JEFFERSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Sunday in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chrysler Sebring driven by Kyler Michael Postma, 16, Ozawkie, was southbound at 9746 Kansas 4 Highway in Meriden.

The&nbsp; Chrysler traveled into oncoming traffic and struck a northbound 2016 Freightliner semi driven by Michael Keith Stanwix, 39, Grantville.

Postma was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics.

The KHP did not report where Stanwix was transported for treatment. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581905223166.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal Sunday crash photo <a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/One-dead-after-wreck-on-K4-567923171.html">courtesy WIBW TV</a>" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal Sunday crash photo <a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/One-dead-after-wreck-on-K4-567923171.html">courtesy WIBW TV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Sunday in Jefferson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chrysler Sebring driven by Kyler Michael Postma, 16, Ozawkie, was southbound at 9746 Kansas 4 Highway in Meriden.The&nbsp; Chrysler traveled into oncoming traffic and struck a northbound 2016 Freightliner semi driven by Michael Keith Stanwix, 39, Grantville.Postma was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics.The KHP did not report where Stanwix was transported for treatment. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

16-year-old Kansas boy dies after crash with a semi

KANSAS CITY, KAN. –&nbsp;A Kansas man was indicted Thursday on federal charges of assaulting an undercover officer after she paid him $400 for a handgun, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

&nbsp;Nicholas Newman, 19, Kansas City, Kan., was charged with one count of robbery, one count of assaulting a federal officer, one count of brandishing a firearm in a crime of violence and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

&nbsp;An affidavit filed in the case alleges that on Feb. 6, 2020, Newman met the undercover officer in the parking lot of a Sunfresh grocery store at 241 S. 18th&nbsp;Street in Kansas City, Kan. The agent gave Newman $400 and he gave her a .45 caliber Ruger Model P234 pistol. She asked if the gun came with a clip and he said it did. Then Newman reached for the firearm and tried to pull it away from her. During the struggle, the agent shouted for help and a second agent grabbed Newman from behind.

&nbsp;If convicted, Newman could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of felon in possession of a firearm, up to 25 years on the robbery count, up to 20 years on the assault count and not less than five years on the charge of brandishing a firearm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581688953806.png" alt="Nicholas Newman photo Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Nicholas Newman photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. –&nbsp;A Kansas man was indicted Thursday on federal charges of assaulting an undercover officer after she paid him $400 for a handgun, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.&nbsp;Nicholas Newman, 19, Kansas City, Kan., was charged with one count of robbery, one count of assaulting a federal officer, one count of brandishing a firearm in a crime of violence and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.&nbsp;An affidavit filed in the case alleges that on Feb. 6, 2020, Newman met the undercover officer in the parking lot of a Sunfresh grocery store at 241 S. 18th&nbsp;Street in Kansas City, Kan. The agent gave Newman $400 and he gave her a .45 caliber Ruger Model P234 pistol. She asked if the gun came with a clip and he said it did. Then Newman reached for the firearm and tried to pull it away from her. During the struggle, the agent shouted for help and a second agent grabbed Newman from behind.&nbsp;If convicted, Newman could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of felon in possession of a firearm, up to 25 years on the robbery count, up to 20 years on the assault count and not less than five years on the charge of brandishing a firearm.

Indictment: Kan. felon assaulted undercover officer during gun deal

WICHITA, KAN.&nbsp;– A registered sex offender who pleaded guilty to committing child sexual exploitation crimes while still on supervised release in a previous case was sentenced Thursday to 50 years in federal prison, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Daniel Eric Merida, 36, El Dorado, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography, one count of distributing child pornography, one count of transporting child pornography, two counts of possessing child pornography, and one count of sending obscene material to a minor.

In his plea, Merida admitted using the internet to contact a minor beginning in 2012 when she was 12 years old. He used the internet to sexually exploit the victim, sending her obscene material as well as child pornography. 

During a search in March 2018, he was found in possession of additional child pornography. After his arrest in November 2018, a second search revealed the defendant had used online storage to transport more child pornography, and he was in possession of more child pornography on his phone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581625976094.png" alt="Merida photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Merida photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN.&nbsp;– A registered sex offender who pleaded guilty to committing child sexual exploitation crimes while still on supervised release in a previous case was sentenced Thursday to 50 years in federal prison, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Daniel Eric Merida, 36, El Dorado, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography, one count of distributing child pornography, one count of transporting child pornography, two counts of possessing child pornography, and one count of sending obscene material to a minor.In his plea, Merida admitted using the internet to contact a minor beginning in 2012 when she was 12 years old. He used the internet to sexually exploit the victim, sending her obscene material as well as child pornography. During a search in March 2018, he was found in possession of additional child pornography. After his arrest in November 2018, a second search revealed the defendant had used online storage to transport more child pornography, and he was in possession of more child pornography on his phone.

Kansas sex offender sent obscene material to 12-year-old

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Department of Labor on Friday ordered the Shawnee Mission School District to stop enforcing its labor contract with teachers after finding the district wrongly imposed a three-year contract that wasn’t negotiated.

The department’s ruling said the three-year contract was not a good-faith negotiation and was done to interfere with the teachers’ rights., television station KMBC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/ks-dept-of-labor-shawnee-mission-wrong-to-impose-3-year-contract-on-teachers/30934015" target="_blank">reported</a>. The teachers union and school district have typically had year-to-year deals, but the school board unilaterally ordered a three-year deal to be put in place in January.

The National Education Association-Shawnee Mission challenged the order.

In Friday’s order, the Labor Department found that the first of the contract would be allowed, but that the district could not enforce the portion of the contract covering the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years.

District officials maintained the contract was a good deal, with district spokesman David Smith saying the average wage and benefit increase to teachers over the three years was about 11%.

In a statement, the district said it will work with the union to resolve the contract dispute and has reached out to the union “to discuss the decision and will work to identify next steps.”

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Department of Labor on Friday ordered the Shawnee Mission School District to stop enforcing its labor contract with teachers after finding the district wrongly imposed a three-year contract that wasn’t negotiated.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNEAShawneeMission%2Fposts%2F1262334540644288&width=500" width="500" height="468" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>The department’s ruling said the three-year contract was not a good-faith negotiation and was done to interfere with the teachers’ rights., television station KMBC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/ks-dept-of-labor-shawnee-mission-wrong-to-impose-3-year-contract-on-teachers/30934015" target="_blank">reported</a>. The teachers union and school district have typically had year-to-year deals, but the school board unilaterally ordered a three-year deal to be put in place in January.The National Education Association-Shawnee Mission challenged the order.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNEAShawneeMission%2Fposts%2F1262312523979823&width=500" width="500" height="468" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>In Friday’s order, the Labor Department found that the first of the contract would be allowed, but that the district could not enforce the portion of the contract covering the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years.District officials maintained the contract was a good deal, with district spokesman David Smith saying the average wage and benefit increase to teachers over the three years was about 11%.In a statement, the district said it will work with the union to resolve the contract dispute and has reached out to the union “to discuss the decision and will work to identify next steps.”

Kansas officials quash school district's teacher contract

TOPEKA —Two people escaped a Kansas house fire early Saturday morning.

Just after midnight, fire crews responded to a structure fire located at 2511 SE Virginia Avenue in Topeka, according to&nbsp;Deputy Chief Kelly Adams.&nbsp;

 Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the single story wood frame residential structure. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack, keeping it confined to the structure of fire origin. Two occupants had self-evacuated prior to the fire departments arrival.

An investigation determined the fire cause to be&nbsp;accidental, associated with the improper use of a wood burning stove. Estimated dollar loss&nbsp;&nbsp;$18,000.00; of which $17,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $1,000.00 associated with contents loss. Fire crews found no working smoke detectors in the residence, according to Adams.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581820788853.png" alt="Fire early Saturday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Fire early Saturday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Two people escaped a Kansas house fire early Saturday morning.Just after midnight, fire crews responded to a structure fire located at 2511 SE Virginia Avenue in Topeka, according to&nbsp;Deputy Chief Kelly Adams.&nbsp; Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the single story wood frame residential structure. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack, keeping it confined to the structure of fire origin. Two occupants had self-evacuated prior to the fire departments arrival.An investigation determined the fire cause to be&nbsp;accidental, associated with the improper use of a wood burning stove. Estimated dollar loss&nbsp;&nbsp;$18,000.00; of which $17,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $1,000.00 associated with contents loss. Fire crews found no working smoke detectors in the residence, according to Adams.

2 escape Kansas house fire blamed on wood burning stove

WASHINGTON (AP) — A former law clerk said she was repeatedly sexually harassed by the prominent federal judge she worked for, the late Judge Stephen Reinhardt, and that the judiciary’s new system for reporting misconduct remains inadequate.

The former clerk, Olivia Warren, said <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=183925012960114">in congressional testimony </a>Thursday that Reinhardt often made disparaging comments about her appearance and expressed surprise that her husband would be attracted to her. She said the judge had a shelf in his office that was reserved for photographs of female law clerks whom Reinhardt found attractive.

She said the judge called her “a stupid little girl” when she expressed her disappointment in Reinhardt’s unwillingness or inability to grasp the harm of sexual harassment.

Warren, a Harvard Law School graduate, worked for Reinhardt in 2017 and 2018 until his death at age 87. He was a staunch liberal who was appointed by President Jimmy Carter and served for more than 37 years on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. It had been among the more liberal appellate benches until President Donald Trump appointed 10 of its 29 judges since 2018.

Warren now works for the Center for Death Penalty Litigation in Durham, North Carolina. A yearlong clerkship for a federal judge is a coveted job for new and recent law school graduates.

Warren testified at a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee’s panel on the courts about protecting employees of the judiciary from harassment and other workplace misconduct. The hearing follows the reprimand of a federal judge in Kansas, U.S. District Judge Carlos Murguia, for sexually harassing female employees and having an extramarital affair with an offender.

Reinhardt’s wife has also died. An email sent to one of his sons early Thursday was not immediately returned. A before-hours voicemail left with the 9th Circuit in California was also not immediately returned.

Last year, the judiciary revised its codes of conduct for judges and judicial employees to more clearly spell out inappropriate workplace behavior, including sexual harassment.

Under the revisions, judges and judiciary employees have a responsibility to report misconduct. Retaliating against anyone for reporting misconduct is unacceptable.

The changes approved by the policymaking body for the federal court system, the Judicial Conference of the United States, came after more than a year of study and work. The review was prompted by reports of allegations by former law clerks of another 9th Circuit judge, Alex Kozinski, that Kozinski had touched them inappropriately, made lewd comments and shown them pornography.

Kozinski, an appointee of President Ronald Reagan, retired soon after.

The allegations against Kozinski enraged Reinhardt, Warren said. Reinhardt told her he planned to publicly confront one of Kozinski’s accusers at an event at the University of California, Irvine. Leah Litman, a former law professor at the Irvine campus who said Kozinski had touched her inappropriately, acknowledged Thursday that Reinhardt had in fact publicly insulted her. Litman, who now teaches law at the University of Michigan, was in the audience for Warren’s testimony.

Warren said the changes adopted by the judiciary have not removed the barriers that law clerks confront if they want to take the very delicate step of coming forward. She said she received no assurance that her allegations would remain confidential and was stunned that she was told to approach other judges with her complaint.

“Surely there must be some better system than one that requires abused clerks to report their abuse to the courts or the friends and confidantes of their abusers,” Warren said.

Jackie Koszczuk, a spokeswoman for the judiciary, said in a statement that the judiciary is taking Warren’s testimony seriously. “We are committed to addressing this new information and continuing to refine our processes and procedures for protecting our employees and addressing misconduct,” Koszczuk said.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The U.S. House Judiciary Committee has questioned the adequacy of the protections against workplace harassment and misconduct in the judicial branch after a federal judge in Kansas was publicly reprimanded for sexually harassing female employees and having an extramarital affair with an offender.

The Judicial Council for the 10th U.S. Circuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ecb35547ffe84f848330550f330dafe4">admonished U.S. District Judge Carlos Murguia</a>&nbsp;last September for subjecting employees to sexually suggestive comments, inappropriate text messages and excessive, non-work contact.

The Judicial Council’s findings “document very troubling workplace behavior by an active judge that was never reported,” the committee said in a letter to James C. Duff of the Judicial Conference of the United States, Chief Judge Timothy Tymkovich of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and Chief Judge Julie Robinson of the District of Kansas.

The Council has not said what has been done to ensure a safe workplace for Murguia’s co-workers and other employees, the letter says. Murguia is based in Kansas City, Kansas.

The congressional leaders asked what support has been provided for employees who work with Murguia, whether they have been provided an opportunity to seek work elsewhere in the court, when the misconduct began and how many people he harassed. It also seeks answers on whether any of the people he harassed suffered negative personnel decisions and whether any plan is in place to review his personnel decisions.

It asks why none of the employees felt comfortable filing a complaint against Murguia and seeks to discover whether other judges in the federal courts in Kansas were concerned about his behavior.

The committee requested a response by Feb. 20.

While the letter thanks the Judicial Council for making its order against Murguia public, it says partial transparency is “never enough.” The congressional leaders wrote that they hoped there would be a frank examination of the adequacy of the steps taken to address Murguia’s misconduct and what further actions are needed to ensure that the judicial branch provides a safe workplace.

The letter was signed by Chairman Jerald Nadler, Vice Chair Mary Gay Scanlon along with Henry “Hank” Johnson Jr., chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet. and Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr.

In addition, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet plans a hearing Feb. 13 examining the judiciary’s protections against workplace harassment, discrimination and other misconduct. The hearing aims to provide oversight on the judiciary’s steps to reform its policies and to build a record for possible legislation.

Under the federal judiciary’s rules, the 10th Circuit’s decision is not the final step in the process, said David Sellers, spokesman for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Those rules show that the Judicial Council must transmit its order to the Committee on Judicial Conduct and Disability for review.

Murguia, who apologized for his conduct when the Judicial Council issued its rebuke last year, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the congressional leaders’ letter.

Murguia was appointed to his federal judgeship in 1999 by then-President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, after serving as a Kansas district court judge in Kansas City. He was the first Hispanic federal judge appointed in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581633307525.png" alt="Olivia Warren shared her story Thursday- i<a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=183925012960114">mage courtesy CSPAN</a>" />
 <figcaption>Olivia Warren shared her story Thursday- i<a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=183925012960114">mage courtesy CSPAN</a></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A former law clerk said she was repeatedly sexually harassed by the prominent federal judge she worked for, the late Judge Stephen Reinhardt, and that the judiciary’s new system for reporting misconduct remains inadequate.The former clerk, Olivia Warren, said <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=183925012960114">in congressional testimony </a>Thursday that Reinhardt often made disparaging comments about her appearance and expressed surprise that her husband would be attracted to her. She said the judge had a shelf in his office that was reserved for photographs of female law clerks whom Reinhardt found attractive.She said the judge called her “a stupid little girl” when she expressed her disappointment in Reinhardt’s unwillingness or inability to grasp the harm of sexual harassment.Warren, a Harvard Law School graduate, worked for Reinhardt in 2017 and 2018 until his death at age 87. He was a staunch liberal who was appointed by President Jimmy Carter and served for more than 37 years on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. It had been among the more liberal appellate benches until President Donald Trump appointed 10 of its 29 judges since 2018.Warren now works for the Center for Death Penalty Litigation in Durham, North Carolina. A yearlong clerkship for a federal judge is a coveted job for new and recent law school graduates.Warren testified at a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee’s panel on the courts about protecting employees of the judiciary from harassment and other workplace misconduct. The hearing follows the reprimand of a federal judge in Kansas, U.S. District Judge Carlos Murguia, for sexually harassing female employees and having an extramarital affair with an offender.Reinhardt’s wife has also died. An email sent to one of his sons early Thursday was not immediately returned. A before-hours voicemail left with the 9th Circuit in California was also not immediately returned.Last year, the judiciary revised its codes of conduct for judges and judicial employees to more clearly spell out inappropriate workplace behavior, including sexual harassment.Under the revisions, judges and judiciary employees have a responsibility to report misconduct. Retaliating against anyone for reporting misconduct is unacceptable.The changes approved by the policymaking body for the federal court system, the Judicial Conference of the United States, came after more than a year of study and work. The review was prompted by reports of allegations by former law clerks of another 9th Circuit judge, Alex Kozinski, that Kozinski had touched them inappropriately, made lewd comments and shown them pornography.Kozinski, an appointee of President Ronald Reagan, retired soon after.The allegations against Kozinski enraged Reinhardt, Warren said. Reinhardt told her he planned to publicly confront one of Kozinski’s accusers at an event at the University of California, Irvine. Leah Litman, a former law professor at the Irvine campus who said Kozinski had touched her inappropriately, acknowledged Thursday that Reinhardt had in fact publicly insulted her. Litman, who now teaches law at the University of Michigan, was in the audience for Warren’s testimony.Warren said the changes adopted by the judiciary have not removed the barriers that law clerks confront if they want to take the very delicate step of coming forward. She said she received no assurance that her allegations would remain confidential and was stunned that she was told to approach other judges with her complaint.“Surely there must be some better system than one that requires abused clerks to report their abuse to the courts or the friends and confidantes of their abusers,” Warren said.Jackie Koszczuk, a spokeswoman for the judiciary, said in a statement that the judiciary is taking Warren’s testimony seriously. “We are committed to addressing this new information and continuing to refine our processes and procedures for protecting our employees and addressing misconduct,” Koszczuk said.------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The U.S. House Judiciary Committee has questioned the adequacy of the protections against workplace harassment and misconduct in the judicial branch after a federal judge in Kansas was publicly reprimanded for sexually harassing female employees and having an extramarital affair with an offender.The Judicial Council for the 10th U.S. Circuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ecb35547ffe84f848330550f330dafe4">admonished U.S. District Judge Carlos Murguia</a>&nbsp;last September for subjecting employees to sexually suggestive comments, inappropriate text messages and excessive, non-work contact.The Judicial Council’s findings “document very troubling workplace behavior by an active judge that was never reported,” the committee said in a letter to James C. Duff of the Judicial Conference of the United States, Chief Judge Timothy Tymkovich of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and Chief Judge Julie Robinson of the District of Kansas.The Council has not said what has been done to ensure a safe workplace for Murguia’s co-workers and other employees, the letter says. Murguia is based in Kansas City, Kansas.The congressional leaders asked what support has been provided for employees who work with Murguia, whether they have been provided an opportunity to seek work elsewhere in the court, when the misconduct began and how many people he harassed. It also seeks answers on whether any of the people he harassed suffered negative personnel decisions and whether any plan is in place to review his personnel decisions.It asks why none of the employees felt comfortable filing a complaint against Murguia and seeks to discover whether other judges in the federal courts in Kansas were concerned about his behavior.The committee requested a response by Feb. 20.While the letter thanks the Judicial Council for making its order against Murguia public, it says partial transparency is “never enough.” The congressional leaders wrote that they hoped there would be a frank examination of the adequacy of the steps taken to address Murguia’s misconduct and what further actions are needed to ensure that the judicial branch provides a safe workplace.The letter was signed by Chairman Jerald Nadler, Vice Chair Mary Gay Scanlon along with Henry “Hank” Johnson Jr., chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet. and Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr.In addition, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet plans a hearing Feb. 13 examining the judiciary’s protections against workplace harassment, discrimination and other misconduct. The hearing aims to provide oversight on the judiciary’s steps to reform its policies and to build a record for possible legislation.Under the federal judiciary’s rules, the 10th Circuit’s decision is not the final step in the process, said David Sellers, spokesman for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Those rules show that the Judicial Council must transmit its order to the Committee on Judicial Conduct and Disability for review.Murguia, who apologized for his conduct when the Judicial Council issued its rebuke last year, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the congressional leaders’ letter.Murguia was appointed to his federal judgeship in 1999 by then-President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, after serving as a Kansas district court judge in Kansas City. He was the first Hispanic federal judge appointed in Kansas.

Law clerk alleges harassment, following reprimand of judge in Kansas

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A significant drop in methamphetamine prices led to a nearly a 20% decline in Wichita burglaries last year, according to a police official.

Thanks to the low price of meth, the theft of guns and other items from inside vehicles also was down from 2018 to 2019, Wichita Police Department Deputy Chief Jose Salcido said last month at a Criminal Justice Coordinating Council meeting.

Meth now sells for $2,400 per pound, which is the lowest price in 20 years, Salcido said.

“The market is saturated. There’s no incentive for criminals to go steal to finance their habits like in the past,” Salcido said.

The latest available state data show that the street value of meth is at $3,500 to $5,000 per pound, according to a 2018 Kansas Bureau of Investigation report. An ounce costs between $250 and $500. In 2014, however, meth prices were about three times as much at $13,000 to $15,000 for a pound and $800 to $1,200 for an ounce.

“Now it’s so cheap that there’s still theft, but they (meth users) actually get enough to buy more meth,” Salcido said.

In 2019, the city reported 255 stolen guns from vehicles, a 17.5% drop from the year prior. Theft of items from inside a car fell by 19% from 2018 to 2019.

The police department also is attributing the crime decline to public education campaigns focusing on crime prevention.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A significant drop in methamphetamine prices led to a nearly a 20% decline in Wichita burglaries last year, according to a police official.Thanks to the low price of meth, the theft of guns and other items from inside vehicles also was down from 2018 to 2019, Wichita Police Department Deputy Chief Jose Salcido said last month at a Criminal Justice Coordinating Council meeting.Meth now sells for $2,400 per pound, which is the lowest price in 20 years, Salcido said.“The market is saturated. There’s no incentive for criminals to go steal to finance their habits like in the past,” Salcido said.The latest available state data show that the street value of meth is at $3,500 to $5,000 per pound, according to a 2018 Kansas Bureau of Investigation report. An ounce costs between $250 and $500. In 2014, however, meth prices were about three times as much at $13,000 to $15,000 for a pound and $800 to $1,200 for an ounce.“Now it’s so cheap that there’s still theft, but they (meth users) actually get enough to buy more meth,” Salcido said.In 2019, the city reported 255 stolen guns from vehicles, a 17.5% drop from the year prior. Theft of items from inside a car fell by 19% from 2018 to 2019.The police department also is attributing the crime decline to public education campaigns focusing on crime prevention.

Police: Low meth prices prompt Wichita property crime drop 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Hospital officials say an evacuee from the virus zone in China being held in quarantine in Nebraska who had developed a mild cough has tested negative for a new virus that has infected more than 67,000 people globally. 

The woman is one of 57 US evacuees being quarantined at a Nebraska National Guard training base just southwest of Omaha. She was taken Friday to a special isolated unit of an Omaha medical center to undergo testing after developing a mild cough. Officials with Nebraska Medicine said Saturday that tests came back negative for COVID-19.

OMAHA, NEB. (AP) — ONE&nbsp;of 57 evacuees from the virus zone in China who is being held in quarantine in Nebraska&nbsp;was transported Friday to a special isolation unit of an Omaha medical center to undergo testing after developing a mild cough overnight.

Officials with Nebraska Medicine said the woman's symptoms are “extremely mild” and that she did not have a fever when she was taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus' federally funded National Quarantine Unit. The woman had samples taken Friday out of an abundance of caution," officials said, and the samples will be tested for COVID-19.

The unit is separate from any of the buildings on campus where patients receive care.

The group of evacuees was flown into to Omaha on Feb. 7 and is be quarantined at a Nebraska National Guard training base just southwest of Omaha.

In addition, a second wave of flu is hitting the U.S., turning this into one of the nastiest seasons for children in a decade. Health officials Friday said 92 flu-related deaths have already been reported in children. Experts say it is potentially a bad time for an extended flu season, given concerns about the new coronavirus out of China. 

If the coronavirus starts spreading in the U.S., there could be confusion about whether people are getting sick with it or the flu. But health officials are trying to use labs that test for flu to check for coronavirus, too.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Hospital officials say an evacuee from the virus zone in China being held in quarantine in Nebraska who had developed a mild cough has tested negative for a new virus that has infected more than 67,000 people globally. The woman is one of 57 US evacuees being quarantined at a Nebraska National Guard training base just southwest of Omaha. She was taken Friday to a special isolated unit of an Omaha medical center to undergo testing after developing a mild cough. Officials with Nebraska Medicine said Saturday that tests came back negative for COVID-19.----------OMAHA, NEB. (AP) — ONE&nbsp;of 57 evacuees from the virus zone in China who is being held in quarantine in Nebraska&nbsp;was transported Friday to a special isolation unit of an Omaha medical center to undergo testing after developing a mild cough overnight.Officials with Nebraska Medicine said the woman's symptoms are “extremely mild” and that she did not have a fever when she was taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus' federally funded National Quarantine Unit. The woman had samples taken Friday out of an abundance of caution," officials said, and the samples will be tested for COVID-19.The unit is separate from any of the buildings on campus where patients receive care.The group of evacuees was flown into to Omaha on Feb. 7 and is be quarantined at a Nebraska National Guard training base just southwest of Omaha.In addition, a second wave of flu is hitting the U.S., turning this into one of the nastiest seasons for children in a decade. Health officials Friday said 92 flu-related deaths have already been reported in children. Experts say it is potentially a bad time for an extended flu season, given concerns about the new coronavirus out of China. If the coronavirus starts spreading in the U.S., there could be confusion about whether people are getting sick with it or the flu. But health officials are trying to use labs that test for flu to check for coronavirus, too.

Update: Woman quarantined in Neb. tests negative for coronavirus 

TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) — A&nbsp;former prison dental instructor who was found guilty earlier this month of one count of unlawful sexual relations with an inmate is asking a judge to throw out the conviction.

Tomas Co was convicted on one charge and found not guilty of five other charges alleging he abused female inmates working in the dental lab at the Topeka Correctional Facility.

The conviction was for a woman who said Co touched the inside of her knee and thigh.

In a motion filed Friday, Co's attorney, Chris Joseph, argued that type of touching doesn’t constitute “lewd” touching under state law. The motion also asks Shawnee County District Court Judge Cheryl Rios to acquit Co based on insufficient evidence, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported.

Joseph said he also plans to seek probation for Co, rather than the 31 to 136 months of prison time he is facing.

District Attorney Mike Kagay said his office would file arguments in response to the defense motion.

Inmates in the dental lab complained for five years about alleged sexual harassment and unwanted touching by Co, who was dismissed in December 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566249841438.png" alt="Tomas Co photo Texas County" />
 <figcaption>Tomas Co photo Texas County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) — A&nbsp;former prison dental instructor who was found guilty earlier this month of one count of unlawful sexual relations with an inmate is asking a judge to throw out the conviction.Tomas Co was convicted on one charge and found not guilty of five other charges alleging he abused female inmates working in the dental lab at the Topeka Correctional Facility.The conviction was for a woman who said Co touched the inside of her knee and thigh.In a motion filed Friday, Co's attorney, Chris Joseph, argued that type of touching doesn’t constitute “lewd” touching under state law. The motion also asks Shawnee County District Court Judge Cheryl Rios to acquit Co based on insufficient evidence, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported.Joseph said he also plans to seek probation for Co, rather than the 31 to 136 months of prison time he is facing.District Attorney Mike Kagay said his office would file arguments in response to the defense motion.Inmates in the dental lab complained for five years about alleged sexual harassment and unwanted touching by Co, who was dismissed in December 2018.

Ex-Kan. prison lab instructor wants sex crime conviction thrown out

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP)— The Lawrence City Commission is discussing whether to limit how police cooperate with federal immigration agents. 

During <a href="https://lawrenceks.civicweb.net/document/26619?splitscreen=true&amp;media=true&amp;attachmenturl=%2Fdocument%2F24638">a meeting this week, </a>the commission discussed and expressed support for a proposed draft ordinance with city staff, which will then bring a proposed city ordinance back to the commission for a vote.

A local group proposed last year that Lawrence become a sanctuary city, and that police refuse to enforce requests from immigration agents unless they involve a crime. 

Police Chief Gregory Burns says a draft policy for the department says police won't help hold a person based solely on if that person has a federal immigration detainer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581796755845.png" alt="Lawrence city <a href="https://lawrenceks.civicweb.net/document/26619?splitscreen=true&amp;media=true&amp;attachmenturl=%2Fdocument%2F24638">commission during the Feb. 11 </a>meeting-image courtesy city of Lawrence" />
 <figcaption>Lawrence city <a href="https://lawrenceks.civicweb.net/document/26619?splitscreen=true&amp;media=true&amp;attachmenturl=%2Fdocument%2F24638">commission during the Feb. 11 </a>meeting-image courtesy city of Lawrence</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP)— The Lawrence City Commission is discussing whether to limit how police cooperate with federal immigration agents. During <a href="https://lawrenceks.civicweb.net/document/26619?splitscreen=true&amp;media=true&amp;attachmenturl=%2Fdocument%2F24638">a meeting this week, </a>the commission discussed and expressed support for a proposed draft ordinance with city staff, which will then bring a proposed city ordinance back to the commission for a vote. A local group proposed last year that Lawrence become a sanctuary city, and that police refuse to enforce requests from immigration agents unless they involve a crime. Police Chief Gregory Burns says a draft policy for the department says police won't help hold a person based solely on if that person has a federal immigration detainer.

Kan. community discussing limiting police work with immigration

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged domestic violence and have a suspect in custody.&nbsp;

Just before 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to the Walmart parking lot in the 6100 Block of West Kellogg in Wichita after report of an alleged kidnapping, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.

A witness reported seeing a scuffle, between a 39-year-old woman and a suspect later identified as 43-year-old Carlton Albertson.

The victim arrived in a separate vehicle described as a black Pontiac and had agreed to meet with Albertson to exchange property, according to Wheeler. The two had been in a relationship.

Witnesses told police that Albertson grabbed the woman by the hair and forced her a Chevy Tahoe and sped away from the parking lot.

Friends who were with the victim drove the Pontiac and followed the Tahoe.&nbsp; A short time later, police responded to another 911 call indicating an SUV was pushing a black Pontiac towards Pawnee Street from Vine, according to Wheeler.

When the Pontiac became disabled, the driver and a woman passenger ran from the vehicle. Albertson drove the Tahoe over a curb and chased&nbsp; them.&nbsp; The 39-year-old victim was able to escape and return to the Pontiac.

A citizen who witnessed the incident confronted Albertson who then drove from area. As police arrived, Albertson led them a pursuit.&nbsp; Police discontinued the chase due to Albertson's erratic driving at high speeds, according to Wheeler.

On Thursday, police observed a stolen tan Thunderbird near Taft and and West Streets in Wichita. Police attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver later identified as Albertson led officers on a chase.&nbsp; Albertson avoided spike strips but due to high speeds the officers discontinued the chase. They ultimately located the vehicle and&nbsp; took Albertson into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated battery domestic violence, kidnapping, flee and elude and a Kansas Department Of Corrections warrant.

The case is expected to be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581711269865.png" alt="Albertson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Albertson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged domestic violence and have a suspect in custody.&nbsp;Just before 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to the Walmart parking lot in the 6100 Block of West Kellogg in Wichita after report of an alleged kidnapping, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.A witness reported seeing a scuffle, between a 39-year-old woman and a suspect later identified as 43-year-old Carlton Albertson.The victim arrived in a separate vehicle described as a black Pontiac and had agreed to meet with Albertson to exchange property, according to Wheeler. The two had been in a relationship.Witnesses told police that Albertson grabbed the woman by the hair and forced her a Chevy Tahoe and sped away from the parking lot.Friends who were with the victim drove the Pontiac and followed the Tahoe.&nbsp; A short time later, police responded to another 911 call indicating an SUV was pushing a black Pontiac towards Pawnee Street from Vine, according to Wheeler.When the Pontiac became disabled, the driver and a woman passenger ran from the vehicle. Albertson drove the Tahoe over a curb and chased&nbsp; them.&nbsp; The 39-year-old victim was able to escape and return to the Pontiac.A citizen who witnessed the incident confronted Albertson who then drove from area. As police arrived, Albertson led them a pursuit.&nbsp; Police discontinued the chase due to Albertson's erratic driving at high speeds, according to Wheeler.On Thursday, police observed a stolen tan Thunderbird near Taft and and West Streets in Wichita. Police attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver later identified as Albertson led officers on a chase.&nbsp; Albertson avoided spike strips but due to high speeds the officers discontinued the chase. They ultimately located the vehicle and&nbsp; took Albertson into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated battery domestic violence, kidnapping, flee and elude and a Kansas Department Of Corrections warrant.The case is expected to be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office.

Kansas felon arrested after alleged kidnapping in store parking lot

WYANDOTTE COUNTY— One person died just after 5:30 a.m. Saturday&nbsp; in a crash on Interstate 70 just west of Interstate 435 in Kansas City.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Jeep Patriot driven by Christopher Deason, 59, Kansas City, Kan., rear-ended a disabled 2017 Freightliner semi.

Deason was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to First&nbsp; Call morgue. The semi driver identified as Artis Henry, 39, Jonesboro, AR., was not injured.

Deason was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP

The crash shut down a portion of the interstate Saturday morning.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY— One person died just after 5:30 a.m. Saturday&nbsp; in a crash on Interstate 70 just west of Interstate 435 in Kansas City.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Jeep Patriot driven by Christopher Deason, 59, Kansas City, Kan., rear-ended a disabled 2017 Freightliner semi.Deason was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to First&nbsp; Call morgue. The semi driver identified as Artis Henry, 39, Jonesboro, AR., was not injured.Deason was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHPThe crash shut down a portion of the interstate Saturday morning.

Kansas man dies after SUV rear-ends disabled semi

IOLA, Kan. (AP) — A Georgia nursing home company has been banned from working in Kansas for 10 years and fined $100,000 for failing to protect patient and employee records, Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Friday.

An Allen County District Court judge approved the consent judgment against AltaCare Corporation, of Alpharetta, Georgia, earlier this week. The company managed the Pinecrest Nursing Home in Humboldt.

The judgment orders the company to destroy all Pinecrest records or modify them so personal information is not readable.

Schmidt sued AltaCare in 2017, alleging it violated Kansas data-protection laws by not having reasonable procedures to protect personal information. He also alleged the company failed to take reasonable steps to destroy records when they were no longer needed.

Pinecrest Nursing Home was broken into and vandalized several times it closed in 2011, when records with personal information were accessible in plain sight. Humboldt city officials notified AltaCare the records were not secure but AltaCare did not take action to protect the personal information, such as social security numbers, financial account numbers, credit or debit card numbers and medical records.

An additional fine of $125,000 is suspended on condition that the company comply with the judgment.

IOLA, Kan. (AP) — A Georgia nursing home company has been banned from working in Kansas for 10 years and fined $100,000 for failing to protect patient and employee records, Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Friday.An Allen County District Court judge approved the consent judgment against AltaCare Corporation, of Alpharetta, Georgia, earlier this week. The company managed the Pinecrest Nursing Home in Humboldt.The judgment orders the company to destroy all Pinecrest records or modify them so personal information is not readable.Schmidt sued AltaCare in 2017, alleging it violated Kansas data-protection laws by not having reasonable procedures to protect personal information. He also alleged the company failed to take reasonable steps to destroy records when they were no longer needed.Pinecrest Nursing Home was broken into and vandalized several times it closed in 2011, when records with personal information were accessible in plain sight. Humboldt city officials notified AltaCare the records were not secure but AltaCare did not take action to protect the personal information, such as social security numbers, financial account numbers, credit or debit card numbers and medical records.An additional fine of $125,000 is suspended on condition that the company comply with the judgment.

Nursing home company banned from Kansas for 10 years

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas and national Democratic Party groups on Friday sued the Republican official who oversees the state’s elections, accusing him of violating voters’ rights by delaying the implementation of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/sb130_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">a law&nbsp;</a>designed to make voting on Election Day more convenient.

The lawsuit was filed in state district court in Topeka after Secretary of State Scott Schwab said his office&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/917894d3ab1dc09d3309b4581901b048">would need another year</a>&nbsp;to draft regulations needed for counties to take advantage of a 2019 state “vote anywhere” law. The law permits counties to allow voters to cast their ballots at any polling place within their borders on Election Day, rather than only at a single site.

Some officials in Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city, Wichita, believe it is ready to allow voters to choose their polling sites. They note that it has allowed voters to cast their ballots in advance at multiple locations for more than a decade, with the county’s entire electronic voter registration database accessible to workers at each one. It also deployed new voting machines in 2017 that allow a “vote anywhere” system.

The Kansas Democratic Party, the Democratic National Committee and the two national party committees for U.S. Senate and U.S. House campaigns filed the lawsuit. But Kansas Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, a Topeka Democrat, said three weeks ago that he and others were contemplating a lawsuit.

“Schwab is dragging his feet to enforce a bill that became law that had widespread bipartisan support to make it more convenient to vote,” Hensley said Friday. “Maybe this will encourage him to enforce the law.”

The Democratic groups are seeking a court order to either force Schwab to issue the necessary regulations or to allow counties to move ahead with “vote anywhere” plans for this year’s elections.

Schwab spokeswoman Katie Koupal said his office had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment on its contents. But Schwab said Tuesday that he’s writing “a book” of regulations needed to make sure that counties’ electronic registration lists remain secure and that their computer systems don’t crash on Election Day. He said the chaos surrounding the recent Democratic presidential caucuses in Iowa demonstrates the need for caution.

He also dismissed the validity of a potential lawsuit in an Associated Press interview, saying, “nobody is being harmed by us going through the appropriate way” in drafting rules and regulations.

The lawsuit contends that delayed implementation of the “vote anywhere” law makes it harder for people to vote. The law was aimed at helping people who live on one side of Wichita and have jobs on the other side and who may not have time to vote after work.

The lawsuit claims delaying implementation of the law violates&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/826/Kansas-Bill-of-Rights" target="_blank">the state’s Bill of Rights,</a>&nbsp;including its guarantees of people’s right to associate with others and their broad rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577361281644.png" alt="Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas and national Democratic Party groups on Friday sued the Republican official who oversees the state’s elections, accusing him of violating voters’ rights by delaying the implementation of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/sb130_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">a law&nbsp;</a>designed to make voting on Election Day more convenient.The lawsuit was filed in state district court in Topeka after Secretary of State Scott Schwab said his office&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/917894d3ab1dc09d3309b4581901b048">would need another year</a>&nbsp;to draft regulations needed for counties to take advantage of a 2019 state “vote anywhere” law. The law permits counties to allow voters to cast their ballots at any polling place within their borders on Election Day, rather than only at a single site.Some officials in Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city, Wichita, believe it is ready to allow voters to choose their polling sites. They note that it has allowed voters to cast their ballots in advance at multiple locations for more than a decade, with the county’s entire electronic voter registration database accessible to workers at each one. It also deployed new voting machines in 2017 that allow a “vote anywhere” system.The Kansas Democratic Party, the Democratic National Committee and the two national party committees for U.S. Senate and U.S. House campaigns filed the lawsuit. But Kansas Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, a Topeka Democrat, said three weeks ago that he and others were contemplating a lawsuit.“Schwab is dragging his feet to enforce a bill that became law that had widespread bipartisan support to make it more convenient to vote,” Hensley said Friday. “Maybe this will encourage him to enforce the law.”The Democratic groups are seeking a court order to either force Schwab to issue the necessary regulations or to allow counties to move ahead with “vote anywhere” plans for this year’s elections.Schwab spokeswoman Katie Koupal said his office had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment on its contents. But Schwab said Tuesday that he’s writing “a book” of regulations needed to make sure that counties’ electronic registration lists remain secure and that their computer systems don’t crash on Election Day. He said the chaos surrounding the recent Democratic presidential caucuses in Iowa demonstrates the need for caution.He also dismissed the validity of a potential lawsuit in an Associated Press interview, saying, “nobody is being harmed by us going through the appropriate way” in drafting rules and regulations.The lawsuit contends that delayed implementation of the “vote anywhere” law makes it harder for people to vote. The law was aimed at helping people who live on one side of Wichita and have jobs on the other side and who may not have time to vote after work.The lawsuit claims delaying implementation of the law violates&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/826/Kansas-Bill-of-Rights" target="_blank">the state’s Bill of Rights,</a>&nbsp;including its guarantees of people’s right to associate with others and their broad rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”___

Democrats sue over Kansas delay in start of 'vote anywhere'

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — An altercation involving 20 inmates at a Kansas prison in which five correctional officers were injured lasted just two minutes before the situation was deemed “controlled,” investigative reports show.

Details of the Feb. 4 melee at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility emerged in a trove of inmate disciplinary reports, use-of-force reports, investigative narratives, emails and other information obtained by The Associated Press through an open records request. Those accounts show the large disturbance began at 5:58 p.m., and that there were no inmates hurt or damage to the facility.

The records indicate the trouble began after guards ordered inmates to leave the chow hall after the 20 minutes allotted for dinner was up so the next group of prisoners could be brought in to eat. But some of the men were not finished eating.

One inmate told a guard to “let the man finish his meal.” By this time, more inmates were refusing to leave and began moving closer to the correctional officers. One inmate left his assigned section and moved to another section of the dining room, saying “we are (expletive) human beings” and raising his arms.

“Two inmates were getting irate so I told them to sit down and eat,” the meal line supervisor later wrote in a report. The supervisor said he quietly told the correctional officers who were present to “back off.” When those two inmates finish and leave the chow hall, the supervisor told the officers to cuff them and take them to the restrictive housing unit.

But when an officer instructed an unruly inmate to submit to restraints outside the dining room, the reports said a second inmate stood protectively in front of him, repeatedly saying “you aren’t taking him.” Officers then grabbed both inmates.

One inmate struck an officer several times, according to the reports, and the officer recounted how when he tried to control him, the inmate “wrapped his arm around my throat to choke me.”

Another officer who tried to help two others who were struggling to restrain the inmate said he was kicked in his knee by a prisoner, causing his knee to bend backwards as he landed on the floor. The officers deployed pepper spray.

Amid the commotion, inmates ran out out of the chow hall and began attacking officers, according to one account. An officer described how he was hit in the face by at least three inmates, leaving him with a bloody face and a broken right hand.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — An altercation involving 20 inmates at a Kansas prison in which five correctional officers were injured lasted just two minutes before the situation was deemed “controlled,” investigative reports show.Details of the Feb. 4 melee at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility emerged in a trove of inmate disciplinary reports, use-of-force reports, investigative narratives, emails and other information obtained by The Associated Press through an open records request. Those accounts show the large disturbance began at 5:58 p.m., and that there were no inmates hurt or damage to the facility.The records indicate the trouble began after guards ordered inmates to leave the chow hall after the 20 minutes allotted for dinner was up so the next group of prisoners could be brought in to eat. But some of the men were not finished eating.One inmate told a guard to “let the man finish his meal.” By this time, more inmates were refusing to leave and began moving closer to the correctional officers. One inmate left his assigned section and moved to another section of the dining room, saying “we are (expletive) human beings” and raising his arms.“Two inmates were getting irate so I told them to sit down and eat,” the meal line supervisor later wrote in a report. The supervisor said he quietly told the correctional officers who were present to “back off.” When those two inmates finish and leave the chow hall, the supervisor told the officers to cuff them and take them to the restrictive housing unit.But when an officer instructed an unruly inmate to submit to restraints outside the dining room, the reports said a second inmate stood protectively in front of him, repeatedly saying “you aren’t taking him.” Officers then grabbed both inmates.One inmate struck an officer several times, according to the reports, and the officer recounted how when he tried to control him, the inmate “wrapped his arm around my throat to choke me.”Another officer who tried to help two others who were struggling to restrain the inmate said he was kicked in his knee by a prisoner, causing his knee to bend backwards as he landed on the floor. The officers deployed pepper spray.Amid the commotion, inmates ran out out of the chow hall and began attacking officers, according to one account. An officer described how he was hit in the face by at least three inmates, leaving him with a bloody face and a broken right hand.

Reports: Jail altercation in Kansas sparked by mealtime rule

BOONVILLE, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas-based owner of a Boonville hospital that abruptly closed in January has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Pinnacle Healthcare System filing for reorganization means the Boonville hospital will reopen, CEO Joe Conigliaro said in a statement Thursday, although he did not provide further details. An Overland Park, Kansas, hospital owned by Pinnacle Healthcare will remain open.

The Chapter 11 filing will allow the companies “to restructure our debts and ensure stable, stronger, and viable business operations now and when we emerge from Chapter 11,” Conigliaro said.

The company owes somewhere between $10 million and $50 million to between 200 and 1,000 creditors, according to its bankruptcy petition.

The Pinnacle Regional Hospital in Boonville hospital suddenly closed Jan. 15, less than two years after Pinnacle Healthcare System bought the hospital. The company said it could not afford to comply with some Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services regulations.

MU Health Care said in a Thursday news release that it has hired several former Pinnacle employees and is working to find space to provide services in Boonville.

BOONVILLE, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas-based owner of a Boonville hospital that abruptly closed in January has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.Pinnacle Healthcare System filing for reorganization means the Boonville hospital will reopen, CEO Joe Conigliaro said in a statement Thursday, although he did not provide further details. An Overland Park, Kansas, hospital owned by Pinnacle Healthcare will remain open.The Chapter 11 filing will allow the companies “to restructure our debts and ensure stable, stronger, and viable business operations now and when we emerge from Chapter 11,” Conigliaro said.The company owes somewhere between $10 million and $50 million to between 200 and 1,000 creditors, according to its bankruptcy petition.The Pinnacle Regional Hospital in Boonville hospital suddenly closed Jan. 15, less than two years after Pinnacle Healthcare System bought the hospital. The company said it could not afford to comply with some Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services regulations.MU Health Care said in a Thursday news release that it has hired several former Pinnacle employees and is working to find space to provide services in Boonville.

Kan. owner of closed Missouri hospital files for bankruptcy

CLEVELAND (AP) — A teenager who planned to set off an explosive device at an Ohio high school and called police about a hoax hostage situation at Lee Elementary School in Manhattan, Kansas has been indicted on federal charges, prosecutors said Friday.

Allen Martin Kenna, 18, has been charged with attempted use of an explosive device and interstate communication of threats, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Cleveland. Court records don’t indicate whether he has an attorney.

Kenna drew the attention of police in his hometown of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in early January after he was identified as the person seen walking the hallways of Cuyahoga Falls High School after hours recording a video, an FBI agent wrote in an affidavit. The person fled when approached by school personnel.

He was identified the next day by someone who said Kenna had been talking for months about plans to shoot people at the school during lunch hour, the FBI agent’s affidavit said. The person said Kenna also had made frequent sexist and racist remarks and that he “centers his life around researching and talking about terrorism, white supremacy, and his knife collection,” the FBI agent wrote.

Cuyahoga Falls police arrested Kenna and searched his family’s home on Jan. 8, seizing items that could be used to make an explosive device along with gun magazines, ammunition and knives. Investigators also took computers and other electronic devices that were turned over to the FBI.

The FBI learned from a diary found on his laptop that it was Kenna who called the Riley County Police Department in Manhattan, Kansas, in November saying someone was being held hostage inside a Lee elementary school, according to the affidavit. Members of a SWAT team learned it was a hoax after several hours of talking on the telephone with the purported gunman.

Kenna in his diary described the hoax as “fun.”

“I mean I guess it could possible (sic) get me notoriety in the long run, but I was just bored, that’s all,” Kenna wrote.

Other diary entries, which he began writing in the summer of 2018, detailed conflicts with his father, his parents finding knives and pipe bomb materials, and his thoughts about mass shootings, killing his family, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and President Donald Trump, the FBI affidavit said.

FBI agents also reviewed videos that showed Kenna inside the high school and describing his plans to detonate a bomb there.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581712937752.png" alt="Allen Martin Kenna photo courtesy WKYC TV" />
 <figcaption>Allen Martin Kenna photo courtesy WKYC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) — A teenager who planned to set off an explosive device at an Ohio high school and called police about a hoax hostage situation at Lee Elementary School in Manhattan, Kansas has been indicted on federal charges, prosecutors said Friday.Allen Martin Kenna, 18, has been charged with attempted use of an explosive device and interstate communication of threats, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Cleveland. Court records don’t indicate whether he has an attorney.Kenna drew the attention of police in his hometown of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in early January after he was identified as the person seen walking the hallways of Cuyahoga Falls High School after hours recording a video, an FBI agent wrote in an affidavit. The person fled when approached by school personnel.He was identified the next day by someone who said Kenna had been talking for months about plans to shoot people at the school during lunch hour, the FBI agent’s affidavit said. The person said Kenna also had made frequent sexist and racist remarks and that he “centers his life around researching and talking about terrorism, white supremacy, and his knife collection,” the FBI agent wrote.Cuyahoga Falls police arrested Kenna and searched his family’s home on Jan. 8, seizing items that could be used to make an explosive device along with gun magazines, ammunition and knives. Investigators also took computers and other electronic devices that were turned over to the FBI.The FBI learned from a diary found on his laptop that it was Kenna who called the Riley County Police Department in Manhattan, Kansas, in November saying someone was being held hostage inside a Lee elementary school, according to the affidavit. Members of a SWAT team learned it was a hoax after several hours of talking on the telephone with the purported gunman.Kenna in his diary described the hoax as “fun.”“I mean I guess it could possible (sic) get me notoriety in the long run, but I was just bored, that’s all,” Kenna wrote.Other diary entries, which he began writing in the summer of 2018, detailed conflicts with his father, his parents finding knives and pipe bomb materials, and his thoughts about mass shootings, killing his family, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and President Donald Trump, the FBI affidavit said.FBI agents also reviewed videos that showed Kenna inside the high school and describing his plans to detonate a bomb there.

Teen who called in hoax hostage situation at Kan. school indicted

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A top Republican lawmaker in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;on Friday disputed what has become a key talking point for GOP colleagues who are blocking a bipartisan plan to expand the state's Medicaid program by arguing that it could lead to taxpayers funding elective abortions.

Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, a Kansas City-area Republican, sent an email Friday to senators decrying what he called “inaccurate verbal and written statements” used to justify opposition among anti-abortion lawmakers and groups to expand the plan he drafted with Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

Abortion opponents want to pass an amendment to the Kansas Constitution declaring that its Bill of Rights does not “secure” the right to an abortion, overturning a state Supreme Court decision last year. The measure passed the Senate but failed in the House, and its backers are promising to block any debate on Medicaid expansion until the proposed amendment is put on the ballot for voters' possible approval.

Anti-abortion lawmakers and groups have argued over the past week that a Kansas law banning state funding of abortions is likely to fall to a legal challenge unless the anti-abortion amendment is enacted. They also contend that expanding Medicaid likely increases the number of women could obtain taxpayer-funded abortions.

But Denning said in his email that “there is NO link.” Denning voted for the proposed anti-abortion amendment when the Senate approved it.

Denning said under a section of the Medicaid expansion bill, pregnant women specifically would not be covered by the expanded part of the program but by the traditional Medicaid program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578587122805.png" alt="In January, Senate Majority leader Jim Denning and Gov. Laura Kelly announced the plan to expand the state's Medicaid program -photo courtesy office of Kansas governor." />
 <figcaption>In January, Senate Majority leader Jim Denning and Gov. Laura Kelly announced the plan to expand the state's Medicaid program -photo courtesy office of Kansas governor.</figcaption>
 </figure>BY JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A top Republican lawmaker in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;on Friday disputed what has become a key talking point for GOP colleagues who are blocking a bipartisan plan to expand the state's Medicaid program by arguing that it could lead to taxpayers funding elective abortions.Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, a Kansas City-area Republican, sent an email Friday to senators decrying what he called “inaccurate verbal and written statements” used to justify opposition among anti-abortion lawmakers and groups to expand the plan he drafted with Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.Abortion opponents want to pass an amendment to the Kansas Constitution declaring that its Bill of Rights does not “secure” the right to an abortion, overturning a state Supreme Court decision last year. The measure passed the Senate but failed in the House, and its backers are promising to block any debate on Medicaid expansion until the proposed amendment is put on the ballot for voters' possible approval.Anti-abortion lawmakers and groups have argued over the past week that a Kansas law banning state funding of abortions is likely to fall to a legal challenge unless the anti-abortion amendment is enacted. They also contend that expanding Medicaid likely increases the number of women could obtain taxpayer-funded abortions.But Denning said in his email that “there is NO link.” Denning voted for the proposed anti-abortion amendment when the Senate approved it.Denning said under a section of the Medicaid expansion bill, pregnant women specifically would not be covered by the expanded part of the program but by the traditional Medicaid program.___

Kansas leader decries attempts to tie abortion, Medicaid

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations after a Thursday arrest.

Just before 3:30p.m.,&nbsp; police were called to the Central Mall, 2259 South Ninth Street in Salina for the report of what a witness believed was a drug transaction in the parking lot, according Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The witness told police that a vehicle pulled up to a black, two-door passenger car that had in it two white males who appeared to be in their 20s, he said. The witness saw something exchanged between the two vehicles, according to Forrester. 

The witness was able to get the license plate number of the black car, which helped a patrol officer quickly locate the 2013 Hyundai Genesis.

The driver made an improper stop at the Republic Avenue and South Santa Fe Avenue intersection, and the officer pulled the vehicle over for a traffic stop.

When the officer made contact with the driver, he smelled the odor of raw marijuana.

An investigation was conducted and during the search of the vehicle, approximately 25 grams of raw marijuana and 26 boxes of vape cartridges that had THC in them were found, according to Forrester.

Police arrested the driver, Indy Boland, 20, of Salina, on requested charges of drug possession with intent to distribute. A 16-year-old boy&nbsp; riding with Boland was questioned and released to his mother.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581700294616.jpeg" alt="Indy Boland photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Indy Boland photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations after a Thursday arrest.Just before 3:30p.m.,&nbsp; police were called to the Central Mall, 2259 South Ninth Street in Salina for the report of what a witness believed was a drug transaction in the parking lot, according Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The witness told police that a vehicle pulled up to a black, two-door passenger car that had in it two white males who appeared to be in their 20s, he said. The witness saw something exchanged between the two vehicles, according to Forrester. The witness was able to get the license plate number of the black car, which helped a patrol officer quickly locate the 2013 Hyundai Genesis.The driver made an improper stop at the Republic Avenue and South Santa Fe Avenue intersection, and the officer pulled the vehicle over for a traffic stop.When the officer made contact with the driver, he smelled the odor of raw marijuana.An investigation was conducted and during the search of the vehicle, approximately 25 grams of raw marijuana and 26 boxes of vape cartridges that had THC in them were found, according to Forrester.Police arrested the driver, Indy Boland, 20, of Salina, on requested charges of drug possession with intent to distribute. A 16-year-old boy&nbsp; riding with Boland was questioned and released to his mother.

Police: Witness reports drug transaction in Kan. mall parking lot

Officials at the duplex this week -photo courtesy KC Pet Project

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — A Kansas City couple was charged Thursday in municipal court with failing to adequately care for nearly 270 small animals seized from their duplex earlier this week.

Mikabel Montero, 24, and Natasha Marie Acosta, 21, were charged with three counts of animal cruelty alleging they provided inadequate care and allowed an offensive odor to emanate from their duplex.

The animals removed Monday from the two-bedroom duplex were living in “deplorable” conditions, the Neighborhood and Housing Services said.

Montero said Thursday he would fight the violation that said he didn't provide enough water for the animals, contending he refilled their water two or three times a day.

“I accept what I’m guilty for or anything that went wrong here,” Montero said, noting he was cleaning his apartment in the hopes of purchasing back some of his pets. “I just had too many.”

Nearly 220 of the almost 270 taken in by the KC Pet Project animal shelter were rats. Other animals included geckos, rabbits, turtles, hamsters and guinea pigs, as well as others.

Dozens of the animals have already been adopted, placed into a foster care program or picked up by animal rescue groups.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581383137925.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Officials at the duplex this week -photo courtesy KC Pet ProjectKANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — A Kansas City couple was charged Thursday in municipal court with failing to adequately care for nearly 270 small animals seized from their duplex earlier this week.Mikabel Montero, 24, and Natasha Marie Acosta, 21, were charged with three counts of animal cruelty alleging they provided inadequate care and allowed an offensive odor to emanate from their duplex.The animals removed Monday from the two-bedroom duplex were living in “deplorable” conditions, the Neighborhood and Housing Services said.Montero said Thursday he would fight the violation that said he didn't provide enough water for the animals, contending he refilled their water two or three times a day.“I accept what I’m guilty for or anything that went wrong here,” Montero said, noting he was cleaning his apartment in the hopes of purchasing back some of his pets. “I just had too many.”Nearly 220 of the almost 270 taken in by the KC Pet Project animal shelter were rats. Other animals included geckos, rabbits, turtles, hamsters and guinea pigs, as well as others.Dozens of the animals have already been adopted, placed into a foster care program or picked up by animal rescue groups.

KC couple charged after more than 260 animals found

SHAWNEE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 1:30a.m. Friday in Shawnee County.

A Pontiac Grand Am driven by&nbsp;Hannah L. Blick, 18, Valley Falls, was eastbound in the 1600 Block of NE 46th Road, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.&nbsp;

Pontiac crossed the center line and struck a Chevy Traverse driven by Bradyn J. Rottler, 21, of Topeka, head-on.

Fire crews extricated Blick from the Pontiac and&nbsp;American Medical Response transported her to a Topeka hospital.&nbsp; She was pronounced dead by medical staff at the hospital, according to&nbsp;Shawnee County Sheriff's Sergeant Scott Wanamaker.

A private vehicle transported Rottler to a Topeka hospital for treatment of minor injuries.&nbsp; Blick was not wearing a seat belt, according to Stallbaumer.

SHAWNEE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 1:30a.m. Friday in Shawnee County.A Pontiac Grand Am driven by&nbsp;Hannah L. Blick, 18, Valley Falls, was eastbound in the 1600 Block of NE 46th Road, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.&nbsp;Pontiac crossed the center line and struck a Chevy Traverse driven by Bradyn J. Rottler, 21, of Topeka, head-on.Fire crews extricated Blick from the Pontiac and&nbsp;American Medical Response transported her to a Topeka hospital.&nbsp; She was pronounced dead by medical staff at the hospital, according to&nbsp;Shawnee County Sheriff's Sergeant Scott Wanamaker.A private vehicle transported Rottler to a Topeka hospital for treatment of minor injuries.&nbsp; Blick was not wearing a seat belt, according to Stallbaumer.The accident remains under investigation.---------------SHAWNEE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 1:30a.m. Friday in Shawnee County.A vehicle was eastbound in the 1600 Block of NE 46th Road, crossed the center line and struck another vehicle head-on, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Sergeant Scott Wanamaker.Both vehicles had only one occupant.&nbsp; Fire crews extricated one driver from a vehicle and American Medical Response transported the driver to a Topeka hospital. That driver was pronounced dead by medical staff at the hospital, according to Wanamaker.&nbsp;&nbsp;A private vehicle transported the other driver to a Topeka hospital for treatment of minor injuries.The sheriff's department released no additional details including names of the drivers early Friday.SHAWNEE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 1:30a.m. Friday in Shawnee County.A vehicle was eastbound in the 1600 Block of NE 46th Road, crossed the center line and struck another vehicle head-on, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Sergeant Scott Wanamaker.Both vehicles had only one occupant.&nbsp; Fire crews extricated one driver from a vehicle and American Medical Response transported the driver to a Topeka hospital. That driver was pronounced dead by medical staff at the hospital, according to Wanamaker.&nbsp;&nbsp;A private vehicle transported the other driver to a Topeka hospital for treatment of minor injuries.The sheriff's department released no additional details including names of the drivers early Friday.&nbsp;