Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A man shot by an FBI agent in Kansas City has died, the agency said Thursday.

David William Irving, 35, was shot Wednesday afternoon at a central Kansas City apartment complex.

FBI spokesman Dixon Land did not indicate in a statement Thursday whether Irving died at the scene or later.

Irving was shot while a task force was serving an arrest warrant, Land said. He did not provide any other details about the arrest warrant or what led to the shooting.

No law enforcement officers or bystanders were injured.

The FBI’s inspection division, based in Washington D.C., is investigating the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582803232792.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTVKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A man shot by an FBI agent in Kansas City has died, the agency said Thursday.David William Irving, 35, was shot Wednesday afternoon at a central Kansas City apartment complex.FBI spokesman Dixon Land did not indicate in a statement Thursday whether Irving died at the scene or later.Irving was shot while a task force was serving an arrest warrant, Land said. He did not provide any other details about the arrest warrant or what led to the shooting.No law enforcement officers or bystanders were injured.The FBI’s inspection division, based in Washington D.C., is investigating the shooting.

Suspect shot by FBI agent in Kansas City has died

MANHATTAN — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a phone scam in Manhattan.

Just before 9 a.m. Thursday, police filed a report for aggravated false impersonation in the 2000 block of Plymouth Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department Activity Report.

A 60-year-old man&nbsp; reported an unknown suspect scammed him out of $3,200 by impersonating a law enforcement officer on the phone.

The RCPD reminded residents, "If you receive a call from 'Police' and you have ANY doubts about what they're saying: hang up and call RCPD (785) 537-2112."

Police ask that anyone with information to contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

MANHATTAN — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a phone scam in Manhattan.Just before 9 a.m. Thursday, police filed a report for aggravated false impersonation in the 2000 block of Plymouth Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department Activity Report.A 60-year-old man&nbsp; reported an unknown suspect scammed him out of $3,200 by impersonating a law enforcement officer on the phone.The RCPD reminded residents, "If you receive a call from 'Police' and you have ANY doubts about what they're saying: hang up and call RCPD (785) 537-2112."Police ask that anyone with information to contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

Kansas man lost $3,200 in fake call from 'police'

BY STEPHEN KORANDA and DANIEL CAUDILL, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/heres-what-kansas-lawmakers-have-and-havent-done-halfway-through-session#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas lawmakers passed an important milestone this week: the midpoint deadline called “turnaround.”

In
 simple terms, it means most bills must have passed one chamber or 
they’re pretty much dead for the year — though are there are ways around
 the rules for things legislators really want to pursue (and bills from 
some committees are exempt).

Here are a few of the dozens of 
bills that are moving on to the House or the Senate, and a few that 
reached the end of the line, at least for now.

Sports gambling: State-owned casinos would be the 
only physical place to bet on pro sports, though you could also use an 
app that’s run by the companies that operate those casinos.

But 
the debate in the Senate showed the divisive nature of the issue, as 
Democrats said the bill gives too much control to the casino companies 
and doesn’t produce enough revenue for the state.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb283/" target="_blank">The bill, which is now in the House’s hands</a>, is estimated to produce around $2 or $3 million per year for the state coffers.

Other lawmakers tried to amend the plan to incentivize horse and dog racing, but those amendments failed.

The
 measure also allows the state to sell lottery tickets online, which is 
expected to produce more than $3 million in additional state revenue 
over the first five years. &nbsp;

Property taxes: Lawmakers who are frustrated by property tax increases want to let the public have a bigger voice in local tax rates.

Senators <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb294/" target="_blank">voted to require</a>
 cities and counties to send notices to residents when property tax 
revenue would go up, as well as hold public hearings. They hope the 
change will create more communication between the public and the local 
officials who set property tax rates.

“Just explain to them why 
the increase is coming,” Republican Sen. Caryn Tyson said. “There’s 
going to be some pushback sometimes.”

The bill also repeals a 
2015 cap on property tax increases by local governments. Supporters 
hoped it would limit rate increases but some legislators now say it 
didn’t work.

Suspended driver's licenses: One in 10 Kansas driver’s licenses are suspended. The <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hb2547/" target="_blank">House</a> and <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb275/" target="_blank">Senate </a>this week approved separate plans to get thousands of those people back on the road.&nbsp;

People
 with suspended licenses have to settle fines and court fees in order to
 get their driving privileges restored; that’s the reason for many of 
the more than 200,000 suspended licenses.

The intent is to make 
it cheaper and easier to get a restricted license, so people could 
continue driving legally to work or school instead of losing their jobs 
or getting more charges and fines heaped on.

WHAT DIDN'T MAKE THE CUT (OR COULD BE REVIVED)

Reduced marijuana penalities:&nbsp;A person’s first and second marijuana possession charges are misdemeanors in Kansas, but any more and it’s a felony.

A
 Kansas House committee considered making all convictions misdemeanors, 
but there were questions about whether the changes would lead to 
lawsuits over past convictions.

Some lawmakers also opposed it <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas/articles/2020-02-24/kansas-lawmakers-reject-lower-penalties-on-pot-possession" target="_blank">because they worried</a> lowering penalties might be a path to legalizing cannabis, like neighboring Colorado has done.

Some
 communities in Kansas have already decriminalized marijuana possession,
 meaning a first offense would often be a small fine.

Refinancing KPERS debt: The Kansas House roundly rejected Gov. Laura Kelly's plan to refinance the state’s pension debt by stripping her idea <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hb2503/" target="_blank">out of a bill</a>. &nbsp;

Kelly
 wanted to add 10 years to pay off a $9 billion long-term shortfall in 
the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System. The state’s payments are 
set to balloon in the coming years and the delay would give the state 
smaller, more affordable payments.

But the longer payoff schedule would mean $4 billion in extra costs, and that’s one of the reasons lawmakers rejected it.

However,
 House members from both parties said the state will likely need to 
reamortize the debt when the payments start to grow. They want to 
consider that later, and continue paying down the debt until then.

Medicaid expansion: This one’s surely not over yet, as expanding the health care program is the top priority of the governor and many lawmakers.

Expansion is opposed by some Republican leaders, who have now<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-medicaid-expansion-blocked-supporters-frustrated-and-lawmakers-considering-nuclear#stream/0" target="_blank"> bottled up</a> a bipartisan compromise as they pursue a constitutional amendment on abortion.

The
 agreement reached between the governor and Senate Majority Leader Jim 
Denning would cover an estimated 130,000 more low-income Kansans.

Frustration
 over the delay led Democratic Rep. Jim Ward to attempt to offer the 
compromise as an amendment during a debate this week, but House rules 
blocked that.

“Be on notice,” Ward said Tuesday. “If there’s a bill that I can attach Medicaid expansion to, I’m going to do it.”

Stephen Koranda is the Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/kprkoranda"> @kprkoranda</a>. Daniel Caudill is a Statehouse intern for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/bydanielcaudill">&nbsp;@byDanielCaudill</a>.&nbsp;

The
 Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, 
KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on the health and well-being 
of Kansans, their communities and civic life.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582841895497.jpeg" alt=" Sens. Richard Hilderbrand (left) and Mike Thompson (right) speak during a floor debate during the last week of February. Stephen Koranda / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Sens. Richard Hilderbrand (left) and Mike Thompson (right) speak during a floor debate during the last week of February. Stephen Koranda / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>BY STEPHEN KORANDA and DANIEL CAUDILL, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/heres-what-kansas-lawmakers-have-and-havent-done-halfway-through-session#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — Kansas lawmakers passed an important milestone this week: the midpoint deadline called “turnaround.”In
 simple terms, it means most bills must have passed one chamber or 
they’re pretty much dead for the year — though are there are ways around
 the rules for things legislators really want to pursue (and bills from 
some committees are exempt).Here are a few of the dozens of 
bills that are moving on to the House or the Senate, and a few that 
reached the end of the line, at least for now.<h2>WHAT LAWMAKERS APPROVED</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582841969063.jpeg" alt=" Sports gambling could join slot machines at places like the Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas. Credit Stephen Koranda / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Sports gambling could join slot machines at places like the Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas. Credit Stephen Koranda / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Sports gambling: State-owned casinos would be the 
only physical place to bet on pro sports, though you could also use an 
app that’s run by the companies that operate those casinos.But 
the debate in the Senate showed the divisive nature of the issue, as 
Democrats said the bill gives too much control to the casino companies 
and doesn’t produce enough revenue for the state.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb283/" target="_blank">The bill, which is now in the House’s hands</a>, is estimated to produce around $2 or $3 million per year for the state coffers.Other lawmakers tried to amend the plan to incentivize horse and dog racing, but those amendments failed.The
 measure also allows the state to sell lottery tickets online, which is 
expected to produce more than $3 million in additional state revenue 
over the first five years. &nbsp;Property taxes: Lawmakers who are frustrated by property tax increases want to let the public have a bigger voice in local tax rates.Senators <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb294/" target="_blank">voted to require</a>
 cities and counties to send notices to residents when property tax 
revenue would go up, as well as hold public hearings. They hope the 
change will create more communication between the public and the local 
officials who set property tax rates.“Just explain to them why 
the increase is coming,” Republican Sen. Caryn Tyson said. “There’s 
going to be some pushback sometimes.”The bill also repeals a 
2015 cap on property tax increases by local governments. Supporters 
hoped it would limit rate increases but some legislators now say it 
didn’t work.Suspended driver's licenses: One in 10 Kansas driver’s licenses are suspended. The <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hb2547/" target="_blank">House</a> and <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb275/" target="_blank">Senate </a>this week approved separate plans to get thousands of those people back on the road.&nbsp;People
 with suspended licenses have to settle fines and court fees in order to
 get their driving privileges restored; that’s the reason for many of 
the more than 200,000 suspended licenses.The intent is to make 
it cheaper and easier to get a restricted license, so people could 
continue driving legally to work or school instead of losing their jobs 
or getting more charges and fines heaped on.<h2>WHAT DIDN'T MAKE THE CUT (OR COULD BE REVIVED)</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582842005199.jpeg" alt=" A bud from an industrial hemp plant, which is cannabis that has less of the psychoactive chemical compound THC than marijuana. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service photo" />
 <figcaption> A bud from an industrial hemp plant, which is cannabis that has less of the psychoactive chemical compound THC than marijuana. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Reduced marijuana penalities:&nbsp;A person’s first and second marijuana possession charges are misdemeanors in Kansas, but any more and it’s a felony.A
 Kansas House committee considered making all convictions misdemeanors, 
but there were questions about whether the changes would lead to 
lawsuits over past convictions.Some lawmakers also opposed it <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas/articles/2020-02-24/kansas-lawmakers-reject-lower-penalties-on-pot-possession" target="_blank">because they worried</a> lowering penalties might be a path to legalizing cannabis, like neighboring Colorado has done.Some
 communities in Kansas have already decriminalized marijuana possession,
 meaning a first offense would often be a small fine.Refinancing KPERS debt: The Kansas House roundly rejected Gov. Laura Kelly's plan to refinance the state’s pension debt by stripping her idea <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hb2503/" target="_blank">out of a bill</a>. &nbsp;Kelly
 wanted to add 10 years to pay off a $9 billion long-term shortfall in 
the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System. The state’s payments are 
set to balloon in the coming years and the delay would give the state 
smaller, more affordable payments.But the longer payoff schedule would mean $4 billion in extra costs, and that’s one of the reasons lawmakers rejected it.However,
 House members from both parties said the state will likely need to 
reamortize the debt when the payments start to grow. They want to 
consider that later, and continue paying down the debt until then.Medicaid expansion: This one’s surely not over yet, as expanding the health care program is the top priority of the governor and many lawmakers.Expansion is opposed by some Republican leaders, who have now<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-medicaid-expansion-blocked-supporters-frustrated-and-lawmakers-considering-nuclear#stream/0" target="_blank"> bottled up</a> a bipartisan compromise as they pursue a constitutional amendment on abortion.The
 agreement reached between the governor and Senate Majority Leader Jim 
Denning would cover an estimated 130,000 more low-income Kansans.Frustration
 over the delay led Democratic Rep. Jim Ward to attempt to offer the 
compromise as an amendment during a debate this week, but House rules 
blocked that.“Be on notice,” Ward said Tuesday. “If there’s a bill that I can attach Medicaid expansion to, I’m going to do it.”Stephen Koranda is the Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/kprkoranda"> @kprkoranda</a>. Daniel Caudill is a Statehouse intern for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/bydanielcaudill">&nbsp;@byDanielCaudill</a>.&nbsp;The
 Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, 
KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on the health and well-being 
of Kansans, their communities and civic life.&nbsp;

What Kan. lawmakers have (and haven't) done halfway through session 

LEAVENWORTH, KAN. (AP)&nbsp;— A man has pleaded guilty to attacking a Leavenworth police officer who was sitting inside a patrol car.

Anthony Dunkle, 36, entered the plea Wednesday to battery of a law enforcement officer, making a criminal threat and interference with law enforcement. Two misdemeanor counts were dropped as part of the plea.

Dunkle approached the officer inside his car on April 16. The window of the driver's door was down and Dunkle repeatedly punched the officer, who suffered cuts and scrapes, according to Assistant County Attorney Shawn Boyd.

Dunkle apparently was angry with the officer over an earlier incident during which he was arrested, The Leavenworth Times reported.

The case had been scheduled to go to trial next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582837273929.png" alt="Dunkle photo Leavenworth County" />
 <figcaption>Dunkle photo Leavenworth County</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, KAN. (AP)&nbsp;— A man has pleaded guilty to attacking a Leavenworth police officer who was sitting inside a patrol car.Anthony Dunkle, 36, entered the plea Wednesday to battery of a law enforcement officer, making a criminal threat and interference with law enforcement. Two misdemeanor counts were dropped as part of the plea.Dunkle approached the officer inside his car on April 16. The window of the driver's door was down and Dunkle repeatedly punched the officer, who suffered cuts and scrapes, according to Assistant County Attorney Shawn Boyd.Dunkle apparently was angry with the officer over an earlier incident during which he was arrested, The Leavenworth Times reported.The case had been scheduled to go to trial next week.Sentencing is scheduled for April 3.

Man admits attacking Kansas police officer who was sitting in patrol car

First responders on the scene of Thursday's fatal crash&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/1-dead-in-Marion-County-crash--568269421.html">photo courtesy KWCH</a>

MARION COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 7p.m. Thursday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford F150 driven by Ronald L. Myhre, 50, Gypsum, was southbound on Kansas 15 just south of the city limits of Durham. The pickup struck a westbound Union Pacific train.

Myhre was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582893009220.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First responders on the scene of Thursday's fatal crash&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/1-dead-in-Marion-County-crash--568269421.html">photo courtesy KWCH</a>MARION COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 7p.m. Thursday in Marion County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford F150 driven by Ronald L. Myhre, 50, Gypsum, was southbound on Kansas 15 just south of the city limits of Durham. The pickup struck a westbound Union Pacific train.Myhre was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas man dies after pickup crash into train

Thursday night fire in Manhattan -photo courtesy Manhattan Fire Department

Manhattan— An electrical issue is blamed for a fire at an apartment building in Manhattan.

Just after 11:30 p.m. Thursday the Fire crews were dispatched to 3112 Heritage Lane for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found a three-story apartment building with a fire in an exterior electrical box, according to Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Almes.

The fire&nbsp; spread to inside the walls of the building. Crews extinguished&nbsp; the fire within one hour.&nbsp;

The building is a 3-story, 12-unit apartment building.&nbsp; No injuries were reported. &nbsp;Due to power not being able to be restored, the occupants of the entire building were displaced. &nbsp;Loss is estimated at $50,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Lee Construction of 3120 Heritage Lane, Manhattan.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582889366139.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thursday night fire in Manhattan -photo courtesy Manhattan Fire DepartmentManhattan— An electrical issue is blamed for a fire at an apartment building in Manhattan.Just after 11:30 p.m. Thursday the Fire crews were dispatched to 3112 Heritage Lane for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found a three-story apartment building with a fire in an exterior electrical box, according to Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Almes.The fire&nbsp; spread to inside the walls of the building. Crews extinguished&nbsp; the fire within one hour.&nbsp;The building is a 3-story, 12-unit apartment building.&nbsp; No injuries were reported. &nbsp;Due to power not being able to be restored, the occupants of the entire building were displaced. &nbsp;Loss is estimated at $50,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Lee Construction of 3120 Heritage Lane, Manhattan.&nbsp;

$50K in damage after Kan. apartment building fire 

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Pat Roberts is applauding the appointment of former Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer to serve as chair of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services.

"As the co-chair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, I am glad to see my colleague and friend, Jeff Colyer, appointed to this important role within HHS,"&nbsp;said Sen. Roberts.&nbsp;"As a doctor and a Kansan, Gov. Colyer will be a strong voice for improving health care in our most underserved rural communities in not only Kansas, but across the country. I look forward to working with him in this new role."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582891085198.png" alt="Jeff Colyer" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Colyer</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Pat Roberts is applauding the appointment of former Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer to serve as chair of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services."As the co-chair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, I am glad to see my colleague and friend, Jeff Colyer, appointed to this important role within HHS,"&nbsp;said Sen. Roberts.&nbsp;"As a doctor and a Kansan, Gov. Colyer will be a strong voice for improving health care in our most underserved rural communities in not only Kansas, but across the country. I look forward to working with him in this new role."

Trump appoints former Kan. governor to lead rural health care panel

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The suspect in the fatal shooting of a Kansas college football player and the wounding of current New York Giants cornerback Corey Ballentine will get a new competency hearing. 

A hearing to determine if Francisco Alejandro Mendez is competent to stand trial on first-degree murder charges was delayed Thursday after a doctor said Mendez had not been truthful or cooperated with his evaluation. 

After Mendez said he would cooperate, a new hearing was scheduled for March 9. Mendez faces 12 charges after the shooting last year that killed Dwane Simmons and wounded Corey Ballentine, just hours after Ballentine was drafted by the Giants.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569579773491.png" alt="Mendez photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Mendez photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The suspect in the fatal shooting of a Kansas college football player and the wounding of current New York Giants cornerback Corey Ballentine will get a new competency hearing. A hearing to determine if Francisco Alejandro Mendez is competent to stand trial on first-degree murder charges was delayed Thursday after a doctor said Mendez had not been truthful or cooperated with his evaluation. After Mendez said he would cooperate, a new hearing was scheduled for March 9. Mendez faces 12 charges after the shooting last year that killed Dwane Simmons and wounded Corey Ballentine, just hours after Ballentine was drafted by the Giants.&nbsp;

Hearing for suspect in Washburn player's death moved to March

HUTCHINSON — A Kansas man has been bound over for trial in connection with the murder of a Hutchinson woman in August of 2019. 

In addition to a count of first-degree murder, 24-year-old Isaac Ervin also faces new charges of kidnapping, aggravated intimidation of a witness and unlawful sexual relations. The additional charges came during a preliminary hearing Thursday.

Ervin is charged with the beating and strangulation death of 29-year-old Lora Beth Stratton. She was found unconscious in an alley in the 700 block of West 7th Avenue in Hutchinson and taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and then to Wichita where she died a few days later.

Stratton and her husband met Ervin and co-defendant Delshay Vinsonhaler online while looking for a place to store their personal belongings. At that time, Ervin is accused of asking for sexual favors in exchange for accepting Stratton’s request.

It was also revealed during the preliminary hearing that Ervin allegedly kept Stratton in a bedroom against her will and beat and strangled the victim before taking her out of the home and leaving her in the alley.

Sr. District Attorney Thomas Stanton says the amended complaint will be on file by Monday, at which time Ervin will be arraigned in front of Judge Tim Chambers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582839515277.jpeg" alt="Ervin photo Reno Co.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ervin photo Reno Co.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — A Kansas man has been bound over for trial in connection with the murder of a Hutchinson woman in August of 2019. In addition to a count of first-degree murder, 24-year-old Isaac Ervin also faces new charges of kidnapping, aggravated intimidation of a witness and unlawful sexual relations. The additional charges came during a preliminary hearing Thursday.Ervin is charged with the beating and strangulation death of 29-year-old Lora Beth Stratton. She was found unconscious in an alley in the 700 block of West 7th Avenue in Hutchinson and taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and then to Wichita where she died a few days later.Stratton and her husband met Ervin and co-defendant Delshay Vinsonhaler online while looking for a place to store their personal belongings. At that time, Ervin is accused of asking for sexual favors in exchange for accepting Stratton’s request.It was also revealed during the preliminary hearing that Ervin allegedly kept Stratton in a bedroom against her will and beat and strangled the victim before taking her out of the home and leaving her in the alley.Sr. District Attorney Thomas Stanton says the amended complaint will be on file by Monday, at which time Ervin will be arraigned in front of Judge Tim Chambers.

Kansas man faces new charges in woman's strangulation death 

SEDALIA, MO. (AP) — A Kansas man is charged with second-degree murder in the death of a man during the weekend in Sedalia.

Daniel Fernandez, of Kansas City, Kansas, is accused of shooting Robert Fox Jr. to death during an altercation inside a car on Saturday.

Investigators determined Fox owed money to someone in Kansas City, Kansas, that stemmed from illegal activity, according to Sedalia police.

Fox was shot in the chest during fight inside the car, according to court documents. He was able to get out of the car and was found dead on the street.

A witness identified Fernandez as the driver of the car and he was arrested earlier this week in Overland Park, Kansas.

He was also charged with armed criminal action, second-degree kidnapping and unlawful use of a weapon. Online court records do not name an attorney for Fernandez.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582840999725.png" alt="Daniel Fernandez / photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Daniel Fernandez / photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDALIA, MO. (AP) — A Kansas man is charged with second-degree murder in the death of a man during the weekend in Sedalia.Daniel Fernandez, of Kansas City, Kansas, is accused of shooting Robert Fox Jr. to death during an altercation inside a car on Saturday.Investigators determined Fox owed money to someone in Kansas City, Kansas, that stemmed from illegal activity, according to Sedalia police.Fox was shot in the chest during fight inside the car, according to court documents. He was able to get out of the car and was found dead on the street.A witness identified Fernandez as the driver of the car and he was arrested earlier this week in Overland Park, Kansas.He was also charged with armed criminal action, second-degree kidnapping and unlawful use of a weapon. Online court records do not name an attorney for Fernandez.

Kan. man charged for man's death in dispute over cash

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man convicted of killing his cousin in an accidental shooting while passing around guns and drinking alcohol was sentenced to three years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County Attorney's offie.

In December, Ruiz, Jr.&nbsp; entered a guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter in the death of 24-year-old Anthony Martinez.

Witnesses said several people were drinking beer in the backyard of a home in June of 2018 when Ruiz pulled a handgun out of a bag of guns, according to police. He took out the gun’s magazine and racked back the slide on the pistol before giving it to Martinez.

The witnesses said Ruiz then grabbed a second weapon from the bag and removed the magazine. But the gun went off when Ruiz pulled back the slide.

Martinez died about eights hours later at a hospital, after telling officers that Ruiz shot him while passing around guns.

Prosecutors argued Ruiz was acting recklessly when he mixed alcohol with firearms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582808570647.png" alt="Martin Ruiz, Jr. photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Martin Ruiz, Jr. photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man convicted of killing his cousin in an accidental shooting while passing around guns and drinking alcohol was sentenced to three years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County Attorney's offie.In December, Ruiz, Jr.&nbsp; entered a guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter in the death of 24-year-old Anthony Martinez.Witnesses said several people were drinking beer in the backyard of a home in June of 2018 when Ruiz pulled a handgun out of a bag of guns, according to police. He took out the gun’s magazine and racked back the slide on the pistol before giving it to Martinez.The witnesses said Ruiz then grabbed a second weapon from the bag and removed the magazine. But the gun went off when Ruiz pulled back the slide.Martinez died about eights hours later at a hospital, after telling officers that Ruiz shot him while passing around guns.Prosecutors argued Ruiz was acting recklessly when he mixed alcohol with firearms.

Kan man who fatally shot cousin while showing off guns sentenced

PAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities have released the result of the investigation of a deputies actions during a traffic stop in rural Pawnee County.

On February 17,&nbsp; the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) presented its findings to the Pawnee County Attorney’s Office following a formal investigation regarding the January 18, 2020, involving a Pawnee County Sheriff’s Deputy having discharged his duty weapon, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

Just after 1:30a.m. on Jan. 18, Alejandro Alvarado-Avina, 21 of Lincoln, Nebraska, was the passenger in a vehicle which had been stopped on U.S. Hwy 56 for a traffic violation.

The deputy advised the two occupants of the vehicle that the deputy intended to search the vehicle due to an odor of marijuana. Alvarado-Avina fled on foot as the deputy attempted a routine pat down of him. The suspect was later arrested by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation without incident in rural Pawnee County shortly after daybreak.

“After reviewing the dash cam video at real time speed, and taking into consideration the information available to the deputy at the time, it is my professional opinion the deputy was entitled under current Kansas law to use deadly force for the purposes of self-defense. 

First, the deputy had a sincere and honest belief that his life was in danger and that it was necessary to use deadly force to defend himself. Secondly, a reasonable person in the deputy’s circumstances could have reasonably perceived the use of deadly force was necessary. Accordingly, charges are not appropriate against the deputy regarding the discharge of his duty weapon on January 18, 2020,”according to McNett.

&nbsp;Based on the KBI investigation, a three-count criminal complaint has been filed against Alvarado-Avina for Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, to wit: a Glock .40 caliber handgun, a severity level 8 nonperson felony; interference with Law Enforcement, to wit: provided a false name to the deputy, a Class A nonperson misdemeanor; and Possession of Marijuana, a Class B nonperson misdemeanor.

Alvarado-Avina is currently being held in the Finney County Jail on local charges. A First Appearance has not yet been scheduled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582837983276.jpeg" alt="Alvarado-Avina Alejandro&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Alvarado-Avina Alejandro&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities have released the result of the investigation of a deputies actions during a traffic stop in rural Pawnee County.On February 17,&nbsp; the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) presented its findings to the Pawnee County Attorney’s Office following a formal investigation regarding the January 18, 2020, involving a Pawnee County Sheriff’s Deputy having discharged his duty weapon, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.Just after 1:30a.m. on Jan. 18, Alejandro Alvarado-Avina, 21 of Lincoln, Nebraska, was the passenger in a vehicle which had been stopped on U.S. Hwy 56 for a traffic violation.The deputy advised the two occupants of the vehicle that the deputy intended to search the vehicle due to an odor of marijuana. Alvarado-Avina fled on foot as the deputy attempted a routine pat down of him. The suspect was later arrested by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation without incident in rural Pawnee County shortly after daybreak.“After reviewing the dash cam video at real time speed, and taking into consideration the information available to the deputy at the time, it is my professional opinion the deputy was entitled under current Kansas law to use deadly force for the purposes of self-defense. First, the deputy had a sincere and honest belief that his life was in danger and that it was necessary to use deadly force to defend himself. Secondly, a reasonable person in the deputy’s circumstances could have reasonably perceived the use of deadly force was necessary. Accordingly, charges are not appropriate against the deputy regarding the discharge of his duty weapon on January 18, 2020,”according to McNett.&nbsp;Based on the KBI investigation, a three-count criminal complaint has been filed against Alvarado-Avina for Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, to wit: a Glock .40 caliber handgun, a severity level 8 nonperson felony; interference with Law Enforcement, to wit: provided a false name to the deputy, a Class A nonperson misdemeanor; and Possession of Marijuana, a Class B nonperson misdemeanor.Alvarado-Avina is currently being held in the Finney County Jail on local charges. A First Appearance has not yet been scheduled.

 No charges against Kan. deputy for actions during traffic stop

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Two people died in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Thursday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chrysler 200 driven by&nbsp; Ira Duane Bonebright, 85, Conway Springs, was eastbound on Kansas 42&nbsp; in the left turn lane at Maize road. 

The driver failed to yield while turning left at an unprotected intersection with a solid green light. 

A westbound 2002 Chevy Silverado driven by Andrew Bernard Devlin, 30, Conway Springs, was unable to slow its speed and struck the passenger side of Chrysler.

Bonebright and a passenger in the Chrysler Betty Eileen&nbsp;Bonebright, 86, Ashland, died from their injuries.&nbsp; Devlin was not transported for treatment of a minor injury and was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582846585899.png" alt="First responders at at scene of the crash photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at at scene of the crash photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Two people died in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Thursday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chrysler 200 driven by&nbsp; Ira Duane Bonebright, 85, Conway Springs, was eastbound on Kansas 42&nbsp; in the left turn lane at Maize road. The driver failed to yield while turning left at an unprotected intersection with a solid green light. A westbound 2002 Chevy Silverado driven by Andrew Bernard Devlin, 30, Conway Springs, was unable to slow its speed and struck the passenger side of Chrysler.Bonebright and a passenger in the Chrysler Betty Eileen&nbsp;Bonebright, 86, Ashland, died from their injuries.&nbsp; Devlin was not transported for treatment of a minor injury and was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man, woman dead after 2-vehicle crash

FORD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and USD 459 are investigating an alleged school threat and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 11a.m. Thursday, sheriff's deputies received information about a school shooting threat at the school in Bucklin, 422 South Main Street, according to Ford County Sheriff Bill Carr.

Deputies learned that a male student had allegedly made comments about shooting up the school.

Just before noon, deputies located the student and took him into custody without incident, according to Carr.

Charges including the alleged felony crime of aggravated criminal threat will be forwarded to the Ford County Attorney.

Every second counts in a matter of public safety and witness cooperation is vital to the investigation, according to&nbsp; Carr.

FORD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and USD 459 are investigating an alleged school threat and have a suspect in custody.Just before 11a.m. Thursday, sheriff's deputies received information about a school shooting threat at the school in Bucklin, 422 South Main Street, according to Ford County Sheriff Bill Carr.Deputies learned that a male student had allegedly made comments about shooting up the school.Just before noon, deputies located the student and took him into custody without incident, according to Carr.Charges including the alleged felony crime of aggravated criminal threat will be forwarded to the Ford County Attorney.Every second counts in a matter of public safety and witness cooperation is vital to the investigation, according to&nbsp; Carr.

Sheriff: Student made alleged threat to shoot up Kansas school

Hutchinson— A cooking fire caused damage to a home in Hutchinson on Thursday.

Just before 12:30 p.m. Thursday., fire crews responded to the 818 East 7th Avenue in Hutchinson for a reported structure fire, according to Fire Chief Steve Been. 

The house is a one story, single family residence and was occupied by one adult who was able to escape and notify the fire department. First arriving units found a fire in the kitchen of the residence. Fire crews were able to make a quick extinguishment of the fire. The fire was extinguished with moderate damage to the interior of the house. 

Two dogs were inside the residence and escaped unharmed. Fire crews remained on scene for an hour conducting overhaul and investigation. Investigators have ruled the fire, unattended cooking. There were no injuries reported. Red Cross is assisting the resident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582829816424.jpeg" alt="Thursday afternoon fire -photo Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Thursday afternoon fire -photo Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson— A cooking fire caused damage to a home in Hutchinson on Thursday.Just before 12:30 p.m. Thursday., fire crews responded to the 818 East 7th Avenue in Hutchinson for a reported structure fire, according to Fire Chief Steve Been. The house is a one story, single family residence and was occupied by one adult who was able to escape and notify the fire department. First arriving units found a fire in the kitchen of the residence. Fire crews were able to make a quick extinguishment of the fire. The fire was extinguished with moderate damage to the interior of the house. Two dogs were inside the residence and escaped unharmed. Fire crews remained on scene for an hour conducting overhaul and investigation. Investigators have ruled the fire, unattended cooking. There were no injuries reported. Red Cross is assisting the resident.

One person, two dogs escape Kansas house fire

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers who want to legalize betting on sports events and allow online sales of lottery tickets are struggling to agree on the details and facing criticism that they're being too generous toward companies already managing casinos for the state.

The state Senate voted 23-15 on Wednesday to approve a sports betting bill less than month after the Kansas City Chiefs' victory in professional football's Super Bowl highlighted how many Kansas fans likely placed wagers on the team out of state or illegally. Approval came after a four-hour debate and sent the bill to the House, but a committee there is working on its own legislation that is likely to differ significantly.

The Senate's bill would allow people to place bets on sports events through four state-owned casinos managed by private companies through contracts with the Kansas Lottery, and the casino companies could take wagers through computer or cellphone apps. The measure also would allow limited state lottery ticket sales online.

The bill's supporters don't expect sports betting to raise more than a few million dollars a year for the state, even if the annual amount wagered reaches $1 billion, because 95% would go back to players in the form of winnings. But 20 states have legalized sports betting, including Colorado, Illinois and Iowa.

“It certainly put us in a position where we can establish sports gaming in Kansas and pull, hopefully pull, wagers from a black market, off-shore, unregulated, untaxed market and bring it into Kansas under a regulated, safe market,” said Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine, a Republican from eastern Kansas who led supporters during a four-hour debate.

The House committee plans to have hearings next month on its rival proposal. Chairman John Barker, a Republican from a central Kansas, where racing greyhounds have long been raised, said the House measure would give the state a larger share of the sports betting revenue and would allow hundreds of retail stores that sell lottery tickets to accept simple bets on sports.

“We thought we would spread it out,” Barker said. “You could be able to go down and buy a lottery ticket and bet on the K-State-KU game, hopefully buy a loaf of bread and 10 gallons of gas or whatever and go home.”

There's also the question of whether Kansas should try to revive long-closed dog and horse racing tracks. State law allows slot machines at the tracks, but critics say the state's take is too high for them to be profitable. The Senate voted 18-17 against lowering the tax rate for a dog and horse racing park in Kansas City, Kansas.

The park is owned by billionaire casino mogul Phil Ruffin, a friend of President Donald Trump. In 2018, Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, listed Ruffin as a reference as she sought an ambassadorship, sending an email to a political operative 10 days after for a similar proposal. She voted for Wednesday's proposal as well.

Democrats in the Senate complained that their chamber's bill gave too much control over the sports betting to the companies managing the state's casinos by not requiring separate sports-betting contracts with the lottery and letting the casino managers decide who provides computer or cellphone apps.

Some critics also found the casinos' favored position galling because of restrictions the bill would place on online lottery ticket sales. About a dozen other states have some form of online lottery sales.

The Kansas Lottery couldn't use any sound or visual effects simulating a slot machine, allow someone to play more than one game at a time or determine a winner in less than four minutes. The lottery estimates it could boost sales $3 million a year under the bill but by as much as $26 million if the provisions were less restrictive.

Sen. Tom Holland, a Democrat from northeast Kansas, said the bill is a “sucker bet” for the state when it's likely to see more gambling addicts and other problems from expanded gambling.

“If Kansas is going to extend its gaming products, then that extension needs to be profitable for the state,” Holland said in explaining his no vote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582812352713.png" alt="Kansas Senate approved a sports betting bill Wednesday" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senate approved a sports betting bill Wednesday</figcaption>
 </figure>BY JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers who want to legalize betting on sports events and allow online sales of lottery tickets are struggling to agree on the details and facing criticism that they're being too generous toward companies already managing casinos for the state.The state Senate voted 23-15 on Wednesday to approve a sports betting bill less than month after the Kansas City Chiefs' victory in professional football's Super Bowl highlighted how many Kansas fans likely placed wagers on the team out of state or illegally. Approval came after a four-hour debate and sent the bill to the House, but a committee there is working on its own legislation that is likely to differ significantly.The Senate's bill would allow people to place bets on sports events through four state-owned casinos managed by private companies through contracts with the Kansas Lottery, and the casino companies could take wagers through computer or cellphone apps. The measure also would allow limited state lottery ticket sales online.The bill's supporters don't expect sports betting to raise more than a few million dollars a year for the state, even if the annual amount wagered reaches $1 billion, because 95% would go back to players in the form of winnings. But 20 states have legalized sports betting, including Colorado, Illinois and Iowa.“It certainly put us in a position where we can establish sports gaming in Kansas and pull, hopefully pull, wagers from a black market, off-shore, unregulated, untaxed market and bring it into Kansas under a regulated, safe market,” said Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine, a Republican from eastern Kansas who led supporters during a four-hour debate.The House committee plans to have hearings next month on its rival proposal. Chairman John Barker, a Republican from a central Kansas, where racing greyhounds have long been raised, said the House measure would give the state a larger share of the sports betting revenue and would allow hundreds of retail stores that sell lottery tickets to accept simple bets on sports.“We thought we would spread it out,” Barker said. “You could be able to go down and buy a lottery ticket and bet on the K-State-KU game, hopefully buy a loaf of bread and 10 gallons of gas or whatever and go home.”There's also the question of whether Kansas should try to revive long-closed dog and horse racing tracks. State law allows slot machines at the tracks, but critics say the state's take is too high for them to be profitable. The Senate voted 18-17 against lowering the tax rate for a dog and horse racing park in Kansas City, Kansas.The park is owned by billionaire casino mogul Phil Ruffin, a friend of President Donald Trump. In 2018, Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, listed Ruffin as a reference as she sought an ambassadorship, sending an email to a political operative 10 days after for a similar proposal. She voted for Wednesday's proposal as well.Democrats in the Senate complained that their chamber's bill gave too much control over the sports betting to the companies managing the state's casinos by not requiring separate sports-betting contracts with the lottery and letting the casino managers decide who provides computer or cellphone apps.Some critics also found the casinos' favored position galling because of restrictions the bill would place on online lottery ticket sales. About a dozen other states have some form of online lottery sales.The Kansas Lottery couldn't use any sound or visual effects simulating a slot machine, allow someone to play more than one game at a time or determine a winner in less than four minutes. The lottery estimates it could boost sales $3 million a year under the bill but by as much as $26 million if the provisions were less restrictive.Sen. Tom Holland, a Democrat from northeast Kansas, said the bill is a “sucker bet” for the state when it's likely to see more gambling addicts and other problems from expanded gambling.“If Kansas is going to extend its gaming products, then that extension needs to be profitable for the state,” Holland said in explaining his no vote.

Kansas struggles with details of legalizing sports betting

TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a kidnapping and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 5:3o p.m. Wednesday, officers responded to the 2600 block of SW 33rd Street in Topeka on a report of a possible kidnapping involving a 7-year-old child and 31-year-old Gregory Allen Rumph, according to police Lt. Steve Roth.

Rumph and the victim are known to one another and Rumph reportedly made threats to harm the child.

Officers located Rumph near SW 29th and Indian Trail Rd. driving a pickup truck. He refused to stop for officers and initiated a pursuit that lasted approximately 10 minutes with speeds never exceeding 20 mph. 

While the pursuit was unfolding, Rumph called the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center. Dispatchers and officers were able to convince Rumph to stop the truck and let the 7-year-old-child out without incident. 

Rumph then continued to attempt to elude officers and admitted that he also had a 3-month-old child in the truck. The pursuit ended at SE 29th and Kansas Ave. where police took Rumph into custody on requested charges including Kidnapping, Stalking, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Felony Obstruction, Felony Flee and Elude, Violation of a PFA, a Felony warrant and 3 Misdemeanor warrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582805870548.png" alt="Greg Rumph photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Greg Rumph photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a kidnapping and have a suspect in custody.Just after 5:3o p.m. Wednesday, officers responded to the 2600 block of SW 33rd Street in Topeka on a report of a possible kidnapping involving a 7-year-old child and 31-year-old Gregory Allen Rumph, according to police Lt. Steve Roth.Rumph and the victim are known to one another and Rumph reportedly made threats to harm the child.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582826014250.png" alt="Police on the scene of the arrest late Wednesday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the arrest late Wednesday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers located Rumph near SW 29th and Indian Trail Rd. driving a pickup truck. He refused to stop for officers and initiated a pursuit that lasted approximately 10 minutes with speeds never exceeding 20 mph. While the pursuit was unfolding, Rumph called the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center. Dispatchers and officers were able to convince Rumph to stop the truck and let the 7-year-old-child out without incident. Rumph then continued to attempt to elude officers and admitted that he also had a 3-month-old child in the truck. The pursuit ended at SE 29th and Kansas Ave. where police took Rumph into custody on requested charges including Kidnapping, Stalking, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Felony Obstruction, Felony Flee and Elude, Violation of a PFA, a Felony warrant and 3 Misdemeanor warrants.There were no injuries reported.

Police: Kan. kidnapping suspect in custody, children not injured

TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal judge has set a May 27, 2020, hearing for the sentencing of Harcros Chemicals, Inc., and MGP Ingredients Inc., for violating the federal Clean Air Act when a cloud of toxic chlorine gas formed over Atchison, Kan., in 2016, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

The hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. in room 403 of the Frank Carlson Federal Building at 444 S.E. Quincy St. in Topeka before U.S. District Judge Daniel D. Crabtree.

&nbsp;"Many people were affected by the release of the gas in Atchison," said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. "We know that 140 individuals including members of the public, first responders, employees of MGP Ingredients and Harcros Chemicals sought medical attention at the time of the incident."

"I want everyone to be aware that the sentencing hearing will be open to the public," McAllister continued.

&nbsp;Both companies have pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act and each has agreed to pay a $1 million fine.

&nbsp;McAllister said that he wants to assure that&nbsp;anyone impacted by the incident is afforded the right to be reasonably heard and not to be excluded from court. Due to time constraints, it may be impractical for each victim to speak at the sentencing hearing. However, anyone who would like to submit a written victim impact statement for the court's consideration, please email those statements to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:usaks.victim.witness@usdoj.gov">usaks.victim.witness@usdoj.gov</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580513648407.png" alt="Chlorine gas cloud over Atchison photo courtesy Corie Dunn " />
 <figcaption>Chlorine gas cloud over Atchison photo courtesy Corie Dunn </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal judge has set a May 27, 2020, hearing for the sentencing of Harcros Chemicals, Inc., and MGP Ingredients Inc., for violating the federal Clean Air Act when a cloud of toxic chlorine gas formed over Atchison, Kan., in 2016, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.The hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. in room 403 of the Frank Carlson Federal Building at 444 S.E. Quincy St. in Topeka before U.S. District Judge Daniel D. Crabtree.&nbsp;"Many people were affected by the release of the gas in Atchison," said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. "We know that 140 individuals including members of the public, first responders, employees of MGP Ingredients and Harcros Chemicals sought medical attention at the time of the incident.""I want everyone to be aware that the sentencing hearing will be open to the public," McAllister continued.&nbsp;Both companies have pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act and each has agreed to pay a $1 million fine.&nbsp;McAllister said that he wants to assure that&nbsp;anyone impacted by the incident is afforded the right to be reasonably heard and not to be excluded from court. Due to time constraints, it may be impractical for each victim to speak at the sentencing hearing. However, anyone who would like to submit a written victim impact statement for the court's consideration, please email those statements to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:usaks.victim.witness@usdoj.gov">usaks.victim.witness@usdoj.gov</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;

Sentencing hearing set in connection with chlorine gas cloud in Kansas

WICHITA, KAN. (AP) — A&nbsp;federal appeals court has ruled that jurors should be allowed to decide whether a police officer in Kansas used excessive force nearly eight years ago when he fatally shot a man as he was lying face down in a parking lot.

The U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit in Denver found Wednesday that a reasonable jury could conclude that by the time Wichita Officer Aaron Chaffee fired his final shots, Marquez Smart was on the ground with his arms stretched out. The decision reversed a 2018 ruling dismissing the suit on the grounds that the officers involved couldn’t be sued under a doctrine that shields officials from civil liability in certain circumstances.

Wichita City Attorney and Director of Law Jennifer Magana declined to comment on the ruling in an emailed statement.

The shooting happened in March 2012 after someone wearing yellow fired a gun into a crowd at closing time at a club in the city's Old Town entertainment district. Chaffee and another officer thought Smart, who also was wearing yellow, was the shooter, followed him and shot at him, hitting him five times from behind.

Evidence cited in the Smart family’s lawsuit shows Smart had no gun on him when Chaffee fired the final volley of three shots into his back. Police found an empty .45-caliber handgun several feet away from Smart’s body and a magazine and bullet casings along the path Smart ran.

Court records say Smart didn’t point a gun at the officers or anyone else while he was chased and several witnesses said he didn’t have a firearm that morning. His supporters say he was merely trying to escape the club violence.

Judge Carolyn McHugh wrote that when the facts are viewed most favorably for the plaintiffs, “Officer Chaffee violated clearly established law if he shot Mr. Smart after it would have been clear to a reasonable officer that the perceived threat had passed.”

Judge Robert Bacharach wrote in a dissenting opinion that the ruling “does not go far enough." That's because the majority affirmed the dismissal of two other claims brought against Chaffee and another officer involved, Lee Froese, as well as a claim alleging the shooting resulted from unlawful policies, practices or customs adopted by the city and police department.

Bacharach wrote that the Constitution “clearly prohibited both officers from shooting an unarmed individual posing no threat to anyone."

Andrew Protzman, a lawyer for Smart’s parents and estate, said the family is “pleased with the ultimate outcome of the ruling because it allows Marquez Smart’s parents’ claims to go forward against the officer that we believe shot and killed him.”

“We believe that the dissent actually captures the issues and the legal reasoning more correctly. But we’re pleased that the Court of Appeals remanded the case to proceed to trial,” he said in a phone interview.

WICHITA, KAN. (AP) — A&nbsp;federal appeals court has ruled that jurors should be allowed to decide whether a police officer in Kansas used excessive force nearly eight years ago when he fatally shot a man as he was lying face down in a parking lot.The U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit in Denver found Wednesday that a reasonable jury could conclude that by the time Wichita Officer Aaron Chaffee fired his final shots, Marquez Smart was on the ground with his arms stretched out. The decision reversed a 2018 ruling dismissing the suit on the grounds that the officers involved couldn’t be sued under a doctrine that shields officials from civil liability in certain circumstances.Wichita City Attorney and Director of Law Jennifer Magana declined to comment on the ruling in an emailed statement.The shooting happened in March 2012 after someone wearing yellow fired a gun into a crowd at closing time at a club in the city's Old Town entertainment district. Chaffee and another officer thought Smart, who also was wearing yellow, was the shooter, followed him and shot at him, hitting him five times from behind.Evidence cited in the Smart family’s lawsuit shows Smart had no gun on him when Chaffee fired the final volley of three shots into his back. Police found an empty .45-caliber handgun several feet away from Smart’s body and a magazine and bullet casings along the path Smart ran.Court records say Smart didn’t point a gun at the officers or anyone else while he was chased and several witnesses said he didn’t have a firearm that morning. His supporters say he was merely trying to escape the club violence.Judge Carolyn McHugh wrote that when the facts are viewed most favorably for the plaintiffs, “Officer Chaffee violated clearly established law if he shot Mr. Smart after it would have been clear to a reasonable officer that the perceived threat had passed.”Judge Robert Bacharach wrote in a dissenting opinion that the ruling “does not go far enough." That's because the majority affirmed the dismissal of two other claims brought against Chaffee and another officer involved, Lee Froese, as well as a claim alleging the shooting resulted from unlawful policies, practices or customs adopted by the city and police department.Bacharach wrote that the Constitution “clearly prohibited both officers from shooting an unarmed individual posing no threat to anyone."Andrew Protzman, a lawyer for Smart’s parents and estate, said the family is “pleased with the ultimate outcome of the ruling because it allows Marquez Smart’s parents’ claims to go forward against the officer that we believe shot and killed him.”“We believe that the dissent actually captures the issues and the legal reasoning more correctly. But we’re pleased that the Court of Appeals remanded the case to proceed to trial,” he said in a phone interview.

Court sides with family of man shot by police in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Medicaid has paid for four abortions in Kansas since January 2013, which by law can only be covered in cases of rape, incest or danger to the mother’s life, state health department data show.

The Kansas News Service reported Wednesday that data it obtained from the state Department of Health and Environment showed that the one abortion in 2014 and three in 2018 cost the public a total of $1,030, including $454 that came specifically from Kansas taxpayers.

The information comes as some Republican legislative leaders are fighting the proposed expansion of Medicaid coverage to about 130,000 more Kansans, in part because they fear it would increase publicly funded abortions. Other Republicans and Democrats contend that the issues aren’t related.

Federal law allows Medicaid spending on abortions only in cases of rape, incest or danger to the mother’s life. Kansas bans the spending of state money on abortion except as required by federal law. Twenty-one other states allow Medicaid dollars to go toward abortions in other situations.

Abortion opponents want to pass an amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would specify that abortion is not a constitutionally protected right in the state, which would overturn a state Supreme Court decision last year.

The state Senate passed the measure but it failed in the House earlier this month when four moderate Republicans and a half dozen Democrats voted against putting the proposed amendment on the state’s August primary ballot. The amendment fell four votes short of the two-thirds majority needed in the 125-member House to pass.

Since then, amendment backers, led by Senate President Susan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b564a70265445250fcc3acf99c7a2c9a">Wagle</a>, a Wichita Republican, have vowed to block any debate on Medicaid expansion until the proposed amendment is put to a public referendum.

Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning has split with Wagle on the issue,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/afedd4204be5dad7ce78607bb1939e0e">arguing</a>&nbsp;Medicaid expansion and abortion are not linked.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Medicaid has paid for four abortions in Kansas since January 2013, which by law can only be covered in cases of rape, incest or danger to the mother’s life, state health department data show.The Kansas News Service reported Wednesday that data it obtained from the state Department of Health and Environment showed that the one abortion in 2014 and three in 2018 cost the public a total of $1,030, including $454 that came specifically from Kansas taxpayers.The information comes as some Republican legislative leaders are fighting the proposed expansion of Medicaid coverage to about 130,000 more Kansans, in part because they fear it would increase publicly funded abortions. Other Republicans and Democrats contend that the issues aren’t related.Federal law allows Medicaid spending on abortions only in cases of rape, incest or danger to the mother’s life. Kansas bans the spending of state money on abortion except as required by federal law. Twenty-one other states allow Medicaid dollars to go toward abortions in other situations.Abortion opponents want to pass an amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would specify that abortion is not a constitutionally protected right in the state, which would overturn a state Supreme Court decision last year.The state Senate passed the measure but it failed in the House earlier this month when four moderate Republicans and a half dozen Democrats voted against putting the proposed amendment on the state’s August primary ballot. The amendment fell four votes short of the two-thirds majority needed in the 125-member House to pass.Since then, amendment backers, led by Senate President Susan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b564a70265445250fcc3acf99c7a2c9a">Wagle</a>, a Wichita Republican, have vowed to block any debate on Medicaid expansion until the proposed amendment is put to a public referendum.Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning has split with Wagle on the issue,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/afedd4204be5dad7ce78607bb1939e0e">arguing</a>&nbsp;Medicaid expansion and abortion are not linked.

Medicaid paid for 4 abortions in Kansas since January 2013

By LYNN HORSLEY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/what-1918-flu-pandemic-taught-kansas-city-about-dealing-outbreaks-coronavirus#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

As the widening coronavirus outbreak stokes fears of a worldwide 
pandemic, it’s worth remembering that the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic may 
have started in Kansas. And it hit Kansas City particularly hard.

Lessons from that time still resonate today.

“It’s
 always a good idea to remember your history so you don’t repeat those 
mistakes,” says Susan Sykes-Berry, a retired nurse and librarian with 
the UMKC Health Sciences Library who wrote a graduate thesis about the 
1918 pandemic flu in Kansas City.&nbsp;

Some researchers say the 1918 flu outbreak, the deadliest pandemic in history, <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/latest-news/article194909839.html">may have started in Kansas</a>.
 A Haskell County doctor is believed to have first documented the deadly
 flu strain and it was believed that soldiers from Haskell County 
transported the disease to Fort Riley. Camp Funston at Fort Riley was 
particularly hard hit. And then U.S. troops sent from Fort Riley to 
fight in World War I in Europe may have carried the virus with them and 
it spread from there.

Eventually, the 1918 pandemic is said to 
have claimed between 50 million and 100 million lives (and possibly 
millions more lives worldwide, with as much as one-third of the world’s
 population infected.

In Kansas City, the disease infected more 
than 11,000 people and killed more than 2,300, or nearly 10 percent of 
the population. <a href="https://www.influenzaarchive.org/cities/city-kansascity.html#">Kansas City experienced one of the worst outbreaks of any city in the U.S.</a>, according to a report by the University of Michigan Center for the History of Medicine.

Of
 course, advances in medical science, vaccines, antibiotics and other 
treatments have vastly improved in the last 100 years. But many public 
health experts say the world is still insufficiently equipped to 
effectively battle another pandemic outbreak, and more public health 
resources and global cooperation are needed.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/seg-1-flu-season-1918-and-today-seg-2-tvs-tomorrow#stream/0">In a 2018 interview with KCUR’s Central Standard</a>, Sykes-Berry said Kansas City was hit very hard by the 1918 flu “because of politics.”

The beginning of the outbreak was reported by The Kansas City Star in September 1918.&nbsp; It raged until&nbsp; spring 1919.

Sykes-Berry
 said the city was divided in its response between public health 
advocates and followers of Tom Pendergast.&nbsp; The Board of Health ordered 
schools, theaters and churches closed. But business owners resisted.

“Tom
 Pendergast controlled saloons,” she said. “When they did finally get 
around to putting in a quarantine, saloons were exempt. They just let 
them stay open because nobody wanted to challenge Tom Pendergast.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582757243794.png" alt=" Streetcars in Kansas City, Missouri, never closed in 1918 during the flu pandemic. Courtesy of the Missouri Valley Room / Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri" />
 <figcaption> Streetcars in Kansas City, Missouri, never closed in 1918 during the flu pandemic. Courtesy of the Missouri Valley Room / Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri</figcaption>
 </figure>By LYNN HORSLEY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/what-1918-flu-pandemic-taught-kansas-city-about-dealing-outbreaks-coronavirus#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>As the widening coronavirus outbreak stokes fears of a worldwide 
pandemic, it’s worth remembering that the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic may 
have started in Kansas. And it hit Kansas City particularly hard.Lessons from that time still resonate today.“It’s
 always a good idea to remember your history so you don’t repeat those 
mistakes,” says Susan Sykes-Berry, a retired nurse and librarian with 
the UMKC Health Sciences Library who wrote a graduate thesis about the 
1918 pandemic flu in Kansas City.&nbsp;Some researchers say the 1918 flu outbreak, the deadliest pandemic in history, <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/latest-news/article194909839.html">may have started in Kansas</a>.
 A Haskell County doctor is believed to have first documented the deadly
 flu strain and it was believed that soldiers from Haskell County 
transported the disease to Fort Riley. Camp Funston at Fort Riley was 
particularly hard hit. And then U.S. troops sent from Fort Riley to 
fight in World War I in Europe may have carried the virus with them and 
it spread from there.Eventually, the 1918 pandemic is said to 
have claimed between 50 million and 100 million lives (and possibly 
millions more lives worldwide, with as much as one-third of the world’s
 population infected.In Kansas City, the disease infected more 
than 11,000 people and killed more than 2,300, or nearly 10 percent of 
the population. <a href="https://www.influenzaarchive.org/cities/city-kansascity.html#">Kansas City experienced one of the worst outbreaks of any city in the U.S.</a>, according to a report by the University of Michigan Center for the History of Medicine.Of
 course, advances in medical science, vaccines, antibiotics and other 
treatments have vastly improved in the last 100 years. But many public 
health experts say the world is still insufficiently equipped to 
effectively battle another pandemic outbreak, and more public health 
resources and global cooperation are needed.Lesson One: Politics matter.<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/seg-1-flu-season-1918-and-today-seg-2-tvs-tomorrow#stream/0">In a 2018 interview with KCUR’s Central Standard</a>, Sykes-Berry said Kansas City was hit very hard by the 1918 flu “because of politics.”The beginning of the outbreak was reported by The Kansas City Star in September 1918.&nbsp; It raged until&nbsp; spring 1919.Sykes-Berry
 said the city was divided in its response between public health 
advocates and followers of Tom Pendergast.&nbsp; The Board of Health ordered 
schools, theaters and churches closed. But business owners resisted.“Tom
 Pendergast controlled saloons,” she said. “When they did finally get 
around to putting in a quarantine, saloons were exempt. They just let 
them stay open because nobody wanted to challenge Tom Pendergast.”In addition, she said, other business owners and managers of the streetcars didn’t want streetcar ridership limited.“It was a business decision,” she said.While
 schools closed in Kansas City, Kansas, the order to close schools in 
Kansas City, Missouri, was lifted in October 1918. And the epidemic 
spread more rapidly in Kansas City, Missouri.There was no vaccine and no good treatment. But Sykes-Berry notes some approaches worked and are still relevant today.“The
 best treatment you could get was good nursing care,” she noted. “And 
the Visiting Nurses Association, they have records that show that they 
treated 2,300 some people and they only had 35 deaths in that number.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582757305466.png" alt=" St. Joseph Hospital on Linwood and Prospect saw many flu patients during the pandemic. Some of it nurses and doctors reportedly died of the disease. Credit Courtesy of the Missouri Valley Room / Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri" />
 <figcaption> St. Joseph Hospital on Linwood and Prospect saw many flu patients during the pandemic. Some of it nurses and doctors reportedly died of the disease. Credit Courtesy of the Missouri Valley Room / Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri</figcaption>
 </figure>Lesson Two: The quarantine worked.“St. Louis
 had a very strict quarantine and St. Louis had about half the death 
rate that we did,” she told KCUR. “Kansas City, Kansas, and the whole 
Kansas side, they had a better response because they weren’t politically
 divided.”While 1918 still resonates, the good news is that 
Kansas City and the world have seen tremendous advancements in medical 
approaches since then.Researchers are already working on a 
coronavirus vaccine, and clinical trials should start soon, although it 
may not be widely available for many months.In the 2018 
interview with KCUR’s Central Standard, Dana Hawkinson, an infectious 
disease specialist with the University of Kansas Health System, said flu
 vaccines work. Good hand washing and hygiene are also preventive 
measures.“Promote good health practices,” he said. “That means 
promoting good vaccine rates, promoting hand hygiene, all those things 
help reduce influenza infection but also the severity from influenza.”Susan
 Sykes-Berry, retired nurse and librarian with the UMKC Health Sciences 
Library and Dana Hawkinson with the University of Kansas Health System 
spoke with <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/seg-1-flu-season-1918-and-today-seg-2-tvs-tomorrow#stream/0">KCUR’s Central Standard in November 2018</a>.KCUR contributor Lynn Horsley was a long-time reporter for The Kansas City Star. Follow her on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/LynnHorsley">@LynnHorsley</a>.