TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The uncertainty surrounding Gov. Sam Brownback’s departure after his nationally watched tax experiment came to an end was among the top 10 stories in Kansas in 2017.

President Donald Trump nominated Brownback for U.S. ambassador at large for international religious freedom at the end of July. But the post was in limbo after the U.S. Senate failed to vote on confirming him before finishing its business for year, lengthening an already awkward transition to a new governor.

Also making the list were prison disturbances, an allegedly racially motivated bar shooting, wildfires, the release of two wrongfully convicted inmates, questions about the state’s child welfare agency, a closer-than-expected Congressional race, a small town sexual assault case, the discovery of human remains in a storage unit and a revenue department shooting.

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, with some assistance of citizens and businesses, recently sent Deputy K-9 Zaki and handler Deputy Chris Mueller to an advanced K-9 training course for three weeks.

According to a press release from the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, the training is comparable to a person attending college after high school graduation.

Deputy Mueller and K-9 Zaki attended training in Tulsa, Oklahoma November 27th through December 15th at Torchlight K9. This training was intended to extensively build on what both had already learned at the initial handler course by refining Zaki’s skills and Deputy Mueller’s knowledge as a handler.

Training included but was not limited to the following:

Tracking on a daily basis using open grassy areas, wooded areas and some hard surfaces.   Each track was set at varying lengths and aged differently to teach Zaki to keep his nose on the ground to accurately track instead of trailing or air scenting.

Article detection was worked on daily. Objects made of various materials, such as coins, keys, wood and clothing items that had recently been handled by a person were randomly thrown on the ground and Zaki was used to locate the items by merely sniffing for human scent. This is also particularly useful in tracking as people commonly drop items as they flee.

Additional obedience training was given for both daily and stressful situations. Many good tactics were enhanced and useful new ones learned.

Daily work was performed on building searches where Zaki had to use is nose to locate people hiding in a building and for officer protection.

Extensive work on vehicle extractions with various simulations of a felony type traffic stop. Zaki was sent into a vehicle to apprehend a subject who was refusing to exit the vehicle and may potentially be very dangerous for any officer. Zaki was able to enter the vehicle through an open vehicle door and also able to jump through open windows to complete the task.

Zaki received a lot of confidence building during exercises where the trainer put a lot of pressure on Zaki in many different situations and bite scenarios. These exercises were designed to show Zaki that he can win even if being assaulted by a criminal. This ensures that Zaki does not let go of a subject without being removed by the handler. This training minimizes and causes fewer injuries to subjects and a better likelihood the suspects don’t continue to flee from law enforcement.

Deputy Mueller was also given specific training on how to continue enhancing Zaki’s skills and to perform new tasks.

Torchlight K9 is owned and operated by Ted Summer and Scott Tarpley. They have more than 20 years of experience in training dogs for law enforcement and military work, and they also have experience as actual handlers.

Kansas City, Mo. – The free 23rd Annual Eagle Days at Smithville Lake will offer visitors a chance to view wild eagles and rehabilitated captive raptors.

According to a press release from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), weather dictates where eagles and waterfowl use the lake and where people can watch them. Last year, eagles were feeding on fish in the spillway below the lake dam, where the Little Platte River is once again free flowing. During some years, eagles are seen at other lake locations where waterfowl congregate, especially geese. A bitter cold freeze up of the lake can send eagles and waterfowl south, but in most years, both are seen by visitors.

Eagle Days is hosted by the MDC, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Clay County Parks and Recreation, and private conservation groups. Staff from host agencies will scout the lake ahead of the event and set up spotting scopes at locations where eagles are feeding or roosting. Outdoor viewing locations will be announced at the clubhouse.

The free event will also include wildlife watching indoors and close up at the Paradise Pointe Clubhouse. Operation Wildlife will display raptors, a show that often includes eagles. Friends of the Lakeside Nature Center will display some rehabilitated raptors, such as small owls. The Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary of Liberty, Wings of Love, and Clay County Parks will also present nature displays.

Outdoor eagle viewing and indoor activities at the clubhouse will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6, and from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 7. The Paradise Pointe Golf Course Clubhouse is located at 18212 Golf Course Drive, in Little Platte Park at the lake at Smithville.

Attendees are encouraged to bring cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes, and warm clothes. Refreshments will be on sale at the clubhouse. For information about Smithville Lake Eagle Days, call (816) 532-0174.

For information about viewing bald eagles at other locations and at MDC events, click here.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration.

According to a news release from the patrol, last year, over the New Year’s holiday counting period, eight people died and 302 people were injured in 539 traffic crashes. That means one person was killed or injured every 15.1 minutes during that time frame.

New Year’s is an opportunity to spend time with friends and family and many Missourians will plan special gatherings to welcome 2018. If your plans include alcohol, remember that nothing ruins a party like a DWI arrest or a drinking-related traffic crash on your way home. Designate a sober driver before the party starts. If you cause a traffic crash, your New Year might begin with being arrested, facing legal fees and medical bills, and perhaps jail time. You could lose your license and will have to face your family and friends. If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay the price for the rest of your life. Designate a sober driver or take a taxi.

As you drive to your New Year’s gathering, remember to buckle up and obey all traffic laws. Be a courteous driver: When in doubt, yield the right-of-way. Pay attention and use your turn signal to communicate your intentions to other drivers. The posted speed limit reflects the roadway’s classification and is not a suggestion. There’s no reason to speed—the party starts after you arrive safely.

If inclement weather is expected, allow extra time for traveling or be flexible with your plans. The Road Condition Report number is 1-888-275-6636. Depending on the weather, staying home might be your best option. Remember: Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on. It takes only a second to turn on your vehicle’s headlights. That second could make you more visible to other drivers and prevent a traffic crash.

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University, in conjunction with the Maryville Chamber of Commerce, invites students and employees, as well as the public, to a series of learning opportunities.

According to a news release, sessions will feature presenters discussing workplace topics from engaging in difficult conversations to generational differences.

Eight presentations are scheduled this spring for area professionals. Each presentation costs $25 for Maryville Chamber of Commerce members or $40 for non-members.

The presentations are free to Northwest students and employees as part of the University’s Career Pathing program, which provides professional development opportunities to students interested in advancing to new levels of pay and responsibility.

Registration is available online at nwmissouri.edu/hr/trainingopps.htm.

Most presentations are 60 minutes long and are offered in the J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom. The schedule also includes a day-long training session Feb. 17 in The Station. More information about each session appears below.

For more information, contact Northwest’s Office of Human Resources at (660) 562-1140 or email Paula McLain, coordinator of student employment at Northwest, at [email protected].

 

“Define Your Vision and Mission: Keys to Collaboration”

Dr. Julie Connor

Wednesday, Jan. 17, in the Student Union Ballroom; 11 a.m., 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. (60 minutes)

Clear mission and vision statements reflect your beliefs and core values. They guide the words you speak, decisions you make, goals you create, and events you plan. Create a powerful vision and mission aligned with your personal principles. For more information, visit www.drjulieconnor.com.

“Build to Compete and Win!”

Marvin Carolina Jr., Team Carolina

Thursday, January 25, in the Student Union Ballroom; 11 a.m., 1 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. (75 minutes)

Build to Compete and Win! is a workshop to provide a roadmap for the transition from college to pursuing employment in corporate America. Upon completion of this workshop, participants will understand their workplace competition, understand skills needed to best compete in corporate America, understand what corporate America is looking for in employees, and possess skills to successfully transition into internships or full-time employment. For more information, visit www.marvincarolina.com.

“Goal-Based Networking: How to Turn your Social Life into Profitable Relationships”

Jeff Beals, speaker, sales strategist and executive consultant

Tuesday, Feb. 6, in the Student Union Ballroom; 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. or 2 p.m. (60 minutes)

This session will introduce “goal-based networking,” a technique that sharply focuses communication efforts. Attendees will learn what to say, when to say it and to whom you should say it. Learn how to synthesize social media with traditional networking. Once you master goal-based networking, your colleagues will be left wondering just how you became so well connected both locally and within your profession. For more information, visit www.jeffbeals.com.

“RESPOND”

Rachel Mayfield, counselor, Northwest Wellness Services

Saturday, Feb. 17, The Station center meeting room; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (lunch provided)

“RESPOND” is designed to assist the campus community in identifying students with mental health concerns. Content includes a brief overview of mental health problems on college campuses, discussion about stigma and culture, an overview of signs associated with mental health problems. The remainder of the course is focused on how to effectively respond with basic listening and empathy, risk assessment at the lay level, support, referral, and taking care of self, including appropriate boundaries based on role or personal preference. The interactive training will address issues such as how FERPA works when mental health concerns exist, HIPAA where appropriate, and Title IX and confidential sources.

“Character Counts … Doesn’t it?”

Karel Murray, Our Branch Inc.

Monday, Feb. 19, Student Union Ballroom; 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. (60 minutes)

This session is an intense examination of personal values and the practical application of principles that ultimately define what we know as “ethics.” Participants will actively explore ethical dilemmas and apply various decision-making models to arrive at a conclusion that fits their value system.

“HIRT: Hostile Intruder Response Training – Owning your Survival”

Michael Ceperley, emergency management coordinator, Northwest Environmental Health and Safety

Tuesday, March 13, Student Union Ballroom; 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. (60 minutes)

This course will provide you with a general understanding of a hostile intruder’s mindset and why these types of events happen. Pre-incident indicators will be identified and discussed, as well as valuable response options which will allow you the opportunity to take a more active role in your safety. Strategies for disrupting an intruder’s plans and techniques for preparing defenses will be identified and the importance of putting response actions into motion as quickly as possible will be reinforced. If you are ever faced with a hostile intruder event, how you will respond will be determined by how you prepare now.

“Working on a team, what does that really mean?”

Rachel Brooks, coordinator of equity, Northwest Office of Equity and Accessibility

Thursday, March 29, Student Union Ballroom; 9:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. (60 minutes)

Teams are complex in nature. When we ask for people to work in teams, do we ever ask ourselves what that really means? This session focuses on how we can better prepare ourselves to be contributors and function at a high level within team dynamics.

“The Job Offer … It’s More Than Just a $alary!”

Northwest Career Services

Thursday, April 9, Student Union Ballroom; 10 a.m., noon, 4 p.m. (60 minutes)

After all of your hard work, you have received a job offer. The salary offered is attractive but before accepting, there are a few things to consider. Those “things” are bundled together in what is referred to as a benefits package. The contents of the benefits package can make two seemingly similar job offers vastly different in value. Career Services will share pointers on how to better understand and evaluate employment offers. Informed employees are more engaged and satisfied in their careers.