Kansas Klips
Kansas selected for National Initiative to bolster youth apprenticeships
TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly has announced that Kansas has been chosen to participate in the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) Policy Academy to advance Youth Apprenticeship. Through this initiative, Kansas will devise a strategy to broaden apprenticeship opportunities for young people aged 16 and over. The aim is to equip these individuals with the skills necessary for the modern workforce. “My administration has focused on apprenticeships as a way to build the Kansas workforce in a way that is both pro-business and pro-worker,” said Governor Kelly. “Now, we are furthering our efforts by developing a plan to ensure more of our high school students graduate with the skills they need to get good-paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree.” (Kansas Updates)
Police investigate fraud payroll check cashing in SW Kansas
HAMILTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged fraudulent payroll check cashing in southwest Kansas. In Garden City, officers learned that 12 unknown men cashed fake checks at Quick Cash, 215 West Kansas Avenue, resulting in a loss of $14,000.00. The suspects fled the area in four SUVs with temporary tags and dark-tinted windows. The individuals will be from the Houston/Texas area. The Hamilton County Sheriff and Garden City Police Departments are asking the public for assistance in identifying the several individuals involved in the fraudulent check cashing in the region. Anyone who has any information about the individuals or witnessed the incident can contact the Hamilton County Sheriff’s’ Office at 620-384-5616 or the Garden City Police at 620-276-1300. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 620-275-7807 or text your tip to Garden City PD: text GCTIPand your tip to Tip411 (847411). (Hays Post)
Two juveniles face charges for vandalism at the city pool, pickleball courts
CLOUD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism at the city park in Concordia and have identified two juvenile suspects, according to a media release from police. On July 14th, police responded to a report of damage at the park in the 300 block of West 11th Street in Concordia, including the swimming pool and pickleball courts, according to Police Chief Brent Gering. The damage prevented the community from using the pool and courts over the weekend, resulting in costly repairs to buildings and equipment, lost wages to seasonal employees, and lost revenue to the City. Police offered a $200.00 reward for information that led to an arrest and prosecution. Officers have sent requested charges against the identified juveniles to the Cloud County Attorney’s Office. The investigation into the damage continues as officers pursue additional suspects. Anyone with information on the vandalism is to contact Concordia Police. (Hays Post)
Tragedy averted with eight-year-old on ATV
GREAT BEND—On Monday, July 31st, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an injury accident involving a Polaris RangerATV and an International truck/ tractor and semi-trailer. The location of the accident was at the intersection of Northwest 130 Avenue and Northwest 20 Road, about four miles south ofAlbert. An unaccompanied eight-year-old juvenile operated the 2022 Polaris Ranger. The ATV was westbound on 20 Road approaching the intersection of 130Avenue when the juvenile failed to yield right-of-way at the intersection. A 1998 International model 9200 truck was southbound on 130 Avenue approaching the intersection. The driver, 68-year-old Steven Wissman of rural Albert, saw the ATV was not going to stop and applied heavy breaking and steering toward the west ditch. Investigation at the scene indicates theATV struck the truck on the driver side near the fuel tanks, causing theATV to spin away from the truck. The eight-year-old was ejected from the Polaris landing on the roadway. The truck continued south into the west ditch, where it came to rest. The eight-year-old received abrasions and lacerations and was transported to the University of Kansas Health System—Great Bend Campus with non-life-threatening injuries. Wissman was not injured in the collision. It is the opinion of the investigating officers and Sheriff Brian Bellendir that because Mr. Wissman was alert and observant of the situation, he was able to take evasive action, and a tragedy was averted. The accident is still under investigation. (The Great Bend Post)
