TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man was indicted Thursday on charges of robbing two cash loan stores, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Crawford photo Shawnee Co.
Derick Renee Crawford, 29, Topeka, was charged with two counts of commercial robbery. The indictment alleges Crawford committed the following robberies including Advance America, 2232 Louisiana Street in Lawrence, on Feb. 21 and Advance America, 1947 Northwest Topeka Blvd. in Topeka, on March 29.
If convicted, Crawford faces a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Colby Community College men’s basketball coach Rusty Grafel submitted his resignation after accepting a position with the Texas Tech University men’s basketball program. He notified the Board of Trustees at the June 17 meeting.
“Everything in life starts with a foundation,” Grafel said. “And without a foundation, it’s not possible to build anything special. The foundation of this program was laid far before me, and I’m beyond honored I could be part of adding to it and passing it on.”
Grafel came to Colby in 2009 and served as an assistant before being named head coach in 2012. He hired his brother Egan as the associate head coach, and over the next seven seasons compiled the most wins in program history with a record of 104-116.
“To all the Trojan fans, there is not a community and support system that is better,” he said. “You have opened your wallets, doors to your home, and hearts to a small town man from Oberlin. It’s been a dream come true to coach in front of family and friends, have Egan along side of me, and call Colby home!”
Grafel played at Hutchinson Community College and helped the Blue Dragons to a Jayhawk West championship in 2004. He transferred to Fort Hays State where he played three years for the Tigers and was part of the 2006 Rocky Mountain Athletic Association championship team that was ranked No. 1 in the nation. After graduating, he stayed at Fort Hays State and began his coaching career as an assistant in the men’s program until he joined the Trojans staff in 2009.
“I never thought I would have been back in northwest Kansas after college,” he said. “To say it was a blessing when Dustin Pfeifer called and asked me to be a part of the Trojan family is an understatement. What this college, community, athletes, and people of Colby gave me can’t be put in words, and I will forever be grateful.”
Interviews for the vacated position are complete, and CCC expects to announce a new head coach by the end of the week.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), continues to issue public health warnings for six lakes due to blue-green algae. Three lakes are currently on watch status.
Current Warnings:
Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (unchanged)
Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County (unchanged)
Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County (unchanged)
Marion Reservoir, Marion County (unchanged)
Gathering Pond near Milford (Hatchery Supply Pond), Geary County (new 6/27)
Webster Lake (Webster Reservoir), Rooks County (upgraded from Watch status 6/20)
Lifted Warning, No Watch Status: Overbrook City Lake, Osage County
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
Water contact should be avoided.
Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
Current Watches:
Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County (unchanged)
Marion County Lake, Marion County (unchanged)
Strowbridge (Carbondale East), Osage County (unchanged)
A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.
During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Signage will be posted at all public access locations
Water may be unsafe for humans/animals
Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
Swimming, wading, skiing, and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms
Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.
Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.
The Kansas Department of Transportation has started work on a multi-year pavement replacement project along a stretch of I-70 in Gove County. The project area covers a 9-mile portion starting one mile west of the K-23 spur near Grainfield and ending approximately four miles east of K-211.
KDOT will replace the pavement on the eastbound lanes in 2019, followed by the westbound lanes in 2020. Project work will also include pavement replacement at the east and westbound rest areas near Grainfield, construction of new right-of-way fencing, lighting installation at exits 95 and 99 and reconstruction of the box structure carrying County Road 62 under I-70 into two new span bridges. Work is expected to be completed in November 2020, weather permitting.
Koss Construction of Topeka is the primary contractor for the $38.1 million project.
For more information on the project, including ongoing or upcoming road closures related to the work, click HERE.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Vaccination opponents in Kansas have mobilized against a plan from the state health department to require more immunizations children in school and day care.
Dozens of them packed a public hearing on a regulation drafted by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
— Immunize Kansas Coalition (@ImmKSCoalition) June 27, 2019
The new rule would require children in school and day care to be vaccinated against meningitis and hepatitis A. The state already requires immunizations against polio, diphtheria, measles, German measles, whooping cough, mumps, chickenpox and hepatitis B. The change could take effect later this year, depending on how the department responds to comments.
The new rule would put Kansas in line with recommendations from the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, which guides vaccine use in the U.S. Kansas’ health department also pursued greater vaccination requirements amid outbreaks of measles, a disease easily prevented with a shot.
The new rule would preserve exemptions from vaccination mandates for medical or religious reasons, but many people in the hearing said the requirements give the government too much power. They also argued that vaccine skeptics are ignored and problems kept quiet.
“Vaccine science is tobacco science,” said Tasha Haas, a writing instructor at Kansas City Kansas Community College who spoke against the requirement.
Vaccine opponents said parents should decide whether their children are immunized and suggested that a recent Kansas Supreme Court decision protecting abortion rights gives people an absolute right to make their own medical decisions.
But health department spokeswoman Kristi Pankratz said the remarks at Thursday’s hearing are only a small portion of the comments that the agency has received about the rule in the past 60 days.
A handful of health advocates and health care professionals at Thursday’s hearing emphasized the importance of vaccines.
Gretchen Homan, a Wichita pediatrician and chairwoman of the Immunize Kansas Coalition, said children need to be able to attend school without fear of becoming sick from infectious disease.
“There are things in this world that we cannot change,” Homan said. “But the things I can protect them from, like infectious disease, I will make that choice.
RUSSELL — The Russell Area Chamber of Commerce is still seeking donations to help make the annual Freedom Fest event possible.
“Do your part and donate today,” the chamber said in an email Thursday. “We need the entire Russell community’s help to keep this tradition going! Your charitable donation is tax deductible.”
Thirsty’s Brew Pub & Grill is now accepting applications for Server/Waitstaff positions. Thirsty’s team constantly works towards creating space for customers to relax, dine, drink and socialize in a warm, comfortable setting with multiple sports viewing options. WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR TEAM MEMBERS THAT CAN HELP US ACCOMPLISH THAT!
Thirsty’s is looking for energetic, fun, positive, organized people that have a drive for providing a great customer experience, each and every time!
We offer competitive wages, food discounts, flexible schedules, and a great group of people to work with that proudly represent our brand. No experience necessary, we train extensively. Applications are taken online by clicking HERE or by going to www.thirstysgrillandpub.com and clicking on the employment tab.
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating murder and continue to search for a suspect who may be in Kansas.
Courtesy Camden Police
Jory Worthen, 24, is wanted by the Camden Arkansas Police Department, in connection with the murders of Alyssa Cannon and her 4-year-old son Bradon Ponder.
Worthen was last seen driving a 2007 white Honda Accord with Arkansas license plate number 921YBE.
Jory is believed to be in the Wichita area, according to Wichita Police.
If you see this vehicle or Jory, call 911 immediately.
MORRIS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of farm equipment from a rural business and asking the public for help identifying suspects.
Suspects as seed from the White City gas station/COOP
On June 23, several vehicles were stolen from the Oleen Brothers’ Headquarters, a registered cow-calf and quarterhorse business in rural Dwight, according to the Morris County Sheriff. The items stolen included a Brown 3500 Dodge Ram Truck pulling an Aluminum EBY Trailer with the company’s Brand Logo on it, two 900 series Polaris Rangers (one with orange highlights and one with olive green) both with 60 gal. pressure water tanks, and a Red Ford F250 feed truck with a feed box on the back. The suspects reportedly arrived from White City on Highway 4. The vehicle they were driving appears to be a light colored Chevy Avalanche with dark trim.
If you have seen or have any information regarding the vehicles or the people responsible for this theft, please call the Sheriff @ 620-767-6310 or Arden Oleen @ 785-466-1422.
