WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A federal appeals court has sided against parents in a northeast Kansas lawsuit who are challenging the state’s cap on how much money residents in a school district can raise through taxes.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals decision Monday comes in the lawsuit filed by parents in the relatively wealthy Shawnee Mission School District. The parents argued the limit on education spending impairs their rights to fully fund and support education.

The appeals court upheld the denial of a preliminary injunction and affirmed the lower court’s decision that partially granted the state’s motion to dismiss. It sent the case back for further proceedings.

It noted Kansas amended its Constitution to create a system that does not make the quality of a child’s education a function of his parent’s wealth

When Junction City Middle School and Fort Riley Middle School students report to their Social Studies classes next year, instead of being issued a standard text book they will receive a username and password to access an online text book.

The Board of Education approved the purchase of the new Techbook from Discovery Education Monday night. The Techbook is an online resource that meets the need of the continuously changing world culture.

Kim Milleson, BOE President explained the students will be able to access the Techbook through the tablets they receive through the One to One initiative.

“It’s an online program, you go in, you log in and the information is there,” said Milleson.

The School District will purchase the licenses of the books for a six year term at the cost of $32,625 for Fort Riley Middle School and $45,000 for Junction City Middle School, it is a one time cost and does include any and all updates over the six year period.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Cities and counties in Kansas couldn’t use zoning ordinances to limit gun sales or impose special taxes on firearms under a bill state legislators have approved.

The Senate passed the measure on a 35-3 vote Monday. The House approved the bill on an 81-27 vote Saturday, and it goes next to Gov. Sam Brownback for his potential signature.

The measure follows up on a law enacted last year meant to nullify all city and county restrictions on the sale, possession and transportation of firearms. Gun rights supporters said the law was designed to prevent a confusing jumble of local rules.

But the 2014 law didn’t specifically address the power of local officials to levy taxes and fees or their power to restrict property use through zoning ordinances.

A Kansas City, Missouri man, Anthony Nichols, has been sentenced to 302 months in prison in the case stemming from the September 7, 2013 shooting death of Anthony Nixon of Junction City at the intersection of 10th and Webster in Junction City.

The sentence imposed in Geary County District Court on Monday included prison terms of 247 months for Voluntary Manslaughter and 55 months for Aggravated Robbery convictions. The sentences are to run consecutive, making the total 302 months, or 25 years and two months. Nichols could be eligible for 15-percent good-time credit in the future if he earns it during his incarceration. A 36-month post release period is also part of the sentence on the Voluntary Manslaughter count. Nichols had entered a plea agreement in the case in April of this year.

Geary County Attorney Steve Opat confirmed Anthony Nixon, 37, was shot in the head.

Opat wanted the consecutive prison terms for Nichols. “Any case like this involves multiple acts committed by the defendant. In this case it wasn’t just shooting somebody. It was shooting them and robbing them after you shoot them, and leaving them there to die, and then going off and conceivably, and possibly the evidence would have described the fact that he engaged in a drug sale immediately after that.” Opat added, “I just felt that a concurrent sentence was inappropriate. Thankfully the judge agreed. I think his criminal history had something to do with it. He worked hard to get where he is, and now he got it.”

Prior to sentencing in District Court, the Anthony Nixon’s mother  told the court that the action by Nichols to take her son away hurt her and her family, and also noted that she knew Anthony Nichols’ family was also “going through this devastation as well.” She asked for consecutive sentences.

Anthony Nixon’s brother testified that his brother is gone and will never have a chance to see his grandchildren grow up and his daughter graduate from high school.  He told Nichols, “You took a father, brother, an uncle, and a grandfather. You took my friend.”

Defense Attorney Jeffrey Wicks  asked for the low number concurrent sentence applicable in the case. He noted two families are hurting, and referred to his client, saying “He’s no Saint, but he’s not Satan.” Before pronouncing sentence, Judge Maritza Segarra stated both families lost in this case. She told Nichols, “You took the highest thing you can take from somebody. You took a life.”

Anthony Nichols also faces a charge of 1st Degree Murder in a separate Riley County case stemming from the stabbing death of John Burroughs, 68, Manhattan, on September 8,2013. The trial for Nichols in Riley County District Court is scheduled for July 28.

Rachel Moore, of Junction City is the June Employee of the Month at Geary Community Hospital.

Moore works in the Patient Access Department at GCH.

According to a news release issued by the Hospital, coworkers say Rachel is always willing to help out her coworkers and her drive for excellence is superior to none. She is constantly seeking ways to improve customer satisfaction and what is in the best interest of patients and families. Rachel trains the Patient Access staff well, is patient with them and takes the time to answer any questions. She is a true embodiment of what it means to be part of a team and is a great asset to GCH.

Soldiers, Airmen and civilian employees will participate in the annual Special Olympics Torch Run June 4 at noon at Fort Riley.

The run on post begins at the Ogden-Manhattan gate when officials from Fort Riley will receive the torch from Riley County police officers. The 97th Military Police Battalion and Directorate of Emergency Services will carry the torch from the Ogden gate along Huebner Road to Grant Park in Junction City, where Junction City police officers will receive the torch from Fort Riley.

The annual event runs through 35 counties in Kansas this year as the “Flame of Hope” travels about 1,500 miles across the state.

In honor of Juneteenth, Bird Runner Wildlife Refuge will host a twilight wildflower walk on the tall grass prairie, Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m.

The Refuge is five miles south of I-70 ( Exit 307 ), at 11003 Lower McDowell Road.

To get there follow the gravel drive across the bridge and up the hill to the Guest House.  Wear sturdy shoes and consider using a repellant to protect against mosquitoes and ticks. The event is free and open to the public.

Reservations are required. To make a reservation contact Margy Stewart at 785-539-2750, margystewart785@gmail.com, or Delilah Hamilton, 785-226-2750, deliliahdansby@yaho.com.

 

Geary County Sheriff’s Deputies worked two rollover accidents on Sunday. Both accidents occurred near mile marker 312 on Interstate 70 about 13 miles east of Junction City.

–Leroy D. Louriano, Fort Riley, was operating a Chevrolet Cruze when he swerved to miss a deer. The vehicle left the interstate, struck a guard rail, causing it to roll on its top. A passenger in the vehicle sustained non-life threatening injuries.

–Meghan J. Frank, Riverside, Missouri was operating a Toyota Avalon when she over corrected, causing her vehicle to roll on its top. Frank sustained minor injuries, and her 7-month old child was not injured. That accident was reported at 11:12 p.m. Sunday.

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Statement from Junction City Mayor Mick McCallister following the Sunday night fire at the home of William and Lois Strauss. The Strauss family was not injured, but there was extensive damage to their home at 1512 South Spring Valley Road.

Mayor Mick McCallister:

What kind of community do you live in?

Let me tell what kind of community I live in.

Sunday evening just after supper I was sitting in my living room when I heard a loud explosion. I jumped to my feet to look out the front door and saw our neighbor’s house on fire. I turned and told my wife to call 911, Strauss’s house was on fire. As I was putting on my shoes as my son Adam ran by me in a tee shirt and boxers towards the neighbor’s house. I followed and by the time I got there Adam was helping Bill out of the house. A passerby and I help Lois to a car to provide aid and comfort. She stayed with Lois for more than two hours.

Within two minutes the Fire Department and Police Department were arriving on scene. As I looked over the scene I observed many passerby’s stopping to give what aid they could. I then recognized there were others from the neighborhood that were helping….Jerome Thomas ( Grandview Plaza Fire Chief ) who had been visiting his daughter two houses away, Trey Morgan, Jerome’s son in law, Jason Haslouer–off duty Junction City firefighter three houses away, a Geary Community Hospital anesthetist from two blocks away, Kyle Bergman–off duty Junction City firefighter two houses away, and many who stopped and asked if they could help. I may have left out some others I didn’t recognize but thank you…really thank you.

The First Responders were very organized and methodical. Setting up lines to fight the fire, entering the

structure to take offensive control, ladders being placed to begin attack from above, lines laid to the back of the home where the explosion occurred.

I was proud of how quickly and professionally these heroes worked together. Very little was being said but actions were orchestrated like a well trained machine.

Chief Kevin Royse gave the residents a pamphlet with information of how and who to contact. In a chaotic moment for the residents that information was instrumental and valuable. He told the residents that they would try to do their very best not to cause any further damage as possible to ensure the fire was out and was no longer a danger. However, the kitchen was destroyed. he was going to call in an investigator to piece the cause together as the barbecue had exploded and left pieces as far away as 40 yards from the home.

The First Responders were still on scene four hours after the flames had been put out to ensure there was were no further hot spots to rekindle.

That’s what kind of community I live in. Where neighbors, strangers, off duty professionals all respond to the needs of their fellow citizens in times of need and danger. I am so proud of this community. Know that if you are in danger there are those that live near you that will give all to help.

I am especially proud of my son who in a tee shirt and boxers entered a burning house without regard of his own health to help a neighbor.

We live in the greatest country in the world and I live in the greatest community.

Mayor Mick McCallister

 

 

According to the National Weather Service of Topeka, there is a slight chance of thunderstorms this morning across north central Kansas, otherwise dry conditions are expected through Tuesday. High temperatures will be in the 70’s today and Tuesday. Thunderstorm chances return for the second half of the week with several rounds of storms across the Plains. Periods of heavy rain will be possible as well as some potential for strong to severe storms.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

Today: Mostly sunny. Highs around 74. Southeast winds 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy. Lows around 57. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday: Partly sunny. Highs around 79. Southeast winds 5 to 15 mph.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy in the evening…then mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. Southeast winds 5 to 15 mph.

Wednesday: Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s. South winds 5 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night And Thursday: Mostly cloudy. A 40 percent chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. Highs in the mid 80s.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s.

Friday Through Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s. Lows in the mid 60s.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 60s.

Sunday: Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms. Highs around 80.