Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a woman to the hospital

Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH

Just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 3100 Block of South Davidson in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Officers found a 35-year-old woman with two gunshot wounds. EMS transported her to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and she was released, according to Davidson.

During the investigation, police located numerous shell casings on Davidson Street. An unknown suspect fired multiple shots at a residence and the victim was hit while standing outside the home, according to Davidson.

The shooting was not a random incident and anyone with information is asked to call police.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 20-year-old man from California arrested on Christmas Eve for distribution of drugs was in court Thursday morning with a Wichita attorney for his first appearance.

Joshua Mobley is charged with distribution of LSD, possession of marijuana and THC, possession of a prescription depressant and drug paraphernalia.

The arrest came after a traffic stop in the 16500 block of South K-11.

He managed to post bond. Mobley will be back in court Jan. 23.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man accused of kicking a 1-year-old black boy and yelling racial slurs in a Kansas grocery store was back in jail Thursday after being arrested in a drug possession case.

Riff -photo Sedgwick Co.

Trace Riff, 31, was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and is being held on a $2,500 bond, according to jail records. Further details about the arrest were not immediately available.

Riff is facing municipal charges of battery and resisting arrest. The boy’s mother and other witnesses allege he kicked the child at a Dillon’s store on Dec. 23 and then yelled racial slurs. The boy was knocked to the ground but was not seriously injured.

The FBI participated in the investigation and black leaders in Wichita are asking that the case be considered a hate crime. The boy’s mother, Lashantai Whitaker, said her 11-year-old daughter, who was holding her brother’s hand when he was kicked, is now afraid to walk to school, The Wichita Eagle reported .

“It causes a lot of worrying and stress,” Whitaker said Wednesday.

The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, which could bring more serious charges, is reviewing the case.

Riff’s grandmother and brother told The Eagle that he was once an international model whose life spiraled out of control because of mental health and substance abuse problems. After spending a couple years walking runways in several countries, Riff returned to Oklahoma City and became homeless, sometimes living in dumpsters before moving to Wichita, his grandmother, Twila LaRue, said Wednesday.

LaRue acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations against her grandson but said her family has tried to help him for years without success.

“To incarcerate him is not helping. What I was hoping from this is Trace would be able to get help,” said LaRue, a 74-year-old Oklahoman who works in a group home for emotionally disturbed boys.

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov.-elect Laura Kelly announced Thursday that she will replace the top administrator at Kansas’ troubled child welfare agency and successfully pushed the departing leader to put new, major grants to private contractors on hold.

Kelly is a critic of the grants from the Department for Children and Families to five nonprofit organizations, committing to higher spending on services for troubled families and abused and neglected children in foster care. Kelly, a veteran state senator, has long been a key player in state budget debates; the department announced the four-year grants just days before Kelly’s election in November, and they were to take effect July 1.

Kelly takes office Jan. 14. Departing Republican Gov. Jeff Colyer and some GOP lawmakers credit Meier-Hummel with improving the department and the child foster care system.Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, an Overland Park Republican, said he had hoped Kelly would keep Meier-Hummel on.

But Kelly announced Thursday that she would appoint Laura Howard as both interim DCF secretary and interim secretary for the Department for Aging and Disability Services. Howard is director of the Public Management Center at the University of Kansas but is a former administrator for state and federal social services agencies.

Kelly also issued a blistering statement calling the grants “essentially no-bid contracts,” questioning their legality and promising they would be reviewed. Kelly said she contacted the organizations to ask them to avoid spending state dollars until further notice.

“Despite our best efforts during the transition, accurate and forthright information from current DCF leadership was hard to come by,” Kelly said in a statement.

Department employees investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and recommend to judges whether children should be removed from their homes, but private contractors provide assistance to troubled families, manage foster children’s cases, provide them with services and get them placed in foster homes.

The department used a new process for awarding the new grants that removed oversight from the state Department of Administration and gave DCF more control. Kelly said it “has not been transparent.”

Meier-Hummel responded three hours later in her own, lengthy statement defending the department’s work during her yearlong tenure and confirming that the grants had been put on hold. Meier-Hummel said the department had been “fully transparent and forthcoming” with Kelly’s transition team, whose advisers include Howard.

Under the grants, the state would spend a total of $245 million on foster care services during the budget year beginning July 1. That would be an increase of $35 million, or 17 percent.

In recent years, the department has faced questions about several high-profile deaths of abused children after DCF was alerted to problems. Until September, some children in state custody slept overnight in foster care contractors’ offices, including a 13-year-old girl who in May was raped in an officeby an 18-year-old man also in state custody.

“These new grants are necessary to improve child welfare in Kansas and are in the absolute best interest for Kansas children and families,” Meier-Hummel said in her statement.

Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, said the department was making progress in addressing its problems under Meier-Hummel.

“That’s a hard agency, a very difficult agency, to manage,” said Denning, the Senate majority leader. “I was hoping she would be given a little more runway to prove herself.”

Denning also said Kelly is signaling that she could attempt to cancel the grants.

Kelly’s appointment of a single interim secretary for two departments also suggests that she might merge the agencies, said Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, a Topeka Democrat. Together, the departments have an annual budget of $2.6 billion and more than 5,000 employees.

Howard was the expert on social services programs on the Legislature’s nonpartisan research staff before working as a state social services administrator and regional official for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“She has a vast knowledge and experience in the social service field,” Hensley said.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local business in Hutchinson has opened in a new location. Egbert Liquor is still located at 5th and Monroe, but on a different corner.

The store was next to the Kwik Shop on that corner. Roy Freeman talked about the reason for the move:

With the larger location, Freeman says he is able to add more product and make things more accessible to customers:

Speaking of wine, many like to have a nice wine with special dinners or occasions. Freeman says he and his staff are there to help:

Egbert Liquor is open for business at 423 E. 5th on the southeast corner of 5th and Monroe.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Fort Hays State University announced that Trinity Catholic volleyball player Paige Dechant has signed onto the Tiger program.

The 5-foot-9-inch setter earned a trio of Heart of America all-league honors, picking up first team honors as a senior after earning honorable mention recognition as a sophomore and junior.

Dechant twice earned all-tournament honors at the Coleman Classic as well as the Red & Blue Classic. In addition to picking up four volleyball varsity letters, Dechant was a four-year member of the nationally-recognized cheerleading squad.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The new semester at Hutchinson Community College begins next week.

Dr. Carter File, president of the college, talked about where the school stands with enrollment numbers. He called it a double-edged sword:

He admits that some of the low numbers have to do with the state of Kansas in general. He says the college must attract area residents to higher education:

Dr. File also talked about one of the goals the Kansas Board of Regents has for 2020:

It’s not too late to enroll at Hutchinson Community College for the upcoming semester. For more information, call the school at 620-665-3500.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate the death of 19-year-old Jacob Bouck.

Bouck- photo courtesy Pottawatomie Co. Sheriff

The Wamego resident and 2017 graduate of Wamego High School was last seen in the Wamego area on December 21st, 2018, according to Sheriff Greg Riat. He was missing until his body was located on December 24, approximately mile west of Wamego on the Kansas River.

Bouck was reported to be wearing a dark colored jacket, black shirt, gray thermal longjohns, (long underwear) and black shoes.

A forensic autopsy was conducted on Bouck and the medical examiner has determined that the death of Jacob Bouck is believed to be a homicide.

Authorities are urging anyone with information on the case to contact the Pottawatomie County Sheriff at 785-457-3533, www.ptsheriff.com, or 1-800-KS-CRIME. Tips can be anonymous. An unspecified cash reward is being offered at this time for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this crime.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A new business is coming to the Hutchinson Mall. Ojeda Fitness and Personal Training will move into the space formerly occupied by the Deb clothing store.

Owner Tony Ojeda says he hopes to have his business in the mall by the first of February. Ojeda specializes in personal training, along with fitness and exercise classes and exercise therapy for stroke patients.

Ojeda is currently renting space in the basement of a church and says he is excited to make the move to a new location.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts’ future (all times local):

A spokesman says Kansas Rep. Roger Marshall is seriously considering running for the U.S. Senate in 2020 now that Sen. Pat Roberts does not plan to seek re-election.

There is no way to describe Senator Roberts other than a Statesman whose achievements for Kansas are amongst the greatest. He’s been a resilient voice advocating on behalf of Kansans for decades and we will greatly miss his leadership here in Washington. (1/2)

— Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) January 4, 2019

Marshall spokesman Brent Robertson said Friday that the Republican congressman will not make a formal decision until Congress approves border security funding. The federal government is partially shut down since over President Donald Trump’s demand for funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Marshall represents the 1st Congressional District of western Kansas and won his second term in November. It is the same seat Roberts held for 16 years before being elected to the Senate in 1996.

Other potential Republican candidates include departing Gov. Jeff Colyer and outgoing Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who lost the governor’s race last year.

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2019 Legislative Forum dates:

Saturday, February 2: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Mennonite Friendship Communities, 600 W. Blanchard Ave., South Hutchinson

Saturday, March 2: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Shears Technology Center, 1300 N. Plum, Hutchinson

Saturday, April 6: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Wesley Towers, 3711 Asbury Place, Hutchinson

The forums are co-sponsored by AT&T and the Hutch Chamber Public Policy Committee to offer attendees the opportunity to interact with Reno County legislators.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a felony suspect on multiple charges.

Jackson- photo Shawnee Co.

Just after 6p.m. Thursday, officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of 1600 SW Harrison in Topeka for traffic infractions, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

Police arrested the driver Devontair Jackson, 26, for an outstanding Parole Violation. He was also found to be a felon in possession of a firearm.

Jackson has previous convictions for aggravated battery and aggravated robbery.

Police transported Jackson to the Shawnee County Department of Correction where he is being held on requested charges of Felon in Possession of Marijuana, with the Intent, Aggravated Battery, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm and Aggravated Assault, according to Monasmith.

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A 32-year-old former massage therapist who is on the Kansas Sex Offender registry has been sentenced to 16 months in jail for secretly recording a woman while she undressed.

Gorski -photo KBI

Daniel Justin Gorski was sentenced Friday in Johnson County for the incident at a chiropractic clinic in Gardner. He pleaded guilty in November to breach of privacy.

Gorski was at one time charged with recording several women. All but one charge was dropped as part of a plea agreement.

Police began investigating Gorski in 2016 after his girlfriend reported finding a flash drive containing images of women undressing or nude.

Gorski had previously pleaded guilty in Jefferson County, Kansas, to possession of child pornography.

BOONE COUNTY — A child died in an accident just before 4p.m. Friday in Boone County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported marked 2015 Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicle driven by Columbia police officer Andria E. Heese, 27, was eastbound in a roundabout at the west entrance to the parking lot of Battle High School 7575 East St. Charles Road.

Our sincere condolences to all affected by the tragedy at Battle High School.

The attached photo depicts the general area of the incident. Preliminary Details have been released: https://t.co/ysAqxfrxaL pic.twitter.com/mWdP2QuEQn

— MSHP Troop F (@MSHPTrooperF) January 5, 2019

The vehicle exited the road with the intention of parking on the sidewalk so the driver could observe students loading onto school buses.

The vehicle struck Gabriella Curry, 4, Columbia, who was walking on the sidewalk.

Officer Heese, another CPD officer at the school and other school personnel began providing immediate medical care to the child, according to a media release from the city of Columbia. The officer requested further medical aid via radio. Columbia Fire and University Ambulance EMS arrived and provided advanced life support. The child was transported to the University Hospital Level One Trauma with CPD escort.

Despite life saving attempts by emergency personnel both on the scene and at the hospital, the child died due to injuries sustained during the incident.

Officer Heese has been with the Columbia Police Department for five years and is assigned to the Community Outreach Unit, according to the release. Officer Heese is on Administrative Leave as per department protocol. MSHP continues to investigate the incident.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson AMBUCS and the Chamber of Commerce will once again host the annual State of the City address.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the Atrium Hotel & Conference Center.

Guests will have the opportunity to hear from City Manager John Deardoff and Mayor Steve Dechant on the milestones of 2018 and what the business community can look forward to in 2019.

The cost to attend is $12 for members and $22 for non-members.

For more information, contact Belinda McClanahan at 620.662.3391 or register online.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities in Kansas arrested two suspects wanted in connection with a fatal shooting in Oklahoma.

Terrell -photo Sedgwick County

Williams -photo Sedgwick Co.

Just after 10:30p.m. December 29, police responded to a shooting at 4811 South Jackson Avenue in Tulsa, according to a media release from police.

Upon arrival, officers found the victim, Louis Poole, dead from gunshot wounds.

On January 3, 2019 an arrest warrant for 1st Degree Murder was issued for 42-year-old Kenneth Williams AHA “Jazzie” and 33-year-old La’shae Terrell.

Authorities located and arrested them at an apartment complex in the 5000 Block of North Maize Road in Wichita late Thursday, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.

They remained in the Sedgwick County jail Saturday, according to jail records.

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Saturday police in the area of the 800 block of Vermont Street in Lawrence observed a group of individuals running through a nearby parking lot, according to Sergeant Amy Rhoads.

The officer then heard what appeared to be the sound of a single gunshot coming from inside 200 West 9th Street, The Carnegie Building.

Several more individuals were seen running away from the area.

Officers arrived on scene and secured the building. Officers did not locate any injured individuals in the area. A short time later, officers responded to a local hospital and where a 19-year-old man from Topeka was being examined for what appears to be a non-life threatening injury resulting from a single gunshot wound.

Investigators believe the man was wounded in the the incident near Vermont Street.