MANHATTAN- Law enforcement authorities in Riley County are investigating a scam that involves a fraudulent caller who threatens family members and demands money.

According to reports the caller will say that they
have taken a family member hostage and that you must send money for their release.

In one instance, background noise was also produced that made it appear that the family member was present and may be in immediate distress. In another instance it appears that the scammers may have temporarily occupied the family member’s telephone so that the victim would be unable to contact them.

The caller also says that the family member may be harmed if the money is not paid.

The caller next asks the potential victim to electronically pay a ransom.

Community members should know that this scam has been
reported several times in the Manhattan and Riley County area. Officers are investigating these incidents and are working to stop this activity.

Anytime that a person receives a call and is asked in any way to send money you should immediately be suspicious.

Please call Police (call 911 if it is an emergency) to report any suspicious calls.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former teller has been indicted on charges of embezzling about $700,000 from an eastern Kansas bank.

The U.S. attorney’s office announced Wednesday that 47-year-old Denise Christy, of Burlington, faces charges that include embezzlement and money laundering. No attorney is listed for her in online court records.

The indictment alleges the crimes were committed while Christy worked for the Burlington branch of Central National Bank. One of Christy’s duties was to sell cash in the bank’s vault to the Federal Reserve Bank.

In May 2014 auditors determined that more than $700,000 was missing. An investigation showed Christy falsified bank records to cover up the embezzlement.

Christy is accused of spending more than $77,000 in embezzled funds to pay off loans.

WICHITA – The National Weather Service is reporting a summary of the rare December flooding event that affected much of the region on the weekend of December 12.

An intense low pressure system lifted out of the desert southwest and moved into the High Plains that weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

This storm system pulled rich Gulf moisture into the Plains causing rare December flooding for much of central and eastern Kansas.

In addition, this storm also brought heavy snow to parts of western Kansas

Click the images to enlarge

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University administrators expressed sadness and condolences on the death of Bob Krause.

Krause, who spent 23 years as Kansas State vice president for institutional advancement and two years as acting athletic director, passed away Wednesday after a battle with cancer, according to a media release from the university.

“Our condolences to Marty, his three daughters and the Vanier family on the loss of Bob Krause,” said Kirk Schulz, university president. “Bob was instrumental in helping K-State strategically grow in many ways over his tenure as a longtime university administrator. The Biosecurity Research Institute, NBAF, Colbert Hills Golf Course, the leadership studies program and Salina and Olathe campuses are examples of his impact. He was a wonderfully successful university ambassador to our alumni and community.”

Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students, called Krause a tireless worker for the university.

“Bob was simply one of the brightest, politically savvy and most genuine individuals I will ever have the opportunity to work alongside,” Bosco said. “He was an incredibly tireless and passionate advocate for the school we both love. He made people better and made K-State a better place. I will miss him dearly. In his many years at the university, there was little Bob did not impact, from scholarships to construction to expanding the university’s brand thoughout the state and the world.”

Amy Button Renz, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association, remembered Krause as a champion of the alumni association.

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Bob Krause, who was truly a champion for our alumni association programming efforts and for the entire university,” Renz said. “Bob served more than 22 years as vice president for institutional advancement, and he was vital to elevating K-State to new heights. Most memorable is the personal connections he made with prospective students and their families, which in turn positively impacted enrollment at a crucial time in our history.”

Bill Snyder, K-State football coach, called Krause a true friend.

“Bob truly cared about people as K-Staters do,” Snyder said. “He was a dear friend of this university, the community and my family. He truly cared and worked diligently for the betterment of all. Bob and Marty together have contributed to enhance our football program, Kansas State and Manhattan in a very positive, caring and unselfish manner. He will be greatly missed.”

John Currie, K-State athletics director, said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Krause and Vanier families during this difficult time. Bob spent a majority of his career working hard to move K-State forward and cared deeply about the university, athletics program and the Manhattan community. Our sincerest condolences are extended to his wife, Marty, his children and family.”

Jon Wefald, former Kansas State University president, praised Krause for his many contributions to the university.

“I am very sad and heartbroken that my longtime and dear friend, Bob Krause, has died,” Wefald said. “Bob and I worked together for 35 years: at Southwest State University in Minnesota from 1977 to 1982, at the Minnesota Chancellor’s office from 1982 to 1986 and, of course, at K-State from 1986 to 2009. Bob Krause was an extraordinary leader for me at all three schools.

“In reflecting about the great job Bob Krause did for K-State and me over 23 years, I think back to a number of positive attributes. His work ethic was legendary. He had an uncanny ability to solve problems. He was a team player. He had incredible passion and loyalty. He had a tremendous sense of humor. Whether it was the job of increasing our enrollment at Kansas State, supporting the football program and Bill Snyder, figuring out ways to enhance our athletic complex for all sports, or working closely with our students, Bob Krause was, in my mind, a most valuable player for K-State during my 23 years as K-State’s president.”

Krause had more than 35 years of experience in key executive leadership positions in higher education at the college, comprehensive university, and multiuniversity system levels. The last 23 years of his professional career, he served as vice president for institutional advancement at Kansas State University, and as athletic director during his last year.

More than any single individual, Krause recognized the benefit of strong, working relationships between K-State and nearby community systems leading to mutually beneficial economic enhancement. He personified the notion of “town and gown,” building and nurturing relationships with community, regional and state leaders on efforts that helped fulfill the vision and mission of K-State, the community of Manhattan and the state of Kansas.

Krause served on multiple boards, including the board and executive committee of the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corp., the board and executive committee of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, and was executive chair of the board of directors of the National Institute for Strategic Technology Acquisition and Commercialization.

Since retiring in 2009, Krause remained active in consulting with private for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. He served as chair of the board of directors of NutriJoy Inc., and was on the board of directors of the Soaring with Eagles Foundation and the Mercy Community Health Foundation. He is co-founder of the Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellows at Kansas State University’s Staley School of Leadership Studies.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration says the Supreme Court should reject a lawsuit from Nebraska and Oklahoma that seeks to declare Colorado’s legalization of marijuana unconstitutional.

The Justice Department’s top courtroom lawyer said in a brief filed Wednesday that the interstate dispute over a measure approved by Colorado voters in 2012 does not belong at the high court.

Nebraska and Oklahoma filed their lawsuit directly with the Supreme Court last year, arguing that Colorado’s law allowing recreational marijuana use by adults runs afoul of federal anti-drug laws.

The two states have complained that Colorado’s action has hindered efforts to enforce anti-marijuana laws in their states. They say combatting marijuana that’s coming across the border is a drain on their resources.

In addition ten sheriffs from three different states including Kansas are suing Colorado for legalizing marijuana.

Among the plaintiffs is Sherman County Sheriff Burton Pianalto.

The sheriffs were joined by county attorneys from Kansas and Nebraska. They asked the U.S. District Court in Denver to nullify the marijuana amendment to Colorado’s constitution.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will be part of the Kansas Republican caucuses next year.

The Kansas Republican Party said in a news release Wednesday that Christie paid the $15,000 filing fee to qualify for the March 5 caucuses.

Christie visited Kansas several times in 2014 to campaign for Gov. Sam Brownback’s re-election. He was chairman of the Republican Governors Association at the time.

He is the seventh candidate to file for the Kansas caucuses. Others are Donald Trump, Ben Carson, U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, today praised bipartisan, bicameral tax extenders legislation to provide tax relief for small businesses, farmers and ranchers, and families.

“This legislation provides the much-needed tax relief and certainty for American families, farmers and ranchers, and businesses,” said Roberts. “I’m pleased this bill includes many provisions I have long fought for that will help grow the economy and create jobs. This bill will give more permanence and predictability in our overly-complex tax code, and I look forward to supporting this measure.”

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 makes responsible tax relief permanent and lays the path for comprehensive tax reform. This bill includes many provisions that Roberts has long championed including:

Five-year extension of fifty percent bonus depreciation on new equipment and property purchases
Permanent extension of the research and development (R&D) tax credit
Permanent extension of Section 179 Property expensing
Permanent extension of relief for S Corporations from the so-called “built-in gains tax”
Permanently allows eligible members of the military to qualify for Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
Roberts said, “Bonus depreciation has been extended and expired many times, and while I believe we should make this extension permanent, I’m pleased this five-year extension will give businesses, farmers and ranchers the predictability they need to invest in new, more modern equipment so they can create more jobs and growth in our communities.” Roberts introduced stand-alone legislation earlier this year that would permanently extend this measure.

He continued, “Research and development in new technologies and new products is an important source of economic growth. I’m pleased this bill includes my Innovators Job Creation Act to increase cash flow for small businesses and start-ups involved in R&D intensive activities. This legislation will lead to permanent tax savings, reducing a company’s effective tax rate, increasing cash flow and improving earnings, which results in them becoming a more attractive investment.”

Three additional provisions that Roberts has championed will benefit Kansas military installations and helps soldiers in need find affordable housing, provides permanent relief for S Corporations from the so-called “built-in gains tax,” and ensures small businesses are able to access the capital they need to grow and hire new employees.

The legislation was introduced in the House last night and is expected to be taken up by the House and Senate this week.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — An anonymous donor has arranged for four gold coins to be given to two Wichita nonprofits.

The Wichita Eagle  reports that two gold coins were given Tuesday morning to the Guadalupe Clinic and two more later to the Lord’s Diner.

For more than a decade, the Wichita Community Foundation has presented the gold coins to local nonprofits from an anonymous donor.

The first set of gold coins was distributed in 2005 to five organizations. This year’s coins are valued at $1,064 each.

The Guadalupe Clinic provides health care for those in need at three locations. The Lord’s Diner provides 2,200 to 2,500 meals daily at a cost of a $1 a meal at four Wichita locations.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The chairman of a state board leading an agency that represents home and small-business utility consumers has resigned, partially out of frustration over major changes other board members are considering for the agency.

Brian Weber, of Garden City, announced his resignation from the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board Wednesday. It comes five days after other board members discussed either dissolving the agency or changing its mission to focus on fighting federal clean-air regulations.

The Wichita Eagle reports hat during last week, the board also stripped acting consumer counsel Niki Christopher of her roles of representing consumers in the Legislature and of speaking to the news media about utility matters.

CURB is usually the only legal party representing residential customers and small businesses in rate cases before the Kansas Corporation Commission.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A south-central Kansas community college is building a training tower for aspiring firefighters.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the Butler Community College’s Board of Trustees approved a more than $170,000 investment in a training tower last month. It will be constructed behind El Dorado’s Fire Station No. 2.

The tower will be three stories tall with a rooftop. The school said in a news release that it will allow fire science students to train more extensively in a realistic environment.

El Dorado Fire Chief Steve Moody said previously, firefighters had to train in houses that were in the process of being demolished.

The tower is expected to be completed and in use by mid-spring.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Department of Transportation has issued a state record of $400 million in highway construction bonds to take advantage of the suspension of a state law limiting the agency’s debt burden.

Kansas transportation secretary Mike King also says favorable market forces warranted issuing the bonds.

The 2015 Kansas Legislature and Gov. Sam Brownback agreed to suspend for two years a provision forbidding the transportation department’s aggregate bond debt service to exceed 18 percent of the agency’s annual highway revenue.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the bond transaction in early December and pushed borrowing in the 10-year, $7.8 million T-Works program to $1.2 billion.

King says department advisers recommended a large bond offering because the state’s cost to secure capital could rise unexpectedly.

SALINA – Law enforcement authorities in Saline County are investigating a series of robberies at motels in Salina.

A suspect matching a description in robberies on December 5th and December 12th was seen taking money from a cash register at the Howard Johnson Motel, 222 E. Diamond Drive just after 1:30a.m. Wednesday, according to Salina Police Captain Mike Sweeney.

The suspect is a Hispanic male, about age about 30, approximately six foot tall, and weighs between 280-300 pounds, according to police.

He was wearing a black hooded coat with “ATLANTA” across the back.

The clerk was in the manager’s office when he heard noise in the lobby and the suspect ran from the lobby when the clerk approached. The suspect was able to take an undetermined amount of cash.

Police believe the same man is responsible for the robbery of Howard Johnson on December 5th, and The Day’s Inn on December 12th where the clerk was threatened with pepper spray.

Police are asking the public to contact Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, to help them make an arrest.

By DAN MARGOLIES  

The government has extended until Thursday the deadline to sign up for health coverage starting Jan. 1 under the Affordable Care Act.

Government officials said a surge of people selecting plans over the two days before the original Tuesday deadline led to the extension. One million people left contact information after encountering delays logging onto the healthcare.gov website or reaching call centers, the officials said.

The new deadline is 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (1:59 a.m. Central Standard Time) Thursday. The final deadline to enroll for coverage starting March 1, 2016, is Jan. 31.

The White House estimates there are still 112,000 uninsured people in metropolitan Kansas City without health insurance who are eligible for marketplace coverage under the ACA.

Kansas City is one of 20 communities vying to see which can sign up the highest percentage of uninsured. As of Monday, Milwaukee, Detroit and Philadelphia led the pack. Kansas City was not among the top 10.

Kansas City residents seeking information on health insurance can call United Way 2-1-1 or visit CoverKC.org, according to a release Wednesday from Mayor Sly James’ office.

Most people eligible for enrollment qualify for tax subsidies to reduce their monthly premiums. People who can afford health insurance but fail to obtain it face a penalty of $695 per adult or up to 2.5 percent of household income, whichever is higher.

Dan Margolies, editor of the Heartland Health Monitor team. You can reach him on Twitter @DanMargolies.