SHAWNEE COUNTY— A Kansas man hospitalized after a weekend hit and run accident in Shawnee County has died.

Just after 1a.m. Sunday, sheriff's deputies responded to an injury accident after a 911 caller reported they were transporting a victim later identified as Noah M. Thibodeau, 20, of Eskridge&nbsp; in a personal vehicle to a local hospital, according to Deputy Scott Wanamaker.

Witnesses reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in Thibodeau being dragged by a Jeep Wrangeler causing the life-threatening injuries.

Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and Thibodeau on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital in critical condition.

Thibodeau died on Wednesday, according to Sgt.&nbsp;Todd Stallbaumer with the Shawnee County Sheriff's Department.

During the altercation, the Jeep also struck two others resulting in minor injuries and left the scene, according to the witness.

Authorities have identified all the subjects involved, according to the sheriff's department.   Authorities have not reported an arrest.

SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident that sent a victim to a hospital.

Just after 1a.m. Sunday, Shawnee County deputies responded to an injury accident after a 911 call. The caller reported they were transporting a victim in a personal vehicle to a local hospital, according to Deputy Scott Wanamaker.

Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and victim on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital.

The witness reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in one man being drug by a vehicle causing the life-threatening injuries. Late Monday, the victim remained hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the altercation, the vehicle also struck two others resulting in minor injuries, according to the witness.

Authorities have identified all the subjects involved, according to Christian.&nbsp; &nbsp;Authorities have not reported an arrest.

Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and victim on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The witness reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in one man being drug by a vehicle causing the life-threatening injuries. During the altercation, the vehicle also struck two others resulting in minor injuries, according to the witness. The vehicle described as a red, or dark colored 4-door Jeep wrangler sped away westbound on 4th street, according to Wanamaker.&nbsp;

Deputies asked the public for assistance locating Tyler Moore and Zachary Osborne for questioning in connection with the incident.&nbsp;

Later Sunday, deputies reported they were no longer searching for Osborne and continue to search for Moore and the vehicle.

SHAWNEE COUNTY— A Kansas man hospitalized after a weekend hit and run accident in Shawnee County has died.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, sheriff's deputies responded to an injury accident after a 911 caller reported they were transporting a victim later identified as Noah M. Thibodeau, 20, of Eskridge&nbsp; in a personal vehicle to a local hospital, according to Deputy Scott Wanamaker.Witnesses reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in Thibodeau being dragged by a Jeep Wrangeler causing the life-threatening injuries.Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and Thibodeau on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital in critical condition.Thibodeau died on Wednesday, according to Sgt.&nbsp;Todd Stallbaumer with the Shawnee County Sheriff's Department.During the altercation, the Jeep also struck two others resulting in minor injuries and left the scene, according to the witness.Authorities have identified all the subjects involved, according to the sheriff's department. Authorities have not reported an arrest.---------------SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident that sent a victim to a hospital.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, Shawnee County deputies responded to an injury accident after a 911 call. The caller reported they were transporting a victim in a personal vehicle to a local hospital, according to Deputy Scott Wanamaker.Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and victim on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital.The witness reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in one man being drug by a vehicle causing the life-threatening injuries. Late Monday, the victim remained hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the altercation, the vehicle also struck two others resulting in minor injuries, according to the witness.Authorities have identified all the subjects involved, according to Christian.&nbsp; &nbsp;Authorities have not reported an arrest.------------SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident that sent a victim to a hospital.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, Shawnee County deputies responded to an injury accident after a 911 call. The caller reported they were transporting a victim in a personal vehicle to a local hospital, according to Deputy Scott Wanamaker.Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and victim on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital with life-threatening injuries.The witness reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in one man being drug by a vehicle causing the life-threatening injuries. During the altercation, the vehicle also struck two others resulting in minor injuries, according to the witness. The vehicle described as a red, or dark colored 4-door Jeep wrangler sped away westbound on 4th street, according to Wanamaker.&nbsp;Deputies asked the public for assistance locating Tyler Moore and Zachary Osborne for questioning in connection with the incident.&nbsp;Later Sunday, deputies reported they were no longer searching for Osborne and continue to search for Moore and the vehicle.

Update: Kansas man dragged by Jeep during altercation has died

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating several cases of suspicious activity involving&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just before 4p.m.&nbsp; Monday, officers responded to a suspicious character call at businesses in the 7700 block of East Kellogg, in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

 A 54-year-old woman reported that an unknown male driver and unknown woman passenger approached her 16-year-old son and her 17-year-old daughter in a parking lot in a tan Ford Freestyle van and asked for them to help with their child.&nbsp; 

The teenagers refused, no children were observed in the vehicle and the suspects fled in the van.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Just before 2 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a suspicious character call at a business in the 10500 block of West Central in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers contacted a 59-year-old woman who reported an unknown male driver and a woman passenger in a minivan pulled up beside her vehicle and asked if she would help with their child.&nbsp; She refused, no children were observed in the van and she left in her vehicle.&nbsp; There were no injuries in this case.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Similar incidents were also reported to have occurred at a business in the 3700 block of North Woodlawn in Andover, Kansas.

The driver is described as a dark-skinned black male in his late 20’s or early 30’s, small build and bald.&nbsp; The passenger is described as a black female in her late 20’s or early 30’s, shoulder-length hair.&nbsp; The van is a tan Ford Freestyle van with a Kansas tag&nbsp; 078 LWY.

If you are approached by these individuals in this vehicle, please call 911 so officers can respond and investigate further.&nbsp; If you have any information on these cases, the individuals or vehicle, please email Officer Lori Kimrey at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lkimrey@wichita.gov">lkimrey@wichita.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582198441180.png" alt="Photo courtesy Wichita police" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Wichita police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating several cases of suspicious activity involving&nbsp;&nbsp;Just before 4p.m.&nbsp; Monday, officers responded to a suspicious character call at businesses in the 7700 block of East Kellogg, in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; A 54-year-old woman reported that an unknown male driver and unknown woman passenger approached her 16-year-old son and her 17-year-old daughter in a parking lot in a tan Ford Freestyle van and asked for them to help with their child.&nbsp; The teenagers refused, no children were observed in the vehicle and the suspects fled in the van.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Just before 2 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a suspicious character call at a business in the 10500 block of West Central in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers contacted a 59-year-old woman who reported an unknown male driver and a woman passenger in a minivan pulled up beside her vehicle and asked if she would help with their child.&nbsp; She refused, no children were observed in the van and she left in her vehicle.&nbsp; There were no injuries in this case.&nbsp;&nbsp;Similar incidents were also reported to have occurred at a business in the 3700 block of North Woodlawn in Andover, Kansas.The driver is described as a dark-skinned black male in his late 20’s or early 30’s, small build and bald.&nbsp; The passenger is described as a black female in her late 20’s or early 30’s, shoulder-length hair.&nbsp; The van is a tan Ford Freestyle van with a Kansas tag&nbsp; 078 LWY.If you are approached by these individuals in this vehicle, please call 911 so officers can respond and investigate further.&nbsp; If you have any information on these cases, the individuals or vehicle, please email Officer Lori Kimrey at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lkimrey@wichita.gov">lkimrey@wichita.gov</a>.

Police: Van, 2 suspects involved in suspicious activity in Kansas

By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/federal-judge-kansas-city-kansas-resigns-following-reprimand-sexual-harassment#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

A federal judge in Kansas City, Kansas, who was publicly reprimanded 
last year for workplace misconduct is resigning after more than 20 years
 on the bench.

U.S. District Judge Carlos Murguia tendered his 
resignation effective April 1, 2020, in a letter to President Trump that
 was released by the federal court in Kansas City, Kansas, on Tuesday 
afternoon. &nbsp; 

“In recent months, it has become clear that I can 
no longer effectively serve the Court in this capacity,” Murguia wrote 
in the brief, three-paragraph letter. “I therefore tender my resignation
 with a heavy heart and profound apologies, out of respect for the 
federal judiciary, my colleagues, my community and – most importantly – 
my family.”

An accompanying release by Chief Judge Julie Robinson said that 
Murguia’s cases will immediately be reassigned to other district judges 
of the court. It said Murguia will not be eligible for a pension or any 
retirement benefits.

In September, the Judicial Council of the 
10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals handed Murguia a rare public 
reprimand for sexually harassing court employees, having an affair with a
 felon who was on probation and being “habitually late” for court 
meetings.

Murguia apologized for his conduct and pledged not to 
engage in inappropriate conduct in the future. He had continued serving 
on the bench.

Earlier this month, four members of the House 
Judiciary Committee said in a letter that the reprimand of Murguia had 
documented “very troubling” behavior and questioned whether court 
officials had done enough to protect court employees from sexual 
harassment. The letter sought more details about the Murguia case from 
court officials.

Murguia, who was born in 1957, was nominated to 
the federal bench in 1999 by President Bill Clinton to fill the seat 
vacated by Judge Sam A. Crow. He was confirmed by the Senate and has 
been a federal judge since September 1999. He was the first Hispanic 
federal judge in Kansas City, Kansas.&nbsp;

Murguia, who grew up in 
the Argentine district of Kansas City, Kansas, comes from a prominent 
family. His younger sister Mary Murguia is a federal appeals court judge
 in Arizona and another sister, Janet Murguia, is the president and CEO 
of UnidosUS, formerly the National Council of La Raza.

Murguia is
 divorced from Ann Brandau-Murguia, a member of the Kansas Board of 
Regents and a former commissioner for District 3 of the Unified 
Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas.

Before 
becoming a federal judge, Murguia was a lawyer in private practice and 
then a Wyandotte County District Court judge from 1990 to 1999.

Dan Margolies is a senior reporter and editor at KCUR. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/DanMargolies">@DanMargolies</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582143830340.jpeg" alt="The Robert J. Dole United States Courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas, where Murguia has served as a judge since 1999. Julie Denesha" />
 <figcaption>The Robert J. Dole United States Courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas, where Murguia has served as a judge since 1999. Julie Denesha</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/federal-judge-kansas-city-kansas-resigns-following-reprimand-sexual-harassment#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>A federal judge in Kansas City, Kansas, who was publicly reprimanded 
last year for workplace misconduct is resigning after more than 20 years
 on the bench.U.S. District Judge Carlos Murguia tendered his 
resignation effective April 1, 2020, in a letter to President Trump that
 was released by the federal court in Kansas City, Kansas, on Tuesday 
afternoon. &nbsp; “In recent months, it has become clear that I can 
no longer effectively serve the Court in this capacity,” Murguia wrote 
in the brief, three-paragraph letter. “I therefore tender my resignation
 with a heavy heart and profound apologies, out of respect for the 
federal judiciary, my colleagues, my community and – most importantly – 
my family.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582143882406.jpeg" alt=" U.S. District Judge Carlos Murguia Credit U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas" />
 <figcaption> U.S. District Judge Carlos Murguia Credit U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>An accompanying release by Chief Judge Julie Robinson said that 
Murguia’s cases will immediately be reassigned to other district judges 
of the court. It said Murguia will not be eligible for a pension or any 
retirement benefits.In September, the Judicial Council of the 
10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals handed Murguia a rare public 
reprimand for sexually harassing court employees, having an affair with a
 felon who was on probation and being “habitually late” for court 
meetings.Murguia apologized for his conduct and pledged not to 
engage in inappropriate conduct in the future. He had continued serving 
on the bench.Earlier this month, four members of the House 
Judiciary Committee said in a letter that the reprimand of Murguia had 
documented “very troubling” behavior and questioned whether court 
officials had done enough to protect court employees from sexual 
harassment. The letter sought more details about the Murguia case from 
court officials.Murguia, who was born in 1957, was nominated to 
the federal bench in 1999 by President Bill Clinton to fill the seat 
vacated by Judge Sam A. Crow. He was confirmed by the Senate and has 
been a federal judge since September 1999. He was the first Hispanic 
federal judge in Kansas City, Kansas.&nbsp;Murguia, who grew up in 
the Argentine district of Kansas City, Kansas, comes from a prominent 
family. His younger sister Mary Murguia is a federal appeals court judge
 in Arizona and another sister, Janet Murguia, is the president and CEO 
of UnidosUS, formerly the National Council of La Raza.Murguia is
 divorced from Ann Brandau-Murguia, a member of the Kansas Board of 
Regents and a former commissioner for District 3 of the Unified 
Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas.Before 
becoming a federal judge, Murguia was a lawyer in private practice and 
then a Wyandotte County District Court judge from 1990 to 1999.Dan Margolies is a senior reporter and editor at KCUR. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/DanMargolies">@DanMargolies</a>.

 Federal judge in KCK resigns following reprimand for sex harassment 

GEARY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Junction City Police Department have identified the employee who died after an incident Tuesday morning in the parking lot of the Junction City Police Department.

According to a media release from the KBI, Mark Roberts, 58, of Junction City, died Tuesday morning outside the police department. Roberts was a retired Junction City police officer, who since retirement had also worked in a civilian position for the police department. He served the department and community for 27 years.

The death investigation and preliminary autopsy indicate Roberts died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

GEARY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating the death of a Junction City Police Department employee after an incident occurred Tuesday morning in the police department’s parking lot, according to a media release from the agency.

The Junction City Police Department requested KBI assistance at approximately 9:25 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, to investigate the circumstances of the man’s death. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team (CSRT) responded.

At around 9:10 a.m., a Junction City police officer exited the police department and discovered a 58-year-old civilian employee who had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. At this time, there is no evidence that a crime occurred, but a full investigation is being conducted. No threat to the public exists related to this incident.

The employee will be identified once all next of kin have been notified. The investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.

GEARY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Junction City Police Department have identified the employee who died after an incident Tuesday morning in the parking lot of the Junction City Police Department.According to a media release from the KBI, Mark Roberts, 58, of Junction City, died Tuesday morning outside the police department. Roberts was a retired Junction City police officer, who since retirement had also worked in a civilian position for the police department. He served the department and community for 27 years.The death investigation and preliminary autopsy indicate Roberts died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.--------GEARY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating the death of a Junction City Police Department employee after an incident occurred Tuesday morning in the police department’s parking lot, according to a media release from the agency.The Junction City Police Department requested KBI assistance at approximately 9:25 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, to investigate the circumstances of the man’s death. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team (CSRT) responded.At around 9:10 a.m., a Junction City police officer exited the police department and discovered a 58-year-old civilian employee who had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. At this time, there is no evidence that a crime occurred, but a full investigation is being conducted. No threat to the public exists related to this incident.The employee will be identified once all next of kin have been notified. The investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.

Update: KBI conducting death investigation of police department employee

MCPHERSON — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged school threat and have a student in custody.

On Wednesday, the McPherson Police Department received a report concerning a 15-year-old student threatening to commit violence at the McPherson High School, 801 East First Street, according to a social media report from police.

Police took the student into custody for disorderly conduct. USD 418 released no additional details late Wednesday afternoon.

MCPHERSON — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged school threat and have a student in custody.On Wednesday, the McPherson Police Department received a report concerning a 15-year-old student threatening to commit violence at the McPherson High School, 801 East First Street, according to a social media report from police.Police took the student into custody for disorderly conduct. USD 418 released no additional details late Wednesday afternoon.

Police: 15-year-old in custody for alleged threat at Kan. high school

LAWRENCE, KAN. (AP) — A Kansas man accused of selling fake Tide laundry detergent has been fined $1,000 and sentenced to a year of probation.

The Kansas attorney general's office say 44-year-old Brian Glenn, of Baldwin City, was sentenced after pleading guilty last week to one misdemeanor county of counterfeiting.

The state previously dismissed a felony counterfeiting charge just before the case was set to go to trial, citing the need for further testing of the laundry soap. In 2016, law enforcement agents and Procter &amp; Gamble representatives had raided Glenn’s home, where he sold 5 gallon buckets of soap for $35 when the same amount of name-brand Tide would have retailed for about $75.

Glenn told an agent that when he sold the soap, he described it as "Tide like" or “Tide type.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582147505935.png" alt="Image courtesy Procter and Gamble" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Procter and Gamble</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, KAN. (AP) — A Kansas man accused of selling fake Tide laundry detergent has been fined $1,000 and sentenced to a year of probation.The Kansas attorney general's office say 44-year-old Brian Glenn, of Baldwin City, was sentenced after pleading guilty last week to one misdemeanor county of counterfeiting.The state previously dismissed a felony counterfeiting charge just before the case was set to go to trial, citing the need for further testing of the laundry soap. In 2016, law enforcement agents and Procter &amp; Gamble representatives had raided Glenn’s home, where he sold 5 gallon buckets of soap for $35 when the same amount of name-brand Tide would have retailed for about $75.Glenn told an agent that when he sold the soap, he described it as "Tide like" or “Tide type.”

Kan. man accused of selling fake Tide detergent sentenced

Thursday morning rollover accident in southwest Kansas<a href="https://www.kscbnews.net/liberal-police-work-rollover-accident/">&nbsp;photo courtesy KSCB</a>

SEWARD COUNTY — A snow plow driver avoided serious injury after a rollover accident on Thursday in Seward County.

Just before 9a.m.,&nbsp;&nbsp;officers were dispatched to the 2400 block of West Pancake Boulevard in Liberal for a reported accident involving a snow plow, according to Police Captain Patrick McClurg.

Responding officers found a Kansas Department of Transportation snow plow on its side in the eastbound lane in front of the Toot N Totum convenience store.

According to investigators, a 2014 Freightliner semi driven by a 30-year-old man was westbound on Pancake Boulevard throwing sand when the vehicle lost traction on the ice under the snow and began to slide.&nbsp;The vehicle slid across the eastbound lanes and struck the curb and flipped onto its side when the tires caught the curb.

The vehicle and a decorative horse statue in front of the business suffered extensive damage. The driver, whose name was not released, was not injured, according to McClurg.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582231033922.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thursday morning rollover accident in southwest Kansas<a href="https://www.kscbnews.net/liberal-police-work-rollover-accident/">&nbsp;photo courtesy KSCB</a>SEWARD COUNTY — A snow plow driver avoided serious injury after a rollover accident on Thursday in Seward County.Just before 9a.m.,&nbsp;&nbsp;officers were dispatched to the 2400 block of West Pancake Boulevard in Liberal for a reported accident involving a snow plow, according to Police Captain Patrick McClurg.Responding officers found a Kansas Department of Transportation snow plow on its side in the eastbound lane in front of the Toot N Totum convenience store.According to investigators, a 2014 Freightliner semi driven by a 30-year-old man was westbound on Pancake Boulevard throwing sand when the vehicle lost traction on the ice under the snow and began to slide.&nbsp;The vehicle slid across the eastbound lanes and struck the curb and flipped onto its side when the tires caught the curb.The vehicle and a decorative horse statue in front of the business suffered extensive damage. The driver, whose name was not released, was not injured, according to McClurg.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Police: KDOT snowplow overturns on the ice in SW Kansas

DAYTONA BEACH (AP) — NASCAR driver Ryan Newman has been treated and released from Halifax Medical Center after&nbsp;his horrific crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500.

Roush Fenway Racing released an update on its driver Tuesday, about 20 hours after Newman's car slammed into the wall at nearly 200 mph, flipped, got T-boned by another car, flipped several more times and skidded to a halt in flames.

Everyone watching feared the worst Monday night and had to wait nearly two hours to learn that Newman's injuries were not considered life-threatening. The latest update was more good news for the 42-year driver and 2008 Daytona 500 champion.

Newman turned hard into the wall after getting bumped from behind by Ryan Blaney a few hundred feet from the finish line. Newman’s No. 6 Ford then flipped onto its roof, where he was helpless as he was walloped in the driver’s side by another car at 190 mph.

Newman's car continued to skid upside down along the speedway and crossed the finish line in flames as safety crews hurried to snuff out the fire and cut Newman loose. It took about 8 minutes for workers to roll his car rightside-up, and medical personnel used black screens to block spectator views as Newman was placed in a waiting ambulance and taken to Halifax Medical Center.

A sense of relief spread across Daytona International Speedway. There has not been a fatality in NASCAR's elite Cup Series since Dale Earnhardt died in a crash on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500.

Nineteen years later, it’s clear that Earnhardt’s death probably saved Newman’s life. NASCAR spent the last two decades working to improve safety regulations by installing energy-absorbing walls around tracks, mandating the use of head-and-neck restraints attached to helmets and continuing to make improvements to the cars.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Ryan Newman is fully alert, walking around the hospital and joking with staff two days after his frightening crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500.

Roush Fenway Racing said Wednesday the 42-year-old driver “continues to show great improvement.” The team added that “true to his jovial nature, he has also been joking around with staff, friends and family while playing with his two daughters.”

The team included a photo of Newman standing in a hospital gown, smiling with his arms around his two young daughters.

Newman was injured Monday night when he crashed while leading NASCAR's biggest race. Contact from Ryan Blaney sent Newman spinning into the wall and his Ford went airborne, where it was then hit by Corey LaJoie in the driver side door.

The car landed on its roof, slid across Daytona International Speedway and came to a rest upside down and on fire, with gasoline pouring out of the vehicle. It took a safety team nearly 20 minutes to remove Newman from the car and he was taken to a Daytona Beach hospital.

No details regarding what injuries Newman has have been released. The team also has not announced who will drive the No. 6 Ford at Las Vegas this weekend.

Meanwhile, both Blaney and LaJoie have stepped back from racing to process their roles in the accident. LaJoie climbed from his own burning car and dropped to his knees on the track, learning only after he was checked at the care center that Newman was injured.

Blaney seemed distraught as he paced beside his car following his second-place finish to Denny Hamlin.

Bubba Wallace, one of Blaney's best friends, said he spent time with Blaney on Tuesday and advised him to stay off social media for a few days.

“He's holding up, of course devastated and bummed about the situation,” Wallace posted on Twitter. “Had to sit there and explain to him could've happened to him or any of us in the field. IT'S RACING. Just unfortunate to be on either end of it.”

Wallace also praised Blaney's atttempt to push Newman to the win in a move of brand alliance for Ford. It was when Blaney tried to lock onto Newman's bumper to give him a shove that the cars didn't align properly and Newman was hooked into a spin.

“I know Ford should be proud to have him under their banner because he was so content on pushing his Ford teammate to win the biggest race of the year,” Wallace continued. “Which makes it worse (because) a simple selfless gesture went south in the blink of an eye.”

DAYTONA BEACH (AP) — NASCAR driver Ryan Newman has been treated and released from Halifax Medical Center after&nbsp;his horrific crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ryan Newman has been treated and released from Halifax Medical Center <a href="https://t.co/J0twhGgQm7">pic.twitter.com/J0twhGgQm7</a>&mdash; Roush Fenway (@roushfenway) <a href="https://twitter.com/roushfenway/status/1230201168091078656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Roush Fenway Racing released an update on its driver Tuesday, about 20 hours after Newman's car slammed into the wall at nearly 200 mph, flipped, got T-boned by another car, flipped several more times and skidded to a halt in flames.Everyone watching feared the worst Monday night and had to wait nearly two hours to learn that Newman's injuries were not considered life-threatening. The latest update was more good news for the 42-year driver and 2008 Daytona 500 champion.Newman turned hard into the wall after getting bumped from behind by Ryan Blaney a few hundred feet from the finish line. Newman’s No. 6 Ford then flipped onto its roof, where he was helpless as he was walloped in the driver’s side by another car at 190 mph.Newman's car continued to skid upside down along the speedway and crossed the finish line in flames as safety crews hurried to snuff out the fire and cut Newman loose. It took about 8 minutes for workers to roll his car rightside-up, and medical personnel used black screens to block spectator views as Newman was placed in a waiting ambulance and taken to Halifax Medical Center.A sense of relief spread across Daytona International Speedway. There has not been a fatality in NASCAR's elite Cup Series since Dale Earnhardt died in a crash on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500.Nineteen years later, it’s clear that Earnhardt’s death probably saved Newman’s life. NASCAR spent the last two decades working to improve safety regulations by installing energy-absorbing walls around tracks, mandating the use of head-and-neck restraints attached to helmets and continuing to make improvements to the cars.------CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Ryan Newman is fully alert, walking around the hospital and joking with staff two days after his frightening crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500.Roush Fenway Racing said Wednesday the 42-year-old driver “continues to show great improvement.” The team added that “true to his jovial nature, he has also been joking around with staff, friends and family while playing with his two daughters.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/0E9nsS2j7e">pic.twitter.com/0E9nsS2j7e</a>&mdash; Ryan Newman (@RyanJNewman) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanJNewman/status/1230186084195356672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The team included a photo of Newman standing in a hospital gown, smiling with his arms around his two young daughters.Newman was injured Monday night when he crashed while leading NASCAR's biggest race. Contact from Ryan Blaney sent Newman spinning into the wall and his Ford went airborne, where it was then hit by Corey LaJoie in the driver side door.The car landed on its roof, slid across Daytona International Speedway and came to a rest upside down and on fire, with gasoline pouring out of the vehicle. It took a safety team nearly 20 minutes to remove Newman from the car and he was taken to a Daytona Beach hospital.No details regarding what injuries Newman has have been released. The team also has not announced who will drive the No. 6 Ford at Las Vegas this weekend.Meanwhile, both Blaney and LaJoie have stepped back from racing to process their roles in the accident. LaJoie climbed from his own burning car and dropped to his knees on the track, learning only after he was checked at the care center that Newman was injured.Blaney seemed distraught as he paced beside his car following his second-place finish to Denny Hamlin.Bubba Wallace, one of Blaney's best friends, said he spent time with Blaney on Tuesday and advised him to stay off social media for a few days.“He's holding up, of course devastated and bummed about the situation,” Wallace posted on Twitter. “Had to sit there and explain to him could've happened to him or any of us in the field. IT'S RACING. Just unfortunate to be on either end of it.”Wallace also praised Blaney's atttempt to push Newman to the win in a move of brand alliance for Ford. It was when Blaney tried to lock onto Newman's bumper to give him a shove that the cars didn't align properly and Newman was hooked into a spin.“I know Ford should be proud to have him under their banner because he was so content on pushing his Ford teammate to win the biggest race of the year,” Wallace continued. “Which makes it worse (because) a simple selfless gesture went south in the blink of an eye.”___

Ryan Newman released from hospital after Daytona 500 crash

ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) — Three relatives of an 11-year-old girl who gave birth in the bathtub of her suburban St. Louis home are facing criminal charges.

An adult female and adult male are charged with child endangerment. A 17-year-old identified as Norvin Lopez-Cante  is charged with incest as well as statutory rape and statutory sodomy of a child younger than 12. All three live in St. Charles.

Police started investigating after the adult male brought an infant to a hospital on Feb. 11. Charging documents said the baby still had the umbilical cord and placenta attached and had a body temperature of just 90 degrees.

The man initially said someone dropped the infant off on his front porch. He later explained that he was a relative. He said he did not know the girl was pregnant or that she was being sexually assaulted until she gave birth.

During questioning, the teen told police he had sex with the girl about 100 times but did not know she was pregnant, according to charging documents.

The woman, who was charged Tuesday, is accused of failing to provide the girl medical care when she gave birth.

The man identified as Francisco Javier Gonzalez-Lopez was charged last week and bond was set at $10,000 cash only. Charging documents say he entered the country illegally and was previously deported.

Bail also was set at $10,000 for the woman and $25,000 for the teen. No attorneys are listed for them in online court records.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582138988387.png" alt="Norvin Lopez-Cante -photo St. Charles Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Norvin Lopez-Cante -photo St. Charles Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) — Three relatives of an 11-year-old girl who gave birth in the bathtub of her suburban St. Louis home are facing criminal charges.An adult female and adult male are charged with child endangerment. A 17-year-old identified as Norvin Lopez-Cante is charged with incest as well as statutory rape and statutory sodomy of a child younger than 12. All three live in St. Charles.Police started investigating after the adult male brought an infant to a hospital on Feb. 11. Charging documents said the baby still had the umbilical cord and placenta attached and had a body temperature of just 90 degrees.The man initially said someone dropped the infant off on his front porch. He later explained that he was a relative. He said he did not know the girl was pregnant or that she was being sexually assaulted until she gave birth.During questioning, the teen told police he had sex with the girl about 100 times but did not know she was pregnant, according to charging documents.The woman, who was charged Tuesday, is accused of failing to provide the girl medical care when she gave birth.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582139220621.png" alt="Francisco Javier Gonzalez-Lopez-photo St. Charles Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Francisco Javier Gonzalez-Lopez-photo St. Charles Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>The man identified as Francisco Javier Gonzalez-Lopez was charged last week and bond was set at $10,000 cash only. Charging documents say he entered the country illegally and was previously deported.Bail also was set at $10,000 for the woman and $25,000 for the teen. No attorneys are listed for them in online court records.&nbsp;

3 charged after 11-year-old gives birth in Missouri bathtub

Topeka, Kan. (AP) —Kansas lawmakers are considering measures that would require the public disclosure of information from investigations when a law enforcement officer kills someone and isn’t charged with a crime over the death.

But law enforcement officials expressed strong reservations about two disclosure bills during a House Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday. Critics said requiring disclosure could endanger witnesses or make them less likely to cooperate fully and could allow private or embarrassing information about the deceased or their families to circulate.

The bills were inspired by the fatal shooting by a police officer of a Kansas City-area teenager in January 2018 as he backed a minivan out of his family’s garage. The incident also prompted a federal lawsuit and a $2.3 million settlement and Sheila Albers, of Overland Park, the teenager's mother, testified that she and her husband still haven't seen most of the information from the investigation into their son's death.

“My husband and I find it grossly unacceptable that we have not seen any of the material used to clear the officer who shot my son,” she said.

One bill, sponsored by Democratic Rep. David Benson, of Overland Park, would require investigators who review an officer-involved death to make their report public if the local prosecutor declines to file charges against the officer. The report could be edited to withhold some names, addresses and personal information.

Law enforcement officials said the bill could allow the disclosure of sensitive, misleading or false information gathered during an investigation of a death involving an officer.

“Witnesses are much less likely to provide true and accurate statements when they believe they'll be publicly identified,” said Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Kirk Thompson.

The other bill, sponsored by Republican Reps. Chris Croft, of Overland Park, and John Resman, of Olathe, would require the prosecutor to release a report summarizing the investigation in such cases, but only after the family of the person killed has been given a chance to read it.

Law enforcement officials had less heartburn with the measure but suggested that a partial disclosure of only a summary would not build public trust.

“Both of them are trying to put a cookie-cutter approach to very dynamic situations., said Bel Aire Police Chief Darrell Atteberry.

In Overland Park, 17-year-old John Albers was killed after officers responded to a report that he was making suicidal comments on social media. Dashcam police video showed the minivan slowly backing out when two shots are fired from the side, and then whipping around backward toward the house again as an officer fired 11 more times.

The officer resigned after the shooting, but prosecutors declined to file charges. The city did not acknowledge wrongdoing in agreeing to the settlement of the federal lawsuit.

Sheila Albers told the committee that a lack of public disclosure about her son's case “retraumatized the community.” She was joined in advocating Benson's bill by open government groups.

“The reason we're here is disclosure. It is building public trust in the law enforcement agencies we have," Benson said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580940702301.png" alt="Topeka police on the scene of an officer-involved shooting in January - photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Topeka police on the scene of an officer-involved shooting in January - photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka, Kan. (AP) —Kansas lawmakers are considering measures that would require the public disclosure of information from investigations when a law enforcement officer kills someone and isn’t charged with a crime over the death.But law enforcement officials expressed strong reservations about two disclosure bills during a House Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday. Critics said requiring disclosure could endanger witnesses or make them less likely to cooperate fully and could allow private or embarrassing information about the deceased or their families to circulate.The bills were inspired by the fatal shooting by a police officer of a Kansas City-area teenager in January 2018 as he backed a minivan out of his family’s garage. The incident also prompted a federal lawsuit and a $2.3 million settlement and Sheila Albers, of Overland Park, the teenager's mother, testified that she and her husband still haven't seen most of the information from the investigation into their son's death.“My husband and I find it grossly unacceptable that we have not seen any of the material used to clear the officer who shot my son,” she said.One bill, sponsored by Democratic Rep. David Benson, of Overland Park, would require investigators who review an officer-involved death to make their report public if the local prosecutor declines to file charges against the officer. The report could be edited to withhold some names, addresses and personal information.Law enforcement officials said the bill could allow the disclosure of sensitive, misleading or false information gathered during an investigation of a death involving an officer.“Witnesses are much less likely to provide true and accurate statements when they believe they'll be publicly identified,” said Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Kirk Thompson.The other bill, sponsored by Republican Reps. Chris Croft, of Overland Park, and John Resman, of Olathe, would require the prosecutor to release a report summarizing the investigation in such cases, but only after the family of the person killed has been given a chance to read it.Law enforcement officials had less heartburn with the measure but suggested that a partial disclosure of only a summary would not build public trust.“Both of them are trying to put a cookie-cutter approach to very dynamic situations., said Bel Aire Police Chief Darrell Atteberry.In Overland Park, 17-year-old John Albers was killed after officers responded to a report that he was making suicidal comments on social media. Dashcam police video showed the minivan slowly backing out when two shots are fired from the side, and then whipping around backward toward the house again as an officer fired 11 more times.The officer resigned after the shooting, but prosecutors declined to file charges. The city did not acknowledge wrongdoing in agreeing to the settlement of the federal lawsuit.Sheila Albers told the committee that a lack of public disclosure about her son's case “retraumatized the community.” She was joined in advocating Benson's bill by open government groups.“The reason we're here is disclosure. It is building public trust in the law enforcement agencies we have," Benson said.

Kansas considers more disclosure on officer-involved deaths

GEARY COUNTY — City commissioners removed the more than two decades old ban on pit bulls in Junction City Tuesday night with a narrow 3-2 vote.

Commissioner Tim Brown voted against removing the ban. He is a former police chief, and he referred to cases he saw people injured in pit bull attacks. "This has always been a public safety issue to me. If you fault me for that so be it. This has always been about public safety."

Commissioner Nate Butler noted that he had talked with many people and six months to one year ago he was against lifting the ban. However, after doing research on the topic he changed his mind.&nbsp; He said, "you have to look at the statistics, and when you look at the population and citizens of the community a specific ban ordinance was the problem."

The city will still impose some restrictions on the breed including a limit of two pit bulls per owner or dwelling, a requirement to have the dog micro chipped, the dogs must be spayed or neutered and the owner cannot have had a felony drug conviction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581349739778.jpeg" alt="Photo by Lucas Ludwig on Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Lucas Ludwig on Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://jcpost.com/">JC Post.com</a>GEARY COUNTY — City commissioners removed the more than two decades old ban on pit bulls in Junction City Tuesday night with a narrow 3-2 vote.Commissioner Tim Brown voted against removing the ban. He is a former police chief, and he referred to cases he saw people injured in pit bull attacks. "This has always been a public safety issue to me. If you fault me for that so be it. This has always been about public safety."Commissioner Nate Butler noted that he had talked with many people and six months to one year ago he was against lifting the ban. However, after doing research on the topic he changed his mind.&nbsp; He said, "you have to look at the statistics, and when you look at the population and citizens of the community a specific ban ordinance was the problem."The city will still impose some restrictions on the breed including a limit of two pit bulls per owner or dwelling, a requirement to have the dog micro chipped, the dogs must be spayed or neutered and the owner cannot have had a felony drug conviction.

Commissioners vote to lift pit bull ban in Junction City

BARTON COUNTY— Wanted Kansas felon Miles Jackson is in custody. According to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, Jackson was arrested Tuesday night in Pawnee County. Jackson was wanted on a Kansas Department of Corrections violations warrant for drug charges and battery. 

He has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated battery and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;

BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for help to locate 35-year-old Miles Jackson.

According to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellinder, Jackson is wanted for a Kansas Department of Corrections violations warrant for drug charges and battery.&nbsp;

Jackson is described as 6-foot-3 inches tall and 180 pounds. He is known to be in the Great Bend and Larned areas.

Anyone with information of Jackson is asked to contact police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582068161503.png" alt="Miles Jackson photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Miles Jackson photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY— Wanted Kansas felon Miles Jackson is in custody. According to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, Jackson was arrested Tuesday night in Pawnee County. Jackson was wanted on a Kansas Department of Corrections violations warrant for drug charges and battery. He has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated battery and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;----------BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for help to locate 35-year-old Miles Jackson.According to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellinder, Jackson is wanted for a Kansas Department of Corrections violations warrant for drug charges and battery.&nbsp;Jackson is described as 6-foot-3 inches tall and 180 pounds. He is known to be in the Great Bend and Larned areas.He has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated battery and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;Anyone with information of Jackson is asked to contact police.

Sheriff: Wanted Kansas felon is in custody

KANSAS CITY, KAN. (AP)&nbsp;— The son of a school crossing guard who was struck and killed in Kansas City, Kansas, described his father as “selfless."

The Kansas City Star reports that Bart Nill, said his father, 88-year-old Bob Nill, was dedicated to the job and wasn't surprised that he saved two children from being hit before he was struck Tuesday near Christ the King Parish School. He died at a hospital.

“He loved kids so much,” Bart Nill said, recalling the detailed instructions his father gave him one day when he filled in for him because his father was having heart problems. Bob Nill had been a crossing guard for five years.

The driver of a black sedan that hit the guard was taken to a hospital, but no children were hurt. The school said on social media that Bob Nill was a hero.

Kansas City (AP)—A crossing guard who died after being hit by a vehicle in Kansas City, Kansas, saved the lives of two children before the impact, a school principal said.

The guard was struck early Tuesday near Christ the King Parish School in Kansas City, Kansas, and died later at a hospital. His name wasn't immediately released pending notification of family members. No children were injured, police spokesman Jonathon Westbrook said.

Christ the King principal Cathy Fithian said two students were getting ready to cross the street when the guard yelled at them to stop, preventing them from being in the car's path, The Kansas City Star reported.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kansas City, Kansas, police say a crossing guard died after being hit by a car while trying to stop traffic near an elementary school. 

Police spokesman Jonathon Westbrook says the guard was hit early Tuesday near the Christ the King Parish school. No children were injured. The crossing guard was employed through the city. The driver of a black sedan that hit the guard was taken to a hospital. No further details were immediately released.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582051079224.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation <a href="https://www.kctv5.com/crossing-guard-hit-and-killed-in-kansas-city-kansas/video_e4a62d87-83ee-51db-801d-fce0e9c9eee2.html">photo courtesy KCTV</a>" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation <a href="https://www.kctv5.com/crossing-guard-hit-and-killed-in-kansas-city-kansas/video_e4a62d87-83ee-51db-801d-fce0e9c9eee2.html">photo courtesy KCTV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. (AP)&nbsp;— The son of a school crossing guard who was struck and killed in Kansas City, Kansas, described his father as “selfless."The Kansas City Star reports that Bart Nill, said his father, 88-year-old Bob Nill, was dedicated to the job and wasn't surprised that he saved two children from being hit before he was struck Tuesday near Christ the King Parish School. He died at a hospital.“He loved kids so much,” Bart Nill said, recalling the detailed instructions his father gave him one day when he filled in for him because his father was having heart problems. Bob Nill had been a crossing guard for five years.The driver of a black sedan that hit the guard was taken to a hospital, but no children were hurt. The school said on social media that Bob Nill was a hero.The investigation is continuing.-----------------Kansas City (AP)—A crossing guard who died after being hit by a vehicle in Kansas City, Kansas, saved the lives of two children before the impact, a school principal said.The guard was struck early Tuesday near Christ the King Parish School in Kansas City, Kansas, and died later at a hospital. His name wasn't immediately released pending notification of family members. No children were injured, police spokesman Jonathon Westbrook said.Christ the King principal Cathy Fithian said two students were getting ready to cross the street when the guard yelled at them to stop, preventing them from being in the car's path, The Kansas City Star reported.-----------KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kansas City, Kansas, police say a crossing guard died after being hit by a car while trying to stop traffic near an elementary school. Police spokesman Jonathon Westbrook says the guard was hit early Tuesday near the Christ the King Parish school. No children were injured. The crossing guard was employed through the city. The driver of a black sedan that hit the guard was taken to a hospital. No further details were immediately released.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. school crossing guard killed protecting children lauded as hero

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the shooting death of a Kansas man.

Just before 7p..m.&nbsp; Sunday, police were at St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita when they had contact with 21-year-old Israel Norwood.&nbsp; 

He was the front seat passenger of a 2007 Chevy Impala, had suffered a gunshot wound to his body and died at the hospital, according to Wichita police Lt. Christian Cory.

Norwood's 17 and 18-year-old brothers had also been in the vehicle that arrived at the hospital. The 18-year-old fled from the hospital on foot. Police later located him in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The brothers and other family members have been uncooperative with the investigation, according to Cory.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police ask for anyone with information on the shooting to contact them.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the shooting death of a Kansas man.Just before 7p..m.&nbsp; Sunday, police were at St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita when they had contact with 21-year-old Israel Norwood.&nbsp; He was the front seat passenger of a 2007 Chevy Impala, had suffered a gunshot wound to his body and died at the hospital, according to Wichita police Lt. Christian Cory.Norwood's 17 and 18-year-old brothers had also been in the vehicle that arrived at the hospital. The 18-year-old fled from the hospital on foot. Police later located him in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;The brothers and other family members have been uncooperative with the investigation, according to Cory.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police ask for anyone with information on the shooting to contact them.

Police: 21-year-old Kan. man dead; brothers won't say who shot him

PAWNEE COUNTY — A Kansas man accused in the August 2019 shooting a pit bull puppy that had to be euthanized entered a guilty plea to one charge in the case Tuesday, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

Tiffany Willinger, 51, plead no contest to cruelty to animals done without malicious intent; shot the pit bull puppy multiple times.

With the plea, the state agreed to drop the second charge that included&nbsp;Interference with Law Enforcement and providing false information to a Pawnee County Sheriff’s Deputy.

The defense attorney advised the court that Willinger had planned to put the puppy down because it was vicious. Willinger expressed remorse as to the way he attempted to euthanize the puppy and for abandoning the wounded animal once his attempt to kill it failed, according McNett.

Pawnee County Judge Julie Cowell accepted the plea agreement and sentenced Willinger to a 12-month underlying jail sentenced suspended to 30 days in the Pawnee County Jail, according to McNett.

In August 2019, The approximately 7 or 8-month-old male pit bull puppy was found on O Road between 110th&nbsp;and 120th&nbsp;Roads just north of Larned, according to Sheriff Scott King.&nbsp;Someone shot the dog eight times with a .22 caliber rifle

With the assistance of social media, the sheriff’s office posted photos on Facebook and followed leads to make an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574364281132.png" alt="Willinger photo Pawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Willinger photo Pawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY — A Kansas man accused in the August 2019 shooting a pit bull puppy that had to be euthanized entered a guilty plea to one charge in the case Tuesday, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.Tiffany Willinger, 51, plead no contest to cruelty to animals done without malicious intent; shot the pit bull puppy multiple times.With the plea, the state agreed to drop the second charge that included&nbsp;Interference with Law Enforcement and providing false information to a Pawnee County Sheriff’s Deputy.The defense attorney advised the court that Willinger had planned to put the puppy down because it was vicious. Willinger expressed remorse as to the way he attempted to euthanize the puppy and for abandoning the wounded animal once his attempt to kill it failed, according McNett.Pawnee County Judge Julie Cowell accepted the plea agreement and sentenced Willinger to a 12-month underlying jail sentenced suspended to 30 days in the Pawnee County Jail, according to McNett.In August 2019, The approximately 7 or 8-month-old male pit bull puppy was found on O Road between 110th&nbsp;and 120th&nbsp;Roads just north of Larned, according to Sheriff Scott King.&nbsp;Someone shot the dog eight times with a .22 caliber rifleWith the assistance of social media, the sheriff’s office posted photos on Facebook and followed leads to make an arrest.

Kansas man sentenced for shooting, abandoning puppy

By STEPHEN KORANDA, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-medicaid-expansion-blocked-supporters-frustrated-and-lawmakers-considering-nuclear#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas legislative session 
began with what seemed like a done deal for expanding Medicaid. Gov. 
Laura Kelly and a top Republican senator had <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-paves-medicaid-expansion-path-after-governor-and-top-republican-break-partisan-logjam" target="_blank">forged a compromise</a> to offer health coverage for up to 130,000 low-income Kansans.

About a month later, the deal<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/four-kansas-republicans-stopped-their-partys-anti-abortion-bill-gop-says-its-not-over"> has </a><a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/four-kansas-republicans-stopped-their-partys-anti-abortion-bill-gop-says-its-not-over" target="_blank">ground to a halt </a>—
 and even the state budget could be held up — because of abortion 
politics. Medicaid supporters are irritated. Moderate Republicans and 
Democrats are ready to fight back with delays. And abortion opponents 
haven’t budged.

“I’m pretty frustrated,” said Republican Sen. 
Randall Hardy, who supports expanding Medicaid. “I’m willing to consider
 almost anything at this point.”

The strategy of holding up the 
Legislature to get Medicaid expansion is a risky play, Washburn 
University political science professor Bob Beatty said. It could anger 
voters if the delay drags on to the point that important services like 
roads and law enforcement aren’t funded.

“This is the nuclear 
option,” Beatty said, “because the last thing voters, constituents and 
even legislators want is for the Legislature to not be able to do 
anything, including funding programs that everybody agrees should be 
funded.”

The Senate already passed the proposed constitutional amendment on abortion, which would overturn <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-supreme-court-state-constitution-protects-abortion-rights#stream/0" target="_blank">a court ruling</a> that said the state constitution gurantees women a right to the procedure. But the House <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/four-kansas-republicans-stopped-their-partys-anti-abortion-bill-gop-says-its-not-over?nopop=1#stream/0" target="_blank">narrowly rejected it</a>&nbsp;on Feb. 7.

That
 led the influential anti-abortion group Kansans for Life to call for 
blocking Medicaid expansion until the amendment is on a ballot, 
something Republican Senate President Susan Wagle has promised will 
happen.

Abortion opponents say the delay is necessary, fearing 
that the court ruling on abortion rights could lead to state money being
 used for abortions through an expanded Medicaid program.

“If we 
want to be able to protect human life and protect the citizens of Kansas
 from being forced to fund abortions through Medicaid, then this is just
 a position that we have to take,” Kansans For Life’s Director of 
Government Relations Jeanne Gawdun said earlier this month.

Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, the Republican who helped draft the Medicaid compromise, is <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/kansas-leader-decries-attempts-to-tie-abortion-medicaid/" target="_blank">pushing back</a>, saying state funding would not go to abortion due to federal law.

Last year, Democrats and moderate Republicans tried holding up the budget <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas/articles/2019-05-03/medicaid-expansion-backers-in-kansas-to-try-to-block-budget" target="_blank">in the House</a>
 to get Medicaid expansion, but ultimately didn’t have enough votes. The
 top Democrat in the House said expansion is such a high priority this 
year that they’re willing to try again if needed.

“We will keep discussing it with them to get that leverage,” House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer said.

Since
 Republicans hold strong majorities in both chambers, Democrats would 
need to attract a healthy number of Republicans like Hardy if they hope 
to successfully block any bills.

Meanwhile, Medicaid supporters held a rally last week, shouting their disapproval of the whole situation inside the Statehouse.

“There’s
 been one delay after another,” Alliance for a Healthy Kansas Executive 
Director April Holman said, “with no end in sight.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581950030848.jpeg" alt=" Medicaid expansion advocates attend a rally last month at the Kansas Statehouse. Stephen Koranda / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Medicaid expansion advocates attend a rally last month at the Kansas Statehouse. Stephen Koranda / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHEN KORANDA, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-medicaid-expansion-blocked-supporters-frustrated-and-lawmakers-considering-nuclear#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas legislative session 
began with what seemed like a done deal for expanding Medicaid. Gov. 
Laura Kelly and a top Republican senator had <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-paves-medicaid-expansion-path-after-governor-and-top-republican-break-partisan-logjam" target="_blank">forged a compromise</a> to offer health coverage for up to 130,000 low-income Kansans.About a month later, the deal<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/four-kansas-republicans-stopped-their-partys-anti-abortion-bill-gop-says-its-not-over"> has </a><a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/four-kansas-republicans-stopped-their-partys-anti-abortion-bill-gop-says-its-not-over" target="_blank">ground to a halt </a>—
 and even the state budget could be held up — because of abortion 
politics. Medicaid supporters are irritated. Moderate Republicans and 
Democrats are ready to fight back with delays. And abortion opponents 
haven’t budged.“I’m pretty frustrated,” said Republican Sen. 
Randall Hardy, who supports expanding Medicaid. “I’m willing to consider
 almost anything at this point.”The strategy of holding up the 
Legislature to get Medicaid expansion is a risky play, Washburn 
University political science professor Bob Beatty said. It could anger 
voters if the delay drags on to the point that important services like 
roads and law enforcement aren’t funded.“This is the nuclear 
option,” Beatty said, “because the last thing voters, constituents and 
even legislators want is for the Legislature to not be able to do 
anything, including funding programs that everybody agrees should be 
funded.”The Senate already passed the proposed constitutional amendment on abortion, which would overturn <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-supreme-court-state-constitution-protects-abortion-rights#stream/0" target="_blank">a court ruling</a> that said the state constitution gurantees women a right to the procedure. But the House <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/four-kansas-republicans-stopped-their-partys-anti-abortion-bill-gop-says-its-not-over?nopop=1#stream/0" target="_blank">narrowly rejected it</a>&nbsp;on Feb. 7.That
 led the influential anti-abortion group Kansans for Life to call for 
blocking Medicaid expansion until the amendment is on a ballot, 
something Republican Senate President Susan Wagle has promised will 
happen.Abortion opponents say the delay is necessary, fearing 
that the court ruling on abortion rights could lead to state money being
 used for abortions through an expanded Medicaid program.“If we 
want to be able to protect human life and protect the citizens of Kansas
 from being forced to fund abortions through Medicaid, then this is just
 a position that we have to take,” Kansans For Life’s Director of 
Government Relations Jeanne Gawdun said earlier this month.Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, the Republican who helped draft the Medicaid compromise, is <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/kansas-leader-decries-attempts-to-tie-abortion-medicaid/" target="_blank">pushing back</a>, saying state funding would not go to abortion due to federal law.Last year, Democrats and moderate Republicans tried holding up the budget <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas/articles/2019-05-03/medicaid-expansion-backers-in-kansas-to-try-to-block-budget" target="_blank">in the House</a>
 to get Medicaid expansion, but ultimately didn’t have enough votes. The
 top Democrat in the House said expansion is such a high priority this 
year that they’re willing to try again if needed.“We will keep discussing it with them to get that leverage,” House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer said.Since
 Republicans hold strong majorities in both chambers, Democrats would 
need to attract a healthy number of Republicans like Hardy if they hope 
to successfully block any bills.Meanwhile, Medicaid supporters held a rally last week, shouting their disapproval of the whole situation inside the Statehouse.“There’s
 been one delay after another,” Alliance for a Healthy Kansas Executive 
Director April Holman said, “with no end in sight.”Stephen Koranda is the Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/kprkoranda">@kprkoranda</a>.

 Kan. Medicaid expansion blocked — lawmakers considering 'nuclear option' 

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City-area man&nbsp;faces a dozen felony counts in connection with the kidnapping, assault and raping of three unrelated female victims in 2019 and 2020 incidents, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Kevin W. March 39, Grandview, Mo., is jailed on requested charges that include Robbery, four counts of Kidnapping, Assault and three counts of Sodomy, Rape or Attempted Rape.

According to court records, three unrelated women have described to Kansas City police detectives how they met the defendant on Craigslist in May 2019 and in two incidents in January 2020 tied them up, gagged them, forced them to ingest drugs, forced them to perform sex acts on the defendant and others, and stole property from them. &nbsp;Some of the woman were bound for hours.

Prosecutors have requested a bond of $500,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582031402645.png" alt="March photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>March photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City-area man&nbsp;faces a dozen felony counts in connection with the kidnapping, assault and raping of three unrelated female victims in 2019 and 2020 incidents, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Kevin W. March 39, Grandview, Mo., is jailed on requested charges that include Robbery, four counts of Kidnapping, Assault and three counts of Sodomy, Rape or Attempted Rape.According to court records, three unrelated women have described to Kansas City police detectives how they met the defendant on Craigslist in May 2019 and in two incidents in January 2020 tied them up, gagged them, forced them to ingest drugs, forced them to perform sex acts on the defendant and others, and stole property from them. &nbsp;Some of the woman were bound for hours.Prosecutors have requested a bond of $500,000.

KC-area man accused of violent assault of women he met online

Damage done to the wheat field.&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two&nbsp; suspects who&nbsp; led deputies on a chase through northwest and west-central Saline County before being on Monday morning.

Just before 2a.m., a deputy on patrol noticed a black 2002 Lexus LS430 parked on Watkins Road, just west of Hedville Road, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan. When the deputy went to check on the car, it sped off wesbound on Watkins Road, south on Brookville Road and&nbsp; to Kansas Highway 140 (K-140, east to Hohneck Road and then entered a wheat field at the southwest corner of Hohneck Road and Magnolia Road where it became stuck.

During the investigation, it was determined that the car had been reported stolen in Wichita, according to Soldan. Additionally, marijuana and methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia were found in the car.

Taylor Horstman. Photo Saline County Sheriff

The driver, Taylor Horstman, 23, of Wichita, was arrested on requested charges that include Possession of marijuana, Possession of methamphetamine Possession of drug paraphernalia, Flee and elude, Reckless driving, Criminal damage to property and Possession of stolen property

Andrew Mercer.&nbsp;Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office

A passenger in the car, Andrew Mercer, 27, of Wichita, was jailed on requested charges that include Possession of marijuana, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia. An estimated $200 worth of damage was done to the wheat field, according to Soldan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582047492647.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Damage done to the wheat field.&nbsp;Photo Saline County SheriffSEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two&nbsp; suspects who&nbsp; led deputies on a chase through northwest and west-central Saline County before being on Monday morning.Just before 2a.m., a deputy on patrol noticed a black 2002 Lexus LS430 parked on Watkins Road, just west of Hedville Road, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan. When the deputy went to check on the car, it sped off wesbound on Watkins Road, south on Brookville Road and&nbsp; to Kansas Highway 140 (K-140, east to Hohneck Road and then entered a wheat field at the southwest corner of Hohneck Road and Magnolia Road where it became stuck.During the investigation, it was determined that the car had been reported stolen in Wichita, according to Soldan. Additionally, marijuana and methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia were found in the car.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581955914066.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Taylor Horstman. Photo Saline County SheriffThe driver, Taylor Horstman, 23, of Wichita, was arrested on requested charges that include Possession of marijuana, Possession of methamphetamine Possession of drug paraphernalia, Flee and elude, Reckless driving, Criminal damage to property and Possession of stolen property<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581956071433.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Andrew Mercer.&nbsp;Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's OfficeA passenger in the car, Andrew Mercer, 27, of Wichita, was jailed on requested charges that include Possession of marijuana, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia. An estimated $200 worth of damage was done to the wheat field, according to Soldan.

Sheriff: 2 jailed after stolen Lexus gets stuck in Kan. wheat field

WICHITA, KAN. (AP) — AN&nbsp;effort to have a Kansas priest who died in a North Korean prison camp reach sainthood could take an important step forward next month.

A panel of archbishops and cardinals will meet March 10 to vote on whether Emil Kapaun is worthy of the title of “Venerable," which is the second step in the process toward sainthood in the Catholic Church. Pope Francis will make the final determination.

Kapaun was named a “Servant of God,” the first step towards canonization, by the church in 1993. If the Venerable title is bestowed, the church would begin the process of investigating alleged miracles attributed to Kapaun.

<a href="https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/father-kapaun/">The Diocese of Wichita </a>has long championed the cause of sainthood for Kapaun, who was raised on a farm in the town of Pilsen.

During the Korean War, Kapaun’s regiment was overrun by Chinese and North Korean soldiers during the Battle of Unsan. Kapaun’s actions during that 1950 battle resulted him being posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Obama decades later.

WICHITA, KAN. (AP) — AN&nbsp;effort to have a Kansas priest who died in a North Korean prison camp reach sainthood could take an important step forward next month.A panel of archbishops and cardinals will meet March 10 to vote on whether Emil Kapaun is worthy of the title of “Venerable," which is the second step in the process toward sainthood in the Catholic Church. Pope Francis will make the final determination.Kapaun was named a “Servant of God,” the first step towards canonization, by the church in 1993. If the Venerable title is bestowed, the church would begin the process of investigating alleged miracles attributed to Kapaun.<a href="https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/father-kapaun/">The Diocese of Wichita </a>has long championed the cause of sainthood for Kapaun, who was raised on a farm in the town of Pilsen.During the Korean War, Kapaun’s regiment was overrun by Chinese and North Korean soldiers during the Battle of Unsan. Kapaun’s actions during that 1950 battle resulted him being posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Obama decades later.