Good Samaritan killed in domestic incident

ALLEN COUNTY—The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Humboldt Police Department, and the Allen County Sheriff's Office are investigating a homicide that occurred in Humboldt, Kansas. Just after 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 8th, Humboldt officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Sycamore Street in Humboldt, according to a media release from the KBI. Preliminary information indicates that a woman fled a residence during a domestic dispute with her boyfriend, Malachi I. Davis, 25, of Humboldt, and sought help at a neighbor's house. The neighbor contacted a male subject, who arrived at the scene. The man, John P. Kent, 43, of Humboldt, became involved in a verbal altercation with Davis. During the incident, Davis fired a single shot from his vehicle window, striking Kent, who was transported to Allen County Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Davis fled the scene following the shooting. The KBI identified Davis as the suspect, and multiple law enforcement agencies began searching for him. At approximately 8:40 p.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol spotted Davis and conducted a traffic stop in Allen County Near La Harpe. Davis was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Allen County Jail for second-degree murder. He has a previous conviction for theft in 2022, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law—this investigation is ongoing. Nothing further will be released at this time. (Hays Post)

Russell USD 407 school bond fails; board reviewed facility plans

RUSSELL—The Russell USD 407 $13.5 million bond failed during a special election on Tuesday, March 3rd. According to unofficial election results, 1,000 people (65%) voted against the bond issues, and 540 (35%) voted for it. Voter turnout was 40.36%. The bond funds would have been used to renovate Simpson and Bickerdyke Elementary Schools and the Russell Junior/Senior High School. The bond called for $1.7 million to be used at Simpson Elementary for a new music room that will double as a storm shelter, structural repairs to the flooring, and improvements to make the school compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Hays Post)

Skeletal remains found in rural Kansas field

MORRIS COUNTY—The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Morris County Sheriff's Office are conducting a death investigation after human remains were found in rural Morris County, Kansas. On Thursday, March 5th, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Morris County Sheriff's Office requested KBI assistance after skeletal remains were located in a field near K-4 and S 2800 Road. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded. The Morris County Sheriff's Office and the KBI are aware of recent missing persons cases in the area. At this time, the identity of the deceased person has not been confirmed. Positive identification may take longer than typical cases due to the condition of the remains. An autopsy has been scheduled. If you have any information about this case, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

Leavenworth relents, will allow prison to reopen and house ICE detainees

TOPEKA—A Kansas town known for its prisons is allowing a shuttered private prison to reopen and house immigrants detained for living in the U.S. illegally after a nearly year-long legal fight amid a massive national push for new detention centers. The City Commission in Leavenworth recently approved a permit to private prison operator CoreCivic. Members voted 4-1 to approve a three-year permit with conditions that set minimum staffing levels, ban the housing of minors, and provide for a city oversight committee. (Hays Post)

Text scam targets Kansas drivers with fake license suspension threats

WICHITA—The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office has issued an urgent warning to the public regarding a sophisticated text messaging scam (known as “smishing”) currently targeting residents. Scammers are impersonating the Kansas Department of Vehicles (DOV) to steal sensitive personal and financial information. The scam begins with an unsolicited text message claiming that the recipient's driver’s license is at risk of suspension due to “unpaid traffic citations” or “unresolved violations.” To create a sense of panic, the message often includes a strict deadline (e.g., by the end of the day) and threatens additional 35% processing fees or legal action. Once a user clicks the link, they are directed to a fraudulent site that uses official-looking logos, fonts, and layouts to mirror the legitimate DOV website. The site prompts the users to enter their Full Name, Address, Phone Number, and Email. The DOV DOES NOT initiate contact via text message to demand immediate payment or notify you of a suspension. Official notifications are sent through the U.S. Postal Service. If you receive a text like this, DO NOT click the link, DO NOT REPLY. Instead, if you are concerned about your license status, visit the official website at www.ksrevenue.gov/dovdccontact.html by typing it directly into your browser, or call the DMV at 785-296-3671. (Hays Post)