OLATHE, KAN. (AP) — A&nbsp;Shawnee man admitted Friday that he threatened to kill a 13-year-old girl's family if she did not send nude photos of herself to him.

Logan Clements, 23, pleaded guilty in Johnson County District Court to electronic solicitation of a minor, blackmail and sexual exploitation of a child. Prosecutors dismissed rape and sexual exploitation of a child charges.

Clements was charged in January 2019 after the Overland Park girl's parents found photos their daughter had sent.

Police say Clements came to the girl's house believing they were going to have sex but he was arrested.

The two met online and the girl told Clements she was 18, according to court documents. After his arrest, Clements said he at first thought the girl was 18 or 19 but later believed she was 14 or 16.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582317666637.png" alt="Logan Clements -photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Logan Clements -photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, KAN. (AP) — A&nbsp;Shawnee man admitted Friday that he threatened to kill a 13-year-old girl's family if she did not send nude photos of herself to him.Logan Clements, 23, pleaded guilty in Johnson County District Court to electronic solicitation of a minor, blackmail and sexual exploitation of a child. Prosecutors dismissed rape and sexual exploitation of a child charges.Clements was charged in January 2019 after the Overland Park girl's parents found photos their daughter had sent.Police say Clements came to the girl's house believing they were going to have sex but he was arrested.The two met online and the girl told Clements she was 18, according to court documents. After his arrest, Clements said he at first thought the girl was 18 or 19 but later believed she was 14 or 16.Clements will be sentenced April 2.

Kansas man admits threatening girl's family to get nude photos

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — More than 50 personnel at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas may have been exposed to dangerous levels of a compound linked to cancer that was found inside an aircraft hangar last year, according to internal memos.

<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/business/aviation/article240484866.html" target="_blank">Contamination&nbsp;</a>by hexavalent chrominium, the subject of the case featured in the movie “Eric Brockovich”, was documented in multiple base memos from October 2019 to January 2020, McClatchy reported. The chemical can be used as an anti-corrosion agent and “is found in paints and primers used on the KC-135 and to a lesser extent the KC-46.”

A November test found that an airman had been exposed to levels almost six times higher than the permissible exposure limits set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It warns that exposure to hexavalent chromium can cause respiratory diseases, kidney, liver or abdominal damage and various cancers, the Wichita Eagle reported.

One memo noted exhaust filers and protective gear should have limited contamination and the risk of exposure to the area used for painting. It determined that dust contamination is present on most surfaces in hanger 1124 North and presents a contact hazard to unprotected workers. It also noted detection of the chemical in the break room and on the floor near the supervisor’s desk, according to an October memo.

A notice was issued in October to personnel warning of the hangar contamination and underlined “NO FOOD OR DRINK are authorized in the North Bay of Hangar 1124.”

The base encouraged any personnel who believe they were exposed to the chemical to report it.

McConnell said in a statement that it is aware of the exposure hazard and has taken steps to protect personnel. It said only mission essential personnel trained to work with hexavalent chromium have access to the hangar.

“The hangar also is limited to a single entry control point with specified decontamination zones and rigorous cleaning procedure, and exposure-level testing is conducted regularly,” according to the base statement.

But McClatchy reported that a January email from a base bioenvironmental engineer to a chief medical officer indicates contamination may have spread and could impact operations.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — More than 50 personnel at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas may have been exposed to dangerous levels of a compound linked to cancer that was found inside an aircraft hangar last year, according to internal memos.<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/business/aviation/article240484866.html" target="_blank">Contamination&nbsp;</a>by hexavalent chrominium, the subject of the case featured in the movie “Eric Brockovich”, was documented in multiple base memos from October 2019 to January 2020, McClatchy reported. The chemical can be used as an anti-corrosion agent and “is found in paints and primers used on the KC-135 and to a lesser extent the KC-46.”A November test found that an airman had been exposed to levels almost six times higher than the permissible exposure limits set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It warns that exposure to hexavalent chromium can cause respiratory diseases, kidney, liver or abdominal damage and various cancers, the Wichita Eagle reported.One memo noted exhaust filers and protective gear should have limited contamination and the risk of exposure to the area used for painting. It determined that dust contamination is present on most surfaces in hanger 1124 North and presents a contact hazard to unprotected workers. It also noted detection of the chemical in the break room and on the floor near the supervisor’s desk, according to an October memo.A notice was issued in October to personnel warning of the hangar contamination and underlined “NO FOOD OR DRINK are authorized in the North Bay of Hangar 1124.”The base encouraged any personnel who believe they were exposed to the chemical to report it.McConnell said in a statement that it is aware of the exposure hazard and has taken steps to protect personnel. It said only mission essential personnel trained to work with hexavalent chromium have access to the hangar.“The hangar also is limited to a single entry control point with specified decontamination zones and rigorous cleaning procedure, and exposure-level testing is conducted regularly,” according to the base statement.But McClatchy reported that a January email from a base bioenvironmental engineer to a chief medical officer indicates contamination may have spread and could impact operations.

Cancer-linked chemical found inside Kansas aircraft hanger

TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are considering blocking the sale of raw milk or requiring farmers to include warning labels on packaging after the state abandoned a law prohibiting farmers from advertising raw milk outside their farm.

The state stopped enforcing the ban after Shepherd’s Gate Dairy operators Mark and Coraleen Bunner filed a lawsuit against the state in October.

Attorney General Derek Schmidt and the state Department of Agriculture settled the lawsuit in November resulting in the end of the ban. Schmidt admitted the law was “plainly unconstitutional.”

Pasteurized milk undergoes a heating process to kill pathogens. Raw milk that comes straight from a cow or goat is much more likely to carry salmonella, E. coli and other bacteria, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

But those who drink and sell raw milk think of it as an all-natural product that brings people closer to the source of their food.

The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee endorsed a bill Thursday that would allow the on-farm sale of raw, unpasteurized milk, so long as each container sold labels it as such. It goes next to the Senate for debate, possibly next week.

It remains unclear how the Legislature as a whole would vote. A bill to ban the sale of raw milk have also been proposed.

“I think that people should have the choice to eat what they want,” said Democratic Sen. Marci Francisco. “We have a lot of other substances we know are not good for people and we allow those.”

While state legislators decide on an approach, consumers and farmers in consumers are weighing in on both sides of the issue.

“Our consumers of raw milk educate themselves. They’re not stupid people,” said Mary Powell, a Longton resident with more than 30 years of livestock experience.

Aaron Pauly, who milks 160 cows on his farm in Sedgwick County, said the bill would stop unregulated sales to uninformed members of the public.

“There’s a certain nostalgia associated with the way our grandparents or even our great-grandparents operated the farms and the food they ate,” Pauly said. But society has progressed “to a higher standard of living.”

Tucker Stewart, a Kansas Livestock Association lobbyist, said labeling is important because the state banned the advertising law. Raw milk can now be advertised to more people, he added.

“You might not be targeting those consumers who really understand the dangers of raw milk,” Stewart said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582479084207.png" alt="Sen. Marci Francisco courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Marci Francisco courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are considering blocking the sale of raw milk or requiring farmers to include warning labels on packaging after the state abandoned a law prohibiting farmers from advertising raw milk outside their farm.The state stopped enforcing the ban after Shepherd’s Gate Dairy operators Mark and Coraleen Bunner filed a lawsuit against the state in October.Attorney General Derek Schmidt and the state Department of Agriculture settled the lawsuit in November resulting in the end of the ban. Schmidt admitted the law was “plainly unconstitutional.”Pasteurized milk undergoes a heating process to kill pathogens. Raw milk that comes straight from a cow or goat is much more likely to carry salmonella, E. coli and other bacteria, according to the Food and Drug Administration.But those who drink and sell raw milk think of it as an all-natural product that brings people closer to the source of their food.The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee endorsed a bill Thursday that would allow the on-farm sale of raw, unpasteurized milk, so long as each container sold labels it as such. It goes next to the Senate for debate, possibly next week.It remains unclear how the Legislature as a whole would vote. A bill to ban the sale of raw milk have also been proposed.“I think that people should have the choice to eat what they want,” said Democratic Sen. Marci Francisco. “We have a lot of other substances we know are not good for people and we allow those.”While state legislators decide on an approach, consumers and farmers in consumers are weighing in on both sides of the issue.“Our consumers of raw milk educate themselves. They’re not stupid people,” said Mary Powell, a Longton resident with more than 30 years of livestock experience.Aaron Pauly, who milks 160 cows on his farm in Sedgwick County, said the bill would stop unregulated sales to uninformed members of the public.“There’s a certain nostalgia associated with the way our grandparents or even our great-grandparents operated the farms and the food they ate,” Pauly said. But society has progressed “to a higher standard of living.”Tucker Stewart, a Kansas Livestock Association lobbyist, said labeling is important because the state banned the advertising law. Raw milk can now be advertised to more people, he added.“You might not be targeting those consumers who really understand the dangers of raw milk,” Stewart said.

Kansas legislators contemplate raw milk ban, warning labels

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman found with a stolen handgun and drugs.

Just after 11:30 p.m. February 13, two police officers stopped a 1997 Honda Prelude at St. Francis and Mt. Vernon in Wichita for a traffic violation, according to officer Charley Davidson.

 During the stop, officers had contact with 21-year-old Kylie Yauch of Newton who was in possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a stolen handgun. The gun had been stolen from a vehicle the previous day.

Police had arrested Yauch on February 8, after she was stopped driving a stolen vehicle. She was arrested on charges of criminal deprivation of property, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving on a suspended license.

She was booked on requested charges of possession of stolen property, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and a seat belt violation for the February 13, arrest.

Police reminded the public to not leave guns unsecured in a vehicle. Take them with you, leave them at home or purchase a lockbox.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582386768557.png" alt="Yauch photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Yauch photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman found with a stolen handgun and drugs.Just after 11:30 p.m. February 13, two police officers stopped a 1997 Honda Prelude at St. Francis and Mt. Vernon in Wichita for a traffic violation, according to officer Charley Davidson. During the stop, officers had contact with 21-year-old Kylie Yauch of Newton who was in possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a stolen handgun. The gun had been stolen from a vehicle the previous day.Police had arrested Yauch on February 8, after she was stopped driving a stolen vehicle. She was arrested on charges of criminal deprivation of property, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving on a suspended license.She was booked on requested charges of possession of stolen property, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and a seat belt violation for the February 13, arrest.Police reminded the public to not leave guns unsecured in a vehicle. Take them with you, leave them at home or purchase a lockbox.

Police: Kan. woman had stolen handgun during traffic stop

By MICHELLE TYRENE JOHNSON <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-could-ban-discrimination-against-workers-black-hairstyles-dreadlocks-and-braids#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

Emily Brown runs a non-profit in the Kansas City area. She is a black
 woman who wears her hair naturally. In 2016, she was invited to speak 
at a national conference, but one of the board members pulled her aside.

“You know, I think you’re smart,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/seg-1-hair-discrimination-seg-2-abandoned-kansas-city">Brown told the story recently on KCUR's Central Standard</a>.
 "But I’m concerned, you know, that people in the room may not fully 
hear you because of your hair. You should consider straightening your 
hair, you know, before you take this trip.”

The invitation to speak was a big deal, Brown said, and this board member made her doubt herself.

“It
 really made me think twice on my decision to wear my hair natural,” 
Brown said. “Are people not listening to me here in rooms in Kansas City
 because of this hair?”

In Kansas, this question could be a legal
 issue. Earlier this year, Kansas Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau introduced 
Senate Bill 250 — also known as the CROWN Act — which would amend the 
definition of race in state law to cover “hair texture and protective 
hairstyles.” CROWN stands for Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for
 Natural Hair.

California was the first state to pass a similar law, followed by New York and New Jersey.

The
 bill primarily addresses discrimination in schools and the workplace 
against African Americans hairstyles such as dreadlocks, braids, weaves,
 twists and naturals.

Michele Watley, the founder of an advocacy 
organization for black women called Shirley’s Kitchen Cabinet, was among
 those who testified before the Senate's Federal and State Affairs 
Committee in support of the bill.

“It’s an important issue here in the Midwest, for black women across 
the region," Watley said. "Regardless of their political affiliations, 
economic status, education level, we’ve all dealt with this issue at one
 point in our lives or another."

Watley pointed out that Chiefs 
player Patrick Mahomes is well known for his textured, curly hair. &nbsp;But 
Mahomes, who is biracial with a black father, might have a different 
response if he worked in Kansas as something other than a Superbowl 
hero.

“If Patrick Mahomes worked in certain work spaces or went 
to certain schools, he might find that he had to straighten or cut his 
hair in order to graduate, in order to attend school, in order to keep 
his job,” Watley said.

Straightening black hair, and keeping it 
straight, is neither simple nor inexpensive, Watley said. Chemical 
relaxers, a common alternative to straightening hair, can be damaging to
 the hair itself. Studies show they are linked to other health problems,
 such as cancer.

“The undue burden and physical harm and risk is, far outweighs trying
 to adhere to a Eurocentric standard of beauty that we can not naturally
 meet and is narrow,” Watley said.

At&nbsp; the statehouse hearing on 
the act, others agreed with Watley's position, including Kenya Cox, 
executive director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission.

“We
 had no idea of how many women would contact us, how many stories we 
would read about on Facebook and how many individuals were suffering in 
silence,” Cox told the committee.

The Kansas Chamber of Commerce,
 in a written statement to the committee obtained by the Associated 
Press, said that such a law could affect an employer’s ability to 
enforce a dress code or even comply with some safety standards.

Sen.
 Richard Hilderbrand, a Republican from Galena, said he supports the 
bill but is concerned about whether there is enough clarity on what is 
considered a historically cultural hairstyle if individuals from other 
groups raise the issue.

“Who decides what that is?” Hilderbrand asked.

Leah
 Fliter, the advocacy and outreach specialist for the Kansas Association
 of School Boards, said the organization is neutral on the proposed 
bill. However, Fliter said, the concern is that if you spell out what 
can’t be discriminated against, it could possibly open the door to more 
discrimination.

“If I can’t discriminate against someone based on
 hair styles or what color T-shirts they are wearing, then I can 
discriminate against them based on other things," Fliter said.

The
 bill has not yet moved out of committee. Twenty-two other states are 
also considering passing similar legislation, including Missouri.

Michelle Tyrene Johnson is a reporter at KCUR 89.3 and part of the public radio collaborative <a href="https://sharingamerica.news/">Sharing America</a>,
 covering the intersection of race, identity and culture. This 
initiative, funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, includes 
reporters in Kansas City, St. Louis, Hartford, Connecticut and Portland,
 Oregon. She can be contacted at <a href="mailto:michelle@kcur.org">michelle@kcur.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582302539927.jpeg" alt=" Emily Brown was questioned about her natural hair at the non-profit organization where she is founder and CEO. Shannon Lockwood / Courtesy of Emily Brown" />
 <figcaption> Emily Brown was questioned about her natural hair at the non-profit organization where she is founder and CEO. Shannon Lockwood / Courtesy of Emily Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE TYRENE JOHNSON <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-could-ban-discrimination-against-workers-black-hairstyles-dreadlocks-and-braids#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>Emily Brown runs a non-profit in the Kansas City area. She is a black
 woman who wears her hair naturally. In 2016, she was invited to speak 
at a national conference, but one of the board members pulled her aside.“You know, I think you’re smart,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/seg-1-hair-discrimination-seg-2-abandoned-kansas-city">Brown told the story recently on KCUR's Central Standard</a>.
 "But I’m concerned, you know, that people in the room may not fully 
hear you because of your hair. You should consider straightening your 
hair, you know, before you take this trip.”The invitation to speak was a big deal, Brown said, and this board member made her doubt herself.“It
 really made me think twice on my decision to wear my hair natural,” 
Brown said. “Are people not listening to me here in rooms in Kansas City
 because of this hair?”In Kansas, this question could be a legal
 issue. Earlier this year, Kansas Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau introduced 
Senate Bill 250 — also known as the CROWN Act — which would amend the 
definition of race in state law to cover “hair texture and protective 
hairstyles.” CROWN stands for Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for
 Natural Hair.California was the first state to pass a similar law, followed by New York and New Jersey.The
 bill primarily addresses discrimination in schools and the workplace 
against African Americans hairstyles such as dreadlocks, braids, weaves,
 twists and naturals.Michele Watley, the founder of an advocacy 
organization for black women called Shirley’s Kitchen Cabinet, was among
 those who testified before the Senate's Federal and State Affairs 
Committee in support of the bill.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582302603151.jpeg" alt=" Michele Watley, who is founder of Shirley's Kitchen Cabinet, has natural hair that she straightens. Credit Michelle Tyrene Johnson / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption> Michele Watley, who is founder of Shirley's Kitchen Cabinet, has natural hair that she straightens. Credit Michelle Tyrene Johnson / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>“It’s an important issue here in the Midwest, for black women across 
the region," Watley said. "Regardless of their political affiliations, 
economic status, education level, we’ve all dealt with this issue at one
 point in our lives or another."Watley pointed out that Chiefs 
player Patrick Mahomes is well known for his textured, curly hair. &nbsp;But 
Mahomes, who is biracial with a black father, might have a different 
response if he worked in Kansas as something other than a Superbowl 
hero.“If Patrick Mahomes worked in certain work spaces or went 
to certain schools, he might find that he had to straighten or cut his 
hair in order to graduate, in order to attend school, in order to keep 
his job,” Watley said.Straightening black hair, and keeping it 
straight, is neither simple nor inexpensive, Watley said. Chemical 
relaxers, a common alternative to straightening hair, can be damaging to
 the hair itself. Studies show they are linked to other health problems,
 such as cancer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582302635754.jpeg" alt=" Beauty shops usually carry a large number of chemical kits to straighten black hair. Credit Michelle Tyrene Johnson / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption> Beauty shops usually carry a large number of chemical kits to straighten black hair. Credit Michelle Tyrene Johnson / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>“The undue burden and physical harm and risk is, far outweighs trying
 to adhere to a Eurocentric standard of beauty that we can not naturally
 meet and is narrow,” Watley said.At&nbsp; the statehouse hearing on 
the act, others agreed with Watley's position, including Kenya Cox, 
executive director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission.“We
 had no idea of how many women would contact us, how many stories we 
would read about on Facebook and how many individuals were suffering in 
silence,” Cox told the committee.The Kansas Chamber of Commerce,
 in a written statement to the committee obtained by the Associated 
Press, said that such a law could affect an employer’s ability to 
enforce a dress code or even comply with some safety standards.Sen.
 Richard Hilderbrand, a Republican from Galena, said he supports the 
bill but is concerned about whether there is enough clarity on what is 
considered a historically cultural hairstyle if individuals from other 
groups raise the issue.“Who decides what that is?” Hilderbrand asked.Leah
 Fliter, the advocacy and outreach specialist for the Kansas Association
 of School Boards, said the organization is neutral on the proposed 
bill. However, Fliter said, the concern is that if you spell out what 
can’t be discriminated against, it could possibly open the door to more 
discrimination.“If I can’t discriminate against someone based on
 hair styles or what color T-shirts they are wearing, then I can 
discriminate against them based on other things," Fliter said.The
 bill has not yet moved out of committee. Twenty-two other states are 
also considering passing similar legislation, including Missouri.Michelle Tyrene Johnson is a reporter at KCUR 89.3 and part of the public radio collaborative <a href="https://sharingamerica.news/">Sharing America</a>,
 covering the intersection of race, identity and culture. This 
initiative, funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, includes 
reporters in Kansas City, St. Louis, Hartford, Connecticut and Portland,
 Oregon. She can be contacted at <a href="mailto:michelle@kcur.org">michelle@kcur.org</a>.

Kan. could ban discrimination against workers for dreadlocks, braids 

MANHATTAN —A 22-year-old man is confined in the Riley County Jail after a 3-month criminal investigation and 2 active grass fires in rural Riley County on Friday night.

Samuel Gilbert, a Riley County volunteer firefighter was arrested on two counts of Arson, according to a media release from the RCPD.&nbsp; He is currently being held on a $10,000 bond.

Gilbert was taken into custody around 11:55 p.m. Friday near a pasture fire at the intersection of Alert Road and Sherman Road. The other fire reported that night was on land near Fairview Church Road and Calvary Road.&nbsp;

In November 2019, the Riley County Fire Department requested assistance from the RCPD to investigate a series of suspicious grass fires occurring in northern Riley County. &nbsp;Following analysis of the past fire response, a criminal investigation was initiated and led by Patrol Officers assigned to the North County.

&nbsp;If you have any information on these crimes, please contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. Using the Crime Stoppers service allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000.

MANHATTAN —A 22-year-old man is confined in the Riley County Jail after a 3-month criminal investigation and 2 active grass fires in rural Riley County on Friday night.Samuel Gilbert, a Riley County volunteer firefighter was arrested on two counts of Arson, according to a media release from the RCPD.&nbsp; He is currently being held on a $10,000 bond.Gilbert was taken into custody around 11:55 p.m. Friday near a pasture fire at the intersection of Alert Road and Sherman Road. The other fire reported that night was on land near Fairview Church Road and Calvary Road.&nbsp;In November 2019, the Riley County Fire Department requested assistance from the RCPD to investigate a series of suspicious grass fires occurring in northern Riley County. &nbsp;Following analysis of the past fire response, a criminal investigation was initiated and led by Patrol Officers assigned to the North County.&nbsp;If you have any information on these crimes, please contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. Using the Crime Stoppers service allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000.

Volunteer firefighter accused of setting arson fires in Kansas

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Like millions of other Americans in the 1950s and ’60s, Duane Ruth-Heffelbower spent his formative years learning to tie knots, build campfires and pitch tents with the Boy Scouts, whose wholesome, God-fearing reputation was burnished by Normal Rockwell’s magazine-cover paintings of fresh-faced Scouts, brave, courteous and cheerful.

Read the Quivira Scout Council's statement on the National Council <a href="https://311whx2ma3db342y603efdm0-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2020/02/Information-Regarding-National-Council-Chapter-11-Bankruptcy.pdf">Chapter 11 Bankruptcy here</a>

Though he’s no longer involved in Scouting, the 70-year-old Mennonite minister from Fresno, California, has followed the slow deterioration of the Boy Scouts of America from afar and cringes to think what this week’s bankruptcy filing over a blizzard of sex-abuse lawsuits might mean for an organization already grappling with a steep decline in membership.

“It’s really sad. I’m afraid that people are going to be more skeptical than they were once about the organization and will be more inclined to look for other alternatives to Scouting,” said Ruth-Heffelbower, who grew up in Kansas. “Theses days there are so many things pulling at kids.”

With its finances and its vaunted reputation for moral rectitude damaged by scandal, the Scouts resorted to Chapter 11 bankruptcy Tuesday in hopes of pulling through the crisis by setting up a victims’ compensation fund for thousands of men who were molested as boys by Scout leaders over the decades.

Boy Scout uniforms displayed in the retail store at the headquarters for the French Creek Council of the Boy Scouts of America in Summit Township, Erie County, Pa. (Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News via AP)

The fund could top $1 billion, but to raise the money, the national organization could be forced to sell some of its real estate holdings, which include its headquarters in Irving, Texas, and a huge campground in New Mexico.

The bankruptcy case began Wednesday with a court hearing in Wilmington, Delaware, where attorneys for victims made clear they will also go after campsites and other properties owned by the Boy Scouts’ 261 local councils, and will also demand access to internal files containing abusers’ names.

“Here is where we get the story, the dark history of the Boy Scouts. Will those be in the database?” asked plaintiffs’ attorney James Stang, a veteran of several Roman Catholic diocese bankruptcies.

While some of the files on abusers have been released as the result of previous litigation, victims‘ attorney Michael Finnegan said thousands of names have still not been disclosed.

“Those names should be made public” so that communities are informed and children made safe, Finnegan said.

The local councils, which run day-to-day operations for local troops, were not included in the bankruptcy filing and are considered by the Boy Scouts of America to be legally separate entities.

Paul Mones, a Los Angeles attorney representing several alleged victims, predicted a “huge fight” over the locally held assets, adding that their value easily exceeds $100 million.

“That independence is on paper only,” Mones said of the local councils, adding that the Boy Scouts of America is a “vertically integrated corporation” that exercises considerable influence over the local councils.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein did not immediately rule on access to the files or how the property of the local councils will be treated.

Another battle is taking shape over what deadline the court will set for victims to file claims for compensation. Victims’ attorneys chafed at the notion of an 80-day deadline, saying men who have suffered need more time.

Stang said the victims have experienced “conscience-shaking” trauma and would be forced to revisit painful memories from childhood in documenting their claims.

“These are not 60-year-old men filling out their claim forms,” he said. “These are 8-year-old children filling out the claim forms.”

Paul Mones, attorney for those claiming molestation by scoutmasters or other scout leaders decades ago, discusses the filing for bankruptcy by the Boy Scouts of America during for an interview. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

Mones called 80 days “wholly insufficient” and said that since the bankruptcy filing lawyers have been fielding calls from “confused, upset and angry men.”

Boy Scouts officials insist that nothing will change for young Scouts and their families, assuring them that local councils are “legally separate, distinct and financially independent from the national organization.” The organization also provided a recommended script for parents trying to explain to their children what’s happening.

The bottom line: “There’s nothing to be worried about. A Scout is always prepared, and the BSA is well-prepared.”

George Kain III, a longtime scoutmaster in York, Pennsylvania, said he doesn’t think bankruptcy will have a huge effect on local Scouting organizations. Kain, a retired lawyer who has been with the Scouts for 60 years, said plaintiffs’ lawyers would have to show a connection between the alleged abuse and a local council’s assets.

“There may well be situations where that’s the case, but at the moment we’re not there yet,” Kain said. “I think that Scouting as the rank-and-file Scouts know it will continue.”

For a variety of reasons, the number of youths taking part in Scouting has dropped below 2 million, down from a peak of more than 4 million during the 1970s.

Gal Witmer of York, Pennsylvania, who has two children in Scouting — her 12-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter — said she is optimistic the organization will survive bankruptcy and applauded it for “taking accountability.”

“It’s something they had to do to make things right,” Witmer said.

Even with the Scouts recently raising the annual membership fee by more than 80% to $66, Witmer said Scouting’s costs are quite reasonable compared with those of sports and other activities. Witmer, who was a den leader for her son and is now doing the same for her daughter, said leaders are vetted and trained thoroughly in abuse prevention.

“The training is excellent. To me, it feels very safe. If anything were to happen, they are so on top of it,” Witmer said. “It’s drilled into everyone, never be alone with a child.”

John Milton Peterson III, a researcher and self-defense instructor who credits his adult success to the lessons he learned as a Boy Scout in Kentucky decades ago, said it upsets him that attorneys are targeting the organization rather than the “perverted” abusers.

“It’s like sinking a battleship just to fix a broken part,” Peterson said. “We can all see that really people are just out to destroy it. ... This is a benevolent organization that helped me a lot. It’s a sad thing to see agenda-driven and greedy people twisting this.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582382362870.png" alt="The Quivira Council&nbsp; Scout offices in Wichita google image" />
 <figcaption>The Quivira Council&nbsp; Scout offices in Wichita google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Like millions of other Americans in the 1950s and ’60s, Duane Ruth-Heffelbower spent his formative years learning to tie knots, build campfires and pitch tents with the Boy Scouts, whose wholesome, God-fearing reputation was burnished by Normal Rockwell’s magazine-cover paintings of fresh-faced Scouts, brave, courteous and cheerful.Read the Quivira Scout Council's statement on the National Council <a href="https://311whx2ma3db342y603efdm0-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2020/02/Information-Regarding-National-Council-Chapter-11-Bankruptcy.pdf">Chapter 11 Bankruptcy here</a>Though he’s no longer involved in Scouting, the 70-year-old Mennonite minister from Fresno, California, has followed the slow deterioration of the Boy Scouts of America from afar and cringes to think what this week’s bankruptcy filing over a blizzard of sex-abuse lawsuits might mean for an organization already grappling with a steep decline in membership.“It’s really sad. I’m afraid that people are going to be more skeptical than they were once about the organization and will be more inclined to look for other alternatives to Scouting,” said Ruth-Heffelbower, who grew up in Kansas. “Theses days there are so many things pulling at kids.”With its finances and its vaunted reputation for moral rectitude damaged by scandal, the Scouts resorted to Chapter 11 bankruptcy Tuesday in hopes of pulling through the crisis by setting up a victims’ compensation fund for thousands of men who were molested as boys by Scout leaders over the decades.Boy Scout uniforms displayed in the retail store at the headquarters for the French Creek Council of the Boy Scouts of America in Summit Township, Erie County, Pa. (Christopher Millette/Erie Times-News via AP)The fund could top $1 billion, but to raise the money, the national organization could be forced to sell some of its real estate holdings, which include its headquarters in Irving, Texas, and a huge campground in New Mexico.The bankruptcy case began Wednesday with a court hearing in Wilmington, Delaware, where attorneys for victims made clear they will also go after campsites and other properties owned by the Boy Scouts’ 261 local councils, and will also demand access to internal files containing abusers’ names.“Here is where we get the story, the dark history of the Boy Scouts. Will those be in the database?” asked plaintiffs’ attorney James Stang, a veteran of several Roman Catholic diocese bankruptcies.While some of the files on abusers have been released as the result of previous litigation, victims‘ attorney Michael Finnegan said thousands of names have still not been disclosed.“Those names should be made public” so that communities are informed and children made safe, Finnegan said.The local councils, which run day-to-day operations for local troops, were not included in the bankruptcy filing and are considered by the Boy Scouts of America to be legally separate entities.Paul Mones, a Los Angeles attorney representing several alleged victims, predicted a “huge fight” over the locally held assets, adding that their value easily exceeds $100 million.“That independence is on paper only,” Mones said of the local councils, adding that the Boy Scouts of America is a “vertically integrated corporation” that exercises considerable influence over the local councils.U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein did not immediately rule on access to the files or how the property of the local councils will be treated.Another battle is taking shape over what deadline the court will set for victims to file claims for compensation. Victims’ attorneys chafed at the notion of an 80-day deadline, saying men who have suffered need more time.Stang said the victims have experienced “conscience-shaking” trauma and would be forced to revisit painful memories from childhood in documenting their claims.“These are not 60-year-old men filling out their claim forms,” he said. “These are 8-year-old children filling out the claim forms.”Paul Mones, attorney for those claiming molestation by scoutmasters or other scout leaders decades ago, discusses the filing for bankruptcy by the Boy Scouts of America during for an interview. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)Mones called 80 days “wholly insufficient” and said that since the bankruptcy filing lawyers have been fielding calls from “confused, upset and angry men.”Boy Scouts officials insist that nothing will change for young Scouts and their families, assuring them that local councils are “legally separate, distinct and financially independent from the national organization.” The organization also provided a recommended script for parents trying to explain to their children what’s happening.The bottom line: “There’s nothing to be worried about. A Scout is always prepared, and the BSA is well-prepared.”George Kain III, a longtime scoutmaster in York, Pennsylvania, said he doesn’t think bankruptcy will have a huge effect on local Scouting organizations. Kain, a retired lawyer who has been with the Scouts for 60 years, said plaintiffs’ lawyers would have to show a connection between the alleged abuse and a local council’s assets.“There may well be situations where that’s the case, but at the moment we’re not there yet,” Kain said. “I think that Scouting as the rank-and-file Scouts know it will continue.”For a variety of reasons, the number of youths taking part in Scouting has dropped below 2 million, down from a peak of more than 4 million during the 1970s.Gal Witmer of York, Pennsylvania, who has two children in Scouting — her 12-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter — said she is optimistic the organization will survive bankruptcy and applauded it for “taking accountability.”“It’s something they had to do to make things right,” Witmer said.Even with the Scouts recently raising the annual membership fee by more than 80% to $66, Witmer said Scouting’s costs are quite reasonable compared with those of sports and other activities. Witmer, who was a den leader for her son and is now doing the same for her daughter, said leaders are vetted and trained thoroughly in abuse prevention.“The training is excellent. To me, it feels very safe. If anything were to happen, they are so on top of it,” Witmer said. “It’s drilled into everyone, never be alone with a child.”John Milton Peterson III, a researcher and self-defense instructor who credits his adult success to the lessons he learned as a Boy Scout in Kentucky decades ago, said it upsets him that attorneys are targeting the organization rather than the “perverted” abusers.“It’s like sinking a battleship just to fix a broken part,” Peterson said. “We can all see that really people are just out to destroy it. ... This is a benevolent organization that helped me a lot. It’s a sad thing to see agenda-driven and greedy people twisting this.”___

Plaintiffs' attorneys take aim at Boy Scouts' `dark history'

MANHATTAN – As the first operational land-grant university, Kansas State University is no stranger to ensuring that university research, knowledge and innovation are used to improve the lives of Kansas citizens,
 the region, nation and beyond. 

Now, K-State has established a newly merged organization,
<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/innovation-partners" target="_blank">Innovation Partners</a>,
 that takes a new streamlined approach to corporate relations, technology transfer and economic development.



In 2018 the board of directors and executive committees of the Kansas State University Research Foundation, known as KSURF, and the Kansas State University Institute for Commercialization, or KSU-IC, recognized that by merging the two entities into one unit,
 resources could be better leveraged and collaboration improved, ultimately resulting in a clearer, more consistent message in delivering on the K-State economic land-grant mission. 

On July 1, 2019, KSURF and KSU-IC merged to form Innovation Partners.




According to Peter Dorhout, vice president for research, the partnership will allow both units to work as one cohesive entity with unified leadership and a common strategic plan.


"When I assumed the role of vice president for research, one of my charges was to bring these units together as a unique hub for intellectual property protection, commercialization and corporate engagement," Dorhout said. "Unifying these offices will achieve
 that goal and will strengthen our ability to collaborate internally at K-State, as well as externally with the Manhattan community and with industry."



Services offered by the unit will not change and researchers and community partners should continue to reach out to previous contacts, said Kent Glasscock, president and CEO of K-State Innovation Partners.

"Merging the two offices will mean improved communication and collaboration as well as increased opportunities for community and university development," Glasscock said.




K-State Innovation Partners is committed to collaborating with university, industry and communities to deliver a streamlined mission of corporate engagement, technology commercialization and economic development.




"Driven by innovation, our nationally unique organizational structure will serve K-State, community partners and industry in one comprehensive unit, allowing for more efficient intellectual property protection, economic opportunities and a consistent experience
 for partners," said Rebecca Robinson, chief corporate engagement and economic development officer.




As a service unit and partner, K-State Innovation Partners is dedicated to continued collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to identify common goals and shared initiatives.




Robinson said K-State Innovation Partners will measure success through the organization's impacts on K-State, including revenue, engagement and reputation.




"We will also base success on the impacts we have on the broader region and state through job creation, capital investment and economic development in order to meet our land-grant mission to connect what we do at K-State with Kansans," Robinson said.



As a result of KSURF and KSU-IC efforts to date, 503 jobs have been created in the region with total annual salaries of more than $28 million. This work has resulted in $48.5 million in economic impact in the region with more than $77 million projected impact.




KSURF has worked to connect researchers at K-State with resources to protect and promote the university's intellectual property since its founding in 1942. With an active program to facilitate technology licensing and transfer of intellectual property
 developed by K-State faculty, the KSURF team has been granted more than 58 patents since 2014.



The KSU-IC was founded in 1994 and has been dedicated to the startup and expansion of technology-based, high-growth enterprises and enabling the commercialization of university and underutilized corporate
 intellectual property. 

In addition to technology commercialization, the KSU-IC was charged with pursuing economically based partnerships with industry on behalf of K-State and advancing the economic development portion of the land-grant mission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582238897881.jpeg" alt="The K-State/Manhattan Innovation Center, which houses the newly merged organization, K-State Innovation Partners." />
 <figcaption>The K-State/Manhattan Innovation Center, which houses the newly merged organization, K-State Innovation Partners.</figcaption>
 </figure>KSU NEWS SERVICEMANHATTAN – As the first operational land-grant university, Kansas State University is no stranger to ensuring that university research, knowledge and innovation are used to improve the lives of Kansas citizens,
 the region, nation and beyond. Now, K-State has established a newly merged organization,
<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/innovation-partners" target="_blank">Innovation Partners</a>,
 that takes a new streamlined approach to corporate relations, technology transfer and economic development.


In 2018 the board of directors and executive committees of the Kansas State University Research Foundation, known as KSURF, and the Kansas State University Institute for Commercialization, or KSU-IC, recognized that by merging the two entities into one unit,
 resources could be better leveraged and collaboration improved, ultimately resulting in a clearer, more consistent message in delivering on the K-State economic land-grant mission. On July 1, 2019, KSURF and KSU-IC merged to form Innovation Partners.


According to Peter Dorhout, vice president for research, the partnership will allow both units to work as one cohesive entity with unified leadership and a common strategic plan.


"When I assumed the role of vice president for research, one of my charges was to bring these units together as a unique hub for intellectual property protection, commercialization and corporate engagement," Dorhout said. "Unifying these offices will achieve
 that goal and will strengthen our ability to collaborate internally at K-State, as well as externally with the Manhattan community and with industry."

Services offered by the unit will not change and researchers and community partners should continue to reach out to previous contacts, said Kent Glasscock, president and CEO of K-State Innovation Partners.

"Merging the two offices will mean improved communication and collaboration as well as increased opportunities for community and university development," Glasscock said.


K-State Innovation Partners is committed to collaborating with university, industry and communities to deliver a streamlined mission of corporate engagement, technology commercialization and economic development.


"Driven by innovation, our nationally unique organizational structure will serve K-State, community partners and industry in one comprehensive unit, allowing for more efficient intellectual property protection, economic opportunities and a consistent experience
 for partners," said Rebecca Robinson, chief corporate engagement and economic development officer.


As a service unit and partner, K-State Innovation Partners is dedicated to continued collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to identify common goals and shared initiatives.


Robinson said K-State Innovation Partners will measure success through the organization's impacts on K-State, including revenue, engagement and reputation.


"We will also base success on the impacts we have on the broader region and state through job creation, capital investment and economic development in order to meet our land-grant mission to connect what we do at K-State with Kansans," Robinson said.

As a result of KSURF and KSU-IC efforts to date, 503 jobs have been created in the region with total annual salaries of more than $28 million. This work has resulted in $48.5 million in economic impact in the region with more than $77 million projected impact.


KSURF has worked to connect researchers at K-State with resources to protect and promote the university's intellectual property since its founding in 1942. With an active program to facilitate technology licensing and transfer of intellectual property
 developed by K-State faculty, the KSURF team has been granted more than 58 patents since 2014.

The KSU-IC was founded in 1994 and has been dedicated to the startup and expansion of technology-based, high-growth enterprises and enabling the commercialization of university and underutilized corporate
 intellectual property. In addition to technology commercialization, the KSU-IC was charged with pursuing economically based partnerships with industry on behalf of K-State and advancing the economic development portion of the land-grant mission.

Groups merge to form Innovation Partners

LAS VEGAS (AP) —Bernie Sanders scored a resounding victory in Nevada’s presidential caucuses on Saturday, cementing his status as the Democrats' national front-runner amid escalating tensions over whether he’s too liberal to defeat President Donald Trump.

While Sanders scored a strong victory, a cluster of candidates fought for a distant second place — and any momentum that may come with it heading into next-up South Carolina and then Super Tuesday on March 3. Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar were trailing far behind Sanders.

The 78-year-old Vermont senator won by rallying his fiercely loyal base and tapping into support from Nevada’s large Latino community as the Democratic contest moved for the first time into a state with a significant minority population.

In a show of confidence, Sanders left Nevada for Texas, which offers one of the biggest delegate troves in just 10 days on Super Tuesday.

“We are bringing our people together," he declared. “In Nevada we have just brought together a multigenerational, multiracial coalition which is not only going to win in Nevada, it’s going to sweep this country.”

Saturday's win built on Sanders’ win earlier this month in the New Hampshire primary. He essentially tied for first place in the Iowa caucuses with Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Ind., who has sought to position himself as an ideological counter to Sanders’ unabashedly progressive politics.

The victory, while encouraging for Sanders supporters, only deepened concern among establishment-minded Democratic leaders who fear that the self-described democratic socialist is too extreme to defeat Trump. Sanders for decades has been calling for transformative policies to address inequities in politics and the economy, none bigger than his signature “Medicare for All” health care plan that would replace the private insurance system with a government-run universal system.

Trump gloated on social media, continuing his weeks-long push to sow discord between Sanders and his Democratic rivals.

“Looks like Crazy Bernie is doing well in the Great State of Nevada. Biden &amp; the rest look weak,” Trump tweeted. “Congratulations Bernie, &amp; don’t let them take it away from you!”

Buttigieg congratulated Sanders, too, but then launched an aggressive verbal assault on the senator as too divisive.

“Before we rush to nominate Senator Sanders in our one shot to take on this president, let’s take a sober look at what is at stake for our party, for our values and for those with so much to lose," he said. “Senator Sanders believes in an inflexible, ideological revolution that leaves out most Democrats, not to mention most Americans.”

Biden also took aim at the Vermont senator as he claimed a success — but not a victory — in Nevada that would trigger a comeback.

Without naming names, he took a swipe at Sanders and billionaire former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, who wasn't on the Nevada ballot but has emerged as a threat to Biden in contests that begin next month.

"I ain’t a socialist. I’m not a plutocrat. I’m a Democrat,” Biden declared.

Also in the fight: Warren, who desperately needed a spark to revive her stalled bid; billionaire Tom Steyer, who spent more than $12 million on Nevada television and Klobuchar, who hoped to prove her strong New Hampshire finish was no fluke.

Klobuchar said she plans to carry on, even as she trailed far behind several rivals in Nevada.

The Minnesota senator returned to her home state Saturday following a morning event in Las Vegas. Speaking to volunteers Klobuchar said that "a lot of people didn’t even think I would still be standing at this point."

Klobuchar finished in fifth place in the kickoff Iowa caucuses before a strong debate performance helped lift her to third place in New Hampshire.

She will campaign Sunday in Fargo, before holding events in Arkansas and Oklahoma, both states that will vote on Super Tuesday. On Monday she will be in South Carolina, which holds its primary Saturday and where she will participate in a Tuesday debate.

Bloomberg, who dominated the political conversation this week after a poor debate-stage debut, wasn't on the ballot. He's betting everything on a series of delegate-rich states that begin voting next month.

After the chaos of Iowa's caucuses, there were concerns about Nevada's similar setup. But no major problems showed up.

At noon, under sunny skies, dozens of uniformed housekeepers and casino workers cast ballots in the Bellagio, one of seven casino-resorts on the Las Vegas Strip among 200 locations statewide that hosted caucuses.

Nevada was the third contest on a 2020 election calendar marked by chaos and uncertainty after the opening votes in Iowa and New Hampshire, overwhelmingly white, rural states.

The first presidential contest in the West tested the candidates' strength with black and Latino voters for the first time in 2020. Nevada’s population aligns more with the U.S. as a whole, compared with Iowa and New Hampshire: 29 percent Latino, 10 percent black and 9 percent Asian American and Pacific Islander.

The Nevada verdict represented the third in a primary season that will span all 50 states and several U.S. territories, ending only at the party’s national convention in July. But with two more rounds of voting scheduled over the next 10 days — including Super Tuesday’s massive delegate haul — the party may identify a consensus candidate long before the convention.

The stakes were high for Nevada Democrats to avoid a repeat of the chaos in Iowa, and it appeared Saturday’s caucuses were largely successful.

Unlike state primaries and the November election, which are run by government officials, caucuses are overseen by state parties.

Nevada Democrats sought to minimize problems by creating multiple redundancies in their reporting system, relying on results called in by phone, a paper worksheet filled out by caucus organizers, a photo of that worksheet sent in by text message and electronic results captured with a Google form.

In addition, it appeared Nevada Democrats were able to successfully navigate a complicated process for adding early voting to the caucus process. Nearly 75,000 people cast early ballots over a four-day period, and the party was able to process those in time for Saturday so they could be integrated into the in-person vote.

At the Bellagio caucus site, 41-year-old Christian Nielsen, a scuba diver for the Cirque du Soleil show “O,” said he backed Sanders because he believes the country needs a “major change in the White House.”

“We need somebody in the White House who has been on the right side of history for their entire career, somebody who stands with the working class, and will make things more fair for everybody,” Nielsen said.

The Democrats' 2020 nomination fight shifted beyond Nevada even before the final results were known.

Only Biden, Buttigieg and Steyer were still in the state when news of Sanders’ victory was announced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582426910863.png" alt="Senator Bernie Sanders celebrated with supporters Saturday night -image courtesy Sanders campaign for President." />
 <figcaption>Senator Bernie Sanders celebrated with supporters Saturday night -image courtesy Sanders campaign for President.</figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) —Bernie Sanders scored a resounding victory in Nevada’s presidential caucuses on Saturday, cementing his status as the Democrats' national front-runner amid escalating tensions over whether he’s too liberal to defeat President Donald Trump.While Sanders scored a strong victory, a cluster of candidates fought for a distant second place — and any momentum that may come with it heading into next-up South Carolina and then Super Tuesday on March 3. Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar were trailing far behind Sanders.The 78-year-old Vermont senator won by rallying his fiercely loyal base and tapping into support from Nevada’s large Latino community as the Democratic contest moved for the first time into a state with a significant minority population.In a show of confidence, Sanders left Nevada for Texas, which offers one of the biggest delegate troves in just 10 days on Super Tuesday.“We are bringing our people together," he declared. “In Nevada we have just brought together a multigenerational, multiracial coalition which is not only going to win in Nevada, it’s going to sweep this country.”Saturday's win built on Sanders’ win earlier this month in the New Hampshire primary. He essentially tied for first place in the Iowa caucuses with Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Ind., who has sought to position himself as an ideological counter to Sanders’ unabashedly progressive politics.The victory, while encouraging for Sanders supporters, only deepened concern among establishment-minded Democratic leaders who fear that the self-described democratic socialist is too extreme to defeat Trump. Sanders for decades has been calling for transformative policies to address inequities in politics and the economy, none bigger than his signature “Medicare for All” health care plan that would replace the private insurance system with a government-run universal system.Trump gloated on social media, continuing his weeks-long push to sow discord between Sanders and his Democratic rivals.“Looks like Crazy Bernie is doing well in the Great State of Nevada. Biden &amp; the rest look weak,” Trump tweeted. “Congratulations Bernie, &amp; don’t let them take it away from you!”Buttigieg congratulated Sanders, too, but then launched an aggressive verbal assault on the senator as too divisive.“Before we rush to nominate Senator Sanders in our one shot to take on this president, let’s take a sober look at what is at stake for our party, for our values and for those with so much to lose," he said. “Senator Sanders believes in an inflexible, ideological revolution that leaves out most Democrats, not to mention most Americans.”Biden also took aim at the Vermont senator as he claimed a success — but not a victory — in Nevada that would trigger a comeback.Without naming names, he took a swipe at Sanders and billionaire former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, who wasn't on the Nevada ballot but has emerged as a threat to Biden in contests that begin next month."I ain’t a socialist. I’m not a plutocrat. I’m a Democrat,” Biden declared.Also in the fight: Warren, who desperately needed a spark to revive her stalled bid; billionaire Tom Steyer, who spent more than $12 million on Nevada television and Klobuchar, who hoped to prove her strong New Hampshire finish was no fluke.Klobuchar said she plans to carry on, even as she trailed far behind several rivals in Nevada.The Minnesota senator returned to her home state Saturday following a morning event in Las Vegas. Speaking to volunteers Klobuchar said that "a lot of people didn’t even think I would still be standing at this point."Klobuchar finished in fifth place in the kickoff Iowa caucuses before a strong debate performance helped lift her to third place in New Hampshire.She will campaign Sunday in Fargo, before holding events in Arkansas and Oklahoma, both states that will vote on Super Tuesday. On Monday she will be in South Carolina, which holds its primary Saturday and where she will participate in a Tuesday debate.Bloomberg, who dominated the political conversation this week after a poor debate-stage debut, wasn't on the ballot. He's betting everything on a series of delegate-rich states that begin voting next month.After the chaos of Iowa's caucuses, there were concerns about Nevada's similar setup. But no major problems showed up.At noon, under sunny skies, dozens of uniformed housekeepers and casino workers cast ballots in the Bellagio, one of seven casino-resorts on the Las Vegas Strip among 200 locations statewide that hosted caucuses.Nevada was the third contest on a 2020 election calendar marked by chaos and uncertainty after the opening votes in Iowa and New Hampshire, overwhelmingly white, rural states.The first presidential contest in the West tested the candidates' strength with black and Latino voters for the first time in 2020. Nevada’s population aligns more with the U.S. as a whole, compared with Iowa and New Hampshire: 29 percent Latino, 10 percent black and 9 percent Asian American and Pacific Islander.The Nevada verdict represented the third in a primary season that will span all 50 states and several U.S. territories, ending only at the party’s national convention in July. But with two more rounds of voting scheduled over the next 10 days — including Super Tuesday’s massive delegate haul — the party may identify a consensus candidate long before the convention.The stakes were high for Nevada Democrats to avoid a repeat of the chaos in Iowa, and it appeared Saturday’s caucuses were largely successful.Unlike state primaries and the November election, which are run by government officials, caucuses are overseen by state parties.Nevada Democrats sought to minimize problems by creating multiple redundancies in their reporting system, relying on results called in by phone, a paper worksheet filled out by caucus organizers, a photo of that worksheet sent in by text message and electronic results captured with a Google form.In addition, it appeared Nevada Democrats were able to successfully navigate a complicated process for adding early voting to the caucus process. Nearly 75,000 people cast early ballots over a four-day period, and the party was able to process those in time for Saturday so they could be integrated into the in-person vote.At the Bellagio caucus site, 41-year-old Christian Nielsen, a scuba diver for the Cirque du Soleil show “O,” said he backed Sanders because he believes the country needs a “major change in the White House.”“We need somebody in the White House who has been on the right side of history for their entire career, somebody who stands with the working class, and will make things more fair for everybody,” Nielsen said.The Democrats' 2020 nomination fight shifted beyond Nevada even before the final results were known.Only Biden, Buttigieg and Steyer were still in the state when news of Sanders’ victory was announced.

Sanders wins Nevada caucuses, takes national Democratic lead

TOPEKA, KAN. –&nbsp;A man was sentenced this week to 52 months in federal prison for smuggling 18 pounds of cocaine to Kansas, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Jesus Gonzalez-Molina, 30, Pomona, CA., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. In his plea, he admitted he was driving eastbound on I-70 through Shawnee County when he was stopped by the Kansas Highway Patrol. 

Troopers searched the 2007 Toyota 4Runner he was driving and found a hidden compartment containing the drugs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582059205146.png" alt="Jesus Gonzalez-Molina " />
 <figcaption>Jesus Gonzalez-Molina </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. –&nbsp;A man was sentenced this week to 52 months in federal prison for smuggling 18 pounds of cocaine to Kansas, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Jesus Gonzalez-Molina, 30, Pomona, CA., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. In his plea, he admitted he was driving eastbound on I-70 through Shawnee County when he was stopped by the Kansas Highway Patrol. Troopers searched the 2007 Toyota 4Runner he was driving and found a hidden compartment containing the drugs.

KHP found 18 pounds of cocaine hidden during traffic stop

WICHITA, Kan. (AP)— Police in Wichita are now offering a reward for information in the case of a homeless man who was beaten to death. 

The body of 59-year-old Bernard Woodard was found under a Wichita bridge on Feb. 10, and police still have no suspects in the killing. 

The Wichita Police Department is now offering an $800 reward to help find the person or people who killed Woodard. 

The department's Homeless Outreach Team has also put up flyers in the community to try to get some leads in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581533809898.png" alt="Bernard Woodard photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Bernard Woodard photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP)— Police in Wichita are now offering a reward for information in the case of a homeless man who was beaten to death. The body of 59-year-old Bernard Woodard was found under a Wichita bridge on Feb. 10, and police still have no suspects in the killing. The Wichita Police Department is now offering an $800 reward to help find the person or people who killed Woodard. The department's Homeless Outreach Team has also put up flyers in the community to try to get some leads in the case.

 Wichita police offer reward in beating death of homeless man

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man who was working under a car Friday was killed when the car fell on him, police in Kansas City said.

The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article240531366.html">reported&nbsp;</a>the incident happened Friday morning in downtown Kansas City. First responders were called to the scene around 11 a.m. and learned the man had been taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The man's identity had not been released by midday Saturday.

A police spokesman, Officer Doaa El-Ashkar, said the circumstances of the fatal incident remain under investigation.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man who was working under a car Friday was killed when the car fell on him, police in Kansas City said.The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article240531366.html">reported&nbsp;</a>the incident happened Friday morning in downtown Kansas City. First responders were called to the scene around 11 a.m. and learned the man had been taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The man's identity had not been released by midday Saturday.A police spokesman, Officer Doaa El-Ashkar, said the circumstances of the fatal incident remain under investigation.

Kansas City police: Man under car dies when it falls on him

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged meth distribution.

Just after 6:30p.m. Friday, deputies executed a search warrant at a residence in the 200 Block of South Clay in Hoisington, according to Sheriff Brian Belendir.

When deputies knocked on the front door to gain entry, the suspect identified later as Nelson Adams, Sr., 57, of Hoisington, stated he had a gun.

After a short standoff, Adams surrendered, exited the home and was arrested.

Deputies also located methamphetamine and packaging materials at the home.

Adams is being held on a $50,000 bond on requested charges that include possession of meth with intent to distribute and criminal use of a firearm, according to Bellendir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582394713797.png" alt="Adams photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Adams photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged meth distribution.Just after 6:30p.m. Friday, deputies executed a search warrant at a residence in the 200 Block of South Clay in Hoisington, according to Sheriff Brian Belendir.When deputies knocked on the front door to gain entry, the suspect identified later as Nelson Adams, Sr., 57, of Hoisington, stated he had a gun.After a short standoff, Adams surrendered, exited the home and was arrested.Deputies also located methamphetamine and packaging materials at the home.Adams is being held on a $50,000 bond on requested charges that include possession of meth with intent to distribute and criminal use of a firearm, according to Bellendir.

Alleged meth dealer jailed after standoff at Kan. home

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A top Republican lawmaker in Kansas now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e03e4a920840426a848de304aa0d62c4">running for the U.S. Senate</a>&nbsp;sought an ambassadorship in 2018, calling it “an excellent time” to leave state politics and enlisting help from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/333b0663596ade73cc14b0025b8ff632">a billionaire casino mogul&nbsp;</a>who is a close friend of President Donald Trump.

&nbsp;Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, of Wichita, listed businessman Phil Ruffin as a reference on a resume for the White House only 10 days after&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li_2018/b2017_18/measures/vote_view/je_20180427183014_246387/" target="_blank">voting for</a>&nbsp;a bill that would have benefitted Ruffin’s business interests in Kansas. She expressed her interest in serving in a diplomatic post, potentially as an ambassador to Ireland, in a May 2018 email to a political operative asking that a cover letter and resume be forwarded to the White House.

Wagle campaign spokesman Matt Beynon said that like many Republicans, Wagle “was excited about the opportunity to serve in President Trump’s administration.”

“And while this opportunity never materialized, it was a good example of when one door closes another door opens to serve — now running for the United States Senate,” Beynon said in an email.

Ruffin owns long-closed dog and horse tracks in Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas, and&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li_2018/b2017_18/measures/documents/supp_note_sb427_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the 2018 legislation</a>&nbsp;would have eased the way for racetrack casinos in Kansas. In voting for the bill, Wagle went against years of opposition to expanding legalized gambling in Kansas.

Wagle’s cover letter said she was “inspired by the work the president has done” as a reason for asking to be considered for an ambassadorship.

“I am willing to discuss any opening, but I am particularly interested in Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, Ambassador to Belize, Ireland, Belgium or any United Nations Ambassador post,” she wrote.

In her email to the political operative, she wrote, “Even though I have two and a half years left in my Senate Presidency, I’m thinking(it’s)an excellent time to transition out of Kansas politics as we elect a new Governor.”

Democrat Laura Kelly was elected governor in 2018.

Wagle was never nominated for Trump administration position, and it’s unclear whether the White House seriously considered her.

“I think she wanted to be an ambassador, but I never took any action,” Ruffin said.

Ruffin grew up in Wichita, has long-standing ties to Trump, who was best man at Ruffin’s 2008 wedding. They co-own Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, where the president stayed this week when he visited Nevada for a campaign rally. Ruffin was also an early mega-donor to Make American Great Again PAC, which formed in 2015 to support Trump.

He has pushing Kansas&nbsp; lawmakers to allow new forms of gambling at racetracks for years and in 2014, Wagle criticized his efforts. But Beynon said in an email that Wagle’s vote in favor of the 2018 gambling bill came after she met with Ruffin and other Wichita business leaders and learned of “uneven tax treatment” for racetracks.

Ruffin gave $1,000 to Wagle’s state Senate campaign in October 2017, about six months before she cast her pro-gambling vote. Since that vote, he has donated an additional $1,000 to Wagle’s state Senate campaign and contributed $5,600, the maximum donation under federal law, to Wagle’s U.S. Senate campaign.

Ruffin dismissed the idea that Wagle’s change in position on expanded gaming led to his support, saying “we lost anyway” and that “her vote didn’t matter one way or the other.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582315141957.png" alt="Photo courtesy Susan Wagle campaign" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Susan Wagle campaign</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A top Republican lawmaker in Kansas now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e03e4a920840426a848de304aa0d62c4">running for the U.S. Senate</a>&nbsp;sought an ambassadorship in 2018, calling it “an excellent time” to leave state politics and enlisting help from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/333b0663596ade73cc14b0025b8ff632">a billionaire casino mogul&nbsp;</a>who is a close friend of President Donald Trump.&nbsp;Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, of Wichita, listed businessman Phil Ruffin as a reference on a resume for the White House only 10 days after&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li_2018/b2017_18/measures/vote_view/je_20180427183014_246387/" target="_blank">voting for</a>&nbsp;a bill that would have benefitted Ruffin’s business interests in Kansas. She expressed her interest in serving in a diplomatic post, potentially as an ambassador to Ireland, in a May 2018 email to a political operative asking that a cover letter and resume be forwarded to the White House.Wagle campaign spokesman Matt Beynon said that like many Republicans, Wagle “was excited about the opportunity to serve in President Trump’s administration.”“And while this opportunity never materialized, it was a good example of when one door closes another door opens to serve — now running for the United States Senate,” Beynon said in an email.Ruffin owns long-closed dog and horse tracks in Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas, and&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li_2018/b2017_18/measures/documents/supp_note_sb427_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the 2018 legislation</a>&nbsp;would have eased the way for racetrack casinos in Kansas. In voting for the bill, Wagle went against years of opposition to expanding legalized gambling in Kansas.Wagle’s cover letter said she was “inspired by the work the president has done” as a reason for asking to be considered for an ambassadorship.“I am willing to discuss any opening, but I am particularly interested in Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, Ambassador to Belize, Ireland, Belgium or any United Nations Ambassador post,” she wrote.In her email to the political operative, she wrote, “Even though I have two and a half years left in my Senate Presidency, I’m thinking(it’s)an excellent time to transition out of Kansas politics as we elect a new Governor.”Democrat Laura Kelly was elected governor in 2018.Wagle was never nominated for Trump administration position, and it’s unclear whether the White House seriously considered her.“I think she wanted to be an ambassador, but I never took any action,” Ruffin said.Ruffin grew up in Wichita, has long-standing ties to Trump, who was best man at Ruffin’s 2008 wedding. They co-own Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, where the president stayed this week when he visited Nevada for a campaign rally. Ruffin was also an early mega-donor to Make American Great Again PAC, which formed in 2015 to support Trump.He has pushing Kansas&nbsp; lawmakers to allow new forms of gambling at racetracks for years and in 2014, Wagle criticized his efforts. But Beynon said in an email that Wagle’s vote in favor of the 2018 gambling bill came after she met with Ruffin and other Wichita business leaders and learned of “uneven tax treatment” for racetracks.Ruffin gave $1,000 to Wagle’s state Senate campaign in October 2017, about six months before she cast her pro-gambling vote. Since that vote, he has donated an additional $1,000 to Wagle’s state Senate campaign and contributed $5,600, the maximum donation under federal law, to Wagle’s U.S. Senate campaign.Ruffin dismissed the idea that Wagle’s change in position on expanded gaming led to his support, saying “we lost anyway” and that “her vote didn’t matter one way or the other.”

Kansas Senate leader wanted ambassadorship

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; an armed robbery of guns in Wichita.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; an armed robbery of guns in Wichita.Just after 9p.m. Thursday, police responded to a highway robbery call at a convenience store in the 4700 Block of East Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;A 23-year-old man and a 25-year old man at the scene told police they were robbed at gunpoint by two unknown suspects while they were attempting to sell a small rifle.According to investigators, the 23-year-old discussed online meeting the suspects at this location to sell the rifle.&nbsp; A 25-year-old friend accompanied him and also brought a gun.At the business, the two victims got into the back of a silver SUV that the suspects arrived in to discuss the sale of the gun, according to Davidson. While the suspects inspected the weapon, they pulled out handguns they had with them and demanded the victims get out of the SUV.The suspects took the rifle and two other guns from the victims and fled the scene.Davidson reminded the public, if you are selling a gun, consider making the transaction with a licensed firearms dealer. Buying or selling from someone you don't know can be dangerous, especially in a convenience store parking lot after dark.