KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An inmate at Leavenworth federal prison was sentenced Monday to 42 months in prison for attacking another prisoner with a metal pipe, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Seaman from his time in the Kansas Department of Corrections for convictions including theft, battery, aggravated escape from custody and drugs.
Jimmy A. Eastep, Jr., 49, pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. In his plea, he admitted he was working in prison electrical shop when he attacked another inmate.
Prison staff found the victim identified as 52-year-old Michael Seamen lying on the floor in a pool of blood.
He suffered a skull fracture and other serious injuries and was transferred to U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Mo.
SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a weekend chase across several counties.
Costello photo KDOC
Just after 7:40 p.m. Saturday, Ottawa County Sheriff’s personnel and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) troopers were engaged the pursuit of a dark colored BMW. The chase entered Saline County on U.S. Highway 81, but the Ottawa County and KHP pursuers lost the vehicle on the east side of Salina, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.
According to Forrester, at 8:16 p.m. Saturday, a Salina Police officer spotted the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the 300 block of East Jewell, however the vehicle took off through town and eventually disappeared.
At 8:33 p.m., a law enforcement dispatchers received a call from someone reporting that a BMW was parked in the alley behind the 200 block of South 12th and that a black male subject was changing his clothes there, according to Forreste.
Police located the man walking in the 700 block of West Walnut, but he fled when he saw the officers.. The subject eventually was found hiding on the roof of a dog kennel in the 100 block of South 12th Street.. When located, the subject had a small amount of marijuana and the keys to the BMW on him,.
Police booked Elbert Costello, Jr., 21, of Wichita, on requested charges of Flee and elude, Disobeying traffic control devices, Speeding, Felony obstruction, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia. Costello has four previous convictions that include aggravated battery, aggravated assault and weapons violations, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ new Democratic governor on Monday vetoed a measure that would require clinics and doctors to tell their patients about a disputed treatment to stop a medication abortion after a woman has taken the first of two pills.
Gov. Laura Kally during a Monday bill signing session in Topeka-photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor
The action by Gov. Laura Kelly, an abortion-rights supporter, sets up a confrontation with a Republican-controlled Legislature that has had solid anti-abortion majorities for more than two decades. Supporters of the abortion “reversal” bill appeared to have the two-thirds majorities needed in both chambers to override Kelly’s veto once lawmakers return on May 1 from a weekslong break.
Abortion opponents contend the bill ensures that women who harbor doubts about ending their pregnancies will learn that they can stop a medication abortion by taking the hormone progesterone. Abortion-rights supporters say the proposal would force doctors to provide dubious information to their patients.
Kelly said such a requirement would interfere with the relationship between patients and their physicians.
“This unwarranted legislation will create confusion and could be harmful to women’s health,” Kelly said. “The practice of medicine should be left to licensed health professionals, not elected officials.”
Kansans for Life, the state’s most influential anti-abortion group, immediately promised an attempt to override the veto. Senate President Susan Wagle, a conservative Wichita Republican, tweeted that the bill would allow women “to make an informed decision about their pregnancy.”
“Women seeking abortion must not be denied current medical information that can save their babies,” said Mary Kay Culp, Kansans for Life’s executive director.
Seven states with Republican governors have enacted such laws, starting with Arkansas in 2015, and Oklahoma’s GOP-controlled Legislature recently approved a measure. Kelly was elected last year and took office in January after the state imposed a raft of new abortion restrictions under her Republican predecessors.
Kelly’s veto came after other states, including Kentucky, Mississippi and Ohio, have moved to ban abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detected, as early as the sixth week of pregnancy. But Kansans for Life has long favored an incremental approach and restrictions that it believes will survive court challenges.
Medication abortions using Mifepristone, also known as RU-486, are the most common way of terminating a pregnancy in Kansas, accounting for 61% of the total last year, according to statistics from the state health department.
Supporters of “reversal” laws cite a 2018 study led by an anti-abortion doctor and medical school professor in California and note that progesterone has been used for decades to prevent miscarriages.
“If they didn’t know they could change their mind and all of a sudden they had a change of heart and they wanted to, we would want them to know that, that’s available to them,” said House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, another GOP conservative from Wichita. “It absolutely saves a life, and that’s important to us.”
Abortion-rights supporters have said that study is flawed and that progesterone’s use for reversing a medical abortion hasn’t been adequately tested. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has disputed the usefulness of the procedure.
Kelly said in her veto message that the bill would create a mandate “that is not adequately supported by medical science.”
“Requiring doctors to provide unscientific and unproven information violates the private relationship between women and their medical providers,” said Julie Burkhart, founder and CEO of the Trust Women Foundation, which operates a clinic providing abortions in Wichita.
Under the Kansas legislation, an abortion clinic would have to display a sign with the abortion reversal notice, and the physician would have to tell a patient in writing that a medication abortion can be reversed. A clinic that failed to post a sign could be fined $10,000, and a doctor who failed to notify a patient could be charged with a misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony for a second.
SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an Easter Sunday shooting and have made an arrest.
Reisinger -photo Shawnee Co.
Just before 7 p.m., officers responded to the area of NW Morse Street and NW Central Avenue in Topeka on a report of a shooting, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.
Upon arrival, officers located the victim of the shooting, 29-year-old Shawn Bell who was suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound.
An investigation determined the suspect was 18-year-old Jacob I. Reisinger.
Officers located Reisinger and took him into custody without incident and booked him on requested charges that include aggravated battery, felon in possession of a firearm and criminal discharge of a firearm. The victim and the suspect were known to one another, according to Koenen.
SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated robbery and asking the public for assistance with information.
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Just after 11:45p.m. Sunday, police responded to a robbery call at the Towne East Mall security office in the 7700 Block of East Kellogg in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.
A 33-year-old mall security officer told police that an unknown suspect armed with a Taser entered the mall after hours, approached her and a 66-year-old security guard and demanded money. The suspect threated both security guards and used the Taser on one of them, according to Davidson. When one security guard attempted to call 911, the suspect took the cell phone and fled on foot.
The suspect is described as an unknown black male, age 20-30s, 5-foot-8, 160 pounds. He wore a black coat, gloves and wore a black and orange mask.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call police.
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
Friends,
Sadly, last week we saw a historical religious symbol destroyed. The Notre Dame Cathedral has stood tall since 1345 and was an icon for the country of France. I was devastated by the destruction the fire cause but am heartened by the generosity of the French people and their determination to rebuild it with speed. I look forward to seeing it stand once more.
Back at home, the Mueller Report was finally released. I have always supported its release and I am glad that we live in a country where such transparency is possible. As the full details come out I am pleased that we will be able to put this shameful chapter of American history behind us and focus on the road ahead.
Fixing our Infrastructure
I had the opportunity to tour Bergkamp, Inc in Salina, which manufactures road maintenance and preservation equipment. We discussed the importance and impact of road preservation, and the need for robust infrastructure funding throughout Kansas. Everyday, our highways are used not only to move people across the state, but also to get our commodities like corn, beef, and wheat to market. Ensuring that our roads and highways are in good condition is an important part of keeping the Kansas economy growing and rural America thriving.
Gojmerac
Welcome Home Soldier
At just 29 years old, Nicholas J. Gojmerac from Kansas City, Kansas, was fighting for our country and his life during a brutal attack on the Solomon Islands. It was 1943, we were in the middle of World War II when Gojmerac crawled through the battlefield to help a friend that had been severely wounded, in his act of bravery, he too was injured by machine gun fire. Still, he pressed on, dragging his wounded comrade off of the battleground to find safety and medical care.
Despite his heroic efforts that day to save his friend in combat, it was on that day, July 20th, 1943, that Nicholas fought his final battle, and it was the last time anyone saw Marine Corps Reserve PFC Gojmerac alive. He was listed at MIA- Missing in Action.
As a salute to his bravery and sacrifice, PFC Gojmerac was later, posthumously, awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart award.
But his family and friends, for 76 years, were left with more questions than answers, unable to lay his remains to rest. Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, more than 400,000 died during the war. Today, more than 72,700 of those soldiers are still unaccounted for.
In September, The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) through an extensive dental and anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial, historical and material evidence evaluation identified remains recovered from a burial site on the Solomon Islands as Nicholas J. Gojmerac.
He was transported back to Kansas, where he was laid to rest with full military honors at the at Leavenworth National Cemetery.
Welcome home soldier. Thank you for your service, your bravery, and your patriotism.
National Grain and Feed Association
Members of the National Grain and Feed Association stopped by the office to discuss a number of issues including: trade, infrastructure, transportation, and the ongoing challenges facing producers back home on the farm. As the Trump Administration continues to negotiate a new trade deal in North America, as well as others across the globe in Asia and elsewhere, we must ensure that our roads, rails, and waterways here at home can continue to support the movement of grain and goods produced by hard working Kansans to market.
Although there are many struggles currently facing the rural economy I am proud to advocate on their behalf in Washington to ensure that conditions improve as quickly as possible.
Bridging the Gap, Vietnam War Vets Give Personal Accounts of the War
I am so proud of the work that Humanities Kansas continues to do for our communities. For those unfamiliar with HK, their mission is to draw people together and generate new ideas through sharing peoples stories, starting conversations, and taking action to help Kansas Communities.
Their latest campaign was dedicated to sharing the stories of the Vietnam war through the eyes of veterans that fought in the battle. HK helped share the stories of more than 100 Kansas Vietnam veterans through audio recordings and sent them to the Library of Congress to be archived so that their personal accounts and memories from the war will never be forgotten. This oral history project connected with veterans in various communities across my district, including Salina, Onaga, and Abilene, and I had the honor of joining for the launch of the project in Jetmore last August.
It’s crucial that we continue to dive deeper to truly understand our nation’s history, especially when there’s still an opportunity to see the events through the lens of veterans and families that endured it that can provide first-hand accounts of their experiences.
By putting the spotlight on our veterans’ voices, Humanities Kansas is bridging the gap between those who lived through the war era and those who have merely read about it in their school’s history books.
Pro-Life Movement
Many Kansans are as appalled as I was at the horrible anti-life legislation we have seen come from the New York legislature. As we see more and more evil legislation being proposed it can be easy to become discouraged so I want to take the time to highlight some of the great work being accomplished from the pro-life movement at the State level.
Last week the Texas House passed a Born-Alive Infant Protection Act. This legislation is something I have been fighting tooth and nail against the anti-life Democrats to have passed in the House and I cannot express how great it feels to see states finding success. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that from 2003-2014 at least 143 infants died after being born alive during an abortion procedure. To say that this is unacceptable would be a grave understatement. Currently only six states even have to report when a baby survives an abortion, and in 2017 from those six states alone there were at least 25 babies born alive. These are living infants who need our protection.
We have also seen success with “Heartbeat Bills” in multiple states. In Kentucky they have signed a Heartbeat bill into law and are currently defending it in court. In Georgia another similar bill has passed their legislature and need only be signed by the Governor to become law. These pieces of legislation protect the life of infants as soon as a heartbeat can be detected and are important steps towards getting the Supreme Court to abolishing the detestable practice of late term abortion. I applaud the work being done by these state legislators and the pro-life community and give you all my word that I will continue my fight here in Washington.
Digital Divide Update
Last week we had more than 20 representatives from rural telecommunications companies in D.C. to discuss issues related to broadband deployment. Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many of them back in Kansas and see firsthand the work they’re doing across the state! This group discussed challenges and inaccuracies with the current national broadband map, which impacts availability of federal funding for these small providers working to build out broadband infrastructure in rural communities. Last year, Congress directed the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Federal Communications Commission, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to work together to update the national broadband map, so that we can better deploy broadband across the country.
KU Hospital Leaders Discuss Rural America Health Care Access
I had the opportunity to sit down with a great group from the KU Hospital Association for a great discussion centered around the needs of rural hospitals. We discussed the demographic challenges rural America faces in terms of an aging population base, and must ensure that all Kansans have access to a health care system that works for them. We need our public institutions to be working to develop systems that work for our rural population and I plan to see that they do so.
I will be advocating for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to develop a program to establish new models of care for rural hospitals
We also talked about a vital program to rural hospitals, the 340B Drug Discount Program. This program allows safety-net health care organizations serving vulnerable populations to purchase prescription drugs at a discount. Kansas rural hospitals have utilized the savings to maintain capacity and provide services to patients in need. I support the 340B program and what it has done to help the people of Kansas.
KS Council on Developmental Disabilities
Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities dropped by the Hill! We had great discussions about employment for those who have disabilities. Those with disabilities have a hard time finding jobs that are suitable for them and their needs, but it is really important that they are able to. Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act allows men and women with disabilities to find high quality workforce and prepares them for competition in the work place. The Act will have State vocational rehabilitation agencies set aside funds and put that towards services that will help young people with disabilities transition into the workforce. I am glad to be an advocate for those who struggle with any sort of disability and help them find a perfect fit for work!
Wichita REAP Council Meeting
Last week I gave a speech at the Regional Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Council Meeting in Wichita about the importance of the agriculture community for South-Central Kansas and what is being done in Washington on their behalf. I updated the council on the process of implementing the Farm Bill. While the shutdown that ended earlier this year caused minor delays, USDA is working diligently to get back on track to make sure that all Kansans in the ag community get the support that they need.
I also informed the REAP council about ongoing trade negotiations with foreign economies. I met last week with Minister Xu Xueyuan from the Chinese embassy for trade discussions centered around the high quality beef, grain, and other agricultural exports that are produced back home. The Trump Administration has also recently started bilateral trade talks with Japan in Washington DC. As the third largest economy in the world this presents huge potential for Kansas producers. Finally, I brought the counsel up to speed on the letter I led regarding the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) for wheat imports into Brazil. After several decades of defiance, I am very pleased that the new leadership in Brazil has committed to finally following the World Trade Organization law and will comply with the TRQ, presenting increased export opportunities for our farmers in Kansas and across the country.
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the Kansas First District Congressman.
PRETTY PRARIE, Kan. (AP) — Students at a Kansas school where the band room was extensively damaged are back to practice thanks to a donation from another school district.
Photo courtesy Reno Co. Sheriff
Hutchinson Public Schools donated instruments to the band program at Pretty Prairie High School.
The Pretty Prairie district says Hutchinson’s donation replaced all the instruments damaged earlier this month when vandals trashed the music room.
The donation allowed the Pretty Prairie band to reschedule its spring concert to May 3.
Four students, three of whom are between the ages of 8 and 11, were suspended after the vandalism.
JEFFERSON COUNTY — A registered Kansas sex offender is back in jail after a weekend incident involving a 14-year-old girl.
Early Sunday, the teen’s parents reported her missing, according to Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig. The teen was originally reported abducted by 21-year-old Jacob Cowles, a registered sex offender. “We learned she went willingly and so there was no Amber Alert issued,” said Herrig.
Cowles lives with his parents in Lakeshore Estates. When the two returned to the home, the parents contacted authorities who arrested Cowles, according to Herrig.
He is being held in the Jefferson County Jail on requested charges that include aggravated criminal sodomy; with person/animal by force, indecent liberties w/ child 14-16 years of age and solicit to engage, according to online jail records.
Cowles was expected to make a court appearance in the case Monday, according to the sheriff.
Just like the odd couple pairing of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, Salina Comic Con and the Salina Liberty Indoor Football team are joining forces to give fans of the Star Wars movies a full day of celebration on the day internationally recognized as Star Wars Day – May the 4th.
The day kicks off with the opening of Salina Comic Con – Episode III at 10 a.m. in Tony’s Pizza Events Center’s Heritage Hall. May 4 is also Free Comic Book Day and the first 300 people through the door will receive a free comic book courtesy of Diamond Publishing.
Salina Comic Con will this year feature: Marvel Comics illustrator Rodney Ramos and Supernatural Angel; a 1967 Chevy Impala replica car from the CW Network’s Supernatural. Additional appearances may be announced closer to the show.
Vendors will be on hand for attendees who want to buy, sell, and trade comic books, toys, and pop culture memorabilia. Also returning is the popular costume contest, known as ‘cosplay.’
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive in the south plaza from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in conjunction with Salina Comic Con. Donors will receive a Game of Thrones-themed poster and t-shirt, as well as a $5 Amazon gift certificate. Call 800-REDCROSS to make your life-saving appointment; walk-ins are welcome.
A cast of Star Wars cosplayers will be patrolling Heritage Hall and the concourse as members of the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, and R2 Builder’s Club will be present for photo opportunities at both Salina Comic Con and the Salina Liberty game.
At 6:30 pm the Salina Liberty, in cooperation with Lucasfilm, Ltd., is hosting Star Wars Night, but get there early – the first 100 kids through the door will receive a free lightsaber courtesy of Ryan Roofing.
Students from Oakdale School will provide entertainment during pre-game and halftime and will sing the National Anthem.
Salina Comic Con hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 4 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 5. May 4 tickets are just $10 in advance, and May 5 tickets are just $8 in advance. Prices increase $2 the day-of-show.
Salina Liberty tickets start at only $9 for adults, and kids ages 2-12 are $5 with a paying adult.
Tickets for both Salina Comic Con and the Salina Liberty game are on sale now at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Box Office, online at tonyspizzaeventscenter.com, or by calling 888-826-SHOW (7469).
Be sure to follow the social media pages of Salina Comic Con, Salina Liberty and Tony’s Pizza Events Center for up-to-date event announcements.
SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing and have suspect in custody.
Thurman -photo Sedgwick County
Just after 3a.m. Sunday police responded to report of the stabbing in the 3400 Block East Munger in Wichita, according to Captain Brent Allred
Upon arrival, police located 62-year-old Albert Thomas of Wichita with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Allred.
Investigators learned that Thomas and suspect 53-year-old Keith Thurman lived at this residence with two others including a 57-year old woman and a 50-year-old woman.
They were at home cooking for Easter Sunday when Thomas and Thurman got into an argument that turned into a physical altercation outside the residence. Thurman stabbed Thomas multiple times, according to Allred. The 57-year-old woman was also stabbed in the arm and treated at a local hospital, according to Allred.
They arrested Thurman on requested charges of second-degree murder.
Police are still working to determine what led to the altercation. They expect to present the case to the district attorney later this week, according to Allred.
BARBER COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Barber County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Brandon Husband, 42, Fowler, was southbound East on River Road thirteen miles northwest of Medicine Lodge.
A vulture came out of the north ditch and struck the driver in the head. The vehicle traveled off the road into the north ditch, struck a barbwire fence and over turned.
Husband was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Larison Funeral Home. A passenger Jennifer Husband, 43, Fowler, was transported to Wesley Medical Center where she died. They were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP.
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BARBER COUNTY — The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 3p.m. Saturday in Barber County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was traveling southeast on River Road thirteen miles northwest of Medicine Lodge.
A vulture came out of the north ditch and struck the driver in the head. The vehicle traveled off the road into the north ditch, struck a barbwire fence and overturned.
Authorities released no additional details early Sunday.
TOPEKA — The director of the Topeka Zoo says a the prognosis for the recovery of a zookeeper who was attacked by a Sumatran tiger is good.
The zookeeper was attacked Saturday while in the outdoor tiger habitat of Sanjiv, a 7-year-old male tiger.
Zoo director Brendan Wiley said the zookeeper was talking Saturday night. She was moved out of the intensive care unit, according to a statement from city of Topeka spokesperson Molly Hadfield early Monday.
The woman has worked at the zoo since 2002 and has several years of experience with tigers.
Sanjiv photo Topeka Zoo
Wiley said the zoo is conducting an investigation and will determine what protocol changes might be needed after talking to the injured employee.
The zoo has no plans to euthanize Sanjiv, who was back on display Sunday.
SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Salina city leaders are exploring the possibility of a ban on plastic shopping bags.
City staff was briefing commissioners Monday on other communities with bans and what it would take to gather public input on such a policy.
Salina City Commissioner Joe Hay proposed the ban. He told KAKE-TV earlier this year that the city should be a leader in the state. He says the bags fly like kites and blanket fences and trees after a wind storm.
California and Hawaii already ban disposable plastic bags. So do many cities including Chicago, Seattle and more than a dozen local communities in New York state.
