KC, Wichita Authorities Arrest 32 People in Child Sex Crime Case
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCUR) - Thirty-two people in the Kansas City area and in Wichita have been arrested in an undercover federal operation that targeted adults who were willing to travel to have sex with children. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 15 of the 32 people arrested by a joint task force are from the Kansas City area - Independence, Clay County and Platte County, Missouri. Scott Titus, with Homeland Security, says the task force primarily focused on people using cybertools to lure and entice underage victims. “These online predators have the opportunity to expand their potential likelihood to victimize minors who are unwitting and not understanding what an individual is attempting to accomplish by reaching out to them," he said. Officials say the individuals are accused of numerous crimes, including enticement of a minor, human trafficking, promoting prostitution and other sex crimes.
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1 Dead, 3 Children Injured in Crash on Kansas Turnpike
LYONS COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) — One person is dead, and three children are injured after a crash on the Kansas Turnpike Monday afternoon. KSNW TV reports that the Kansas Highway Patrol was notified of an erratic driver between Emporia and the Emporia service area. The caller told state troopers that they saw the van weaving through traffic, as well as speeding up and slowing down, before leaving the highway, hitting a tree, and catching fire. In addition, the caller reported that they ran to the car and pulled out the three children, an 8-year-old, a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old. The responding state trooper was two miles away at the time. Upon arrival, the trooper and the caller attempted to pull the driver from the van but were unsuccessful due to the fire. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. All three children were hospitalized with various injuries.
The 8-year-old was taken in critical condition to a children’s hospital in Kansas City, the 5-year-old was taken in critical condition to a hospital in Wichita, and the 3-year-old was taken in serious condition to a hospital in Emporia.
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Conservative State Senator Dennis Pyle Runs for Kansas Governor as Independent
HIAWATHA, Kan. (AP) — A state senator who recently left the Republican Party has begun campaigning for Kansas governor as an independent. The Kansas City Star reports that grain and livestock farmer Dennis Pyle, of Hiawatha, appointed a campaign treasurer Monday. Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt and Democratic Governor Laura Kelly are expected to win their parties' nominations for governor in the August 2 primary. Pyle will need to gather 5,000 signatures to appear on the November general election ballot. No independent or third-party candidate has come close to winning an election for governor in modern times, but they sometimes draw enough votes to influence close elections. Pyle's running mate is Clearwater school board member Kathleen Garrison.
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Kansas Man Sentenced to Prison for 2018 Killing of Baby Daughter
HAYSVILLE, Kan. (AP) — A southern Kansas man has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for the killing of his 4-month-old daughter in 2018. Television station KAKE reports that 36-year-old Andrew Franklin, of Haysville, was sentenced Monday to 250 months in prison. Franklin pleaded no contest in April to second-degree murder and child abuse in the death of 4-month-old Brexley Grace Franklin. Police say the baby girl died on September 13, 2018, five days after she was admitted to a hospital suffering from a skull fracture, retinal hemorrhages and bruises to her jaw. Franklin was initially charged with first-degree murder and two counts of child abuse and has been behind bars since his arrest in January 2019 related to the baby's death.
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Five Teenagers Plead Not Guilty in Olathe Killing of Missouri Man
OLATHE, Kan. (AP) _ Five young teenagers who are charged in a Kansas man's shooting death have pleaded not guilty in juvenile court to first-degree murder. The teenagers entered their pleas yesterday (MON). Three of the suspects are 14 years old and two are 13. A hearing for a sixth 14-year-old was postponed to June 15. The teens are charged in the May 14 death of 19-year-old Marco Cardino, of Smithville, Missouri. He was found dead in his car in an Olathe park. The Johnson County prosecutor is seeking to try the 14-year-olds as adults. Kansas law does not allow 13-year-olds to be tried as adults.
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Child Care Demand in Kansas Outstrips Supply
WICHITA, Kan. (KNS) - The demand for childcare in Kansas currently outweighs the supply, which is causing problems for many working families. The coronavirus pandemic forced many home-based childcare facilities to close. More than 100 home-based child-care providers in Kansas closed during the first year of the pandemic. That's especially troubling in rural areas. A new report by state officials and Child Care Aware of Kansas shows that 21 counties have no slots available for infants and toddlers. Sixty counties have no providers available for evening, weekend or overnight hours. Kelly Davydov of Child Care Aware says many parents lost jobs and were unable to afford childcare or stayed home with children. That put pressure on smaller providers. "Their profit margins are already razor thin. But on the flip side of that coin, parents often can't afford to pay more." Kansas childcare providers have received about $40 million in federal COVID relief funds to childcare businesses. State lawmakers also expanded a childcare income tax credit for families.
(Additional reporting...)
Kansans Struggle to Find Day Care
WICHITA, Kan. (KMUW) - Having trouble finding childcare? You're not alone. Kansas has lost hundreds of home-based childcare providers over the past five years, especially in rural parts of the state. A new report - by state officials and the group "Child Care Aware of Kansas" - shows that 21 of the state’s 105 counties had no childcare slots available for babies or toddlers. More than half of Kansas counties had none available for parents needing care during the evening, weekend or overnight hours. Kelly Davydov, of Child Care Aware, says the pandemic put more pressure on smaller childcare providers. “And so we saw, you know, a lot of programs have to make that difficult choice of having to close their business because they couldn’t weather the storm at that time," she said. So far, Kansas has distributed more than $40 million in federal COVID relief funds to child care businesses. State lawmakers also expanded a childcare income tax credit for families.
relief.
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Kansas Woman Accused in Bizarre Bank Robbery Attempt
SMITH COUNTY, Kan. (Hays Post) – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office arrested a woman for attempting to rob a bank in Kensington. The KBI says a woman robbed the Farmers National Bank in Kensington late Monday morning. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office responded to the bank and found 51-year-old Jennie R. Aanenson, of Agra, outside of the bank. The Hays Post reports Aanenson was detained. The KBI was asked to assist in the case. When questioned, Aanenson reported that she was forced by two men to rob the bank while armed with a bomb that was in her bag. She also claimed that her infant daughter was abducted by the men who left the area while she was inside the bank. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office immediately began searching for the reported vehicles. Also assisting in the case were the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office and the Osborne County Sheriff’s Office. KBI agents concluded that no child was abducted and that Aanenson does not have an infant daughter. Authorities also determined that the device the woman used to allegedly rob the bank was not a bomb. Aanenson was arrested for suspected aggravated robbery with a dangerous weapon, aggravated criminal threat, and two counts of interference with law enforcement. She was booked into the Smith County Jail. Formal charges are pending.
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Body Found Set on Fire in Longview Lake Area of Missouri
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Police have asked for the public's help in connection with the discovery of a body that had been set on fire. KCTV reports the body was discovered early Monday morning. The Kansas City Police Department stated that someone driving in the area of Raytown Road between Longview Road and Longview Parkway saw a body on fire on the side of the road around 12:40 am. On scene, police confirmed a deceased body that had been apparently set on fire. The fire department also responded to put out the flames. The victim has been identified as 32-year-old Timothy Grigsby. The initial investigation indicates he was shot. A vehicle was towed from the scene but police are still investigating its connection to the victim and the scene. Anyone with information has been asked to call Kansas City police at (816) 234-5043. To remain anonymous, callers can use the TIPS hotline at 474-TIPS. A reward of up to $25,000 has been offered in the case.
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Anti-Abortion Rally Held in Wichita
WICHITA, Kan. (KMUW) - Supporters of the "Value Them Both" amendment gathered for a rally at a Wichita church Monday evening. Matt and Mercedes Schlapp, both former Republican White House officials, were featured speakers at Central Christian Church in Wichita. Matt Schlapp says the proposed state amendment would support existing legislation that already regulates abortion in Kansas.“When the government or when justices or judges try to separate parents from these important family decisions, I think that sends quite a negative message. And we want to make sure that parents have the right to know what's going on with their minor children.” The proposed constitutional amendment on the August 2nd ballot states there is no right to abortion in the Kansas constitution.
(Additional reporting...)
Rally Held in Wichita in Support of "Value Them Both" Constitutional Amendment
WICHITA, Kan. (KMUW) - More than a hundred anti-abortion advocates gathered at Central Christian Church in Wichita yesterday (MON) to kick-off a week of action for the proposed "Value Them Both" constitutional amendment. Matt and Mercedes Schlapp were featured speakers at the event. Matt Schlapp is head of the American Conservative Union; Mercedes Schlapp worked in the Trump administration. In remarks to supporters, the pair said the Left has declared war on women, motherhood and unborn children. The "Value Them Both" amendment says there is no right to abortion in the Kansas constitution. The amendment will be on the August 2nd primary ballot.
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K-State Athletic Great Veryl Switzer Dies at 89
UNDATED (KCUR) - A legendary Kansas State University sports pioneer has died. Veryl Switzer, a multi-sport athlete who was the first African-American scholarship player to graduate from K-State, died over the weekend. On the Wildcats' football teams of the early 1950s, Switzer was a halfback and punt returner. In track and field, he was a long jumper. He graduated in 1954. In the 1954 NFL draft, Switzer was taken fourth overall, still the highest pick ever for a K-State player. His football career was interrupted by military service and he concluded his playing career in the Canadian Football League. In 1974, Switzer got his masters in education and later worked in Kansas State athletics. He was 89.
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Wichita to Settle Lawsuit over 2012 Fatal Police Shooting
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - The city of Wichita plans to settle a lawsuit over the fatal shooting of a man by police in 2012. The City Council is expected to approve a $175,000 settlement this week with the mother of 24-year-old Troy Lanning. He was killed by officer Randy Williamson in April 2012 after a police pursuit and foot chase. The lawsuit claimed Lanning was shot as he raised his hands to comply with the officer's demands, and then was shot again as he lay on the ground. The city admitted no liability in the case. City attorneys argued Williamson was justified in using force because he believed Lanning was a threat.
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Holcomb Teenager Killed in Western Kansas Rollover
WICHITA CO., Kan. (WIBW) - One teenager was killed, another seriously injured, in a Sunday evening accident in western Kansas. WIBW TV reports the crash happened around 6:15 pm in Wichita County. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 17-year-old Trevor A Korbe, of Holcomb, was driving when he lost control of his vehicle, over-corrected and left the road. State troopers say the vehicle rolled on the passenger side an undetermined number of times and landed in a ditch. Korbe was pronounced dead at the scene. The patrol says he was not wearing a seatbelt. A passenger, 16-year-old Tyler Korbe, of Wallace, was injured. Another passenger, 14-year-old Travis Korbe, of Holcomb, did not appear to be hurt. Troopers say both passengers were wearing seatbelts.
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Colorado Cyclist Perishes in Fatal Accident Before Big Race in Emporia
EMPORIA, Kan. (KVOE/WIBW) - A Colorado cyclist in Emporia’s UNBOUND 200 died before the bicycle race began. KVOE Radio reports that on Friday evening, a Colorado man died following a fatal vehicle vs. bicycle collision northwest of Emporia. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the collision took place near the intersection of Lyon County Road 190 and Road F. Gregory Bachman, a 61-year-old cyclist from Frisco Colorado, was headed northbound on Road F and entered the intersection when he was struck by a truck. The truck, headed westbound, was a 2021 Chevy Silverado, driven by 52-year-old Cory Smith, of Emporia. Troopers said Bachman was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet and was registered in the UNBOUND Gravel 200-mile race on Saturday. ( Read more.)
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Kansas City Dealing with Shortage of 911 Dispatchers
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCUR) - A number of 911 calls in Kansas City are going unanswered. That's the result of a shortage of 911 dispatchers. KCUR Radio reports that a year ago, the Kansas City Police Department had three vacancies for 911 dispatchers. That number has grown to 22 unfilled positions. Dispatchers are now working extended shifts of mandatory overtime. Kansas City's 911 hiring dilemma is not a new problem, but it has worsened in recent times. According to figures compiled by the Mid-America Regional Council, the industry standard is to answer 90% of incoming 911 calls within 15 seconds. But in Kansas City, 911 dispatchers are struggling to answer 75% of incoming calls within that 15 second time frame.
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KU Docs Recommend COVID Vaccines for Kids Under 5
UNDATED (KNS) - Doctors at the University of Kansas recommend getting kids under 5 a COVID vaccine once federal approval happens, which could be in a couple weeks. Right now, vaccines are available only for children who are at least 5 years old. But that is expected to change soon - and shots may become available for younger kids by the end of the month. Pediatricians at KU Health System say getting everyone vaccinated protects the wider population against new COVID variants. About 60% of Kansans have had at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. Vaccine rates are lower for kids and teens than adults.
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Kansas Appeals Court Judge Anthony Powell to Retire
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Appeals Court Judge Anthony Powell plans to retire on June 30. A court spokeswoman announced Monday that Powell intended to step down from the court, on which he has served since January 2013. Before being appointed to the appeals court, Powell was a district court judge in Sedgwick County for 11 years. He also served four terms in the Kansas House of Representatives. Governor Laura Kelly has 60 days from the day the position becomes vacant to appoint a replacement. A majority of the Kansas Senate must approve the appointment.
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New Incentives for Midwest Farmers to Plant Cover Crops
UNDATED (HPM) - Farmers across six Midwest states have a new incentive program to plant cover crops, which help keep soil in place and carbon in the ground over the winter. Harvest Public Media reports that the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded nearly $3 million in grants to help farmers plant cover crops in Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota. Lydia English, with Practical Farmers of Iowa, says the grants are a great start to put more acres under conservation practices. "Realistically, we would love to see cover crops before every acre of soybeans. 50% adoption each year is, I think, a totally reasonable target," she said. The grants are expected to help grow cover crops over a half a million acres this year. There are other federal and state funding programs for cover crops, but experts say demand usually outpaces available funding.
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Romeo Crennel Retires After Almost 40 Years as NFL Coach
HOUSTON (AP/KPR) — Romeo Crennel announced his retirement Monday, ending a 39-year NFL coaching career that included five Super Bowl titles. Crennel spent the past eight seasons with the Houston Texans. He was the team's defensive coordinator from 2014-16 and assistant head coach from 2017-19. In 2020 he was the associate head coach before becoming the interim head coach after coach Bill O'Brien was fired after just four games. Crennel also worked as a defensive coach for the Kansas City Chiefs.
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These area headlines are curated by KPR news staffers, including J. Schafer, Laura Lorson, Kaye McIntyre, and Tom Parkinson. Our headlines are generally posted by 10 am weekdays, 11 am weekends. This news summary is made possible by KPR listener-members. Become one today.