DERBY, Kan. (AP) A Kansas optometrist admits he collected $500,000 for eye exams that he didn’t perform. Forty-seven-year-old Wade D. Abbey of Derby pleaded guilty Thursday to five counts of wire fraud in the scheme that netted $583,060. Federal prosecutors allege that Abbey and his wife, Mindy L. Abbey, were paid extra fees for every eye exam they performed at Vision Doctors of Optometry in Derby. They allegedly gave false information about the number of exams to an accountant, who paid them based on that information. Abbey will be sentenced May 16. Mindy Abbey is awaiting trial.
Author: KMAN Staff
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Senators are set to take a final vote on a bill that would require many of Kansas’ elected officials and applicants for certain welfare benefits to undergo drug testing. The measure would require testing of applicants for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, as well as the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and legislators. A finding of reasonable suspicion of drug use would trigger more testing and treatment. The Senate will vote on the bill Thursday. Supporters say the measure is aimed at helping the poor kick their addictions, get needed job training skills and find employment. Opponents…
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Gov. Sam Brownback says he is considering a program that would reward universities and technical colleges for helping startup companies. During a meeting of economic advisers Wednesday, the governor said it’s only an idea and no details of how to structure the program have been finalized. But he says the schools could be paid $2,000 to $5,000 to sponsor startup companies. He says the program would help create an entrepreneurial atmosphere in the state. The Wichita Eagle reports Graham Toft, president of the consultant group GrowthEconomists Inc., suggested Kansas should rebrand itself by focusing on its educated…
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) Not even a record-setting snowfall could stop some Wichita thieves. And they hit the city where it hurts, stealing catalytic converters from seven vehicles parked at the city’s parks and recreation department’s yard. Police say the thieves stole the equipment early Tuesday, during the heaviest snowfall. City officials say the thefts came as parks department employees needed to help remove snow from parking lots. Thieves prize the catalytic converters because they contain valuable metals that can be sold for scrap. KAKE-TV reports the city says the thefts will cost taxpayers about $5,000.
Internationally-recognized authors of Zoobiquity, Barbara Natterson-Horowitz M.D and Kathryn Bowers, will provide a free lecture on Wednesday, March 13th at 7pm inside the Sunset Zoo Nature Exploration Center. Attendees will experience an image-filled talk as Barbara and Kathryn share what animals can teach us about our health and the science of healing. Following the lecture, the authors will host a book-signing session. Funding for the event is provided by the Friends of Sunset Zoo and several Kansas State University entities including the College of Veterinary Medicine, Academic Excellence Fund, College of Human Ecology and Department of Human Nutrition. The Zoo lecture is part of…
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) The former director of the Arkansas City Senior Citizens Center is charged with theft and misusing public funds. An attorney for Edward G. Greene waived a reading of the six felony charges against his client during a hearing Wednesday. Greene is charged with three counts of theft, two counts of making false information and one count of misuse of public funds. Prosecutors allege he took funds in excess of $100,000. Greene posted $10,000 bond Tuesday night after he turned himself in to Cowley County authorities. He did not attend Wednesday’s hearing. The Arkansas City Traveler reports…
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) A Wichita committee formed to review grant requests has rescheduled a public hearing that was postponed by a winter storm. The meeting is now set for March 5 at Wichita City Hall. Presentations are expected by agencies submitting proposals for Community Development Block Grant funds. Those funds are used to support recreation and crime prevention services for youth, shelter for domestic violence victims and new housing development services. The city is anticipating an 8 percent reduction in funding. Information gathered from the hearing will help determine funding recommendations that City Manager Robert Layton will forward to the…
RUSSELL, Kan. (AP) A new police chief has been named for the central Kansas city of Russell. The Hays Daily News reports that Dale Weimaster will serve as police chief for the city of about 4,500 people. He replaces Jon Quinday, who had served as police chief until he was named interim city manager. Quinday has since become city manager. Weimaster is a lifelong Russell resident. He joined the Police Department as a patrolman in 1994 and was named captain in 2009. He’s expected to be sworn in Friday.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) Wichita tourism officials predict the city will see a $14 million economic benefit from hosting a national women’s bowling tournament six years from now. City officials announced Wednesday the 2019 United States Bowling Congress women’s tournament will be held at two local bowling alleys Northrock Lanes and Thunderbird Bowl. The Wichita Eagle reports the event is expected to bring several thousand bowlers to the city during the tournament’s run from April to June 2019. The city hosted the Women’s International Bowling Congress tournament in 2004, and a year later the WIBC became part of the USBC. Several…
On today’s InFocus, Cathy talks with Larry Couchman, Director of Emergency and EMS Services for Mercy Regional Health Center, followed by Robbin Cole, Executive Director at Pawnee Mental Health. [mp3-jplayer]