KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man has been sentenced to 57 years and four months in prison for fatally shooting a woman and wounding a man in Kansas City, Kansas.

The Kansas City Star reported Monday that 31-year-old Scottie E. Lindsay was found guilty in January of intentional second-degree murder, attempted intentional second-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm.

Prosecutors say Lindsay fatally shot 37-year-old Melinda Bates Fuller multiple times during an argument on March 19, 2015, at the home of Julius Lamont Boyd. Boyd was wounded in the shooting.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A House committee’s leader has outlined a new proposal for giving the state more oversight of local public school construction projects.

Education Committee Chairman Ron Highland said Tuesday that his panel will vote on his proposal Friday. It would have a joint legislative committee review projects before voters in local school districts decide whether to authorize bonds for them.

The state helps poorer school districts pay off such debt, and costs have climbed, frustrating Republicans who control the Legislature.

The committee started with a bill that would create a new state board to review school construction projects. But Highland said some lawmakers questioned the idea and noted that the work could be done by an existing legislative committee.

Critics see such measures as an attack on local control of schools.

HUTCHINSON– It’s time to start planning your trip to the Kansas State Fair to catch the exciting lineup of entertainment.

Lynryd Skynyrd, Jake Owen with special guest Old Dominion and the Hit Makers Reunion including Restless Heart, Voice of Lonestar Richie McDonald, Suzy Bogguss and Billy Dean are the first acts secured for the 2016 Kansas State Fair. This year’s fair runs Sept. 9-18 in Hutchinson.

Grandstand tickets go on sale May 6 at 8 a.m. and can be purchased at the Kansas State Fair Ticket Office by calling 1-800-362-3247 or at www.kansasstatefair.tix.com.

Unless otherwise noted, Grandstand tickets include gate admission when purchased through Aug. 20, 2016.

Fair Fan Club

Want to buy your tickets before everyone else? Those who join the Fair Fan Club have the opportunity to purchase up to two tickets to each concert prior to the public on-sale date. In addition, Fan Club members receive advance notification of upcoming concert announcements. Memberships are on sale now. Dues are $100 per fair and can be purchased online; by phone at 1-800-362-3247 or 620-669-3600; or at the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds. Fair Fan Club members can purchase concert tickets first, starting at 8 a.m. on April 22. For more information on joining the club, visit bit.ly/FAIRFANCLUB.

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Friday, Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. – Tickets $90/$65/$50*

The legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd began in Jacksonville, Fla. over 41 years ago. The group rocks on with original member Gary Rossington joined by Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlock, Mark “Sparky” Matejka, Michael Cartellone, Johnny Colt, Peter Keys, Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase.

The rock and roll powerhouse continually tours and lives out the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd. 2014 marked the eighth year for their annual Simple Man Cruise, a four day voyage filled with the best music in Southern Rock including an outdoor beach show featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd for the first time in the cruise’s history.

With over 60 albums, sales beyond 30 million worldwide and their beloved classic American rock anthem “Sweet Home Alabama” having over two million downloaded ringtones, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers in Lynyrd Skynyrd remain a cultural icon that appeals to all generations.

For more information on Lynyrd Skynyrd, please visit www.lynyrdskynyrd.com.

Jake Owen with Special Guest Old Dominion – Saturday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. – Tickets $75/$45/$35*

From fans to music critics, everyone is eagerly embracing Jake Owen’s talented, fresh sound. With five No. 1 hits ­– two-time platinum anthem “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” Platinum-certified hits “Beachin’,” “Anywhere with You,” “Alone with You” and “The One That Got Away,” Jake Owen is both well received and well known in the country music industry. Known for his thrilling performances and laid-back style of country, Owen showcased a much different side on his acclaimed single “What We Ain’t Got.”

His latest album Days of Gold (RCA Nashville), produced by Joey Moi, is the follow up to the Gold-certified, chart-topping Barefoot Blue Jean Night, which has sold over five million copies. Additionally, Owen has earned ACA and ACM Awards, Grammy and Teen Choice Awards nominations.

Now, Owen is bringing his signature show to Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival Tour. He is currently in the studio with award-winning producers Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman working on his next album and recently released the playful, boundary-pushing lead single “Real Life.”

To learn more about Jake Owen, please go to www.jakeowen.net.

Old Dominion

Old Dominion has emerged as one of the hottest breaking bands in country music blending old-fashioned country charm, lyrical wit and rock n’ roll grit. The group consists of singer Matthew Ramsey, lead guitarist Brad Tursi, multi-instrumentalist Trevor Rosen, bassist Geoff Sprung and drummer Whit Sellers. They have spent seven years honing their craft, each making a name for themselves in Nashville by penning songs for the likes of Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney and more.

Nominated for two Academy of Country Music awards for Vocal Group of the Year and New Vocal Group or Duo of the Year, they recently celebrated their debut single “Break Up With” reaching the top of the charts for two weeks. It doesn’t stop there. Entertainment Weekly called “Meat and Candy,” Old Dominion’s first released full-length album a “deceptively smart, occasionally cheeky, stellar debut.”

Old Dominion is currently headlining the Meat and Candy Tour and watching their second hit, “Snapback” gain traction and climb up the charts. More recently, they made their national television debuts on Jimmy Kimmel Live and the Today Show. In April, Old Dominion will rejoin Kenny Chesney for the second year in a row on his 2016 tour.

For more information on Old Dominion, please visit www.olddominionband.com.

Hit Makers Reunion – Tuesday, Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m. – Tickets $34*

Restless Heart

John Dittrich, Greg Jennings, Paul Gregg, Dave Innis, and Larry Stewart make up Restless Heart. These men have enjoyed one of the most successful careers in country music history: placing over 25 singles on the charts – with six consecutive No. 1 hits, four albums certified Gold by the RIAA and they have won a wide range of awards from many organizations including the Academy of Country Music’s Top Vocal Group trophy.

Their record-shattering string of hits, such as “I’ll Still Be Loving You,” “Fast Movin’ Train” and “When She Cries” have audiences everywhere singing along. And, their story is far from over, Restless Heart still has a lot of history left to make.

Richie McDonald

Recognized as one of country’s best singers and a polished and engaging entertainer, McDonald is the face and voice of Lonestar, ranked among the genre’s preeminent groups. As one of the industry’s most successful songwriters, he has penned some of the era’s most memorable songs and earned a mantle full of awards and nominations.

Suzy Bogguss

Suzy Bogguss first joined the church choir at five years old, then added piano, drums and guitar to her repertoire. Soon she was singing in musicals, though it never occurred to her that her future was on stage. But the long list of industry awards including her Grammy – prove that on stage is exactly where she belongs.

Billy Dean

From Billy Dean’s insightful songwriting to his clear and distinctive voice and masterful instrumental gifts, he’s earned not only ACM awards, CMA awards and a Grammy, but also countless devoted fans along the way. His appeal reaches beyond the music world. He has appeared on numerous TV shows as well as made-for TV movies. Billy transcends genres and generations alike – he is loved by the entire family.

* Concert tickets, unless otherwise denoted, include general gate admission when purchased through Aug. 20.

PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — One of the men charged in the robbery and slaying of a Pittsburg State University student has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

The Pittsburg Morning Sun reports that 21-year-old Corbin Joseph Spragg, of Pittsburg, also admitted to aggravated kidnaping. As part of the agreement, charges of first degree murder, attempted aggravated robbery and attempted aggravated burglary were dropped.

Prosecutors say 20-year-old engineering student Taylor Thomas was killed in 2014 when Spragg and three other men attempted to steal marijuana from Thomas’ roommate. A fifth man who’s accused of aiding the other four after the killing also faces charges.

Spragg has agreed to testify against the other defendants and won’t be formally sentenced until the other cases end. As part of the plea agreement, he faces 27-and-a-half years in prison.

FINNEY COUNTY- Law enforcement authorities in Finney County are investigating an aggravated burglary.

Just before 8 a.m. on Tuesday, officers of the Garden City Police Department were dispatched to the 700 block of Sarah Street for a reported burglary in progress, according to a media release.

The victim advised 911 dispatchers that the suspect fled the residence on foot toward Victor Ornelas Elementary School and that the he may possibly be armed with a handgun.

Officers of the Garden City Police Department, Finney County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the area and established a perimeter while Police K- 9’s were used to track the suspect. Victor Ornelas Elementary School and the Charles O. Stones Intermediate Center were notified and initiated a lockdown.

As Officers were checking the area they were notified of a subject hiding in the basement of a home under construction in the 400 Block of Susan Street.

Officers responded to the scene, and Alfonso Morales, 27, Garden City was arrested without incident.

Morales is being held in the Finney County Jail and could face the following charges:
Aggravated Burglary x2, Attempted Theft, Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer.
Morales was also held on warrants through the Finney County District Court for:
Probation Violation-Indecent Liberties with a child
Probation Violation-Aggravated Battery
Possession of Drug/Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute

Further investigation revealed that this Morales was the focus of a search on March 7, in the area of 5700 Old Post Rd and 700 Amy St. where he had fled from deputies and officers for Felony warrants.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas Senate committee has voted to permanently divert federal family planning funding from abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday approved a bill that would make permanent a 2011 provision that distributes funding for Title X, a federally financed family planning program. The provision gives funding priority to public health departments and clinics ahead of private family planning clinics.

Sen. Marci Francisco, a Democrat from Lawrence who opposed the measure, suggested a change that would expand access to long-lasting reversible contraception, but the committee voted against the proposal.

Planned Parenthood challenged the provision in federal court and ultimately lost in the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Denver in 2014.

TOPEKA- Law enforcement authorities in Shawnee County are investigating an officer involved shooting, according to a media release from Topeka police.

Just before 4 p.m. on Monday, officers with the Topeka Police Department responded to the 500 Block of Taylor where an officer with the United States Marshal’s Service assigned to the Fugitive Task Force shot  45-year-old Randall J. Selsor, who is white, according to the release. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Marshals Service was attempting to serve arrest warrants for an attempted violation of an act that requires criminal offenders to register with law enforcement and for misdemeanor domestic battery.

At the time of the shooting, two members of the U.S. Marshals Service, two Shawnee County sheriff’s deputies and one Topeka police officer were searching for Selsor.

The Topeka Police Department is leading the investigation.

The Shawnee County Attorney’s office was notified of the incident and will receive the case when the investigation is complete.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Johnson County lawmaker has defended a proposal to require annual votes on the status of local teachers unions, an idea criticized by Kansas’ main union as a distraction from more important matters.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the bill would require yearly votes to be held on whether teachers want their local union to continue representing them.

Republican state Sen. Jeff Melcher says the goal is to give each year’s new incoming teachers a voice so that the unions will better understand what their members want.

Most local teachers unions in Kansas are affiliated with the Kansas National Education Association and the National Education Association.

The Kansas National Education Association describes the bill as the latest in a long line of attempts to cripple unions.

HESSTON- Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback was among the first to call Hesston Police Chief Doug Schroeder a hero for his role in stopping the shooter at Excel Industries on February 25.

Without his aggressive response the governor said more people would have been at risk.

On Tuesday, Schroeder’s who has been chief of police in Hesston since 1998 issued his first statement on the incident.

“The events of this past week have devastated our small community — a community with which I have a strong personal connection. I offer my sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

No one should have to go through the pain they have experienced. I pray God’s comfort surrounds them as they begin to heal. There is a difficult road ahead for so many people, but it is one they won’t be walking alone.

I feel God has prepared me throughout my life and career for these events. I am not a hero. I know hundreds of law enforcement officers, each one of them with a different skill set, personality and abilities.

I can’t think of one officer who wouldn’t have done the same thing I did. I am so proud of my brothers and sisters in Harvey County Communications, law enforcement, and EMS. As it is written in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.”

I am also proud and thankful of the Excel employees. I was provided valuable information as I was trying to locate the shooter inside the facilities. Some helped direct me toward the shooter. I have also heard stories about employees helping each other to safety and rendering aid to the injured.

Although I have over a hundred first responders and crisis management personnel to thank individually, I would like to mention a few key individuals who played extremely valuable roles during the crisis and shortly thereafter. I would like to thank Hesston Mayor David Kauffman; City Administrator Gary Emry; Newton Police Department Deputy Chief Craig Dunlavy; Newton Police Department Cpl. Brian Rousseau; Harvey County Emergency Management Director Gary Denny; Hesston Police Sergeant Chris Carter; and Harvey County Sheriff T. Walton.

The leadership, composure and compassion of these individuals during a very stressful time minimized the negative outcome of this situation.

The citizens of Hesston, Newton and Harvey County are resilient. No one had to ask for an extra measure of patience with each other; they just gave it. Thank you for the support and caring you have shown me and my family. I look forward to returning to a leadership role in the community as we all begin to heal.”

SHAWNEE COUNTY – Fire crews continue to monitor areas of a large, weekend grass fire in Shawnee County, just east of Topeka.

The blaze started just before noon on Sunday and jumped Interstate 70 near Carlson Road and moved north rapidly threatening multiple structures, according to a social media report from Shawnee County Fire.

The fire stretched an estimated 4,000 acres and required resources from approximately 30 agencies and four counties to extinguish.

No injuries were reported and no buildings damaged. The fire was largely declared extinguished just before 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The fire is believed to have started as the result of a flare-up of another grass fire on Saturday, according to Shawnee County officials.

By Johanna Hecht

KU Statehouse Wire Service

TOPEKA – Lt. Col. Evan Holt, a Kansas native and veteran, was shocked to find his daughter was ineligible to attend a Kansas college and pay in-state tuition.

That’s why he is working to close a loophole in state law that allows members of the military serving in Kansas to get in-state tuition for themselves and their families but doesn’t allow Kansas natives and their families the same benefit.

House Bill 2567, which passed the House 124-0 on Feb. 22, would reinstate resident tuition for families who permanently live in Kansas. The provision for in-state tuition was inadvertently eliminated a year ago when lawmakers passed HB 2154, a bill that brought Kansas into compliance with federal laws. HB 2567 also would reimburse families if they were denied in-state tuition. The bill is now in the Senate.

Holt’s daughter did not receive in-state tuition because Holt, who served in the military for 21 years, and his family returned to Kansas after he had retired. HB 2154 allowed in-state tuition for veterans, spouses, and dependents of individuals stationed in Kansas while they were serving in the military. But it accidentally excluded veterans, spouses and dependents from receiving in-state tuition if they lived in Kansas before their military service.

Holt, who testified before legislators, said the current law allows non-Kansan veterans who served in Kansas for as little as two years to receive in-state benefits.

“There’s always going to be people who slip through the loopholes, in a sense you get strange cases like that. I’d say there’s definitely frustrations with the bureaucracy as far as trying to navigate the different avenues and trying to get the benefits,” William Rector, Kansas State University (KSU) graduate research assistant in Non-Traditional & Veteran Student Services, said.

Helping veterans and their families navigate college can be a challenge for veterans’ advocates.

Creating an awareness of these issues is one of the biggest hurdles, Rector said.

On a statewide level, Wayne Bollig, deputy director of the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office, said it’s difficult to even identify who is a veteran in the state of Kansas because veterans have to identify themselves.

“Many veterans don’t participate in clubs as much as they used to, so we have a harder time determining what communities they’re in, where they’re at and where they need help,” Bollig said.

More than 220,000 veterans live in the state of Kansas, according to the United States Department of Veteran Affairs.

Bollig explained that trying to create an awareness of various veteran services is continuously difficult, due to the high costs of advertising and the limited budget his organization has to work with.

The University of Kansas (KU) is taking steps to help veterans. To improve awareness and help veterans and their dependents, KU is opening a 3,000-square foot Student Veteran Center in January 2017. The center will be a hub for all veteran activities on campus and be located in Summerfield Hall. It will offer a lounge area, offices for a variety of veteran services and potentially include members from the state district attorney’s office to offer advice. KU will also hire a center director.

“KU is making a big step forward by hiring a Student Veteran Center director because that person will be responsible for recruiting, retaining and graduating our student veteran population,” Lt. Col. Randy Masten, program assistant for the KU Office of Graduate Military Programs, said. “They’re ensuring that they will get all the support they’ve earned through their military service and all the benefits they’ve earned as well.”

This center is the next phase in creating a stronger presence for veterans on campus and will provide opportunities for non-traditional student veterans who need help structuring their KU experience.

“Some (veterans) come in and are older, and they feel a little bit out of touch with the undergrad populace, and they want to find that community where they feel a little bit more belonging and grounding,” Derek Kandt, president of the KU Collegiate Veterans Association, said.

Kandt said there are some 800 KU students using some type of GI Bill benefits. These students could also be dependents of veterans, such as Holt’s daughter.

The KU Collegiate Veterans Association focuses on helping student veterans through the process of receiving their GI Bill benefits.

“We want to make sure people who are being frustrated by the process know that this is an avenue for their voices to be heard. And by enlargement we could be very successful for getting policy changes,” Kandt said.

 

Edited by Leah Sitz

PRATT – Law enforcement authorities in Pratt County are investigating a free car scam.

The Sheriff’s Department in Pratt reported a resident received a call on Monday from an individual claiming they had won a free car and some money.

However, in order to receive the car and money the winner needed to meet the caller at Walmart.

The resident notified the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office, and detectives were unsuccessful in attempting to make contact with that number.

The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office reminded residents, no one is going to give you money, cars, or expensive gifts for nothing. Never arrange to meet these people.

For any meetings you may arrange through Craigslist, Ebay, and etc., arrange to meet them at the Pratt Law Enforcement Center, arrange to be at the Law Enforcement building early and let officers know who you are meeting and what the meeting is for.

The Law Enforcement Center is a much safer environment than a parking lot somewhere.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A pickup truck linked to Kansas City, Kansas, quadruple homicide suspect has been found abandoned about 170 miles away in Missouri.

Police said in a news release Tuesday that the vehicle was discovered on the shoulder of Interstate 70 in Montgomery County, Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is searching the area for the suspect. Police said the suspect was thought to be driving the truck after the Monday night shootings at a neighbor’s home.

Three men were found dead at the home, and the fourth victim died at a hospital. Their names weren’t immediately released.

Police officer Thomas Tomasic says one of the men managed to call police before he died. Tomasic said he didn’t know how the men know one another or what prompted the shooting.

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police are looking for a 36-year-old man after four people were fatally shot in Kansas City, Kansas.

Police say the shooting happened late Monday. Three men were found dead at the scene, and the fourth victim died at a hospital. Their names weren’t immediately released.

A news release from police identified the man who is being sought as a “person of interest.” The release says the man may be driving a pickup truck.

Police didn’t immediately return a phone call from The Associated Press seeking comment.