BOONE COUNTY — A child died in an accident just before 4p.m. Friday in Boone County.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported marked 2015 Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicle driven by Columbia police officer Andria E. Heese, 27, was eastbound in a roundabout at the west entrance to the parking lot of Battle High School 7575 East St. Charles Road.
Our sincere condolences to all affected by the tragedy at Battle High School.
The vehicle exited the road with the intention of parking on the sidewalk so the driver could observe students loading onto school buses.
The vehicle struck Gabriella Curry, 4, Columbia, who was walking on the sidewalk.
Officer Heese, another CPD officer at the school and other school personnel began providing immediate medical care to the child, according to a media release from the city of Columbia. The officer requested further medical aid via radio. Columbia Fire and University Ambulance EMS arrived and provided advanced life support. The child was transported to the University Hospital Level One Trauma with CPD escort.
Despite life saving attempts by emergency personnel both on the scene and at the hospital, the child died due to injuries sustained during the incident.
Officer Heese has been with the Columbia Police Department for five years and is assigned to the Community Outreach Unit, according to the release. Officer Heese is on Administrative Leave as per department protocol. MSHP continues to investigate the incident.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce announces its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program now enables communities to apply for funding that can be used to construct a swimming pool.
There are many benefits for a community to consider constructing an outdoor city swimming pool – both for lifestyle and health benefits. Swimming pools offer a means of social interaction, relaxation and stress relief. They give an opportunity for residents to participate in aerobic, yet low-impact exercise. Finally, ADA-approved pool helps people in the community who have special needs.
To be eligible, the proposed facility must include a single pool of water with no elaborate extras, such as lazy rivers, slides or splash parks. The pool can include a maximum of two diving boards. Facilities may be designed to allow for extra features in the future but cannot be part of the application.
For a community to be eligible, it must have population of 500 to 25,000. The maximum grant amount is $1,000,000. The application has a deadline of May 15, 2019. The City must still meet the LMI requirements, and a 60/40 match is required (60% CDBG funds and 40% local funds).
For more details and to download the grant application, visit KansasCommerce.gov/cdbg. Questions should be directed to Linda Hunsicker, CDBG Specialist, at (785) 215-4484 or [email protected].
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
Friday Senator Pat Roberts announced that he would be retiring at the end of his term in 2020. Senator Roberts has been an idol, mentor, and friend. We appreciate his dedication and endless contributions to Kansas and our country. He’s been a resilient voice advocating on behalf of Kansans for decades, and we will greatly miss his leadership here in Washington. He’s been an exceptional public servant and a tireless leader for Kansas farmers, rural communities, veterans, and our servicemen and women. It was a great privilege to work with him for the past two years to pass the 2018 Farm Bill.
Laina and I wish both the Senator and Franki all the best and look forward to continuing to work with him and seek his counsel throughout his term and beyond.
Day 14 of the Partial Government Shutdown:
The current funding levels and resources are inadequate to meet the demands and scope of the problem at our borders. Walls and barriers work, and the Democrats know this, they’ve supported these types of barriers in the past. Just ten months ago, Democrats were willing to give President Trump 5 times the amount he is asking for today for border security. We must negotiate, and I believe the president is doing the right thing by hosting these meetings at the White House with congressional leaders to try and find common ground- This has become a choice between open borders and open government.
The president says he believes the shutdown will be over soon, but that he will not accept anything that doesn’t prioritize border security. I believe there are win-win-wins to be found and the president has said he’s opening to negotiating a deal.
The next Secretary of Defense
This week I wrote an op-ed in The Hill discussing our national security goals and objectives in the Middle East, and the role the new Secretary of Defense should play.
It is imperative that our nation’s next Secretary of Defense pursues missions with a clear and precise exit strategy.
As leaders, often we have to say, “Weigh the anchor, full speed ahead,” and be willing to tact into the headwinds. While the Middle East has many headwinds awaiting, I for one am glad we have a Commander in Chief whose priority is not just to win wars, but also get our troops home.
Job Report: Exceeding Expectations
The economy continues to exceed expectations. Friday the Department of Labor reported that 312,000 jobs were added in December. These numbers highlight the strength of our economy due to the 115th Congresses pro-growth agenda and the success of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. As we begin 2019, it is essential that we continue to uphold and expand this economic growth. With more than 30 million small businesses across the country and nearly 255,000 throughout Kansas, a booming economy certainly helps business increase wages and opportunities.
Blessing the 116th Congress
Thursday morning we swore in the 116th Congress. Before the ceremony members of all faiths gathered to pray for our country, and to pray for our leaders. I was honored to join my colleagues and friends in reading scripture at the bipartisan prayer service.
God is indeed alive and well in this country.
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas announced this week it has received a $500 grant award from the Hays Lions Club for the vision needs of the people they serve who have developmental disabilities.
The grant will go to support DSNWK’s Consumer Medical Fund, which assists individuals with the cost of medical items and care that are not covered by Medicaid, such as eye glasses and other vision needs.
“DSNWK would like to thank the Hays Lions Club for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities,” the organization said in a news release.
DSNWK is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 18 northwest Kansas counties since 1967.
Kansas certainly has its share of quirky attractions. The website OnlyInYourState.com has created a tour of the state’s most unique roadside attractions — several right here in northwest Kansas.
Click HERE to take a look at the list. How many have you been to?
Kansas Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids hoped to spend her first day in Congress helping to end a partial shutdown of the federal government.
U.S. Reps. Sharice Davids and Steve Watkins officially joined Congress this week and cast votes reflecting their differences, and the split between Republicans and Democrats. KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
Instead, she got a first-hand look at the gridlock that has characterized the nation’s politics and frustrated voters in recent years.
Shortly after being sworn in as one of the first two Native American women to ever serve in Congress, Davids voted for a compromise funding package to end the budget stalemate.
“This package has previously received bipartisan support and I’m hopeful it is the path forward to ending this shutdown,” Davids said on Twitter.
President Donald Trump initially supported a similar package when it passed the Senate two weeks ago. But he changed his mind when conservative pundits criticized him for backing away from his demands for $5 billion for a southern border wall.
All three House Republicans from Kansas — Roger Marshall, Ron Estes and Steve Watkins — voted against the funding package. They also opposed Nancy Pelosi’s election as speaker.
“As I crisscrossed Kansas’ Second Congressional District over the past year, there was a reoccurring theme among both Republicans and Democrats: they did not want to see Nancy Pelosi serving as Speaker of the House again,” Watkins said in a statement.
A political newcomer from Topeka, Watkins emerged from a crowded primary to narrowly defeat Democrat Paul Davis in the 2nd District, which covers roughly the eastern third of the state.
In an interview with Topeka television station KSNT, Watkins said he wants a quick resolution to the budget fight but is committed to making “the government more efficient.”
He has also asked to have his congressional salary withheld until federal workers are back on the payroll.
The shutdown — now approaching its third week — affects thousands of federal workers across Kansas, from Coast Guard payroll clerks in Topeka to more than 400 employees at the Environmental Protection Agency’s regional office in Lenexa.
“We’re all kind of in a standstill,” said Sara Watterson, president of the American Federation of Government Employees chapter that represents some of the furloughed EPA workers.
Furloughs at the Bureau of Indian Affairs have leaders of some Kansas tribes concerned about programs that provide important services.
Joseph Rupnick, chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, fears the shutdown will halt the delivery of food to about 100 low-income families on the reservation.
“The neediest population is the one that’s affected the most,” Rupnick said.
Furloughs have also forced the closure of one of Kansas’ most famous landmarks: The Brown v. Board of Education historic site in Topeka.
Rob Varnum of Oklahoma City hoped to tour the site established to commemorate the desegregation of the nation’s schools with his wife earlier this week while passing through on his way home from Kansas City.
“Here we are, but the sign says we can’t visit today because of the government shutdown,” Varnum said while peering in through a locked door. “That’s unfortunate.”
Reporter Brian Grimmett contributed to this story.
Jim McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter @jmcleanks.
Madeline Fox is a reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can reach her on Twitter @maddycfox.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is looking forward to 2019 and looking back at some of its accomplishments in 2018.
“We made great strides in a number of areas,” said Secretary Jeff Andersen. “KDHE’s Divisions of Public Health, Environment and Health Care Finance all had great achievements of which the citizens of Kansas can be proud. We look forward to continuing that work in the coming year.”
Some of the achievements at KDHE included:
Public Health
Launching the Maternal Mortality Review which includes a review committee focused on implementing comprehensive review of maternal and pregnancy-associated mortality.
Helping to organize and lead the Governor’s Substance Use Disorder Task Force chaired by KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Greg Lakin, presenting a series of proposals to the Governor to combat the opioid epidemic in 2019 and beyond.
Introducing the “Count the Kicks” stillbirth prevention initiative with over 326 expectant Kansas mothers having downloaded and used the free CTK app.
The KDHE Office of Vital Statistics making birth certificates available online with the PayIt app and opening its new office in Topeka with increased space for customers and a new registration system on the way in early 2019.
Environment
Coordinating its Dry Cleaner Remediation Program, connecting 209 homes to city water in the Haysville area and coordinating with the City of Haysville to complete the design and installation of 8.7 miles of new city water main.
Initiating its Private Well Water campaign, including an instructional video for homeowners to properly take a water sample for nitrates and total coliform, a web page, a public service announcement, flyer and social media infographs.
Assisting in the aftermath of natural disasters including the tornadoes in Eureka and flooding in many counties across the state.
Monitoring our rivers, streams, lakes and ponds for harmful algal blooms.
Health Care Finance
Approval of the state’s 1115 waiver extension application granting the state of Kansas the authority to operate KanCare, the state’s managed care program.
Awarding a new MCO contract to Aetna and holding statewide KanCare education meetings to explain the changes that will occur in 2019.
Effective Jan. 1, 2019, handling training and quality at the KanCare Clearinghouse for Medicaid eligibility. Effective, July 1, 2019, the state will take over responsibilities for the processing of elderly and disabled applications.
“These are only a few of our accomplishments during 2018,” said Secretary Andersen. “In 2019 we look forward to building on these and all of the areas KDHE addresses to follow our mission to protect and improve the health and environment of all Kansans.”
The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys and girls basketball team split a doubleheader in Ellis Friday night.
Girls: TMP 63, Ellis 38
The TMP girls used runs of 8-0 and 14-4 to build a double digit lead in the first half on their way to the fourth win in their last five games, 63-38 Friday in Ellis.
After the two teams traded leads in the first quarter Ellis took a 9-7 lead with 3:40 left in the first quarter but the Monarchs took the lead for good using an 8-0 run to lead 15-9 at the end of the first quarter.
Kyleigh Allen scored the first four points of the second quarter and sparked a 14-4 run that gave the Monarchs a 29-15 lead as the Monarchs cruised the win.
Adell Riedel led the Monarchs with 13 points and Sasha Wasinger chipped in 12.
The Monarchs at 4-3 and 3-0 in the MCL.
Rose McFarland postgame interview
Game highlights
Boys: Ellis 53, TMP 49
The Ellis Railroaders rallied from down 15 in the first-half to upend the TMP boys 53-49 Friday in Ellis.
TMP had first quarter runs of 10-2 and 12-4 to build a 22-10 first quarter lead.
Early in the second quarter the Monarchs opened their largest lead of the game at 15 following a pair of Ryan Karlin free throws at 27-12.
Despite the large deficit the Railroaders never faded and outscored the Monarchs 41-22 over the final two and a half quarters as they rallied for the win, their first MCL win of the season.
The Monarchs shot 10-14 in the first quarter but made just 9-of-35 field goals in the final three quarters.
Jackson Schulte led three Monarchs in double figures with 13. Zachary Eck finished with a career-high 26 for the Railroaders.
Bill Meagher postgame interview
Game highlights
The TMP boys fall to 4-3 on the season and 2-1 in the MCL.
The Monarchs travel to Salina Sacred Heart on Saturday.
OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A 32-year-old former massage therapist who is on the Kansas Sex Offender registry has been sentenced to 16 months in jail for secretly recording a woman while she undressed.
Gorski -photo KBI
Daniel Justin Gorski was sentenced Friday in Johnson County for the incident at a chiropractic clinic in Gardner. He pleaded guilty in November to breach of privacy.
Gorski was at one time charged with recording several women. All but one charge was dropped as part of a plea agreement.
Police began investigating Gorski in 2016 after his girlfriend reported finding a flash drive containing images of women undressing or nude.
Gorski had previously pleaded guilty in Jefferson County, Kansas, to possession of child pornography.
SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a felony suspect on multiple charges.
Jackson- photo Shawnee Co.
Just after 6p.m. Thursday, officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of 1600 SW Harrison in Topeka for traffic infractions, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.
Police arrested the driver Devontair Jackson, 26, for an outstanding Parole Violation. He was also found to be a felon in possession of a firearm.
Jackson has previous convictions for aggravated battery and aggravated robbery.
Police transported Jackson to the Shawnee County Department of Correction where he is being held on requested charges of Felon in Possession of Marijuana, with the Intent, Aggravated Battery, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm and Aggravated Assault, according to Monasmith.
Today
