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.
JONATHAN MASTERS STANTON, 34, Manhattan, DOMESTIC BATTERY;KNOWING/RECKLESS BODILY H; Bond $1000
MANHATTAN, KAN. – This Sunday Manhattan Town Center will host the third annual Santa Cares event to offer sensory-friendly photo sessions with Santa exclusively for families of children with special needs.
Santa Cares is held in partnership with Autism Speaks and welcomes children of all ages and abilities. This compassionate, sensory-friendly event allows families with children of special needs across all spectrums to experience the time-honored tradition of a Santa visit, in a comforting environment prior to public hours. Accommodations are made to support the sensory, physical, and developmental needs of this special audience.
“Santa Cares is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Jeff Sutton, Manhattan Town Center marketing manager. “We open the mall before hours and make it a sensory-friendly event from beginning to end. Instead of waiting in line, families can hang out and do arts and crafts before their visit with Kris Kringle.”
Santa Cares is scheduled for this Sunday, December 9 from 10 a.m. to noon. Visits with Santa are free. Space is limited and families are encouraged to reserve a time in advance at https://www.manhattantowncenter.com/event/santa-cares/2145517899/. Keepsake Santa photo packages will be available for purchase during the event.
Manhattan Town Center is currently holding its Holiday Music Festival featuring performances from area musicians, singers, and dancers. Many regional elementary, middle and high schools will perform on the mall’s East Court stage during the season.
This Saturday, December 8, the Manhattan Tuba Christmas will perform at 3 p.m. It features 55 tubas sharing holiday music.
Later this month, Manhattan Town Center will begin expanded hours. Normal operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Beginning Saturday, December 15, the mall will open an hour earlier and close and hour later, with Christmas Eve closing at 6 p.m.
Manhattan Town Center expanded holiday hours
(not including AMC, Dillard’s, JCPenney and restaurants)
December 15: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
December 16: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
December 17: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
December 18: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
December 19: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
December 20: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
December 21: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
December 22: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
December 23: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
December 24: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 25: Mall closed
December 26: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Two Wichita students whose families fled violence and civil war in their home countries are featured in a new documentary about refugee resettlement and its impact on the city’s schools.
Image courtesy KSU college of education
The film produced by the Kansas State University’s College of Education called “Refuge in the Heartland” will premiere during a free screening Tuesday at the Wichita district’s headquarters.
The film follows students Alain and Dorcas, who are among more than 130 refugees enrolled in Wichita schools. Their last names weren’t included in the documentary. Alain’s family lived in a refugee camp for 17 years and Dorcas resettled in Wichita after fleeing the civil war in Congo.
District officials say the university focused on Wichita schools because of initiatives such as the Newcomers program, which helps new immigrants and refugees transition.
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.
KATHLEEN ANN COVERT, 47, Manhattan, DOMESTIC BATTERY;KNOWING/RECKLESS BODILY HA1RM, CRIMINAL DAMAGE PROPERTY; <$1000
NEW YORK (AP) — More U.S. beef is being recalled because it may be contaminated with salmonella.
USDA image
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says a unit of Brazil’s JBS is now recalling a total of more than 12 million pounds of raw beef that was shipped around the country. JBS Tolleson in Arizona already recalled about 7 million pounds of beef in October.
Health officials say their investigation identified additional products with the USDA inspection number “EST. 267.” The products were packaged between late July and September. The USDA says any products still in people’s freezers should be thrown away. It says 246 illnesses have been reported.
The USDA says salmonella is prevalent in raw poultry and meat and is reminding people of to properly cook and handle meat. It says cooking kills salmonella.
MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting that injured a teenager believe it was accidental.
Just after 4:15p. Tuesday, the Riley County Police Department Dispatch Center received a 911 call from the 7500 block of Crooked Creek road indicating a 16-year-old girl had suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound.
Police have released no additional details.
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MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a teenager.
Just after 4:15p. Tuesday, the Riley County Police Department Dispatch Center received a 911 call from the 7500 block of Crooked Creek road indicating a 16-year-old girl had suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound.
Police have released no additional details.
MANHATTAN — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident and have identified the driver who left the scene.
Hassan Rueda -photo RCPD
Just after 5:15 p.m. November 30. the Riley County Police Department responded to a vehicle vs. pedestrian accident near the intersection of Hunting and Denison, according to a media release.
The pedestrian, Susan Keller, 61, of Manhattan, was seriously injured. The vehicle involved left the scene.
Investigators have located the vehicle involved in the accident and would like to speak to the registered owner, Hassan Rueda, 23, of Manhattan.
Anyone with information on Rueda’s whereabouts, please contact the Riley County Police Department at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. Using the Crime Stoppers service allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00
RILEY COUNTY— Six people were injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Tuesday in Riley County.
One of the vehicles involved in the 3 vehicle Riley County crash -photo courtesy WIBW TV
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Lauren Renea VenMeter, 25, Manhattan, was stopped on eastbound U.S. 24 at the U.S. 77 Junction. The driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic.
A southbound 2016 Ford passenger vehicle driven by Darrell J.Thompson, 59, Wamego, struck the left side of the Nissan. The Ford then crossed the center line and struck the left side of a 2016 GMC Sierra driven by Mason Edward Miller, 64, Manhattan.
VanMeter and passengers in the Nissan including one juvenile girl and two juvenile boys were transported to Via Christi in Manhattan.
Two additional passengers in the Nissan, a juvenile girl was transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka and another juvenile girl was airlifted to KU Medical Center.
Thompson and Miller were properly restrained at the time of the accident and not injured. The KHP did not have complete seat belt usage details of the occupants in the Nissan.
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.
Tim Lesher -photo Wyandotte Co.
EDWARD WILLIAM SCHILLING, 75, Leonardville, Failure to Appear; Bond $1500
BRIAN WADE FLATTERICH JR, 23, Wichita, Failure to Appear; Bond $5000
TIMOTHY MITCHELL LESHER, 53, Egerton, Failure to Appear; Bond $20,000
DANIEL REED MAINVILLE, 34, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Held without Bond
MATTHEW CHRISTOPHER TRUJILLO, 17, Manhattan, DIST MARIJUANA; <25GM WITHIN 1000′ SCHOOL; Juvenile, No Bond
MANHATTAN — A team of Kansas State University computer science students has earned national recognition for its cybersecurity skills.
The Kansas State University Cyber Defense Club took second place in the overall U.S. Department of Energy’s 2018 CyberForce Competition nationwide. The students earned first place at the Argonne National Laboratory location where they competed.
The competition included approximately 70 college teams from 24 states and Puerto Rico. The student teams competed at seven national laboratories across the country; the Kansas State University team competed at Argonne National Laboratory.
“I am happy with how we came together as a team and competed alongside some of the most talented students in the country,” said BreAnn Anshutz, president of the K-State Cyber Defense Club and senior in computer science, St. John. “The entire team put in a lot of hard work and late nights, truly going above and beyond. The competition included some very unique and clever challenges, and I am immensely proud that we were able to solve them and persevere.”
The competition is designed to develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to improve the nation’s critical energy infrastructure and ensure energy security. It is sponsored by DOE’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response.
The competition replicated a real-life scenario. During the competition, students defended a simulated oil transportation network, a power delivery system and a high-performance computing system against attacks created by experts from the national labs, the private sector and the National Guard.
“I am extremely proud of our students and their latest success at the CyberForce Competition,” said Eugene Vasserman, associate professor of computer science, faculty adviser to the club and director of the Kansas State University Center for Information and Systems Assurance. “The event is more than a competition; it also gives our students the chance to test their knowledge and improve their skills in a real-world scenario. Our students have shown that they can rise to the occasion.”
Russell Feldhausen, instructor of computer science, served as faculty mentor during the competition.
The following computer science students competed as part of the K-State Cyber Defense Club:
From Greater Kansas City: Nathanael Hood, junior, Olathe; and Joy Hauser, master’s student, and Josh Riess, junior and Cyber Defense Club safety and ethics officer, both from Overland Park.
Hunter Guthrie, senior, Hutchinson; Caleb Fleming, graduate student and team captain, Overbrook; BreAnn Anshutz, senior and Cyber Defense Club president, St. John.
Hauser and Fleming are recipients of the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies – has commended the announcement of a $745,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) 2018 Regional Innovation Strategies program competition awarded to Kansas State University to launch the Global Food Systems Economic Prosperity Accelerator.
“This grant will grow the knowledge-based food systems economy of Kansas, produce more university-industry partnerships and create jobs in the region,” said Sen Moran. “Through my chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, I’ve been a staunch supporter of EDA’s Regional Innovation Strategies program and have proposed increased resources for this program in our FY2019 appropriations bill. Additionally, I’ve advocated for this program in my bipartisan Startup Act, which would modernize and increase its annual authorization level. I extend my congratulations to all those working at K-State on securing this grant and my thanks for all their efforts to increase the sustainability of our global food supply, as well as the economic success of the Manhattan region. I look forward to continuing this important work in partnership with K-State and the community.”
“The EDA grant will enable K-State to continue to advance our research, education, and outreach in global food systems,” said Kansas State University Vice President for Research Dr. Peter K. Dorhout. “Our land-grant heritage and agriculture expertise makes K-State uniquely suited to address global food needs while engaging our key stakeholders and enabling economic growth for Kansas.”
The Regional Innovation Strategies program competition through EDA and the Department of Commerce awards grants that build regional capacity to translate innovations into jobs through proof-of-concept and commercialization assistance to innovators and entrepreneurs. With this $745,000 award, K-State will launch the Global Food Systems (GFS) Economic Prosperity Accelerator to grow the knowledge-based food systems economy of Kansas and address challenges impacting growing global food demand.
The Accelerator will focus on strategic capacity building, industry partnerships, business expansion and entrepreneurship to create knowledge-based jobs in the region, and ultimately, advance the productivity and economic growth of GFS sectors in Kansas. The project will engage with faculty, staff, students, and industry representatives to explore and establish mutually-beneficial partnerships and collaborative science advancement efforts. K-State anticipates that this project will establish over 400 university-industry partnerships, build or expand 48 companies in northeast Kansas, and create 700 jobs.
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.
Christine Lundberg-has previous convictions for endangering a child and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections
MERCYJAZZ MARIE GOODRIDGE, 24, Ogden, POSS OPIATES,OPIUM,NARCOTIC OR CERTAIN STI(2X), POSS SUBSTANCE IN; Bond $4000
FREDRICK DARRELL SWINSON, 31, Junction City, Failure to Appear; Bond $10,000
MEGAN ELIZABETH KOCER, 23, Manhattan, DUI; 1ST CONV; COMPETENT EVIDENCE OF BLOOD/; Bond $1500
CHRISTOPHER ROBERT GLOVER, 25, Manhattan, DUI; 1ST CONV; COMPETENT EVIDENCE OF BLOOD/; Bond $750
CHRISTINE NICOLE LUNDBERG, 33, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $10,000
STANLEY EDWARD HOERMAN, 76, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $218
REGAN DANIELLE REVES, 19, Manhattan, DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED; 1ST CONVICTION; Bond $750
Fredrick Swinson -photo Geary Co.
CAITLIN JADE PRETZER, 25, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $1000
JACQUELYN LEE CASTEEL, 41, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $750
JEFFERY LANE CRABB, 63, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $1500
TRAY WILLIAM ALLEN MURPHY, 14, LIQUOR;PURCHASE BY MINOR <18YRS ;UNK CONV; Juvenile
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) spoke on the Senate floor to celebrate Coach Bill Snyder’s career as Kansas State University’s head football coach, and honored his impact on K-State, the city of Manhattan and Kansas. Coach Snyder recently announced his retirement after 27 seasons at the helm of K-State’s football program.
Sen. Moran’s full remarks as prepared for delivery:
“Last Sunday, Kansas State University Head Football Coach Bill Snyder announced his retirement, marking the end of his 56 year career coaching football and 27 year tenure in Manhattan, Kansas.
“Coach Snyder made his debut with the K-State football program in 1989. He took the helm of a program that was known as ‘Futility U’ and ‘America’s most hapless team.’ When he arrived, the Wildcats hadn’t won a single game in the previous two seasons, and had the most losses of any Division One football team. During the now-famous press conference at the early stages of his tenure at K-State, Coach Snyder remarked that, ‘I think the opportunity for the greatest turnaround in college football exists here today, and it’s not one to be taken lightly.’
“Kansans know well today that Coach Snyder lived up to those words.
“Coach Snyder boasts a great deal of accolades in his storied career: 215 career wins, 19 bowl game appearances and two Big 12 championships – which seems especially remarkable, given the state of the program when he took over as head coach.
“Deeply engrained in Coach Snyder’s legacy is the work he’s done off the field developing young men, contributing to the community, giving back and inspiring so many. Coach Snyder’s ‘16 Goals for Success’ have served as guidelines for his players on and off the field. Snyder said that if his players followed these goals – goals such as: ‘Never Give Up,’ ‘Don’t Accept Losing,’ and ‘Eliminate Mistakes . . . then success would come.’
“His ‘16 goals’ represent his own legendary paradigm – that our work is never over and the journey to success is never really finished.
“His impact at the University and in Manhattan have reached far beyond the field, where he’s helped to increase student enrollment, boost the local economy, and fund major renovation projects across K-State’s campus that have allowed for groundbreaking work at the university. Coach Snyder’s involvement, support and close work with the Johnson Cancer Center at K-State has helped to advance the groundbreaking, scientific research being done there that will one day save lives.
“His work in the community to mentor young men and women, develop community leaders and inspire philanthropy has changed lives across our state. His focus on ‘family’ has created and contributed to a remarkable culture in Manhattan.
“Coach Snyder has had to overcome numerous challenges during his tenure as a coach, but he’s faced those with the same grit and mental toughness that he’s instilled in his players. Even while battling cancer, coach still hit the road to travel Kansas on Catbacker tours – he didn’t let anyone or anything get in the way of him meeting with the program’s most loyal fans – a large number of them rural Kansans.
“Coach’s love for traveling the state and meeting with rural Kansans is something we both share, but I think often times Kansans might be more excited to talk about football than politics. Coach Snyder repeatedly says he came to Kansas State University because of the people, stayed because of the people, and returned because of the people.
“To get to Manhattan, Kansas, you take Bill Snyder Family Highway. To go to a K-State football game, you go to Bill Snyder Family Stadium. And on your way into the stadium, you walk by a larger-than-life statue of Coach Bill Snyder. His legacy is permanently sealed in the K-State and Manhattan community.
“History will remember Coach Snyder as an incredibly successful football coach and developer of young men . . . someone with an extraordinary work ethic and a high level of integrity. I appreciate the impact Coach Bill Snyder has had at Kansas State University – his legacy will be forever enshrined there. Robba and I wish all the best for Coach, Sharon, and the entire Snyder family in this new chapter of their lives.”
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.
Jeffrey Hughes has previous convictions for aggravated robbery, theft and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections
JENIFER LEE MUSHERO, 36, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $1000
JEFFREY ALAN HUGHES, 45, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $2500
ALEXANDER SHERRELL, 24, Fort Riley, DUI; 1ST CONV; COMPETENT EVIDENCE OF BLOOD; Bond $1500
RISSA MARIE BROWNLEE, 22, Junction City, DUI; 1ST CONV; COMPETENT EVIDENCE OF BLOOD; Bond $750
BILLY RAY GRAY, 60, Randolph, DUI; 1ST CONV; COMPETENT EVIDENCE OF BLOOD; Bond $1000
ST. LOUIS (AP) — A Roman Catholic Jesuit province that covers Kansas, and 12 other Midwestern and Southern states, Puerto Rico and Belize said Friday that it has found “credible allegations” of sexual abuse involving 42 priests and other ministry leaders dating back to 1955.
Read the statement from Ronald A. Mercier, S.J. Provincial here.
The Jesuits U.S. Central and Southern Province, which is based in St. Louis, also released the men’s names. See the full list here.
Most of those on the list are deceased and others are no longer Jesuits
Eight had ties to Kansas or Kansas City. They include the following.
Paul C. Pilgrim – Rockhurst High School; multiple allegations; removed from ministry in 2003 and lives under supervision
George M. Peiper – Kapaun High School; multiple allegations; died in 1998
Burton J. Fraser, SJ –Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Mo., St. Mary’s College, St. Marys, Kansas; a single allegation; he died in 1971
Chester E. Gaiter – Rockhurst High School; multiple allegations; died in 2010
John W. Hough – Kapaun High School (Wichita, Kan.); one allegation; left Society and priesthood in 1977
Francis J. Kegel – Rockhurst High School (Kansas City, Mo.); one allegation; left Society in 1953, died in 2009
Dennis P. Kirchoff – Rockhurst High School; one allegation; left Society in 1995
Philip D. Kraus – St. Francis Xavier Parish (Kansas City, Mo.), Rockhurst High School; one allegation; removed from ministry in 2003 and lives under supervision
A spokeswoman said four on the complete list are still members of the province but are not active in ministry and live in supervised housing.
The list names mostly priests, but it also names some brothers, who serve some ministry functions but who are not ordained, and “scholastics,” which are men training to become priests.
Jesuits West, a province that covers several western states, was expected to announce a similar list later Friday, and a third province, the Midwest Province, is due to release the findings of its internal examination on Dec. 17.
The Jesuits are a Catholic order of priests and brothers that includes more than 16,000 men worldwide. Jesuits also operate several high schools and universities, including St. Louis University and Marquette University. Jesuits take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and many also take a vow of allegiance to the Pope.
The Jesuits have previously settled lawsuits across the country, including a $166 million settlement involving about 500 abuse claims in Oregon in 2011, which was one of the largest settlements involving clergy abuse allegations.
U.S. Central and Southern Provincial Ronald Mercier, who heads the province, said the “storm” facing the Catholic church must be confronted with transparency.
“Words cannot possibly suffice to express our sorrow and shame for what occurred, our promise of prayers for healing, and our commitment to work with them,” Mercier said in a statement. “Caring for these survivors — and preventing any such future events — must be our focus as we move forward.”
Jeff Anderson, a St. Paul, Minnesota-based attorney who specializes in clergy abuse lawsuits, said publishing the list was the “right thing to do,” and it empowers victims to both come forward and move ahead in their lives.
“To a survivor who has been abused by one of these people, it helps them realize, ‘I’m not the only one, I’m not alone,'” Anderson said. “It can inspire them to get help, to share the secret, and to find a better way of life.”
David Clohessy of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, urged the Jesuits to “explain exactly when each of these allegations was deemed credible. That way Catholics will know just how many months, years or decades church officials have kept these men and their crimes hidden.”
Cases of sexual abuse by priests and other religious leaders have come under increased scrutiny since August, when a grand jury report in Pennsylvania detailed decades of abuse and cover-up in six dioceses. The report alleged that more than 1,000 children were abused over several years by about 300 priests.
The report led to new examinations in several states. Last week alone, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha (Nebraska) released a list of 38 priests and other clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual misconduct dating back to 1956; West Virginia’s archdiocese released the names of 18 priests or deacons credibly accused of child sexual abuse since 1950; and the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in New Mexico announced it would file for bankruptcy protection after settling numerous abuse claims.
Pope Francis has convened a summit for Feb. 21-24 at the Vatican to address ways to prevent sexual abuse.
The list of names in the Jesuits U.S. Central and Southern Province was compiled as part of an internal investigation, but the province said it has hired a consulting firm to perform an independent review of the nearly 3,000 personnel files that date back to Jan. 1, 1955. Those findings are expected by the spring.
The Jesuits U.S. Central and Southern Province covers Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, southern Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee and Oklahoma, along with Puerto Rico and Belize.
Since the Catholic Church clergy abuse scandal broke nearly two decades ago, Jesuits have developed policies aimed at ensuring the safety of children and to better respond to allegations, church leaders said.
The finals of the competition in the 2018 Hoop Holler N’ Shoot contest were held during half time of Wednesday’s KSU women’s game against Lamar.
Kaitlyn Lagabed wins the girls division of Hoop Shoot- hitting 2 out of 7 free throws.
Sam Spiegel wins the boys division of Hoop Shoot- hitting 5 out of 7 free throws.
Girls finalists from left were second place, Kamryn Lemman, Woodrow Wilson; first place, Kaitlyn Lagabed, Lee school; third place, Aryanna De-Leon, Flint Hills Christian School, not pictured, Lily Bahr, Manhattan Catholic School.
Participants won their way into the finals via shoot offs conducted at Manhattan area elementary schools among 5th and 6th grade students. Over 975 students participated in the competition.
The girls winners and the schools they represent are as follows:
1st Kaitlyn Lagabed, Lee – hitting 2 out of 7
2nd Kamryn Lemman, Woodrow Wilson – hitting 2 out of 7 3rd Aryanna De-Leon, Flint Hills Christian – hitting 1 out of 7
Both Kaitlyn and Kamryn participated in a shoot off to determine the 1st place winner.
The boys from left, fourth place, Braden Brockman, Manhattan Catholic School; first place, Sam Spiegel, Theodore Roosevelt; Second place, Luke Ethridge, Woodrow Wilson; and third place, Max Steffensmeier, Lee school.
The boys winners and the schools they represent are as follows:
1st Sam Spiegel, Theodore Roosevelt – hitting 5 out of 7
2nd Luke Ethridge, Woodrow Wilson – hitting 3 out of 7
3rd Max Steffensmeier, Lee – hitting 2 out of 7
4th Braden Brockman, Manhattan Catholic – hitting 1 out of 7
Prizes awarded to all finalists included a plaque and a K-State autographed Hoop Holler N’Shoot t-shirt.
This is the 20th Anniversary of Hoop Holler N’ Shoot, during that time over 13,800 5th and 6th graders have participated in the program.
Hoop Holler N’ Shoot is a free throw contest for 5th and 6th graders in the Manhattan area schools.
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.
MARGARITA CLAUDIO, 39, Manhattan, DUI; 1ST CONV; COMPETENT EVIDENCE OF BLOOD; Bond $750
BRITTNEY TEON PORTER, 23, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $35
CHANDALAR ALLEN DAVIS, 22, Herrington, DISORDERLY CONDUCT; BRAWLING/FIGHTING; Bond $500
TOPEKA–At the beginning of this season of giving, Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner has launched a website with the hopes of helping Kansans find a little Christmas cash they didn’t know they had. The division of Unclaimed Property in the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office began accepting claims at www.ChristmasCash.ks.gov.
There is currently over $350 million dollars in unclaimed property being held by the state of Kansas.
“The average claim for many Kansans is about $225, which for most of us would go a long way at Christmas time, whether for giving to our favorite charity, paying off bills, or buying something for a loved one,” said Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner. “We want to make Christmas easier for as many Kansans as we can, and we encourage them to go to our website and see if they might be one of the many with unclaimed property waiting to be found.”
Claims can be made for both individuals and businesses through the site. Some claims require more processing time than others. The department plans to fulfill as many requests as possible prior to the Christmas holiday, but requests claims be made before December 15th in order for them to have their best chance at fulfilling them before Christmas Day.
More information on filing and receiving claims can be found on the website: www.ChristmasCash.ks.gov.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Despite concerns over a new process being used by the Kansas Department of Children and Families to choose care providers, the agency’s leader said the process is more transparent than at any time in the past.
DCF Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel during Thursday’s conference-photo courtesy Kansas DCF
The agency is now awarding grants rather than seeking bids for contracts to nonprofits and other providers for services such for foster care, adoption and family preservation. The new process will remove oversight by the Department of Administration and give the DCF more control over who receives the grants, The Kansas City Star reported .
Some critics are questioning why the agency changed a process it has used for decades.
“There was never a rationale given as to why they were going with grants,” said Lori Ross, a longtime child advocate in Kansas and Missouri. “Only now is the cloud lifting. DCF is able to pick and choose who they do business with. They can avoid going through bids, the blind process.”
On Thursday, DCF Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel introduced three providers that will soon receive grants for foster care and family preservation. She said awarding of the grants, and the period leading up to it, has been the “most transparent process we have ever had.” She said under the grants, the agency would have regular contact with contractors to oversee their services.
The grants run four years, starting July 1. The state expects to spend $245 million on foster care during the fiscal year beginning on that date, a 17 percent increase over the current fiscal year.
DCF announced in late May that it was moving to the new process and, in some cases, that would mean the Department of Administration isn’t involved and the secretary of the DCF would have final say on who receives the money.
In picking the grant recipients for foster care and family preservation services, two internal teams at the agency analyzed and blind-scored each bid submission and negotiated with those who submitted proposals.
John Milburn, spokesman for the Department of Administration, said issuing grants “is more the exception than the rule.”
“Typically, when you go through the bid process and you run it through a request for proposals, you’re being more transparent, you’re being more open about it,” Milburn said. “And hopefully, in most cases you’re going to get multiple bids to provide those goods and services.”
Meier-Hummel said even when contracts are awarded, the DCF always chose the service providers.
“So ultimately it was always the secretary’s decision who gets these grants and contracts … it’s just that the paperwork went through the Department of Administration and it’s not now,” she said.
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