Haskell Extends Search for New President
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KPR) - The search for the next president of Haskell Indian Nations University will continue indefinitely. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that a spokesperson for U.S. Senator Jerry Moran said the Bureau of Indian Education is reopening the search after a candidate who was offered the position turned it down. For the time being, Haskell Indian Nations University will be led by new interim president Julia Goodfox, dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences.
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Big 12 Conference to Distribute Record $426 Million
IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Big 12 Conference is distributing a record $426 million of revenue to its 10 schools for the 2021-22 school year. That is a nearly 25 percent increase over last year and 10 percent higher than its peak before the COVID-19 pandemic. The chair of the Big 12 board of directors, Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec, says the league is in a very strong position. Schovanec also says the search for a new Big 12 conference commissioner is on track to be completed by mid-July. In other news, the Big 12 conference voted to keep the men's and women's basketball championships in Kansas City through 2027. This represents a two-year extension of the current multi-year agreement.
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Sewage Leak Closes Two Lake Shawnee Coves
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) - A sewage leak is being blamed for closing two coves at Lake Shawnee Friday. The Topeka Capital Journal reports that Shawnee County Parks and Recreation closed the two coves, although other part of the lake remain open. While the cause of the sewage leak was not immediately known, a spokesman for public works says recent heavy rains may have overwhelmed the sewer system. Park and Recreation also issued a warning about blue-green algae in Lake Shawnee. Blue-green algae can be fatal to animals.
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Baldwin Man Charged for Allegedly Firing Gun During Car Chase
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KPR) - A Baldwin City man has been arrested for suspicion of attempted first-degree murder after allegedly firing a gun at another vehicle. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that 22-year-old Devin Fuller is accused of chasing a southbound vehicle on U.S. Highway 59 from Douglas County to Franklin County Friday, where he allegedly shot at the other vehicle. In addition to suspicion of attempted first-degree murder, Fuller is charged with endangerment, criminal discharge of a firearm, and criminal possession of a firearm. In a news release, the Franklin County Sheriff's office says that Fuller is being held on $1 million bond.
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KC Officer who Fatally Shot Ex-detective Will Not Face Charges
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors say a Kansas City police officer who fatally shot a former police detective during a scuffle will not be charged with a crime. The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office said Tuesday that no charges will be filed against the Kansas City officer who shot Lionel Womack in November. The Kansas City Star reports that two officers confronted Womack following 911 calls about a man trying to jump in front of traffic. Investigators say that within seconds of confronting Womack, the former detective had disarmed one officer and pointed the weapon at him, leading the second officer to shoot Womack. Police have not named the officers involved.
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Jury Sides with Topeka Officer in Lawsuit over 2018 Arrest
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A jury has found that a white Topeka police officer did not use excessive force when he arrested a Black man in 2018. Timothy Harris sued Officer Christopher Janes after his arrest during a traffic stop in Topeka. He alleged Janes violated his civil rights by taking him to the ground, hitting him and using pepper spray while his hands were handcuffed behind his back. A federal jury on Thursday ruled in Janes' favor. During closing arguments, Janes' attorney argued that Harris was resisting arrest during the confrontation and the officer's conduct was reasonable. Harris' attorney argued Harris was cooperating when he was thrown to the ground.
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Prosecutor: KCK Woman Shot by Police was Armed
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City, Kansas, woman who was shot and wounded by Kansas City, Missouri, police last week has been charged with several counts. The Kansas City Star reports that Jackson County prosecutors have charged 26-year-old Leonna Hale with unlawful firearm possession, exhibiting a firearm and resisting arrest. The prosecutor's office says police body camera video of the shooting showed Hall was holding a gun in her right hand Friday as police tried to arrest her in connection with a reported carjacking that had occurred in Kansas City, Kansas. Police have said both officers fired at Hale in the parking lot as she fled holding a gun.