topeka Archives | STL.News

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Kansas Attorney General Warns Against COVID Relief Scammers

Consumer Alert: Be watchful for COVID relief scammers as next round of payments continues TOPEKA, KS (STL.News) Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is urging Kansans to use caution with regard to the latest round of federal COVID-19 stimulus checks that are now being issued. Congress authorized household payments of up to $600 for each qualifying individual, similar to the initial round of Economic Impact Payments that were distributed as part of the CARES Act in the spring of 2020. The new round of federal payments will be issued through direct deposit to bank accounts or payments mailed directly to individuals. And as was the case during the initial round, Schmidt said Kansans should be wary of scammers offering to assist with receiving the payments. “We know all too well that...

General

Kansas AG Derek Schmidt, KBI recognize Amber Alert Awareness Day

TOPEKA, KS (STL.News) Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and KBI Director Kirk Thompson remind Kansans to stay alert when the public’s assistance is needed to help locate missing children. The reminder comes as National Amber Alert Awareness Day is observed today. “When a child is abducted, getting detailed information about the incident out to the public as quickly as possible can be critical,” Schmidt said. “The first hours after an abduction are crucial, and the watchful eyes of Kansas citizens can help save a child’s life.” Since its inception in 1996, this national program has successfully brought 1,029 children home safely. In Kansas, 56 children have been safely returned since 2002. “The KBI is grateful for the collaboration of our many public and private sector partn...

General

Kansas Attorney General Announces legislature to Stop human trafficking

AG Derek Schmidt announces legislative recommendations to enhance human trafficking prevention efforts in Kansas TOPEKA, KS (STL.News) During its session that convenes today, the legislature should continue bipartisan progress to combat human trafficking in Kansas, Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today. Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and Schmidt said he will request reintroduction of two bills that were introduced last year but failed to pass when the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly ended the 2020 legislative session. The first would require posting of the National Human Trafficking Hotline in certain business and public places. Posting of the hotline number, which is 1-888-3737-888, helps connect victims to services and encourages the public to report potential tr...

General

Topeka: James Licht Indicted with distributing heroin

Indictment: Topeka Man, James Licht Distributed Heroin TOPEKA, KS (STL.News) A Topeka man was indicted in federal court today with distributing heroin, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. James Licht, 39, Topeka, Kan., was charged with one count of distributing heroin and one count of unlawful possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon. According to documents filed in court, in October investigators served a search warrant at Licht’s residence in the 1400 block of SW 5th Street in Topeka. Among the items seized were heroin, more than $1,500 in cash, a .45 caliber pistol, a 9 mm pistol, other firearms and drug paraphernalia. Licht was paying $1,500 to $2,000 an ounce to buy 1 to 2 ounces of heroin each week. Licht was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to ...

Entertainment

Kansas Lottery: Seven Players Luck Out with $1,777 Win

Topeka, KS (STL.News) Lady Luck pulled out a $1,777 win for seven Kansas Lottery players! The players won the cash prize through the Kansas Lottery’s Lucky 7s Bonus Cash second-chance promotion. The seven winners are: Tony Wilson of Wichita Thailand To of Liberal William Borchard of Wichita Becky Mullins of Ozawkie Crystal Moore of Independence Brady Godden of Fort Scott Devin Frye of Abilene Kansas Lottery players entered the promotion by submitting their non-winning $1 Lucky 7s, $2 Lucky 7s Doubler, $5 Lucky 7s Tripler, and $10 Lucky 7s Multiplier tickets into PlayOn® from June 29, 2020, through November 2, 2020. Each non-winning ticket entered received an entry based on the dollar value of the ticket (e.g. $2 Lucky 7s Doubler ticket received two entries). There were 1...

Politics

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly Announces Administration Appointments

Topeka, KS (STL.News) Governor Laura Kelly today announced appointments to Kansas state boards and commissions. Appointment is subject to Senate confirmation Kansas Department of Credit Unions Administrator The credit union administrator attends the meetings of the Kansas Credit Union Council and has the general charge of the work of the council and general supervision of credit unions in Kansas. Vickie Hurt, Garnett Kansas Dental Board The Kansas Dental Board adopts rules, issues licenses, and conducts hearings to revoke or suspend dental licenses. Dr. Lacey Randa, Lawrence Employment Security Board of Review The board accepts and reviews appeals from referee’s decisions and makes decisions in a timely manner. Valorie Jacobs, Arkansas City (reappointment) University of Kansas Hosp...

Politics

Kansas Governor Kelly Announces SPARK Taskforce Public Dashboard

Governor Kelly Takes Significant Steps for Transparency, Announces New SPARK Taskforce Public Dashboard Topeka, KS (STL.News) Today, Governor Laura Kelly announces the launch of the online investment dashboard to show how the $1.034 billion in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) are being spent across Kansas. “My administration has always prioritized transparency and accountability when it comes to serving Kansans. That’s what good governance is about,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Kansans deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent and this online tool makes that information easily accessible to all.” Kansans can view the investment dashboard directly at covid.ks.gov/covid-data/ or by visiting the Office of Recovery website: covid.ks.gov/spark-recovery-office/and selecting the Inv...

Politics

Kansas Governor Kelly Announces PPE Distribution Program for Deaf

Governor Laura Kelly Announces New KCDHH, DCF Visible Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Distribution Program Topeka, KS (STL.News) Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH), in collaboration with the Kansas Department for Children and Families, is making visible personal protective equipment (PPE) available to deaf and hard of hearing individuals, their family members, and/or personal caretakers. “Since the pandemic began, my administration has prioritized ensuring that all Kansans have access to the resources they need to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and stay healthy,” Governor Kelly said. “I commend the Department of Children and Families and the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for making this progra...

General

TOPEKA: New Kansas Advisory Board Will Guide Administration

TOPEKA: New Kansas Advisory Board Will Guide Administration of Victim Notification System TOPEKA (STL.News) A new advisory board will support the operations of the Kansas Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system, Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today. The Kansas VINE Advisory Board held its first meeting Wednesday via videoconference. Schmidt established the board earlier this year, after the Legislature passed a bill in 2019 requiring the attorney general to appoint a Kansas VINE coordinator, and allowing for the appointment of an advisory board. VINE is an automated victim notification system that is free, confidential and voluntary for victims of crime, criminal justice professionals, and the public. Kansas VINE search and notification is specific to adult offe...

Politics

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly Announces $35 million in Rental Assistance

Governor Laura Kelly Announces $35 million in Rental Assistance to Keep Kansans in Their Homes, Businesses Topeka, KS (STL.News) Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansans experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible to receive up to $5,000 in rental assistance. Approximately $35 million of CARES Act funding is now available through the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program, which is designed to reduce evictions across the state. The program was recommended by the SPARK taskforce and approved by the State Finance Council. “Keeping Kansans in their homes and businesses has been a top priority for my administration since the pandemic began,” Governor Kelly said. “Through this program, we will provide support to tenants and landlords experiencing pandemic-relate...

Politics

Kansas Governor Kelly Announces New Jobs in Kansas City & Park City

Topeka, KS (STL.News) Governor Laura Kelly today celebrated the announcement of two new Amazon fulfillment centers in Kansas City, KS and Park City. Each site will contain a new one million square-foot fulfillment center, and in total, will create more than 1,000 full-time jobs, starting at a minimum of $15 an hour. “Today’s Amazon announcement further proves why Kansas can offer prospective businesses the kind of workforce, infrastructure, and central location that can compete with anywhere in the country,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This project will bring more than 1,000 good-paying jobs and significant capital investment to our state and sends a clear message to prospective companies – Kansas is open for business.” Governor Kelly joined Secretary of Commerce David Toland, Senator ...

General

Topeka, Kan: U.S. Attorney Reminds Kansans To Beware COVID-19 Fraud

(STL.News) – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister is reminding Kansans to be vigilant against fraudsters who are using the COVID-19 pandemic to exploit American consumers and organizations and to cheat disaster relief programs. In particular, McAllister urges Kansans to be aware of scams perpetrated through websites, social media, emails and robocalls peddling fake COVID-19 vaccines, tests, treatments and protective equipment. Criminals who fabricate businesses and steal identities in order to defraud federal relief programs and state unemployment programs are another threat. “Thieves are trying to use the very real dangers of the pandemic to promote fear and confusion in an effort to fleece victims,” McAllister said. “I urge Kansans to review solicitations carefully. Be skeptical. If it...

Politics

Kansas Governor Kelly: KDADS Launches Online Portal for Adult Care Homes

KDADS Launches Online Portal for Adult Care Homes to Order Personal Protective Equipment Topeka, KS (STL.News) Governor Laura Kelly and Secretary Laura Howard announced that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services has partnered with a Minnesota-based supply company to launch an online order portal available to adult care homes across the state to procure personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control supplies during the COVID-19 public health emergency. “Our state’s adult care homes have been working diligently throughout the pandemic to control the spread of COVID-19 and keep residents and caregivers safe, but these safety measures become more difficult to implement without the proper protective equipment,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I want to thank the SPARK...

General

Topeka, Kan: Lekeith Markez Mosley and Shelbi Paige Ricks Robbed Three Stores

(STL.News) – A man and woman who are in custody in Topeka were indicted today on federal charges of robbing three Kansas businesses, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. Lekeith Markez Mosley, 29, Liberal, Kan., and Shelbi Paige Ricks, 25, Liberal, Kan., are charged with three counts of robbery. The indictment alleges they committed the following robberies: Sept. 27, 2020: Jimmy John’s restaurant, 1025 Southwest Wanamaker Road in Topeka. Sept. 7, 2020: Family Dollar, 303 E. Kansas Avenue, Greensburg, Kan. Sept. 6, 2020: Subway restaurant, 711 N. Main Street, Hutchinson, Kan. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting. OTHER INDICTMENTS Daniel Ray Ga...

General

Topeka, Kan: Antonio Duane Simpson Pleads Guilty To Carjacking in Topeka

(STL.News) – A Missouri man pleaded guilty today to an armed carjacking in Topeka, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. Antonio Duane Simpson, 43, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking. In his plea, Simpson admitted he stopped a man near SW 13th and College Avenue in Topeka and demanded his wallet. The victim refused and during a struggle Simpson shot him. Simpson took the victim’s keys and drove away. He left behind a hat and wig he had been wearing. A DNA test on those items tied Simpson to the crime. When the victim’s Toyota Tacoma was recovered in Kansas City, Mo., it had been destroyed by fire. Sentencing is set for Feb. 2. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of ...

Politics

Kansas Governor Kelly Announces $40 million Remote Learning Grant

Governor Laura Kelly Announces $40 million in Grant Funding Now Available to Support Remote Learning Programs for School-age Children Topeka, KS (STL.News) Governor Laura Kelly today announced that applications are now open for newly available grant funds and additional resources to support remote learning for school-age children. The Remote Learning Grant program will help address learning and supervision needs of school-age children who are not able to attend in-person school due to the pandemic. “Providing a safe place to learn is not only essential for a child’s development, but it will also play a critical role in strengthening our economy by allowing Kansas parents to continue working while kids are learning from home,” Governor Kelly said. “I strongly encourage eligible entities ...

Politics

Kansas Governor Kelly Announces 1,000 Jobs & $8 billion Investment

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Nearly 1,000 Permanent Jobs and $8 billion of Total Investment to Kansas Topeka, KS (STL.News) Governor Laura Kelly today joined Kansas Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary for Business Development Bill Murphy and Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Invenergy Kris Zadlo to announce Inevergy’s new Grain Belt Express transmission line. “Kansas is uniquely positioned to be a regional and national leader in the development and expansion of clean and renewable energy,” Governor Kelly said. “The Grain Belt Express will be instrumental in helping to power Kansas and other states, and will bring nearly 1,000 jobs and billions in economic investment and energy savings to our state. My administration is committed to rebuilding our foundation and suppo...

Politics

Kansas Governor Kelly Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, Hunting & Fishing Day

Topeka, KS (STL.News) Governor Laura Kelly today toured the Meade State Park and Fish Hatchery in Meade, Kansas, and signed proclamations to celebrate both Hispanic Heritage Month and National Hunting and Fishing Day. “I am a firm believer in the importance of outdoor recreation and our State Parks to the health and well-being of our citizens,” Governor Kelly said. “My National Hunting and Fishing Day proclamation is a celebration of Kansas’ many outdoor opportunities – and also recognition of the tremendous impact these activities have on our economy, particularly in rural parts of Kansas.” Governor Kelly was joined by Brad Loveless, Secretary for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, and Audé Negrete, Executive Director of the Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affai...