PRATT – It’s hard to complain about rain when you live in Kansas, but this has been a tough spring for those who love to be outdoors. And as we approach Memorial Day weekend, one of the biggest outdoor weekends of the summer, there is concern about lake levels and campsite availability at many Kansas state parks. However, don’t despair, with a little planning and a phone call or two, you can enjoy a great weekend outdoors.
Kansas state parks staff are busy getting ready for the big weekend and dealing with any issues caused by above-normal lake levels. At many parks, it’s normal for reservable utility sites to be booked ahead of this big weekend, and that’s the case this year at most parks. However, there are walk-in camping sites and primitive camping sites available. Don’t give up on a weekend camping trip because of high-water reports. Call your favorite state park office before you go, and find out what’s available. You can find contact information for all state park offices here: https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations
There are also many events planned at state parks this weekend, and spending the day picnicking, fishing, playing on the beach or hiking at a state park can be rejuvenating. A daily vehicle entrance permit gets the whole family in for just $5.
And there’s good news out west at Historic Lake Scott State Park. The health advisory for Lake Scott has been rescinded by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. The advisory was issued on May 9 after a fish kill was reported and testing found elevated levels of e. coli. Recent testing indicates the e. coli has disseminated and the lake is open for regular recreational activities.
If you have a serious case of cabin fever this spring, the only remedy is to get outside and get some sun. Find a state park near you this weekend and, hike, bike, boat, fish or just relax. You’ll be glad you did.
TOPEKA – The summer months mean a welcomed break from school for Kansas kids, but they also signal a shift in the family’s daily routine. Families may be considering leaving children home alone during the summer, instead of opting for a sitter. Safe Kids Kansas, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and the Office of the State Fire Marshal have some tips on how to decide if your child is ready to be home alone. And if you decide to keep the kids home, we have some important advice on keeping them safe.
“Developmentally, children are generally ready to be home alone around the age of 12 or 13,” said Cherie Sage, State Director of Safe Kids Kansas. “However, children develop at different rates, so use your own discretion to determine your child’s maturity level and capabilities. For example, if you have an impulsive 13-year-old who is a big risk taker, you might be hesitant to leave him/her alone. On the other hand, a thoughtful 11-year-old, who has a good track record of following household rules might be ready. Most states, including Kansas, don’t have regulations or laws about when a child is considered old enough to stay at home alone or babysit another child.
DCF has some general guidelines to help you make the decision when your child is ready to be home alone:
Age—Young children through age six, should never be left alone for even a short period of time. Kids six to nine can be left alone for only short periods of time. Children 10 and older can be left alone, depending on other factors.
Length of time alone—Consider whether your child is ready to spend the whole day alone or if only a couple of hours is more appropriate.
Maturity—Consider your child’s ability to fend for himself/herself and your child’s level of common sense. Certainly, children with developmental disabilities and emotion issues should be monitored closely.
Knowledge of emergency preparedness—Ask your child if he/she knows what to do in the event of a fire, tornado, stranger at the door, etc. Ask “what ifs”.
Availability of adults—Children must know how to reach a responsible adult at any point in the day for any reason, even if it’s just to provide reassurance if the child becomes fearful.
Insecurity—Children should feel comfortable with the idea that they will be home alone. The more fearful they are, the less likely they will be able to respond appropriately to emergency situations.
Behavior—Children who misbehave, vandalize, steal, intimidate neighbors, set fires or are a danger to themselves need close supervision.
“It’s important that parents consider all of the possible risks involved when determining if their child is ready to stay home alone,” DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore said. “Never assume your child is ready because he/she seems old enough.”
Each year, more than 3 million kids ages 14 and under get hurt at home—and more than 2,000 children die from unintentional injuries in the home. Fire, suffocation, drowning, choking, firearm and poisoning are among the top leading causes of unintentional home injury death for this age group. “Teach your children about hazards around the home, and make sure they know what to do in an emergency,” says Sage. “The first time your kids stay home alone, it should be for a short time and you should be nearby.”
Safe Kids Kansas also recommends parents take the following precautions to ensure your child’s safety:
Carry a cell phone and keep it turned on. Make sure your children know where you will be and what time you will return. In addition to your cell phone number, post emergency numbers (police, fire, EMS, doctor and the poison control hotline, 800-222-1222) and a friend or neighbor’s number by every phone in the home. Teach your child their home address so they can tell emergency personnel where to dispatch assistance, if necessary.
Prepare a snack or meal in advance — preferably one that does not need to be heated. If your children will need to cook, remind them never to leave an oven or stove unattended while cooking and to turn it off when they are finished.
Make sure potentially poisonous or hazardous household items are locked up out of reach — especially medications, matches, lighters, weapons and cleaning products.
Review your family’s emergency plans and make sure your children know what to do if the smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector goes off. Practice two escape routes from each room.
Review and practice plans for other types of emergencies, such as severe weather. Ensure they know where to go for emergency shelter.
Show your children where you keep your first aid kit and how to use basic first aid supplies.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal urges families to teach fire safety to children who might be home alone and how to escape FIRST, then call 911 from outside or at a neighbor’s house. Learn more fire safety tips at FireMarshal.ks.gov/firesafety. And for more information on home safety, call (785) 296-1223 or (785) 296-0351 or visit www.safekids.org.
SALINE COUNTY- Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on felony charges after a brief police pursuit.
Just before 2p.m. Thursday, a Saline County Sheriff’s deputy doing seatbelt enforcement attempted to stop a 1992 Chevy Silverado near intersection of Santa Fe and Republic in Salina, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan.
When the patrol vehicle turned around to make contact with the vehicle, the driver sped away.
The deputy chased the pickup through several residential neighborhoods. The suspect identified as Jeremy Welch, 39, Culver, ditched the vehicle in the middle of the street in the 100 block of East Minneapolis.
Authorities searched the area for about 15 minutes before a Salina Police officer noticed a bookshelf askew on an enclosed back porch. Police found Welch hiding behind the shelf.
He was booked into the Saline County Jail and faces felony obstruction charges as well as multiple traffic violations, according to Soldan.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors say a former Valley Center police sergeant has been charged with sexual exploitation of a child, attempted sexual battery, official misconduct and harassment.
Forty-nine-year-old Thomas Delgado made his first court appearance Friday in Sedgwick County District Court on seven counts. The charge related to the sexual exploitation is a felony, and the others are misdemeanors.
His defense attorney did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.
The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office said in an email that Delgado is free on a $75,000 bond on condition he not contact witnesses. His preliminary hearing is set for June 7.
Delgado had been a Sedgwick County sheriff’s patrol deputy before he became a Valley Center police sergeant. He resigned after his arrest in December.
SEDGWICK COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged attempted murder.
On Thursday, police arrested 23-year-old Dijon Thomas for the shooting of a teenager playing basketball at a park in the 2600 Block of North Piatt in Wichita, according to Sgt. NIkki Woodrow during Friday’s online media briefing.
The 17-year-old victim arrived at a local hospital on Sunday with a gunshot wound to his leg. Bullets also hit a house and car in near the park.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 71-year-old Kansas man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison and ordered to pay $8.4 million in restitution for tax evasion.
David Pflum, of St. Marys, was sentenced Thursday for tax evasion and obstruction to the Internal Revenue Service.
Prosecutors say Pflum claimed on Internal Revenue Service documents that he had less than $475 in assets and a monthly income of $470.
Pflum, who owned Coil Springs Specialties, actually owned more than $2 million in real estate and made more than $16,000 a month.
Prosecutors say he encouraged people who owed him money to ignore IRS collection efforts.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A lawyer who worked for Secretary of State Kris Kobach will replace his father-in-law in the Kansas House.
Republican leaders from the Derby and Mulvane area on Thursday selected Jesse Burris to replace Pete DeGraaf in the Kansas Legislature. Burris, a lawyer who worked for Kobach until this week, was the only nominee for the 82nd House District seat.
DeGraaf is leaving the Legislature after nine years because of health issues caused by Parkinson’s disease.
Burris, an Air Force veteran, is a staunch conservative, who opposes all tax increases, abortion and same-sex marriage. He says he supports school choice and gun rights.
Burris resigned his job with the secretary of state’s office Wednesday in anticipation of his appointment.
In 2016 John B. King, Jr.-served as U.S. Education Secretary-courtesy photo
WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of Congress are criticizing the Education Department over $6 billion in improper payments made as part of the federal student aid programs.
Government data shows the improper payments were made in 2016. They include payments made to wrong recipients or for incorrect amounts.
Jay Hurt — chief financial officer of Federal Student Aid — tells a House hearing that a zero-percent rate of improper payments isn’t feasible.
But GOP Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina says she thinks the Education Department should strive for no mistakes.
The official in charge of managing federal student aid resigned abruptly Tuesday night and didn’t testify.
John B. King, Jr. served the Obama administration as Education Secretary in 2016.
Harris-photo Sedgwick CountyBrown-photo Sedgwick County
SEDGWICK COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Wichita reported the arrest of 38-year-old Steven Harris. He is wanted in connection with a shooting death in Manhattan.
On Thursday, Wichita Police Department (WPD) received information that a vehicle matching the description in connection with the crime was at a Motel 6 on E. Kellogg Dr. in Wichita, according to a media release.
WPD responded to the scene and were able to determine the vehicle was a match. WPD officers then made contact with Steven Harris. Harris and Cora Brown, who was also at the Motel 6, were arrested without incident.
Police on the scene of Thursday night’s arrest-photo courtesy KWCH
Harris was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for 1st degree murder and attempted 1stdegree murder. Harris’ bond was set at $2,000,000.00. Harris remains confined in Wichita at this time.
WPD also arrested Cora Brown on a Riley County District Court warrant for possession of methamphetamine. Brown’s bond was set at $20,000.00. Brown also remains confined in Wichita at this time.
Both Harris and Brown will be transferred to the Riley County Jail.
There are no indications at this point in the investigation that Brown was in danger.
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SEDGWICK COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Wichita reported the arrest of 38-year-old Steven Harris. He is wanted in connection with a shooting death in Manhattan.
Police took Harris and his girlfriend Cora Brown into custody Thursday evening at a motel in Wichita.
Just before 6p.m. on Sunday May 21, police received several 911 calls stating there had been a shooting on Nelson’s Landing in Manhattan, according to a media release.
When officers arrived on scene to the 2800 block of Nelson’s Landing, they found one male, identified as German Gonzalez-Garcia, 39, of Manhattan, dead from gunshot wounds.
A second man was found on scene, also suffering from gunshot wounds. He was lifeflighted to Stormont Vail in Topeka in critical condition.
On Monday, police issued a warrant for Harris in connection with the shooting.
Kansas is operating its Medicaid program under a five-year “waiver” that allows three private insurance companies to administer the program. The state’s waiver ends Dec. 31, and officials have asked for a one-year extension. FILE PHOTO / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
Federal officials this week approved a corrective plan for Kansas’ privately managed Medicaid program, easing pressure on the state before a year-end deadline.
As part of the plan, state officials agreed to keep track of the number of grievances and appeals they receive from Kansans in Medicaid who say they were denied appropriate services. That and other elements of the plan were outlined in a letter the state received Monday from James Scott, associate regional administrator for Medicaid and children’s health operations at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
In Kansas, the privatized Medicaid program known as KanCare provides health insurance to about 425,000 Kansans, mostly children in low-income families, people with disabilities and low-income elderly Kansans who need nursing home care.
Kansas is operating its Medicaid program under a five-year “waiver” that allows three private insurance companies to administer the program. Through waivers, states can make changes to Medicaid as long as they cover required services and don’t increase federal costs.
The state’s waiver ends Dec. 31, and officials have asked for a one-year extension after then to allow KanCare to continue while the Kansas Department of Health and Environment prepares an application for a new program. CMS has yet to approve the extension, but the corrective plan removes one barrier.
CMS officials denied the extension request in January, however, because of concerns the state wasn’t adequately overseeing the three insurance companies that administer the program. Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer attributed the denial to a “parting shot” from the outgoing administration of President Barack Obama and said the state expected more cooperation under new President Donald Trump.
If CMS doesn’t approve an extension before the waiver expires, Kansas theoretically could be forced to return to traditional Medicaid, though records don’t show any precedent for that. So far, CMS has only disapproved two waiver applications, according to its database. Both were for new waivers.
Mike Oxford, executive director of the Topeka Independent Living Resource Center, said Wednesday that he hopes better tracking will improve services for people with disabilities. Until now, the state has only looked at health outcomes, not whether people are satisfied with their services or able to participate in their communities, he said.
“From where I sit today, it looks like the state is getting it,” he said.
If the state acts on the information it collects, it could reduce KanCare recipients’ distrust in the system, Oxford said. Some people in KanCare who were denied services told state officials during public meetings that they felt they were being mistreated to increase the profits of the insurance companies that administer KanCare, he said.
Meanwhile, state officials are moving forward with plans for the next phase of KanCare.
State officials have kept quiet about what a new KanCare program might include, citing uncertainty in Washington, D.C. Angela de Rocha, spokeswoman for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, said she expects changes would be “fairly extensive.”
“It is too soon right now to say exactly how or in what ways,” she said in an email. “One of the reasons we have applied for an extension is to wait for clarity on what the federal government is going to do.”
Meg Wingerter is a reporter for the Kansas News Service, a collaboration of kcur.org, Kansas Public Radio and KMUW covering health, education and politics. You can reach her on Twitter @MegWingerter.
DOUGLAS COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in a May 15, armed robbery and have suspect in custody.
On Thursday, police in Kansas City arrested Mark X. Young, 25, on a warrant in connection with the robbery, according to a media release.
Just after 8:30 p.m. May 15, police responded to a restaurant at 1501 West 23rd Street after report of a robbery.
Based on investigation it was determined that a black male wearing a red sweatshirt entered the business brandishing an edged weapon and demanded money.
The suspect fled the business with an undetermined amount of cash.
An employee reported that during the incident he was struck by the suspect, not with the weapon, causing minor injuries that did not require medical attention. No other injuries were reported.
RENO COUNTY–A Kansas woman accused in a fatal, January DUI accident waived her right to a preliminary hearing in Reno County District Court Thursday.
Jane E. Hart, 65, Hutchinson, is charged with involuntary manslaughter while under the influence.
Just after 2p.m. on January 21, an Audi passenger vehicle driven by Hart was eastbound on 30th Street in Hutchinson, according to Reno County Sheriff’s Department.
The driver made a left turn onto Prairie Dunes Drive and the car struck a westbound motorcycle driven by Charles Caselton, 62, Burrton.
He died at the scene. Arraignment in the case is set for June 5.
SUMNER COUNTY – Another small earthquake hit Kansas late Thursday. The quake just before midnight and measured a magnitude 2.6 and was centered approximately ten miles west of Belle Plaine in Sumner County, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
This is the seventh quake in Kansas this month.
A 2.8 magnitude quake hit near Mankato in Jewell County on Tuesday. A 3.4 quake was reported in the same area on Saturday, May 20.
A pair of small earthquakes were reported in Harper County early Friday, May 19. A 2.7 magnitude quake hit 10 miles northwest of Conway Springs on May 10.
The agency reported a 3.5 magnitude quake in Harper County on May 5.
The USGS recorded nearly a dozen Kansas earthquakes in April, seven in March and six in February. They measured from 2.5. to 3.3.
There are no reports of damage or injury from Thursday’s quake, according to the Sumner County Sheriff’s Department.
KDWPT
