TOPEKA–Governor Sam Brownback on Tuesday issued an executive pardon to Mark Schmitt, a native of Liberal, Kan., currently residing in Parker Colorado, as announced in a media release. At the same time, Gov. Brownback denied 72 other requests for executive clemency. The pardon granted is the first and only pardon signed to date by Governor Brownback.

Mark Schmitt was convicted of felony theft in 1994, stemming from a false insurance claim amounting to $1,551.64. At the time, Schmitt was a 19-year-old college student, living in Ottawa, Kan. After his conviction, he completed a sentence involving probation and restitution, and has maintained a record of good conduct in the 23 years since. Franklin County District Court previously expunged his conviction and his pardon request was favorably recommended by the Prisoner Review Board.

Here’s the full list of the 72 applications for clemency that are denied. #ksleg #Kansas pic.twitter.com/cHXbK9jocX

— Sam Brownback (@govsambrownback) October 10, 2017

  “This request for clemency was unanimously supported at all levels of the process. He has demonstrated he is a man of character, having already paid his debt to society, having had his criminal record expunged, and having worked through the process of requesting a pardon, and proving the worthiness of his request at every step.” Schmitt first sought a pardon under the Parkinson administration, but his application was lost, and he reapplied under the administration of Governor Brownback.

MANHATTAN — Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate a case of vandalism on the Kansas State campus in Manhattan.

On Tuesday, the K-State Police Department asked for the public’s help with information on the damage to a Sukkah and a vehicle between Marlatt and Goodnow Halls at KSU on Friday, October 6, according to a social media report.

Police are investigating all causes because it is unknown if Friday’s severe weather had a role in the damage or if it was related to a hate crime.

There currently are no suspects and no witnesses have come forward.

On Monday Kansas State President Richard Myers released a statement condemning the violence.

In April the University condemned Anti-Semitic posters found on the KSU campus.

“In response to the hateful act on campus there will be a Sukkot Solidarity Dinner Wednesday, 6p.m. in Bosco Plaza on campus,” according to graduate student Glen Buickerood.

He had collaborated with the Jewish student group Hillel to put up the sukkah to promote diversity.

“Wednesday’s dinner will include a few speakers, but we will focus on being in community with one another, he said.

“Those attending are encouraged to bring a meal that upholds Jewish customs.  All are welcome.”

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say an officer shot and wounded a man in suburban Kansas City while investigating a domestic disturbance.

The shooting happened Monday afternoon at a luxury apartment complex in Overland Park, Kansas. Police said in a news release that officers responded to the complex after a man called 911 and said he was armed with a knife. The man also is accused of threatening to kill himself and his wife.

The release says the man “displayed a weapon and charged toward the responding officers.” Police say one of the two officers at the scene shot the man twice.

The man was rushed to a hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. Pending an investigation, both officers have been placed on administrative leave, as is standard procedure.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.

On Monday afternoon, police were on the scene of a shooting in the 14-1500 Block of SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.

One person Bondderrick Sanders, 23, Topeka, was pronounced dead the scene. A second victim was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police located a red vehicle with three black men in connection with the investigation.  The shooting is being investigated as a homicide, according to Lt. Jennifer Cross.

Police released no additional details.
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SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.

Just after 1:30p.m. Monday police were on the scene of a shooting in the 14-1500 Block of SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release. At the same time, officers responded to report of a shooting victim at a local hospital, according to police LT. Jennifer Cross.

One person was pronounced dead the scene on SW Western.

The other victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Police believe the two calls are related and are looking for a red Fiat with three black men for questioning in connection with the incident, according to police.

Names of the shooting victims have not been released.

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — The grandparents of a 2-year-old Kansas boy say the state is acting as “religious police” by requiring vaccinations for children.

The Kansas City Star reports that Linus and Terri Baker are suing the state Department for Children and Families after the agency announced its intention to vaccinate the boy despite the family’s wishes.

The Bakers have physical custody of the boy as his foster parents. The couple opposes immunization on religious and health grounds.

But because the child is in temporary state custody, the department has the authority to make the immunization decision.

State law says children in child care facilities are required to have current immunizations unless there are health risks or religious reasons.

A department spokeswoman says the agency can’t comment on the pending lawsuit.

ST. LOUIS (AP) – One of the nation’s strictest abortion laws will face the scrutiny of the Missouri Supreme Court after a state appeals court ruled in favor of an adherent of the Satanic Temple who challenged the law on religious grounds.

The Western District of the Missouri Court of Appeals ruled last week in favor of Mary Doe, an anonymous member of the Satanic Temple. The suit challenges Missouri’s abortion law that includes a mandatory three-day waiting period and requirements that a woman seeking an abortion read a booklet, view an ultrasound and hear the fetal heartbeat. It alleges those requirements violate religious freedom.

The appeals panel wrote in the ruling that the case “raises real and substantial constitutional claims.”

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. (AP) – Authorities are investigating a report that a special needs student was sexually assaulted in a bathroom of a suburban Kansas City high school.

The Kansas City Star reports that the assault is alleged to have occurred in August at Lee’s Summit West High School but wasn’t reported until last month.

Police said in an incident report that the student began experiencing hallucinations and having fits of rape in August. The report says the student eventually told a nurse that another student pulled him into a bathroom and assaulted him. The student said he blacked out.

A relative described the special needs student as “low-functioning, but verbal.” Police said Monday that the investigation is ongoing and that the school district is cooperating. No arrests have been made.