Heavy Rain Leads to Flash Flooding in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP/KPR) — Heavy rain in several Midwestern states is causing flash flooding, and more rain is in the forecast this weekend. A line of storms that began Wednesday continued through this morning (SAT), bringing winds that downed trees and power lines. The storms also brought torrential rain. The National Weather Service reports that between four and eight inches of rain fell over portions of Kansas and Missouri, flooding numerous roads in Anderson, Franklin, Lyon, and Osage counties. A flood warning remains in effect until Sunday for the Marais Des Cygnes River near Quenemo, where it is expected to crest at 22.5 feet this morning, well above its 17-foot flood stage. A flood warning continues until Tuesday for the Marais Des Cygne River near La Cygne, where it is expted to crest at over 28 feet tomorrow (SUN) morning; flood stage is 25 feet. In Columbia, Missouri, several vehicles became stuck in flood waters. The National Weather Service said a campground in Nebraska was evacuated before midnight Thursday. The forecast in much of the region calls for more rain through the weekend.
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Missouri See Spike in COVID-19 Cases
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - The spike in COVID-19 cases is leading to a surge in critical illnesses in southwestern Missouri. The Springfield-Greene County Health Department yesterday (FRI) reported the largest number of critical care and intensive care unit patients since the pandemic began, KYKY-TV reported. Health officials in Missouri's third-largest city say 44% of the 167 COVID-19 patients there are considered critical care or are being treated in the ICU. The Delta variant of the virus is believed responsible for much of the spread in Missouri, especially in the southwestern and northern parts of the state. Officials also cite low vaccination rates. Kansas health officials are keeping an eye on the recent Missouri spike in cases. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports there are currently 154 cases of the Delta variant in Kansas, with 69 of those in Sedgwick County, 12 cases in Riley County, 12 in Crawford County, 10 in Cowley County, and 8 in Johnson County. The strain was first identified in the state in April.
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Settlement Approved with Wrongfully Convicted Kansas Man
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A state panel has approved a settlement with the family of a man who died shortly after being released from prison for a crime he didn't commit. The State Finance Council on Thursday agreed to an $826,301 payment to the family of Olin “Pete” Coones. Coones was charged in the 2008 Kansas City, Kansas, deaths of Kathleen Schroll and her husband, Carl, but he was convicted of killing Schroll. He was exonerated in November 2020 after prosecutors said the deaths were a murder-suicide planned by Schroll. Coones died in February of cancer, 108 days after he was released from prison.
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Larned Man Charged with Arson after American Flag Burned
LARNED, Kan. (AP) — A 37-year-old Larned man is charged with felony arson after a large American flag was burned outside a Larned business. The Pawnee County Attorney says Jason Wayne Cauble was arrested Tuesday and made his first court appearance on Thursday. Investigators allege Cauble burned a 30-by-20 foot flag outside of Carr Auction and Realty in Larned in April. Cauble remains jailed in lieu of a $15,000. Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett explained that people who burn their own flags are protected by their right to free speech but arson can be charged when the flag belongs to someone else. He said he did not have information about Cauble's possible motive.
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Dodge City Officer Indicted after Fatal Traffic Crash
DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Dodge City police corporal has been indicted after a woman died in a traffic crash while he was responding to a call. A Ford County grand jury this week indicted Cpl. Shane Wade Harris on an involuntary manslaughter charge, or an alternative vehicular homicide charge. Investigators said Harris was responding to reports of a break-in on January 25th, 2020, when his car collided with a vehicle driven by Vanessa Guzman, of Dodge City. Guzman was thrown from the car and died at the scene. Dodge City Police Chief Drew Francis declined to comment because the police department's investigation is not complete.
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State Aid May Not Prevent Kansas Evictions
MISSION, Kansas (AP) — The end of tenant protections at the end of July has raised concerns that thousands of Kansas residents will be unable to afford their monthly rent and face eviction. The state has set aside $220 million to help with outstanding rents, utility payments and other expenses, but extensive federal rules have slowed the flow of money to those in need. Kansas has one of the shortest timeframes in the country for evicting a tenant who falls behind on rent. In Wichita, the Salvation Army already is seeing an increase in calls from people asking for shelter.
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Topeka Police Investigate Shooting Death
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Topeka police are investigating a shooting death on the city’s north side. Officers were called just after 10 p.m. Thursday to Northwest Polk Street and found an adult with a gunshot wound. The person died at the scene. Police did not disclose the victim’s name and didn’t say if it was a man or a woman. No arrests have been made.
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Two Teens Arrested in Shooting Death of KCK Teen
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Two teenagers have been arrested in the shooting death of a 15-year near a Kansas City, Kansas, elementary school earlier this month. Authorities said Thursday that U.S. Marshals took the suspects, ages 16 and 17, into custody. A news release from police said they will face criminal charges in Wyandotte County. Both had been sought in the killing of Kaden Bauswell, who was found shot near Hazel Grove Elementary School on June 8th.