RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and USD 383 officials continue their investigation of a school shooting threat.
The Safe Schools Hotline received an anonymous report at 11:15pm Wednesday, according to a social media report from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383. The caller stated that his daughter was told that there would be a shooting at Manhattan High East Campus tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 31) and to wear red to avoid being shot.
During the course of RCPD’s investigation it was also revealed that an MHS West student had posted a picture of himself on social media while holding what appeared to be a firearm, according to RCPD Captain Josh Kyle. The photograph included a menacing statement. Detained for Criminal Threat was Conner W. Bruce, 15 years of age, from Manhattan, KS. Bruce was transported to the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility where he is being held.
Although RCPD’s investigation continues, it has not revealed any other credible threats to students or staff.
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RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and USD 383 officials are investigating a school shooting threat.
The Safe Schools Hotline received an anonymous report at 11:15pm tonight (Wednesday, Oct. 30), according to a social media report from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383. The caller stated that his daughter was told that there would be a shooting at Manhattan High East Campus tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 31) and to wear red to avoid being shot.
USD 383 has been in contact with the Riley County Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol. RCPD will have increased presence at and around MHS East Campus Thursday.
On Monday, Planned Parenthood placed large banners near the location of the hearing…photo courtesy Planned Parenthood Missouri
ST. LOUIS (AP) — An administrative hearing to decide whether Missouri can revoke the license for the state’s only abortion clinic concluded Thursday with emotional testimony from a clinic official.
The hearing in St. Louis before a commissioner with the Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission was expected to last five days but wrapped up a day early. A ruling isn’t expected until February at the earliest.
The state health department wants to revoke the license for Planned Parenthood’s St. Louis clinic, citing concerns about four instances of what the state called “failed abortions.” Planned Parenthood officials say conservatives are trying to use the licensing process to end abortions in Missouri.
Revocation would make Missouri the first state since 1974, the year after the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, without a functioning abortion clinic. The St. Louis clinic remains open pending the commission’s ruling.
Kawanna Shannon, director of surgical services at the clinic, testified that the state’s March inspection was tense from the start. It was the first inspection under the administration of Republican Gov. Mike Parson, a staunch abortion opponent who ascended to governor in June 2018 after Republican Gov. Eric Greitens resigned.
Investigators were adamant that the clinic should be performing two pelvic exams before an abortion, at a patient’s first visit and again immediately before the procedure. The clinic initially agreed to the second exam, but soon decided it was so “unbearable” for patients that it stopped in defiance of the state law, Shannon said, her voice breaking.
“Patients were made to get unnecessarily violated,” Shannon said.
The health department relented in June, issuing an emergency rule relieving Planned Parenthood of the requirement.
Shannon said that a month after the March inspection, a top health department official showed up to scrutinize records. That investigator was William Koebel, chief of the division that oversees licensing of abortion clinics and other surgical centers. Koebel told Shannon he was there in response to an unspecified complaint, Shannon said. She later learned it was Koebel himself who filed the complaint, she said.
The investigation eventually turned up four instances where women required multiple procedures before abortions were successfully completed.
WICHITA — Today the Kansas Board of Regents voted to name Dr. Jay Golden as the 14th president of Wichita State University.
Please welcome the 14th president of Wichita State University, Jay Golden! Hear what he has to say about joining Shocker Nation. Learn more about the president-elect at https://t.co/bku6Hp1gNo. pic.twitter.com/t0wY4XO4op
“The regents are excited to announce Dr. Jay Golden as the next president of Wichita State University,” said Regent Shane Bangerter, KBOR Chair. “The Regents are confident that Jay is the right president to lead Wichita State in the future and continue to advance the university as a leader in higher education and applied learning. I’m grateful to interim president Andy Tompkins for his leadership during this transitional period. I’d also like to thank the search committee for its outstanding work in identifying great finalists for the board.”
“I’m honored to be the next president of Wichita State University,” said Golden. “I want to thank the Kansas Board of Regents for its confidence in me. I look forward to continuing to grow Wichita State and help drive economic growth for our region and state. My wife, Dina, and I are looking forward to meeting the students, faculty and staff of this outstanding institution and to joining this great community.”
Golden has been serving as the Vice Chancellor of Research, Economic Development and Engagement at East Carolina University. Prior to his appointment there, he served as an associate vice provost at Duke University and as a professor at the University of California Santa Barbara and at Arizona State University. In addition, he has experience as CEO of Golden Environmental Management and Vice President at WMX Technologies.
Golden received his doctorate in engineering from the University of Cambridge where he also earned a master’s in environmental engineering and sustainable development, in a joint program with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He holds an Organizational Master of Project Management from Stanford University and an MLE from Harvard University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in management.
Golden was selected by the board as president after a committee of students, faculty, staff, and business and community leaders led a search and forwarded finalists to the regents. He succeeds Dr. John Bardo, who passed away earlier this year.
Jessica and Linda BusteedRon Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.
By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development
Donuts. Muffins. Scones. Hope. Wait a minute, what was that last one? Today we’ll meet a young entrepreneur who has started a bakery in her rural community. In addition to baked goods, coffee, and lunches, the ultimate item which she intends to provide to her community is hope for the future.
Jessica Busteed and her mother-in-law, Linda Busteed, are the owners and founders of Cornerstone Bakery in Yates Center. Jessica grew up in the area, near the rural community of Toronto, population 281 people. Now, that’s rural.
After living in Texas for a time, she and her husband came back to Kansas. He is now the elementary and middle school principal at Yates Center. For several years, Jessica telecommuted to her job in Houston.
In downtown Yates Center, a couple of older abandoned buildings around the beautiful town square were being sold at a tax sale. The Busteeds were able to purchase them at a bargain price. They wanted to remodel the upstairs as an apartment. “It had suffered weather damage, but was a neat old building,” Jessica said.
Linda, Jessica’s mother-in-law, was baking pies and brownies for the local farmer’s market. Jessica also loved to bake. She was missing the types of coffee she could get in the big city.
The two women decided to remodel the native stone building and open a bakery and coffee shop. Since the stone building was located on a main corner, they named it Cornerstone Bakery.
They discussed how to decorate their new shop. “I would have gone all froufrou with girly stuff, like a café in Paris, but I wanted a farmer with muddy boots to be okay coming in here too,” Jessica said. “I want everybody to be comfortable here.”
They decorated the shop in what Jessica calls “farmhouse eclectic.” The décor includes inspirational sayings, photos, and classic album covers on one wall. Customers have even donated items to decorate the shop. One plaque in the shop said, “Life happens, coffee helps.” Another said, “Bake the world a better place.”
Baking is something that the Busteeds enjoy. Cornerstone Bakery offers donuts, muffins, scones and other baked goods along with biscuits and gravy. As business has grown, they have added a daily lunch special, often with apple pie for dessert. Lunches are typically sandwiches, quiche and casseroles with various side salads. The bakery is not open for supper. “You have to get up really early to make donuts,” Jessica said.
The bakery offers lattes and various types of flavored coffees. For example: One customer suggested an amaretto dark chocolate flavor.
For the lunch recipes, Jessica and her mother-in-law have experimented with pita bread, goat cheese, and more.
“One of our goals is to expose people to some newer foods, such as quinoa,” Jessica said. “Now people are trying it at home.”
“The community is so supportive,” she said. People purchase items and offer words of encouragement. Jessica is proud of the new energy and spirit that she sees in Yates Center.
When interviewed about the community for a recent film, Jessica said, “It’s thriving. Not only in our community but in our county, it’s growing. People are looking for ways to participate.”
“There are younger people moving back here,” she said. “I want to catch what drew them back. Older ladies will come into the shop and reminisce about good times in the town. They want to help too. New organizations in town are revitalizing the community. We need to communicate a culture of hope. There is hope and hope is contagious.”
Donuts. Muffins. Scones. Hope. Well, hope may not be specifically listed on the menu, but it is a key part of what is behind the offerings at Cornerstone Bakery in Yates Center. We commend Jessica and Linda Busteed for making a difference with their delicious food and hopeful attitude in rural Kansas. I think I’ll have seconds.
And there’s more. Remember that Jessica was interviewed for a film? We’ll learn about that next week.
BARTON COUNTY —For the second night in a row, sheriff’s deputies in Barton County seized suspected controlled substances on a traffic stop.
Gordon -photo Barton Co.
Just before 1:30a.m. a deputy sheriff observed a suspicious vehicle in a rural area of Barton County near the 500 block of NW. 70th Road, according to sheriff Brian Bellendir.
The vehicle was stopped for a traffic infraction and a deputy arrived with K9 Maxx who indicated the presence of suspected controlled substances in the vehicle.
Harley photo Barton Co.
During the course of this investigation deputies found suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle.
Deputies arrested Brandon Gordon, 38 and Morgan Harley age 34, both of Hoisington.
They were booked on charges of requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both are being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond.
SHAWNEE COUNTY — The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating an accident that included a Kansas sheriff’s deputy.
photo from the accident scene courtesy Shawnee Co. Sheriff
Just after 8:30 a.m. Thursday, a Shawnee County Sheriff’s Officer was assisting at the scene of a slide off involving two vehicles near the onramp to westbound Interstate 470 from SW Burlingame Road, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.
The officer was out of his patrol unit assisting drivers involved in the slide offs when his patrol vehicle was struck from behind by a 2004 KIA Sorento SUV.
The driver of the KIA was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The Sheriff’s Officer was not injured.
The crash temporarily shut down the highway. Authorities did not release the names of the drivers or the deputy.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats rammed a package of ground rules for their impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump through a sharply divided House Thursday, the chamber’s first formal vote in a fight that could stretch into the 2020 election year.
The tally was 232-196, with all Republicans who voted opposing the resolution and just two Democratic defectors joining them: freshman Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey and 15-term veteran Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota, one of his party’s most conservative members. Both represent GOP-leaning districts.
The vote laid down the rules as lawmakers transition from weeks of closed-door interviews with witnesses to public hearings and ultimately to possible votes on whether to recommend Trump’s removal from office.
The action also took on more than technical meaning, with each party aware that the impeachment effort looms as a defining issue for next year’s presidential and congressional campaigns.
The vote, which occurred on Halloween, drew a familiar Twitter retort from Trump: “The greatest Witch Hunt in American History!”
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats of an “unhinged obsession with this illegitimate impeachment proceeding.”
During the debate, Democrats spoke of lawmakers’ duty to defend the Constitution, while Republicans cast the process as a skewed attempt to railroad a president whom Democrats have detested since before he took office.
“What is at stake in all this is nothing less than our democracy,” said Pelosi. Underscoring her point, she addressed the House with a poster of the American flag beside her and began her remarks by reading the opening lines of the preamble to the Constitution.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said Trump had done nothing impeachable and accused Democrats of trying to remove him “because they are scared they cannot defeat him at the ballot box.”
No. 3 House GOP leader Steve Scalise, R-La., accused Democrats of imposing “Soviet-style rules,” speaking in front of a bright red poster depicting St. Basil’s Cathedral on Red Square in Moscow.
Independent Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, who left the Republican Party earlier this year after saying he was open to considering whether Trump should be impeached, also backed the measure.
Democrats said the procedures — which give them the ability to curb the president’s lawyers from calling witnesses — are similar to rules used during the impeachment proceedings of Presidents Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. Republicans complained they were skewed against Trump.
It is likely to take weeks or more before the House decides whether to vote on actually impeaching Trump. If the House does vote for impeachment, the Senate would hold a trial to decide whether to remove the president from office.
Both parties’ leaders were rounding up votes as Thursday’s roll call approached, with each side eager to come as close to unanimity as possible.
Republicans said a solid GOP “no” vote would signal to the Senate that the Democratic push is a partisan crusade against a president they have never liked.
Democrats were also hoping to demonstrate solidarity from their most liberal elements to their most moderate members. They argued that GOP cohesion against the measure would show that Republicans are blindly defending Trump, whatever facts emerge.
“It will show the other party has become the party of Trump. It’s really not the Republican Party any longer,” said Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich.
Republicans said they’d use the vote to target freshman Democrats and those from districts Trump carried in 2016. They said they would contrast those Democrats’ support for the rules with campaign promises to focus on issues voters want to address, not on impeaching Trump.
The House GOP’s campaign arm sent emails to reporters all but taunting some of those Democrats including freshman Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H. “Pappas wants to be a one-termer,” one said.
GOP leaders called the rules “Speaker Pelosi’s sham process designed to discredit the Democratic process” in their daily impeachment email to lawmakers.
Pelosi decided to have the vote following weeks of GOP claims that the inquiry was invalid because the chamber had not voted to formally commence the work.
The rules lay out how the House Intelligence Committee — now leading the investigation by deposing diplomats and other officials behind closed doors — would transition to public hearings.
That panel would issue a report and release transcripts of the closed-door interviews it has been conducting.
The Judiciary Committee would then decide whether to recommend that the House impeach Trump.
According to the rules for hearings, Republicans could only issue subpoenas for witnesses to appear if the entire panel approved them — in effect giving Democrats veto power.
Attorneys for Trump could participate in the Judiciary Committee proceedings. But in a bid for leverage, panel Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., would be allowed to deny “specific requests” by Trump representatives if the White House continued refusing to provide documents or witnesses sought by Democratic investigators.
The rules also direct House committees “to continue their ongoing investigations” of Trump.
Top Democrats think that language will shield their members from weeks of Republican complaints that the inquiry has been invalid because the House had not formally voted to begin that work.
Democrats have said there’s no constitutional provision or House rule requiring such a vote.
TOPEKA, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that may be connected to a car burglary.
Just after 10:30 p.m., Tuesday, police were dispatched to Walgreen at 3900 SW 29th in Topeka for report that a subject walked in the store and told the staff he had been shot, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.
At the scene, officers located a man who was suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot
wound. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
While the officers were traveling to the call at Walgreens, dispatch received a call in the 4200
block of 29th Terrace on a report of a burglary to a vehicle. Dispatch advised that the victim saw someone burglarizing his vehicle and the victim went out to confront the suspect. The victim
fired one shot towards the burglary suspect.
The suspect was last seen running in the direction of Walgreens. Officers responded to that scene and detectives are working to determine if the two incidents are related. Police have not reported an arrest.
LINCOLN COUNTY, NE —Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested three men and seized 91 pounds of marijuana following a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Maxwell.
At approximately 8:25 p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a Chevrolet Tahoe failing to maintain its lane while traveling eastbound near mile marker 187 on I-80. The vehicle also had an obscured license plate. During the traffic stop, an NSP K9 detected the presence of a controlled substance inside the vehicle.
Photo Nebraska State Patrol
A search of the vehicle revealed 91 pounds of high-grade marijuana concealed in bags in the cargo area.
The driver, Erik Altamirano Gomez, 36, and passengers Gregory McKee, 61, both of Kansas City and passenger Vicente Bustos Camacho, 34, of Mexico, were arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. All three were lodged in Lincoln County Jail
TOPEKA, Kansas — When it comes to medical marijuana, Kansas may end up looking more like Ohio than Missouri — with edibles and topicals only, no smoking.
Ohio, which bans smoking marijuana for medical purposes, could serve as a model for eventual regulations in Kansas. NOMIN UJIYEDIIN / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
The Special Committee on Federal and State Affairs recommended potential regulations on Wednesday for the 2020 legislative session, which starts in January. It’s far from the first time the legislature would consider medical marijuana: The Kansas Health Institute says 18 bills have been introduced since 2006.
Among the suggestions for certain legislative committees to consider: banning smoking medical marijuana and only allowing edible and topical products, similar to 2017 regulations passed in Ohio.
“This topic we have addressed for several years now, and every time we run into the same problems,” Republican Sen. Bud Estes of Dodge City said. “The Ohio bill … comes the closest to doing what we feel like we should be doing here in Kansas.”
The Ohio legislation requires medical marijuana users to register for an ID card and forbids them from growing the plant at home. Ohio also allows patients to vape.
Members of the Kansas committee also expressed interest in creating an affirmative defense for out-of-state residents who carry their legally obtained medical marijuana while traveling through Kansas. Under it, proof of a patient’s legal marijuana prescription or registration would be enough to keep them from being arrested or prosecuted by the state.
“I’m trying to respect Missouri and Oklahoma residents for following the law in their state,” said Rep. John Barker, who chairs the committee. “Law enforcement … should not intervene or arrest or detain or cite that individual.”
Barker said he also supported using Ohio regulations as a model, but opposed vaping, citing possible health risks.
“I don’t think that’s the right message we should send to young people,” he said.
Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter, who testified against loosening regulations around the drug last week, said the committee’s recommendations don’t address one of law enforcement officers’ main concerns — the lack of federal regulation of medical marijuana. He plans to return to the state Capitol to testify against legalization measures next year.
“Let’s get the FDA involved,” he said. “Let’s get this stuff tested.”
Plus, banning smoking and vaping, Easter said, won’t eliminate the complications of enforcing Kansas’s borders with states where some form of the drug is legal, like Colorado, Oklahoma and, soon, Missouri.
“It’s still problematic for law enforcement,” he said.
Numerous Kansas law enforcement organizations have been vocally opposed to legalizing both medical and recreational cannabis. Officers frequently cite concerns about impaired driving, violence and children’s access to the drug.
“Proponents of this, they want to get high,” Easter said. “That’s my opinion of it, and that’s the opinion of law enforcement.”
Medical marijuana proponent Jim Ricketts said he was also unhappy with the committee’s recommendations.
The 69-year-old Holton resident testified in favor of allowing medical cannabis use last week, and said smoking the drug is the only thing that relieves the pain and stress of old injuries sustained in a car crash more than 40 years ago.
“I will smoke it until I die,” he said. “They can put me in jail. I don’t care.”
By continuing to ban the smoking of marijuana, Ricketts said, the committee isn’t doing enough to address the needs of users like him. And he’s concerned that allowing edible or processed forms will benefit the bottom line of for-profit companies rather than the health of patients.
“This stuff needs to be taken care of now,” he said. “Marijuana has been around for years and years and they haven’t been able to control it.”
Nomin Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas News Service. Follow her on Twitter @NominUJ or email nomin (at) kcur (dot) org.
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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas legislative special committee has approved two early steps toward advancing a medical marijuana bill.
-photo O’DEA / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
The committee on Federal and State Affairs on Wednesday recommended that Kansas lawmakers consider allowing residents from other states where medical marijuana is legal to use the product in Kansas if they have permission from their home states.
The committee also suggested Kansas study Ohio’s approach to medical marijuana use. Ohio limits patients to 90-day supplies and prohibits smoking medical marijuana. Edibles, patches and oils are allowed.
Supporters said the use and acceptance of medical marijuana is growing across the country, and in states adjoining Kansas.
The committees vote is non-binding. And any legislation supporting medical marijuana will face continued opposition from law enforcement and some medical organizations.c
Bigham photo Shawnee Co.Dustin Dawdy photo Shawnee County
SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.
During the early morning hours of September 21, a shooting occurred in the parking lot at the Topeka Sports Cabaret, 4216 NE Seward Avenue in Topeka, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.
The victim, a man in his 20’s, was seriously injured in the shooting and was transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.
Just after 1a.m. Wednesday, law enforcement arrested Noah Bigham, 21, Topeka, in the 2800 block of SE 2nd Street. He was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections with charges of Conspiracy and Felony Interference with a law enforcement officer and a warrant stemming from a previous case involving Criminal Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Interference with LEO, Flee/Attempt to Elude, Distribution of Heroin and Aggravated Assault.
Authorities are still attempting to locate Dustin Dawdy reference the investigation of the shooting on SE Seward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Justin Roberts at 785-251-2251 or CrimeStoppers at 785-234-0007.
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Noah Bigham
SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend shooting and ask the public for help to locate individuals who may have information.
During the early morning hours of September 21st deputies responded to a shooting in the parking lot at the Topeka Sports Cabaret, 4216 NE Seward Avenue in Topeka, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.
Dustin Dawdy,
The victim, a man in his 20’s, was seriously injured and was transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.
The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating five individuals who may have information about this incident or may have information on the shooting, according to Stallbaumer.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have hired Mike Matheny as manager.
The 49-year-old Matheny was manager of the cross-state St. Louis Cardinals from 2012-18, going 591-474 and becoming the first manager to reach the postseason his first four seasons. The Cardinals reached the World Series in 2013, losing to the Boston Red Sox.
Matheny was fired in July 2018 with the Cardinals 7½ games out of the NL Central race at the time. He was hired last November by the Royals as a special adviser for player development, putting him in place to succeed Royals manager Ned Yost.
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was scheduled for an appearance in federal court Wednesday on charges of robbing two businesses according to, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Williams photo Sedgwick Co.
Toney D. Williams, 25, Wichita, was charged Oct. 23 with two counts of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during the robbery.
He is charged with a robbery Oct. 1, 2019, at Family Dollar, 2301 S. Seneca, and a robbery Oct. 3, 2019, at Family Dollar, 1031 S. Meridian. In both robberies it is alleged he pointed a gun at an employee and demanded money. Police used surveillance video of Williams’ parked car to identify him.
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each robbery count and not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of brandishing a firearm.
The Safe Schools Hotline received an anonymous report at 11:15pm Wednesday, according to a social media report from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383. The caller stated that his daughter was told that there would be a shooting at Manhattan High East Campus tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 31) and to wear red to avoid being shot.
