Kansas Klips
Cyber security incident at water treatment plant in Kansas
COWLEY COUNTY—The City of Arkansas encountered a cyber security issue early Sunday, September 22nd, involving the city water treatment facility, according to a media release from the city. Authorities were promptly notified, and precautionary measures were taken to ensure plant operations remained secure. City manager Randy Frazer assured residents that the water supply remains completely safe and there has been no disruption to service. Out of caution, the water treatment facility switched to manual operations while the situation was being resolved. Cyber security experts and government authorities were working to resolve the situation and return the facility to normal operations. Enhanced security measures are currently in place to protect the water supply, and no water quality or service changes are expected. (Hays Post)
Chautauqua County USD 286 Board fined for open meetings violations
TOPEKA—(September 19th, 2024) —Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced that Chautauqua County Community Unified School District Board of Education members agreed in a consent order that they violated the Kansas Open Meetings Act. Under the terms of a consent order, board members each will pay $100.00 in civil penalties and attend additional KOMA training. “To the Board’s credit, they proactively obtained training as this office continued its investigation of the matter,” said Amber Smith, First Assistant Attorney General. “This is an appropriate resolution in light of the circumstances here. While there is no evidence the Board intentionally violated KOMA, it is necessary to recognize that their actions and practices fell far short. It is our responsibility to ensure that public bodies comply with the public policy for the open and transparent conduct of government business.” After an investigation, the Kansas Attorney General’s Office determined that USD 286 school board members violated KOMAby using executive sessions to discuss topics that were not appropriate, by making improper motions for executive sessions, and by failing to comply with nearly every statutory requirement for such motions. Additionally, the Board’s meeting minutes did not accurately reflect the verbal motions made. (Office of Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach)
Skeletal remains found in Wilson County
WILSON COUNTY—The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Neodesha Police Department, and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a homicide investigation after human skeletal remains were located in rural Wilson County. On Tuesday, September 24th, at around 11:30 a.m., the Neodesha Police Department requested KBI assistance after they located skeletal remains in a pasture east of 6554 Ottawa Road in Neodesha. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the area. Investigators confirmed the remains were human.
An autopsy is scheduled. Positive identification may take longer than typical cases due to the condition of the remains. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at 'https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar' \\t '_blank' https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar. (KBI Media and Releases)
Ellis County Sheriff warns of car-selling scam
ELLIS COUNTY—The sheriff’s office is issuing a warning about a car-selling scam involving an antique and muscle car dealership listed as doing business in rural Hays that does not exist. The sheriff’s office says this scam has been happening to people across the U. S. who are buying collectible cars online and are scammed by fraudulent salespeople working for Crystal Peaks Cars.
Sheriff Scott Braun said that the website for Crystal Peaks Cars was recently taken down, but he urges everyone to be cautious when buying and selling at any time online, including vehicles.
Anyone in the community who has had past contact with Crystal Peaks Cars is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 785-625-1040 to make a report. (Hays Post)
Hays USD 489 school board votes to sell Lincoln School
HAYS—The Hays USD 489 School Board voted to put the Lincoln Elementary School building up for sale at its meeting on Monday, September 23rd. The Board voted at its previous meeting to close the 100-year-old school at the end of the school year. The closure is part of the $145 million in bond projects. A new high school is being built. The middle school will move into the remodeled high school. The current middle school will be renovated into a new elementary school. In addition to closing Lincoln, Rockwell Administration Center will be closed and likely sold. Wilson Elementary School will be closed as a school, and the administrative offices will likely be moved into that building. Renovations and additions at Roosevelt Elementary School are nearing completion. The Board also approved the price for adding to and renovating O’Loughlin Elementary School. The Board voted to accept sealed bids for the Lincoln building while retaining the right to reject any and all bids. Superintendent Ron Wilson said he has had no serious conversations with potential buyers, but several people have asked when the building might be available for sale. An Overland Park Developer purchased the former Washington Elementary School and renovated that building into apartments. The playground equipment at the school would likely be moved to another district school. The District has to give the state the opportunity to purchase the property per state statute. (Hays Post)
