Richard Brian Jackson has previous convictions for battery, aggravated battery, drugs, ID theft and driving while suspended

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

RILEY COUNTY—Manhattan Regional Airport will offer a new, third-daily flight to Chicago beginning July 7th. Airport Director Jesse Romo reported that this flight has been added to support the increased demand for summertime travel to or through Chicago O’Hare. Currently, the flight is scheduled to be offered for approximately 30 days, based on the historic seasonal demand. The temporary additional service is expected to end August 4th.

“The reason MHK continues to be a success is because of all the people who chose to fly local, and we can’t thank you all enough,”  said Jesse R. Romo, Airport Director for Manhattan Regional Airport.

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted theft/

Just after 1:30p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for theft and criminal damage to property in the 800 block of Bertrand Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Report.

A woman reported an unknown suspect attempted to take her air conditioner, causing damage.

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $3,000.00.

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

TOPEKA – The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released its 2018 KIDS COUNT Data book. The most-recent report shows Kansas in a strong position, with the state ranking 13th in the nation in overall child well-being. This is a significant improvement from last year’s overall ranking of 15^th.

Of the 16 child well-being indicators analyzed for the report, Kansas has improved in 11 key areas, among them, importantly, childhood poverty. The report demonstrates that more high school students are graduating on time, more children have access to health insurance, and more parents are working, lifting their families out of a cycle of government dependency and into self-reliance.

“This KIDS COUNT data clearly demonstrates that Kansas has made great strides for its youth and the Kansas model for welfare reform should be a blueprint for the rest of the nation to follow,” said Governor Jeff Colyer. “These aren’t just numbers, these are actual children that have been helped and I am glad to see the policies we have in place are having such a positive impact on vulnerable families. We will build upon this foundation and continue to emphasize statewide improvement in childhood well-being.”

Some of the substantial Kansas improvements in the KIDS COUNT Data book include:

• The percentage of Kansas children in poverty dropped to 14 percent, from 18 percent in 2010.
• The percentage of children whose parents lack secure employment declined to 20 percent from 27 percent in 2010.
• The percentage of children in families where the household lacks a high school diploma dipped to 10 percent from 12 percent in 2010.
• The number of teen births, per 1,000, is 22, down from 39 in 2010.
• Kansas children without health insurance went from 8 percent in 2010, to 4 percent.

While the KIDS COUNT Data book illustrates that Kansas has made great strides for children, the Annie E. Casey Foundation notes that communities of color are not achieving the same outcomes of well-being as other communities. Under the leadership of Governor Colyer, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) already has plans in place to address these concerns—including implementing a cultural awareness training for child welfare staff. Additionally, in April, DCF sponsored The Governor’s Forum for the Well-being of Children and Families: Engaging the urban core church in child welfare. This forum allowed Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel to address the disproportionately of African American children in the Kansas foster care system. DCF is continuing to engage urban communities around ways we can effectively partner together to support at risk families.

DCF serves as the State social service agency, providing oversight for the well-being of children and their families. DCF focuses on child protection and strengthening families by working to reduce the number of children in State care, providing needed services and a safety net for the most vulnerable Kansans. Additionally, DCF partners with many community-based agencies that support at-risk families.

“We are also extremely proud of our work in our Economic and Employment Services Programs and Vocational Rehabilitation programs. Because of these efforts, thousands of Kansans who otherwise would be on public assistance are gainfully employed and living self-sustaining, fulfilling lives,” said Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) collaborates with DCF to ensure childhood health and safety. KDHE promotes optimal health for Kansas women and infants, children and adolescents through system development activities and grants to local communities.

“We are pleased to see efforts to improve the health and well-being of Kansas children are working,” said KDHE Secretary Jeff Andersen. “KDHE offers a wide range of programs and services to promote healthy living among all age groups. And we continue to see Kansas staying ahead of national trends with regard to positive health outcomes.”

If you would like to learn more about either of these agencies visit http://www.dcf.ks.gov/​ or http://www.kdheks.gov/.

If you would like to read the 2017 KIDS COUNT Data Book, visit http://www.aecf.org/​.

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

BRYAN DANIEL LIPP, 42, Manhattan,DUI; INCAPABLE OF SAFELY DRIVING – 1ST CONV; Bond $750

GLINDA RAE VANKIRK, 30, Ogden, Probation Violation; Bond $5000

Glinda Vankirk -has two previous drug related convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections

SERENA ROSE NYSWONGER, 20, Randolph, DUI; INCAPABLE OF SAFELY DRIVING – 1ST CONV; Bond $750

JONATHAN WESLEY STALLWORTH, 36, Manhattan, Probation Violation(2x) Exceptionally Cleared

MARIO MARTINEZ CASTELLON, 39, Manhattan, OPERATE MV W/O VALID LICENSE; Held without Bond

MEGAN LYNN KERN, 21, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Exceptionally Cleared

JORDAN LEE DEWAYNE JONES, 27, Manhattan, DOMESTIC BATTERY;KNOWING/RECKLESS BODILY; Bond $1000

JASON LEE MICHAEL WINKELMAN, 46, Leonardville, Probation Violation; Exceptionally Cleared

MICHAEL LEROY WHITAKER, 32, Topeka, ATT VIO PROTECTION ORDER; ABUSE ORDER;  Bond $1000

photo courtesy Asheville Police

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police in Junction City, Kansas, have identified a woman whose body was found last month, and a North Carolina man has been charged in her killing.

Police on Thursday identified the victim as 59-year-old Tamra Ann Gibson of Asheville, North Carolina. She was last seen in Asheville on May 22 and was reported missing on May 24.

The body was found May 28 between two buildings in Junction City. Her car was found burned on June 1 in Laramie, Wyoming.

Gray Jr. photo courtesy Asheville Police

Authorities say 58-year-old Donald Mack Gray Jr. of Buxton, North Carolina, is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and robbery. Gray is in custody in Billings, Montana, on charges related to the death of an 81-year-old Montana man. Police say the two cases are not connected.

Heightened awareness and enforcement slated for June 29 to July 1

TOPEKA – Kansas Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism game wardens will be on the lookout for boaters under the influence during Operation Dry Water, June 29 – July 1. ODW is part of a national effort to reduce accidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence (BUI) of drugs and alcohol and educate recreational boaters about the dangers of BUI. While ODW is a year-round national campaign, a heightened awareness and enforcement effort takes place around July 4th, a holiday known for the potentially deadly combination of drinking and boating.

KDWPT game wardens are responsible for patrolling the waters of Kansas and conducting boat accident investigations, boat safety inspections, BUI checks, safety programs, education classes and other boating-related activities. During ODW, officers will be looking for boaters whose blood alcohol content exceeds the state limit of 0.08. The weekend will include increased patrols, breathalyzer tests, life jacket checks and boater education. Impaired boaters can expect to be arrested or face other serious penalties. In Kansas, the consequences for BUI include fines, jail and loss of boating privileges. During the 2017 ODW in Kansas, game wardens issued 26 boating citations, 35 boating-related warnings and recorded two BUI offenses.

“We are dedicated to keeping boaters safe on our waters” said Kansas boating law administrator Maj. Dan Hesket. “Boating is a safe and enjoyable pastime when people stay alert and follow the rules. Many factors contribute to the way alcohol affects a person on the water. The combination of sun, wind, glare, dehydration and wave motion causes a person to become intoxicated three times faster than on shore.”

BUI is a major problem across the nation. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Statistics 2017, alcohol is a primary contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities. Intoxicated boaters run a significantly increased risk of being involved in a fatal boating accident. In 2017, 29 boat accidents were reported on Kansas waters, two of which resulted in a fatality, 14 resulted in injuries, and 13 involved only property damage. Of the 29 reported boat accidents, 19 people in total were injured and there was an estimated $111,819 in property damages.

OWD 2018 is a joint program of KDWPT, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and the U.S. Coast Guard. For more information, visit www.operationdrywater.org. Information about Kansas boating regulations, registration, education, and requirements is available at www.ksoutdoors.com – click on Boating.

Farrell has previous convictions for Driving While a Habitual Violator, Reckless Driving, Aggravated Assault of Law Enforcement Officer, Operation of Unregistered Vehicle, Driving while suspended and Obstruction, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

RILEY COUNTY — Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a mobile home park in Manhattan.

Photos courtesy Manhattan Fire Department

Just after 3:30 p.m., fire crews responded to report of a shed fire at the Redbud Estates, 2500 Farm Bureau Road, according to a media release. The fire spread rapidly and two nearby homes also caught fire.

A family safely escaped one home. The other home was unoccupied.  A dog died in the fire.

One firefighter was treated heat exhaustion. Officials have not released the cause of the fire.

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

JOSHUA DEAN COLLINS, 36, Manhattan, AGG DOMESTIC BATTERY; IMPEDE BREATHING/CHO; Bond $5000

Shannon Brant has four previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections

KENNETH RAY DUNHAM JR, 54, Ogden, DUI; INCAPABLE OF SAFELY DRIVING – 4TH OR + DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED; 3RD OR +FAIL STOP AT ACC;INJURY OR DAMAGE >$1000; Bond $5000

CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL BLAIR, 33, Manhattan, DIST MARIJUANA; 25-<450GM, POSSESSION MARIJUANA, POSS OF PARA INTENT TO MANF C/S AND CRIM USE WEAPONS;POS FIREARM ADDICT C/S; Bond $10,000

SHANNON LAVAR BRYANT, 41, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $20,000

DENAAL LATRESS THOMPSON, 34, Manhattan, CRIMINAL TRESPASS; PER KSA 32-1013; Exceptionally Cleared

By STEPHAN BISAHA

On Monday, the Kansas Supreme Court issued a ruling that effectively said the state’s public schools could open in the fall. Yet the same decision left local district officials with continued, long-term uncertainty.

Funding for local school districts remains an ongoing uncertainty, even after a court ruling this week.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE

The high court’s decision could lead to continued fighting over school funding and the topic will likely serve as political fodder in state elections.

“To me, it’s no different than where we were six months ago,” said Justin Henry, the superintendent at Goddard Public Schools. “If anything, it gives you a chance to hit pause and maybe restart.”

The long wait for the court’s decision — it said the state still needs to send more money to local districts, but has a year to come up with a fresh plan —  also caused districts to hold off on some financial decisions until after Monday’s ruling. That included union contract negotiations. Now those districts have much less time to plan a budget.

“In the perfect world, you would want to have your contract settled with your teaching staff before they leave in May and that would allow you the opportunity to plan the remainder of your budget throughout the summer,” Henry said. “It’s almost impossible to present and ratify a contract when there’s so much uncertainty until you get to the end of June.”

Other districts started planning their budgets at the end of the school year, assuming the Legislature’s funding plan would remain intact.

“You have to move forward with your planning, so we do that based on the resources we had,” said David Smith, the chief of public affairs at the Kansas City, Kansas, school district. “It’s just a realization that things may change, you just go with the resources that you have.”

Most school districts expressed support for the court’s decision and the Legislature’s efforts in the last session to raise school funding. They were also eager to continue the push for more money.

There was the possibility that the court’s decision could have forced a special legislative session if the court found the state’s school funding plan fell short of a constitutional mandate. While that was the court’s judgement — saying the legislature failed to account for inflation when calculating the plan to increase the annual school funding budget by over a half billion in five years — the court ruled that the Legislature would have another year to get the amount right.

The ruling removed the possibility of imminent school closures. But school districts still face uncertainty about the future of school funding. Kansas Secretary of State and Republican candidate for governor Kris Kobach wrote on twitter that the state needs a constitutional amendment to take the school funding issue out of the court’s hands.

Uncertainty about the future of state funding beyond the approaching school year is causing trepidation for school officials looking to make long-term plans.

Chad Higgins, the superintendent for the Maize Unified School district northwest of Wichita, said he has more confidence in his district’s finances than he has had in years. But the looming school funding questions cool that enthusiasm.

“We can grow some things, but to create significantly new programs that will be beneficial to students that are also going to be expensive — I think we’re going to be reluctant to do that just yet,” Higgins said.

Stephan Bisaha reports on education for the Kansas News Service. Follow him on @SteveBisaha.

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

KS FIRE MARSHAL

TOPEKA – The Office of the State Fire Marshal, along with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Safe Kids Kansas, remind Kansans of the importance of safety around fireworks during this Fourth of July holiday season. Fireworks can be dangerous to both adults and children if not handled properly.

According the Kansas Syndromic Surveillance Program, there were 154 reported fireworks-related injuries during the Fourth of July holiday in 2017. Injuries to the hands were most common and hands or fingers were involved in 38 percent of identified emergency department visits. The eyes, face, or head were involved in over a quarter (28.5 percent) of all visits. The most common victims of fireworks injuries are adult males and children.

According to statistics from the Kansas Fireworks Injury Survey, a voluntary reporting system for Kansas hospitals, adult males
represented 40 percent of all reported fireworks-related injuries, with another 40 percent of reported fireworks injuries affecting children under the age of 18.

“Serious injuries and fires are very likely to occur when fireworks are not handled properly,” Doug Jorgensen, Fire Marshal for the State of Kansas, said. “While the safest approach to enjoying fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays conducted by trained professionals who know how to properly handle fireworks, we understand that individuals will be purchasing and participating in their own displays. We
urge you to be vigilant and cautious to ensure a safe and fun Fourth of July.”

To help the public celebrate safely, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Safe Kids Kansas offers the following tips for the safe use of fireworks:

• Have an adult supervise all fireworks activities
• Use a long-handled lighter
• Always ignite fireworks outdoors
• Have water nearby
• Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
• Light only one firework at a time
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
• Never give fireworks to small children
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
• Dispose of fireworks properly
• Never throw fireworks at another person
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
• Always purchase high quality fireworks from reliable and legitimate sources
• Always read and follow label directions

In addition, bottle rockets and M80s are not only extremely dangerous, but they are illegal in the state of Kansas. The use or sale of these banned fireworks is considered a crime under Kansas law.

For more information on fireworks safety, visit FireMarshal.ks.gov/fireworkssafety or SafeKidsKansas.org.

GEARY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects following a five-month long investigation into the alleged distribution of methamphetamine in the Junction City – Geary County area, according to a media release.

Williams-photo Geary Co.

The Junction City / Geary County Drug Operations Group, assisted by the Grandview Plaza Police Department and members of the Riley County Police Department, executed a search warrant at 209 Locust Street in Grandview Plaza. They arrested Dereck Jeffery Williams. 24, and Samantha Jean Caivano. 29, both of Grandview Plaza, on suspicion of Unlawful Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school.

Williams was booked on a total bond of $575,557, including warrants from Junction City Municipal Court, Pottawatomie County and Riley County. Caivano was booked in on a $250,000 bond. Both were held at the Geary County Detention Center.

Caivano-photo Geary Co.

Authorities report that the Drug Operations Group seized methamphetamine, marijuana, two firearms, one of which was allegedly stolen, and drug paraphernalia.

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Corey Poore -photo Saline County

JARROD ALLEN DILLS, 24, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $1500

Wamego Area Chamber of Commerce

WAMEGO – Once a year, the small community of Wamego welcomes the world, as both residents and visitors from around the globe experience the Best Fireworks Display in Kansas, voted number one in the Kansas Best 150 ranking. Wamego, home to one of the longest running Independence Day celebrations in Kansas, attracts over 50,000 spectators each year to experience 30 minutes of spectacular fireworks choreographed to music. This award-winning pyro musical production saturates the sky with sparks of color and dazzles all ages. Its uniqueness lies in its citizen-led efforts and high caliber of production. The fireworks soundtrack is simulcast on 104.7FM starting at 9:50pm and viewers are highly encouraged to being a portable radio.

 What many people find most inspiring about the Wamego Fireworks Show is the community-wide effort that takes place year-round to make the production a reality every 4^th of July. “Citizen volunteers contribute thousands of hours to produce the show, while hundreds of donors from near and far contribute funds to make the fireworks show possible,” according to Chris Hupe, Chairman of the Wamego Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and member of the PYRO crew. Hupe continues:

“What Wamego has is rare. Today, it’s rare to find a fireworks production that is 100 percent volunteer-led and on par with some of the best fireworks shows in the nation.”

Since 1999, the PYRO crew has banded together to create a community-wide celebration. Throughout the year, community members join forces to prep for the show, as they all share a vested interest in providing unforgettable joy to those who view their artwork in the sky.

To provide the inside scoop on the best place to view this unique production, Lance White, CVB board member and PYRO crew technician shares, “The ideal viewing location is in the Recreation Complex. There, viewers sit back and experience 360 degrees of non-stop fireworks. Hundreds of shells per minute shot across a 200 thousand square foot shooting area, staged from all four baseball diamonds.” White continues, “You just can’t beat the experience. Visitors get to view the stunning special effects from the low to mid-level at 100 feet in the air, as well as at the mid to high-level at around 650 feet in the air.”

The ignition of each firework is magically coordinated to the sounds of celebratory music. Not only do spectators experience one of the brightest and loudest shows in the Midwest, but they indulge in a fireworks production that is brilliantly coordinated to music. Referencing the visitor experience overall, Neil Ebert, a local home builder and PYRO technician, shares “Even as spectators await the beginning of the show, the musical entertainment provided by the band Departure adds a special feature to the experience overall.” Departure will perform for spectators prior to the show starting at 7:30pm and immediately following the display for 30 minutes.

“The addition of the Boomtown documentary has been a great thrill for visitors wanting to know more about the display” Hupe said, “the 30-minute film made by Drew Malin provides a fast paced and behind the scenes look into planning, setting up, and firing the show.” The film will be shown at the Columbian Theatre at 1:00 and 2:00 pm on the 4^th and is FREE to the public.

Interested in attending? Arrive early to maximize your experience and avoid congestion in the hours preceding the parade and display, even better make a day of it and enjoy the activities. You can park near the fireworks site in the afternoon and easily walk between venues. Visitors are highly encouraged to arrive early, sit back and relax while the sun sets. Due to the popularity of this event, arriving on-site later than 9:00pm is not advised. For a full rundown of events, activities and information regarding parking, food options, day plans, and insider secrets to a great day in Wamego, go to visit www.VisitWamego.com

RILEY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reported sexual assault.

On Sunday, police filed a report for rape in Manhattan involving an 11-year old girl as the victim, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A-15-year-old and a 14-year old boy known to the victim are listed as the suspects, according to police.

Due to the nature of the crime, police released no additional details early Monday.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Monday in Wabaunsee County.

Photo By Shawn Wheat-courtesy WIBW TV

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Volvo semi driven by Patrick L. Cooks, 49, Apopka, FL., was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of Vera Road.

The vehicle sustained a tire blowout causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The truck went right of the roadway and struck a culvert on the north side of Interstate 70 causing disabling damage.

Cooks was transported to the hospital in Topeka. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The latest government snapshot shows the Kansas growers have harvested most of their winter wheat crops.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday that the Kansas wheat harvest was 71 percent complete. That is ahead of the five-year average. About 97 percent of the state’s wheat left in the field is now mature.

The agency also says about 15 percent of the corn in Kansas is in poor to very poor shape with 32 percent rated as fair, 47 percent as good and 7 percent as excellent.

Other Kansas crops are also making progress. About 97 percent of the soybeans planted have now emerged and about 20 percent of them are blooming. About 5 percent of the sorghum in the state has now headed.

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.