RENO COUNTY– The suspect in a weekend stabbing incident at Carey Park in Hutchinson failed to get a bond reduction when he made a first court appearance on Monday.

Elijah B Norris, 28, faces charges that include aggravated battery, distribution of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $50,000 and Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen denied a request for any bond reduction.

The victim and Norris were in vehicle during  in the Saturday morning attack.

The first officers on scene located and began treating the victim. She had  been stabbed multiple times in the head and called police.

Additional officers began setting up a perimeter and eventually took Norris into custody near the intersection of Blanchard and Emerson Loop East, near the park.

He was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for a laceration believed to have occurred during the attack and then booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility.

Officers also located a bloody kitchen knife as well as several small bloody plastic baggies of suspected marijuana believed to be connected with this case.

The victim in the case was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and then transported by ground ambulance to Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita.

The two small children with the victim are in the custody of family members, according to police.

Norris has previous convictions for aggravated battery, possession of drugs and burglary, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

He is scheduled for a return to court next week.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Former Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders is scheduled to speak at the Kansas Democratic Party’s Washington Days convention later this month.

The party announced Tuesday that the Vermont senator will speak at the convention Feb. 24-25 in Topeka but details of his appearance were not released.

pic.twitter.com/xPFhlZ9H3w

— KansasDems (@KansasDems) February 7, 2017

The Vermont senator faced Hillary Clinton in the nomination for Democratic presidential candidate.

Sanders mounted a strong challenge to Hillary Clinton in the Democratic race for the presidential nomination before eventually losing to Clinton. Sanders soundly defeated Clinton in Kansas’ presidential caucus last March, winning with 68 percent of the vote to 32 percent for Clinton.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on the Kansas Legislature’s debate over increasing income taxes and balancing the state budget (all times local):

 

Republican Gov. Sam Brownback says he’s willing to consider budget-balancing proposals advanced by a Senate committee to cut spending on public schools and higher education.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee endorsed a bill Tuesday that would cut state aid to public schools by $128 million and funding for state universities by $23 million before June 30.

It’s part of a plan by the committee to erase a projected $320 million shortfall in the state’s current budget.

Brownback outlined accounting moves and internal government borrowing that would have avoided such immediate cuts. But Brownback told The Associated Press: “We’ll look at it.”

The full Senate plans to debate the spending cuts Thursday along with proposals to increase personal income taxes to help keep the budget balanced after June 30.

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A Kansas Senate committee has endorsed cutting aid to public schools and higher education spending to help balance the state’s current budget.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee approved a budget-cutting bill Tuesday on a 9-4 vote. The votes against it came from the panel’s three Democrats and moderate Republican Sen. Vicki Schmidt, of Topeka.

The bill trims $154 million in spending from the current budget and almost all of it comes from education funding.

Public schools would lose $128 million. State universities and the Kansas Board of Regents would lose nearly $23 million.

The committee also approved a one-year reduction in contributions to public employee pensions and some internal government borrowing to help close a projected $320 million shortfall in the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30.

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10:30 a.m.

Republican Gov. Sam Brownback says budget-balancing proposals to increase Kansas personal income taxes would cut against national trends.

Brownback said Tuesday that he thinks it’s a mistake for lawmakers to consider broad increases in income taxes to help balance the state budget.

The governor has criticized a plan from Senate GOP leaders to increase income taxes to raise $660 million in new revenues over two years. But the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee endorsed it anyway Tuesday.

Brownback has noted repeatedly that President Donald Trump promised during his successful campaign to push for federal income tax cuts.

He told reporters Tuesday, “This is going against national trends. It’s going against what’s in the best interest of Kansas to grow.”

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10:15 a.m.

A Kansas Senate committee has endorsed a bill that would raise personal income taxes to generate $660 million in new revenues over two years to help balance the state budget.

The Assessment and Taxation Committee’s voice vote Tuesday sends the measure to the full Senate. Majority Leader Jim Denning says the chamber could debate it as early as Thursday.

The bill would backtrack on personal income tax cuts championed by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback in 2012 and 2013 in an effort to stimulate the economy.

Kansas has struggled to balance its budget since those cuts and now faces projected shortfalls totaling nearly $1.1 billion through June 2019.

The bill would eliminate an income tax exemption for more than 330,000 farmers and business owners and increase rates for all income taxpayers.

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5:43 a.m.

Kansas legislative committees are preparing to debate raising income taxes and other budget-balancing moves.

The Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee expected to vote Tuesday on a plan from the chamber’s GOP leaders for boosting personal income taxes.

The bill would eliminate an income tax exemption for more than 330,000 farmers and business owners and increase rates for all income taxpayers to raise $660 million over two years.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee planned to discuss spending issues. It was reviewing accounting moves and other steps proposed by Brownback that include scaling back state contributions to public employee pensions.

Kansas faces projected budget shortfalls totaling nearly $1.1 billion through June 2019 and has struggled to balance its budget since slashing personal income taxes in 2012 and 2013.

SEDGWICK COUNTY – The suspect  has been booked for attempted first degree murder, and other charges. He is a 31-year-old male with an extensive criminal background, according to Police spokeswoman Nikki Woodrow.

She reported just before 6p.m. on Tuesday, the officer hit by a car driven by a fleeing suspect is still in critical but stable condition.

In lieu of flowers and cards being sent to the WPD police officer, the family respectfully requests donations be sent to The Honore Adversis Foundation on his behalf.

The Honore Adversis Foundation

477 N. Seneca St.

Wichita, KS 67203

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a Wichita police officer remains in critical condition following surgery after being hit by a car driven by a fleeing suspect.

Police spokeswoman Nikki Woodrow says officers were monitoring a house in south Wichita Tuesday where a stolen vehicle was seen and a known suspect with various felony warrants was located.

She says a suspect fleeing the house ran over one of the officers with a vehicle. Another officer fired one round.

Deputy Chief Jose Salcido says the shot did not hit either the suspect or vehicle.

Police gave chase for several blocks, and the suspect ran into a business. He was taken into custody by an officer and his canine partner.

No other suspects are being sought.

The injured officer is a 25-year-veteran of the department.

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a Wichita police officer is in critical condition after being hit by a car driven by a fleeing suspect.

Police spokeswoman Nikki Woodrow says officers were monitoring a house in south Wichita Tuesday where a stolen vehicle was seen and a known suspect with various felony warrants was located.

She says a suspect fleeing the house ran over one of the officers with a vehicle. Another officer fired one round at the suspect’s car. Woodrow says police don’t know if the shot hit the suspect.

Police gave chase, and the suspect eventually ran into a business where he was taken into custody.

Police say no other suspects are being sought.

No other information was immediately available.

FINNEY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Finney County are investigating a suspect in connection with alleged arson.

Just before 6:30p.m. February 4, officers of the Garden City Police Department were dispatched to 1607 Julie Street for a reported structure fire, according to a media release.

As Officers were responding dispatch advised that a male subject was on scene setting fire to the house and there was a child still inside the residence.

When Officers arrived on scene they located a trash can on fire up against a wall of the residence. Officers pulled the trash can away from the residence to prevent the residence from catching fire. Officers were able to locate the suspect, 30-year-old  Martin Garcia as he exited the residence.

The investigation revealed that Garcia was upset after a family dispute and went to the basement where he allegedly set fire to a mattress in a bedroom.

That fire was extinguished by a 50-year-old female victim.

Garcia then went to the kitchen and allegedly set fire in a trash can in the kitchen.

That fire was also extinguished by the same victim.

She advised Garcia that she had called police and they were coming. Garcia then allegedly grabbed a large kitchen knife and threatened the her.

She was able to grab the two children, ages 5 and three, and flee the residence.

When the victim fled the residence Garcia followed outside and allegedly set fire to the trash can outside next to the house.

There were no injuries, according to police

Garcia is being held in the Finney County Jail and could face the possible charge including Criminal Threat, Aggravated Arson, Aggravated Assault, Cruelty to Animals and Possession of Marijuana.

WASHINGTON – With Vice President Mike Pence casting the deciding vote in a 50-50 tie, the U.S. Senate confirmed Betsy DeVos as the new Secretary of Education on Tuesday.

Kansas Senators Roberts and Moran voted with Republicans in favor of the controversial Trump Nominee.

The Senate historian says it was the first time a vice president had to break a tie on a Cabinet nomination.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The controversial nominee for education secretary is expected to get a vote before the full Senate today following a marathon session where Democrats each used the maximum debate time allotted in a show of opposition to Betsy DeVos. The debate continued all night.

With two Republicans announcing opposition, Vice President Mike Pence will likely have to break a 50-50 tie to confirm the nominee, who favors alternatives to public education.

Kansas Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran announced their support for the controversial nominee.

Moran said DeVos reassured him.

“Ms. DeVos confirmed to me that there will be no federally-mandated voucher program in the state of Kansas. She reassured me that the state, local districts and school boards will retain their important role in administering our schools and determining our students’ curriculum.”

Senator Roberts said he welcomed the opportunity to work with DeVos to ensure Kansans can make their own decisions about the best way to improve education, free from federal interference.

“I am confident she is the right person for the job.”

Demonstrators held protests outside Moran’s offices in Olathe and Wichita on Saturday and Monday in an attempt to change his opinion.

 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A civil rights advisory panel says a Kansas law requiring people to show photo ID at the polls and provide proof-of-citizenship documents to register to vote may discriminate against minorities.

It also urges the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division to investigate whether the Kansas law violates federal voting laws.

The Kansas City Star first reported on the draft report from the Kansas Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission of Civil Rights.

The Safe and Fair Elections Act passed in 2011 has been championed by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach as a way to prevent voter fraud.

Kobach calls concerns that the state law was written and implemented with discriminatory intent an outrageous accusation.

A Democratic lawmaker introduced a bill on Monday to repeal it based on the report.

SEDGWICK COUNTY-Law enforcement authorities in Sedgwick County are investigating an armed robbery and asking for help to identify suspects.

Just after 1:30 a.m. Friday January 27, two unknown suspects committed a robbery at the Circle K in the 1200 block of south Rock Road, according to a social media report.

Both suspects were gloved and concealed their faces with bandannas.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 267-2111 and reference case number 17C005949. If you know who these robbers are and your Crime Stoppers information leads to an arrest you will be eligible for a cash reward.

COWLEY COUNTY-Law enforcement authorities in Cowley County reported just after 7 a.m. that Jason Bell, the escaped inmate had been located and taken into custody.  Specific details on the escape and the arrest were not available.

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COWLEY COUNTY – For the second time in three days, law enforcement authorities are looking for an escaped inmate from the Winfield Correctional Facility.

Late Monday, officials in Cowley County reported 44-year-old Jason Bell was missing, according to a social media report.

Bell is described as 5’07” tall,  weighs 186 lbs., has hazel eyes, and brown hair.

He was first noticed missing at 9:30 p.m., but was last seen at the Winfield Correctional Facility at 7 p.m.

Bell was jailed on a parole violation and has previous conviction for aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and attempted second degree murder, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

If you see him, please contact 911 immediately.

On Sunday, 30-year-old inmate Joshua B. Blackwill escaped from the jail. He was found a few hours later.

On Monday, a Kansas Game Warden released body camera footage of separating locked together bucks by shooting the antler on one of them.

The effort by the game warden freed them to fight again next year.

 

 

GEARY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Geary County are investigating a suspect for attempted voluntary manslaughter.

Just after 7:30 p.m. Sunday members of the Junction City Police Department were dispatched to 740 West 6th Street, and found 34-year-old Ama Horton of Junction City with have multiple stab wounds. Mr. Horton was interviewed and a suspect was identified.

Horton was transported to the Geary Community Hospital by ambulance where he was treated and released.

Officers then responded to 604 Golden belt Boulevard and located evidence that indicate  the stabbing had taken place there.

A suspect, identified as Erica Kamphaus, 36, Junction City, was located and taken into custody.

Kamphaus was booked into the Geary Community Detention Center on a no bond status, under the charges of Aggravated Battery and Attempted Involuntary Manslaughter pending first appearance in the Geary County District court.

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GEARY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Geary County are investigating a suspect for attempted voluntary manslaughter.

Just after 7:30 p.m. Sunday members of the Junction City Police Department were dispatched to 740 West 6th Street, and found 34-year-old Ama Horton of Junction City with have multiple stab wounds. Mr. Horton was interviewed and a suspect was identified.

Horton was transported to the Geary Community Hospital by ambulance where he was treated and released.

Officers then responded to 604 Golden belt Boulevard and located evidence that indicate  the stabbing had taken place there.

A suspect, identified as Erica Kamphaus, 36, Junction City, was located and taken into custody.

Kamphaus was booked into the Geary Community Detention Center on a no bond status, under the charges of Aggravated Battery and Attempted Involuntary Manslaughter pending first appearance in the Geary County District court.

GEARY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Geary County are investigating a suspect for attempted voluntary manslaughter.

Police arrested Erica Allen Kamphaus, 36, Junction City, Sunday after Junction City Police were dispatched to a 740 W. 6th Street after report of a man with multiple stab wounds.

The victim identified the suspect.  Officers found her at 604 Golden belt Boulevard. They also found evidence at the scene which led to the arrest, according to JCPD Lt. Jeff Childs.

Kamphaus is being held without bond at the Geary County Detention Center, pending a first appearance in District Court, on requested charges of aggravated battery and attempted voluntary manslaughter.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for conspiring to operate an interstate sex trafficking business.

U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said in a news release that 40-year-old Barry M. Johnson was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy. He admitted in his plea deal that he conspired with others to run a prostitution business based in Topeka that would operate in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. At times, as many as 20 females were prostitutes in the organization.

Johnson admitted he recruited and groomed potential sex workers for the organization.

Four other conspirators are awaiting sentencing and a fifth is set for trial in March.

TROY, Kan. (AP) — A Missouri man whose 8-year-old granddaughter died in a car wreck when he let her drive him home from church has been sentenced to one year of probation.

Dennis Meers, of St. Joseph, was sentenced Monday after pleading no contest in December to child endangerment.

Investigators say Meers’ granddaughter, Cadence Orcutt, of Troy, Kansas, died in November 2015 when the car she was driving went down an embankment and overturned in Doniphan County, Kansas.

Meers will serve 11 months in prison if he fails his probation.

Meers previously was sentenced to two years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for felony driving on a revoked license. In 1996 and 2001, Meers was convicted in Missouri of being a persistent offender for driving while intoxicated.