Kansas Klips
Federal court: Kansas can’t demand proof of citizenship from voters
TOPEKA — The Kansas law requiring people to prove they are U.S. citizens before registering to vote is unconstitutional, a federal court has ruled. The decision handed down April 29 by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals means that no proof of citizenship is needed ahead of this year’s August primary and November general elections. It stymies an effort by the state to reinstate the law, which a lower court overturned in 2016 in response to a challenge filed by the American Civil Liberties Union. Kansas lawmakers passed the proof-of-citizenship law in 2013 at the urging of former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who at the time was building a national reputation for his efforts to combat what he claimed was pervasive voter fraud. The appeals court said in its ruling that voter fraud isn’t a significant problem in Kansas. Kobach, who is running for the GOP nomination for a U.S. Senate seat, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. (HaysPost.com)
Driver arrested for murder after crash
WICHITA — Just before 4:30 a.m. last Wednesday, police responded to an injury accident at Kellogg and Rock Road, according to officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers located 70-year-old Donald Hall of Wichita in critical condition and pinned inside of his vehicle. Wichita Fire Department crews removed Hall from the vehicle, and he was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Davidson. Hall was a longtime Wichita radio host and Wichita State University basketball announcer, according to Hall’s employer, Entercom Communications. The investigation revealed a 2000 Lincoln driven by Ray Watkins, 43, Wichita, was southbound on Rock Road and collided with an eastbound 2012 Lincoln that had exited onto Kellogg Drive to turn north on Rock Road. It was reported that Watkins ran a red light before colliding with Hall, according to Davidson. Based on evidence found in Watkins’ vehicle and on his person, alcohol and drugs are believed to be a factor in the accident. Watkins was contacted at the scene with minor injuries and was arrested without incident on requested charges of 2nd-degree murder, according to Davidson. (Kansas.com)
Couple charged in coronavirus coughing prank
NEWTON — Charges were filed April 30th against a man and a woman for alleged threats of possibly spreading the coronavirus at the Walmart store in Newton on April 6, according to Harvey County Chief Deputy Attorney Jason Lane. Hazel Hamrick, 29, and Ernest Williams, 47, both of Hesston, are accused of stating and portraying that Williams was infected with COVID-19, to customers and employees inside the Walmart business, in an attempt to cause fear. Both admitted to walking around Walmart with Williams coughing on people while Hamrick verbalized that Williams had the coronavirus. They both indicated they don’t take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously and thought it would be funny. Hamrick faces two felony counts of criminal threat. Williams faces two felony counts of aiding and abetting criminal threat. Both individuals also face one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. (The Newton Kansan)
Gross Memorial Coliseum gets new roof
HAYS — The Kansas wind has taken a toll on the copper roof on Gross Memorial Coliseum, which is nearly 50 years old, as it was installed when the multipurpose arena on the Fort Hays State University campus was built in 1973. The copper roof was all original, and has been repaired numerous times. Now, Roofmasters of Hays is on contract to remove the copper, sell it for salvage, and replace it with steel. Copper was chosen for its longevity. The crews are about one-third done with the $980,000 job. There are no horizontal seams in the new roof. The original copper roof had horizontal seams every 10 feet, the cause of many of the leaks and other problems over the years. (Salina Journal)
