KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, say a man was killed when the motorcycle he was driving crashed into a tree.
Police did not immediately identify the victim of the crash Friday night.
Investigators say the man died at the scene.
GARDEN CITY – A Kansas man accused of forcing himself at gunpoint into a state judge’s home and holding the judge hostage for several hours while making demands of other state officials has been convicted of terrorism, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.
A Finney County jury Friday found Jason Linn Nichols, 34, of Garden City, guilty of one count of terrorism, one count of kidnapping, one count of aggravated burglary, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of criminal threat and one count of criminal restraint. The jury also found Nichols not guilty of a second count of terrorism. Senior Judge Jack Burr presided over the trial. Sentencing has been set for September 15 at 1:30 p.m. in Finney County District Court.
Schmidt filed criminal charges in June 2016 in connection with the incident that occurred May 31, 2016, in Garden City. Evidence presented at trial showed that while Nichols held the judge in his Garden City home he demanded a phone call be placed to the Kansas secretary of revenue. During that call, Nichols demanded the Department of Revenue provide to Nichols various types of information related to state taxes.
Kansas law defines terrorism to include the commission of a felony with the intent to influence government policy by intimidation or coercion or with the intent to affect the operation of any unit of government. Under Kansas law, a terrorism conviction carries a possible life prison sentence.
The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Garden City Police Department, Finney County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Dodge City Police Department. Assistant Attorney General Jessica Domme of Schmidt’s office prosecuted the case.
By JIM MCLEAN
For a while it appeared that the Republican effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act might come down to Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran’s vote.
He was one of a handful of Republican senators who broke ranks to oppose an initial version of the GOP repeal and replace bill. And it was his late-night tweet with Utah Sen. Mike Lee that forced Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to later call off a scheduled vote on a revised version of the bill.
But when the critical moment arrived early Friday, it wasn’t Moran’s vote that made the difference. It was John McCain’s.
The veteran senator from Arizona joined two other Republicans — Maine’s Susan Collins and Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski — in voting against a last-gasp effort by GOP leaders to make good on their promise to repeal and replace Obamacare.
The so-called “skinny repeal” bill they proposed would have taken only parts of the ACA off the books. But its passage would have given House Republicans something they could have quickly agreed to and sent to President Donald Trump.
The pressure was on. Republican leaders said it was time for members to close ranks.
Moran did just that, casting one of the final votes for the bill around 2 a.m.
But McCain — who made a dramatic return to the Senate earlier in the week after being diagnosed with a brain tumor the week before — joined Collins, Murkowski and chamber’s 46 Democrats and two independents in voting “no.”
He then issued a statement calling on congressional leaders to convene hearings to work on a bipartisan solution.
“We must now return to the correct way of legislating and send the bill back to committee, hold hearings, receive input from both sides of aisle, heed the recommendations of our nation’s governors, and produce a bill that finally delivers affordable health care for the American people,” McCain said. “We must do the hard work our citizens expect of us and deserve.”
Moran has not yet issued a statement explaining his vote. But in an interview with the Kansas News Service earlier in the week, he agreed with McCain’s call for a bipartisan approach.
“Trying to do something with one party alone is a mistake,” Moran said. “I’ve called for all 100 senators to be involved in the process by which we repeal and replace or we fix the Affordable Care Act.”
Moran said he opposed earlier versions of the GOP’s Obamacare repeal bill because, in his judgment, they wouldn’t have done enough to slow rising health insurance costs or protect people with pre-existing conditions. He said he also was concerned that the Medicaid cuts called for in the bills would have jeopardized rural hospitals and nursing homes in Kansas.
Based on those concerns, Kansans opposed to repeal thought Moran might also oppose the final bill.
“Actions speak louder than words,” said David Jordan, executive director of the Alliance for a Health Kansas, a pro-ACA advocacy group. “Senator Moran now has the opportunity to reject this harmful bill, start an open process and do what is right for Kansans.”
Kansas’ other senator, Republican Pat Roberts, has not wavered in his support of GOP efforts to repeal the ACA.
“Obamacare continues to fail,” Roberts said late Thursday on Twitter as the voting began. “Republicans prefer repeal and replace. Dems claim to support single-payer but not one supported it today.”
Roberts was referring to a vote on a “single-payer” amendment offered by Republican Sen. Steve Daines, of Montana, in an effort to force Democrats up for re-election in 2018 to show their cards on the issue.
The amendment failed 0-57 with most Democrats voting “present.”
Jim McLean is managing director of the Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio and KMUW covering health, education and politics. You can reach him on Twitter @jmcleanks.
SHAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities reported Friday that 18-year-old Joseph Daniel Irwin, 18, Topeka, had died from injuries in a suspicious incident on Wednesday, according to Amy McCarter with Topeka Police.
Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, police responded to the intersection of 21st and Arvonia in Topeka near West Ridge Mall after report of a naked person identified as Irwin in the street, according to a media release.
Police reported they found Irwin without clothes and unresponsive. He was transported to a local hospital. Police released no additional details.
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SHAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities continue investigating a suspicious Wednesday evening incident and have identified the victim.
Just before 8p.m. police responded to the intersection of 21st and Arvonia in Topeka near West Ridge Mall after report of a naked person identified Friday as Joseph Daniel Irwin, 18, Topeka. in the street, according to a media release.
Police reported they found Irwin without clothes and unresponsive. He was transported to a local hospital. Police released no additional details.
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SHAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspicious Wednesday evening incident.
Just before 8p.m. police responded to the intersection of 21st and Arvonia in Topeka near West Ridge Mall after report of a naked person in the street, according to a media release.
Police reported they found the person without clothes and unresponsive. He was transported to a local hospital. Police released no additional details.
DCF
TOPEKA – Leaving home and entering college, the workplace, the military or some other endeavor as a young adult can be an intimidating transition. But for youth who don’t have the support of a family, facing realities of being an adult can be especially difficult. This week, at Washburn University in Topeka, dozens of youth in foster care took part in a summer conference to learn how to become independent. The conference wrapped up this afternoon.
“This is an event I look forward to every year,” said Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Phyllis Gilmore. “It’s a great opportunity for our staff to connect with older youth, learn their stories, find out how we can help them and encourage them on their journey to independence.”
Secretary Gilmore spoke to approximately 100 older youth on Wednesday, July 26. She recognized the recent high school graduates, asking each about their goals for the future. The Secretary also offered an inspirational message about how, despite their difficult starts in life, they are of value and full of potential.
Every year, approximately 350 youth age out of the Kansas foster care system. They are offered a wide range of services through DCF’s Independent Living program. Most recently, many older youth attended computer camps throughout the state, where they each received a day of instruction and computers and printers to prepare them for school and employment.
Older youth who age out of foster care are also encouraged to participate in the Kansas Youth Advisory Council (KYAC), which is a partner to DCF to advise on issues of concern related to foster care. KYAC members include youth currently in care and those who have recently aged out of the system. The summer conference, this week, was largely designed by KYAC members, and is held each July at Washburn University. The conference is sponsored by DCF, and included this year, workshops and speakers, as well as games, crafts and activities.
“This conference is beneficial to those who come. We received hygiene bags, pillows and blankets and I know people who don’t have that,” said Shaileigh Piepmeier, a conference attendee who has aged out of foster care. “The conference also provides structure, not only for those in foster care, but people my age too. They can know that this is solid and that it’s going to be here and that they can look forward to it every summer.”
Some of the workshops that the youth could attend included instructions on filing incoming taxes, financial budgeting, interviewing for jobs, completing college and scholarship applications, self-defense, cooking and sewing.
To learn more about the services offered to youth from foster care, visit www.dcf.ks.gov.
KDWPT
PRATT – The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Commission will conduct their next public meeting on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at the Ninnescah Sailing Club in Cheney State Park. The afternoon session will begin at 1 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m. The evening session will convene at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend both sessions and time will be set aside for public comment at the beginning of each for discussion of non-agenda items.
The afternoon session will begin with a report on the agency and state fiscal status and an update on the 2017 Kansas legislative session. The General Discussion portion of the meeting will include a review of big game regulations, Tourism update, Mined Land Wildlife Area project review, and an update on current Walleye Initiative efforts.
The Workshop Session will include reviews of turkey regulations for 2018, park regulations, privately-owned cabin permit fees, boating registration fees, license expiration dates, and threatened and endangered species regulations.
The evening portion of the meeting will convene at 6:30 p.m., during which time the Workshop Session will continue with a review of fishing regulations. No items will be voted upon at this meeting.
If necessary, the Commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., August 11, 2017, to complete any unfinished business. Information about the Commission, as well as the August 10 meeting agenda and briefing book, can be downloaded at ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission/Upcoming-Commission-Meetings.
Live video and audio streaming of the August 10, 2017 meeting will be available at ksoutdoors.com. If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the KDWPT Commission secretary at (620) 672-5911.
The next KDWPT Commission meeting is scheduled for October 19, 2017 at the Bryan Conference Center, 101 S Main, in Scott City.
HOLTON, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man convicted of raping two women and acquitted of sexually assaulting a teen in cases that have divided his tight-knight hometown won’t face additional rape charges.
But Jacob Ewing will face trial for attempted rape and felony charges of sexual exploitation of a child under a ruling that Jackson County, Kansas, District Judge Norbert Marek issued Thursday.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Marek ruled that a jury should decide if Ewing knowingly viewed sexually explicit images of a 17-year-old girl.
In the ruling, Marek dismissed additional charges of rape scheduled for trial in August at the request of special prosecutor Jacqie Spradling. Defense attorney Kathleen Ambrosio also had sought to have Ewing retried on the charges that he was convicted of in June, but Marek denied the request.
SEDGWICK COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a potential dog fighting ring.
Just after 2:30 p.m. Thursday, police were conducting an investigation and observed possible evidence of a dog fighting ring at a residence in the 1300 Block of North Chautauqua in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson during Friday’s police briefing.
Officers seized three pit-bull dogs and a rabbit. They were taken to the animal shelter. Wichita police recently participated in training specific dog fight. The Kansas Humane Society brought the program to Wichita. Because of this training, the officers were able to identify the dogs in this potential dog fighting ring. Police have made no arrests in the case.
SALINE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for felony theft.
A local consumer contacted Acoustic Sounds, 605 W. North Street in Salina after purchasing a Led Zeppelin album online, according to Salina Police Sgt. James Feldman
The consumer told the Salina based store that the album came in an Acoustic Sounds package but was not being sold by the store’s account.
An investigation into the account revealed other items for sale belonging to Acoustic Sounds.
Feldman said that authorities were able to track the personal eBay account to 33-year-old Cody Hackney, an employee at the store. A warrant to search his residence uncovered more stolen items, including an SME Precision Turntable valued at $20,000.
Police arrested Hackney for felony theft, felony obstruction and theft by deception.
SEDGWICK COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drive by shooting and have a suspect in custody.
Just after 7p.m. Thursday police were dispatched to a disturbance with weapons call at a gas station in the 2300 Block of South Seneca in Wichita, according to officer Charlie Davidson with Wichita Police.
An employee of the business told police an unknown woman came into the gas station and prompted a disturbance.
The woman left in a gold colored Ford Fusion with at least one child passenger, according to Davidson. As she drove away, the woman fired a gun that caused damage to the business.
Police were able to locate the suspect identified as Aubrey Ambler, 23, and arrested her, according to the sheriff’s department booking report.
She faces charges of criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault, child endangerment, destruction of property, possession of drugs and traffic violations.
There were no injuries reported.
HUTCHINSON— A Kansas teenager convicted last August as an adult in the deaths of his mother and 11-year-old sister in a 2013 house fire was sentenced to life in prison Friday.
Samuel Vonachen, 14 at the time of the crime had been described as a scheming psychopath. During the trial, the defense suggested he had a mental defect.
During Friday’s sentencing, Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder recounted the night of the fire and called Vonachen a danger to the community. He said the judge should not depart from the sentencing guideline of life in prison without parole.
Vanochen’s grandmother briefly addressed the court prior to the judge announcing sentence. She told her grandson that she loved him and was sorry for what happened. No other family members spoke on his behalf.
In August of 2016, a Reno County jury convicted the teen for the killings of his mother and sister who died after he poured gasoline and set fire to the family home. His father was able to escape.
Vonachen was also convicted of attempted first-degree murder for trying to kill his father and aggravated arson for setting of the fire.
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HUTCHINSON — A sentencing hearing is underway for a Kansas teenager convicted last August as an adult in the deaths of his mother and 11-year-old sister in a 2013 house fire.
Samuel Vonachen, 14 at the time of the crime had been described as a scheming psychopath. During the trial, the defense suggested he had a mental defect.
During Friday’s sentencing, Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder recounted the night of the fire and called Vonachen a danger to the community. He said the judge should not depart from the sentencing guideline of of life in prison without parole.
Check the Post for additional details as they become available.
OFFICE OF GOV.
TOPEKA – Hays native Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer today issued the below statement following the announcement of Governor Sam Brownback’s presidential nomination to Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom:
“Sam Brownback has served our state and our citizens with distinction. I will be forever grateful for his service.
“As a doctor and a father of three beautiful girls, I am always optimistic for the future. As I’ve served in worn-torn countries, helping victims begin the healing process, I’ve seen first-hand the resilience of human beings. A Reagan alumni, I too believe people have an inherent dignity, requiring a respect for vulnerable life and civility for our fellow man.
“With humility and a deep sense of honor, I look forward to working with Kansans from across the state, listening to their vision for the future, as together we move toward a better tomorrow for the place that we love.”
Dr. Colyer’s biography can be found here. He is a 1978 graduate of Thomas More Prep Marian High School in Hays.
While Dr. Colyer has made many International Medical Corps (IMC) trips since then, 60 Minutes documented a 2002 mission to Sierra Leone, one of his earlier IMC trips. The full interview can be seen below.
FORD COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a July 23, double shooting and continue searching for an alleged suspect 20-year-old Xavier Alejandro Maestas.
On Friday, the Hodgeman County Sheriff’s office reported receiving numerous tips that Maestas has been seen in Jetmore and Hodgeman County, according to a social media report.
He is possibly driving a blue passenger car with partial gold wheels.
If seen do not approach contact Law Enforcement immediately. Maestas is considered armed and dangerous.
Just after 2:30 a.m. Monday, Officers from the Dodge City Police Department were dispatched to a mobile home at 201 E. McArtor for a shooting, according to a media release.
When Officers arrived they found two adult men suffering from gunshot wounds. During the investigation
Detectives determined the victims were standing outside the trailer when they were shot.
Detectives were able to identify a suspect and an arrest warrant was issued for 20-year-old Xavier Alejandro Maestas for Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Aggravated Assault – Use of a deadly Weapon, and Criminal Discharge of a Firearm – Shooting into an occupied dwelling.
