Tuesday’s spring storm produced damaging winds, large hail and flooding rains as the storm moved across Kansas.

In addition to severe weather watches and warnings, The National Weather Service reported a brief tornado in Edwards County. There has been no report of damage, according to the sheriff’s department.

Wind gusts of 70 miles per hour, large hail and some flooding are responsible for damage in areas of south-central and northeast Kansas.  Six to nine inches of rain was reported in portions of Elk County, according to the National Weather Service.

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two South Carolina men on drug charges after an Interstate 70 traffic stop.

Just after 1a.m. Tuesday, a Saline County deputy stopped a Buick for speeding and other traffic violations near the Ohio exit on Interstate 70, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander.

While talking with the driver, the deputy saw drug paraphernalia in the car and eventually uncovered 34 ounces of marijuana, 32 grams of marijuana wax, and a 9 mm handgun.

The deputy arrested Malik Stephens, 22, of West Columbia, S.C., and Stephen Davis, 39, of Columbia, S.C., on requested charges of felony possession of marijuana with intent to sell and felony possession of drug paraphernalia.

 

 

WICHITA, KAN. – Kansas business owner Brandon Steven pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal gambling charge and agreed to forfeit more than $1 million, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

He was sentenced to three years on probation and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.

Steven, 45, Wichita, pleaded guilty to one count of being an accessory after the fact to the unlawful transmission of wagering information.

In his plea, Steven admitted he acted in cooperation with co-defendant Daven Flax, who was conducting illegal private poker games.

Participants were notified via text messaging about the games. The texts also contained information about payments or collections of money. After games, Steven concealed the involvement of Flax and others by hiding handwritten ledgers or computerized records detailing gambling credits, earnings and obligations of the gambling business.

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an alleged kidnapping, robbery and battery in Salina.

On Monday, police were called to the Budget King, 809 N. Broadway, Salina after a family member reported that a 20-year-old male victim who had been beaten was there, according to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus.

After further investigation, officers discovered two individuals had allegedly held the victim against his will, taken him to several locations and took property from him.

Police arrested one of the suspects, Mona Toney, 18, Salina, on requested charges of of aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping and battery, according to Hanus. Police continue looking for a known male suspect in the case.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Officials say vandals have spray painted apparent references to a Peru prison massacre on a wall at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City.

.@MAMmetals and @DSGequipment are both donating their services for the restoration of the wall today. We can’t thank them enough for their generosity and joyful help! Thanks to everyone for your messages of solidarity this morning. pic.twitter.com/l9AyxBbP1Q

— National WWI Museum (@TheWWImuseum) June 18, 2019

The museum’s “Dedication Wall” was defaced with red spray paint that said, “Glory to the fallen martyrs of El Frontòn, Callao, Lurigallcho.” The text apparently is in relation to the 33rd anniversary of prison massacres in Peru that resulted in more than 200 deaths.

Museum spokesman Mike Vietti says police have opened an investigation into the matter. He says Stephen Haith, owner of DSG Equipment and Supplies, has offered to clean the stone portion of the wall at no cost.

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SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating the mother of a 2-year-old Kansas girl who reported the child missing on Sunday.
Ronetta Ann Clement, 34, Wichita, alleged that her child’s father had placed the child in danger, according to Captain Brent Allred.

Clement told police Sunday that the father was refusing to return custody of the child and that he made homicidal and suicidal statements, according to Allred. Based on the information an attempt to locate was placed for the man and the child so police could check their welfare and further investigate what had actually occurred.

Detectives and officers worked overnight Sunday and through the day Monday to locate them. Late Monday afternoon following a second interview with Clement, detectives learned information that contradicted what she told police Sunday, according to Allred.

On Monday evening, police were able to locate the child with her grandmother and check her welfare and she appeared to be fine. Police then arrested 34-year-old Ronetta Ann Clement in the 2400 Block of South St. Clair in Wichita, according to Allred.

The father, Alton James, is wanted on warrants and didn’t want to be in contact with police at this time, according to Allred. “He has some things he needs to take care of.”

Law enforcement supervisors, detectives and officer spent over 117 hours investigating this case when they could have used the time on other cases Monday that impact children, according to Allred.

Clement remains in the Sedgwick County Jail on requested felony charges of interference with Law enforcement officer, false information concerning death, disappearance of a child, according to Wichita Police arrest reports and online Sedgwick County jail records.

Police will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for possible charges.

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SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Wichita Police Department located missing 2-year-old Anyla James Monday evening, according to officer Paul Cruz. She is safe.

Late Monday, police reported they have arrested a 34-year-old woman in connection with the case, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.

Police booked Ronetta Ann Clement into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of interference with law enforcement officer, false information concerning death, disappearance of a child, according to Wichita Police arrest reports and online Sedgwick County jail records.
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SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Wichita Police Department located 2-year-old Anyla James Monday evening, according to officer Paul Cruz. She is safe. 

Police reported late Monday they have arrested a 34-year-old woman in connection with the case, according to office Kevin Wheeler.
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SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for assistance in locating 2-year-old Anyla James. Late Monday afternoon, police released an update the search for her and her father.

“The Wichita Police Department (WPD) continues to investigate the case involving 2-year-old Anyla James. Through the investigation today we have found conflicting information and new information that has surfaced about her well-being. We are still asking for the community’s help in locating her so that we may check her welfare.

We have learned that Anyla is with her father, and has been in his custody for several weeks. We do not believe Anyla is in any danger based on the new information we have received.

The WPD takes the safety and well-being of children serious. We will continue to speak with all of the involved parties to get a complete story as to what occurred.”

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SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for assistance in locating 2-year-old Anyla James, who is believed to be in danger and is with her biological father Alton James, Jr.

Just before 6p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a suicidal person at an apartment complex in the 2300 block of North Woodlawn, according to Captain Brent Allred.

Officers at the scene met a woman who is the mother of 2-year-old Anyla James. She reported being in a custody dispute with the child’s father, 28-year-old Alton James who lawfully has custody of the child.

The mother and the Alton James had agreed to meet at that location, according to Allred.

The mother alleged that James had refused to return the child and had made statements regarding the child’s safety.

Police were unable to locate James or the child and issued an attempt to locate. The situation did not meet the criteria for the KBI to issue an amber alert, according to Allred, because the girl was not abducted.

Police want to talk to her father about the child’s welfare and to get a better understanding of what occurred on Sunday, according to Allred.

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SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for assistance in locating 2-year-old Anyla James, who is believed to be in danger and is with her biological father Alton James, Jr.

According to a media release from Wichita police, Anyla is described as a black female, 3-feet and 40 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen in the 2300 block of north Woodlawn, wearing a pink shirt, white leggings with red hearts and pink shoes.

Police have no information on the the vehicle.

There is no vehicle information to provide. The WPD has issued an attempt to locate for Anyla under case number 19C037820. Based on the information currently available this case does not meet the KBI Amber Alert requirements.

Police ask that anyone with information or knows the whereabouts of Anyla or Alton please call 911.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — U.S. authorities have seized more than $1 billion worth of cocaine from a ship at a Philadelphia port, calling it one of the largest drug busts in American history.

This is one of the largest drug seizures in United States history. This amount of cocaine could kill millions – MILLIONS – of people. My Office is committed to keeping our borders secure and streets safe from deadly narcotics. https://t.co/nWPfgpGqYa

— US Attorney William M. McSwain (@USAttyMcSwain) June 18, 2019

The U.S. attorney’s office in Philadelphia announced the massive bust on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon. Officials said agents seized about 16.5 tons of cocaine from a large ship at the Packer Marine Terminal.

U.S. Attorney William McSwain said in a tweet that so much cocaine “could kill millions — MILLIONS — of people.”

The drug seizure is the latest in a series of large cocaine busts along the East Coast.

Authorities say members of the ship’s crew have been arrested and charged.

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities have identified the driver who died in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Shawnee County.

The the crash occurred at the intersection of SE 21st and SE Washington Street in Topeka, according to Gretchen Koenen with Topeka Police.

At the scene, officers located the driver of one vehicle identified as 80-year-old Cornelia M. Moon of Topeka.  She and her passenger 70-year-old Ernest E. Mildfeldt were transported to a local hospital where Moon died, according to police.

He remains in critical but stable condition.

The driver and only occupant of the second vehicle 18-year-old Lintrell D. Tibbs of Topeka was not injured. The crash remains under investigation.

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SHAWNEE COUNTY– One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Shawnee County.

Topeka police reported the crash occurred at the intersection of SE 21st and SE Washington Street in Topeka.

At the scene, officers located the driver of one vehicle and the passenger of the same vehicle suffering from life-threatening injuries. Both were transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response.

The driver succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The passenger remains in critical condition.

The driver and only occupant of the second vehicle was not injured. The crash remains under investigation. Police did not release names of those involved.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita State has dismissed Teddy Allen after he was arrested last week following a disturbance at a woman’s home.

Athletic director Darron Boatright said Tuesday he and Coach Gregg Marshall wished Allen well but decided his dismissal was best for the basketball program.

Allen was arrested last Thursday after a woman accused him of causing a disturbance at her home, destroying her iPhone and stealing keys before fleeing on foot. He was later charged with domestic violence property crime and petty theft, both misdemeanors. He faces a July 29 arraignment.

Allen, a 6-foot-5 forward, transferred from West Virginia and sat out last season after the NCAA denied his request for a waiver to play immediately. Nicknamed “Teddy Buckets” for his scoring ability, Allen was expected to start this coming season.

Marshall said in a statement that he was disappointed and regretted that he couldn’t help Allen more.

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SEDGWICK COUNTY —  Law enforcement authorities are investigating a member of the Wichita State men’s basketball team after a Thursday arrest.

Just after 3:30 a.m.Thursday, police responded to a domestic disturbance call at a residence in the 1800 block of North Doreen in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

A 23-year-old female resident told police Teddy Allen, 21, a member of the Wichita State University Basketball team, came to the home, battered her, took and broke her cell phone and took keys belonging to another 27-year-old female resident.

Police arrested Allen in the 1700 Block of North Gentry in Wichita, according to the Wichita Police Department Booking report. He was jailed on requested charges that include theft of property or services, domestic violence and criminal damage to property.

He posted bond and was no longer in custody Thursday morning, according to online Sedgwick County jail records.

Allen was the Nebraska Gatorade High School Player of the Year in 2017, according to the bio from Wichita State. He sat out last season per NCAA rules after he transferred to Wichita State from West Virginia. He appeared in 35 games for the Mountaineers.

The case will be reviewed by the City of Wichita Prosecutors Office, according to Davidson.

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SEDGWICK COUNTY —  Law enforcement authorities are investigating a member of the Wichita State men’s basketball team after a Thursday arrest.

Teddy Allen, 21, was arrested Thursday in the 1700 Block of North Gentry in Wichita, according to the Wichita Police Department Booking report. He was jailed on requested charges that include theft of property or services and criminal damage to property.

He posted bond and was no longer in custody Thursday morning, according to online Sedgwick County jail records.

Allen was the Nebraska Gatorade High School Player of the Year in 2017, according to the bio from Wichita State. He sat out last season per NCAA rules after he transferred to Wichita State from West Virginia. He appeared in 35 games for the Mountaineers.

UPDATE 3:30 p.m. Tuesday:

Statement from Sunflower Bank regarding reports of fraud in Salina:

There have been recent reports of fraud in Salina, Kansas and a malware message appearing to come from Sunflower Bank was shared in the news.

We take our security, and the security of our customers very seriously. Upon learning of these reports, we immediately reviewed our security protocols to confirm the issue was not present in our environment. We actively monitor our environment 24/7 to ensure security protocols remain effective. The message that was shared appears to be from pdfmaker-live and is not associated with Sunflower Bank or its websites. Learn about removing this plug-in from your browser here:https://www.myantispyware.com/2018/09/20/how-to-remove-install-pdf-maker-com-pop-up-ads-chrome-firefox-ie-edge/.

We ask that our customers review their accounts regularly and reach out to us if they see anything that looks out-of-the-norm. Combatting fraud is a united effort and our customers are good at partnering with us to help identify and tackle situations as they arise.

All web users should be cognizant of devices they are using, make sure systems are updated regularly, and be cautious of online requests. These are common best practices to avoid falling victim to fraud and other scams:

10 Things You Can Do to Avoid Fraud

Phishing: Don’t take the bait

OnGuardOnline: Tips to help you stay safe and secure online

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SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are assisting with an investigation of alleged fraudulent use of Sunflower Bank customers accounts.

As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, the Salina Police Department had received 49 individual calls from Sunflower Bank customers whose accounts had been compromised, according to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus.

The Saline County sheriff’s office had received six calls from residents living outside the Salina city limits whose accounts had been compromised, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander.

The cases appear to be related to those with which the police are dealing.

Both Hanus and Melander said their agencies are writing outside agency assist reports for law enforcement in the locations where the crimes occurred.

Hanus also said he was aware of transactions on Sunflower accounts in Wichita, the suburbs of Wichita, Hutchinson, and one location in Texas.

In some instances, Sunflower customers’ debit card information was used for purchases and in others, Sunflower Bank ATMs were used, according to Hanus.

Both Hanus and Melander said they did not know the total number of Sunflower customers affected nor the total amount lost by Sunflower customers.

Hanus said law enforcement personnel believe a redirect malware on the Sunflower Bank website was at least partially to blame for the breach. He provided a screenshot of a message that appeared on the Sunflower Bank website. The message has since been taken down.

Hanus encouraged all persons to check their financial accounts regularly for suspicious activity.

BUTLER COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reported accidental shooting that sent a Kansas girl to the hospital.

On Saturday, police responded to a hospital in Andover where a 15-year-old girl had been shot in the lower leg, according Police Chief Michael Keller.

After interviewing individuals at the hospital, investigators then obtained a search warrant to investigate where the shooting occurred in the 400 Block of West 10th Street in Andover.

Investigator learned an 18-year-old boy at the residence was handling a gun. He didn’t know it was loaded. The gun fired and struck the girl in the leg.

The girl was later transferred from Andover to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, according to Keller. The Butler County District Attorney will review the case to determine any possible charges.

Two lakes upgraded to warning status

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, has upgraded two public health watches to public health warnings for two Kansas lakes. Marion Reservoir in Marion County and Keith Sebelius Reservoir in Norton County now have public health warnings. Other lake statuses released June 13 remain unchanged.

Current Warnings:

Marion Reservoir, Marion County
Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County
Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County
Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County
Overbrook City Lake, Osage County

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
• Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
• Water contact should be avoided.
• Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
• If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Watches:

Atchison County State Fishing Lake, Atchison County
Marion County Lake, Marion County

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop.  People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Signage will be posted at all public access locations
• Water may be unsafe for humans/animals
• Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
• Swimming, wading, skiing, and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms
• Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
• Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

TOPEKA — Jeanny Sharp has been named the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Director of Communications by Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz. In her new position, she will lead the communication team members at Headquarters in Topeka and at the District offices across the state.

Previously, she was Public Affairs/Communications Director for the Kanas Department of Corrections. Before joining the State of Kansas, Sharp was in the print, digital and special event media business. She served as editor and publisher of the Ottawa Herald for more than 16 years. Most recently she was the marketing solutions director for the Hutchinson News as well as Regional Sales Director for GateHouse Media for numerous publications in central and western Kansas.

“It is an honor to work with the professional team at KDOT who are working hard to accelerate planned transportation projects,” Sharp said. “I’m excited to be part of the talented communications team at KDOT, which are essential to keeping Kansans informed on transportation highways, byways and ways to keep them safer while navigating the Sunflower State.”

A native of Manhattan, Sharp has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas and master’s in business administration from Ottawa University. She is a board member of the Kansas Newspaper Foundation and is a past president of the Kansas Press Association. She was honored with the Gaston Mentoring Award from the Kansas Press Association in 2012 for her commitment to training the next generation of journalists.