TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Some Kansas residents are expressing frustration over the state’s strict requirements for a new form of driver’s license.
The licenses adopted by the state last year are intended to comply with the federal “Real ID” law. The law requires state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to meet specific standards in order to be used for conducting official business with the government.
The Lawrence Journal-World reports that 78-year-old Gretchen Underwood said Friday she hasn’t been able to get her Real ID license because none of her documents meet the new requirements.
The Kansas Department of Revenue says people must show a valid passport or birth certificate, either an official non-laminated card or a recent pay stub or tax document bearing the person’s full Social Security number, and proof of Kansas residency.
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Tiger Talk airs on Monday evening at 6 p.m. on Tiger Radio Mix-103.
BRANDON, Miss. (AP) — A man convicted in Kansas now faces trial in Mississippi over a series of shootings and killings.
Scene of Deaton’s crash in Ellsworth Co.-photo courtesy KHP
Rankin County District Attorney Michael Guest said Monday that authorities have returned Alex Deaton to Mississippi and aim for a summer trial on murder, drive-by shooting and motor vehicle theft indictments.
Deaton is accused of strangling his girlfriend, stealing her SUV, and shooting a jogger in 2017. He’s also indicted for killing a woman near Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Police say Deaton then carjacked a New Mexico couple, fled to Kansas, shot a store clerk and stole the clerk’s car.
Deaton pleaded guilty in July in Kansas to attempted first-degree murder and aggravated robbery. He was sentenced there in October to nearly 13 years in prison.
Deaton-photo Rankin Co. MS Sheriff
He faces a possible life sentence if convicted in Mississippi.
Kansas pump price drops three cents on the week to $2.43
TOPEKA – Gas prices in Kansas followed a national trend this week, declining for the first time this year. The average price across Kansas is now $2.43/gallon, which is three cents less than one week ago. After experiencing the fifth largest gas price increase in the nation – 17 cents – over the previous month, Kansas motorists are finally experiencing a reversal of that trend and joining more than three-quarters of the nation in seeing lower prices at the pump.
“After seeing strong gasoline demand and high crude oil prices drive gas prices to an unseasonable winter price increase trend since the start of the year, drivers are finally seeing some relief, at least for now,” said Jennifer Haugh, AAA Kansas spokeswoman. “Despite the recent increases, prices have been rising across the country, so Kansas is still in a good place, with the 15th lowest gas prices in America, 15 cents lower than the national average.”
The 10 Kansas cities regularly highlighted by AAA Kansas (see chart above), only Emporia saw a price increase, rising two cents. Leading the declines were Lawrence (-6 cents) and Pittsburg (-4), while Kansas City, Kan., Manhattan, Topeka and Wichita all fell three cents per gallon.
According to AAA Kansas, this week’s Kansas gas price extremes are:
HIGH: Oberlin (Decatur County) – $2.77
LOW: Goddard (Sedgwick County) – $2.25
National Perspective
At $2.58, the national gas price average has decreased for the first time week-over-week this year. Today’s price is 3 cent less than last week, 6 cents more than a month ago and 30 cents more than a year ago. Motorists can find gas for $2.50 or less at 53 percent of gas stations across the country.
“Gas price averages are less expensive for 78 percent of states compared to last Monday. Motorists filling up in the Midwest, South and East Coast are most likely to see the positive change at the pump,” said AAA Kansas’ Haugh. “Unfortunately, it’s too early to know if this one-week decline is the start of a cheaper gas price trend.”
Consumer gasoline demand and gasoline inventories increased according to the latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports. Hitting its highest level this year, gasoline demand registered at 9.1 million b/d, a 169,000 b/d increase year-over year. Total U.S. gasoline inventories built by 3.4 million bbl to total 245.5 million bbl, which sits about 1.4 million bbl above the five-year average.
Great Lakes and Central States Report
Gas prices are less expensive on the week across the Great Lakes and Central region, except North Dakota where prices remained stable. Indiana (-14 cents), Michigan (-11 cents), Kentucky (-9 cents), Ohio (-8 cents) and Illinois (-6 cents) saw not only the largest decreases in the region, but in country. In the region, North Dakota ($2.63) and Iowa ($2.60) are selling the most expensive gasoline. At $2.37, Ohio is selling the cheapest gas in the region and the 7th cheapest in the country.
Compared to one month ago, Michigan (-16 cents), Ohio (-13 cents), Illinois (-12 cents), Indiana (-11 cents) and Kentucky (-5 cents) are five of only six states in the country that are paying less at the pump. These states have seen very volatile gas prices since January.
Gasoline inventories in the region have built every week this year according to EIA reports. With a build of nearly 1 million bbl, gasoline inventories total 57 million bbl this week.
Police on the scene of the fatal shooting-photo courtesy KWCH
SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.
Just before 9p.m. Sunday, police responded to a shooting call in the 900 Block of South Pine Ridge in Wichita, according to Lt. Todd Ojile. Upon arrival, first responders found an 18-year-old inside a residence with multiple gunshot wounds.
He was transported to a local hospital where he died, according to Ojile.
Investigators learned that the 18-year-old was at the residence of a woman and two children, accompanied by three other men. While there, unknown suspects arrived at the residence and were armed with a handgun.
The victim and one of the suspects got into a physical confrontation and shots were fired that hit the victim, according to Ojile.
Early Monday, investigators arrested a 17-year-old suspect in the area of Lincoln and Rock Road in Wichita. The teen is being held in juvenile detention on requested murder charges, according to Ojile. Investigators are still working to identify the other suspects.
Anyone with information is asked to call police.
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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say an 18-year-old man has been killed in a Wichita shooting.
Police say the man wasn’t breathing when officers responded Sunday night to a home in the southern part of the city.
He was rushed to a hospital where he died. The victim’s name wasn’t immediately released and no arrests have been made. Officers are investigating.
Troy L. Waymaster, State Representative, 109th Kansas House
February 12, 2018
State of the State 2.0
On Wednesday, February 7, 2018, Governor Jeff Colyer addressed a joint session of the House and Senate in the chamber of the Kansas House of Representatives. Although this was technically not a second State of the State speech, in essence it was.
The Governor outlined his focus for the remainder of his term. He started with an executive order that he had already signed and four additional orders. The executive order that he had signed requires all cabinet agencies to update their sexual harassment prevention policies. Thursday, the Governor signed the four executive orders that he mentioned during his speech.
The Governor also discussed jobs, stating that job growth and enhancing the quality of life for all Kansans must be our high priority. He mentioned that the current unemployment rate is at 3.4%, although the state has 48,000 unfilled jobs. The Governor said he would be launching his “(Re) Employment Plan,” which will provide, free of charge, a skills assessment, resume, interview and networking assistance, and labor market information highlighting current in-demand jobs. Governor Colyer’s speech was very refreshing and his direction for the state was starkly different than what Governor Brownback released earlier in the session.
Ad Astra Rural Jobs Act Gets Hearing in the Senate
Early on Tuesday morning, I had the pleasure of testifying in front of the Senate Commerce Committee to promote the bill that I introduced during the 2017 Legislative Session. The bill focuses on creating jobs in rural areas of Kansas. I focused on the components of the legislation that allow for capital investors to invest in companies that are wanting to build, relocate, or expand in rural areas. The Ad Astra Rural Jobs Act would definitely boost job creation, and I mentioned how it partners with the Rural Opportunity Zone. However, this was just a hearing on Tuesday morning, I hope, that given the support we had, the Senate Commerce committee will work the bill soon.
Bills Passed Out of the House
On Thursday, February 8, 2018, the Kansas House of Representatives debated and voted on four bills. A couple of those bills are as follows:
The first bill that we debated was Senate Bill 262, introduced by Senator Elaine Bowers, which authorizes the construction of a statue to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the State Capitol grounds. The funds generated to construct the statue will be privately raised and no state general fund dollars will be used for the Eisenhower statue.
This bill passed 123-0.
Another bill that we debated was House Bill 2492, which would increase the maximum local sales tax rate that could be imposed by Thomas County from 1.5% to 1.75%, with all taxes levied above 1% to remain earmarked for financing a courthouse, jail, and law enforcement center. This is subject to a vote by the electorate of Thomas County. This bill now goes to the Senate after passing 109-14.
Appropriations Committee Work
On Thursday February 8, we heard the first report from a Budget Committee. The Committee heard the General Government Budget Committee’s report on the Board of Barbering, Board of Cosmetology, and Judicial Branch Budgets. We will continue to hear budget reports from all the Budget Committees until March 15. This week, the following budgets will be heard in Appropriations:
February 12: General Government: Office of the Governor; Attorney General; Department of Administration;
February 13: Transportation and Public Safety: Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training; Office of the State Fire Marshal; Kansas Bureau of Investigation; Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
February 14: Agriculture and Natural Resources: Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism; Department of Agriculture. Social Services: Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs
February 15: Higher Education: Board of Regents; Emporia State University; University of Kansas Medical Center; Wichita State University
The Kansas Legislative Research Department has produced agency budget summaries. You can access the budgets at the following web addresss:
On Thursday, members of the Kansas House, Kansas Senate, and legislative staff wore red for heart health awareness. Representative Susan Concannon carried House Resolution 6048, which names February as American Heart Month. The resolution provides many facts surrounding women and heart health, including: cardiovascular diseases kill one in three women in the United States, yet 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases may be prevented; an estimated 44 million women in the United States are affected by cardiovascular diseases; 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing a heart disease or a stroke. The Go Red for Women movement encourages women to know and manage total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index. Representative Concannon was joined by Leann Dickson, a cardiac nurse at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and an American Heart Association volunteer. The resolution was adopted without roll call.
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.
WYANDOTTE COUNTY -A Kansas man died in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Monday in Wyandotte County.
First responders on the scene of Monday’s fatal crash-photo courtesy KCTV
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy passenger car driven by Dennis W. Wager, Lansing, was turning left onto Marxen Road from Southbound Kansas 7.
The Chevy rear-ended a 2013 Freighlinter driven by Brendan R. Shepherd, 29, Cameron, Mo., that was in the turn.
Wagner was pronounced dead at the scene. Shepherd was not injured. Wagner was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ new governor has joined in increased calls to stop using state highway funding for other purposes.
photo KDOT
The state has spent more than $3.3 billion meant for highways on other areas of spending over the past 20 years. As a result, the state is currently delaying nearly two dozen projects to repair or expand highways.
Gov. Jeff Colyer told lawmakers last week that the state “must end the highway funding sweeps and build an effective plan that promotes economic development and strengthens our transportation network.”
Colyer didn’t offer a concrete proposal or timeline for ending the transfer of money from highways to other areas. But his spokeswoman said Friday that the governor is calling for a transportation task force to identify the best option.
The Ellis County Commission will begin preparing to lay out the 2019 budget at Monday’s meeting. County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes will present the commission with information on the county’s five-year financial forecast, and commissioners will discuss conditions that could impact the budget.
The commission will also issue a proclamation declaring February Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and recognize individuals for their years of service to Ellis County.
The Public Building Commission will meet at 5 p.m. with the regular commission meeting to follow at the County Administrative Building at 718 Main.
SEDGWICK COUNTY— Fire officials have ruled a fatal Kansas house fire as accidental.
Crews on the scene of the fatal fire-photo courtesy KWCH
Just after 6p.m. Friday, crews responded to a home in the 3100 Block of North Woodland in Wichita, according to Lt. Jose Ocadiz.
The residence was a detached garage converted into a single room apartment. First responders found the victim identified as 72-year-old Charles E. Wilson, near the front door, according to Ocadiz.
The origin of the fire was in a recliner chair and caused due to the victim smoking while on oxygen.
Authorities released no additional details.
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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Emergency officials say one person has died in a house fire in north Wichita.
The fire was reported around 6:15 p.m. Friday. Firefighters say they saw no smoke or flames coming from the home when they arrived, but encountered thick smoke upon entering the house.
Fire Chief Tammy Snow says the victim was found on the floor and removed from the house. The man was not breathing and did not have a pulse when rescued and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 7 p.m.
Authorities had not released the victim’s name by midday Saturday.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Portrait Gallery is unveiling portraits of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.
Images courtesy National Portrait Gallery
Barack Obama’s portrait was painted by Kehinde Wiley — an artist best known for his vibrant, large-scale paintings of African-Americans. For Michelle Obama’s portrait, the gallery commissioned Baltimore-based artist Amy Sherald, first-prize winner of the Portrait Gallery’s 2016 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition.
The paintings were unveiled Monday at the gallery, which is part of the Smithsonian group of museums. The gallery has a complete collection of presidential portraits.
I would like to thank Alan Deines, director of the new Robbins Banking Institute and W.R. Robbins founder of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University, for their presentation to the Financial Institutions and Pensions committee this last Thursday. In 2017 Fort Hays State University began offering the only extensive banking curriculum in Kansas. FHSU is one of the few universities offering banking classes. The focus of the curriculum is on commercial banking with additional coursework in agricultural lending. Kansas banking industry assets were estimated at $70 billion and they employ 15,000 people. It is estimated the age of one-half of the bank employees is 55 years or older. The industry continues to grow requiring additional employees regardless of age. With this information, this course will provide many opportunities for those interested in a banking career.
The hearing on the amusement ride bill went well on Tuesday. The original Kansas Amusement Ride Act was passed in April 2017 as SB 70. The bill was intended to provide quality assurance that amusement rides were safe and regularly inspected. The bill regulates inspections, insurance and fees. Our bill SB 307, would provide various new regulations that would benefit small county and town fairs in Kansas. One proposed change would update the definition of a home-owned amusement ride to, “be owned and operated by a nonprofit, community-based organization that is operated less than 20 days in a year and operated at only one location per year. The bill will decrease regulations for small amusement rides while continuing to ensure the quality and safety of rides for Kansans. This bill will be worked in committee this week and should come to the floor either this week or next week for a vote.
After several hours of debate SB 285 passed the Senate chamber and will now be worked on by the House. This bill sets up a committee to study and make recommendations for a new ten-year transportation plan. Much of the debate centered around the people who will serve on this task force.
Town hall meetings are being scheduled for the end of February. We have scheduled dates but locations for these meetings have not been determined as of today. I appreciate Farm Bureau for organizing the town hall meetings. The dates are:
February 23, 2018 Ellis, Phillipsburg, Norton, Hill City, WaKeeney
February 24, 2018 Colby, Hoxie, Quinter, Oakley, Sharon Springs
February 26, 2018 Goodland, St. Francis, Atwood, Oberlin
Being a page at the Capitol is a wonderful experience. If you have a middle school or high school student interested in being a page please contact my office assistant, Donna, at 785 296-7399.
