NEMAHA COUNTY — A Kansas man remains in custody without bond after admitting to child sex crimes.
Carlson -photo Nemaha Co.
Eric Carlson, 27, Seneca, entered a plea of no contest last week and was convicted of one count of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child, and one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, according to Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert.
A second count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
The presumed sentence for both offenses is life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years.
DETROIT (AP) — Under pressure from U.S. safety regulators, Ford is recalling about 2 million F-150 pickups in North America because the seat belts can cause fires.
The recall covers certain trucks from the 2015 through 2018 model years.
The company says it has 23 reports of smoke or fire in the U.S. and Canada, but it’s not aware of any injuries. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating the fires last month after getting five reports. Fires destroyed three trucks.
Ford says some seat belt pretensioners can generate excessive sparks when they tighten the belts before a crash. That can ignite gases inside a support beam and cause insulation and carpet to catch fire.
Dealers will remove insulation and install heat-resistant tape. Owners will be notified starting Sept. 24.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — One of Republican Kris Kobach’s main opponents said Wednesday that he is not qualified to serve as Kansas governor because of his tough stance against illegal immigration and because he promises to pursue state policies meant to discourage it.
Johnson County Bar Association Gubernatorial Debate -photo courtesy Kobach for Governor campaign
Independent candidate Greg Orman, Republican Kris Kobach and Democrat Laura Kelly faced off Wednesday during the Johnson County Bar Association Gubernatorial Debate.
Orman, a Kansas City-area businessman, said Kobach’s stance on immigration shows that the Republican does not understand agriculture or how it depends heavily on immigrant labor. Orman made his comment during perhaps the sharpest exchange for the major candidates’ first forum of the fall campaign at a hotel in a Kansas City suburb.
Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state, has made illegal immigration a key issue in his campaign after more than a decade of advocating action by states and local communities. He was an early backer of President Donald Trump, advising both his 2016 campaign and the White House on immigration and homeland security issues.
“I almost think the idea, Kris, that you think that we need to rid of all immigrants in Kansas — all illegal immigrants in Kansas — just disqualifies you to be governor,” Orman said. “It’s clearly a red meat issue for your base, but ultimately, it just demonstrates you don’t understand how the ag economy works.”
Both Orman and Kelly are vying for votes from GOP moderates who dislike Kobach’s conservative politics, including his longstanding embrace of tough immigration policies. They have emphasized other issues, such as support for public schools for Kelly and promoting economic growth for Orman.
Both Orman and Kelly said illegal immigration is a federal issue requiring comprehensive reforms to immigration laws from Washington — echoing statements made in the past from major Kansas business and agriculture groups.
Kobach defeated Gov. Jeff Colyer in the Republican primary last month, and Orman picked up the endorsement of Colyer’s ex-campaign chairman, a former Kansas Farm Bureau president. Orman said aggressive attempts to deport illegal immigrants would hurt rural Kansas, particularly dairy and meatpacking businesses.
But Kobach brushed off the criticism and said states should discourage illegal immigrants from settling within their borders. He has promised that if he is elected governor, he will issue an executive order requiring state agencies and their contractors to use the e-Verify system to check workers’ legal status, something he’s done with his own office.
He also has promised to pursue legislation that would cut off state funding to cities and counties that restrict law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or offer sanctuary to illegal immigrants.
Kobach said Orman is suggesting that someone isn’t qualified for governor for wanting to “have the illegal population leave the state and open up jobs for Kansans” is “180-degrees wrong.”
“I’d be the first governor who’s actually tried to do something about the problem,” Kobach said. “We have to look out for the American worker.”
Kobach also has promised to seek the repeal of a 2004 law that helps young people living in Kansas illegally to go to state colleges by allowing them to pay the lower tuition rates reserved for legal state residents. Kobach contends the law subsidizes the educations of illegal immigrants, to the detriment of taxpayers.
Like other supporters, Kelly said the law makes higher education affordable to young people brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents after they’ve made Kansans their home for years.
“I have voted for that, and I’ll vote for it again, if I need to,” Kelly said. “Those kids would be dropping out of college because they couldn’t afford it.”
SAVANNAH, Mo. — Two people died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Andrew County, Mo.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Pontiac G6 driven by Kristen K. Ingles, 36, Peoria, Ill., was southbound in the northbound passing lane on U.S. 71 two miles southwest of Savannah.
The Pontiac struck the front left bumper of a northbound 2005 Ford Escape driven by Ricky L. Gonzalez, 32, Manhattan, and traveled off the roadway.
Ingles and Gonzalez were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Heaton, Bowman, Smith Funeral Home in St. Joseph.
Gonzalez was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.
TOPEKA – Officials with the Kansas Departments of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and Health and Environment (KDHE) want dog owners to be aware how dangerous harmful algae blooms (HABs) can be to their dogs. A HAB is an abnormally high population of blue-green algae in a body of water. Whether you hunt with your dog near water or just take it out for a walk, there are things you can do to protect your four-legged partner. HABs can occur in lakes, ponds, wetlands, creeks or drainage areas, generally coinciding with warm water temperatures and often flourishing in nutrient-laden waters. Dogs can become seriously ill or die if they swim in, drink or retrieve a bird from water affected by a HAB. They can even be sickened if they lick their fur after exposure or eat dried algae along the shore or floating in the water.
A HAB may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. There may also be a very strong musty odor or the smell of sewage or petroleum. This season, if the water appears or smells suspicious or if there is decaying algae on the shore, do not let your furry friend drink, swim or retrieve birds in the water.
Blue-green algae are really a type of bacteria called “cyanobacteria,” which occurs naturally in all waters around the globe. Under the right conditions, the algae can rapidly increase (bloom) and produce toxins. Although HABs typically begin in May, they can occur through October or later. Algae can wash up on shorelines and in marshy areas and even after they are dead and dry, toxins that were produced can persist for long periods. Dogs will still be at risk if they drink the HAB-affected water, walk on, roll in, eat decaying algae along the shore or retrieve a bird with algae on its feathers.
Just a small amount of blue-green algae can sicken or kill a dog. The signs of illness in dogs usually occur within 30 minutes of exposure and include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, convulsions, difficulty breathing and general weakness. If you suspect your dog has ingested algae or has any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
People may also become ill after contact with algae-produced toxins. Symptoms vary, depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you or your dog come into contact with algae, immediately rinse the contact area with clean, fresh water. If you or your dog show signs of illness, call your physician or veterinarian.
KDWPT and KDHE offer the following tips to help prevent HAB poisoning in dogs:
Carry potable water for yourself and your dog when hunting or going for walks along the shore.
Train dogs to come to you for a drink of water.
Rinse off your dog with potable water as quickly as possible if your dog swims in a HAB or walks through dried algae.
Do not let dogs eat dried algae along the shoreline. A bluish color along the shore indicates dying, toxic blue-green algae.
Do not let your dog lick their paws if they have walked through dried algae and remember that waterfowl in HAB-affected water may have toxic cells on their feathers.
KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential HAB. When a HAB occurs, KDHE, in cooperation with KDWPT and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. KDHE does not sample private bodies of water such as farm ponds or livestock watering tanks, but has recommendations on what to look for, how to field test and who to contact for additional assistance on KDHE’s HAB website.
For the most up-to-date list of waters currently affected by HABs, or to report a suspected HAB not currently listed, visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness. Hunters and the public can also get current HAB-related lake conditions by calling 1-855-HAB-LAKE (1-855-422-5253).
KANSAS CITY– Two Mexican nationals were charged in federal court Wednesday for their roles in a marijuana-growing operation where law enforcement officers seized nearly $10 million worth of plants, according to the United State Attorney.
Sergio Medina-Perez-photo Daviess Co.
Sergio Medina-Perez, also known as “Chapo,” 44, and Miguel Pulido-Maldonado, also known as “Mona,” 27, were charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. Both men are citizens of Mexico who were living in California prior to coming to Missouri.
Wednesday’s federal criminal complaint charges Medina-Perez and Pulido-Maldonado with manufacturing and distributing 1,000 or more marijuana plants.
The owners of the three real estate tracts that comprise the property, about an hour north of Kansas City, live in California. Law enforcement officers, who had been keeping the marijuana grow site under surveillance, executed a search warrant at the property on Aug. 27, 2018.
The plants were in a clearing inside a large area of timber. A distinct path led from a building in the wooded area to the area containing the marijuana plants. One person who was present at the marijuana grow site fled into the wooded area and escaped.
Officers located approximately 2,464 cultivated marijuana plants. With an approximate street value of $1,800 per pound of marijuana, this results in approximately $9,757,440 in marijuana plants seized.
Medina-Perez was arrested near the grow site on Aug. 29, 2018. Pulido-Maldonado was arrested on Aug. 30, 2018; he was covered in mud, his arms had numerous bites from either mosquitos or other insects and it appeared he had been outside for several days. Medina-Perez and Pulido-Maldonado have been held on immigration detainers since their arrests.
JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and alleged aggravated battery.
Photos courtesy Olathe Police
Three suspects stole a shopping cart full of merchandise from a business in the 14400 Block of 135th Street in Olathe last week, according to Olathe Police.
As the suspects fled, their gray Nissan Frontier nearly hit a witness in the parking lot. Anyone who is able to identify the suspects is asked to contact police.
I have about $36,000 in debt, not including my house. Of that amount, $30,000 is a truck that’s worth about what I owe on it, and the other $6,000 is student loan debt. I make $50,000 a year. I also have 24 EE bonds that were gifted to me that haven’t fully matured. Right now, they’re worth a combined $12,500. Should I cash those in, and use the money to pay off some of my debt, or let them fully mature before cashing them in? Also, are there any tax ramifications from cashing them in?
Patrick
Dear Patrick,
They might be taxed, but it won’t be much to worry about. EE bonds make less than one percent, so you haven’t really earned much. Never buy those things, man. They’re a horrible investment, with an even worse rate of return.
I’m glad you’re working out a plan and moving toward getting out of debt. A $30,000 truck doesn’t work with a $50,000 income. So, cash in the bonds immediately, sell the truck, and use some of the money from the EE bonds to pay off the school loans. Then, find yourself a cheap, little truck that will get you around for a few years.
You can do this, Patrick. I want you to have a nice truck one day, but I don’t want that truck to be a burden. This one’s got you by the throat, and you’re feeling it, aren’t you?
Drive like no one else for a little while now, so that later you can really drive like no one else!
—Dave
Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 14 million listeners each week on 600 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey.com and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey.
MOUND CITY – A Kansas man was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison after pleading no contest to two counts of first-degree premeditated murder for the 2016 deaths of his uncle Kenneth McNabb and grandmother Betty McNabb, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.
McNabb-photo Linn Co.
David Patrick McNabb, 33, was sentenced to life in the Kansas Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole for 100 years by District Judge Mark Ward.
McNabb pleaded no contest in April to the two counts of first-degree premeditated murder as well as one count of felony theft and one count of interference with law enforcement.
Just before 1a.m. Sunday police were called to the Continental Inn, 1408 W Buffalo Jones Avenue in Garden City about a welfare check following a report that a two-year-old child was being exposed to marijuana inside one of the hotel rooms.
Upon arrival, Officers could smell a strong odor of marijuana emitting from one of the rooms and made contact with a female subject, later identified as Heather Spencer, 23, Ingalls, Kansas. They also observed 2-year-old child asleep on one of the beds inside of the hotel room.
Police also located two additional subjects inside the room identified as Ezicio Riojas, 25, Dodge City and Ingrid Rodriguez, 21, both of Dodge City. Riojas initially provided officers with a false name.
Upon search of the room, Officers located drugs and drug paraphernalia accessible to the minor child. Also, the room was found to be in a hazardous condition posing a threat to the child. As a result, the child was taken into protective custody.
All three subjects were arrested and lodged in the Finney County Jail and could face the possible charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Felony Possession of Paraphernalia and -Aggravated Endangering a Child. In addition, Riojas faces a charge of Felony Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer.
RENO COUNTY — A Kansas registered drug offender suspected of being involved once again with the distribution of drugs was read new charges against her Tuesday.
Branton -photo Kan. Offender Registry
Karra Branton, 45, Hutchinson, is charged with possession of heroin, possession of marijuana and possession of methamphetamine, all with the intent to distribute within a thousand feet of a school.
Other charges include possession of a prescription drug, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, theft of property — a Panasonic computer — or in the alternative, possession of stolen property.
All of the crimes occurred on July 10.
Branton remains jailed on a $45,000 bond. She has been on the Kansas Public Offender Registry since October 2010 and has six prior drug convictions for crimes back to 2002, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
BARBER COUNTY− A Kansas law enforcement officer has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the October 2017 death of a Barber County man, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.
Brewer photo Barber County
Just before 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Barber County Undersheriff Virgil “Dusty” Brewer following an investigation into the shooting death of 42-year-old Steven P. Myers of Sun City, Kansas.
Brewer, 60, was arrested without incident at the Barber County Courthouse, 120 E. Washington Ave., in Medicine Lodge, according to a media releasee from the KBI.
Brewer was then booked into the Barber County Jail. Bond has been set at $15,000, and a condition of bond is that Brewer not engage in law enforcement activity, according to the Attorney General.
