SALINE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Saline County are investigating three suspects in connection with a plot to commit murder.

Three suspects, Alex Karcher, 22, Xavier McCray, 22, and Xavier Lewis, 24, all from Salina were taken into custody without incident at various Salina locations late Sunday and early Monday and booked into jail on charges of Conspiracy to Commit Capital Murder, according to Kansas Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Doug Younger.

All three are being held on $1,000,000 bond.

Younger said the three men were working together on a plot to kill someone, but would not release any details on who the trio was allegedly plotting to murder, citing officer safety concerns.

The investigation into the plot is ongoing. Younger said there were 30-40 law enforcement officers actively working the case. “It’s a rather large investigation,” he said.

“With the involvement of the Drug Task Force, it was fair to assume the plot was drug related,” said Younger.

By JIM MCLEAN

The effort to expand Medicaid in Kansas has been stuck in the political mud for the better part of three years.

Not anymore.

The results of last week’s primary election may have given expansion advocates the traction they need to overcome opposition from Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and legislative conservatives who thus far have blocked debate on the issue.

A series of victories by moderate Republicans over conservative incumbents and challengers for open seats has fundamentally changed the legislative landscape.

“I’ve been working at KHA for 30 years and I’ve never seen this kind of change in one single election,” said Tom Bell, president and chief executive of the Kansas Hospital Association.“This was a landslide election,” Hawkins said. “It was a game changer.”

David Jordan, director of the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas coalition, said voters sent a message on a host of issues, including expanding eligibility for Medicaid, which in Kansas is a privatized program known as KanCare.

“They clearly sent a message to the governor and to legislators in Topeka that it’s not acceptable to forfeit $1.9 million a day to Washington by not expanding KanCare,” Jordan said, referring to the amount of federal money the state is forgoing by not expanding the program.

The amount forfeited since January 2014 now totals more than $1.3 billion, according to the hospital association.

New confidence

The number of legislative seats that will be claimed by moderate Republicans or Democrats who favor expansion have advocates optimistic that they can get a bill through both the House and Senate.

 

“The fact that we’ve got this many more people in the Legislature, especially the Senate, who want to have the (expansion) discussion is tremendous progress,” Bell said.

Moderate Republicans won eight Senate primaries against more conservative opponents, ousting six incumbents and winning nominations in two seats held by conservatives who are retiring.

Ground also was gained in the 125-seat House, where expansion supporters won at least 15 contests over candidates who opposed expanding KanCare to cover more than 150,000 low-income adults.

Kansas is one of 19 states that have not expanded eligibility for Medicaid.

The annual income limits in states that have expanded Medicaid are $16,242 for an individual and $33,465 for a family of four. In Kansas, non-disabled adults with dependent children are eligible only if their annual incomes are below 28 percent of the poverty level, which for a family of four is $9,216 annually. Pregnant women, children and Kansans who are elderly or disabled are eligible under less restrictive income caps.

Strong support

Many of the moderate Republicans who defeated more conservative candidates in primaries don’t just support expansion, they’re outspoken on the issue.

Responding to a questionnaire sent by Women for Kansas, a bipartisan advocacy group, Patty Markley, the winner of the Republican primary in Johnson County’s 8th House District, said “it is morally reprehensible that we have not done it.”

Jan Kessinger, the GOP nominee in Johnson County’s 20th House District, also pulled no punches in her response to the questionnaire.

“The refusal of Brownback and the Legislature to accept more than $1 billion of aid is not only fiscally foolish but has taken health care options away from those who are most needy,” Kessinger wrote. “The short-sighted refusal is an example of cutting off one’s nose to spite the face.”

Anita Judd-Jenkins, who defeated six-term incumbent Kasha Kelly for the Republican nomination in the 80th House District, which covers parts of Arkansas City and Wellington in south-central Kansas, made a similar case for expansion in her response.

“Kansas citizens pay federal taxes with the expectation of return of our fair share,” she wrote. “To forfeit our share of our own tax dollars out of protest of the federal program is self-defeating.”

More gains in November

The 14th Senate District in southeast Kansas exemplifies how dramatically the landscape has changed. No matter what happens in the general election, the seat, which is now held by expansion opponent Forrest Knox, will go to an expansion supporter: either Bruce Givens, of El Dorado, who defeated Knox in the Republican primary, or Democrat Mark Pringle, from Yates Center.

The same is true in the neighboring 15th Senate District where the closure of the hospital in Independence has made expansion a potent issue.

Conservative Republican Rep. Virgil Peck, of Tyro, an outspoken opponent of expansion, hoped to claim the seat now held by Senate Vice President Jeff King, who’s retiring. But Peck was defeated by Dan Goddard, of Parsons, who campaigned with the endorsement of the hospital association.

Goddard will face expansion supporter Chuck Schmidt, former superintendent of the Independence school district, in the general election.

Several Democrats who favor expansion also are expected to be competitive in general election legislative races against Republicans who oppose it.

The 25th Senate District in Wichita is considered a swing district, meaning candidates from both parties can win it. Expansion advocates are banking on Democrat Lynn Rogers, a 15-year veteran of the Wichita Board of Education. He’s facing GOP primary winner Jim Price, whom the Wichita Eagle describes as a “libertarian-minded defense contractor … who has had two criminal convictions, a bankruptcy and other legal problems.”

The winner will replace Republican Michael O’ Donnell, an expansion opponent, who is running for the Sedgwick County Commission.

Expansion advocates also see the swing-district race in Pittsburg between Democrat Monica Murnan and first-term Republican Rep. Charles Smith as a chance to pick up a vote.

In her response to the Women for Kansas questionnaire on expansion, Murnan, a Pittsburg city commissioner, said the state’s rejection of expansion is “hurting individual people” and “putting an unnecessary burden on our local providers and hospitals.”

Brownback still opposed

Hawkins, the chairman of the House health committee, remains “skeptical” of expansion, saying the state can’t afford its share of the costs due to its ongoing budget problems. Still, he believes expansion advocates will have enough votes to pass a plan.

“The coalition that could be put together with some Republicans and some Democrats, I think they can control that issue now,” Hawkins said.

But passing an expansion plan and getting it signed into law are two different things. Hawkins said the governor’s opposition remains “pretty solid.”

Eileen Hawley, a spokesperson for Brownback, confirmed that in an email.

“The Governor has the same concerns about expanding Obamacare today as he clearly articulated to the voters of Kansas prior to his re-election two years ago,” Hawley said.

Those concerns range from the cost of expanding KanCare to low-income non-disabled adults before all Kansans with disabilities are receiving Medicaid support services in addition to their medical benefits.

Asked whether the governor would veto an expansion bill if lawmakers sent one to his desk, Hawley said, “We are not going to comment on signing a piece of legislation that has not even been written.”

Jim McLean is executive editor of KHI News Service in Topeka, a partner in the Heartland Health Monitor team.

Philanthropic gifts and commitments by alumni, friends, parents, faculty, students and corporate partners of Kansas State University totaled $150.6 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2016, according to a media release.

This level of philanthropic support marks the third most successful year in charitable giving in the more than 70-year history of the Kansas State University Foundation, and the fifth consecutive year fundraising has topped $100 million. The conclusion of fiscal year 2016 marked $882 million in total multiyear gifts and commitments toward the $1 billion goal for K-State’s Innovation and Inspiration Campaign.

“Generous, passionate alumni and friends continue to be a driving force behind the Innovation and Inspiration Campaign and K-State’s 2025 vision,” said Rand Berney, chairman of the KSU Foundation board of directors. “We are grateful for their dedication and look forward to a tremendous future as we elevate K-State to new heights together.”

Of the $150.6 million raised in fiscal year 2016, 35 percent is available for the university’s use immediately, while donors gave 65 percent through endowed gifts, pledges and deferred gifts, which will be utilized by the university at some point in the future.

“We are proud of the Wildcat family for uniting to carry the K-State banner high,” said Greg Willems, president and CEO of the KSU Foundation. “These philanthropic dollars are absolutely essential to the success of Kansas State University and reflect the extraordinary partnership the KSU Foundation enjoys with donors. K-Staters are coming together through philanthropy to invest in the university’s future.”

One of the most notable aspects of this year’s results was the $56.6 million in endowed gifts and commitments. Endowed gifts create a legacy for the donor by providing long-term funding for the purpose they support, such as student scholarships and faculty chairs and professorships.

“The endowment is a critical driver of becoming a Top 50 public research university by 2025, and endowed gifts make a lasting difference in our capacity to serve future generations of K-Staters,” said Gen. Richard B. Myers, interim president of Kansas State University.
Other key philanthropic achievements for the 2016 fiscal year:
• 55,332 individuals made nearly 80,000 gifts.
• Fifty-one percent of dollars raised came from Kansas State University alumni.
• Twenty-five gifts and commitments were $1 million or more.
• Gift commitments through estate planning, including wills, trusts and annuities, reached an all-time high of $53.9 million.

In light of recent budget uncertainties in the state of Kansas, Myers said private support is increasingly important to Kansas State University.

“Gifts from alumni and friends are essential to our continued ability to support students, faculty and communities in the tradition of land-grant institutions,” Myers said. “We are so thankful for our generous donors and their commitment to K-State’s mission.”

Philanthropic contributions to the university are coordinated by the KSU Foundation, which is leading the Innovation and Inspiration Campaign for K-State. The foundation staff works with university partners to build lifelong relationships with alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students through involvement and investment in the university.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on the death of a 10-year-old boy at a Kansas City, Kansas, water park (all times local):

2:30 p.m.

The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission says state law limits contributions by lobbyists to a GoFundMe campaign to cover the funeral expenses for a state lawmaker’s son who died at a water park.

The commission said Monday that contributions to the campaign to help Rep. Scott Schwab’s family fall under the state’s $40-a-year limit on gifts from lobbyists to legislators. The commission also said lobbyists must report their contributions to the state.

The commission had a short teleconference Monday to respond to what Executive Director Carol Williams said were numerous inquiries from lobbyists.

Ten-year-old Caleb Thomas Schwab died Sunday at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas, while riding what’s billed as the world’s largest waterslide.

TheGoFundMe campaign had raised more than $20,000 as of Monday afternoon.

___

1:50 p.m.

A Kansas water park was having a special day for elected officials when the 10-year-old son of a state legislator died on what is billed as the world’s largest waterslide.

Both a state senator who was at the park and the Kansas City, Kansas, mayor’s office confirmed Monday that state legislators and local elected officials were invited to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas.

State Sen. Pat Pettey of Kansas City said the park provided a buffet lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs and thanked elected officials for their service to the state and their communities.

Caleb Thomas Schwab died Sunday while riding the 168-foot Verruckt, one of the top attractions at the park. He was the son of state Rep. Scott Schwab of Olathe.

___

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help a Kansas lawmaker’s family cover funeral expenses for a 10-year-old son who died at a water park in Kansas City, Kansas.

The campaign set up for the family of state Rep. Scott Schwab of Olathe had raised more than $15,000 by late Monday morning. Schwab is a Fort Hays State University alum.

The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission was having a short meeting Monday to discuss whether state campaign finance laws apply to the effort. Executive Director Carol Williams said the commission received numerous inquiries from lobbyists who want to donate.

Authorities and family members say 10-year-old Caleb Thomas Schwab died Sunday at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas.

Schlitterbahn spokeswoman Winter Prosapio says the boy died on what the park bills as the world’s largest water slide.

SALINA – Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate the murder of a woman in her Saline County home and are asking the public for assistance, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

On June 25, Lori J. Heimer was brutally murdered at her residence 10525 S Hopkins Road, Assaria, Kansas.

Mrs. Heimer maintained a dog breeding business at her home named “Lori’s Poodle Patch”. Mrs. Heimer sold a variety of dogs to include poodles, teacup poodles, toy poodles, yorkiepoos, and golden doodles. Investigators want to speak to anyone that had contact or a business appointment with Mrs. Heimer from June 20th to June 25th. If you, or someone you know, fits this description please notify investigators immediately.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita police say seven armed robberies were reported at city businesses within 48 hours over the weekend.

The robberies were reported at two Subway restaurants, a Dairy Queen, a Mr. Taco, a motel, and two gas stations.

A suspect was arrested and the money was recovered after the Subway robbery Saturday night. Suspects in the other robberies all escaped.

KWCH reports Wichita police are not indicating that they believe the robberies are connected.

No one was injured in any of the crimes.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Bryan Clauson, considered the top dirt-track racer in the country, has died from injuries suffered in an accident at the Belleville Kansas Midget Nationals USAC midget race. He was 27.

His death was announced Monday morning at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A statement from his family was read that said Clauson died Sunday evening and “fought to the end.”

Clauson was leading the race Saturday night when he crashed passing lapped traffic. His car rolled and was hit by another competitor. He was airlifted to a hospital in Nebraska, and died surrounded by his family.

Clauson was on pace to compete in 200 races this year. He had 27 victories in 116 starts, and led three laps in the Indianapolis 500 in May.

A four-time USAC national champion, Clauson was aiming to become the winningest driver in series history.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to probation for growing psychedelic mushrooms at a Hutchinson business.

A Reno County judge on Friday sentenced Carlyeon Moore to three years of probation. He faces 18 years in prison if he violates the probation.

District Judge Trish Rose agreed to depart from state sentencing guidelines in granting the probation after an agreement between attorneys in the case.

The Hutchinson News reports officers in March 2015 found the mushroom growing operation in a back room at the business, which wasn’t identified. Police said there were about six dozen growing mushrooms and other equipment.

SHAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Shawnee County are investigating an armed robbery.

Just after 9p.m. on Sunday, police responded to the Subway Sandwich Shop at 2005 SE 29^th in Topeka for report of a robbery, according to a media release.

Employees told officers a man entered the building wearing a black ski mask, red bandanna and a gray sweatshirt. He used a handgun and demanded money.

After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the man fled on foot. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described at approximately 5’8” inches tall and weighs 160 pounds.

No additional details were available early Monday.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on a death at a Kansas City, Kansas, waterpark (all times local):

Officials are investigating the death of a young Kansas boy on a water slide that is billed as the world’s largest.

Authorities and family members say 10-year-old Caleb Thomas Schwab died Sunday at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas. Schwab was the son of state Rep. Scott Schwab.

Schwab is a graduate of Fort Hays State University.

Schlitterbahn spokeswoman Winter Prosapio says the boy died on one of the park’s main attractions, Verruckt, a 168-foot-tall water slide that has 264 stairs leading to the top.

No details specific details about what led to Caleb’s death have been provided.

The park will be closed Monday, and the ride will be closed pending the investigation.

8:15 p.m.

The child who died at a Kansas City, Kansas, water park has been identified as the son of a state lawmaker.

Authorities did not immediately identify the boy who died at Schlitterbahn Waterpark on Sunday, but Kansas state Rep. Scott Schwab and his wife released a statement saying it was their son Caleb Thomas Schwab.

The statement thanked the community for an “outpouring of support and compassion” after his sudden death. It asks for privacy as the family grieves.

Officials said the boy died on the park’s main attraction, the Verruckt, a 168-foot-tall water slide.

——————

A 12-year-old boy has died on a Kansas water slide billed as the world’s largest.

Kansas City, Kansas, police spokesman Officer Cameron Morgan says the boy died Sunday at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark spokeswoman Winter Prosapio says the child died on the park’s main attraction, the Verruckt, a 168-foot-tall water slide. Speeds down the ride can reach 70 mph.

Police and Prosapio did not provide details of how the child died or the child’s identity.

Prosapio says the park was closed Sunday and would also be closed Monday while the death is investigated.

The park’s website says Verruckt is the largest water slide in the world, and riders must be at least 54 inches tall.

—————

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A 12-year-old boy has died at a water park in Kansas City, Kansas.

Police spokesman Officer Cameron Morgan says the boy died Sunday at the Schlitterbahn Water Park. Morgan says he does not yet know the circumstances of the death.

Among the park’s attractions is the Verruckt water slide, which is promoted as the world’s tallest water slide.

A park official did not immediately respond to a call seeking comment Sunday.

There was no additional information released about the fatality.

 

 KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man who has spent 22 years in prison for a double homicide that witnesses swear he didn’t do hopes more than 40 affidavits supporting his innocence will help set him free.

Lamonte McIntyre was 17 in 1994 when he was accused of fatally shooting two men who were sitting in a car in a drug-infested Kansas City, Kansas, neighborhood. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

A retired Kansas City police captain who reviewed McIntyre’s case calls the murder investigation “grossly deficient.” A former drug dealer signed an affidavit swearing a different person was paid to kill the men.

McIntyre’s attorney, Cheryl Pilate, says the case has so many flaws no reasonable juror would have convicted her client if all evidence had been presented.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors say they won’t seek a second “Hard 50” sentence against a Wichita man convicted in a fatal 2009 stabbing.

Rogelio Soto was 16 when he took part in the March 17, 2009, stabbing death of 28-year-old Arturo Moreno. Soto was convicted and sentenced to at least 50 years before becoming parole eligible.

But a 2013 U.S. Supreme Court ruling essentially voided the Hard 50 sentences, which sent Soto’s case back to Sedgwick County court.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett told The Wichita Eagle recently that his office isn’t seeking the Hard 50 sentence for Soto, in part because two key witnesses are no longer in the United States.

Bennett’s office has notified the court that instead prosecutors will seek a 25-to-life prison term.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Wal-Mart is planning a new 3,000-square foot training center in Topeka.

Wal-Mart spokesman Kory Lundberg says the new Topeka facility is part of a nationwide plan that includes 200 centers located in stores across the country. Lundberg says the centers are dedicated facilities for some supervisors to get hands-on training.

In paperwork filed in June with the City of Topeka planning department, Wal-Mart indicated it would build the Topeka center near the east end of a store there.

Lundberg told The Topeka Capital-Journal that Wal-Mart elected to build 200 training academies nationwide to make it easier for employees to receive training near their homes. The Topeka facility will add about 14 positions for trainers to the store.

He says the training center is expected to be running next year.