Kansas Klips

Ellis County announces new director of health department

ELLIS COUNTY—The Board of Ellis County Commissioners is pleased to announce Melissa Miller has been hired as the new director of the Ellis County Health Department. Miller brings twelve years of public health experience as its office manager with the Greeley County Health Department. During her time in Greeley County, Miller implemented a range of impactful programs, focusing on improving access to essential services while fostering trust and strong relationships within the community. She is committed to bringing the same energy and vision to Ellis County. By building partnerships, enhancing programs, and prioritizing community needs, Miller is dedicated to continuing ongoing advancements that contribute to a public health environment for all residents. (Hays Post)

Two missing children found trapped under ice in Kansas lake

LINN COUNTY—Linn County Sheriff Deputies are investigating after two missing children were found dead on a lake in Linn County. Just after 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 27th, sheriff’s deputies responded to the Lake Chaparral Community in rural Linn County for a report of two missing children who had not been seen for several hours, according to Linn County Sheriff James Akes. Deputies quickly assessed the need for more resources, and the Linn County Fire Department responded to the area and assisted in the search for the two juveniles. Searchers found evidence leading them to believe the two juveniles had been around the lake. The sheriff’s office utilized an aerial drone to search above the water, and the two juveniles were discovered deceased in the water and trapped under the ice. The Overland Park Fire Dive Team was called for assistance in retrieving the two juveniles from the icey water. (Hays Post)

Tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas now largest in U. S. history

TOPEKA—The current Kansas City, Kansas metro tuberculosis (TB) outbreak is the largest documented outbreak in U.S. history, according to a statement from Jill Bronaugh with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started monitoring and reporting TB cases in the 1950s. This outbreak is still ongoing, so there could be more cases. The KDHE is working with and following the guidance of the CDC. As of January 24th, 2025, there are 67 individuals, including 60 in Wyandotte County and seven in Johnson County, currently being treated for confirmed active TB related to this outbreak. There are 79 confirmed latent TB cases, which include 77 in Wyandotte County and two in Johnson County. Cases related to the outbreak were first reported in January 2024. To provide efficient and quality care to those affected by the outbreak, KDHE assumed responsibility for coordinating and distributing testing, treatment, and medical consultation in Wyandotte County. Bs an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs and is caused by a type of bacteria. It spreads through the air when infected people cough, speak, or sing. While there is a very low risk of infection to the general public in these communities, KDHE is working to ensure that patients receive appropriate treatment, limiting the ability to spread this disease and preventing additional cases. (Hays Post)

Officer-involved shooting in Atchison

ATCHISON—The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred after a hostage incident. Around 5:45 p.m. on Friday, January 24th, the Atchison Police Department responded to a call about a person with a gun and a second call of a subject breaking into an apartment. As officers arrived at 508 North 9th Street inAtchison, an officer exited his vehicle, and shots were fired at him, striking his police vehicle multiple times. The officer was not struck. The man, identified as Bryson McCray, 36, of St. Joseph, Mo., then fled back into a residence. Additional officers from the Atchison PD were called to the scene. Officers learned that a woman known to McCray was being held inside of the residence. Atchison PD requested the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Special Response Team’s assistance. They also requested assistance from the KBI High Risk Warrant Team. Law enforcement attempted to peacefully negotiate throughout the night with McCray insisting he release the woman inside the residence. The subject did not cooperate with the negotiations and fired multiple shots at law enforcement officials throughout the incident. Preliminary information indicates that at around 2:30 a.m., an attempt was made to rescue the female hostage. During the rescue attempt, McCray and the hostage were separated momentarily, and a KHP trooper fired at McCray, striking him; at that time, the hostage was safely rescued. Life-saving measures were made on McCray at the scene, and at an area hospital; McCray was subsequently transported to a Kansas City hospital and remains in critical condition. No law enforcement officers were injured during the rescue attempt or during the interactions with McCray. KBI Agent Investigators and the KBI Crime Scene Response Team responded to investigate the incident. The KBI will be offering victim support services to the rescued hostage. This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature and is based on evidence collected and early statements from the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel, and others. It does not represent final and thorough findings, which take several weeks to complete. The case finding will be presented to the Atchison County Attorney when this investigation concludes. The investigation is ongoing. (KBI Media and Releases)