Kansas Interfaith Action shines light on past acts of racial terrorism

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — A swarm of perhaps 100 white men forced their way into the Douglas County Jail to grab George Robertson, Isaac King and Pete Vinegar from their cells and force them to the Kansas River bridge.

What happened next may come as a surprise to residents of a city burnished by a legacy of free state abolitionist sentiment and knowledge of the mass slaughter of men and boys by William Quantrill’s pro-slavery raiders. The three Black men, with tacit endorsement of local law enforcement, were at the mercy of vigilantes. The throng placed ropes around the neck of each man. They were hung until dead from the old stone, wood and steel river crossing.

“Early one morning in June of 1882, a masked mob of 100 men broke into the city jail and pulled out three African-Americans who had been jailed just a day or two previously,” said Randy Krehbiel, a member of Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence. “Took them to the bridge, which was a short distance away, a bridge over the Kansas River, and hung them off steel girders.”

Two of the three had been arrested for murder of a white man, but no evidence tied Vinegar to that crime. Cindy Schott and Kathy Schott Gates wrote about the lynching in their book, “Boys, Let Me Down Easy.” The title came from reports of King’s final words. His killers apparently obliged by lowering him gingerly to allow him to slowly strangle rather than swiftly cause death by snapping his neck.

On Friday, Kansas Interfaith Action conducted a virtual vigil to draw back the curtain on lynchings and other forms of racial terrorism in Johnson, Shawnee, Saline, Crawford, Sedgwick and Douglas counties. It was an effort to amplify underreported history of Kansas, but also register opposition to the death penalty, point to flaws in the criminal justice system and note prevalence of racism in America.

“This isn’t just about looking back and apologizing for something that happened a long time ago,” said the Rev. Rachael Pryor, board chairwoman of Kansas Interfaith Action. “The same attitudes that allowed for, and even celebrated lynching a century ago, are still present in our communities and systems, distorting rights, relationships and racial justice.”

She said communities should own up to the past in which predominantly white faith organizations were complicit in racialized terror by dedicating themselves to changing behavior in people going forward.

“We cannot afford to lose another generation of Black and brown young people to a prison system that seeks to punish, warehouse and dehumanize them,” said the Rev. Robert Johnson, pastor at Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Wichita. “Black Kansans know how directly Kansas’ history of racial discrimination leads to constricted opportunities and even criminalization of Black and brown people today.”

Johnson said he was concerned by the frequently short-lived reaction of people to racial tragedies such as the death of George Floyd, the 46-year-old Black man who died in custody of Minneapolis, Minnesota police on May 25, 2020. A white officer knelt on Floyd’s neck for about nine minutes while the suspect was handcuffed and lying face down. Floyd’s death sparked international protests and outrage.

“There will be a period of dramatic events. People will respond in shock and awe. After a period of time, things die down and they go back to normal,” Johnson said. “How do we not let the energy die down? How do we not allow people to go back to business as usual? We think that one of the things that needs to happen is the people of our country need to be given a broader understanding of both the history of our country but … the racial history that happened here in Kansas.”

Evidence of lynchings in Kansas extend to Saline County, where a Black man was arrested in 1893 for allegedly injuring a white boy with a razor. Rumors of a possible lynching convinced the sheriff to arrange transfer of suspect Dana Adams to Leavenworth by railroad. Adams was placed in a Union Pacific passenger car, but vigilantes unhitched the car as the train pulled away. The crowd gained access to Adams and hung him on a telegraph pole at the station. No arrests were made in the slaying.

In 1889, well-known burglar Nat Oliphant was arrested in the death of A.T. Rogers of Topeka. A crowd gathered at the jail managed to punch a hole in the building’s wall and gain entrance to the cell block. They threw a rope around Oliphant to drag him down the stairs and out of the jail. He was hanged from a pole near First National Bank building downtown. His body was reportedly cut down and put on display by a local undertaker. After burial, the corpse was stolen.

The southeast Kansas county of Crawford was witness in 1885 to the lynching of John Lawrence, 17. He was suspected of assaulting a girl. About 20 men broke down the door to Girard’s jail and proceeded to hang the Black man from rafters of an unfinished home. News accounts say the girl’s father emptied a handgun into Lawrence before the crowd dispersed.

Pryor said these history lessons about racial terror in Kansas could serve as motivation to address criminal justice, poverty and other issues linked to racist law, policy and ideology.

She said records of lynchings were incomplete in Kansas and the names of some victims have been lost. But the goal of hordes who sidestepped the legal system to impose their version of justice did little to obscure their intent to kill people and send a message to others in their communities, she said.

“To clearly say, ‘You had also better watch out, because what happened to this person could also happen to you,'” she said. “A lot us know a little bit about the history of the free state movement for Kansas. Maybe we even think of Kansas as a place that really stood up in opposition to slavery. That is not the whole story.”

The above story was republished with permission from <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International. He has been recognized for investigative reporting on Kansas government and politics. He won the Kansas Press Association's Victor Murdock Award six times. The William Allen White Foundation honored him four times with its Burton Marvin News Enterprise Award. The Kansas City Press Club twice presented him its Journalist of the Year Award and more recently its Lifetime Achievement Award. He earned an agriculture degree at Kansas State University and grew up on a small dairy and beef cattle farm in Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613230816113.jpeg" alt="Kansas Interfaith Action highlighted the record of Black lynchings in the state Friday to emphasize the need to understand history and work against racial terrorism in the future. In 1882, three Black men were hanged by vigilantes from a Lawrence bridge since replaced by this modern crossing over the Kansas River. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Interfaith Action highlighted the record of Black lynchings in the state Friday to emphasize the need to understand history and work against racial terrorism in the future. In 1882, three Black men were hanged by vigilantes from a Lawrence bridge since replaced by this modern crossing over the Kansas River. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas Interfaith Action shines light on past acts of racial terrorism</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>LAWRENCE — A swarm of perhaps 100 white men forced their way into the Douglas County Jail to grab George Robertson, Isaac King and Pete Vinegar from their cells and force them to the Kansas River bridge.What happened next may come as a surprise to residents of a city burnished by a legacy of free state abolitionist sentiment and knowledge of the mass slaughter of men and boys by William Quantrill’s pro-slavery raiders. The three Black men, with tacit endorsement of local law enforcement, were at the mercy of vigilantes. The throng placed ropes around the neck of each man. They were hung until dead from the old stone, wood and steel river crossing.“Early one morning in June of 1882, a masked mob of 100 men broke into the city jail and pulled out three African-Americans who had been jailed just a day or two previously,” said Randy Krehbiel, a member of Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence. “Took them to the bridge, which was a short distance away, a bridge over the Kansas River, and hung them off steel girders.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613230960285.png" alt="The Rev. Robert Johnson, pastor at Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Topeka, says lynching of Blacks in the late 1800s and the death of George Floyd in 2020 demand a sustained campaign to overcome persistent forces of racism in the United States. (Screenshot/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Rev. Robert Johnson, pastor at Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Topeka, says lynching of Blacks in the late 1800s and the death of George Floyd in 2020 demand a sustained campaign to overcome persistent forces of racism in the United States. (Screenshot/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Two of the three had been arrested for murder of a white man, but no evidence tied Vinegar to that crime. Cindy Schott and Kathy Schott Gates wrote about the lynching in their book, “Boys, Let Me Down Easy.” The title came from reports of King’s final words. His killers apparently obliged by lowering him gingerly to allow him to slowly strangle rather than swiftly cause death by snapping his neck.On Friday, Kansas Interfaith Action conducted a virtual vigil to draw back the curtain on lynchings and other forms of racial terrorism in Johnson, Shawnee, Saline, Crawford, Sedgwick and Douglas counties. It was an effort to amplify underreported history of Kansas, but also register opposition to the death penalty, point to flaws in the criminal justice system and note prevalence of racism in America.“This isn’t just about looking back and apologizing for something that happened a long time ago,” said the Rev. Rachael Pryor, board chairwoman of Kansas Interfaith Action. “The same attitudes that allowed for, and even celebrated lynching a century ago, are still present in our communities and systems, distorting rights, relationships and racial justice.”She said communities should own up to the past in which predominantly white faith organizations were complicit in racialized terror by dedicating themselves to changing behavior in people going forward.“We cannot afford to lose another generation of Black and brown young people to a prison system that seeks to punish, warehouse and dehumanize them,” said the Rev. Robert Johnson, pastor at Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Wichita. “Black Kansans know how directly Kansas’ history of racial discrimination leads to constricted opportunities and even criminalization of Black and brown people today.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613231589535.png" alt="The Rev. Rachael Pryor, board chairwoman of Kansas Interfaith Action, said attitudes of people who celebration lynchings of Blacks a century ago remain a force in Kansas to distort justice, rights and relationships. (Screenshot/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Rev. Rachael Pryor, board chairwoman of Kansas Interfaith Action, said attitudes of people who celebration lynchings of Blacks a century ago remain a force in Kansas to distort justice, rights and relationships. (Screenshot/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson said he was concerned by the frequently short-lived reaction of people to racial tragedies such as the death of George Floyd, the 46-year-old Black man who died in custody of Minneapolis, Minnesota police on May 25, 2020. A white officer knelt on Floyd’s neck for about nine minutes while the suspect was handcuffed and lying face down. Floyd’s death sparked international protests and outrage.“There will be a period of dramatic events. People will respond in shock and awe. After a period of time, things die down and they go back to normal,” Johnson said. “How do we not let the energy die down? How do we not allow people to go back to business as usual? We think that one of the things that needs to happen is the people of our country need to be given a broader understanding of both the history of our country but … the racial history that happened here in Kansas.”Evidence of lynchings in Kansas extend to Saline County, where a Black man was arrested in 1893 for allegedly injuring a white boy with a razor. Rumors of a possible lynching convinced the sheriff to arrange transfer of suspect Dana Adams to Leavenworth by railroad. Adams was placed in a Union Pacific passenger car, but vigilantes unhitched the car as the train pulled away. The crowd gained access to Adams and hung him on a telegraph pole at the station. No arrests were made in the slaying.In 1889, well-known burglar Nat Oliphant was arrested in the death of A.T. Rogers of Topeka. A crowd gathered at the jail managed to punch a hole in the building’s wall and gain entrance to the cell block. They threw a rope around Oliphant to drag him down the stairs and out of the jail. He was hanged from a pole near First National Bank building downtown. His body was reportedly cut down and put on display by a local undertaker. After burial, the corpse was stolen.The southeast Kansas county of Crawford was witness in 1885 to the lynching of John Lawrence, 17. He was suspected of assaulting a girl. About 20 men broke down the door to Girard’s jail and proceeded to hang the Black man from rafters of an unfinished home. News accounts say the girl’s father emptied a handgun into Lawrence before the crowd dispersed.Pryor said these history lessons about racial terror in Kansas could serve as motivation to address criminal justice, poverty and other issues linked to racist law, policy and ideology.She said records of lynchings were incomplete in Kansas and the names of some victims have been lost. But the goal of hordes who sidestepped the legal system to impose their version of justice did little to obscure their intent to kill people and send a message to others in their communities, she said.“To clearly say, ‘You had also better watch out, because what happened to this person could also happen to you,'” she said. “A lot us know a little bit about the history of the free state movement for Kansas. Maybe we even think of Kansas as a place that really stood up in opposition to slavery. That is not the whole story.”The above story was republished with permission from <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International. He has been recognized for investigative reporting on Kansas government and politics. He won the Kansas Press Association's Victor Murdock Award six times. The William Allen White Foundation honored him four times with its Burton Marvin News Enterprise Award. The Kansas City Press Club twice presented him its Journalist of the Year Award and more recently its Lifetime Achievement Award. He earned an agriculture degree at Kansas State University and grew up on a small dairy and beef cattle farm in Missouri.

Obscure history of Black lynchings in Kansas inspires activism

By ROBERT BICKEL and GENE POLICINSKI

When the Supreme Court declared in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 that the segregationist doctrine of “separate but equal” was unconstitutional, our government, our society and our very selves were redefined.

With that decision, the court achieved equal status with the other two branches of government — legislative and executive — fulfilling the aspirations for our nation’s democracy.&nbsp;

In that watershed moment, a young&nbsp;Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as a fresh advocate and leader for a movement many hoped would use the high court’s decision to make democracy “real.”

King understood the power of the First Amendment and its guaranteed freedoms, especially the right to protest peacefully. He brought that power alive and helped realize the promise of Brown the following year when he spoke the words that gave the Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott its foundation:

“The only weapon that we have in our hands tonight is the weapon of protest.&nbsp;That’s all.”

With King’s words energizing a peaceful mass protest against racial injustice, the leaders and legions who were prompted to action in Montgomery after&nbsp;Rosa Parks&nbsp;was arrested for refusing to move to the back of a city bus set out to change the nation. They sparked social change and examination that continues today.&nbsp;

For those who want to better understand this and other touchstone events in the fight for civil rights, we have created a free online course, “<a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/course-the-first-amendment-and-the-civil-rights-movement/" target="_blank">The First Amendment and the Civil Rights Movement</a>.” The lessons address important civil rights cases, with video interviews of leading figures and historical front pages of newspapers from the Newseum collection to set the scenes.

The course’s interdisciplinary, multimedia design makes it an excellent resource for teachers, public officials, social leaders and others who want to learn about the First Amendment’s roots in the nation’s search for racial justice over more than two centuries to “form a more perfect union.”&nbsp;

Because of the First Amendment, that mid-20th&nbsp;century movement of peaceful mass protest grew throughout the South and continued for a decade. The South’s resistance to Brown elevated the issue of racial segregation to a violation of the civil rights amendments. In turn, that propelled the federal courts at every level to reaffirm Brown in its most expansive terms — with a free press and free speakers tracking every move.&nbsp;

These cases challenged the courts from within to oppose those Southern district and appellate judges who openly espoused resistance to Brown. The Doctrine of Interposition — which allowed states to stand between the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and federal law — had to be overturned once and for all as an unconstitutional view of states’ rights.

The protests and petitions of the 1950s and 1960s led the White House and Congress to live up to their duty to enforce the human rights at stake in Brown, which required bipartisan political commitment and action. The result was the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act, crowning moments in congressional history.&nbsp;

The Black Lives Matter movement is today’s version of Selma, Ala., where nonviolent marchers in support of voting rights for Black Americans were met on the Edmund Pettus Bridge with billy clubs and tear gas.&nbsp;As&nbsp;David Halberstam&nbsp;wrote in his book “The Fifties,” the earlier movement educated the news media, and the media educated America. The First Amendment freedoms powered that education, then and now, by providing a free press and protecting the rights of those who marched as they sought to touch the conscience of the nation.

The First Amendment is a primary tool for those who seek to revitalize in the 21st&nbsp;century the efforts made in the last century to finally fulfill the promises of freedom and equality in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Robert Bickel, professor emeritus of law at Stetson University College of Law, and Gene Policinski, senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, are authors of “<a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/course-the-first-amendment-and-the-civil-rights-movement/" target="_blank">The First Amendment and the Civil Rights Movement</a>,” created with the support of Stetson University and the Freedom Forum. The online course is available to all at no charge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613189001622.jpeg" alt="Civil Rights Movement photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Civil Rights Movement photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROBERT BICKEL and GENE POLICINSKIWhen the Supreme Court declared in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 that the segregationist doctrine of “separate but equal” was unconstitutional, our government, our society and our very selves were redefined.With that decision, the court achieved equal status with the other two branches of government — legislative and executive — fulfilling the aspirations for our nation’s democracy.&nbsp;In that watershed moment, a young&nbsp;Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as a fresh advocate and leader for a movement many hoped would use the high court’s decision to make democracy “real.”King understood the power of the First Amendment and its guaranteed freedoms, especially the right to protest peacefully. He brought that power alive and helped realize the promise of Brown the following year when he spoke the words that gave the Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott its foundation:“The only weapon that we have in our hands tonight is the weapon of protest.&nbsp;That’s all.”With King’s words energizing a peaceful mass protest against racial injustice, the leaders and legions who were prompted to action in Montgomery after&nbsp;Rosa Parks&nbsp;was arrested for refusing to move to the back of a city bus set out to change the nation. They sparked social change and examination that continues today.&nbsp;For those who want to better understand this and other touchstone events in the fight for civil rights, we have created a free online course, “<a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/course-the-first-amendment-and-the-civil-rights-movement/" target="_blank">The First Amendment and the Civil Rights Movement</a>.” The lessons address important civil rights cases, with video interviews of leading figures and historical front pages of newspapers from the Newseum collection to set the scenes.The course’s interdisciplinary, multimedia design makes it an excellent resource for teachers, public officials, social leaders and others who want to learn about the First Amendment’s roots in the nation’s search for racial justice over more than two centuries to “form a more perfect union.”&nbsp;Because of the First Amendment, that mid-20th&nbsp;century movement of peaceful mass protest grew throughout the South and continued for a decade. The South’s resistance to Brown elevated the issue of racial segregation to a violation of the civil rights amendments. In turn, that propelled the federal courts at every level to reaffirm Brown in its most expansive terms — with a free press and free speakers tracking every move.&nbsp;These cases challenged the courts from within to oppose those Southern district and appellate judges who openly espoused resistance to Brown. The Doctrine of Interposition — which allowed states to stand between the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and federal law — had to be overturned once and for all as an unconstitutional view of states’ rights.The protests and petitions of the 1950s and 1960s led the White House and Congress to live up to their duty to enforce the human rights at stake in Brown, which required bipartisan political commitment and action. The result was the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act, crowning moments in congressional history.&nbsp;The Black Lives Matter movement is today’s version of Selma, Ala., where nonviolent marchers in support of voting rights for Black Americans were met on the Edmund Pettus Bridge with billy clubs and tear gas.&nbsp;As&nbsp;David Halberstam&nbsp;wrote in his book “The Fifties,” the earlier movement educated the news media, and the media educated America. The First Amendment freedoms powered that education, then and now, by providing a free press and protecting the rights of those who marched as they sought to touch the conscience of the nation.The First Amendment is a primary tool for those who seek to revitalize in the 21st&nbsp;century the efforts made in the last century to finally fulfill the promises of freedom and equality in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.Robert Bickel, professor emeritus of law at Stetson University College of Law, and Gene Policinski, senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, are authors of “<a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/course-the-first-amendment-and-the-civil-rights-movement/" target="_blank">The First Amendment and the Civil Rights Movement</a>,” created with the support of Stetson University and the Freedom Forum. The online course is available to all at no charge.

FIRST FIVE: The Civil Rights Movement and the 1st Amendment

Today is Saturday, Feb. 13, the 44th day of 2021. There are 321 days left in the year. 

On Feb. 13, 2016, Justice Antonin Scalia, the influential conservative and most provocative member of the U.S. Supreme Court, was found dead at a private residence in the Big Bend area of West Texas; he was 79. During a Republican presidential debate that evening in South Carolina, the candidates, with the exception of Jeb Bush, insisted that President Barack Obama should let his successor nominate Scalia's replacement. (Obama nominated Merrick Garland; Senate Republicans refused to advance the nomination, which expired the following January.) 

In 1633, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei arrived in Rome for trial before the Inquisition, accused of defending Copernican theory that the Earth revolved around the sun instead of the other way around. (Galileo was found vehemently suspect of heresy and ended up being sentenced to a form of house arrest.) 

In 1861, Abraham Lincoln was officially declared winner of the 1860 presidential election as electors cast their ballots.

In 1935, a jury in Flemington, New Jersey, found Bruno Richard Hauptmann guilty of first-degree murder in the kidnap-slaying of Charles A. Lindbergh Jr., the 20-month-old son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh. (Hauptmann was later executed.) 

In 1939, Justice Louis D. Brandeis retired from the U.S. Supreme Court. (He was succeeded by William O. Douglas.)

In 1960, France exploded its first atomic bomb in the Sahara Desert.

In 1965, during the Vietnam War, President Lyndon B. Johnson authorized Operation Rolling Thunder, an extended bombing campaign against the North Vietnamese. 

In 1974, Nobel Prize-winning Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn was expelled from the Soviet Union. 

In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, allied warplanes destroyed an underground shelter in Baghdad that had been identified as a military command center; Iraqi officials said 500 civilians were killed. 

In 1998, Dr. David Satcher was sworn in as the 16th Surgeon General of the United States during an Oval Office ceremony. 

In 2000, Charles Schulz's final "Peanuts" strip ran in Sunday newspapers, the day after the cartoonist died in his sleep at his California home at age 77.

In 2002, John Walker Lindh pleaded not guilty in federal court in Alexandria, Va., to conspiring to kill Americans and supporting the Taliban and terrorist organizations. (Lindh later pleaded guilty to lesser offenses and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was released in September 2019 after serving 17 years of that sentence.) 

In 2013, beginning a long farewell to his flock, a weary Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his final public Mass as pontiff, presiding over Ash Wednesday services inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. 

Ten years ago: Egypt's military leaders dissolved parliament, suspended the constitution and promised elections in moves cautiously welcomed by protesters who'd helped topple President Hosni Mubarak. Lady Antebellum was the big winner at the Grammys with five awards, including record and song of the year for the band's yearning crossover ballad "Need You Now," but rockers Arcade Fire won the biggest prize, album of the year, for their highly acclaimed "The Suburbs."

Five years ago: On his first full day in Mexico, Pope Francis issued a tough-love message to the country's political and church elites, telling them they had a duty to provide their people with security, justice and courageous pastoral care.

One year ago: China reported a surge in deaths and infections from the coronavirus after changing the way the count was tallied; the number of confirmed cases neared 60,000 with more than 1,300 deaths. Japan announced the country's first death from the coronavirus, a woman in her 80s, and said the number of cases on a quarantined cruise ship had reached 218. The cruise ship MS Westerdam, which had been stranded at sea for about two weeks after being refused entry by four Asian governments, docked in Cambodia, where passengers were given health checks. Attorney General William Barr told ABC that President Donald Trump's tweets about Justice Department prosecutors and open cases "make it impossible for me to do my job."

Today's Birthdays: Actor Kim Novak is 88. Actor George Segal is 87. Actor Bo Svenson is 80. Actor Stockard Channing is 77. Talk show host Jerry Springer is 77. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is 75. Singer Peter Gabriel is 71. Actor David Naughton is 70. Rock musician Peter Hook is 65. Actor Matt Salinger is 61. Singer Henry Rollins is 60. Actor Neal McDonough is 55. Singer Freedom Williams is 55. Actor Kelly Hu is 53. Rock singer Matt Berninger (The National) is 50. Country musician Scott Thomas (Parmalee) is 48. Singer Robbie Williams is 47. Singer-songwriter Feist is 45. Rhythm-and-blues performer Natalie Stewart is 42. Actor Mena Suvari is 42. Actor Katie Volding is 32. Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (also known as Prince Michael Jackson I) is 24.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Saturday, Feb. 13, the 44th day of 2021. There are 321 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 13, 2016, Justice Antonin Scalia, the influential conservative and most provocative member of the U.S. Supreme Court, was found dead at a private residence in the Big Bend area of West Texas; he was 79. During a Republican presidential debate that evening in South Carolina, the candidates, with the exception of Jeb Bush, insisted that President Barack Obama should let his successor nominate Scalia's replacement. (Obama nominated Merrick Garland; Senate Republicans refused to advance the nomination, which expired the following January.) On this date: In 1633, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei arrived in Rome for trial before the Inquisition, accused of defending Copernican theory that the Earth revolved around the sun instead of the other way around. (Galileo was found vehemently suspect of heresy and ended up being sentenced to a form of house arrest.) In 1861, Abraham Lincoln was officially declared winner of the 1860 presidential election as electors cast their ballots.In 1935, a jury in Flemington, New Jersey, found Bruno Richard Hauptmann guilty of first-degree murder in the kidnap-slaying of Charles A. Lindbergh Jr., the 20-month-old son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh. (Hauptmann was later executed.) In 1939, Justice Louis D. Brandeis retired from the U.S. Supreme Court. (He was succeeded by William O. Douglas.)In 1960, France exploded its first atomic bomb in the Sahara Desert.In 1965, during the Vietnam War, President Lyndon B. Johnson authorized Operation Rolling Thunder, an extended bombing campaign against the North Vietnamese. In 1974, Nobel Prize-winning Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn was expelled from the Soviet Union. In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, allied warplanes destroyed an underground shelter in Baghdad that had been identified as a military command center; Iraqi officials said 500 civilians were killed. In 1998, Dr. David Satcher was sworn in as the 16th Surgeon General of the United States during an Oval Office ceremony. In 2000, Charles Schulz's final "Peanuts" strip ran in Sunday newspapers, the day after the cartoonist died in his sleep at his California home at age 77.In 2002, John Walker Lindh pleaded not guilty in federal court in Alexandria, Va., to conspiring to kill Americans and supporting the Taliban and terrorist organizations. (Lindh later pleaded guilty to lesser offenses and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was released in September 2019 after serving 17 years of that sentence.) In 2013, beginning a long farewell to his flock, a weary Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his final public Mass as pontiff, presiding over Ash Wednesday services inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Ten years ago: Egypt's military leaders dissolved parliament, suspended the constitution and promised elections in moves cautiously welcomed by protesters who'd helped topple President Hosni Mubarak. Lady Antebellum was the big winner at the Grammys with five awards, including record and song of the year for the band's yearning crossover ballad "Need You Now," but rockers Arcade Fire won the biggest prize, album of the year, for their highly acclaimed "The Suburbs."Five years ago: On his first full day in Mexico, Pope Francis issued a tough-love message to the country's political and church elites, telling them they had a duty to provide their people with security, justice and courageous pastoral care.One year ago: China reported a surge in deaths and infections from the coronavirus after changing the way the count was tallied; the number of confirmed cases neared 60,000 with more than 1,300 deaths. Japan announced the country's first death from the coronavirus, a woman in her 80s, and said the number of cases on a quarantined cruise ship had reached 218. The cruise ship MS Westerdam, which had been stranded at sea for about two weeks after being refused entry by four Asian governments, docked in Cambodia, where passengers were given health checks. Attorney General William Barr told ABC that President Donald Trump's tweets about Justice Department prosecutors and open cases "make it impossible for me to do my job." Today's Birthdays: Actor Kim Novak is 88. Actor George Segal is 87. Actor Bo Svenson is 80. Actor Stockard Channing is 77. Talk show host Jerry Springer is 77. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is 75. Singer Peter Gabriel is 71. Actor David Naughton is 70. Rock musician Peter Hook is 65. Actor Matt Salinger is 61. Singer Henry Rollins is 60. Actor Neal McDonough is 55. Singer Freedom Williams is 55. Actor Kelly Hu is 53. Rock singer Matt Berninger (The National) is 50. Country musician Scott Thomas (Parmalee) is 48. Singer Robbie Williams is 47. Singer-songwriter Feist is 45. Rhythm-and-blues performer Natalie Stewart is 42. Actor Mena Suvari is 42. Actor Katie Volding is 32. Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (also known as Prince Michael Jackson I) is 24.

Today in History -- Feb. 13

Today is Friday, Feb. 12, the 43rd day of 2021. There are 322 days left in the year. 

On Feb. 12, 1973, Operation Homecoming began as the first release of American prisoners of war from the Vietnam conflict took place. 

In 1809, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was born in a log cabin in Hardin (now LaRue) County, Kentucky.

In 1818, Chile officially proclaimed its independence, more than seven years after initially renouncing Spanish rule.

In 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded.

In 1912, Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, abdicated, marking the end of the Qing Dynasty. 

In 1914, groundbreaking took place for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (A year later on this date, the cornerstone was laid.) 

In 1924, George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" premiered in New York. 

In 1959, the redesigned Lincoln penny — with an image of the Lincoln Memorial replacing two ears of wheat on the reverse side — went into circulation. 

In 1999, the Senate voted to acquit President Bill Clinton of perjury and obstruction of justice. 

In 2000, Hall of Fame football coach Tom Landry, who'd led the Dallas Cowboys to five Super Bowls, died in Irving, Texas, at age 75. 

In 2003, the U.N. nuclear agency declared North Korea in violation of international treaties, sending the dispute to the Security Council. 

In 2013, At the Grammy Awards, Adele took home all five awards she was nominated for, including album ("25"), as well as record and song of the year ("Hello").

In 2019, Mexico's most notorious drug lord, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, was convicted in New York of running an industrial-scale smuggling operation; a jury whose members' identities were kept secret as a security measure had deliberated for six days. (Guzman is serving a life sentence at the federal supermax prison facility in Florence, Colorado.) 

Ten years ago: Thousands of Algerians defied government warnings and dodged barricades in their capital, demanding democratic reforms; demonstrations continued in Yemen as well. Death claimed actors Betty Garrett, 91, and Kenneth Mars, 75.

Five years ago: Pope Francis, while en route to Mexico, embraced Patriarch Kirill during a stopover in Cuba in the first-ever meeting between a pontiff and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. New York Mets reliever Jenrry Mejia became the first player to receive a lifetime ban under Major League Baseball's drug agreement after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance for the third time.

One year ago: Holland America Line said a cruise ship, the MS Westerdam, which had been barred from docking by four governments because of fears of the coronavirus, would arrive the next day in Cambodia. In Japan, officials confirmed 39 new cases on a cruise ship that had been quarantined at Yokohama, bringing the total number of cases on the Diamond Princess to 174. A second case of coronavirus was confirmed in the U.S. among evacuees from China; the person had been aboard a flight from Wuhan that arrived the previous week at a military base in Southern California. Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, the last remaining African American candidate in the Democratic presidential field, ended his campaign after his late bid failed to catch fire. Pope Francis, in an eagerly awaited document, declined to approve the ordination of married men to address a priest shortage in the Amazon.

Today's Birthdays: Movie director Costa-Gavras is 88. Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Russell is 87. Actor Joe Don Baker is 85. Author Judy Blume is 83. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak is 79. Country singer Moe Bandy is 77. Actor Maud Adams is 76. Actor Cliff DeYoung is 75. Actor Michael Ironside is 71. Rock musician Steve Hackett is 71. Rock singer Michael McDonald is 69. Actor Joanna Kerns is 68. Actor Zach Grenier is 67. Actor-talk show host Arsenio Hall is 65. Actor John Michael Higgins is 58. Actor Raphael Sbarge is 57. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is 56. Actor Christine Elise is 56. Actor Josh Brolin is 53. Singer Chynna Phillips is 53. Rock musician Jim Creeggan (Barenaked Ladies) is 51. Actor Jesse Spencer is 42. Rapper Gucci Mane is 41. Actor Sarah Lancaster is 41. Actor Christina Ricci is 41. Actor Jennifer Stone is 28. Actors Baylie and Rylie Cregut (TV: "Raising Hope") are 11.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Friday, Feb. 12, the 43rd day of 2021. There are 322 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 12, 1973, Operation Homecoming began as the first release of American prisoners of war from the Vietnam conflict took place. On this date: In 1809, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was born in a log cabin in Hardin (now LaRue) County, Kentucky.In 1818, Chile officially proclaimed its independence, more than seven years after initially renouncing Spanish rule.In 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded.In 1912, Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, abdicated, marking the end of the Qing Dynasty. In 1914, groundbreaking took place for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (A year later on this date, the cornerstone was laid.) In 1924, George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" premiered in New York. In 1959, the redesigned Lincoln penny — with an image of the Lincoln Memorial replacing two ears of wheat on the reverse side — went into circulation. In 1999, the Senate voted to acquit President Bill Clinton of perjury and obstruction of justice. In 2000, Hall of Fame football coach Tom Landry, who'd led the Dallas Cowboys to five Super Bowls, died in Irving, Texas, at age 75. In 2003, the U.N. nuclear agency declared North Korea in violation of international treaties, sending the dispute to the Security Council. In 2013, At the Grammy Awards, Adele took home all five awards she was nominated for, including album ("25"), as well as record and song of the year ("Hello").In 2019, Mexico's most notorious drug lord, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, was convicted in New York of running an industrial-scale smuggling operation; a jury whose members' identities were kept secret as a security measure had deliberated for six days. (Guzman is serving a life sentence at the federal supermax prison facility in Florence, Colorado.) Ten years ago: Thousands of Algerians defied government warnings and dodged barricades in their capital, demanding democratic reforms; demonstrations continued in Yemen as well. Death claimed actors Betty Garrett, 91, and Kenneth Mars, 75.Five years ago: Pope Francis, while en route to Mexico, embraced Patriarch Kirill during a stopover in Cuba in the first-ever meeting between a pontiff and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. New York Mets reliever Jenrry Mejia became the first player to receive a lifetime ban under Major League Baseball's drug agreement after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance for the third time.One year ago: Holland America Line said a cruise ship, the MS Westerdam, which had been barred from docking by four governments because of fears of the coronavirus, would arrive the next day in Cambodia. In Japan, officials confirmed 39 new cases on a cruise ship that had been quarantined at Yokohama, bringing the total number of cases on the Diamond Princess to 174. A second case of coronavirus was confirmed in the U.S. among evacuees from China; the person had been aboard a flight from Wuhan that arrived the previous week at a military base in Southern California. Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, the last remaining African American candidate in the Democratic presidential field, ended his campaign after his late bid failed to catch fire. Pope Francis, in an eagerly awaited document, declined to approve the ordination of married men to address a priest shortage in the Amazon.Today's Birthdays: Movie director Costa-Gavras is 88. Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Russell is 87. Actor Joe Don Baker is 85. Author Judy Blume is 83. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak is 79. Country singer Moe Bandy is 77. Actor Maud Adams is 76. Actor Cliff DeYoung is 75. Actor Michael Ironside is 71. Rock musician Steve Hackett is 71. Rock singer Michael McDonald is 69. Actor Joanna Kerns is 68. Actor Zach Grenier is 67. Actor-talk show host Arsenio Hall is 65. Actor John Michael Higgins is 58. Actor Raphael Sbarge is 57. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is 56. Actor Christine Elise is 56. Actor Josh Brolin is 53. Singer Chynna Phillips is 53. Rock musician Jim Creeggan (Barenaked Ladies) is 51. Actor Jesse Spencer is 42. Rapper Gucci Mane is 41. Actor Sarah Lancaster is 41. Actor Christina Ricci is 41. Actor Jennifer Stone is 28. Actors Baylie and Rylie Cregut (TV: "Raising Hope") are 11.

Today in History -- Feb. 12

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a chase in Barton County.

Just before 7p.m. Wednesday sheriff’s deputies had just finished executing a search warrant in the city of Great Bend when they became aware of a city police car that had been struck by a suspect vehicle, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The Great Bend Police Department officer had stopped a vehicle in the 3300 block of 10th Street. The vehicle was traveling with no headlights as required. The officer contacted the driver later identified as&nbsp;Nicholas Kramer, 33 of Great Bend and became aware that he may be intoxicated. 

The suspect vehicle initially fled from the city police officer, then stopped and backed into the police car twice, according to Bellendir.

 The suspect then again fled from the city police. Several Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area to assist the police department. At one point a Sheriff’s office Sgt. blocked the vehicle at the intersection of 10th and Grant. 

The suspect vehicle struck the rear of the Sheriff’s car and continued to flee from officers. The pursuit continued to the west side of Great Bend and traveled north on Kansas Highway 96 towards 24th Street.

 At this point the police officers opted to discontinue pursuit and the Sheriff’s Office intervened. The suspect vehicle continued north on Kansas 96. to 24th Street where it turned East. 

A Sheriff’s vehicle was alongside the suspect vehicle attempting to keep it boxed in, while the suspect swerved at the Sheriff’s car several times. 

The suspect then entered the cemetery on 24th Street. Due to the extreme danger posed to the general public, a Sheriff’s office Sgt. decided rather than allow the vehicle back on city streets it should be stopped in the cemetery. 

A Sheriff’s office vehicle intentionally pushed the rear of the suspect vehicle causing it to spin out at which point a Pawnee County Sheriff’s patrol unit was able to box in the suspect.

Deputies arrested Kramer and transported him to the Barton County Jail without incident where he was booked on requested charges of three counts of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, three counts of criminal damage to property, aggravated battery w/ DUI and felony flee and elude. His bond is set at $100,000. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613082823277.png" alt="Overhead view of the chase and arrest-image Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Overhead view of the chase and arrest-image Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a chase in Barton County.Just before 7p.m. Wednesday sheriff’s deputies had just finished executing a search warrant in the city of Great Bend when they became aware of a city police car that had been struck by a suspect vehicle, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.The Great Bend Police Department officer had stopped a vehicle in the 3300 block of 10th Street. The vehicle was traveling with no headlights as required. The officer contacted the driver later identified as&nbsp;Nicholas Kramer, 33 of Great Bend and became aware that he may be intoxicated. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613082923925.jpeg" alt="Kramer photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Kramer photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect vehicle initially fled from the city police officer, then stopped and backed into the police car twice, according to Bellendir. The suspect then again fled from the city police. Several Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area to assist the police department. At one point a Sheriff’s office Sgt. blocked the vehicle at the intersection of 10th and Grant. The suspect vehicle struck the rear of the Sheriff’s car and continued to flee from officers. The pursuit continued to the west side of Great Bend and traveled north on Kansas Highway 96 towards 24th Street. At this point the police officers opted to discontinue pursuit and the Sheriff’s Office intervened. The suspect vehicle continued north on Kansas 96. to 24th Street where it turned East. A Sheriff’s vehicle was alongside the suspect vehicle attempting to keep it boxed in, while the suspect swerved at the Sheriff’s car several times. The suspect then entered the cemetery on 24th Street. Due to the extreme danger posed to the general public, a Sheriff’s office Sgt. decided rather than allow the vehicle back on city streets it should be stopped in the cemetery. A Sheriff’s office vehicle intentionally pushed the rear of the suspect vehicle causing it to spin out at which point a Pawnee County Sheriff’s patrol unit was able to box in the suspect.Deputies arrested Kramer and transported him to the Barton County Jail without incident where he was booked on requested charges of three counts of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, three counts of criminal damage to property, aggravated battery w/ DUI and felony flee and elude. His bond is set at $100,000.

Kan. driver rams police vehicles, arrested in cemetery 

<a href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/debra-curlo">Obituary | Debra Curlo of Beloit, Kansas | Roberts Family Funeral Service (mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com)</a>

ebra Marie (Lewandowski) Curlo, 64, entered peacefully into eternal rest February 9th, 2021 at Mitchell County Health Systems in Beloit, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born July 30th, 1956 in Fort Campbell, Kentucky the daughter of Marion Lewandowski.&nbsp; Marion was the son of Victoria Lewandowski who would raise her.

On September 7th, 1974 she wed Thomas Curlo in Loup City, Nebraska. In 1988 they moved to Grant, Nebraska where she worked as a cook for the school and local restaurants. In 2017 they moved to Beloit, Kansas where she lived out her days doing what she did best, loving on her children and grandchildren.

Deb was known as a servant that loved God, her family and others. &nbsp;She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.&nbsp; Her life was a living example of Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

Her strong will, faith, and hard work has created something that will never be broken or forgotten.&nbsp; She did the best she could for anyone that had the privilege of meeting her.&nbsp; She was always willing to lend a helping hand and help those in need.&nbsp; She was so strong for those around her and now it is time for us to be strong for her.&nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her father, Marion Lewandowski and Grandmother, Victoria Lewandowski.

Survivors include husband Tom of Beloit, Kansas. Son, Jeremy (Kristen) Curlo of Garden City, Kansas. Daughter, Jessica (Garry) Lowry, of Beloit, Kansas.&nbsp; Grandchildren, Jamie Curlo of Hays, Kansas and Beckham and Bergan Lowry of Beloit, Kansas.&nbsp;

Memorial services will be at 10 AM Friday, February 19 at the St. John's Catholic Church, &amp; the rosary service will be at 9 AM. Services will be live-streamed through the St. John's Facebook page. Friends may sign the register book from 9 AM to 5 PM Thursday, February 18 at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John's Catholic Church or Solomon Valley Hospice.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Debra Curlo, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/debra-curlo/gifts?campaign=obituaryInline-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Debra Curlo; Beloit</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613082232534.jpeg" alt="Debra Curlo" />
 <figcaption>Debra Curlo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/debra-curlo">Obituary | Debra Curlo of Beloit, Kansas | Roberts Family Funeral Service (mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com)</a>July 30, 1956 - February 09, 2021ebra Marie (Lewandowski) Curlo, 64, entered peacefully into eternal rest February 9th, 2021 at Mitchell County Health Systems in Beloit, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born July 30th, 1956 in Fort Campbell, Kentucky the daughter of Marion Lewandowski.&nbsp; Marion was the son of Victoria Lewandowski who would raise her.On September 7th, 1974 she wed Thomas Curlo in Loup City, Nebraska. In 1988 they moved to Grant, Nebraska where she worked as a cook for the school and local restaurants. In 2017 they moved to Beloit, Kansas where she lived out her days doing what she did best, loving on her children and grandchildren.Deb was known as a servant that loved God, her family and others. &nbsp;She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.&nbsp; Her life was a living example of Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”Her strong will, faith, and hard work has created something that will never be broken or forgotten.&nbsp; She did the best she could for anyone that had the privilege of meeting her.&nbsp; She was always willing to lend a helping hand and help those in need.&nbsp; She was so strong for those around her and now it is time for us to be strong for her.&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her father, Marion Lewandowski and Grandmother, Victoria Lewandowski.Survivors include husband Tom of Beloit, Kansas. Son, Jeremy (Kristen) Curlo of Garden City, Kansas. Daughter, Jessica (Garry) Lowry, of Beloit, Kansas.&nbsp; Grandchildren, Jamie Curlo of Hays, Kansas and Beckham and Bergan Lowry of Beloit, Kansas.&nbsp;Memorial services will be at 10 AM Friday, February 19 at the St. John's Catholic Church, &amp; the rosary service will be at 9 AM. Services will be live-streamed through the St. John's Facebook page. Friends may sign the register book from 9 AM to 5 PM Thursday, February 18 at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John's Catholic Church or Solomon Valley Hospice.To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Debra Curlo, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/debra-curlo/gifts?campaign=obituaryInline-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Debra Curlo

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects following an investigation into the distribution of meth in Great Bend.

Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, sheriff’s deputies and detectives executed a search warrant at 2320 24th St. in Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The warrant was part of the ongoing investigation and the Sheriff’s Office was looking for a wanted person, José Saul Torres Jr. as well as controlled substances. 

Deputies made entry in the residence without resistance and located Torres. During the course the investigation detectives also located methamphetamine, a firearm and drug paraphernalia.

Deputies José Torres Jr., 39 of Great Bend without incident and booked him on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, criminal use of a firearm as well as the Barton County District Court warrant for violation of probation. 

The bond on the drug charges is in excess of $100,000, he is being held without bond on the probation violation warrant.

The also arrested Calli Lundquist, 26 of Great Bend on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and criminal possession of a firearm. The bond on those charges is $10,000. There was also an outstanding Barton County District Court warrant for Lundquist for contempt of court. She is also being held without bond on the District Court warrant, according to Bellendir.

&nbsp;The Sheriff’s office was assisted by a K9 unit from the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613065282620.png" alt="Law enforcement authorities during the investigation on Wednesday -photo Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement authorities during the investigation on Wednesday -photo Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects following an investigation into the distribution of meth in Great Bend.Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, sheriff’s deputies and detectives executed a search warrant at 2320 24th St. in Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.The warrant was part of the ongoing investigation and the Sheriff’s Office was looking for a wanted person, José Saul Torres Jr. as well as controlled substances. Deputies made entry in the residence without resistance and located Torres. During the course the investigation detectives also located methamphetamine, a firearm and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613065337266.png" alt="Torres photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Torres photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies José Torres Jr., 39 of Great Bend without incident and booked him on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, criminal use of a firearm as well as the Barton County District Court warrant for violation of probation. The bond on the drug charges is in excess of $100,000, he is being held without bond on the probation violation warrant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613065262418.png" alt="Lundquist photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Lundquist photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The also arrested Calli Lundquist, 26 of Great Bend on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and criminal possession of a firearm. The bond on those charges is $10,000. There was also an outstanding Barton County District Court warrant for Lundquist for contempt of court. She is also being held without bond on the District Court warrant, according to Bellendir.&nbsp;The Sheriff’s office was assisted by a K9 unit from the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff: Deputies catch wanted Kansas drug suspect

Today is Thursday, Feb. 11, the 42nd day of 2021. There are 323 days left in the year. 

On Feb. 11, 2020, the World Health Organization gave the official name of COVID-19 to the disease caused by the coronavirus that had emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan. A group of 195 evacuees was cleared to end a two-week quarantine at a Southern California military base, where they had been staying since flying out of China amid the coronavirus outbreak.

In 1812, Massachusetts Gov. Elbridge Gerry signed a redistricting law favoring his Democratic-Republican Party — giving rise to the term "gerrymandering."

In 1847, American inventor Thomas Alva Edison was born in Milan, Ohio.

In 1861, President-elect Abraham Lincoln bade farewell to his adopted hometown of Springfield, Ill., as he headed to Washington for his inauguration. 

In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin signed the Yalta Agreement, in which Stalin agreed to declare war against Imperial Japan following Nazi Germany's capitulation. 

In 1975, Margaret Thatcher was elected leader of Britain's opposition Conservative Party. 

In 1979, followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seized power in Iran. 

In 1990, South African Black activist Nelson Mandela was freed after 27 years in captivity. 

In 2006, Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded Harry Whittington, a companion during a weekend quail-hunting trip in Texas.

In 2008, the Pentagon charged Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and five other detainees at Guantanamo Bay with murder and war crimes in connection with the Sept. 11 attacks. 

In 2009, All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about steroids in baseball. (He was sentenced to a year's probation.) Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., who first went to Congress in 1955, became the longest-serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives. 

In 2012, pop singer Whitney Houston, 48, was found dead in a hotel room bathtub in Beverly Hills, California. 

In 2013, with a few words in Latin, Pope Benedict XVI did what no pope had done in more than half a millennium: announced his resignation. The bombshell came during a routine morning meeting of Vatican cardinals. (The 85-year-old pontiff was succeeded by Pope Francis.) 

Ten years ago: Egypt exploded with joy after pro-democracy protesters brought down President Hosni Mubarak, whose resignation ended three decades of authoritarian rule.

Five years ago: Surrounded by FBI agents in armored vehicles, the last four occupiers of a national nature preserve in Oregon surrendered, ending a 41-day standoff that left one man dead. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders battled for the crucial backing of black and Hispanic voters during a Democratic debate in Milwaukee.

One year ago: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders won New Hampshire's Democratic presidential primary, edging moderate Pete Buttigieg. Entrepreneur Andrew Yang and Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet each dropped out of the Democratic presidential race. The four lawyers on the Justice Department team that prosecuted longtime Trump ally Roger Stone quit the case after the department overruled them and said it would seek a reduced amount of prison time for Stone. Actor Jussie Smollett was indicted for a second time on charges of lying to police about a racist and anti-gay attack he allegedly staged on himself in downtown Chicago. A standard poodle named Siba won top honors at the Westminster Kennel Club show in New York.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Conrad Janis is 93. Gospel singer Jimmy Carter is 89. Fashion designer Mary Quant is 87. Bandleader Sergio Mendes is 80. Actor Philip Anglim is 69. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is 68. Actor Catherine Hickland is 65. Rock musician David Uosikkinen (The Hooters) is 65. Actor Carey Lowell is 60. Singer Sheryl Crow is 59. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is 57. Actor Jennifer Aniston is 52. Actor Damian Lewis is 50. Actor Marisa Petroro is 49. Singer D'Angelo is 47. Actor Brice Beckham is 45. Rock M-C/vocalist Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park) is 44. Singer-actor Brandy is 42. Country musician Jon Jones (The Eli Young Band) is 41. Actor Matthew Lawrence is 41. R&amp;B singer Kelly Rowland is 40. Actor Natalie Dormer is 39. Singer Aubrey O'Day is 37. Actor Q'orianka Kilcher is 31. Actor Taylor Lautner is 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Thursday, Feb. 11, the 42nd day of 2021. There are 323 days left in the year. Today's Highlights in History: On Feb. 11, 2020, the World Health Organization gave the official name of COVID-19 to the disease caused by the coronavirus that had emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan. A group of 195 evacuees was cleared to end a two-week quarantine at a Southern California military base, where they had been staying since flying out of China amid the coronavirus outbreak.On this date: In 1812, Massachusetts Gov. Elbridge Gerry signed a redistricting law favoring his Democratic-Republican Party — giving rise to the term "gerrymandering."In 1847, American inventor Thomas Alva Edison was born in Milan, Ohio.In 1861, President-elect Abraham Lincoln bade farewell to his adopted hometown of Springfield, Ill., as he headed to Washington for his inauguration. In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin signed the Yalta Agreement, in which Stalin agreed to declare war against Imperial Japan following Nazi Germany's capitulation. In 1975, Margaret Thatcher was elected leader of Britain's opposition Conservative Party. In 1979, followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seized power in Iran. In 1990, South African Black activist Nelson Mandela was freed after 27 years in captivity. In 2006, Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded Harry Whittington, a companion during a weekend quail-hunting trip in Texas.In 2008, the Pentagon charged Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and five other detainees at Guantanamo Bay with murder and war crimes in connection with the Sept. 11 attacks. In 2009, All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about steroids in baseball. (He was sentenced to a year's probation.) Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., who first went to Congress in 1955, became the longest-serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2012, pop singer Whitney Houston, 48, was found dead in a hotel room bathtub in Beverly Hills, California. In 2013, with a few words in Latin, Pope Benedict XVI did what no pope had done in more than half a millennium: announced his resignation. The bombshell came during a routine morning meeting of Vatican cardinals. (The 85-year-old pontiff was succeeded by Pope Francis.) Ten years ago: Egypt exploded with joy after pro-democracy protesters brought down President Hosni Mubarak, whose resignation ended three decades of authoritarian rule.Five years ago: Surrounded by FBI agents in armored vehicles, the last four occupiers of a national nature preserve in Oregon surrendered, ending a 41-day standoff that left one man dead. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders battled for the crucial backing of black and Hispanic voters during a Democratic debate in Milwaukee.One year ago: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders won New Hampshire's Democratic presidential primary, edging moderate Pete Buttigieg. Entrepreneur Andrew Yang and Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet each dropped out of the Democratic presidential race. The four lawyers on the Justice Department team that prosecuted longtime Trump ally Roger Stone quit the case after the department overruled them and said it would seek a reduced amount of prison time for Stone. Actor Jussie Smollett was indicted for a second time on charges of lying to police about a racist and anti-gay attack he allegedly staged on himself in downtown Chicago. A standard poodle named Siba won top honors at the Westminster Kennel Club show in New York.Today's Birthdays: Actor Conrad Janis is 93. Gospel singer Jimmy Carter is 89. Fashion designer Mary Quant is 87. Bandleader Sergio Mendes is 80. Actor Philip Anglim is 69. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is 68. Actor Catherine Hickland is 65. Rock musician David Uosikkinen (The Hooters) is 65. Actor Carey Lowell is 60. Singer Sheryl Crow is 59. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is 57. Actor Jennifer Aniston is 52. Actor Damian Lewis is 50. Actor Marisa Petroro is 49. Singer D'Angelo is 47. Actor Brice Beckham is 45. Rock M-C/vocalist Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park) is 44. Singer-actor Brandy is 42. Country musician Jon Jones (The Eli Young Band) is 41. Actor Matthew Lawrence is 41. R&amp;B singer Kelly Rowland is 40. Actor Natalie Dormer is 39. Singer Aubrey O'Day is 37. Actor Q'orianka Kilcher is 31. Actor Taylor Lautner is 29.

Today in History -- Feb. 11

<a href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/debra-curlo"></a>July 30, 1956 - February 9, 2021

Memorial services will be at 10 AM Friday, February 19 at the St. John's Catholic Church, &amp; the rosary service will be at 9 AM. Friends may sign the register book from 9 AM to 5 PM Thursday, February 18 at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place. 

Memorials may be given to St. John's Catholic Church or Solomon Valley Hospice.

St. John's Catholic Church 701 E. Court Beloit, KS 67420

<h2>Debra Curlo; Beloit </h2><a href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/debra-curlo">Obituary | Debra Curlo of Beloit, Kansas | Roberts Family Funeral Service (mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com)</a><a href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/debra-curlo"></a>July 30, 1956 - February 9, 2021 Memorial services will be at 10 AM Friday, February 19 at the St. John's Catholic Church, &amp; the rosary service will be at 9 AM. Friends may sign the register book from 9 AM to 5 PM Thursday, February 18 at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be given to St. John's Catholic Church or Solomon Valley Hospice.Prayer ServiceFriday, February 19, 2021 9:00 AMSt. John's Catholic Church 701 E. Court Beloit, KS 67420Memorial ServiceFriday, February 19, 2021 10:00 AMSt. John's Catholic Church 701 E. Court Beloit, KS 67420

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Debra Curlo, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/debra-curlo/gifts?campaign=obituaryInline-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Debra Curlo 

Today is Wednesday, Feb. 10, the 41st day of 2021. There are 324 days left in the year. 

On Feb. 10, 1967, the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, dealing with presidential disability and succession, was ratified as Minnesota and Nevada adopted it. 

In 1763, Britain, Spain and France signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the Seven Years' War (also known as the French and Indian War in North America).

In 1840, Britain's Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. 

In 1933, the first singing telegram was introduced by the Postal Telegram Co. in New York.

In 1936, Nazi Germany's Reichstag passed a law investing the Gestapo secret police with absolute authority, exempt from any legal review. 

In 1959, a major tornado tore through the St. Louis area, killing 21 people and causing heavy damage. 

In 1962, the Soviet Union exchanged captured American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers for Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy held by the United States. 

In 1992, boxer Mike Tyson was convicted in Indianapolis of raping Desiree Washington, a Miss Black America contestant. (Tyson served three years in prison.) "Roots" author Alex Haley died in Seattle at age 70. 

In 1997, a civil jury heaped $25 million in punitive damages on O.J. Simpson for the slayings of his ex-wife and her friend, on top of $8.5 million in compensatory damages awarded earlier. 

In 2005, Britain's Prince Charles announced he would marry his divorced lover, Camilla Parker Bowles, in April. North Korea boasted publicly for the first time that it possessed nuclear weapons. 

In 2006, Dr. Norman Shumway, who performed the first successful U.S. heart transplant, died in Palo Alto, California, at age 83. 

In 2014, former film star and diplomat Shirley Temple Black, 85, died at her home near San Francisco. 

In 2015, the parents of Kayla Jean Mueller and U.S. officials confirmed the death of the 26-year-old aid worker who had been held captive by the Islamic State group (IS said Mueller had been killed in a Jordanian airstrike). NBC announced it was suspending Brian Williams as "Nightly News" anchor and managing editor for six months without pay for misleading the public about his experiences covering the Iraq War. Jon Stewart announced he would step down as host of "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central later in the year.

Ten years ago: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak refused to step down or leave the country and instead handed his powers to his vice president, stunning protesters in central Cairo who waved their shoes in contempt and shouted, "Leave, leave, leave." (Mubarak resigned the next day.)

Five years ago: Senate Democrats and Republicans united behind tougher sanctions on North Korea for violating international law by pursuing nuclear weapons. President Barack Obama took a nostalgic trip to the Illinois capital of Springfield where he launched his national political career nine years earlier. For the 15th time, officials denied parole for Sirhan Sirhan, the assassin of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. Former Transportation Secretary Drew Lewis, 84, died in Prescott, Arizona.

One year ago: U.S. health officials confirmed the first case of the novel coronavirus among the hundreds of people who'd been evacuated from China to military bases in the United States; it was among the 13 confirmed cases in the U.S. Britain declared the new coronavirus a "serious and imminent threat to public health" and said people with the virus could now be forcibly quarantined. U.S. prosecutors charged four members of the Chinese military with breaking into the computer networks of the Equifax credit reporting agency and stealing the personal information of tens of millions of Americans.

Today's Birthdays: Opera singer Leontyne Price is 94. Actor Robert Wagner is 91. Rock musician Don Wilson (The Ventures) is 88. Singer Roberta Flack is 84. Singer Jimmy Merchant (Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers) is 81. Rock musician Bob Spalding (The Ventures) is 74. Olympic gold-medal swimmer Mark Spitz is 71. Walt Disney Co. executive Robert Iger is 70. Rock musician and composer Cory Lerios (Pablo Cruise) is 70. World Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman is 66. Actor Kathleen Beller is 65. Country singer Lionel Cartwright is 61. Movie director Alexander Payne is 60. ABC News correspondent George Stephanopoulos is 60. Political commentator Glenn Beck is 57. Actor Laura Dern is 54. Writer-producer-director Vince Gilligan (TV: "Breaking Bad") is 54. Country singer Dude Mowrey is 49. Actor Jason Olive is 49. Actor Elizabeth Banks is 47. Actor Julia Pace Mitchell is 43. Reggaeton singer Don Omar is 43. Actor Uzo Aduba is 40. Actor Stephanie Beatriz is 40. Actor Max Brown is 40. Actor Barry Sloane is 40. Rock singer Eric Dill is 39. Actor Trevante Rhodes is 31. Actor Emma Roberts is 30. Actor Makenzie Vega is 27. Actor Chloe Grace Moretz is 24. Actor Yara Shahidi is 21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, Feb. 10, the 41st day of 2021. There are 324 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 10, 1967, the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, dealing with presidential disability and succession, was ratified as Minnesota and Nevada adopted it. On this date: In 1763, Britain, Spain and France signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the Seven Years' War (also known as the French and Indian War in North America).In 1840, Britain's Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. In 1933, the first singing telegram was introduced by the Postal Telegram Co. in New York.In 1936, Nazi Germany's Reichstag passed a law investing the Gestapo secret police with absolute authority, exempt from any legal review. In 1959, a major tornado tore through the St. Louis area, killing 21 people and causing heavy damage. In 1962, the Soviet Union exchanged captured American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers for Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy held by the United States. In 1992, boxer Mike Tyson was convicted in Indianapolis of raping Desiree Washington, a Miss Black America contestant. (Tyson served three years in prison.) "Roots" author Alex Haley died in Seattle at age 70. In 1997, a civil jury heaped $25 million in punitive damages on O.J. Simpson for the slayings of his ex-wife and her friend, on top of $8.5 million in compensatory damages awarded earlier. In 2005, Britain's Prince Charles announced he would marry his divorced lover, Camilla Parker Bowles, in April. North Korea boasted publicly for the first time that it possessed nuclear weapons. In 2006, Dr. Norman Shumway, who performed the first successful U.S. heart transplant, died in Palo Alto, California, at age 83. In 2014, former film star and diplomat Shirley Temple Black, 85, died at her home near San Francisco. In 2015, the parents of Kayla Jean Mueller and U.S. officials confirmed the death of the 26-year-old aid worker who had been held captive by the Islamic State group (IS said Mueller had been killed in a Jordanian airstrike). NBC announced it was suspending Brian Williams as "Nightly News" anchor and managing editor for six months without pay for misleading the public about his experiences covering the Iraq War. Jon Stewart announced he would step down as host of "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central later in the year.Ten years ago: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak refused to step down or leave the country and instead handed his powers to his vice president, stunning protesters in central Cairo who waved their shoes in contempt and shouted, "Leave, leave, leave." (Mubarak resigned the next day.)Five years ago: Senate Democrats and Republicans united behind tougher sanctions on North Korea for violating international law by pursuing nuclear weapons. President Barack Obama took a nostalgic trip to the Illinois capital of Springfield where he launched his national political career nine years earlier. For the 15th time, officials denied parole for Sirhan Sirhan, the assassin of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. Former Transportation Secretary Drew Lewis, 84, died in Prescott, Arizona.One year ago: U.S. health officials confirmed the first case of the novel coronavirus among the hundreds of people who'd been evacuated from China to military bases in the United States; it was among the 13 confirmed cases in the U.S. Britain declared the new coronavirus a "serious and imminent threat to public health" and said people with the virus could now be forcibly quarantined. U.S. prosecutors charged four members of the Chinese military with breaking into the computer networks of the Equifax credit reporting agency and stealing the personal information of tens of millions of Americans.Today's Birthdays: Opera singer Leontyne Price is 94. Actor Robert Wagner is 91. Rock musician Don Wilson (The Ventures) is 88. Singer Roberta Flack is 84. Singer Jimmy Merchant (Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers) is 81. Rock musician Bob Spalding (The Ventures) is 74. Olympic gold-medal swimmer Mark Spitz is 71. Walt Disney Co. executive Robert Iger is 70. Rock musician and composer Cory Lerios (Pablo Cruise) is 70. World Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman is 66. Actor Kathleen Beller is 65. Country singer Lionel Cartwright is 61. Movie director Alexander Payne is 60. ABC News correspondent George Stephanopoulos is 60. Political commentator Glenn Beck is 57. Actor Laura Dern is 54. Writer-producer-director Vince Gilligan (TV: "Breaking Bad") is 54. Country singer Dude Mowrey is 49. Actor Jason Olive is 49. Actor Elizabeth Banks is 47. Actor Julia Pace Mitchell is 43. Reggaeton singer Don Omar is 43. Actor Uzo Aduba is 40. Actor Stephanie Beatriz is 40. Actor Max Brown is 40. Actor Barry Sloane is 40. Rock singer Eric Dill is 39. Actor Trevante Rhodes is 31. Actor Emma Roberts is 30. Actor Makenzie Vega is 27. Actor Chloe Grace Moretz is 24. Actor Yara Shahidi is 21.

Today in History -- Feb. 10

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an arrest.

On February 8, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted a search warrant in the 3500 block of SW Kerry Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Officers found 45-year-old Chad D. Askins and 39-year-old Sari A. Fields both of Topeka located inside the home. They also located and seized multiple firearms, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were seized. 

Askins, a convicted felon, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to Christian.

The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit, SWAT Team, Crime Scene Unit, Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Rossville Police Department were the members of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force involved with this investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612956879586.png" alt="Askins has previous convictions for drugs for or more for DUI and&nbsp; had been out of prison since June of 2019, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. " />
 <figcaption>Askins has previous convictions for drugs for or more for DUI and&nbsp; had been out of prison since June of 2019, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. </figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an arrest.On February 8, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted a search warrant in the 3500 block of SW Kerry Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Officers found 45-year-old Chad D. Askins and 39-year-old Sari A. Fields both of Topeka located inside the home. They also located and seized multiple firearms, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were seized. Askins, a convicted felon, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to Christian.The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit, SWAT Team, Crime Scene Unit, Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Rossville Police Department were the members of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force involved with this investigation.

Swat team helps seize multiple firearms, arrest Kansas man

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man who authorities accuse of attacking a police officer is now facing five charges. Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay announced Monday that he charged 22-year-old Justin Reed of Topeka with aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, two counts of interference with law enforcement and two drug charges. 

Authorities say an officer who was responding to an unrelated call on Thursday was attacked by a man who rode by on a bicycle. Investigators say the attacker tried unsuccessfully to grab the officer's gun. A bystander helped pull the man off the officer, who was not seriously injured.

SHAWNEE COUNTY– A Topeka Police officer was charged and attacked by a suspect Thursday morning while responding to an unrelated call for service.

Just after 9:00 a.m. the officer was dispatched to a home in the 200 block of SE 34th St. to investigate a possible unwanted subject, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

When the officer arrived on scene at a boarded up home, a man unrelated to the original call came riding by on a bicycle.&nbsp; Police Sgt. Scott Scurlock says the bicyclist tried to get the officer's attention. 

Scurlock says when the officer asked the man to wait, the suspect charged the officer, knocked him over and punched him several times. During the tussle, the man tried unsuccessfully to grab the officer's gun.&nbsp;

A community member immediately stepped in to assist the officer. The suspect later identified as 22-year-old Justin Reed was then taken into custody. The officer was not seriously hurt in the attack, according to Spiker.

“The Topeka Police Department is very grateful to the citizen who assisted during the incident. Above and beyond that, we have all been profoundly moved by the widespread community outpouring of support and concern that we received afterwards,” said Topeka Police Chief Bryan Wheeles. “I am very proud of the brave work that our police officers do every day to keep us safe.”

As a result of the investigation Reed was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges including Aggravated battery on LEO, Interference with LEO, Robbery and Possession of marijuana.

The circumstances of this attack remain under investigation. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612474840434.png" alt="Reed-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Reed-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man who authorities accuse of attacking a police officer is now facing five charges. Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay announced Monday that he charged 22-year-old Justin Reed of Topeka with aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, two counts of interference with law enforcement and two drug charges. Authorities say an officer who was responding to an unrelated call on Thursday was attacked by a man who rode by on a bicycle. Investigators say the attacker tried unsuccessfully to grab the officer's gun. A bystander helped pull the man off the officer, who was not seriously injured.-----------SHAWNEE COUNTY– A Topeka Police officer was charged and attacked by a suspect Thursday morning while responding to an unrelated call for service.Just after 9:00 a.m. the officer was dispatched to a home in the 200 block of SE 34th St. to investigate a possible unwanted subject, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.When the officer arrived on scene at a boarded up home, a man unrelated to the original call came riding by on a bicycle.&nbsp; Police Sgt. Scott Scurlock says the bicyclist tried to get the officer's attention. Scurlock says when the officer asked the man to wait, the suspect charged the officer, knocked him over and punched him several times. During the tussle, the man tried unsuccessfully to grab the officer's gun.&nbsp;A community member immediately stepped in to assist the officer. The suspect later identified as 22-year-old Justin Reed was then taken into custody. The officer was not seriously hurt in the attack, according to Spiker.“The Topeka Police Department is very grateful to the citizen who assisted during the incident. Above and beyond that, we have all been profoundly moved by the widespread community outpouring of support and concern that we received afterwards,” said Topeka Police Chief Bryan Wheeles. “I am very proud of the brave work that our police officers do every day to keep us safe.”As a result of the investigation Reed was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges including Aggravated battery on LEO, Interference with LEO, Robbery and Possession of marijuana.The circumstances of this attack remain under investigation.

Bicycle rider charged in attack on Kansas police officer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday denounced a Republican plan for cutting Kansas income taxes as “unthinkable” during the COVID-19 pandemic and proposed an alternative that would pay for its relief by taxing online music, movies and streaming services.

Kelly outlined her proposal just hours before the Kansas Senate was set to debate&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb22_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the GOP’s measure,</a>&nbsp;which is aimed at providing $423 million in relief over three years to businesses and individuals paying more to the state since an overhaul of federal tax laws in 2017. The Senate’s top Democrat, Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, said she would offer Kelly’s proposal as an amendment to the Republican bill.

The governor’s proposal appeared unlikely to pass in its entirety with Republicans in control of the Legislature, because many of them oppose the provision to impose the state’s 6.5% sales tax on digital products, such as online music and streaming services. Kelly’s plan is designed to avoid costing the state any net revenues and to provide its relief to a broader group of individual taxpayers — and no relief for businesses.

Top Republicans contend they’re trying to help the people and businesses whose higher state tax bills have generated unexpected revenues for the state, comparing the windfall to finding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9a8b10659b6b436980cf5fd0040e2860">someone’s lost wallet</a>&nbsp;full of cash on a sidewalk. But Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/02d4aa92788e4ef09d187211d949e2be">vetoed two similar GOP bills</a>&nbsp;in 2019, arguing that they would undermine funding for public schools and critical state services.

“It would be bad enough to introduce this bill in a normal year, but this year makes it particularly irresponsible,” Kelly said of the GOP plan during a Statehouse news conference. “It is unthinkable that legislative leadership, during a health and economic crisis the likes of which we haven’t seen for 100 years, when we are trying to steer Kansas toward recovery from the pandemic, that they would even consider such action.”

Kelly’s comments signaled that she is likely to veto the GOP tax plan if lawmakers passed it, though she stopped short of a public promise. Republican leaders didn’t have the two-thirds majorities necessary in 2019 to override Kelly’s vetoes, but elections last year made the GOP supermajorities in both chambers more conservative.

Senate approval of the GOP plan would send it to the House, where a committee already has been reviewing tax issues. Republican leaders have made cutting income taxes a top priority.

“We need a balancing act,” said Senate tax committee Chair Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican. “We need a level playing field, and that is what I am trying to do.”

The federal tax changes in 2017 were championed by former President Donald Trump and discouraged people from claiming itemized deductions on their federal returns. Kansas law does not allow people to itemize on their state returns if they don’t on their federal returns, resulting in larger state tax bills for some.

The GOP plan would allow individuals to itemize on their state returns even if they didn’t on their federal returns and allow them to do so even for last year. That’s the majority of the relief provided by the bill over three years, but about 45% of the savings for taxpayers would go to businesses.

Kelly’s plan is focused solely on individuals and would increase the state’s standard income tax deductions for individuals by 35% over two years. She and fellow Democrats argued Tuesday said the governor’s plan would not only provide relief to more people but help low-income and working-class families more than the GOP plan.

That part of Kelly’s plan could appeal to some Republicans — as something to add to the GOP plan. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said increasing the standard deduction “does help people.”

But Republicans have derided the idea of imposing the sales tax on online music, movies and streaming services as a “Netflix” or “Baby Yoda” tax that will hit families stuck at home because of the pandemic. Kelly’s plan also would require websites like Amazon, eBay and Etsy to collect the state’s tax when they sell other businesses’ goods to Kansas residents.

Kelly and other Democrats argued that those provisions merely modernize the state’s tax laws, but the changes would raise about $101 million a year.

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly held a press conference Tuesday to discuss Senate Bill 22 that she says would blow a $423M hole in the state budget. "The bill also targets tax cuts for only the top 6 per cent of Kansas tax payers," she said. "We've seen what happens in Kansas when reckless tax cut bills are passed. Our schools, roads, pension system and other essential services take the hit."

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes and House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer joined the governor for the press conference to announce they have crafted a proposed tax bill that would generate $97 million in additional revenue for Kansas, support small businesses, and give 94% of Kansans a tax cut – all with a neutral, balanced state budget.

“COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges for hard-working Kansans, their families, and their businesses,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“We know they need relief - and they need it as soon as possible. 

Our proposal is an amendment to Senate Bill 22, that will provide tax relief to the vast majority of Kansas families and assist in our state's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

All remote sellers - whether selling through a marketplace platform like Amazon or Etsy, or on their own - have been instructed to register and collect tax on property that is shipped into Kansas. But under current tax code, out-of-state retailers are able to dodge the use tax on sales to Kansas customers.

With today’s proposed plan, the marketplace facilitator would be responsible for collecting and remitting the tax on behalf of the remote sellers on their platform. This would allow the state to collect from fewer entities and increase compliance. Kansas is one of three states that has not enacted a marketplace facilitator provision.

The new plan also imposes taxes on digital products, like video streaming services.

“When out-of-state retailers can duck taxes, there is no way for the local clothing store up the street or the local book store to try and compete with out of state prices,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said. “By requiring marketplace facilitators to collect use tax on out-of-state products, we level the playing field for Kansas main street businesses.”

By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday denounced a Republican plan for cutting Kansas income taxes as “unthinkable” during the COVID-19 pandemic and proposed an alternative that would pay for its relief by taxing online music, movies and streaming services.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F816949302366185%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Kelly outlined her proposal just hours before the Kansas Senate was set to debate&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb22_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the GOP’s measure,</a>&nbsp;which is aimed at providing $423 million in relief over three years to businesses and individuals paying more to the state since an overhaul of federal tax laws in 2017. The Senate’s top Democrat, Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, said she would offer Kelly’s proposal as an amendment to the Republican bill.The governor’s proposal appeared unlikely to pass in its entirety with Republicans in control of the Legislature, because many of them oppose the provision to impose the state’s 6.5% sales tax on digital products, such as online music and streaming services. Kelly’s plan is designed to avoid costing the state any net revenues and to provide its relief to a broader group of individual taxpayers — and no relief for businesses.Top Republicans contend they’re trying to help the people and businesses whose higher state tax bills have generated unexpected revenues for the state, comparing the windfall to finding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9a8b10659b6b436980cf5fd0040e2860">someone’s lost wallet</a>&nbsp;full of cash on a sidewalk. But Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/02d4aa92788e4ef09d187211d949e2be">vetoed two similar GOP bills</a>&nbsp;in 2019, arguing that they would undermine funding for public schools and critical state services.“It would be bad enough to introduce this bill in a normal year, but this year makes it particularly irresponsible,” Kelly said of the GOP plan during a Statehouse news conference. “It is unthinkable that legislative leadership, during a health and economic crisis the likes of which we haven’t seen for 100 years, when we are trying to steer Kansas toward recovery from the pandemic, that they would even consider such action.”Kelly’s comments signaled that she is likely to veto the GOP tax plan if lawmakers passed it, though she stopped short of a public promise. Republican leaders didn’t have the two-thirds majorities necessary in 2019 to override Kelly’s vetoes, but elections last year made the GOP supermajorities in both chambers more conservative.Senate approval of the GOP plan would send it to the House, where a committee already has been reviewing tax issues. Republican leaders have made cutting income taxes a top priority.“We need a balancing act,” said Senate tax committee Chair Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican. “We need a level playing field, and that is what I am trying to do.”The federal tax changes in 2017 were championed by former President Donald Trump and discouraged people from claiming itemized deductions on their federal returns. Kansas law does not allow people to itemize on their state returns if they don’t on their federal returns, resulting in larger state tax bills for some.The GOP plan would allow individuals to itemize on their state returns even if they didn’t on their federal returns and allow them to do so even for last year. That’s the majority of the relief provided by the bill over three years, but about 45% of the savings for taxpayers would go to businesses.Kelly’s plan is focused solely on individuals and would increase the state’s standard income tax deductions for individuals by 35% over two years. She and fellow Democrats argued Tuesday said the governor’s plan would not only provide relief to more people but help low-income and working-class families more than the GOP plan.That part of Kelly’s plan could appeal to some Republicans — as something to add to the GOP plan. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said increasing the standard deduction “does help people.”But Republicans have derided the idea of imposing the sales tax on online music, movies and streaming services as a “Netflix” or “Baby Yoda” tax that will hit families stuck at home because of the pandemic. Kelly’s plan also would require websites like Amazon, eBay and Etsy to collect the state’s tax when they sell other businesses’ goods to Kansas residents.Kelly and other Democrats argued that those provisions merely modernize the state’s tax laws, but the changes would raise about $101 million a year.___TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly held a press conference Tuesday to discuss Senate Bill 22 that she says would blow a $423M hole in the state budget. "The bill also targets tax cuts for only the top 6 per cent of Kansas tax payers," she said. "We've seen what happens in Kansas when reckless tax cut bills are passed. Our schools, roads, pension system and other essential services take the hit."Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes and House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer joined the governor for the press conference to announce they have crafted a proposed tax bill that would generate $97 million in additional revenue for Kansas, support small businesses, and give 94% of Kansans a tax cut – all with a neutral, balanced state budget.“COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges for hard-working Kansans, their families, and their businesses,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“We know they need relief - and they need it as soon as possible. Our proposal is an amendment to Senate Bill 22, that will provide tax relief to the vast majority of Kansas families and assist in our state's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”All remote sellers - whether selling through a marketplace platform like Amazon or Etsy, or on their own - have been instructed to register and collect tax on property that is shipped into Kansas. But under current tax code, out-of-state retailers are able to dodge the use tax on sales to Kansas customers.With today’s proposed plan, the marketplace facilitator would be responsible for collecting and remitting the tax on behalf of the remote sellers on their platform. This would allow the state to collect from fewer entities and increase compliance. Kansas is one of three states that has not enacted a marketplace facilitator provision.The new plan also imposes taxes on digital products, like video streaming services.“When out-of-state retailers can duck taxes, there is no way for the local clothing store up the street or the local book store to try and compete with out of state prices,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said. “By requiring marketplace facilitators to collect use tax on out-of-state products, we level the playing field for Kansas main street businesses.”Together, these marketplace facilitator and digital goods provisions would generate approximately $97 million in additional revenue for the state. That revenue would then be used to increase Kansas's standard tax deduction by 20% in tax year 2021 and 35% in tax year 2022.  If the revenue neutral proposal were implemented, 94% of Kansans will see a tax cut.The plan is proposed as an alternative to Senate Bill 22, which will be heard by the Kansas Senate Tuesday.“At a time when we’re facing huge unemployment rates and an unsteady economy, we do not need tax cuts for the rich which have no impact on unemployment,”&nbsp;Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes said. “At a time when we’re facing economic uncertainty, we do not need to repeat failed tax experiments which studies have shown – and which we have seen firsthand here in Kansas – have no impact on economic growth. Senate Democrats are proposing solutions that will grow our economy, keep Kansas businesses competitive, and keep more money in the pockets of Kansas families.”“During a time of economic uncertainty and in the midst of a pandemic, Republicans are pushing to spend over $600 million in tax cuts for giant multi-national corporations,”&nbsp;House Democratic Leader Tom Sawyer said.&nbsp;“The vast majority of Kansans would receive no tax relief. We will always continue to fight for tax cuts that help working Kansans lessen their financial burden.”