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Body found: Sheriff identifies teen who went missing at Kansas lake

 

Authorities on the scene of the drowning Thursday morning-photo courtesy WIBW-TV

JEFFERSON COUNTY — Divers have recovered the body of a 19-year-old who was missing in Perry Lake.

The victim identified as Adam Perkins, Grantville, was hanging out with friends in the Devil’s Gap section of the Slough Creek Public Area at Perry Lake Wednesday evening, according Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig.

Just after 8p.m., Perkins swam out to recover a beach ball and went under.  The friends didn’t realize how serious the situation was but ultimately called for help.

Due to storms, search teams had to give up their work just after 11p.m.  They returned at 7 a.m. and used side scan sonar.  Divers recovered the body just before 10:30 a.m., according to Herrig.

Perry Lake is about 20 miles northeast of Topeka.

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Search crews on the scene Wednesday night-photo courtesy WIBW-TV

OZAWKIE, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are searching for a man who went missing in Perry Lake.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the man’s disappearance was reported around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Devil’s Gap section of the Slough Creek Public Use Area. The search for the man in his 20s has involved rescue boats equipped with sonar devices and divers.

Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig says there was still no sign of him Thursday morning. Perry Lake is located about 20 miles northeast of Topeka.

Police investigate report of skimmer on Salina bank ATM

 

ATM skimmer

SALINE COUNTY- Law enforcement authorities in Saline County are investigating another case of a skimmer on a bank ATM.

On Wednesday, a man contacted police after he discovered a skimmer on the Sunflower Bank ATM, 1201 West Crawford in Salina, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The man’s card became stuck in the machine. When he attempted to pull out his card he partially detached the skimmer.

Police removed the device and are currently attempting to determine how long the device was on the machine.

The skimmer was placed over the card acceptance slot.

Skimmers are placed over the card reader of an ATM and records information that lets thieves drain bank accounts.

The suspect who attached the device must return to the ATM to collect the stolen card information stored on an SD card, according to Forrester.

Police in Salina investigated several reports of skimmers on ATMs in July of 2015

Brownback signs Kansas school funding bill; court review next

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has signed into law a measure to increase the state’s funding on public schools in response to a court mandate.

Brownback acted Thursday on the bill, which would phase in a $293 million increase in aid to public schools over two years. The Kansas Supreme Court ruled in March that the state’s $4 billion a year in education funding was inadequate.

The court is expected to review the new law.

Attorneys for four school districts suing the state have said they’ll challenge the new law because they believe it still falls hundreds of millions of dollars short of adequately funding schools.

But the justices did not set a figure when they told lawmakers to pass a new school funding law by June 30.

Police work to identify suspects who broke into Kan. elementary school

SHAWNEE COUNTY- Law enforcement and school district officials are investigating after two suspects broke into a Kansas elementary school.
USD 345 reported the two suspects were seen on security video just after midnight Wednesday inside West Indianola Elementary School, 4201 NW Brickyard Road in Topeka.

Anyone who is able to identify the suspects is asked to call USD 345 School Police Chief Phil McKay at 785-286-8516.

There are no reports of vandalism by the suspects.

Sheriff: Body of woman found in car on Kansas highway

HARVEY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a woman in Harvey County.

Just after 3p.m. Wednesday, authorities found a body inside a vehicle at the Northbound Interstate 135 rest area south of Newton, according to the Harvey County Sheriff’s Department.

Officials reported the body is of a female in her mid 30s.

The cause of death is currently unknown. Officials did not release the victim’s name.

Congress seeks normalcy, heads back to work after shooting

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (all times local):

The business of the House is resuming a day after a rifle-wielding attacker opened fire on Republican lawmakers practicing for a charity baseball game.

 

 

The attack critically wounded House GOP Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana and also injured Capitol police officers, and a current and former congressional aide. The assailant had nursed grievances against President Donald Trump and the GOP — and was shot by police and later died.

Votes were canceled in the House on Wednesday, but on Thursday they were taking place.

Scalise had been fielding balls at second base when he was shot and then dragged himself away from the infield in a trail of blood. The shooter was identified as James T. Hodgkinson, a 66-year-old home inspector from Illinois.

10:10 p.m.

President Donald Trump sat by Rep. Steve Scalise’s bedside and spoke with the House Majority Whip’s family during a visit Wednesday evening to the hospital where Scalise remains in critical condition.

Press Secretary Sean Spicer describes the scene in the intensive care unit as “emotional.”

Spicer says the president was also briefed by Scalise’s medical team and spoke with Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner, who was shot in the ankle during the attack on a Republican Congressional baseball practice.

The president and first lady Melania Trump spent about half an hour at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Trump also met with other Capitol police officers who have gathered at the hospital and thanked them for their service.

The president was accompanied by White House doctor Ronny Jackson.

___

9:20 p.m.

The hospital where Rep. Steve Scalise is recovering after being shot says the congressman remains in critical condition and will require several more operations.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center is also providing a more detailed description of Scalise’s wounds. The hospital says he was shot in the left hip, after which “the bullet travelled across his pelvis, fracturing bones, injuring internal organs and causing severe bleeding.”

Scalise was among several people wounded early Wednesday when a rifle-wielding attacker fired on lawmakers on a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia, outside Washington. The attacker was shot and later died.

___

8:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump is making a surprise visit to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where Rep. Steve Scalise is being treated for his injuries following Wednesday’s shooting at a Republican congressional baseball practice.

The president and first lady Melania Trump brought two bouquets of flowers to the hospital.

MedStar Washington said in a tweet Wednesday afternoon that Scalise “was critically injured and remains in critical condition.” It provided no further details about him.

Scalise was among several people wounded when a rifle-wielding attacker fired on lawmakers on a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia, outside Washington. The attacker was shot and later died.

___

8 p.m.

Vice President Mike Pence has been speaking with the victims of Wednesday morning’s attack on a Congressional Republican baseball practice.

Pence’s office says he spoke with the two injured members of the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as the father of lobbyist Matt Mika, who was shot multiple times.

Pence also touched base with the Capitol Police chief and a number of lawmakers, including Rep. Roger Williams of Texas. Williams said at a press conference that Pence had spoken with his injured staffer, Zachary Barth.

The White House said shortly after the shooting that President Donald Trump had spoken with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, injured Rep. Steve Scalise’s wife and chief of staff, and the chief of the Capitol Police.

___

5:28 p.m.

Family members of Matt Mika says he suffered multiple gunshot wounds and remains in the intensive care unit in critical condition after surgery.

Mika was wounded Wednesday when a gunman opened fire at a baseball practice, injuring a congressman and others.

His family said in a statement late Wednesday that they expect Mika to remain hospitalized for at least several days. The family said, “we continue to be in disbelief that he would be part of this heinous attack.”

Mika is a former aide to Michigan Republican congressman Tim Walberg. He is director of government relations for Tyson Foods Washington, D.C., office and has worked for the company for more than six years.

Mika’s family described him as “a very thoughtful, fun-loving person who is competitive and loyal; all things which contributed to his continued commitment to the Congressional Baseball Game.”

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4:00 p.m.

The FBI says it’s investigating the social media presence and motives of the Illinois man suspected in a shooting that injured Rep. Steve Scalise and several others.

The FBI on Wednesday confirmed the gunman’s identity as 66-year-old James Hodgkinson of Belleville, Illinois. Officials say they’re investigating Hodgkinson’s whereabouts, associates, web postings and “potential motivations.”

Authorities are searching his home in Illinois.

The FBI says five people overall were taken to hospitals with gunshot wounds, including the shooter, Scalise, a Capitol Police officer, a congressional staffer and a lobbyist. Another congressman suffered minor injuries. Hodgksinson later died.

Meanwhile, the Capitol Police says one of its officers is in good condition after having been shot in the ankle and another was treated and released with a minor injury.

___

3:40 p.m.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney received a threatening email shortly after a man opened fire on members of Congress and others on a baseball field.

The subject line read, “One down, 216 to go…”

That’s according to the New York Republican’s spokeswoman, Hannah Andrews, who said her office alerted Capitol Police.

There are 238 Republicans in the House, but 217 voted for a bill that would repeal and replace President Barack Obama’s health law. It was unclear whether the email writer was referring to that vote.

___

2:54 p.m.

A Washington hospital says the congressman shot during a baseball practice is in critical condition following surgery.

MedStar Washington said in a tweet Wednesday afternoon that Rep. Steve Scalise “was critically injured and remains in critical condition.” It provided no further details about him.

Scalise was among several people wounded when a rifle-wielding attacker fired on Republican lawmakers on a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia, outside Washington. The attacker was shot and later died.

The hospital said another victim of the shooting is in good condition. It did not identify the victim.

___

1:10 p.m.

George Washington University Hospital says one of the two patients it was treating following the shooting at a congressional baseball practice has died while the other remains in critical condition.

Hospital spokeswoman Susan Griffiths did not identify either patient, but President Donald Trump had just announced that the shooter had died of his injuries.

Louisiana congressman Steve Scalise underwent surgery for a gunshot to the hip and was in stable condition.

Capitol Police officers who were in his security detail had wounded the shooter. Two of those officers also were wounded and both were expected to recover.

The fifth person wounded in the shooting in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday morning was a former congressional aide, who now works for Tysons Food.

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1:05 p.m.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is calling a shooting at a congressional baseball practice a “senseless and cowardly attack.”

Rosenstein says in a statement that his thoughts are with the victims and their families, and he is praying for their swift recovery. He says the Justice Department will provide resources for a thorough investigation.

Five people, including the suspected shooter, were hit. President Donald Trump said the attacker died later.

Rosenstein says police officers who responded to the attack are “heroic” and “their willingness to risk their lives to keep us safe is humbling and inspiring.”

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1:00 p.m.

A Texas congressman says the gunman who shot Louisiana Republican Steve Scalise at baseball practice had first fired at another Republican lawmaker and missed.

Republican Joe Barton witnessed the shootings that wounded Scalise and several others.

Barton told reporters Wednesday that the gunman first fired shots at Mississippi Republican congressman Trent Kelly and missed before shooting Scalise. He says Kelly was playing third base. Scalise, who was shot in the hip, was playing second.

Kelly said on Twitter that he is safe.

Mississippi’s two other Republican congressmen — Steven Palazzo and Gregg Harper — also say they are safe.

Palazzo is on the Republican baseball team but was not at practice because he was doing a radio interview.

___

12:40 p.m.

House Speaker Paul Ryan has told his fellow lawmakers that “an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.”

The Wisconsin Republican praised the efforts of Capitol police officers and other law enforcement.

Ryan addressed the House in the wake of Wednesday’s shooting at a practice of lawmakers for the annual charity congressional baseball game.

Ryan said, “these were our brothers and sisters in the line of fire.”

Ryan received a standing ovation as lawmakers in both parties came to the House chamber as a show of unity.

Ryan said implored lawmakers in both parties “to resolve to come together to lift each other up and to show the country, show the world that we are one House, the people’s House, united in our humanity.”

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12:20 p.m.

Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders says the man authorities identified as opening fire on the Republican congressional baseball practice had apparently volunteered on his presidential campaign.

Sanders, an independent from Vermont who ran for president, says in a statement: “I am sickened by this despicable act.”

He says that “violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms.”

He paid tribute to Capitol Police for their response to the shooting, and said his prayers are with House GOP Whip Steve Scalise and others who were wounded.

Sanders challenged Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination in the 2016 presidential election.

_____

11:45 a.m.

President Donald Trump says the assailant in the congressional shooting has died from his injuries.

Trump said Wednesday morning that the gunman who shot Rep. Steve Scalise, of Louisiana, had died. The assailant has been identified as James T. Hodgkinson.

Scalise was shot at a congressional baseball practice just outside of Washington. Officials said several other people were also wounded. Trump said Scalise “was badly wounded and is now in stable condition.”

Trump praised the “heroic actions” of the Capital Police at the scene.

____

11:43 a.m.

President Donald Trump says he has spoken to Rep. Steve Scalise’s wife, Jennifer, to offer his support to the family.

Trump calls Scalise, the House majority whip, a very good friend and says he is a fighter and a patriot.

Trump offers his own prayers to the Scalise family, and says the entire world is also praying for them.

____

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana was shot Wednesday at a congressional baseball practice, congressional officials say.

 

Sen. Jeff Flake says the gunman had “a rifle of some sort” and “a lot of ammo.”

Flake says Scalise was playing second base at a congressional baseball practice when he was shot by a man standing off the third-base side of the field. He says Scalise dragged himself into the outfield to get farther away from the shooting.

Several other people were wounded, including a congressional staff member and law enforcement personnel.

Kansas First District Rep. Roger Marshall is a member of the GOP team and confirmed in a text message and on social media that he was safe. He was not in attendance at the practice.

In an email statement Marshall  said:

This morning was one of just a handful of practices I haven’t made it to. Thank you for the many who have asked about me and offered support.

Steve Scalise is the leader of our team in so many ways. Whether it is on the baseball field, the House floor, or in life, he is always encouraging, motivating and supporting his Members and teammates. Just two days ago, Steve and I were riding together to an event at the Secretary of the Interior’s office, enjoying each other’s company. He is a terrific friend and father, and his wife and two kids are in my prayers.

There were staff and Police seriously injured. I want to ask for prayers for them and their families.

This – at a baseball practice, no less – is an insult to America, our way of live and our ability to put politics aside and enjoy a pastime to benefit charity.

I ask that each of you join me in praying for my good friend, Steve Scalise, and the staff and Capitol Police who were injured. I don’t have any other information at this time, but I ask for your continued prayers for those injured and their families.

The coward who did this will not win in any way. Though shaken, we are not deterred in our mission to turn this country in a better direction.

 

 

 

 

 

Governor’s Exporter and Excellence Award recipients named

KDC

TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Commerce is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2017 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award is Lee Aerospace, Wichita, and the recipient of the Governor’s Award of Excellence is Cereal Ingredients, Inc., Leavenworth. The winners were announced on International Trade Day during Business Appreciation Month.

The Governor’s Exporter of the Year award proudly celebrates the successes of Kansas companies that excel in exporting and growing their communities. It encourages the growth of the state’s international commerce by showcasing successful exporters as role models to the Kansas business community. The recipients are prime examples of how exporting is a significant catalyst for company growth and diversification. Twelve Kansas companies were nominated for the 2017 Exporter of the Year award.

The 2017 Governor’s Award of Excellence companies can be nominated in one of four categories, including manufacturing/distribution, service, retail and hospital/non-profit. There were 19 regional winners and 44 merit winners for the Governor’s Award of Excellence.

Lee Aerospace started as a small production company in 1989, manufacturing aircraft cabin windows for Boeing, and quickly grew to include multiple aircraft manufacturers. Today, Lee Aerospace is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aircraft windows for business aircraft. Expanding beyond just aircraft transparencies, Lee Aerospace now has over 250 Kansas employees.

Cereal Ingredients, Inc. is a privately held, employee-owned specialty ingredients manufacturer that was established in 1990 by Robert Hatch to research, develop and market unique, new food ingredients. The company holds multiple worldwide product and process patents.

Kansas man accused of forgery, cell phone theft

Adam Jacob Bible

SALINE COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities in Saline County are investigating a suspect for alleged fraud to obtain cell phones.

On June 4, a man posing as Cody Beard opened a business account with Nex-Tech Wireless at the Central Mall in Salina. The man was able to obtain five Apple iPhone 7 Plus phones valued at $4,200, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The identify theft was reported to authorities on June 9.

The suspect made contact with the store several days later and wanted to pick up an additional 19 phones.

After rescheduling several times the suspect agreed to a meeting. Capt. Forrester said a clerk identified the suspect when he pulled into the parking lot. Undercover officers met at the door.

Police arrested Adam Jacob Bible, 31, Derby on requested charges of forgery, theft by deception and possession of marijuana.

Law enforcement authorities in Wichita are also investigating the identity theft case. Capt. Forrester said they believe Bible obtained the identification in April by stealing it from a vehicle.

The five stolen iPhones were not recovered.

Kansas education officials renew student testing contract

Neal Kingston-photo University of Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is renewing a contract with the state’s student assessment provider despite technical problems that caused delays.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that members of the Kansas State Board of Education voted Tuesday to renew the contract with the University of Kansas’ Center for Educational Testing and Evaluation. The renewal decision was put on hold in April. The move came two weeks after technical issues began when 15,000 students were simultaneously taking the assessments.

Testing center official Neal Kingston vowed to “continue to do better and better.” He directs the university’s Achievement and Assessment Institute, which oversees the center that has administered tests for the state’s school districts since 1989.

Testing problems also have occurred in the past, mostly recently last year when a fiber cable was cut in Lawrence.

Prosecutors: Kan. man wanted to enslave mom, child for sex

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man is accused in a criminal complaint of looking for a mother and child to enslave for sex.

The U.S. attorney’s office says 63-year-old Michael David Mitchell, of Ottawa, told an undercover investigator posing as a woman with a daughter that he would take care of her but that “it won’t be easy on either of you.” He described himself as “a sadist” who enjoys “inflicting pain.” Court documents say he also told them he was willing to pay them.

Mitchell was charged Monday with attempted sex trafficking of a child and several other counts after he was arrested at a Kansas City, Missouri, hotel where he had arranged to meet them. No attorney is listed for him in online court records.

Kansas zoo mourns death of a white rhino

Milly-photo courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo

SALINE COUNTY – Staff and patrons of Rolling Hills Zoo are mourning the loss of a Southern White Rhinoceros.

Milly was euthanized Wednesday morning due to declining health and her advanced age, according to a Rolling Hills Zoo media release.

In captivity, biologists estimate a rhino’s lifespan at about 40 years. Zoo officials say Milly was between 46 and 51-years-old.

“We have been caring for Milly in her advanced age, trying to make her as comfortable as possible, said Zoo Curator Brenda Gunder.

“She was finding it extremely difficult to stand up for long periods of time and it became apparent that her quality of life was deteriorating.”

Milly was born in South Africa. She arrived at the Rolling Hills Zoo in 1996 as part of the White Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan. Milly and Wagasa were among the first animals at the zoo, according to the press release.

“Milly seemed to always look out for her friend Wagasa by keeping the males in line,” said head keeper Vickie Musselman. “In turn, Wagasa would call to Milly if separated. Even though Milly is the smallest of all of our rhinos she has always been the little spit-fire when she felt that she needed to be and wasn’t shy about letting her keepers know.”

Approximately 20,000 white rhinos remain in the wild and they are considered a near-threatened species. “Unfortunately, over the years their population numbers have declined due to habitat loss and poaching. In the past four years over 1,000 annually have been killed, and within the next 20 years they could be extinct.”

Milly’s body was transported to Kansas State University for a necropsy.

Kansas man sentenced for child rape

Leech-photo Barton Co.

BARTON COUNTY-A Kansas man convicted in March of child rape was sentenced on May 26, according to a report released Tuesday from Barton County Attorney Amy Mellor.

The court ordered Todd Lane Leech, 31,  to spend just over 14-years in prison. He was also ordered to lifetime registration as a sexual offender, and is subject to lifetime post-release supervision.

Due to the nature of the crime, the fact that the victim was a juvenile, and to protect the privacy of the victim and the victim’s family, the court did release additional information.

Leech was also advised that he could not possess firearms as a result of his conviction.

Police: Alcohol a factor in Kan. crash that critically injured woman

DOUGLAS COUNTY -Law enforcement authorities in Douglas County are investigating a pedestrian accident that sent a woman to the hospital.

Just before 8a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the 1800 Block of Louisiana Street in Lawrence for report of a woman hit by a truck, according to a media release.

The 22-year-old victim was flown to a regional trauma center for treatment of serious injuries, according to police.

The investigation indicates a 20-year-old female driver was southbound on Louisiana Street and hit the woman who was crossing westbound.

Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor, according to police.

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