TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top health official says abstinence-only education isn’t enough to reduce unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

KDHE Sec. Lee Norman during a July press conference photo courtesy KDHE

The  Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman said Thursday that the department could help reduce unwanted pregnancies and the demand for abortions by broadening educational offerings to emphasize contraception. Lee suggested collaboration among the state, county health departments and school districts.

In an interview with the Capital-Journal editorial advisory board Norman also supported enhancement of rural hospital trauma systems, development of a needle exchange program for drug users and training to improve early detection of autism in children.

Norman said he would support a state program to provide clean syringes to illegal drug users aimed at reducing the spread of disease.

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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.

MANHATTAN, KS, August 15, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. — Stop by Poyntz Avenue and enjoy the art, cuisine, music and experiences of Third Thursday! The Third Thursday season may only last through summer, but the fun is just beginning. Engaging activities will be available for both young and adult attendees, ensuring that everyone who comes will find something they enjoy.

Every Third Thursday, we bring in a variety of local artists and musicians to highlight talent found right here in the Midwest. August’s Third Thursday proudly features…
– Chinese Calligraphy demonstrations by the Confucius Institute
– A cake walk with prizes supplied by Bourbon and Baker at 6:30 p.m.
– A shaved ice truck
– A kid’s art project with Artastic
– The Gallery Trunk Show as Strecker Nelson West Gallery
– After Hours at both Tallgrass Tap House and Finn’s Neighborhood Pub
– Artists of various mediums, including henna, caricatures, painting and pottery
– Musical talent including Six Mile Creek at AJ’s, Hotel Gypsies, Paul Hunt, Honey Dew Goode, Nate Hernandez and Zerf
– Food and drink specials from Downtown restaurants

Special thanks to AJ’s New York Pizzeria for being the 2019 Presenting Sponsor of Third Thursdays and for continuing to support the arts in Downtown

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.

By AMY MAYER  for the Kansas News Service

Critics of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to move two of its research agencies from Washington, D.C., to the Kansas City area got more ammunition this week.

The most recent development: A report from the USDA’s inspector general that finds some flaws with how the department has executed its plan.

The USDA wants to move two of its agencies from Washington, D.C. to Kansas City.
AMY MAYER / HARVEST PUBLIC MEDIA FILE PHOTO

Last September, U.S. Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington, D.C. and Steny Hoyer, both Democrats, sent a letter asking the inspector general to determine whether the move was legal.

The report found that moving the agencies is within the USDA’s authority, but it failed to meet certain criteria for spending the needed money. The inspector general asked USDA to get an opinion from the legal office, which determined the rules referenced are unconstitutional.

But the inspector general’s report notes that in the past, USDA determined the same rules “are binding upon the Department.”

In response to the report, Norton and Hoyer want USDA to put the brakes on its planned moves.

“We continue to urge Secretary Perdue to halt this misguided relocation process,” the two wrote in a statement.

The offices of Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids, who represents the Kansas side of the Kansas City area, and Missouri Republican Sen. Roy Blunt declined comment on Tuesday after the inspector general’s report became public.

In a guest commentary in The Kansas City Star on Sunday, Blunt wrote that the area makes sense for the agencies for a variety of reasons. Among them: it’s in the animal health research corridor, is close to many land-grant universities in the region that conduct agricultural research and is already home to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency and the Risk Management Agency.

Many groups have criticized the Trump administration and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for moving the agencies, branding the move as retaliation against ERS and NIFA research that clashes with the administration’s agenda. The left-leaning National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition issued a statement calling on the moves to be stopped.

“We urge Congress to take this information as an opportunity to end once and for all Secretary Perdue’s strong-arm tactics,” the group wrote, “and stop all action on the relocations until Congress has given its formal approval — or denial.”

Follow Amy on Twitter: @AgAmyinAmes

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Adult education programs offered by Kansas’ colleges and school districts are increasingly heading to workplaces to help employees with needed skills.

For example, Washburn University will soon offer conflict resolution to staffers at the Ramada Hotel in Topeka. Dodge City Community College will provide customer service lessons at Boot Hill Casino. And several schools are providing English classes, one of the most sought-after skills.

“There’s a major shift taking place in education,” said Karen Ulanski, the director for the Paola school district’s adult education center.

Supporters say the classes help schools, businesses and workers. Schools can offer classes without waiting for students to enroll; businesses attract and retain skilled workers; and workers get free classes without having to go to a new location, Kansas News Service reported .

The trend is partly in reaction to the passage of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act in 2014, which encouraged education programs to meet private-sector needs. Educators began providing more specialized training for specific industries, such as financial literacy skills for retail sales, leading more industries to welcome in those classes.

“There’s broader interest from employers in a range of industries then there used to be,” said Neil Ridley, the state initiative director at Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.

Walmart recently announced a $460,000 grant for four Kansas adult education centers to offer more classes at retail and service sector workplaces. Six employers are part of the grant, working with centers that serve about a half-dozen employees. More are expected to be added. Several adult education centers are offering classes for the first time this fall.

But even before the grant, adult education centers across the state were offering similar programs: Paola’s school district now offers programs across three counties.

Tyson Foods, which has several meat processing plants in Kansas, has paired with adult education centers to bring in classes since 2016. Tyson expanded that project to Hutchinson last month and plans to add classes to Olathe, Emporia and Kansas City, Kansas, this year.

Employers like the programs because they help attract and retain employees in a tight job market.

“I’m kind of having to get creative in my hiring because everyone else has a position,” said Thea Parks, human research director for the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka. The hotel’s staff will get training from Washburn Institute of Technology, paid for by the Walmart grant.

One drawback is that workers don’t earn credits for a college degree or credential, which makes it harder for workers trying to advance their careers. The Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees the Walmart-funded grant program, does require that the classes give employees skills applicable beyond their current job.

“These programs really should result in industry-recognized credentials that don’t just help them in their current role,” said Lul Tesfai, a senior policy analyst with New America, a left-leaning think tank that studies education.

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.

More than 1,000 violations reported in 2019 one-day survey

TOPEKA — Stop on Red, Kids Ahead is a new campaign launched by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) to bring awareness to the Kansas school bus stop arm law.

As Kansas schools gear up for the 2019-2020 school year, it is critical for drivers to be vigilant when school buses are in the vicinity and to obey the law, which requires all motorists to stop when approaching a stopped school bus from either direction when it’s displaying its flashing red lights and stop arm. Motorists have to remain stopped until the bus is no longer displaying its flashing red lights and stop arm. Violation of the law endangers children and is punishable by a fine and court costs in excess of $420.

The Stop on Red, Kids Ahead campaign includes news releases, social media reminders, posters for schools, safety flyers, informational handouts and bumper stickers.

In April 17, 2019, Kansas bus drivers reported 1,040 stop arm violations. The data was collected during the Kansas One-Day Stop Arm Violation Count. There were 220 districts and 3,300 buses that participated in this year’s Kansas survey. In April 2018, 214 districts and 3,347 buses participated and reported 1,030 violations. There were 691 violations reported by 188 districts (2,527 buses) in April 2017.

The surveys are conducted every year at the request of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, said Keith Dreiling, director of KSDE’s School Bus Safety Unit.

“School bus safety should be a top priority year-round,” Dreiling said. “It is the responsibility of everyone to make sure Kansas students remain safe. School buses remain very safe, but we know that student passengers are most vulnerable when they are outside the bus, so please obey the stop arm law.”

When a school bus stops and activates its stop arm and flashing red lights, all traffic must stop from both directions – despite if it is a two- or four-lane roadway. When a school bus stops and activates its stop arm and flashing red lights on a divided highway with a median separation, traffic approaching the bus from behind must stop.

For more information on the Kansas One-Day Stop Arm Violation Count, click here.

Remember, Stop on Red, Kids Ahead!

MANHATTAN — Law enforcement authorities in Riley County are investigating several weekend vehicle break-ins.

Just after 7:30a.m.Sunday, officers filed a report for burglary and criminal damage to property in the 500 block of E Poyntz in Manhattan. A 60-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect damaged the window on her 2017 GMC Yukon and took a Macbook Pro from inside the vehicle. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,800.00.

Just after 9:30a.m. Sunday, officers filed a report for burglary and criminal damage to property in the 300 block of Colorado St. in Manhattan. A 23-year-old man reported an unknown suspect damaged the window on his 2016 Jeep Patriot and took clothing and bags full of miscellaneous items. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,330.00.

Just after 10a.m. Sunday, officers filed a report for vehicle burglary in the 400 block of S 3rd St. in Manhattan.  A victim reported an unknown suspect damaged his Honda Accord and took a Smith and Wesson Shield 9MM with Magazine. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $850.00.

Just after 11a.m. Saturday, officers filed a report for theft from motor vehicle and criminal damage to property in the 400 block of S 3rd St. in Manhattan. A 53-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman  reported an unknown suspect damaged their Mercedez Coupe and took miscellaneous items from the vehicle. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $500.00.

On Friday, officers filed a report for vehicle burglary in the 500 block of Pierre St. in Manhattan. A 26-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect entered her 2019 Subaru Crosstec and took a Glock 42 and pocket knife. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $560.00.

Police ask that anyone with information on these cases 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.

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.

Adrian Lambert photo Geary Co.

ADRIAN LAMBERT, 40, Manhattan, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Bond $16,000

CORONDUS SANCHEZ SIMS, 20, Manhattan, Aggravated false impersonation; Liable to payment of debt, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license Driving under the influence of drugs/alc; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving, Possession of marijuana and Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Bond $6000

MICHAEL CORTEZ, 35, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $500

HENRY MARQUEZ JONES, 33, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $1000

JOSHUA LEVI SHELTON, 22, Onaga, Parole Violation and Duty of Driver To Give Information; Pottawatomie County Sheriff

DENAAL LATRESS THOMPSON, 35, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $4000

 

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.

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN

CHRIS NEAL / FOR THE KANSAS NEWS SERVICE

TOPEKA ― Aetna remains in hot water with the state of Kansas, which recently threatened to cancel the company’s Medicaid contract.

In late July, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment gave Aetna Better Health 10 days to resolve a laundry list of long-running problems.

Aetna gets another shot at fixing what health care providers describe as chronic issues with payment, among other concerns.

Aetna provides health insurance to around 100,000 Kansans under KanCare, the state’s privatized Medicaid system. It’s one of three companies with contracts to do so, and replaced one of the previous insurers in January.

The state health department did not provide a copy of Aetna’s compliance plan, explaining it is not yet a public document in its current unfinalized state. But in a cover letter that Aetna filed with the state on Aug. 7, says the company says it has fixed several issues and that many of the other problems “are well on their way to compliance.”

State health officials plan to meet with Aetna leaders, who asked in their letter for an in-person conversation in the event that Kansas remains unsatisfied. As for setting a new deadline for Aetna, officials intend to meet with company leaders first.

Read the original story on complaints against Aetna, and on the state’s demands

Complaints against Aetna include that the company doesn’t reimburse correctly or on time. Providers say they sometimes don’t get paid because Aetna demands advance permission for certain basic procedures. They also complain that the company hasn’t put together a complete directory of physicians and specialists that it covers.

The state’s written complaint to Aetna in July said that doctors and others struggle to secure provider credentials from the insurer, and that discrepancies in Aetna’s records mean Kansas can’t judge the adequacy of the company’s provider network for Medicaid recipients.

Aetna didn’t grant requests last week and this week for interviews, but said in an email that it will work with Kansas to “enhance” its corrective plan and “add a greater level of detail.”

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @Celia_LJ or email her at celia (at) kcur (dot) org. 

Little Apple Post has partnered with Flipp to offer interactive online circulars! Check this week’s bargains out here! Don’t see the circular you want in the preview? Click on an ad to pull up a search menu for retailers like Dillons, Walmart, JCPenney and so much more!

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Discover offers by browsing through the weekly ads from retailers you love, or by searching for the items you need.

Flipp takes the “extreme” out of Extreme Couponing.
Flipp has coupons from the top brands and retailers that will help you save 20% to 70% on a wide variety of products.

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Plan your shopping trips and mazimize your savings with the ultimate shopping list
Easily create a shopping list by adding items from weekly ads or adding in your own. Find the best deals on your products and easily save you shopping list and share it with a loved one. Print the list or loads it on your Flipp app and have it available on the go!

Click HERE to view the circulars

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.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa-based grocery store chain is warning customers about what it says is a security incident involving payment card systems.

Hy-Vee said in a news release Wednesday that it launched an investigation after it detected unauthorized activity on some of its payment processing systems — activity that the company thinks has stopped.

The investigation focused on card payments at Hy-vee restaurants, fuel pumps and drive-thru coffee shops. Company officials think the problem doesn’t involved payments systems used inside its grocery stores, drugstores and convenience stores. They use encryption technology for processing card transactions.

Hy-vee intends to notify customers when it can share specific timeframes and locations that may have been involved.

The company is based in West Des Moines and operates more than 240 retail stores in eight Midwestern states: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

RILEY COUNTY—A Kansas teen was sentenced Monday in Riley County for attempted rape, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery and marijuana possession.

Baggett photo Geary Co.

The judge sentenced Tommie Baggett, 19, Manhattan, to a total of 228 months, according the Riley County Attorney’s office.

In June of 2018, police arrested Baggett at a residence in the 1400 Block of Hartman Place in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police on requested charges that include rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, aggravated battery that included a weapon, and aggravated burglary.

In April 2018, police arrested Baggett on requested charges of rape, aggravated robbery, attempted aggravated burglary involving a weapon, according to the Riley County Police Department booking report.

In January 2018, police arrested Baggett for the alleged sale of depressants, contributing to a child’s misconduct and felony possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture a controlled substance.
The judge order the time in prison to be served consecutively, according to the Riley County Attorney.

Multiple severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado warnings that stretched through southeastern Geary, west central Wabaunsee and southwest Wabaunsee counties and a flash flood warning were all part of the Thursday night weather pattern in the region.

Tornado sightings from the same cell occurred in the western part of Wabaunsee County and again later near Lake Wabaunsee. No injuries have been reported. During the warning period Geary County Emergence Management Director Garry Berges said a funnel cloud was sighted north of the interstate, “in Riley County, it came into Geary County, stayed aloft, rotation in the clouds, moved on farther to the south toward Eskridge, and that was the tornado warning for Volland. ”

Thunderstorm warnings began in Riley County and the storm cells later tracked southeast. During the nine o’clock hour the National Weather Service later issued a severe thunderstorm warning for all of Geary County and parts of five other counties.

A flash flood warning was issued for east central Geary, southeastern Riley, Wabaunsee County and south central Pottawatomie County. Thunderstorms had produced heavy rain across the warned area.  Up to three inches of rain had fallen in some areas and another one to three inches was possible in the warned area. In Manhattan the Riley County Police Department only reported some flash flooding on Juliette Avenue.

The storm activity during the evening produced 1.5 inch diameter hail in Leonardville and at one point dime sized hail in Manhattan. No rain fell in Junction City.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY— Thursday’s summer storm brought heavy rain, hail strong winds and a couple of tornadoes.

Strong winds sent these trees down on a home photo by Russel Lierz courtesy Nemaha County Emergency Management

The tornadoes were reported in rural western Wabaunsee County and near Lake Wabaunsee. A funnel cloud was also north of the interstate, in Riley County and it came into Geary County, stayed aloft and moved on farther to the south toward the Wabaunsee County community of Eskridge, according to Geary County Emergence Management Director Garry Berges.

There are no reports of damage or injury in Wabaunsee County, according to the sheriff’s office. Minor street flooding was reported in Riley County and some areas lost electricity but no damage or injuries, according to the Riley County Police Department. Other than some tree limbs down, there was no damage reported in Pottawatomie County, according to the sheriff’s department.

The storm produced 1.5 inch diameter hail in Leonardville and at one point dime sized hail in Manhattan.