Month: May 2017

Truck driver sentenced for hauling cocaine

A truck driver was sentenced Monday to 3.8 years in federal prison for hauling more than 44 pounds of cocaine to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.

Erick Omar Rios, 37, San Ysidro, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. In his plea, he admitted he was operating a tractor pulling a refrigerated trailer when he was stopped by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Troopers found 10 vacuum wrapped packages containing 44 pounds of cocaine hidden in a cooling unit on the trailer. They learned Rios had picked up the load in Los Angeles to deliver to Plainfield, Ind. He was expecting to be paid $4,000 when he returned to Los Angeles.

Beall commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs for their work on the case.

Attorney general’s investigation continues into death at Schlitterbahn waterpark last August

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has issued a statement on the investigation into the death of Caleb Schwab on the Verrückt waterslide in Wyandotte County:

“As the seasonal opening of the Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City approaches, we are aware of public interest in the ongoing criminal investigation into the August 7, 2016, death of Caleb Schwab on the Verrückt waterslide. Because this is a matter of public concern, we are providing the following update on the status of the investigation.

“On December 15, 2016, the Wyandotte County District Attorney asked the attorney general’s office to assume responsibility for reviewing the investigation results to determine whether or not criminal charges are warranted in connection with the incident. We agreed to do so, and our review has been active and ongoing since that time.

“As part of that review, it has been necessary for law enforcement to conduct further investigation into particular matters related to the incident. We are moving as expeditiously as possible, but at this time we are unable to predict how soon the investigation may be completed.

“We are sensitive to the desire to allow demolition of the Verrückt waterslide. However, our top priority must be to ensure the thoroughness and integrity of the criminal investigation. That necessarily includes the preservation of all evidence, including the Verrückt itself, until the investigation can be completed and we can determine whether or not the available evidence supports the filing of criminal charges.”

BPU offers kids coloring contest

The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Public Utilities is inviting children ages 12 and under residing in Wyandotte County to participate in the BPU Kids Coloring Contest.

Those who enter have a chance to win a Walmart gift card.

Children are encouraged to have fun expressing their talents while using their choice of coloring supplies. Crayons, markers, colored pencils or paint may be used.

A $25 gift certificate will be awarded to one winner in each of the following age categories: 5 and under, 6-9, and 10-12. The winning entries will be featured on the BPU website, community newsletter, and social media pages.

Download and color one of the coloring sheets and deliver the completed artwork to BPU by mail, electronic upload, or in person. Once entries are submitted, they cannot be returned. Make copies of the original artwork to keep before entering the contest.

All entries for the contest must be received or postmarked by June 30, 2017. Coloring sheets, entry forms and additional details about the coloring contest can be found at www.bpu.com/kidzone/kidscoloringcontest.