Search results for

But the housing sector is "still far from a sustained recovery," according to economists who produce the widely watched S&P/Case-Shiller index.

The American automaker reported that tariffs cost it $1.1 billion and reduced the company's profit margin from 9% to 6.1%.

Kansas Revenues in July Beat Expectations by $1.6MTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas collected $1.6 million more in taxes than anticipated in July, breaking a streak of monthly shortfalls in collections. The Department of Revenue reported Thursday the state took in almost $409 million in taxes in July, when the state's official fiscal forecast predicted revenues of $407 million. The July surplus was only four-tenths of 1 percent, but it was a sharp break from collections in April, May and June, which fell a total of $334 million short of expectations. Those shortfalls sparked an intense debate about whether the state underestimated the effects of personal income tax cuts enacted at Republican Governor Sam Brownback's urging in 2012 and 2013. Brownback's administration said the shortfalls were due to investors reacting to uncertainty about federal tax policies.==============================Kobach Predicts 22% Primary TurnoutTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The top election official in Kansas is predicting 22 percent of registered voters will participate in next week's primary election. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach says of the more than 1.7 million registered Kansas voters, he expects more than 381,000 will cast ballots in the August 5 primary. Kobach says turnout was about 23.2 percent in the state's 2012 primary. Kobach says the predicted turnout for next week is based on recent primary voting history, early voting totals in the current primary and lack of a statewide get-out-the-vote operation. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that voter turnout in Wichita and other areas of the 4th Congressional District could approach 27 percent because of the contest between U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo and Republican challenger Todd Tiahrt.==============================Wolf Confronts Roberts at Emporia Campaign StopEMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — Tea Party challenger Milton Wolf confronted U.S. Senator Pat Roberts as he campaigned in downtown Emporia. Their brief meeting Wednesday took place at an intersection as Roberts walked from business to business to talk with merchants. The two are squaring off in Tuesday's Republican primary. Wolf told Roberts he wanted the senator to keep his promise to debate him. Roberts says he has no plans to debate Wolf. At their meeting on the street, Roberts told Wolf it was not the time for the discussion and walked away as a small group of journalists and Wolf supporters watched. A Wolf supporter shouted at Roberts, "If you can't face Milton Wolf, how can you face Barack Obama?" Roberts spokesman Sean Fitzpatrick called Wolf's move a stunt.==============================National Senatorial PAC Supports Roberts in Kansas RaceTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ A national Republican group has contributed $45,400 to U.S. Senator Pat Roberts in his GOP primary race against tea party challenger Milton Wolf. The donation, from the National Republican Senatorial Committee, helped Roberts raise more than $200,000 so far this month. Campaign finance reports show Wolf raised more than $120,000 in contributions this month.==============================Kansas Congressman Hit by Farmers' BacklashWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Eleven biofuel plants dot the rural expanse of western and central Kansas, so farmers and residents there were surprised when their Republican congressman called for ending a federal program that supports demand for biofuels. Their anger has now come back to haunt 1st Congressional District Representative Tim Huelskamp. Huelskamp, a tea party favorite, is locked in a tough primary race with a GOP opponent, Alan LaPolice, who supports the renewable energy standards. The primary election is Tuesday. A political action committee supported by farmers is spending more than $260,400 to oppose Huelskamp. And a group of Kansas agricultural groups issued a scathing statement criticizing him. Huelskamp maintains that the federal program, which mandates the use of biofuels in gasoline, interferes with the free market. The measure he co-sponsored is pending in Congress.===============================Auburn Seeks More Than $200,000 in LawsuitAUBURN, Kan. (AP) — The city of Auburn has filed a civil lawsuit against a former city clerk who pleaded guilty to a federal embezzlement charge. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Auburn is seeking more than $200,000 in its civil lawsuit against 61-year-old Alice Riley. Riley pleaded guilty Tuesday to the federal charge and is scheduled to be sentenced October 17. Federal prosecutors said Riley embezzled at least $186,000 from Auburn, where she managed payroll and other accounts as the city clerk for several years. In the civil lawsuit filed July 23 in Shawnee County District Court and served to her Tuesday, the city of Auburn is seeking $196,000, as well as reimbursement in excess of $20,000 for the cost of investigation to determine the amount of the theft.==============================Salina Man Sentenced to Life for MurderSALINA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas judge has sentenced a Salina man to life in prison for killing a 27-year-old woman whose beaten body was found in a ravine off Interstate 135. The Salina Journal reportsa judge on Wednesday rejected 33-year-old Dane DeWeese's request for a new trial in the April 2013 death of Kristin Tyler. DeWeese was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy in April after a two-week trial. He must serve at least 25 years of the life sentence and nearly 11 years for the conspiracy charge before being eligible for parole. A second man, Joel Heil, pleaded guilty in April to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life with no chance of parole for 25 years. DeWeese's girlfriend, Megan Wells, was sentenced to probation for helping DeWeese escape arrest.==============================Counterfeit $100 Bills Passed in Great BendGREAT BEND, Kan. (AP) — Counterfeit $100 bills have turned up at a central Kansas fast-food restaurant on the same weekend at least four fake $100 bills were passed at a convenience store 80 miles up the road. The Great Bend Tribune reports someone passed three fake hundreds at a Burger King in Great Bend sometime between 5 pm Friday and 3 pm Sunday. It wasn't clear whether the bills were the result of one or multiple transactions. Earlier this week Salina police said several businesses reported receiving counterfeit money over the weekend, including four fake $100 bills that were used to purchase a prepaid Visa card at a convenience store. The Salina Journal on Wednesday reported another fake $100 bill was found in a bank deposit from a Casey's General Store.===============================Moritz Takes Oath to Join Federal Appeals CourtTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Former Kansas Supreme Court Justice Nancy Moritz has formally joined the federal appeals court that handles cases from six western and Plains states. U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren administered the oath of office to Moritz on Wednesday in Topeka. The Denver-based 10th Circuit Court of Appeals says in a news release that Moritz's temporary chambers will be in Lawrence. President Barack Obama nominated Moritz in August 2013. Her nomination was confirmed by the Senate in May. Moritz will fill the vacancy created in 2011 when Judge Deanell Tacha, a Kansan, retired and became dean of the law school at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Her departure gives conservative Republican Governor Sam Brownback his first appointment to the state's highest court.==============================Autopsy Confirms Kansas Man's Death Was SuicideHUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — An autopsy has confirmed a Kansas man whose body was found in his car after being there for up to three months committed suicide. The Hutchinson News reports the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center filed an autopsy report this week saying 54-year-old Adam Sabri had high levels of an allergy medication in his system and died of diphenhydramine toxicity. The Wichita man was reported missing on Feb. 9 but not found until a resident of an apartment complex in Maize complained to police about a foul odor outside of his building. Sabri's body was identified by dental records. An apparent suicide note was found inside the car.==============================Kansas Storage Tank Maker Plans ExpansionPARSONS, Kan. (AP) — A southeast Kansas company that makes storage tanks for customers worldwide is planning a major expansion. The Parsons Sun reports that Tank Connection is adding equipment and employees to expand production by 50 percent. The Parsons-based firm was established 10 years ago with two employees. The addition of 35 workers will bring total employment to more than 400. Tank Connection manufactures shop-welded, field-welded and hybrid storage tanks as well as aluminum dome covers. The company has two plants in Parsons and one each in Baxter Springs, Oswego and Galesburg. Company president Bill Neighbors most of the new equipment will be installed at the Galesburg plant. A third shift will be added there and at the Parsons facilities.==============================Kansas Deputy Fired After Shoplifting ArrestWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas detention deputy has lost his job after being arrested for shoplifting. KAKE-TV reports Wichita police officers were called to a shoplifting report at a Walmart around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter says an off-duty detention deputy was arrested for the crime. The sheriff says the man had been a detention deputy for less than a year but is no longer employed by the sheriff's office. The man was issued a notice to appear on the theft charge at a later date.==============================Wichita Police Arrest Man In Connection with Child's DeathWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita police investigating the accidental shooting death of a 3-year-old boy have arrested his mother's boyfriend on suspicion of criminal possession of a firearm. Investigators identified the child Wednesday as Jahmez Hunt. Police said Jahmez apparently shot himself in the chest around 5 p.m. Tuesday after climbing onto a kitchen counter, getting on top of the refrigerator and reaching into a cabinet for a handgun. The boy's three young siblings were also in the home while the mother and her boyfriend were napping. The 30-year-old boyfriend was arrested on suspicion of owning the gun despite having two previous criminal convictions. He was being held Wednesday on $5,000 while the investigation continued. Police say the mother was unaware the gun was in the house.==============================Kansas Community College and Its President Part WaysFORT SCOTT, Kan. (AP) — A southeast Kansas college is looking for a new president after parting ways with the incumbent by what officials called mutual agreement. The Fort Scott Tribune reports Clayton Tatro had been the subject of a recent no-confidence vote by faculty of Fort Scott Community College. Tatro was not present this week when the school's board of trustees approved an agreement to end his presidency, which was scheduled to expire in June 2017. Tatro had served as the college's president for seven years. The college's attorney said details of the termination agreement are confidential. The Tribune reports Tatro had a base salary of $104,000. Trustee Dick Hedges gave up his seat on the board to serve as interim president.===============================Foster Parent Charged with Murder in Hot Car DeathWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors have charged a Kansas foster parent with murder in the death of a 10-month-old girl who was left in a hot car. Seth M. Jackson made his first court appearance Wednesday to hear the charges against him. A criminal complaint shows Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office is charging the 29-year-old Wichita man with first-degree murder. An alternative count of second-degree murder charge has also been filed. He is being held on a $250,000 bond. His defense attorney did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. The girl died Thursday after being left for more than two hours inside a sweltering car. Police say Jackson had apparently forgotten about her until something on TV jogged his memory. Temperatures in Wichita at the time were around 90 degrees.==============================Suspect Charged in Triple-Fatality CrashWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Bond is set at $500,000 for a Wichita man charged in a hit-and-run crash that killed three people. KAKE-TV reports that 31-year-old Juan Gandara-Rodel made his first appearance Thursday in Sedgwick County District Court. He's charged with three counts of second-degree murder or three alternative counts of involuntary manslaughter, plus aggravated battery and leaving the scene of an accident. The collision happened around 2 am Sunday in west Wichita. Police say Gandara-Rodel was speeding in an SUV when he ran a red light and struck a car. The collision killed three passengers in the car, identified as 21-year-old Emily Phillips, of McPherson, and Jake Hallacy and Zachery Taylor, both 26 and from Valley Center. The driver and a fourth passenger were injured. Gandara-Rodel did not have a lawyer Thursday.===============================Kansas City Environmental Groups Get River Restoration FundingLENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Two Kansas City nonprofits are getting a total of about $120,000 in federal funds to improve areas around the Middle Blue River. The regional office of the Environmental Protection Agency says the grants to the Blue River Watershed Association and the Heartland Conservation Alliance are part of about $2 million in funding EPA's providing to organizations around the country to help protect and restore urban waters. The Kansas City groups are getting about $60,000 each for projects that include involving underserved youth in water quality monitoring studies and identifying vacant land in the watershed for possible low-impact development. The Urban Waters Federal Partnership is a collaboration of 13 federal agencies working to reconnect urban communities with their waterways. The Middle Blue River was added as a project in 2013.==============================Prison Crew Finds $1 Million Worth of Pot on Missouri RoadsideST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — A northwest Missouri cleanup crew consisting of jail inmates and a sheriff's deputy went into a roadside ravine to clean up trash and instead discovered more than 600 pounds of packaged marijuana. The St. Joseph News-Press reports a crew from Buchanan County jail was working Monday south of St. Joseph when they discovered 678 1-pound packages of pot and three large sacks of loose marijuana. Buchanan County Drug Strike Force commander Mike Donaldson says the street value of the week, if sold in 1-ounch packages, was worth more than $1 million. Donaldson says the strike force believes the marijuana was cultivated and harvested locally. Officials destroyed the drugs by fire Tuesday afternoon.==============================Kansas School District Completes Renovation of MegachurchOVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas school district has completed the $17-million transformation of a megachurch into an educational complex. The Kansas City Star reportsWednesday that the Hilltop Campus in Overland Park will be ready for class on August 18. The Blue Valley School District bought the First Family Church for $9 million in 2012 after the property went into foreclosure. Principal Kendall Burr says the building has grown to 126,000 square feet since the district added a tornado shelter. The 51-acre campus houses an early childhood learning center, a conference center and various programs. Burr says the learning center will serve about 1,000 families, especially those within the south and southwest area of the district.==============================Boeing Wrapping Up Work in WichitaWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Boeing recently auctioned off items from its Wichita hangars as the airplane manufacturer prepares to leave Kansas. At one time Boeing employed as many as 40,000 people in Wichita and for decades was the state's largest private employer. But Boeing Wichita's work has been moved elsewhere and most of its 2,100 Wichita employees have moved with Boeing, have been laid off or have retired. The Wichita Eagle reports that Boeing Wichita crews built parts for Boeing commercial jets and maintained and modified military aircraft. The company announced in 2012 it was closing its Wichita facilities and held a large auction last week. A small crew has been tying up loose ends in Wichita, but Boeing says much of that work will be finished by the end of this week.=============================== Parents of Baby Left in Closet Appear in CourtWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita couple who left their baby in an apartment closet while the mother drove the father to work have appeared in court on charges of misdemeanor child endangerment. The Wichita Eagle reports that a judge entered not guilty pleas Wednesday for 18-year-old Destiny Lee and 19-year-old Donivan Turner. Preliminary hearings for both are scheduled August 13. A maintenance worker repairing an air conditioner found the 1-year-old boy May 6 inside a closet in the couple's apartment. Police said at the time the temperature in the closet was about 90 degrees. The baby had been there about 20 minutes. The mother told officers she had been putting the sleeping boy on a mattress inside the closet for about two months while she took the father to work.==============================Missouri Soccer Coach Admits Videotaping Young GirlsKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City youth soccer coach has pleaded guilty to secretly videotaping young girls while they changed their clothes in his daughter's bedroom. The U.S. Attorney's office says 40-year-old Joel D. White, of Lee's Summit, pleaded guilty Wednesday to three counts of attempting to produce child pornography. White remains in federal custody to await sentencing. White coached girls' under-12 and under-15 soccer teams through the Lee's Summit Soccer Association, which cooperated in the investigation. Prosecutors said White videotaped 11 children, ages 11 and 12, in his daughter's bedroom between May and October 2012. He also admitted recording himself touching one girl while she slept. The investigation began when authorities in Commerce City, Colorado, searched White's backpack for soccer merchandise he was suspected of stealing during a tournament there.==============================Body Found Near Railroad Tracks in NW MissouriST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — A man's body has been found near railroad workers near train tracks in northwest Missouri, but a sheriff says the death does not appear suspicious. The St. Joseph News-Press reports Burlington Northern Santa Fe employees found the body Wednesday afternoon in southern Holt County. Sheriff Scott Wedlock says the death is "unexplained," but not suspicious. An autopsy has been ordered and the man's identity has not been confirmed.

Group Says Kansas Gun-Rights Law Endangers SafetyTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A national gun control group argues in a federal lawsuit that a Kansas law challenging federal authority to regulate guns is unconstitutional and endangers public safety. The Washington-based Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence filed the lawsuit Wednesday against a 2013 law declaring that the federal government has no authority to regulate guns manufactured, sold and kept only in Kansas. The law also makes it a felony for any U.S. government employee to attempt to enforce federal regulations for Kansas-only firearms, ammunition or accessories. The lawsuit says gun regulations fall under the power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce and the state is improperly trying to nullify federal law. It says the effects of not regulating some guns could be far-reaching. Governor Sam Brownback has promised to defend the law.==============================OIG Outlines Issues at Kansas VA Outreach ClinicsWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Office of Inspector General for the Veterans Affairs Department has released its recommendations for improvements at the six community-based outpatient clinics across Kansas overseen by the Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita. The recommendations are based in part on a site visit to the Parsons clinic in May along with other data gathered for VA outpatient facilities in Hays, Salina, Hutchinson, Parsons, Dodge City and Liberal. Issues cited in the report include no panic alarm system, incomplete diagnostics, inadequate staff training and poor medication management. The report also compares how well the different clinics are able to meet wait-times of under seven days. U.S. Senator Jerry Moran has long criticized the VA for not having a primary care provider at its Liberal clinic for the past three years.==============================State Delays Rollout of System to Prevent FraudTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The state has again delayed implementation of a new computer system designed to prevent fraud and improve efficiency in applications for social services. The state said Tuesday no firm date is set to take the $135 million computer system online. The program, called KEES, or Kansas Eligibility and Enforcement System, was originally to go live by October 1, 2013. Sara Belfry, spokeswoman for the state's health department, said a pilot program test last month persuaded the department to delay the rollout again. KEES is intended to bring together enrollments for all programs in the federal-state Medicaid programs. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports startup costs of the project were $85 million, with $60 million from the federal government, followed by an additional $10 million per year for five years for maintenance.==============================Police Investigate Body Found Near K-10 Highway LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Lawrence police say they don't suspect foul play in the death of a man whose body was found along Kansas Highway 10 in Douglas County. A commuter noticed the body about 6 am Wednesday near an industrial area called Venture Park. The man was later identified as 37-year-old Nathan Thurman. Police said Thurman had recently been staying at the nearby Lawrence Community Shelter, which serves the homeless and people at risk of losing their homes. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. Westbound traffic on the heavily traveled highway was reduced to one lane Wednesday morning while detectives examined the scene.==============================2nd Teen Dies After Kansas House ExplosionPLYMELL, Kan. (AP) — A second member of a western Kansas family has died after an explosion at their home last month. Garden City Fire Chief Allen Shelton says 14-year-old Riley Unruh died Tuesday at a Wichita hospital. His 17-year-old brother, Spencer Unruh, died in the explosion June 28 in Plymell, about 10 miles south of Garden City. The boys' mother, Kelly Unruh, remains in critical condition from injuries she suffered that day. Investigators say the explosion was caused by a concentration of natural gas. Chief Shelton says investigators have not determined why the natural gas concentrated at the home. Family members said in a statement that they were saddened by Riley's death but rejoice that he is "now in heaven with his Savior and his brother."==============================Dodge City Pastor Gets Probation in Sex Abuse CaseDODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Dodge City pastor will serve three years of probation for sexual battery in a plea deal that dropped six other felony charges, including rape. Eighty-year-old Jerrold Wayne Ketner was sentenced Tuesday. He was arrested in March after a woman who went to him for counseling reported she had been raped and molested for several months. The woman told KWCH-TV that Ketner demanded sex when she could not pay him. She videotaped one of the visits and turned it over to police. Ford County Judge Leigh Hood cited Ketner's age, health and lack of prior convictions when announcing the sentence. Ketner will not have to pay restitution, do any community service or register as a sexual offender. He cannot have contact with the victim or her husband.==============================Judge Gives Wyandotte Nation Deadline for Court PleadingWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge has ordered an Oklahoma tribe to show cause why the court shouldn't dismiss the last remaining claim in their lawsuit seeking to build a casino on suburban Wichita land. U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson on Wednesday gave the Wyandotte Nation until July 19 to make its pleading. The Interior Department has notified the court that it rejected the tribe's application to take the land into trust so the tribe can build a casino there. Robinson refused last year to order the agency to accept the Park City land into trust, leaving the decision to the Interior Department. But she retained jurisdiction to ensure the agency processed the tribe's application in a timely manner. The government wants the court to dismiss the lawsuit's remaining claim of unreasonable delay.==============================Chemical Spill Blamed for Arkansas River Fish KillWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a chemical spill at Wichita's water treatment plant into the Arkansas River killed some fish but poses no risk to public health. The ferric sulfate spilled early Wednesday from a corroded drain pipe at the plant and into the river near downtown Wichita. The chemical is used to settle out particles in untreated water as it flows into the plant. Public works deputy director Joseph Pajor says between 1,700 and 2,000 gallons of the chemical spilled. He says that when a pipe linking two storage tanks broke, a pump continued to spill the chemical onto the floor of a building. The chemical then flowed through a storm drain into the river. A small number of small fish were killed. They were found downstream behind a sandbar in shallow water.==============================Sheriff: Suspect Identified in NW Kansas Fires HAYS, Kan. (AP) — A northwest Kansas sheriff says investigators have identified a "strong suspect" in a rash of arson fires that scorched grassland and outbuildings. KAYS-AM reports that Ellis County Sheriff Ed Harbin said Tuesday authorities are waiting for lab results that could connect the person to the fires. The 20 fires in rural Ellis County began March 6 and continued for 10 days. The largest burned nearly 1,200 acres in the northwestern part of the county. The arsonist apparently worked quickly, at one point setting 10 fires in less than three hours. Most of the damage was to grassland, but trees, sheds, an old granary and a horse trailer were also burned. Harbin says his office continues to receive and investigate tips from the public.==============================Moser Named Executive Editor of Manhattan MercuryMANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — The Manhattan Mercury has promoted Megan Moser to executive editor. Moser has been leading The Mercury's newsroom, including news reporters, editors, designers, photographers and the sports department on an interim basis since former executive editor Steve Cameron retired May 1. Moser began her career at the Mercury as an intern in 2008 and graduated that year with a journalism degree from Kansas State University. She was named lifestyle editor in 2008. The Mercury reported Tuesday that Moser, a native of Garden City, is the first woman named to its top editor's position in at least 100 years.==============================Kansas Won't Release Data from Reading, Math TestsTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas won't be issuing any report cards this year on how well its public school students performed on standardized reading and math tests after cyberattacks and other problems this spring. The State Board of Education decided Tuesday not to release any scores. The board's decision means there won't be a report on how students scored overall statewide or how students in each school district or individual schools scored. The University of Kansas center that designed the tests told the board last month that it should not release data for individual schools and districts because of cyberattacks and other problems from March 10 to April 10. The state Department of Education typically releases data from testing each fall.==============================Kansas Board of Education Approves Budget ProposalsTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Most of the new dollars being sought for Kansas public schools by the State Board of Education over the next two years would go toward boosting their base aid and funding for special education programs. The board approved proposals Tuesday to phase in a $459 million increase in state funding, starting in July 2015. Base aid and special education account for $409 million. School districts' base state aid would rise to $4,200 per student for 2015-2016. The current figure is $3,852. The figure would jump to $4,300 for 2016-2017. Meanwhile, the state would cover 85 percent of the additional costs faced by schools in their special education programs for 2015-2016. The current figure is 80 percent. For 2016-17, the figure would rise to 92 percent.==============================Topeka-Based Bank Says Service RestoredTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Officials at Topeka-based CoreFirst Bank say full service has been restored to its computer-based applications after an earlier outage. KSNT-TV reports a cut in an AT&T fiber-optic line late Tuesday morning affected ATM services, credit and debit card transactions, mobile applications and the bank's website. CoreFirst president Kurt Kuta tells the station that service was restored around 8:30 pm. Kuta said that the disruption had left the bank working off account balances as of Monday's close of business. Transactions made after the outage were recorded in part of the bank's computer server, but didn't show up for customers. The disruption affected all CoreFirst branches in the Topeka area and in Manhattan, Johnson County and Emporia, Kansas, as well as Denver, Colorado. Kuta says no customers have lost any money.==============================Riders Call Verruckt Water Attraction Scary, but Worth Riding AgainKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Early riders on the world's tallest water slide say the Kansas City, Kansas, attraction is as scary as it looks, but they couldn't wait to go down it again. Among those getting a sneak peak at Verruckt at Schlitterbahn Waterpark on Wednesday was Kansas City Mayor Mark Holland, whose security detail anxiously waited while he took a second trip down the slide before being whisked away to another appointment. The 168-foot-tall water slide is scheduled to open to the public on Thursday, six weeks later than initially anticipated. The ride was reconfigured after early tests included sandbag-filled rafts flying off the slide and crashing to the ground. Verruckt, which means "insane" in German, was certified as the world's tallest water slide in April by Guinness World Records.==============================Topeka Air Service Increasing with United FlightsTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Six months after United Airlines began flying to Chicago out of Topeka Regional Airport, ridership is increasing but airport officials say it needs to continue climbing. Airport authority president Eric Johnson says the twice-daily flights to Chicago were about 64 percent full in June. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the numbers increased from 25 percent full in January to 65 percent in May. Government funds provided about $2 million in revenue guarantees if ticket sales fell short of a revenue goal. Johnson said most of the guarantee funds probably were used in the slow first quarter and the revenue shortfall for the second quarter hasn't been calculated. He says airport officials want the service to be profitable to ensure that United wants to continue to provide service from Topeka.==============================Judge: Lyft Service to Operate in Kansas City Until TrialKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A federal judge says the Lyft ride-sharing service will be allowed to operate in Kansas City at least until September, when a trial is scheduled to consider city officials' complaints about the service. Lyft pairs passengers who use a smart phone app with drivers in their own vehicles. District Judge Brian Wimes on Wednesday denied the city's request for a temporary restraining order against the San Francisco-based company. The Kansas City Star reports that the city maintains Lyft should follow the same regulations as taxicabs and limousine services. At least 16 Lyft drivers have been ticketed since the service began in the city. A trial on the city's objections is scheduled to begin September 17.==============================Kidney Transplant Clinic to Open in WichitaWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Missouri hospital will open a clinic in Wichita next month to serve kidney patients who need transplants. Saint Luke's Hospital, of Kansas City, announced plans Tuesday to open the clinic near Wichita's Via Christi hospital. Doctors at the clinic will evaluate potential transplant recipients. They will also provide pre- and post-surgery care for patients who receive new kidneys at Saint Luke's in Kansas City. KWCH-TV reports that more than 1,000 dialysis patients in Wichita are being evaluated for transplants. Wichita was left with a void when Via Christi announced in May it would not reopen its own program, which was halted in 2012 for the investigation of the deaths of four transplant patients in less than a month.==============================Amtrak CEO to Make Kansas Whistle-Stop TourNEWTON, Kan. (AP) — Top executives of Amtrak and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway will make a whistle-stop trip on the passenger railroad's Southwest Chief in Kansas. Friday's event takes place amid efforts to preserve the current route between Newton, Kansas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. The route is in jeopardy because the track, which is owned by BNSF, needs to be upgraded for passenger service, but BNSF doesn't require the upgrades for its freight operations. Discussions have been taking place about how the costs of improvements might be shared. Amtrak president and CEO Joe Boardman and BNSF executive Matt Rose plan to talk with local officials at each stop Friday about the funding issues. The train is scheduled to leave Topeka at 9 am and stop in Newton, Hutchinson, Dodge City and Garden City.==============================Dodge City Pastor Sentenced in Sex Abuse CaseDODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Dodge City pastor will serve three years of probation for sexual battery in a plea deal that dropped six other felony charges, including rape. Eighty-year-old Jerrold Wayne Ketner was sentenced Tuesday. He was arrested in March after a woman who went to him for counseling reported she had been raped and molested for several months.The woman told KWCH-TVthat Ketner demanded sex when she could not pay him. She videotaped one of the visits and turned it over to police. Ford County Judge Leigh Hood cited Ketner's age, health and lack of prior convictions when announcing the sentence. Ketner will not have to pay restitution, do any community service or register as a sexual offender. He cannot have contact with the victim or her husband.==============================Wichita Man Sentenced for Abuse of InfantWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita man is going to prison for more than three years for abusing and battering his 3-month-old son. The Wichita Eagle reports a Sedgwick County judge on Tuesday sentenced Aaron Piland to three years and five months for aggravated battery, plus 32 months for child abuse. The sentences will be served concurrently. Piland pleaded guilty in May. He and the baby's 28-year-old mother, Christina Schulte, were arrested after the mother took the baby to an emergency room in January claiming he became unresponsive after a bath. Doctors found internal injuries and alerted authorities. Schulte is also charged in the case, but court records show she failed to appear for her jury trial June 30. She's being sought on a warrant with a $275,000 bond.============================== Missing Missouri Boy Found Dead in PondHARRISONVILLE, Mo. (AP) — A massive search for a 5-year-old boy with autism has ended with the discovery of his body in a pond near his western Missouri home. Tony Eugene "Gene" Cory-Ferguson wandered from the rural Cass County home shortly before noon Tuesday — apparently, authorities said, after a repairman left a door open. KSHB-TV reports divers found his body around 6:30 pm Tuesday in an algae-covered farm pond about 100 feet from the hoThe house is located near an agricultural research center with several ponds and planted fields. Emergency personnel used dogs and aircraft in the search amid dense rows of tall corn. But the dogs never detected a scent, and authorities said that Gene was probably in the pond before the search began.==============================Lawrence Cracks Down on Fireworks ViolationsLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — In response to complaints from residents, Lawrence police cracked down on violators of the city's ban on fireworks this year. The Lawrence Journal-World reports police issued 34 citations for violating the citywide ban on fireworks in the week between June 30 and July 6. That's 10 times more than the average of three citations in previous years. Police spokesman Trent McKinley says officers responded to 226 calls about fireworks this year, up from the average of 204 calls between 2008 and 2013. The department assigned several officers to fireworks calls this year. McKinley says that and a slower-than-normal July 4 evening contributed to more citations. Lawrence banned fireworks within city limits in 2002 but has done little to enforce the ban in previous years.==============================Sporting KC Goalie Kronberg Fractures Left HandKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Eric Kronberg fractured a bone in his left hand during practice Wednesday and will miss about eight weeks for the defending MLS Cup champions. The club recalled goalkeeper Jon Kempin from his loan to USL PRO affiliate OKC Energy FC to provide depth during Kronberg's absence. Andy Gruenebaum is expected to become the team's primary goalkeeper after starting both of Sporting KC's matches in the U.S. Open Cup. Kronberg had started 17 matches for Sporting KC this season, and was leading Major League Soccer with seven shutouts and a 0.88 goals-against average. The reigning MLS player of the month also ranked third at his position in All-Star fan voting. Sporting KC plays at Montreal on Saturday.

Kansas Says Revenues Affected by Federal Tax ChangesTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas officials are blaming a shortfall of nearly $57 million in state tax collections in March on delays in federal tax deadlines forced by congressional wrangling on fiscal issues. The Department of Revenue reported Friday that the state collected almost $364 million in taxes this month. It had expected to take in more than $420 million. But the department noted that collections for the fiscal year that started in July are slightly ahead of the state's projection that it would collect $4.24 billion through March. For the past nine months, the state is about $9 million ahead, or two-tenths of 1 percent. Congress settled some tax issues in January, forcing the federal government to delay some filing deadlines and resulting in later tax collections in Kansas.=============Kansas Jobless Rate Steady in FebruaryTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — New unemployment figures show the Kansas jobless rate held steady last month at 5.5 percent, the same as in January but lower than in February 2012. The Kansas Department of Labor released the new statistics for February late Thursday. The agency says Kansas added 2,000 private sector jobs in February, continuing a string of four months of growth. Since October the state has added more than 12,000 private sector jobs. Seven of 10 private sector industries showed growth, led by professional and business services. One positive sign noted by the agency was that building permit data was increasing, suggesting that construction activity will pick up as the spring weather conditions improve. The 5.5 percent unemployment rate compares to 5.9 percent a year ago.=============Leaders Say Kansas Democrats Won't Help GOP on TaxesTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Democratic leaders say their party's lawmakers won't be pushed by potential budget problems into backing Governor Sam Brownback's proposal to cancel a scheduled decrease in the state sales tax. Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley of Topeka and House Minority Leader Paul Davis of Lawrence also said Friday that Democrats won't support further income tax cuts. The Republican governor wants to follow last year's personal income tax reductions with additional cuts. But the state must stabilize its budget. Brownback wants to keep the sales tax at 6.3 percent rather than letting it drop to 5.7 percent as planned in July. Hensley and Davis say both ideas are unacceptable. Brownback spokeswoman Sherriene Jones-Sontag said the state benefits most if all lawmakers are actively involved in setting tax policy.============= Kansas GOP Leaders Back Another US Senate Term for Pat RobertsTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The honorary committee formed by Pat Roberts for his U.S. Senate re-election campaign in 2014 includes fellow Republican statewide elected officials and the rest of the Kansas congressional delegation. Roberts's campaign announced Thursday that Governor Sam Brownback and Senator Jerry Moran will serve as the committee's co-chairmen. Others on board are Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer, Attorney General Derek Schmidt, State Treasurer Ron Estes and Secretary of State Kris Kobach. The committee also includes the state's four U.S. House members — Tim Huelskamp, Lynn Jenkins, Mike Pompeo and Kevin Yoder. The list suggests that Roberts won't face a serious challenge within the GOP from another elected official. The 76-year-old Roberts was first elected to the Senate in 1996 and is seeking his fourth term.============= Kansas Reports Decline in Abortions for 2012TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas health officials say that abortions in the state declined 5.4 percent last year, dropping the number to its lowest point in 25 years. And advocates on both sides of the abortion debate on Friday attributed the decline to ongoing efforts by abortion opponents to impose new restrictions on providers. But Executive Director Mary Kay Culp of Kansans for Life said another reason is that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is providing information about fetal development on its website. KDHE reported that doctors reported performing 7,457 abortions last year, down 428 from 2011, when 7,885 were performed. National Organization for Women lobbyist Elise Higgins said multiple anti-abortion laws enacted since Republican Governor Sam Brownback took office in January 2011 are restricting women's access to health care.============= Lawrence, University to Share Fiber Optic SystemLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — City commissioners in Lawrence have approved an agreement with the University of Kansas to share fiber optic cable systems throughout the city and campus. The agreement, approved by the commission on Tuesday, will increase the city's ability to connect public buildings, traffic signals and other facilities to a secure, high-speed network. University officials say the agreement is similar to those in other college towns, including Austin, Texas, and Seattle. Lawrence officials expect significant savings from using university infrastructure to route service throughout the city. They also say sharing a fiber optic conduit will reduce the need for installing separate lines to serve the city and the university.============= Augusta on Edge After Trooper's Weapons StolenAUGUSTA, Kan. (AP) — A south central Kansas town is on edge after someone broke into a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper's home and stole his Taser and weapon. Augusta police Sgt. Michael Stueven says the break-in occurred sometime last weekend. He released few other details but he says cases are always a top priority when weapons are stolen. KAKE-TV reports that Augusta, about 10 miles east of Wichita, averages only two home burglaries a month. Patrols around the trooper's home have been increased after neighbors expressed concern the weapons might be used in other crimes.============= Indoor Gardeners Claim Pot Search Was IllegalKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two former CIA employees whose suburban Kansas City home was unsuccessfully searched for marijuana claim they were illegally targeted, possibly because they had purchased indoor growing supplies to raise vegetables. Adelyn and Robert Harte sued Thursday to obtain records and are considering a federal civil rights lawsuit. The Johnson County Sheriff's Office searched the Harte's Leawood, Kan., home April 20. That's the day marijuana users have long designated to celebrate the drug. It's also a popular day for drug raids. Attorney Cheryl Pilate says no drugs were found and she wants to know why the home was searched. She suspects it's because the couple was growing tomatoes and squash in their basement. County and city officials declined to comment.=============Manhattan Accountant Pleads Guilty to EmbezzlementTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An accountant from Manhattan admits that he embezzled more than $500,000 from the construction company where he worked. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said in a news release Friday that 63-year-old Larry D. Lord pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of filing a false tax return. He admitted he embezzled the money from 1995 to 2012 while working for Cheney Construction in Manhattan. Prosecutors say he used some of the money to pay personal expenses. He falsified the company's check register log to make it appear the checks were for a customer. He wrote checks totaling more than $535,000. He also didn't report the money on his income tax forms, avoiding nearly $104,000 in taxes for 2006 through 2011. Sentencing is set for July 1.=============Federal Judge Allows Kansas to Correct Birth Record in Identity Theft CaseWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge will let Kansas correct the birth certificates of two children of an illegal immigrant living in Topeka who stole the identity of a Texas teacher. Benita Cardona-Gonzalez was sentenced this week to 18 months in prison for assuming the identity of Candida Gutierrez, a schoolteacher in Houston. As part of the crime, Cardona-Gonzalez even filled in the other woman's name as the mother on the birth certificates of her two U.S.-born children. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren granted a request by the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics to change the certificates to show Cardona-Gonzalez as the children's mother. Cardona-Gonzalez, who is from Mexico, used the Texas woman's identity to get a job, a driver's license, a mortgage and medical care for her children.============= Hutchinson Deals with Dilapidated HousingHUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Hutchinson officials say the city faces a public safety problem posed by hundreds of dilapidated houses, some of which are still occupied by elderly residents. Fire Chief Kim Forbes told the Hutchinson Housing Commission that firefighters responding to medical calls have found five to 10 people living in houses without electricity, gas or water service. Forbes says the dilapidated housing is also a firefighting hazard because firefighters entering the decaying homes often can weigh as much as 300 pounds with all their gear. He says that weight puts firefighters at risk of stepping through a rotted porch or interior floor. The Hutchinson News reports that the commission has asked its housing program manager and city staff to develop a strategy and present it at a future meeting.============= Life Sentence Recommended in KCMO Hotel DeathKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Jackson County (Missouri) jury has recommended a life sentence for a man who killed a woman and left her body stashed in the stairway of a Kansas City motel. The jury convicted 36-year-old Christopher Sanders on Thursday of second-degree murder in the death of 39-year-old Sherilyn Hill. Investigators say Hill died in the November 2011 after a night of drinking, smoking and fighting at the Royale Inn in east Kansas City. Her body was found in the stairwell about two weeks after she died. During the trial, Hill's friends said Sanders beat her before she died. Prosecutors say Sanders strangled Hill with a sheet. The Kansas City Star reports that Sanders testified that he hit Hill in self-defense after she threatened him and tried to rob him.=============Man Shot, Wounded by Wichita PoliceWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita police say a man has been hospitalized with severe injuries after being shot by one or more officers. KWCH-TV reports that the shooting happened Friday afternoon while police were investigating a reported carjacking. It wasn't immediately clear if the man was a suspect in the carjacking, but police said he was running from officers when he was shot. There were conflicting reports on whether the man exchanged gunfire with police.=============Several Hurt After Melee Breaks Out in WichitaWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita police say shots were fired and fights broke out while about 1,300 people were leaving a concert at a Wichita club. KSN reports that the large crowd was leaving Club Rodeo early Friday when the fight started, with beer bottles and chairs thrown around. After the crowd refused orders to disperse, authorities released a smoke bomb and the fight broke up. Several people were hurt, with two taken to the hospital with serious injuries. While most of the crowd was in the parking lot, several shots were fired. It wasn't clear if the shots were fired at someone or into the air, and no one was injured. Police Lieutenant Jose Salcido says several people were taken into custody after the brawl.============= Kansas Students to Compete in Geography BeeABILENE, Kan. (AP) — Students from across Kansas will be showing off their knowledge of geography next week. The Kansas Geographic Bee will be held next Friday at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene. The 102 competitors were selected after local contests at more than 200 schools in November. The contestants also had to pass a national qualifying exam. Students in grade 4 through 8 are eligible to participate. Winners will advance to the national competition May 20 - 23 in Washington, D.C. The top three national finalists will win scholarships of $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000. This is the 25th Anniversary year of the Geographic Bee, which was started by the National Geographic Society to address a lack of geographic knowledge among young Americans.============= Salina Tech Expands Education for High SchoolersSALINA, Kan. (AP) — Salina Area Technical College has a deal for high school juniors and seniors who want to pursue technical careers. The college has allowed high school students to attend without paying tuition for years, but the students had to pay for books, uniforms and tools. The college now says it plans to waive those costs — generally around $1,000 — beginning this fall. Salina Tech president Greg Goode says the change will cost the school about $30,000 to $40,000 a year. But he expects the effort to help more people find good jobs and help Salina businesses find well-trained employees. The Salina Journal reports that the college is also spending $1 million to expand its welding program to accommodate 48 students, twice as many as it currently has enrolled.============= KC Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Meth DistributionKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City man will spend 17 years in prison with no chance of parole for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Federal prosecutors announced 51-year-old Luis Hernandez's sentence in a news release Friday. They say he was part of a distribution ring that brought in $809,000 in proceeds. Hernandez pleaded guilty in July to being part of a conspiracy with four co-defendants that distributed methamphetamine between January 2008 and August 2011. All of the co-defendants must a total of $809,200 to the government. Hernandez also must forfeit property at his car detailing business and his Ford F-150 pickup. His co-defendants will be required to forfeit six residential properties, a Cadillac Escalade and a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.============= Brownback Sees Gay Marriage as Settled Issue in KansasTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Governor Sam Brownback still supports a federal law against gay marriage that he backed as a member of Congress. But he says the issue is settled in Kansas because of the state constitution's ban on same-sex marriage. Brownback faced questions Thursday from reporters with two cases on gay marriage before the U.S. Supreme Court. Brownback, a practicing Roman Catholic, has long supported the traditional definition of marriage. In one case, the high court is being asked to strike down a gay-marriage ban in California enacted by voters. The other case is a challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage Act of 1996. Brownback voted for the federal law while in Congress. He said the issue is resolved in Kansas because in a 2005 election, nearly 70 percent of voters approved a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.============= Kansas Governor Says His Sales Tax Plan Fits with BudgetTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Governor Sam Brownback says the reality of funding the state budget will push Kansas lawmakers toward approving his proposal to cancel a scheduled decline in the state sales tax. Brownback said Thursday that legislators have limited options for stabilizing the budget while they seek further cuts in individual income tax rates. Brownback hopes to follow last year's income tax cuts with additional reductions over the next four years. The Senate has embraced both that idea and keeping the sales tax at 6.3 percent instead of letting it fall to 5.7 percent in July as scheduled by law. The House wants to let the sales tax drop and cut income taxes less aggressively. Olathe Republican Scott Schwab says few of his fellow House members support keeping the sales tax where it is.============= Kansas Farmers Plan to Sow Less Corn, More SorghumWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas farmers are planting fewer acres of thirsty crops like corn and soybeans this spring and more acres of drought-tolerant crops like sorghum. Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service reported Thursday that corn growers plan to plant 4.6 million acres. That would be down 2 percent from last year, but still the fourth highest corn acreage in Kansas since 1936. Soybean acreage is also expected to shrink 2 percent from last year with 3.9 million acres. It would be the fourth largest soybean acreage in Kansas history. By contrast, sorghum planting in Kansas is expected to climb 16 percent from last year, at 2. 9 million acres. Winter wheat accounts for the vast majority of Kansas farm acreage with 9.3 million acres planted last fall, down 2 percent from 2011.============= Body Recovered from South Wichita PondWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police are investigating whether a body found in a south Wichita pond is that of a man who may have jumped while running from police. KAKE-TV reports a passer-by flagged down an officer Thursday afternoon after seeing what looked like a body in the water-filled sandpit. Crews later pulled the body from the water. It's the same pond where a 27-year-old man disappeared from sight after running from police early on the morning of March 8th. Officers had been trying to stop the man's car for traffic violations. He crashed through a chain link fence, got out and ran. Authorities believe he jumped into the water and swam away. Divers and crews in boats searched the pond for several hours that day but found nothing.=============WSU Shockers Roll to 72-58 NCAA Win over La SalleLOS ANGELES (AP) — Wichita State went from sweet to elite, beating La Salle 72-58 on Thursday night to reach the final eight of the NCAA tournament for the first time in 32 years. Malcolm Armstead scored 18 points, Carl Hall added 16 points and freshman Ron Baker 13 for the ninth-seeded Shockers, who proved their upset of number 1-seed Gonzaga in the third round was no fluke. They never trailed in this matchup of small schools whose past NCAA tourney success was long buried in the history books. The Shockers advanced to Saturday's West Regional final against number 2-seed Ohio State, a 73-70 winner over Arizona in the first semifinal at Staples Center. Their yellow-clad fans, several waving handmade signs, made up nearly all of the smaller crowd that stuck around to see the end.=============Wichita State's Hall Seeing Clearly for ShockersLOS ANGELES (AP) — Carl Hall positions himself down on the block, spins to catch a pass and scores off a layin. That sequence ran on a loop in the opening minutes of Wichita State's regional semifinal against La Salle. He scored 10 of the Shockers' first 14 points, setting a dominant tone that carried them to a 72-58 victory and within a game of reaching the school's first Final Four since 1965. Hall's emergence in just two seasons at Wichita State couldn't have been more unlikely. The 6-foot-8 forward who speaks in a soft Georgia accent arrived in Kansas via two previous schools and a graveyard shift job in a light bulb factory. A heart condition nearly derailed his basketball career and his reluctance to wear glasses to correct his poor eyesight held him back on the court.

A photographer and writer follow Ukrainian families whose lives have been upended by conflict since 2014. Their stories show an enduring will to live, even as war rages on around them.

Three, fully-restored planes from the World War II era are flying into Topeka today (WED), as part of a cross-country tour. KPR News intern Mark Arehart (AIR-HART) has more.(Admission $12 for adults, $6 for children under 12.)

Representative Richard Carlson (R-St. Mary's) during tax talks last week. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers have hit a new snag in their negotiations on tax issues. House Republican negotiators Wednesday rejected a proposal from GOP senators to impose a lower sales tax on groceries than on other consumer goods. The negotiators weren't sure when they'd resume talks. The latest plan from Republican senators would set the sales tax on groceries at 5.7 percent in July while taxing other items at 6.25 percent. The current 6.3 percent tax is scheduled by law to fall to 5.7 percent in July. Republican Governor Sam Brownback and GOP senators want to cancel most or all of the scheduled decline to raise revenue so that the state can cut income taxes. House Republicans have proposed dropping the sales tax to 6 percent.===============the following is a story from earlier on Wednesday, before negotiations stalled again: After several days of inaction, legislative negotiating committees working on tax and budget agreements met late yesterday (TUES). But as Jim McLean of the KHI News Service reports, a lot of ground remains to be covered before lawmakers can adjourn the session and go home.00000184-7fa7-d6f8-a1cf-7fa7c0870000

Kansas Revenues Beat July Estimate TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas officials say revenue collections beat estimates by $3.1 million in the first month of the new fiscal year. A report Wednesday from the Department of Revenue says July's figures were boosted by strong sales tax collections, which were $9.1 million higher than expected. Overall revenues for the month totaled $425.4 million. Among other categories, individual income tax collections in July topped expectations by $3.4 million. But corporate income taxes came in $1 million below the figure predicted earlier by economists and researchers. Severance taxes on production from Kansas oil wells also missed the estimate, by nearly $1.2 million.===================Lawmaker Pledges Scrutiny for Kansas Court Nominee TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A key Kansas lawmaker is promising that Governor Sam Brownback's next appointee to the state Court of Appeals will be thoroughly scrutinized during a special legislative session. Independence Republican Jeff King chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. King said Wednesday he's planning a confirmation hearing for the yet-to-be-named judge when the special session opens September 3. King also said the committee will meet as long as necessary that day. King dismissed a claim by Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley that considering the appointment during the special session is intended to minimize scrutiny of the appointee. The Republican governor has until August 29 to nominate the judge, whose appointment requires Senate confirmation under a new Kansas law. Wednesday was the governor's deadline for applications for the judgeship. Brownback isn't releasing candidates' names.===================Kansas Delegation Leery of Huelskamp's Bill on National Gay Marriage BanHUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas congressman's legislation seeking a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage has picked up more support, but not from his Kansas colleagues. Republican Representative Tim Huelskamp's bill has picked up at least 47 co-sponsors in the U.S. House since its introduction a month ago. That includes 20 supporters added in July. The Hutchinson News reports that absent from the list of co-sponsors are Kansas's other three House members, all Republicans. U.S. Representative Mike Pompeo says he strongly believes in defending traditional marriage and is looking at the amendment carefully. Representatives Kevin Yoder and Lynn Jenkins declined comment. Huelskamp's legislation is currently in a subcommittee. He introduced it after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the federal Defense of Marriage Act in June.===================Kansas Democrats Want to Re-Examine Voting LawsWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Some Wichita Democrats want Kansas legislators to use the special session in September to fix a problem they say exists in the state's new voting laws. Currently, more than 12,000 voter registration applications are in suspense because individuals lacked proof of citizenship when they registered to vote through the state Division of Vehicles. The Wichita Eagle reports that Democrats want to fix the problem when legislators meet starting September 3. The special session was called to rewrite the state's Hard 50 prison law in response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Secretary of State Kris Kobach and Republicans in the Legislature say any discussion on the voting laws is unlikely to happen, given the desire to keep the session focused on the sentencing law.=================== Kansas Leaders to Have Medicaid Oversight Panel MeetTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — After some hesitation from a top Republican, Kansas legislative leaders have decided that a committee monitoring the state's overhaul of its Medicaid program will have two days of meetings later this year. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that Senate President Susan Wagle said this week that she wanted to hear from the leaders of the House and Senate health committees before committing to meetings of the oversight committee. Medicaid covers medical services for the needy and disabled. Governor Sam Brownback turned over administration of most of the program this year to three private health insurance companies. Democrats said during a meeting of legislative leaders that they thought oversight is important. Wagle and House Speaker Ray Merrick then agreed to the meetings. Dates haven't been set.===================Ex-Kansas Ag Chief Not Thinking About Governor's RaceTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Former Kansas Agriculture Secretary Joshua Svaty says he's not thinking about running for governor next year. Prominent fellow Democrats have repeatedly mentioned the 33-year-old Svaty as a top potential challenger for Republican Governor Sam Brownback. But Svaty said Wednesday that he's focusing on his new job as a vice president for the Salina-based Land Institute, which promotes sustainable agriculture. He joined the institute about six weeks ago. Svaty said his focus is on his new job, adding, "That's where it's going to be for a while." Svaty is an Ellsworth County native who served more than six years in the Kansas House before serving as agriculture secretary from 2009 through 2011. He is a former senior adviser to the Environmental Protection Agency's regional administrator in Kansas City, Missouri.===================Kansas State Senator, Mayor Spar over Gun Rights WebsiteWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas state senator is demanding that Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer take his name off the website of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns group. The Wichita Eagle reports that state Senator Michael O'Donnell used a Facebook post to question the city's membership in the coalition. O'Donnell's posting urges people to ask city leaders to drop out of what he calls a "gun control group." Brewer says he vaguely remembers the group's formation in 2006, but doesn't remember Wichita signing on. He says while he doesn't want guns in public places, he respects gun rights. The group's mission statement says members are determined to fight crime, and believe more can be done to stop criminals from getting guns, while also protecting the rights of citizens own them.===================Topeka Looks to Hike Franchise Fee for State Agencies, ChurchesTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Topeka appears ready to boost its utility franchise fee so that some new revenue to fund its budget comes from churches, schools and Kansas government agencies. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that most City Council members have endorsed raising the fee to 6 percent from 5 percent. Kansas Gas Service and electricity supplier Westar Energy pay the fee on their gross receipts and pass it along to customers. The council believes the increase will raise nearly $1.2 million next year. Council members backed the idea after a financial adviser told them it would be fairer than boosting property taxes to raise revenues. State agencies, schools, churches and other nonprofit groups don't pay property taxes. The council and mayor plan to vote August 20 on a 2014 budget.=================== Oilfield Equipment Company to Add 100 Jobs in IolaIOLA, Kan. (AP) — A Texas company that makes oilfield equipment says it plans to expand and add about 100 jobs in Iola. State commerce officials announced Tuesday that Catalyst Artificial Lift, a Gainesville, Texas company that manufactures oilfield reciprocating rod pumps, bought a 150,000-square foot manufacturing building in Iola. The company says it will expand its current workforce in Allen County from 22 employees to 120 workers during the next five years. Catalyst's bought a building that formerly housed the Haldex facility, which closed in 2011 after its operations were relocated to Mexico, costing 160 people their jobs. Catalyst was offered an incentives package that includes labor to upgrade electrical and plumbing systems, plus $30,000 in direct financial assistance.=================== Miami County Sheriff Seeking Suspects in Kansas Home InvasionHILLSDALE, Kan. (AP) — The search continues for two suspects who broke into a northeast Kansas home and tied up the female resident. The search began Tuesday and was concentrated for most of the day northeast of Louisburg in Miami County. Authorities say three men broke into a home in the unincorporated town of Hillsdale Tuesday morning. Police said they tied the woman up, ransacked her home and fled. After a car carrying the suspects was stopped, one of the men was quickly captured but the other two escaped into the woods.===================Termites Bugging K-State Entomology DepartmentMANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — The building that houses insect research at Kansas State University has a big problem with bugs. Officials tell WIBW-TV that swarms of termites have infested Waters Hall, a historic building that's home to the Entomology Department. The university is working carefully to fight the termites while protecting the insects used by the department for study and research. With liquid chemicals ruled out, Kansas State has turned to American Pest Management Inc. in Manhattan to install an environmentally friendly anti-termite system. Company vice president Travis Aggson says the system involves putting termite bait stations in the ground to create a protective ring around the building. Aggson says Waters Halls has had a half-dozen termite swarms in the past two years.===================2 Kansas Deputies Accused in Money Theft CaseWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Two Kansas sheriff's deputies have been arrested on suspicion of stealing taxpayer money. Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter announced the arrests Tuesday without naming the deputies. Easter says the case has been turned over to the district attorney's office. The deputies worked in the transportation division, taking inmates between jails. Easter says the arrests followed a two-week investigation. No other details about the alleged theft of public money were released, and Easter said he would not comment further. Both deputies were booked into the Sedgwick County jail, one on suspicion of giving false information and the other on suspicion of false information and official misconduct.===================Last Child Hurt in KC Day Care Crash Heads HomeKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The last child still hospitalized after a car came crashing into a Kansas City day care center is being released. Children's Mercy spokeswoman Jessica Salazar says the child was going home Wednesday after staying overnight for observation. Two other children were treated and released. The children were among 40 inside the Christian Academy Child Care east of downtown Tuesday when a sport utility vehicle knocked an unoccupied car into the building. Police said the SUV's driver was "approximately 80" years old. He was taken to a hospital in stable condition. Police spokeswoman Marisa Barnes said Wednesday that there was no new information about the cause of the crash that left a giant hole in the side of the day care facility. A utility pole also was struck.===================Kansas-Based EagleMed Announces Safety Training MilestoneWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas-based medical transport service that has had three deadly helicopter crashes in Oklahoma since 2010 says it has advanced to a higher level of a voluntary federal safety program. Wichita-based EagleMed LLC announced Tuesday it has entered the second level of the Federal Aviation Administration's Safety Management System. The company says it has been working with the FAA for more than 18 months on the process that is designed as a higher standard for safety in air medical transport services. The company's third deadly crash happened last month when a patient died after a medical helicopter crashed near the Choctaw National Health Care Center in Talihina in southeastern Oklahoma. Two other double-fatality EagleMed helicopter crashes happened in Oklahoma City in February and near Kingfisher in 2010.=================== Trial Delayed in Kansas Trucking Scheme CaseWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge has delayed the trial of three California residents accused of trying to steal nearly $83,000 worth of beef from a southwest Kansas slaughterhouse. U.S. District Judge Monti Belot on Tuesday set the case for a jury trial beginning November 12 in Wichita. Trial had previously been set for August. An indictment charges 53-year-old Oganes Nagapetian; his 46-year-old wife, Larisa; and his 50-year-old brother, Tigran Nagapetian, with conspiracy to violate U.S. laws. All are from North Hollywood, California. Prosecutors allege the three tried to steal a semi-load of processed beef in November 2011 from the Tyson Fresh Meats plant in Holcomb by pretending to be legitimate freight haulers. The government says meatpacking plants in Dodge City, Liberal, Holcomb and Garden City have been targeted in similar trucking schemes.===================Small Tornado Confirmed in SE KansasFORT SCOTT, Kan. (AP) — A team from the National Weather Service has confirmed the touchdown of a small tornado in southeast Kansas this week. KOAM-TV reports that the twister dropped Monday evening in Bourbon County, near Bourbon State Lake. No injuries were reported. The Weather Service rated the tornado an EF-1, about 100 yards wide with maximum winds of about 90 mph. It was on the ground for roughly a minute. The tornado moved a mobile home about four feet off its foundation, destroyed a small shed and blew a boat into a tree.===================Celeb Hunter Gets 30 Days for Probation ViolationKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A celebrity hunter from Tennessee who unlawfully killed a deer in Kansas has been banned from hunting anywhere in the United States or the world for the next year. The U.S. attorney's office also announced Wednesday that 50-year-old William "Spook" Spann must spend a total of 30 nights and weekends in federal custody by the end of February. U.S. Magistrate Judge James O'Hara imposed the sentence Tuesday after finding that Spann violated the terms of a plea agreement that banned him from hunting for six months. Last year, Spann pleaded guilty to transporting across state lines the antlers of a deer he killed on land adjoining his central Kansas property. He was only permitted to hunt on his property. Spann has a hunting show, "Spook Nation," on the Pursuit Channel.===================1983 Killings of Leavenworth Couple UnsolvedLEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A retired Leavenworth County detective says he still holds out hope that the 1983 murders of a couple will be solved. Edward and Hazel Burton were found shot to death on their property in the Kickapoo Township area in northern Leavenworth County. Edward Burton's body was found on a road and his wife's body was found inside a bus the couple stayed in on their property during the summers. Detective Hank Spellman says several potential suspects were questioned but detectives could not get anyone to confess. He says he's convinced someone who knows what happened is still alive. The Leavenworth Times reports that Spellman says he is haunted by the case and the fact that it wasn't solved.===================Vandalism Incidents Reported at KULAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — University of Kansas police are investigating several acts of vandalism at campus buildings this month. The vandalism began July 12 when someone caused $5,000 damage in a bathroom at Wescoe Hall and benches on the building's ground floor. Damage was later reported at Blake Hall, Fraser Hall, Malott Hall and Stauffer-Flint Hall. The total damage was estimated at $9,000. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that all the buildings were unlocked because people were working inside. It's not clear if all the vandalism incidents are related.=================== KU Autism Researchers Get $1.2M GrantLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — University of Kansas researchers have received a $1.2 million grant to test whether an iPad voice output application can help children with autism. The researchers will train preschoolers with autism and their classmates to use the app. The researchers want to determine whether the technology can improve their deficits in communication, social reciprocity and play skills. The four-year study will be led by Kathy Thiemann-Bourque, a University of Kansas assistant research professor at the Juniper Gardens Children's Project in Kansas City, Kansas. She says many young children with autism have complex communication needs but do not develop functional speech. She has examined both peer training and direct teaching strategies to increase social communication between children with autism and their classmates without disabilities.===================Longtime Lawrence Media Executive RetiresLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A veteran Lawrence media executive with 43 years of experience is retiring from The World Company. Ralph Gage started with the company in 1969 and retired Tuesday from his day-to-day role as director of special projects. The 71-year-old Gage is the company's former chief operating officer. According to the Lawrence Journal-World, which is owned by The World Company, Gage began his career in Lawrence in October 1969 after working at the Metro-East Journal in East St. Louis, Illinois. He covered the University of Kansas and was part of the team that covered the 1970 burning of the Kansas Union and campus unrest. Dolph Simons III, president of The World Company's newspaper division, says Gage will be missed for his dedication to his work and counsel provided to others.===================Hutchinson Man Sentenced in Wichita Shooting DeathWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Hutchinson man was sentenced to 10 years and three months in prison for the shooting death of a Wichita woman. Forty-seven-year-old Ronald Harner was sentenced Wednesday for second-degree murder in the death of Jolie Crosby in Wichita. Prosecutors said Harner either intentionally shot Crosby or recklessly handled a revolver while the two were drinking at her home. Harner told police the gun went off accidentally while he was unloading it.===================KCMO Man Pleads Guilty in Drug Trafficking SchemeKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City man has pleaded guilty to taking part in a drug-trafficking conspiracy that prosecutors say brought in more than $1 million over the past year. The U.S. Attorney's office says 36-year-old Corbin Bosiljevac pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiring to distribute more than 5 kilos of cocaine and illegally possessing a firearm. Investigators said Bosiljevac admitted selling about $20,000 worth of drugs each week, with separate suppliers of cocaine and various prescription drugs. He was arrested after police found drugs in the vehicle of a customer leaving his home. Officers searched the home and reported finding marijuana, cocaine, Ecstasy, and hundreds of pills of various prescription drugs. Sentencing will be scheduled later.===================Program Uses Texts to Deliver Tips to New ParentsLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A new program aims to deliver tips to new parents over their cell phones. The Kansas Early Childhood Advisory Council and Kansas Project LAUNCH have awarded $40,000 in mini-grants to communities across the state. The money will help promote a texting campaign designed to provide parents with easy access to health information. Project coordinator Cristi Cain told 6News Lawrence that the program's key demographic is low-income mothers, who are active texters and are more likely to be reached that way. Expecting mothers or new moms can sign up for the free service by texting "baby" to 511411 or "bebe" in Spanish. The messages will offer information aimed at the baby's development up to the child's first birthday. Fifty-four Kansas counties are receiving funding to promote the effort.=================== University of Wyoming Women's Basketball Player Faces Charges in House PartyLARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — University of Wyoming sophomore forward Whitney Gordon faces charges stemming from a house party in her hometown of Marion, Kansas. Prosecuting attorney Brian Bina says the charges against Gordon mainly involve providing alcohol to minors but include one count of interference with law enforcement. Gordon has an initial court appearance set for next week. According to police, they were called to Gordon's home on July 12 and found 27 people, including many minors in possession of alcohol. Police say Gordon's parents were out of town at the time. UW coach Joe Legerski said in a statement that the situation was being closely monitored. The 6-foot-2 Gordon played sparingly as a true freshman last season, appearing in eight games and scoring just 2 points. ===================Shooting Death at KC Hospital Ruled SuicideKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City police say a man found shot to death in a hospital bed at Truman Medical Center committed suicide. Police say a nurse who smelled a burning odor checked on the man Saturday morning. She discovered the 59-year-old man in bed bleeding from the nose. The smell was later determined to be gun powder. Police spokesman Captain Tye Grant says the man suffered from several serious illnesses. A handgun was found under the man's arm. Further details were not released.=================== End of an Era: 3 Capuchin Priests Leaving HaysHAYS, Kan. (AP) — An era that began in 1878 is ending in Hays this week. Three Capuchin priests are moving from the St. Joseph friary in Hays to a friary in Victoria. The Capuchin order started the St. Joseph parish in 1878 but the order announced last spring that it would leave the parish this year. Fathers Earl Befort, pastor of three small area Catholic parishes, and retired priests Father Canice Froehlich and Father Felix Petrovsky will join eight other Capuchins at the St. Fidelis Friary, 10 miles from Hays in Victoria. The Hays Daily News reports that for the first time in 135 years, the ministry at St. Joseph Parish will be returned to the Diocese of Salina.

ACLU Seeks to Block KS Voter-Citizenship Move TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union is asking a Kansas judge to bar Secretary of State Kris Kobach from starting what the group calls a dual voting system to help enforce a proof-of-citizenship requirement. The ACLU filed a request Friday with Shawnee County District Judge Franklin Theis for a temporary injunction to keep Kobach from imposing a new election policy for the state's August 5 primary. Kobach has said the relative handful of Kansas residents who register to vote using a national form will be allowed to complete full ballots at the polls, but only their votes in congressional races will be counted. The national registration form does not require voters to submit documentation of their U.S. citizenship. The state's registration form does.=============================Budget Cuts Could Affect Army Installations in KS FORT RILEY, Kan. (AP) — The U.S. Army says budget cuts could mean the loss of thousands of soldiers and employees at Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth. However, fort officials say the report released Thursday is a worst-case scenario and the reductions aren't likely to be as severe as predicted. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the report said Fort Riley could lose 16,000 soldiers and civilian employees, with another 3,600 jobs related to the base also eliminated. The fort currently has about 20,000 soldiers and civilian employees The Army says Fort Leavenworth could lose 2,500 of its 5,004 employees. Fort Riley spokesman Colonel Sean Ryan says the numbers in such reports are speculation, and he does not expect the fort's population to ever drop that low because its troops are needed too often.=============================KS Poll Shows Leads for Democrat Davis and Republican RobertsA new statewide poll in Kansas shows likely Democratic nominee for governor Paul Davis 6 percentage points ahead of incumbent Republican Governor Sam Brownback. The SurveyUSA poll has Davis with 47 percent of the vote to the governor's 41 percent. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that a key factor in the governor's race appears to be a movement by registered Republicans away from Brownback. One in four Republicans told pollsters they would likely cross party lines and vote for Davis. The poll also shows Republican incumbent Sen. Pat Roberts comfortably ahead of his primary challenger. Roberts is ahead of tea party backed challenger Milton Wolf 56 percent to 23 percent. The SurveyUSA poll was commissioned by KSN-TV in Wichita.The poll surveyed 2,200 voters in Kansas last week. The margin of error is set at 3.1 percent in the governor's race and 4.4 percent in the Senate race.============================= Kansas Agency Says Coal-Fired Plant Would Meet StandardsTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas Department of Health and Environment spokeswoman says the agency believes a new coal-fired power plant in the southwest part of the state would comply with all federal and state air-quality laws. KDHE spokeswoman Sara Belfry made the statement Friday after the Sierra Club filed a new lawsuit with the state Court of Appeals over the $2.8 billion project proposed by Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corporation. KDHE Secretary Robert Moser last month approved changes in a 2010 permit to allow construction of the 895-megawatt plant outside Holcomb. The changes were necessary because of a Kansas Supreme Court ruling last year in an earlier Sierra Club lawsuit. The Sierra Club contends that even with the changes, the plant wouldn't comply with federal clean-air rules.=============================Wolf to Air TV Ads in US Senate Race in KansasTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Tea party challenger Milton Wolf says he's reserved $250,000 in television advertising time for his U.S. Senate race, but Republican incumbent Pat Roberts's camp says it has spent twice that in recent weeks. Wolf announced Friday that he's reserved time on cable and broadcast stations throughout Kansas starting Wednesday and running through the August 5 GOP primary. Spokesman Ben Hartman said Wolf will start next week with an ad his campaign first aired on cable in April. It touts Wolf's work as a Leawood radiologist and notes Roberts's long tenure in Washington. But Roberts executive campaign manager Leroy Towns said that since late May, the senator's campaign has spent more than $500,000 on radio and TV ads. Towns said the Roberts camp will continue to make substantial ad buys.=============================KS Supreme Court Rules KU Hospital Responsible for Unpaid BillTOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court ruled Friday that the University of Kansas Hospital Authority must cover the cost of treating an injured man who had been awaiting detention on immigration violations. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that Alberto Contreras Gonzalez broke his hip in 2006 after jumping out a window at the Wabaunsee County jail facility. He was not under arrest and had not been taken into custody at that time. Contreras reportedly received about $140,000 worth of treatment for his injuries at KU Hospital. Today's (FRI) ruling established that under Kansas law, a county is responsible only for medical bills of prison inmates or people being held in county custody who cannot pay the cost of their treatment. The hospital argued that it provided a service to Wabaunsee County by treating Contreras, and the county therefore should pay for that service. But the court said that because Contreras was not legally in the county's custody at the time of the incident, the county had no obligation to pay.==============================Reward Increased in Disappearance of KS BoyEL DORADO, Kan. (AP) — The reward is up to $100,000 for solving the 1999 disappearance of an 11-year-old southeast Kansas boy whose adoptive parents never reported him missing. An anonymous donor who wanted to see closure for the family of Adam Herrman put up a $50,000 cash reward in December. KWCH-TV reports Butler County Sheriff Kelly Herzet announced Thursday that an additional $50,000 is now offered. Herzet told reporters he personally does not believe Adam is still alive. Adam disappeared from the adoptive family's Towanda home in 1999 but wasn't reported missing until 2008, when his older sister contacted authorities. He remains the subject of a missing person investigation. His adoptive parents, Doug and Valerie Herrman, were convicted in 2011 of continuing to receive state adoption subsidies after Adam disappeared.===============================Manhattan Man Killed in Bike-Pickup CrashMANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A 49-year-old Manhattan man has died after the bicycle he was on was struck from behind by a pickup truck. The Kansas Highway Patrol reports Mark M. Jilka died as he was riding the bike on the shoulder of a highway outside Manhattan on Thursday night. The patrol says the pickup truck hit Jilka's bike from behind. Jilka was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The patrol says the pickup driver wasn't injured.==============================Opening of World's Tallest Water Slide DelayedKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The debut of the world's tallest water slide has been delayed for a third time and there's no word on when the Kansas City, Kansas, attraction will be ready for riders. Schlitterbahn Waterpark says Verruckt will not open as scheduled on Sunday. The park's news release, sent Thursday night, offers no explanation for the delay. Problems with the conveyor system that hauls four-person rafts to the top of the 17-story slide forced park officials to cancel two media sneak preview days this week. Guinness World Records certified Verruckt as the world's tallest water slide in April. The ride's official opening date was moved from May 23 to June 5 for more testing, then was pushed back again to June 29.============================= Postal Service Officially Changes St. John NameST. JOHN, Kan. (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service has conceded to the small central Kansas town of St. John. After complaints from residents, the postal service says the town's name will be changed in its database from Saint John to St John. However, it won't have the period behind the "S-T" because the service's database does not include any periods. That's mostly OK with the residents who started an online petition last week to have the name changed from the spelled-out Saint John to the abbreviated version. They said the incorrect spelling sometimes causes incorrect information or confusion when someone searches for the town on the Internet. The Wichita Eagle reports Senator Jerry Moran's office said Thursday that the name had been officially changed in the postal service's database.=============================Woman Unhurt as Bullet Travels Through MattressSALINA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a Salina woman is lucky to have escaped injury when a bullet fired into her home struck her bed and traveled through the mattress. The Salina Journal reports that the shot was one of two fired into the woman's home as she slept around 11:30 pm Thursday. A house across the street was also hit by a bullet that was found in a closet. Investigators continued looking Friday for whoever was firing multiple shots with a high-powered rifle. Police Captain Mike Sweeney says two rounds entered the rear of the sleeping woman's home. One came through a bedroom wall, struck the headboard and traveled through the mattress and a front wall. That bullet was found on the porch. Officers did not immediately find the second bullet.=============================58 Chickens, 2 Turkeys Removed from Wichita HomeWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita police say charges are possible after 60 birds and four guinea pigs were removed from a home. Animal control officers who went to the home in west Wichita Thursday found the animals in the basement and called police and firefighters for help. Police Lieutenant Dan East said firefighters had to use breathing apparatus while removing the animals because the smell of waste was so strong. All the chickens and turkeys had to be euthanized but the guinea pigs were taken to an animal shelter. KAKE-TV reports that two adults and five children live in the home. The couple told police they had so many chickens because they like fresh eggs. East says the animals had been living at the home for at least two weeks.==============================Man Sentenced in Wichita Fire, Child's DeathWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita man who was left his girlfriend's young children alone before a fire broke out at their home was sentenced to four years and three months in prison. Twenty-four-year-old Adrian Johnson was sentenced Thursday for three counts of child endangerment and three felony drug counts. Prosecutors say Ruthie Bell left her three children with Johnson on July 11 while she went to work. Johnson left the children alone, and Bell's 6-year-old daughter, Ja'Kara Dickson, found a lighter and started her clothes on fire, which spread to the house. She died two days later. Her sisters weren't seriously injured. Bell was sentenced Wednesday to probation. The state has custody of Bell's five children but she is trying to regain custody.==============================Lecompton Celebrating Historic RootsLECOMPTON, Kan. (AP) — A northeast Kansas town is celebrating its place in state history this weekend with the annual Lecompton Territorial Days, including a display of maps dating to the mid-1800s. Events begin Friday evening in Lecompton, located on the Kansas River between Topeka and Lawrence. The town was the site of the territorial capital before statehood and focus of debate whether Kansas would be a free or slave state when admitted to the Union. In 1858, a brawl broke out in the U.S. House over the pro-slavery Lecompton Constitution, which was narrowly rejected. A collection of 30 maps of the territory and United States have been digitized. Several of the maps belonged to the Lecompton Historical Society. Other events include a Saturday parade, demonstrations of pioneer life, games, music and food.===============================Orman Opens Campaign Office in ShawneeSHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) _ A northeast Kansas businessman running as an independent for U.S. Senate has opened his headquarters and named a campaign manager. Greg Orman announced yesterday that his new headquarters is in the city of Shawnee. He also announced that the leader of his campaign team is veteran political consultant Jim Jonas.==============================Bids Come in High for KU Basketball Rules Home LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Construction of a center to house the original rules for basketball on the University of Kansas campus will be delayed because bids for the project came in higher than expected. The building will hold James Naismith's rules of basketball, which were purchased by David and Suzanne Booth for $4.3 million in 2010 and donated to the university. Dale Seuferling, president of the Kansas University Endowment Association, says the high construction bids for the $18 million project might require some changes to the building. The Lawrence Journal-World reports the bids were all more than the contract, although no bid was more than 10 percent higher. Seuferling said he expected the final bid to be awarded next month and construction to start in August.=============================Kansas State Trooper Charged with Assault, ThreatsGREAT BEND, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper faces multiple felony charges stemming from a domestic dispute with his wife. A complaint filed Friday charges 37-year-old Darrin Duane Hirsh of Great Bend with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of criminal threat, domestic battery, two counts of witness intimidation and two counts of violation of a restraining order. Hirsh was released on a $50,000 bond after his arrest Thursday night. A first court appearance is scheduled for July 21. It wasn't immediately clear Friday whether Hirsh has an attorney. A phone number listed at his address rang unanswered. The aggravated assault charge stems from a 2013 incident during which he allegedly threatened his wife with a handgun. The patrol says Hirsh is on leave without pay pending an internal investigation. ==============================Ex-Insurance Agent Heads to Theft TrialWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The attorney for a former Kansas insurance agent accused of stealing nearly $2 million from policyholders says the case is expected to go to trial. Kari Schmidt said Thursday that her client, Jason Matthew Pennington, has not reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors. He is charged with 47 counts that include wire and mail fraud and money laundering. Schmidt says she believes his case will be going to trial in August. Pennington's father, James L. Pennington, is also charged. A court notation Thursday listed a change-of-plea hearing for the father July 14. The elder Pennington is charged with four counts of filing a false tax return. His attorney declined comment.==============================Two of NBA's Top Three Draft Picks Are JayhawksFor the first time since 1988, a member of the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team was the overall number-1 pick in the NBA draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected Andrew Wiggins last night (THUR) with that top pick. Teammate Joel Embiid went third overall to the Philadelphia 76ers. Also, Cleanthony Early of Wichita State was taken in the second round by the New York Knicks.============================= New Mexico County in Prairie Chicken LawsuitLOVINGTON, N.M. (AP) — Commissioners in a southeastern New Mexico county have voted to officially join a lawsuit to fight the listing of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species. The Hobbs (New Mexico) News-Sun reports that Lea County Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to add the county's name to a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Earlier this month, Lea County was listed in a joint complaint, filed in a federal court in Texas, that includes the Permian Basin Petroleum Association and four other New Mexico counties. Ranchers and oil companies believe the listing will have a negative effect on the ranching, oil and gas industries in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado. That's where the chicken's habitat is known. In March, the Obama administration listed the prairie chicken as threatened.==============================Former KS Bank Worker Pleads Guilty to FraudWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A former southeast Kansas bank supervisor has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $2.6 million from her employer over a 10-year span. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom says 55-year-old Cynthia Bright of Girard pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to one count of bank fraud. She admitted stealing the money while working as operations supervisor at Girard National Bank. Bright used several different methods to steal the funds, including writing checks on her own accounts and altering electronic bank records to show the checks had cleared, even though money would not be taken from her account. Grissom says Bright and the government have agreed to recommend a five-year prison sentence and a restitution order for the full amount of the thefts. Sentencing is scheduled for September 15.=============================Sedgwick County Deputy Sentenced to ProbationWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A former Sedgwick County Jail deputy accused of trying to have sex with inmates has been sentenced to two years of probation. The Wichita Eagle reports that David Kendall was sentenced Friday. He pleaded no contest in May to six counts of attempted unlawful sexual relations with inmates and one count of making a false information. The crimes under Kendall's plea agreement carry the presumption of probation. The judge said Kendall would have to register as a sex offender and undergo a sex-offender evaluation, and that if it showed he needed treatment, he would have to get treatment. The crimes under the plea agreement involved attempted consensual sex with six different inmates in April and June of 2012. Kendall resigned after the allegations were made against him.===============================Indictment: Wichita Escort Service Front for ProstitutionWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors have used a federal racketeering law to indict a Wichita woman on charges of running an escort service as a front for prostitution. An indictment unsealed Thursday charges 60-year-old Saundra J. Lacy with 27 counts of racketeering in promotion of prostitution. The U.S. Attorney's office says prosecutors do not know if Lacy has a lawyer yet. She is in custody and is expected to make a court appearance Friday. The phone at her business, Jessie's Primetime Entertainment, has been disconnected. Prosecutors allege Lacy required escorts to carry condoms and engage in sex at the customer's request. Escorts typically charged $160 for a half hour and $185 for an hour. The business allegedly had as many as 20 escorts who accepted credit cards and offered customers discount coupons.================================Case Against Kansas Abortion Rights PAC DismissedTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Federal Election Commission has dismissed an anti-abortion group's complaint alleging that an abortion rights political action committee helped finance the operations of a new clinic in Wichita. The political action committee, Trust Women, announced Thursday it received a notice from the FEC this week dismissing the complaint filed last year by Operation Rescue. The Trust Women Foundation opened a clinic last year in the late Dr. George Tiller's former medical building. Tiller was among a few U.S. physicians known to perform late-term abortions and was murdered in 2009. The separate Trust Women PAC disbanded in May. Operation Rescue alleged that the PAC was improperly funding the clinic's operations. The PAC acknowledged small loans to the clinic. The FEC said loans from the PAC to the clinic would not be illegal.================================KC, Other MO Cities Not Following St. Louis Marriage ChallengeKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A spokeswoman for Kansas City's mayor says he would take actions similar to that of his St. Louis counterpart on same-sex marriage — if the city's charter allowed it. Four same-sex couples were married Thursday in St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay's office to challenge Missouri's constitutional prohibition against gay marriage. A federal appeals court in Denver ruled on Wednesday that states cannot prevent gay couples from marrying. Joni Wickham, spokeswoman for Kansas City Mayor Sly James, says the city's council-manager form of government prevents James from making unilateral decisions on gay marriage. Slay heads a strong mayor form of government and has the authority to take actions like those Thursday. Officials in Springfield and Columbia say they have seen no signs of similar decisions by their municipal leaders.================================Wichita Medical School Prepares for ExpansionWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita is assessing its facilities as it develops plans for a future expansion. The university hired an architecture and design firm from Kansas City to do the assessment. School officials will use that report to estimate costs of the expansion before asking the Kansas Legislature for additional funding. Dean Garold Minns says he hopes to have the information ready by the September. The Wichita Eagle reports the expansion plans are part of goal to eventually have all 80 students spend all four years of their education on the Wichita campus Currently, some of the students complete the first half of their medical training in Kansas City.============================Joplin to Help Nebraska Tornado VictimsJOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — Residents of a southwest Missouri city devastated by a 2011 tornado are reaching out to the northeast Nebraska town of Pilger, which was torn apart by a tornado last week. Joplin residents on Thursday announced a "Joplin Loves Pilger" campaign to help victims of the June 16 tornado in Pilger. The Joplin Globe reports the campaign includes a Facebook page to offer encouragement and an account at Pinnacle Bank in Joplin, with all proceeds to go to the Pilger Community Development Fund. The May 2011 tornado damaged hundreds of homes and businesses and killed 161 people in Joplin. Joplin resident Doug Hunt, who was working Saturday in Pilger, says the campaign is part of his efforts to thank you to people who helped him and his city.