WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump declared Wednesday that a widespread U.S. outbreak of the new respiratory virus sweeping the globe isn’t inevitable even as top health authorities at his side warned Americans that more infections are coming.

Shortly after Trump spoke, the government announced a worrisome development: Another person in the U.S. is infected — someone in California who doesn’t appear to have the usual risk factors of having traveled abroad or being exposed to another patient.

At a White House news conference, Trump sought to minimize fears as he insisted the U.S. is “very, very ready” for whatever the COVID-19 outbreak brings. Under fire about the government’s response, he put Vice President Mike Pence in charge of coordinating the efforts.

“This will end,” Trump said of the outbreak. “You don’t want to see panic because there’s no reason to be panicked.”

But standing next to him, the very health officials Trump praised for fighting the new coronavirus stressed that schools, businesses and individuals need to get ready.

“We do expect more cases,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If the CDC confirms that the latest U.S. case doesn’t involve travel or contact with an infected person, it would be a first in this country and a sign that efforts to contain the virus’ spread haven’t been enough.

“It’s possible this could be an instance of community spread of COVID-19,” the CDC said in a statement.

More than 81,000 cases of COVID-19, an illness characterized by fever and coughing and in serious cases shortness of breath or pneumonia, have occurred since the new virus emerged in China.

The newest case from California brings the total number infected in the U.S. to 60, most of them evacuated from outbreak zones.

Trump credited border restrictions that have blocked people coming into the U.S. from China for keeping infections low so far. But now countries around the world — from South Korea and Japan to Italy and Iran — are experiencing growing numbers of cases. Asked if it was time to either lift the China restrictions, or take steps for travelers from elsewhere, he said: “At a right time we may do that. Right now it’s not the time.”

Trump spent close to an hour discussing the virus threat, after a week of sharp stock market losses over the health crisis and concern within the administration that a growing outbreak could affect his reelection. He blamed the Democrats for the stock market slide, saying, “I think the financial markets are very upset when they look at the Democrat candidates standing on that stage making fools out of themselves.” And at one point he shifted to defend his overall record and predict a win in November.

A key question is whether the Trump administration is spending enough money to get the country prepared — especially as the CDC has struggled to expand the number of states that can test people for the virus. Other key concerns are stockpiling masks and other protective equipment for health workers, and developing a vaccine or treatment.

Health officials have exhausted an initial $105 million in emergency funding and have been looking elsewhere for dollars. Earlier this week, Trump requested $2.5 billion from Congress to fight the virus. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York countered with a proposal for $8.5 billion.

Trump told reporters he was open to spending “whatever’s appropriate.”

Trump compared the new virus repeatedly to the flu, which kills tens of thousands each year. The new coronavirus has killed more than 2,700 — most in China and none in the U.S. so far — but scientists still don’t understand who’s most at risk or what the actual death rate is.

Without a vaccine, CDC’s Schuchat advised people to follow “tried and true, not very exciting” but important precautions: Wash your hands, cover your coughs and stay home when you’re sick.

A day earlier, another CDC official, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, was even more blunt, telling Americans to get ready for some of the same steps as occurred during the 2009 flu pandemic, such as school closings. “It’s not so much a question of if this will happen anymore, but rather more a question of exactly when this will happen — and how many people in this country will have severe illness,” she said.

The National Institutes of Health’s top infectious disease chief cautioned a vaccine won’t be ready for widespread use for a year or more. But Dr. Anthony Fauci said even if the virus wanes soon, it’s “quite conceivable” that it might “come back and recycle next year.” By then, he said, “we hope to have a vaccine.”

Democrats were quick to condemn Trump’s response to the outbreak. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called it “opaque and chaotic.”

“Instead of listening to public health and medical experts, the president has been downplaying the potential impact of the virus for over a month,” said Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.

Thompson added that putting Pence, “someone with no public health expertise, in charge of the response will not instill confidence with the American people and raises questions about the administration’s ability to coordinate an effective response to a complex public health threat.”

During his time as Indiana’s governor, Pence faced criticism for his response to a public health crisis in the southern part of the state.

In 2015, Scott County saw the number of people infected with HIV skyrocket, with nearly 200 people testing positive for the virus in a span of months. Indiana law at the time prohibited needle exchanges, exacerbating the outbreak, which primarily infected intravenous users of the painkiller Opana.

Pence had long opposed needle exchanges but was eventually persuaded to issue an executive order allowing one in Scott County. Despite his own misgivings — Pence said he didn’t support the exchanges as an “anti-drug policy” — he signed a law allowing the state government to approve them on a case-by-case basis.

Washington (AP) —President Donald Trump declared Wednesday that the U.S. is “very, very ready” for whatever the coronavirus threat brings, and he put his vice president in charge of overseeing the nation's response.

Trump sought to minimize fears of the virus spreading widely across the U.S., saying, “I don't think it's inevitable.”

But standing next to him at a White House news conference were health authorities who reiterated that Americans need to get ready for what could become a wider outbreak requiring such steps as school closures.

“Our aggressive containment strategy here in the United States has been working and is responsible for the low levels of cases we have so far. However, we do expect more cases,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More than 81,000 cases of COVID-19, an illness characterized by fever and coughing and sometimes shortness of breath or pneumonia, have occurred since the new virus emerged in China.

The National Institutes of Health's top infectious disease chief cautioned a vaccine won't be ready for widespread use for a year or more — but said the virus might return, so researchers have to push ahead.

NIH's Dr. Anthony Fauci called it “quite conceivable” that the virus will “come back and recycle next year. In that case, we hope to have a vaccine.”

Trump said Vice President Mike Pence will be working with CDC, NIH and other government agencies to coordinate the response. In previous outbreaks, the White House has appointed a “czar" to pull together the different departments' work.

“We're very, very ready for this, for anything,” even if it's “a breakout of larger proportions,” Trump told a news conference.

The U.S. announced a 15th case of coronavirus Wednesday, bringing the total number of infected people in the country to 60. No details were released immediately on the newest case. But the higher count includes people who traveled back from outbreak areas in Asia: three who were evacuated from the central China city of Wuhan and 42 Americans who were evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan.

On Capitol Hill, senior lawmakers called for a bipartisan spending package that would give federal, state and local officials more resources. Trump had requested $2.5 billion to fight the virus; Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York countered with an $8.5 billion proposal.

Trump told reporters he was open to spending “whatever's appropriate.”

Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike have questioned whether Trump's original request is sufficient.

House Appropriations chairwoman Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., said it's premature to put a price tag on the package. “We’re working on it and we’ll have a number but I’m not sure it’s going to be the number that Schumer’s proposing," said Lowey, adding that she's working with lawmakers of both parties.

Aides said the House measure is likely to be unveiled next week. Bipartisan “four corner” meetings — Democrats and Republicans in both the House and Senate — began Wednesday, a House Democratic aide said, with a bipartisan bill the goal.

Schumer has been harshly critical of Trump's response to the outbreak, and his request — announced before the Democratic-controlled House Appropriations Committee has weighed in — rankled some Democrats hoping for quick, bipartisan action to address the crisis.

Arriving back in the U.S. early Wednesday, Trump immediately began to counter critics who say he should have acted sooner to bolster the federal response to the coronavirus.

Trump has wondered aloud if Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar is the right person to lead the administration’s response. The White House had considered naming a virus czar, but was not sure that was the right route, said a person familiar with the discussions. Azar himself was said to be supportive of naming a czar.

Among those under consideration for such a post: Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations.

White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham was also pushing back. Grisham retweeted a CDC post that said “there is currently no reported community spread” of coronavirus in the U.S.

This week, the NIH received a shipment of test doses of a vaccine candidate from Moderna Inc., in preparation for first-step safety testing in a few dozen people aimed to begin by April. But Fauci cautioned reporters that in a best-case scenario, "you’re talking about a year to a year and a half” before any vaccine would be ready for widespread use.

Fauci said that while only a few cases have turned up in the U.S. from travelers outside the country, “we need to be able to think about how we will respond to a pandemic outbreak.”

“It's very clear. If we have a global pandemic, no country is going to be without impact,” Fauci said.

A pandemic involves the continual spread of sustained transmission from person to person in multiple regions and hemispheres throughout the world simultaneously, Fauci noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582760325690.png" alt="President Trump and members of the Cornavirus Task force during the Wednesday evening press conference -White House image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and members of the Cornavirus Task force during the Wednesday evening press conference -White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump declared Wednesday that a widespread U.S. outbreak of the new respiratory virus sweeping the globe isn’t inevitable even as top health authorities at his side warned Americans that more infections are coming.Shortly after Trump spoke, the government announced a worrisome development: Another person in the U.S. is infected — someone in California who doesn’t appear to have the usual risk factors of having traveled abroad or being exposed to another patient.At a White House news conference, Trump sought to minimize fears as he insisted the U.S. is “very, very ready” for whatever the COVID-19 outbreak brings. Under fire about the government’s response, he put Vice President Mike Pence in charge of coordinating the efforts.“This will end,” Trump said of the outbreak. “You don’t want to see panic because there’s no reason to be panicked.”But standing next to him, the very health officials Trump praised for fighting the new coronavirus stressed that schools, businesses and individuals need to get ready.“We do expect more cases,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.If the CDC confirms that the latest U.S. case doesn’t involve travel or contact with an infected person, it would be a first in this country and a sign that efforts to contain the virus’ spread haven’t been enough.“It’s possible this could be an instance of community spread of COVID-19,” the CDC said in a statement.More than 81,000 cases of COVID-19, an illness characterized by fever and coughing and in serious cases shortness of breath or pneumonia, have occurred since the new virus emerged in China.The newest case from California brings the total number infected in the U.S. to 60, most of them evacuated from outbreak zones.Trump credited border restrictions that have blocked people coming into the U.S. from China for keeping infections low so far. But now countries around the world — from South Korea and Japan to Italy and Iran — are experiencing growing numbers of cases. Asked if it was time to either lift the China restrictions, or take steps for travelers from elsewhere, he said: “At a right time we may do that. Right now it’s not the time.”Trump spent close to an hour discussing the virus threat, after a week of sharp stock market losses over the health crisis and concern within the administration that a growing outbreak could affect his reelection. He blamed the Democrats for the stock market slide, saying, “I think the financial markets are very upset when they look at the Democrat candidates standing on that stage making fools out of themselves.” And at one point he shifted to defend his overall record and predict a win in November.A key question is whether the Trump administration is spending enough money to get the country prepared — especially as the CDC has struggled to expand the number of states that can test people for the virus. Other key concerns are stockpiling masks and other protective equipment for health workers, and developing a vaccine or treatment.Health officials have exhausted an initial $105 million in emergency funding and have been looking elsewhere for dollars. Earlier this week, Trump requested $2.5 billion from Congress to fight the virus. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York countered with a proposal for $8.5 billion.Trump told reporters he was open to spending “whatever’s appropriate.”Trump compared the new virus repeatedly to the flu, which kills tens of thousands each year. The new coronavirus has killed more than 2,700 — most in China and none in the U.S. so far — but scientists still don’t understand who’s most at risk or what the actual death rate is.Without a vaccine, CDC’s Schuchat advised people to follow “tried and true, not very exciting” but important precautions: Wash your hands, cover your coughs and stay home when you’re sick.A day earlier, another CDC official, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, was even more blunt, telling Americans to get ready for some of the same steps as occurred during the 2009 flu pandemic, such as school closings. “It’s not so much a question of if this will happen anymore, but rather more a question of exactly when this will happen — and how many people in this country will have severe illness,” she said.The National Institutes of Health’s top infectious disease chief cautioned a vaccine won’t be ready for widespread use for a year or more. But Dr. Anthony Fauci said even if the virus wanes soon, it’s “quite conceivable” that it might “come back and recycle next year.” By then, he said, “we hope to have a vaccine.”Democrats were quick to condemn Trump’s response to the outbreak. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called it “opaque and chaotic.”“Instead of listening to public health and medical experts, the president has been downplaying the potential impact of the virus for over a month,” said Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.Thompson added that putting Pence, “someone with no public health expertise, in charge of the response will not instill confidence with the American people and raises questions about the administration’s ability to coordinate an effective response to a complex public health threat.”During his time as Indiana’s governor, Pence faced criticism for his response to a public health crisis in the southern part of the state.In 2015, Scott County saw the number of people infected with HIV skyrocket, with nearly 200 people testing positive for the virus in a span of months. Indiana law at the time prohibited needle exchanges, exacerbating the outbreak, which primarily infected intravenous users of the painkiller Opana.Pence had long opposed needle exchanges but was eventually persuaded to issue an executive order allowing one in Scott County. Despite his own misgivings — Pence said he didn’t support the exchanges as an “anti-drug policy” — he signed a law allowing the state government to approve them on a case-by-case basis.__Washington (AP) —President Donald Trump declared Wednesday that the U.S. is “very, very ready” for whatever the coronavirus threat brings, and he put his vice president in charge of overseeing the nation's response.Trump sought to minimize fears of the virus spreading widely across the U.S., saying, “I don't think it's inevitable.”But standing next to him at a White House news conference were health authorities who reiterated that Americans need to get ready for what could become a wider outbreak requiring such steps as school closures.“Our aggressive containment strategy here in the United States has been working and is responsible for the low levels of cases we have so far. However, we do expect more cases,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.More than 81,000 cases of COVID-19, an illness characterized by fever and coughing and sometimes shortness of breath or pneumonia, have occurred since the new virus emerged in China.The National Institutes of Health's top infectious disease chief cautioned a vaccine won't be ready for widespread use for a year or more — but said the virus might return, so researchers have to push ahead.NIH's Dr. Anthony Fauci called it “quite conceivable” that the virus will “come back and recycle next year. In that case, we hope to have a vaccine.”Trump said Vice President Mike Pence will be working with CDC, NIH and other government agencies to coordinate the response. In previous outbreaks, the White House has appointed a “czar" to pull together the different departments' work.“We're very, very ready for this, for anything,” even if it's “a breakout of larger proportions,” Trump told a news conference.The U.S. announced a 15th case of coronavirus Wednesday, bringing the total number of infected people in the country to 60. No details were released immediately on the newest case. But the higher count includes people who traveled back from outbreak areas in Asia: three who were evacuated from the central China city of Wuhan and 42 Americans who were evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan.On Capitol Hill, senior lawmakers called for a bipartisan spending package that would give federal, state and local officials more resources. Trump had requested $2.5 billion to fight the virus; Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York countered with an $8.5 billion proposal.Trump told reporters he was open to spending “whatever's appropriate.”Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike have questioned whether Trump's original request is sufficient.House Appropriations chairwoman Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., said it's premature to put a price tag on the package. “We’re working on it and we’ll have a number but I’m not sure it’s going to be the number that Schumer’s proposing," said Lowey, adding that she's working with lawmakers of both parties.Aides said the House measure is likely to be unveiled next week. Bipartisan “four corner” meetings — Democrats and Republicans in both the House and Senate — began Wednesday, a House Democratic aide said, with a bipartisan bill the goal.Schumer has been harshly critical of Trump's response to the outbreak, and his request — announced before the Democratic-controlled House Appropriations Committee has weighed in — rankled some Democrats hoping for quick, bipartisan action to address the crisis.Arriving back in the U.S. early Wednesday, Trump immediately began to counter critics who say he should have acted sooner to bolster the federal response to the coronavirus.Trump has wondered aloud if Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar is the right person to lead the administration’s response. The White House had considered naming a virus czar, but was not sure that was the right route, said a person familiar with the discussions. Azar himself was said to be supportive of naming a czar.Among those under consideration for such a post: Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations.White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham was also pushing back. Grisham retweeted a CDC post that said “there is currently no reported community spread” of coronavirus in the U.S.This week, the NIH received a shipment of test doses of a vaccine candidate from Moderna Inc., in preparation for first-step safety testing in a few dozen people aimed to begin by April. But Fauci cautioned reporters that in a best-case scenario, "you’re talking about a year to a year and a half” before any vaccine would be ready for widespread use.Fauci said that while only a few cases have turned up in the U.S. from travelers outside the country, “we need to be able to think about how we will respond to a pandemic outbreak.”“It's very clear. If we have a global pandemic, no country is going to be without impact,” Fauci said.A pandemic involves the continual spread of sustained transmission from person to person in multiple regions and hemispheres throughout the world simultaneously, Fauci noted.

Trump urges calm even as US reports worrisome new virus case

CHASE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged animal cruelty in Chase County.

Deputies responded to to a report of animals that had been abandoned by the owner at a property on X Road just north of 260th in rural Chase County, according to the sheriff's department.

The owner had been away for approximately 30-60 days. When deputies arrived, they found three horses dead and another horse that had to&nbsp; be euthanized, according to the sheriff's department. Deputies made arrangements for someone to take and care for two other horses who needed emergency care.

Authorities contacted the property owner, identified as 48-year-old Steven Price.&nbsp; He was due in Chase County Court on other charges. When he arrived this week, deputies had a warrant for his arrest on requested animal cruelty charges and for interference with law enforcement, according to the sheriff's department.

He is due back in court next month on the animal cruelty allegations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582736932043.png" alt="Steven Price photo Chase Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Steven Price photo Chase Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CHASE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged animal cruelty in Chase County.Deputies responded to to a report of animals that had been abandoned by the owner at a property on X Road just north of 260th in rural Chase County, according to the sheriff's department.The owner had been away for approximately 30-60 days. When deputies arrived, they found three horses dead and another horse that had to&nbsp; be euthanized, according to the sheriff's department. Deputies made arrangements for someone to take and care for two other horses who needed emergency care.Authorities contacted the property owner, identified as 48-year-old Steven Price.&nbsp; He was due in Chase County Court on other charges. When he arrived this week, deputies had a warrant for his arrest on requested animal cruelty charges and for interference with law enforcement, according to the sheriff's department.He is due back in court next month on the animal cruelty allegations.

Kansas man accused of animal cruelty after horses found dead

MCPHERSON, Kan. (AP) — A McPherson woman is charged with first-degree murder and related charges in the death of a 63-year-old man.

Attorney General Derek Schmidt said 33-year-old Tina Nicole Brown was charged Wednesday.

Kelly Peterson was found dead Monday in his mobile home in McPherson. Brown was also charged with felony mistreatment of an elder person and a misdemeanor battery of a law enforcement officer.

Her bond was set at $500,000. The attorney general's office is prosecuting the death at the request of the McPherson County Attorney.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582763940826.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tina Brown photo McPherson County&nbsp;MCPHERSON, Kan. (AP) — A McPherson woman is charged with first-degree murder and related charges in the death of a 63-year-old man.Attorney General Derek Schmidt said 33-year-old Tina Nicole Brown was charged Wednesday.Kelly Peterson was found dead Monday in his mobile home in McPherson. Brown was also charged with felony mistreatment of an elder person and a misdemeanor battery of a law enforcement officer.Her bond was set at $500,000. The attorney general's office is prosecuting the death at the request of the McPherson County Attorney.&nbsp;

McPherson woman charged with murder in man's death

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are looking to encourage training for law enforcement agencies to help address the high rates of murdered and missing indigenous people.

The House approved&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/hb2646_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;unanimously Wednesday that calls for closer collaboration between Native American tribes, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and other agencies in an effort to raise awareness about the problem. The bill goes next to the Senate.

Supporters hope that educating state agencies more thoroughly will help reduce the level of crime in indigenous communities.

“As Native American women, we watch other cultures celebrate and honor their women, and we just want to bring ours home,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Ponka-We Victors, a Wichita Democrat and the only Native American woman in the Legislature.

Indigenous people are murdered and go missing at higher rates than any other racial identity, according to an Urban Indian Health Institute study. Officials say the data doesn’t reflect the problem’s scope.

In 2016, National Crime Information Center reported 5,712 indigenous women went missing, but only 116 cases were reported to the U.S. Department of Justice’s missing persons database. These discrepancies in data are common in reports of crime committed against Native American individuals nationwide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582737312479.png" alt="photo courtesy&nbsp;Urban Indian Health Institute " />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy&nbsp;Urban Indian Health Institute </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are looking to encourage training for law enforcement agencies to help address the high rates of murdered and missing indigenous people.The House approved&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/hb2646_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;unanimously Wednesday that calls for closer collaboration between Native American tribes, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and other agencies in an effort to raise awareness about the problem. The bill goes next to the Senate.Supporters hope that educating state agencies more thoroughly will help reduce the level of crime in indigenous communities.“As Native American women, we watch other cultures celebrate and honor their women, and we just want to bring ours home,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Ponka-We Victors, a Wichita Democrat and the only Native American woman in the Legislature.Indigenous people are murdered and go missing at higher rates than any other racial identity, according to an Urban Indian Health Institute study. Officials say the data doesn’t reflect the problem’s scope.In 2016, National Crime Information Center reported 5,712 indigenous women went missing, but only 116 cases were reported to the U.S. Department of Justice’s missing persons database. These discrepancies in data are common in reports of crime committed against Native American individuals nationwide.

Kansas House OKs bill to address missing indigenous people

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 7pm Tuesday, police were dispatched to the hospital in Great Bend in reference to a gun shot wound, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, officers found that a victim later identified as Ken Rodriquez, 19, who was brought into the hospital with a gun shot wound to his shoulder area. Hospital staff provided life saving medical care to the him. He was later transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for additional care.

&nbsp;Through the investigation, police learned that the shooting incident occurred at an apartment located in the 5500 block of Eisenhower in Great Bend. Detectives sought a search warrant for the residence and identified a person of interest. 

The Barton County Communications Center then broadcast an attempt to locate for 20-year-old Tucker J. Trevino. Later in the evening Trevino spoke with the detectives and&nbsp;was arrested and booked into the Barton County Detention Center on requested charges of Aggravated Battery.

Detectives located a weapon in the 1700 block of Hubbard related to this incident. It was also learned that the weapon recovered had been reported stolen a few weeks ago from a Great Bend residence, according to police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582748073561.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tucker Trevino photo Barton County.BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.Just after 7pm Tuesday, police were dispatched to the hospital in Great Bend in reference to a gun shot wound, according to a media release.Upon arrival, officers found that a victim later identified as Ken Rodriquez, 19, who was brought into the hospital with a gun shot wound to his shoulder area. Hospital staff provided life saving medical care to the him. He was later transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for additional care.&nbsp;Through the investigation, police learned that the shooting incident occurred at an apartment located in the 5500 block of Eisenhower in Great Bend. Detectives sought a search warrant for the residence and identified a person of interest. The Barton County Communications Center then broadcast an attempt to locate for 20-year-old Tucker J. Trevino. Later in the evening Trevino spoke with the detectives and&nbsp;was arrested and booked into the Barton County Detention Center on requested charges of Aggravated Battery.Detectives located a weapon in the 1700 block of Hubbard related to this incident. It was also learned that the weapon recovered had been reported stolen a few weeks ago from a Great Bend residence, according to police..

Police make arrest after teen shot at apartment in Great Bend

BUTLER COUNTY —An El Dorado Correctional Facility offender, Timothy R. Moses, 60, died unexpectedly just before 3p.m. on Tuesday, the same day he was admitted to the prison, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was sentenced on February 7.

Per protocol, when an offender dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Moses was found guilty in 2020 of one count of second-degree murder in Labette County, and was sentenced to serve 300 months in prison, according to a media release from the KDOC.

The official cause of death is pending, with an autopsy planned.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582749169980.png" alt="TImothy Moses-photo Labette County" />
 <figcaption>TImothy Moses-photo Labette County</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —An El Dorado Correctional Facility offender, Timothy R. Moses, 60, died unexpectedly just before 3p.m. on Tuesday, the same day he was admitted to the prison, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was sentenced on February 7.Per protocol, when an offender dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Moses was found guilty in 2020 of one count of second-degree murder in Labette County, and was sentenced to serve 300 months in prison, according to a media release from the KDOC.The official cause of death is pending, with an autopsy planned.

KDOC: Man convicted of murder dies on first day in Kan. prison

JACKSON COUNTY —A Kansas City man who had sole care of a 3-week-old child has been charged in connection with the child’s abuse, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Corriel D. Willis, 26, faces two counts of Abuse or Neglect of a Child.

On Monday, police contacted a physician at Children’s Mercy Hospital regarding a 3-week-old girl who was brought to the emergency room by the defendant, according to court records.

The doctor noted red marks on the child’s neck, rib fractures, liver damage and severe head injury. 

Willis indicated he had sole care and custody and control of the child when the injuries occurred. The child was listed as critically stable but with life-threatening injuries. Prosecutors requested a $100,000 cash bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582734859822.png" alt="Willis photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Willis photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —A Kansas City man who had sole care of a 3-week-old child has been charged in connection with the child’s abuse, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Corriel D. Willis, 26, faces two counts of Abuse or Neglect of a Child.On Monday, police contacted a physician at Children’s Mercy Hospital regarding a 3-week-old girl who was brought to the emergency room by the defendant, according to court records.The doctor noted red marks on the child’s neck, rib fractures, liver damage and severe head injury. Willis indicated he had sole care and custody and control of the child when the injuries occurred. The child was listed as critically stable but with life-threatening injuries. Prosecutors requested a $100,000 cash bond.

Kansas City Police: 3-week-old had life-threatening injuries

BOURBON COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 5a.m. Wednesday in Bourbon County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Dodge Durango driven by&nbsp; Stephanie L. Klepac, 26, Gerard, was northbound on U.S. 69 at Arrowhead Road.

 Due to icy conditions, the SUV slid into the grassy median, went airborne and struck a pedestrian identified as&nbsp; John R. Morris, 48, Liberal, Missouri, who was outside of his vehicle.

Morris was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics.&nbsp;Klepac was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

BOURBON COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 5a.m. Wednesday in Bourbon County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Dodge Durango driven by&nbsp; Stephanie L. Klepac, 26, Gerard, was northbound on U.S. 69 at Arrowhead Road. Due to icy conditions, the SUV slid into the grassy median, went airborne and struck a pedestrian identified as&nbsp; John R. Morris, 48, Liberal, Missouri, who was outside of his vehicle.Morris was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics.&nbsp;Klepac was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

SUV slides on icy Kansas road, strikes and kills man

SALINA— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital in Salina.

Just after 10p.m. Tuesday, police responded to&nbsp; Arby's, 510 South Broadway Boulevard in Salina after a report of a man with a gunshot wound, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

When officers arrived, they found Tristen Howard, 24, of Salina, on the west side of the Arby's building with what appeared to be a gunshot wound in his left leg.

Howard told police that he was walking south from South Street to Dillons on West Crawford Street, in the area of the railroad track, when he heard two people arguing, according to Forrester. Howard told he then heard five to six shots fired and one struck his leg.&nbsp;

Two independent witnesses, one calling from Hancock Street and one calling from Sherman Street, reported to police that they heard four to six gunshots at approximately the same time of the incident reported by Howard, according to Forrester.

EMS transported Howard to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment. Police have not reported an arrest.

SALINA— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital in Salina.Just after 10p.m. Tuesday, police responded to&nbsp; Arby's, 510 South Broadway Boulevard in Salina after a report of a man with a gunshot wound, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.When officers arrived, they found Tristen Howard, 24, of Salina, on the west side of the Arby's building with what appeared to be a gunshot wound in his left leg.Howard told police that he was walking south from South Street to Dillons on West Crawford Street, in the area of the railroad track, when he heard two people arguing, according to Forrester. Howard told he then heard five to six shots fired and one struck his leg.&nbsp;Two independent witnesses, one calling from Hancock Street and one calling from Sherman Street, reported to police that they heard four to six gunshots at approximately the same time of the incident reported by Howard, according to Forrester.EMS transported Howard to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment. Police have not reported an arrest.

Police: Man wounded after report random gunfire in Salina

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP)&nbsp;— A mother is suing a suburban Kansas City school after a teacher was caught on surveillance video last year kicking her daughter, who was in kindergarten.

The woman filed the lawsuit last month against the Shawnee Mission (Kansas) School District and the case was moved to federal court this week, the Kansas City Star reported. She contends that the district was negligent in its hiring, training and supervision of the first-year teacher, Crystal Smith, who was fired after the abuse came to light.

The mother, who is identified only by her initials in the lawsuit, says her daughter got upset last February because she found some of her artwork crumpled on the floor at the Bluejacket-Flint Elementary School in Shawnee, and that her daughter approached the school librarian to show her the damage. When her daughter crawled into a bookshelf, Smith “yanked her out” and pinned her arms behind her back, causing her pain. Smith then asked the librarian to contact the principal for help, and when the librarian's back was turned, Smith kicked the girl while she was lying on the floor, according to the suit.

The mother says she learned about what happened when she picked up her daughter after school, and that she then confronted the teacher, who told her the girl wasn't being truthful. She says she then spoke with the principal and requested that school surveillance video be reviewed. She says she received a letter from the principal nearly a week after the incident that said the teacher had admitted grabbing and kicking the girl.

The girl's mother says that if her daughter hadn't told her what happened, it might never have come to light and her daughter could have suffered “more abuse at the hands” of the teacher. Her lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount in damages.

A district spokesman said the school system doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

No charges are listed for Smith in Johnson County court records or in Shawnee Municipal Court. Neither Shawnee police nor Smith's attorney, James Durbin, immediately replied to phone messages that The Associated Press left Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582734209741.png" alt="Image from the security camera video courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Image from the security camera video courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP)&nbsp;— A mother is suing a suburban Kansas City school after a teacher was caught on surveillance video last year kicking her daughter, who was in kindergarten.The woman filed the lawsuit last month against the Shawnee Mission (Kansas) School District and the case was moved to federal court this week, the Kansas City Star reported. She contends that the district was negligent in its hiring, training and supervision of the first-year teacher, Crystal Smith, who was fired after the abuse came to light.The mother, who is identified only by her initials in the lawsuit, says her daughter got upset last February because she found some of her artwork crumpled on the floor at the Bluejacket-Flint Elementary School in Shawnee, and that her daughter approached the school librarian to show her the damage. When her daughter crawled into a bookshelf, Smith “yanked her out” and pinned her arms behind her back, causing her pain. Smith then asked the librarian to contact the principal for help, and when the librarian's back was turned, Smith kicked the girl while she was lying on the floor, according to the suit.The mother says she learned about what happened when she picked up her daughter after school, and that she then confronted the teacher, who told her the girl wasn't being truthful. She says she then spoke with the principal and requested that school surveillance video be reviewed. She says she received a letter from the principal nearly a week after the incident that said the teacher had admitted grabbing and kicking the girl.The girl's mother says that if her daughter hadn't told her what happened, it might never have come to light and her daughter could have suffered “more abuse at the hands” of the teacher. Her lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount in damages.A district spokesman said the school system doesn’t comment on pending litigation.No charges are listed for Smith in Johnson County court records or in Shawnee Municipal Court. Neither Shawnee police nor Smith's attorney, James Durbin, immediately replied to phone messages that The Associated Press left Wednesday.

Kansas mother of student who was kicked by teacher sues

LYON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged rape and have a suspect in custody.

On February 11, police in Emporia asked the public for help to locate German Enrique Diaz, 19, who was wanted on multiple warrants including one charging him with rape, according to Lyon County Crime Stoppers.

The victim was under the age of 14, according to a media release from the U.S. Marshals Service.

U.S. Marshals in Fayetteville, Arkansas were contacted about Diaz possibly staying in the Springdale, Arkansas area late last week. The Springdale Police Department assisted the U.S. Marshals Task Force in conducting a fugitive investigation. 

Diaz was ultimately located at a residence in Springdale and arrested without incident after officers locked down the residence. Diaz was transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he will await extradition proceedings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582735716930.png" alt="German Diaz photo Washington County Arkansas Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>German Diaz photo Washington County Arkansas Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged rape and have a suspect in custody.On February 11, police in Emporia asked the public for help to locate German Enrique Diaz, 19, who was wanted on multiple warrants including one charging him with rape, according to Lyon County Crime Stoppers.The victim was under the age of 14, according to a media release from the U.S. Marshals Service.U.S. Marshals in Fayetteville, Arkansas were contacted about Diaz possibly staying in the Springdale, Arkansas area late last week. The Springdale Police Department assisted the U.S. Marshals Task Force in conducting a fugitive investigation. Diaz was ultimately located at a residence in Springdale and arrested without incident after officers locked down the residence. Diaz was transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he will await extradition proceedings.

US. Marshals help capture Kan. rape suspect in Arkansas

Topeka, Kan. —The state of Kansas currently has no Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and no Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) for the virus.

The Kansas Department of Health was notified<a href="https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6"> that a map of </a>Coronavirus&nbsp;cases by John Hopkins University identified 36 cases in Kansas.

According to the KDHE, these cases actually represent the cases from the Diamond Princess cruise ship and were inaccurately placed on the map.

The KDHE reached out to John Hopkins to correct the map and they did.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in hundreds of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan, with additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally. The first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020. This is an ongoing investigation and information is changing rapidly. visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>

People in the United States commonly get infected with human coronaviruses and there are four types that are the most common. These types of coronaviruses can be detected on respiratory virus panels that are commonly performed at many hospitals and clinical laboratories. Sometimes coronaviruses that infect animals can evolve and make people sick and become a new human coronavirus. An example of this is the newly identified COVID-19 first detected in Wujan, China.

<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/download/COVID-19_One_Pager.pdf">COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) Fact Sheet</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582718908755.png" alt="Updated map <a href="https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6">from John Hopkins University</a>" />
 <figcaption>Updated map <a href="https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6">from John Hopkins University</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka, Kan. —The state of Kansas currently has no Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and no Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) for the virus.The Kansas Department of Health was notified<a href="https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6"> that a map of </a>Coronavirus&nbsp;cases by John Hopkins University identified 36 cases in Kansas. According to the KDHE, these cases actually represent the cases from the Diamond Princess cruise ship and were inaccurately placed on the map.The KDHE reached out to John Hopkins to correct the map and they did.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in hundreds of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan, with additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally. The first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020. This is an ongoing investigation and information is changing rapidly. visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">There is currently no reported community spread of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> in the US. People should follow everyday measures to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, such as staying home when sick and washing hands with soap and water. Stay informed; visit <a href="https://t.co/1ifchVyxUM">https://t.co/1ifchVyxUM</a>.&mdash; CDC (@CDCgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCgov/status/1232431332220784640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>People in the United States commonly get infected with human coronaviruses and there are four types that are the most common. These types of coronaviruses can be detected on respiratory virus panels that are commonly performed at many hospitals and clinical laboratories. Sometimes coronaviruses that infect animals can evolve and make people sick and become a new human coronavirus. An example of this is the newly identified COVID-19 first detected in Wujan, China.<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/download/COVID-19_One_Pager.pdf">COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) Fact Sheet</a>

KDHE: Error created confusion about coronavirus in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are moving toward eliminating limits on local property taxes they say are ineffective in favor of a proposal aimed at requiring officials to be more transparent about upcoming levies.

The Senate voted&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/vote_view/je_20200225153429_535763/" target="_blank">39-0</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday to approve&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/supp_note_sb294_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that supporters said would force local officials to be more open in making tax and and budget decisions.&nbsp; Watch a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JiT_fZRUuI">replay of the discussion here.</a>

The bill would repeal a local tax lid pushed through the Republican-controlled Legislature by conservative lawmakers in 2015. Cities and counties are generally required to let the public vote if they want to increase the spending of local property tax revenues by more than the inflation rate, though some costs, such as new roads and sewers, are exempt from the lid.

The bill approved by senators would require cities and counties to send notices to all taxpayers and have a public hearing if they intend to raise more money from property taxes in the coming year. City or county commissioners would then have to take a vote in public on raising additional property tax revenues.

Supporters argued that notifying taxpayers and giving them a chance to weigh in would be more effective than the state’s current limits. Annual revenues from taxes on property have risen nearly 18% since 2015 and have more than doubled in the past 20 years, to more than $5.1 billion.

“Processes, when they work, they work great. When they don’t work, they need to be fixed,” said Republican Sen. Julia Lynn, of Olathe. “In this case, I think we need a little tweak to the process.”

Kansas legislators are perennially frustrated by complaints about local property taxes and the state has imposed local tax lids on and off over the past half century. A property owner’s taxes can rise even if local levies don’t because a county appraiser’s office can increase the tax value for a home or business.

The bill before lawmakers this year is modeled after laws in Tennessee and Utah. Senate tax committee Chairwoman Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, said the current Kansas lid is “almost worthless.”

“This is all about transparency and being open,” she said during the Senate’s debate on the bill.

Local officials fought the 2015 law, believing it would pinch funding for local services. Trey Cocking, a lobbyist for the League of Kansas Municipalities, said the group has “no concerns” with promoting transparency but believes this year’s measure remains “clunky” in its mechanics.

Several senators, particularly from the Kansas City area, sought unsuccessfully to rewrite the measure so that a fast-growing city or county wouldn’t have to notify taxpayers if it sought to spend property tax revenues generated by new development. Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, an Overland Park Republican, said those communities needed to be able to cover public safety and public works costs.

But Sen. Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat who served 23 years in local government, said the bill doesn’t prevent cities and counties from raising taxes. He said his experience was that city or county residents were fine with a tax increase when officials had “a plausible reason for why.”

“You simply have to explain it,” Miller said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582717696779.png" alt="Property tax discussion <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JiT_fZRUuI">Tuesday in the Kansas Senate</a>" />
 <figcaption>Property tax discussion <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JiT_fZRUuI">Tuesday in the Kansas Senate</a></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are moving toward eliminating limits on local property taxes they say are ineffective in favor of a proposal aimed at requiring officials to be more transparent about upcoming levies.The Senate voted&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/vote_view/je_20200225153429_535763/" target="_blank">39-0</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday to approve&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/supp_note_sb294_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that supporters said would force local officials to be more open in making tax and and budget decisions.&nbsp; Watch a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JiT_fZRUuI">replay of the discussion here.</a>It goes next to the House.The bill would repeal a local tax lid pushed through the Republican-controlled Legislature by conservative lawmakers in 2015. Cities and counties are generally required to let the public vote if they want to increase the spending of local property tax revenues by more than the inflation rate, though some costs, such as new roads and sewers, are exempt from the lid.The bill approved by senators would require cities and counties to send notices to all taxpayers and have a public hearing if they intend to raise more money from property taxes in the coming year. City or county commissioners would then have to take a vote in public on raising additional property tax revenues.Supporters argued that notifying taxpayers and giving them a chance to weigh in would be more effective than the state’s current limits. Annual revenues from taxes on property have risen nearly 18% since 2015 and have more than doubled in the past 20 years, to more than $5.1 billion.“Processes, when they work, they work great. When they don’t work, they need to be fixed,” said Republican Sen. Julia Lynn, of Olathe. “In this case, I think we need a little tweak to the process.”Kansas legislators are perennially frustrated by complaints about local property taxes and the state has imposed local tax lids on and off over the past half century. A property owner’s taxes can rise even if local levies don’t because a county appraiser’s office can increase the tax value for a home or business.The bill before lawmakers this year is modeled after laws in Tennessee and Utah. Senate tax committee Chairwoman Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, said the current Kansas lid is “almost worthless.”“This is all about transparency and being open,” she said during the Senate’s debate on the bill.Local officials fought the 2015 law, believing it would pinch funding for local services. Trey Cocking, a lobbyist for the League of Kansas Municipalities, said the group has “no concerns” with promoting transparency but believes this year’s measure remains “clunky” in its mechanics.Several senators, particularly from the Kansas City area, sought unsuccessfully to rewrite the measure so that a fast-growing city or county wouldn’t have to notify taxpayers if it sought to spend property tax revenues generated by new development. Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, an Overland Park Republican, said those communities needed to be able to cover public safety and public works costs.But Sen. Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat who served 23 years in local government, said the bill doesn’t prevent cities and counties from raising taxes. He said his experience was that city or county residents were fine with a tax increase when officials had “a plausible reason for why.”“You simply have to explain it,” Miller said.___

Kansas moves to junk local tax lid in favor of transparency

WICHITA, Kan. – Riverside Café’s parent company and its owner have entered into a consent judgment and permanent injunction with the Office of the District Attorney and agreed to pay $60,397.28. 

The District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division received several consumer complaints that Riverside Café was charging customers an illegal surcharge of 4% for using credit cards to purchase their meals, according to a media release from the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office 

Authorities informed Paul Cohlmia and Riverside Ventures, Inc. that the surcharge was in violation of K.S.A. 16a-2-403 and also the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). The District Attorney filed the case after Riverside continued to charge the surcharge at all three of its locations, 9125 W. Central Ave., 739 W. 13th St. N. and 824 N. Baltimore Ave. in Derby.

The cost of identifying and paying specific consumers for the roughly fifty-cents ($0.50) they were overcharged would be impractical, so as part of the consent judgment and permanent injunction defendants admitted to the violations, stopped charging a surcharge, and agreed to pay $30,000 to bona fide charitable organizations serving Sedgwick County. Defendants also agreed to pay a $30,000 civil penalty along with court costs and investigative expenses for a total of $60,397.28.

The District Attorney reminds residents that an illegal surcharge, or price increase, is “unconscionable” and therefore a violation of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act. Prices should also be clearly marked.

The consent judgment and permanent injunction were signed by Judge Kevin Mark Smith on February 20, 20

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582717044730.png" alt="Riverside Cafe on West 13th Street North in Wichita -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Riverside Cafe on West 13th Street North in Wichita -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. – Riverside Café’s parent company and its owner have entered into a consent judgment and permanent injunction with the Office of the District Attorney and agreed to pay $60,397.28. The District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division received several consumer complaints that Riverside Café was charging customers an illegal surcharge of 4% for using credit cards to purchase their meals, according to a media release from the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office Authorities informed Paul Cohlmia and Riverside Ventures, Inc. that the surcharge was in violation of K.S.A. 16a-2-403 and also the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). The District Attorney filed the case after Riverside continued to charge the surcharge at all three of its locations, 9125 W. Central Ave., 739 W. 13th St. N. and 824 N. Baltimore Ave. in Derby.The cost of identifying and paying specific consumers for the roughly fifty-cents ($0.50) they were overcharged would be impractical, so as part of the consent judgment and permanent injunction defendants admitted to the violations, stopped charging a surcharge, and agreed to pay $30,000 to bona fide charitable organizations serving Sedgwick County. Defendants also agreed to pay a $30,000 civil penalty along with court costs and investigative expenses for a total of $60,397.28.The District Attorney reminds residents that an illegal surcharge, or price increase, is “unconscionable” and therefore a violation of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act. Prices should also be clearly marked.The consent judgment and permanent injunction were signed by Judge Kevin Mark Smith on February 20, 20

Kan. restaurant will pay for overcharging customers using credit cards

WICHITA, KAN. – A former federal immigration officer was sentenced Tuesday to nine months in prison for impersonating an Immigration and Customs Enforcement supervisor, according to U.S. Attorney StephenMcAllister.

Andrew J. Pleviak, 42, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty in December to falsely claiming to be an officer of ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations. He made the claim to a deputy with the Kingman County Sheriff's Office. 

Pleviak also submitted a memo on ICE letterhead requesting the release of a man being held in the custody of the Kingman County Sheriff's Office. The man in custody was Juan Tapia-Alfaro, an acquaintance of Pleviak. Pleviak was arrested when he arrived at the jail pretending to be an ICE supervisory deportation officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1570649339648.png" alt="Andrew J. Pleviak-photo Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Andrew J. Pleviak-photo Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A former federal immigration officer was sentenced Tuesday to nine months in prison for impersonating an Immigration and Customs Enforcement supervisor, according to U.S. Attorney StephenMcAllister.Andrew J. Pleviak, 42, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty in December to falsely claiming to be an officer of ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations. He made the claim to a deputy with the Kingman County Sheriff's Office. Pleviak also submitted a memo on ICE letterhead requesting the release of a man being held in the custody of the Kingman County Sheriff's Office. The man in custody was Juan Tapia-Alfaro, an acquaintance of Pleviak. Pleviak was arrested when he arrived at the jail pretending to be an ICE supervisory deportation officer.

Former ICE agent sentenced in Kansas inmate escape plan 

HARVEY COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities have released additional details about Saturday night’s accident on South Kansas Avenue in Newton that sent a&nbsp; woman to the hospital in critical condition.

According to a social media report from Newton Police, this was a complex series of events that was not easy to piece together.

Just before 10:30p.m. Saturday,&nbsp; Newton Police were dispatched to an accident in the 1600 block of South Kansas. Officer Brad Anderson was leaving a call at Newton Medical Center and arrived within minutes.

When he arrived, Officer Anderson saw power lines down across South Kansas. He met with a man who said his wife had suffered severe leg injuries. Anderson followed the man to his wife and applied tourniquets to both of her legs to stop the bleeding. Newton Fire/EMS arrived a short time later and transported the woman to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.

The accident investigation revealed that the couple had stopped to check on the driver of another vehicle that had left the road and struck guy wires supporting an electrical pole. The pole carried power lines over U.S. Highway 50, and the damage caused those power lines to sag.

A semi-truck was eastbound on U.S. 50, unaware the power lines were sagging over the road. The roof of the semi snagged the lines, causing the poles on South Kansas on both the north and south sides of U.S. 50 to detach, sending guy wires, poles, and power lines across South Kansas at a high velocity. It is believed this flying debris is what struck the female victim as she was standing outside her vehicle.

The man who initially struck the pole did not appear to be injured in the accident, but he was transported to the hospital for a medical condition. The driver of the semi was not injured in the accident.

Officer Anderson has been with the Newton Police Department since September 2018. We are proud of his efforts to help save the victim’s life.

HARVEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend accident in Newton that sent two people to the hospital.

Just after 10:15 p.m. Saturday, Newton Police and Newton Fire/EMS were dispatched to an accident with injuries in the 1600 block of South Kansas Avenue, according to a social media report from police.

A man driving was believed to have suffered a medical issue, which caused his car to hit a power pole and take down several live wires. A woman who stopped to help was hurt by debris that had been struck by another passing vehicle.

Police arrived and rendered first aid&nbsp;to the 40-year-old woman. EMS transported her to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita with severe injuries. Based on the most current information, the woman is in critical but stable condition. EMS transported the man to Newton Medical Center for treatment.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police did not released names of the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582508382845.png" alt="Due to the accident&nbsp; Saturday two of the traffic signals on S. Kansas were out. The intersections at S. Kansas and SE 14th as well as S. Kansas and the HWY 50 off ramp were temporarily a 4 Way Stop until repairs were made. -photo Newton Police" />
 <figcaption>Due to the accident&nbsp; Saturday two of the traffic signals on S. Kansas were out. The intersections at S. Kansas and SE 14th as well as S. Kansas and the HWY 50 off ramp were temporarily a 4 Way Stop until repairs were made. -photo Newton Police</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities have released additional details about Saturday night’s accident on South Kansas Avenue in Newton that sent a&nbsp; woman to the hospital in critical condition.According to a social media report from Newton Police, this was a complex series of events that was not easy to piece together.Just before 10:30p.m. Saturday,&nbsp; Newton Police were dispatched to an accident in the 1600 block of South Kansas. Officer Brad Anderson was leaving a call at Newton Medical Center and arrived within minutes.When he arrived, Officer Anderson saw power lines down across South Kansas. He met with a man who said his wife had suffered severe leg injuries. Anderson followed the man to his wife and applied tourniquets to both of her legs to stop the bleeding. Newton Fire/EMS arrived a short time later and transported the woman to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.The accident investigation revealed that the couple had stopped to check on the driver of another vehicle that had left the road and struck guy wires supporting an electrical pole. The pole carried power lines over U.S. Highway 50, and the damage caused those power lines to sag.A semi-truck was eastbound on U.S. 50, unaware the power lines were sagging over the road. The roof of the semi snagged the lines, causing the poles on South Kansas on both the north and south sides of U.S. 50 to detach, sending guy wires, poles, and power lines across South Kansas at a high velocity. It is believed this flying debris is what struck the female victim as she was standing outside her vehicle.The man who initially struck the pole did not appear to be injured in the accident, but he was transported to the hospital for a medical condition. The driver of the semi was not injured in the accident.Officer Anderson has been with the Newton Police Department since September 2018. We are proud of his efforts to help save the victim’s life.------------HARVEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend accident in Newton that sent two people to the hospital.Just after 10:15 p.m. Saturday, Newton Police and Newton Fire/EMS were dispatched to an accident with injuries in the 1600 block of South Kansas Avenue, according to a social media report from police.A man driving was believed to have suffered a medical issue, which caused his car to hit a power pole and take down several live wires. A woman who stopped to help was hurt by debris that had been struck by another passing vehicle.Police arrived and rendered first aid&nbsp;to the 40-year-old woman. EMS transported her to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita with severe injuries. Based on the most current information, the woman is in critical but stable condition. EMS transported the man to Newton Medical Center for treatment.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police did not released names of the victims.

Update: Woman hospitalized after helping crash victim in Newton

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas sheriff's deputy in connection with the mistreatment of a shackled inmate.

On January 30, the Sedgwick County jail had an inmate due in court that was transported to the judicial division where there are court holding cells, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp;

 The inmate placed into a holding cell handcuffed and shackled started rubbing the handcuffs up against the wall.&nbsp; A sheriff's deputy told him to stop. 

Another deputy later identified as Matthew Stineman, 47, entered the cell and pushed and slapped the inmate with an open hand, according to Easter.

Due to the nature of the situation and the fact that the inmate was shackled, the sheriff's department took the incident to the Wichita Police Department for a criminal investigation for battery and or mistreatment of a confined prisoner.&nbsp; The prisoner was not injured and made his court appearance, according to Easter.

Following the investigation, the city prosecutor's office charged Stineman with one count of mistreatment of a confined prisoner, according to Easter.

The sheriff's department has placed Stineman on restrictive duty. He will have no contact with inmates.

This was out of character for this employee, according to Easter. "We've had no similar issues with Stineman during his 13-years with the sheriff's department's judicial division but that doesn't excuse him for this alleged behavior."

Stineman was not arrested but issued a summons on Monday, according to Easter.

The charge is not a city ordinance but a state statute and the city prosecutor's office will prosecute this in state court, according to Easter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582652138914.png" alt="Sheriff Jeff Easter answers questions during a media briefing on the alleged incident Tuesday morning" />
 <figcaption>Sheriff Jeff Easter answers questions during a media briefing on the alleged incident Tuesday morning</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas sheriff's deputy in connection with the mistreatment of a shackled inmate.On January 30, the Sedgwick County jail had an inmate due in court that was transported to the judicial division where there are court holding cells, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp; The inmate placed into a holding cell handcuffed and shackled started rubbing the handcuffs up against the wall.&nbsp; A sheriff's deputy told him to stop. Another deputy later identified as Matthew Stineman, 47, entered the cell and pushed and slapped the inmate with an open hand, according to Easter.Due to the nature of the situation and the fact that the inmate was shackled, the sheriff's department took the incident to the Wichita Police Department for a criminal investigation for battery and or mistreatment of a confined prisoner.&nbsp; The prisoner was not injured and made his court appearance, according to Easter.Following the investigation, the city prosecutor's office charged Stineman with one count of mistreatment of a confined prisoner, according to Easter.The sheriff's department has placed Stineman on restrictive duty. He will have no contact with inmates.This was out of character for this employee, according to Easter. "We've had no similar issues with Stineman during his 13-years with the sheriff's department's judicial division but that doesn't excuse him for this alleged behavior."Stineman was not arrested but issued a summons on Monday, according to Easter.The charge is not a city ordinance but a state statute and the city prosecutor's office will prosecute this in state court, according to Easter.

Sheriff: Kansas deputy allegedly shoved, slapped inmate

LIBERAL, Kan. (AP) — An Englishwoman barely squeaked out a victory over a competitor across the pond in Kansas in Tuesday’s annual pancake race between their British and American hometowns.

Katie Godor, from Olney, in Buckinghamshire, ran the 71st International Pancake Day race with a time of 1:06 seconds. That just beat the time of Whitney Hay, a student at Seward County Community College, who won the Liberal, Kansas, leg of the race in 1.09 seconds.

Women in the event must run a 415-yard (380 meter) race while carrying a pancake in a frying pan and flipping it at the beginning and end.

The race began in Olney in the 15th century. Liberal challenged Olney to an international competition in 1950.

The event expanded this year in Liberal to a four-day event, that includes pancake eating and flipping contests, a parade and a carnival. Other events include a 5K fun run, races for all ages, and a shriving service, which is the religious component of the holiday, according to race organizers.

LIBERAL, Kan. (AP) — An Englishwoman barely squeaked out a victory over a competitor across the pond in Kansas in Tuesday’s annual pancake race between their British and American hometowns.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D3462299610453650%26id%3D150100398340271&width=500" width="500" height="516" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>Katie Godor, from Olney, in Buckinghamshire, ran the 71st International Pancake Day race with a time of 1:06 seconds. That just beat the time of Whitney Hay, a student at Seward County Community College, who won the Liberal, Kansas, leg of the race in 1.09 seconds.Women in the event must run a 415-yard (380 meter) race while carrying a pancake in a frying pan and flipping it at the beginning and end.The race began in Olney in the 15th century. Liberal challenged Olney to an international competition in 1950.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582670229067.png" alt="Runners in Liberal Tuesday photo courtesy International Pancake Day" />
 <figcaption>Runners in Liberal Tuesday photo courtesy International Pancake Day</figcaption>
 </figure>The event expanded this year in Liberal to a four-day event, that includes pancake eating and flipping contests, a parade and a carnival. Other events include a 5K fun run, races for all ages, and a shriving service, which is the religious component of the holiday, according to race organizers.

English woman wins annual pancake race with Kansas

MCPHERSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the McPherson Police Department have provided an update on the investigation into a McPherson man’s death.

According to a media release from the agency, the deceased man has been identified as 63-year-old Kelly G. Peterson, who lived at the residence where he was found. His death is now being investigated as a homicide. No threat exists to the public related to this incident.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or anonymous tips can be made to McPherson County Crime Stoppers at 620-241-1122.&nbsp;

MCPHERSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the McPherson Police Department are investigating a McPherson man’s death.

On Monday,&nbsp; the McPherson Police Department received a 911 call from an individual who reported finding a man dead inside a mobile home. At around 12:05 p.m., officers arrived at 124 S. Kelly Dr. in McPherson, and discovered the deceased male subject, according to a media release from the KBI. 

EMS also responded to the residence and pronounced the man deceased at the scene.

The KBI was asked to assist with the case at approximately 1 p.m. on Monday. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances as suspicious, and an autopsy will be performed. The man will be identified once all next of kin have been notified.

MCPHERSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the McPherson Police Department have provided an update on the investigation into a McPherson man’s death.According to a media release from the agency, the deceased man has been identified as 63-year-old Kelly G. Peterson, who lived at the residence where he was found. His death is now being investigated as a homicide. No threat exists to the public related to this incident.Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or anonymous tips can be made to McPherson County Crime Stoppers at 620-241-1122.&nbsp;-----------MCPHERSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the McPherson Police Department are investigating a McPherson man’s death.On Monday,&nbsp; the McPherson Police Department received a 911 call from an individual who reported finding a man dead inside a mobile home. At around 12:05 p.m., officers arrived at 124 S. Kelly Dr. in McPherson, and discovered the deceased male subject, according to a media release from the KBI. EMS also responded to the residence and pronounced the man deceased at the scene.The KBI was asked to assist with the case at approximately 1 p.m. on Monday. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.Authorities are investigating the circumstances as suspicious, and an autopsy will be performed. The man will be identified once all next of kin have been notified.Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or anonymous tips can be made to McPherson County Crime Stoppers at 620-241-1122.&nbsp;