TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — After losing his primary last month, Kansas congressman Tim Huelskamp is back in Washington, D.C., and pushing to have the commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service impeached.
The Wichita Eagle reports that Rep. Huelskamp and others in the House had been pushing to open impeachment proceedings against Commissioner John Koskinen since January. Koskinen is accused of thwarting congressional investigations into the IRS’s tough scrutiny of tea party groups seeking tax exemptions.
The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce announced the featured speaker for the 2017 annual banquet on Friday.
Carly Fiorina, Chairman and CEO, Hewlett-Packard Company (1999-2005), best-selling author, and challenger for the 2016 Republican Presidential Nomination, will be the featured speaker at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet and Membership Meeting, which takes place on Wednesday, February 8, 2017. The banquet will be held in the Arena of the Salina Bicentennial Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. A membership networking reception will be held from 5 to 6:15 p.m. in Heritage Hall of the Bicentennial Center.
“We are extremely excited to have Carly Fiorina as the featured speaker for our Annual Banquet,” stated Brian Richardson, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber. “Not only is she one of the top female executives in the United States, she has a great message regarding how human potential is a limitless and a uniquely powerful resource that can be unlocked. We are looking forward to an enlightening and entertaining evening.”
The banquet will be held on the floor of the arena (tables of eight which includes dinner). Tickets for Chamber members are $60 per person for the banquet. Tickets for non-members are $85 per person for the banquet. Reservations can be made by Chamber members now through November 30 by calling the Chamber office ticket hotline at 785-827-9310, ext. 123, stopping by the Chamber office, 120 W. Ash, or email Sandy Cole at [email protected]. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning December 1. Tickets will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Chamber Chairman Brian Richardson announces the 2017 chamber speaker Friday morning.
A limited number of sponsorships are available. For details regarding the cost and amenities of the sponsorships, persons can contact the Chamber office.
The evening will consist of remarks by outgoing Chairman Brian Richardson and incoming Chairman Guy Walker, a brief review of the Chamber’s accomplishments in 2016, and the address by Carly Fiorina.
For more information on the banquet and Carly Fiorina, people can go to the Chamber’s website at SalinaKansas.org.
Carley Fiorina Bio:
Carly Fiorina is a true leader and a seasoned problem-solver. She is a passionate, articulate advocate for conservative policies that advance economic growth, entrepreneurship, innovation, and effective leadership. Through extensive experience she has learned that human potential is a limitless and uniquely powerful resource that can be unlocked, inspired and focused on worthy goals and common purpose. She knows that conservative principles, applied in a twenty first century context, are the most effective way to unleash this potential for positive change in communities, organizations of all kinds and our nation.
Being underestimated is nothing new to Fiorina. She started her career filing and answering the phones as a secretary in a 9-person real estate firm. She then joined AT&T in an entry-level sales position. Fifteen years later she led AT&T’s spinout of Lucent Technologies and then Lucent’s North American operations. In 1999, she was recruited to Hewlett-Packard where she would become the first woman to lead a Fortune 50 business and allow HP to survive the worst technology recession in 25 years. In her six years as chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard, Hewlett-Packard not only survived the dot-com bust—they became the leader in every market segment and every product category. HP doubled revenue to over $80 billion, quadrupled the growth rate to 6.5 percent, and tripled innovation to 15 patents a day. While household names went out of business, Fiorina saved 80,000 jobs and would grow the company to 160,000 jobs. Carly transformed HP from a lurching bureaucracy into an agile, tech industry leader. As a result, HP grew from the 28th to 11th largest company in the United States during her tenure.
Fiorina has always believed in giving back to the community and has been an active participant in government and politics. She has served in a large number of advisory and policy-making positions for national and state governments, including as chairman of the external advisory board for the Central Intelligence Agency; as chairman of the American Conservative Union Foundation, which annually hosts CPAC (the largest annual gathering of conservatives) and was founded by William F. Buckley and others; as chairman of Good360, the world’s largest product philanthropy organization; and as chairman of Opportunity International, a Christian-based organization that lifts millions out of poverty through microfinance.
Taking on tough challenges has been a hallmark of Fiorina’s life. In 2010, she didn’t shy away from a challenging run for the U.S. Senate when she took on one of Washington’s most entrenched liberals, Barbara Boxer, from the deep blue state of California. She earned more votes than any Republican nationwide that election-cycle and raised over $25 million dollars in 12 months. On the campaign trail, Fiorina became known for her proud adherence to conservative philosophy and her mastery of the issues.
During the hard-fought battle for votes and ideas, Fiorina was also battling breast cancer. At the same time, she and her husband Frank suffered the terrible tragedy of the loss of their younger daughter, Lori. Throughout these difficult times, they were sustained by the redemptive power of their Christian faith and the strength of their family. Fiorina has many blessings but the most important are her husband, their oldest daughter Tracy and her two granddaughters. They inspire her to make a positive difference every day.
In 2015, Fiorina announced she would seek the Republican nomination for President of the United States, capturing national attention for her platform of citizen government. She was credited for changing the landscape of the Republican field, winning debates, and fighting for conservative principles that lift people up and recognize all Americans have the right to fulfill their God-given potential.
In her best-selling memoir, Tough Choices, Fiorina credits her parents with providing an unshakable foundation for her life. Her mother taught her: “What you are is God’s gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift to God.” Her father, a strict constructionist jurist who would eventually sit on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, taught her conservative philosophy and the importance of fighting with integrity and courage for one’s beliefs. Her lifetime of experience has taught Fiorina that the highest calling of leadership is to unlock the potential in others.
SHAWNEE COUNTY -Law enforcement authorities in Shawnee County are investigating a vehicle burglary
On Sunday, unknown male suspects committed a vehicle burglary in the 5800 block of SW 28th Terrace, in Topeka, according to a media release.
The suspects were captured on residential video surveillance.
Police ask that any information on these suspects should be sent to TPD Criminal Intelligence Unit ([email protected]) or LT Bryan Wheeles ([email protected]) or call #785 368 9576 or Crime Stoppers at #785 234 0007
Photo by Bryan Thompson/KHI News Service James Machor, an English professor at Kansas State University, speaks Thursday during a forum in Manhattan on the university’s proposed concealed carry policy.
BY Brian Thompson
Kansas lawmakers — at least the majority of them — think college campuses will be safer starting next July. That’s when a law they approved will allow people to carry concealed handguns on Kansas Board of Regents campuses.
But Joey Paz, a student at Kansas State University, said he’ll feel less safe.
“If this law would have been passed three years ago … I would have seriously considered not going to school in Kansas,” he said.
Paz spoke Thursday during a forum at K-State. The forum, which drew about 60 people, was meant to address the university’s proposed policy to implement the law. However, many in the audience wanted to talk about the law itself.
Michael McGlynn, who teaches in K-State’s School of Architecture, said after the forum that students aren’t the only ones worried about safety.
“Faculty have made it clear that they will check themselves at the door, that they will change the nature of their classes in response to this,” he said.
McGlynn said that if faculty and students are afraid to engage in a free and open exchange of ideas, the culture of the university will be jeopardized.
But Joe Hancock, who teaches animal science at K-State, thinks concerns about the new gun law are overblown.
“I mean, you’re talking about suicides and gunfights in classrooms, and (how) I’m not going to be able to discuss anything controversial,” Hancock said. “I think you’re way underestimating the quality and the caliber of our students at Kansas State University. They’re not a bunch of idiots.”
Hancock, who has a concealed carry permit, said he’ll probably carry a gun on campus from time to time once it’s legal. He said supporters of gun rights shouldn’t have to demonstrate that concealed carry will make the campus safer — just that it won’t make it any less safe.
“And if it doesn’t, you can’t prove that it makes things worse, then leave people alone. Let ’em do what they want to do,” he said.
The proposed K-State policy would require guns to be under the direct control of their owners, unless securely holstered and stored in a residence or vehicle. The university will not provide gun storage and faculty will not be allowed to leave guns in their offices. They also won’t be permitted to designate their offices as gun-free zones.
English professor James Machor said Texas allows faculty offices to be considered non-public spaces, where guns could be banned.
“Although the law is phrased differently for Texas — I don’t know what the phrasing is — but the University of Texas has allowed its faculty to do that,” Machor said.
Hancock said that was true, but there are several rules that go along with that exception. Texas requires such restrictions to be announced verbally. A sign isn’t enough.
“And, if a student wants to meet with you that might be a concealed carry participant, and you won’t let him in the office, then you have to make arrangements to meet with him somewhere else on campus,” Hancock said.
Vice President of Student Life Pat Bosco said a survey found that most K-State faculty members generally are opposed to the law, and 60 percent of students are also opposed to it.
Bosco said he won’t know until after fall enrollment next year whether the law may put a damper on enrollment.
“We’ve had emails from parents and students on both sides of the issue,” he said. “There are some who are saying that they would not go to a school in the state of Kansas because of this new law. We’ve had others say they’ll feel safer because of this law.”
Stephen Kucera, who is in his fourth year on the K-State Student Senate, said after the forum that people concerned about the law should let their elected leaders know their stance on the issue.
“Ultimately the only way that we can achieve the best policy is if people register to vote, and go to the polls in November in state and local elections,” Kucera said.
BARTON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Barton County are investigating burglary involving Great Bend police officer’s personal vehicle, according to a media release.
Although most of the items stolen were personally owned, a Great Bend Police badge was among the items taken.
The Police Department wants to make the public aware that this badge has been stolen, so that they may be wary of anyone who may try to impersonate an officer.
In addition to their badges, all Great Bend Police Officers are issued department identification cards, which they should be able to produce if you have questions about whether someone is truly a police officer.
The Police Department also reminds citizens that if they have questions about whether someone is truly an officer, they can also call the Police Department (793-4120) or Barton County Dispatch to confirm the person’s identity.
“Although we’d certainly like to recover this badge, the reality is that a determined impersonator could easily obtain a badge off the internet these days,” said Police Chief Cliff Couch.
“People should always use good judgment and trust their instincts before letting anyone into their house, sending money that someone says they owe, or any such compromising situation.”
SALINE COUNTY -Law enforcement authorities in Saline County are investigating two suspects on drug charges.
Two people were arrested by the I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force on Thursday after an undercover buy and the execution of a search warrant.
Tray Eisenman, 23, Salina, is alleged to have sold personal use marijuana to a confidential informant that was working for the task force during the months of August and September, according to Salina Police Captain Mike Sweeney.
As a result of those drug buys, a search warrant was executed at around 10 a.m. Thursday at Eisenman’s apartment in the 1500 block of East Iron Street.
Sweeney said officers recovered personal use marijuana, digital scales and drug paraphernalia from the apartment.
Eisenman and another resident of the apartment Claire Base, 18, were both placed under arrest.
Base was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Eisenman was booked on numerous requested charges including five counts of distributing marijuana within 1000 feet of a school, six counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, five counts of unlawfully acquiring proceeds from a drug transaction and one count of possession of marijuana, according to Sweeney.
On Sept. 15, at approximately 6:45 p.m., Ellsworth County Sheriff Traci Ploutz contacted the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to request our assistance in the investigation of an officer involved shooting in Ellsworth County.
It appeared that multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in a vehicular chase with a possibly armed subject. During the event, three officers from two jurisdictions discharged their firearms.
The subject was transported from the scene via EMS, and later flown to a hospital in Wichita. The subject is in stable condition. No law enforcement officers were injured during the event.
The investigation into this event is ongoing, so no further information will be released.
Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the case file will be presented to Ellsworth County Attorney Joe Schepack for his review and consideration.
Law enforcement authorities at the scene of Thursday night’s shooting Photo Courtesy KWCH
ELLSWORTH COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues their investigation into Thursday night’s officer involved shooting in Ellsworth County.
Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in a vehicular chase with a possibly armed subject on Highway 56 between Holyrood and Ellsworth, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
During the chase, three officers from two jurisdictions discharged their firearms.
The subject was transported from the scene via EMS, and later flown to a hospital in Wichita.
The subject is in stable condition, according to the KBI.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the event.
Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the case file will be presented to Ellsworth County Attorney Joe Schepack for his review and consideration.
No names were released.
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ELLSWORTH COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities in Ellsworth County are investigating an officer involved shooting on Highway 156 between Holyrood and Ellsworth.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation, according to Ellsworth County Sheriff Tracy Ploutz. “I have been advised not to make any comment,” said Ploutz.
“Just to let everyone know, all of our officers are okay,” Ellsworth Police Chief Emil Halfhill wrote on social media.
Ellsworth County Attorney Joe Shepack is expected to release specific details of the incident on Friday, according to Ploutz.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A man has been charged in a deadly Fourth of July crash near a Topeka lake.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that 33-year-old Jason Patterson is charged with involuntary manslaughter, or in the alternative, second-degree murder; driving under the influence and speeding.
Police say he struck 60-year-old Tara French near Lake Shawnee. She was rushed to a hospital where she died of her injuries.
Shawnee County Jail officials said Patterson was booked and released on bond Wednesday. It wasn’t immediately known if he had an attorney.
MCPHERSON COUNTY – A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 3a.m. on Friday in McPherson County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chevy Malibu driven by Heather M. St. Pierre, 38, Emporia, was southbound in the northbound right lane on Interstate 135 just south of the Moundridge Exit.
The Malibu struck the trailer of a 2015 Volvo semi.
The Malibu came to rest in the east ditch.
St. Pierre was transported to Wesley Medical Center.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, issued the following statement in reaction to the United States Director of National Intelligence’s recent report revealing that two more released Guantanamo Bay (GITMO) detainees have returned to engaging in terrorist activities:
“Since the president announced his plan to close GITMO, we’ve seen a rush to transfer detainee terrorists out of the facility. This administration’s willingness to endanger American lives in order to fulfill a campaign promise is unacceptable, especially given the clear evidence showing that former detainees continue to return to the battlefield. I will continue fighting to keep the remaining detainees at the facility where they cannot engage in terrorist acts against the United States or our allies.”
The confirmed and suspected reengagement rate of GITMO detainees returning to the fight is more than 30 percent and includes those released since 2002.
Background
Sen. Moran has long advocated against relocating Guantanamo Bay detainees. He works to uphold current law by sponsoring multiple amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act and sponsors the following legislation:
The Protections Against Terrorist Transfer Act of 2016 (S. 2780) to strengthen the certification requirements relating to the transfer or release of detainees at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba;
The Detainee Transfer Transparency Act (S. 2788) to make available to the public the intended transfer or release of detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, at least 21 days in advance;
The Detaining Terrorists to Protect America Act (S. 165) to prohibit the transfer to the United States of detainees designated medium- or high-risk for two years and ban transfers to Yemen, where dozens of the remaining Guantanamo detainees are from; and
S. 2559 to prevent President Obama from transferring GITMO back to Cuba without congressional approval.
Additionally, Sen. Moran introduced a Senate Resolution to call for the detention of captured Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) fighters at GITMO.
FINNEY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Finney County are investigating an alleged threat at school in Garden City.
The Garden City Police Department indicated they had received several calls from the community and witnessed multiple social media posts about someone making alleged threats towards the Garden City High School for Friday, according to a social media report.
This has been investigated and there have been no threats towards the school, students or staff.
There is an incident being investigated by police that involved a threat made to a student by another student, not towards the school, staff or other students.
It is an isolated incident between the two.
Because of all of the concerns the police will have extra patrol at the schools in Garden City in an effort to ease tensions.
LEAVENWORTH -A Kansas man already serving prison time was found guilty by a jury Tuesday after he shot a man in the leg while his former girlfriend and her infant daughter were nearby.
Clayton Wilmer, 26, Leavenworth, was found guilty after a two-day trial on four counts: Criminal Discharge of a Firearm at an Occupied Vehicle causing great bodily harm, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Endangering a Child and Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, according to media release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson.
The charges arose from an incident on October 24, 2014 near a residence on South 10th Street. Witnesses testified during the trial that Wilmer had been texting his former girlfriend throughout the day. He then approached the former girlfriend as she was getting into her car with another man and her infant daughter.
According to the testimony, Wilmer fired a shot from a 9 mm handgun into the car and struck the man in the right leg. He then pointed the handgun at the man. The daughter of Wilmer and his former girlfriend was in the backseat of the car.
A witness who was driving in the area observed Wilmer running north on 10 Street, stop and throw the handgun into a storm drain and continue running north.
He was then observed discarding a coat and hat into a creek north of Shawnee Street on 10th.
Leavenworth Police Officers retrieved the handgun, hat and coat. Forensic testing by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation found that DNA on those items matched the DNA of Wilmer.
Wilmer is currently serving a sentence in the Kansas Department of Corrections for Aggravated Battery, Robbery, Criminal Restraint and Intimidation of a Witness. Those offenses occurred in August, 2014. He was convicted of those charges following a jury trial in January, 2016.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 4.
