans would be held at The National World War I Museum and Memorial and the South Lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and various sites in and near Kansas City would also be used as training facilities, including Swope Soccer Village, Children’s Mercy Park, Park University and the Kansas City Chiefs Practice Facility. Several hotels around the metro would host teams and FIFA VIPs during the tournament.
Estimated ticket prices for the potential matches in Kansas City would be $468 for quarter-final games and $609 for the third-place game.
Nicolas Telep is a morning news intern in conjunction with the Kansas News Service. Follow him on Twitter @NDTelep.
FHSU senior Kadrae Smith toured the recent 2018 National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas as a reporting multimedia journalist.
FHSU University Relations
Two years ago, a team of three students from Fort Hays State University’s informatics digital media and journalism program shot, edited, tweeted, snapped and Facebooked their way to top honors at the 2016 National Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Education Association “War on the Floor” competition.
This year, another DM&J student made the cut to explore and report on the annual week-long convention, which regularly attracts more than 100,000 attendees from around the world.
Kadrae Smith, Derby senior and the 2017 KFHS radio station manager, promotions director, program manager and on-air host, assembled a body of work for the Kansas Association of Broadcasters annual student media competition. Five of his submissions took first place in the state contest, and one of his entries placed first in the national student media contest.
On his own initiative, Smith then applied for the multimedia journalism position and was accepted to join an exclusive team of four students from around the nation for the multimedia event.
Smith, recounting the experience, said, “I was nervous because I had never been to Las Vegas before, especially to attend one of the largest conventions in the world. However, I knew that I was ready for this position.”
“I learned so much from this experience,” Smith said. “I have never felt more alive than when I was working this event. It put everything into perspective, and I also made lifelong connections with my fellow MMJs and other attendees from the conference.”
“Being thrown into the deep end gave me the experience needed to effectively tell stories,” Smith said. “I am now able to edit on my phone like a pro and don’t need to buy expensive equipment and software because I have it all at my fingertips. Literally.”
Ron Rohlf, assistant professor of informatics and coordinator of the state and national contest submission process said, “2016-2017 was another banner year for FHSU’s digital media and journalism students. The dedication and hard work really paid off this year.”
“It is a pleasure to work with all of our students,” said Rohlf.
“The opportunity to network with the industry leaders at NAB/BEA and to see upcoming technology is an incredible experience that we remain committed to providing for our students,” said Dr. Melissa Hunsicker Walburn, chair of the Department of Informatics.
“We are especially fortunate to be able to support the entry fees and travel for these initiatives because of donor support,” she said. “By removing those cost barriers for students, more students are able to capitalize on these valuable and differentiating experiences.”
Smith’s NAB/BEA participation was sponsored in part by the Leo and Dorothy Lake Fund of Excellence.
