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Police identify suspect; death toll climbs in shooting at Las Vegas concert

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LAS VEGAS— The Latest on the shooting in Las Vegas (all times local):

8:44 a.m.

Sheriff Joe Lombardo says the death toll from the Las Vegas shooting has risen to 58, with 515 people injured. A gunman opened fire on a Las Vegas country music festival Sunday night.

The gunman opened fire from inside the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.

Authorities say 64-year-old Stephen Craig Paddock killed himself after the shooting. Police have yet to determine a motive.

The FBI says the shooter had no connection to an international terrorist group.

The announcement from Special Agent in Charge Aaron Rouse at a news conference Monday comes after the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack without providing evidence.

The extremist group claimed that the shooter was “a soldier” who had converted to Islam months ago. It has made exaggerated or false claims in the past.

The FBI believes Paddock acted alone. He killed himself after the shooting.

7:45 a.m.

—The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department identified the lone suspect involved in the late- night mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip as 64-year-old, Stephen Craig Paddock, a white male from Mesquite, Nevada, according to a media release.

Paddock opened fire on a crowd of more than 22,000 concert-goers from his hotel room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel on Sunday evening at approximately 10:08 p.m. The victims were across the street attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival concert when bullets rang out. LVMPD SWAT responded to the call, breached the hotel room and found the suspect dead.

The Clark County Fire Department estimated that approximately 406 people were transported to area hospitals and 50 are dead following Sunday evening’s shooting. Among the dead is an LVMPD officer who was off-duty at the time. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. There were also two on-duty officers injured, one of whom was upgraded recently from critical to stable condition. The other sustained non-life threatening wounds.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations is asking for anyone with videos or photos concerning the shooting to call 1-800-CALLFBI or (800) 225-5324.

 

LVMPD and Clark County Coroner’s Office have set up a hotline for family or friends to report a missing loved one connected to this incident. The hotline is only to take reports on missing people. The number is (866) 535-5654. LVMPD also opened up a family reunification center at its headquarters at 400 S. Martin L. King Blvd. in Building B.

 

The identification process of all of the injured and the deceased will take time, so authorities are asking the public for patience.

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President Donald Trump is extending condolences to the victims of the shooting in Las Vegas and their families.

In a tweet Monday, Trump offered “My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!”

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump was “briefed on the horrific tragedy in Las Vegas.”

Sanders said that “we are monitoring the situation closely.”

A gunman’s attack on the Sunday night country music concert killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 200.

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5:15 a.m.

Las Vegas police say they’ve determined that a woman they were seeking is no longer considered a “person of interest” in the deadly mass shooting at a country music festival.

Police say they don’t believe 62-year-old Marilou Danley was involved in the Sunday night shooting that killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 200.

Police initially said they were seeking the woman who may have been the roommate of the shooter.

The gunman has been identified as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock.

Paddock died after police confronted him Sunday on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay casino.

3:30 a.m.

A Nevada sheriff says the death toll has climbed to 50 in the attack on a Las Vegas concert Sunday, making it the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history.

Clark County Sheriff Joseph Lombardo says more than 200 people were wounded at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on the Strip.

Authorities have identified the suspected gunman as Las Vegas resident Stephen Paddock.

Lombardo says officers confronted Paddock on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino across the street from the concert. Paddock is dead.

Authorities say they have located 62-year-old Marilou Danley, who was wanted as a person of interest in this incident.

 


The dead gunman is also believed to have checked in as a hotel guest.

2 a.m.

A Nevada sheriff says one on-duty officer is in critical condition and another was wounded in the Las Vegas concert shooting that left more than 20 people dead.

Clark County Sheriff Joseph Lombardo says two off-duty officers have died.

Several officers from California were attending the outdoor Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on Sunday when a gunman opened fire. A Bakersfield Police officer was shot and taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Authorities have not released any of their identities.

More than 100 people were injured.

Lombardo says the suspect is dead.

The sheriff says they believe this was a “lone wolf” attack but said they are looking for a roommate of the dead suspect as a person of interest.

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1:55 a.m.

Country music star Jason Aldean took to social media to say he and his crew are safe after a gunman killed more than 20 people at an outdoor concert Sunday.

Aldean was in the middle of his performance when the bullets rained down on the crowd. He posted on Instagram hours later, calling the shooting “beyond horrific.”

Las Vegas authorities say more than 100 people are wounded in the attack.

Clark County’s sheriff says officers confronted the suspect on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino across the street from the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival. Authorities say the man is dead. They did not release the suspect’s name but said he is a local resident.

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1:40 a.m.

Las Vegas authorities say more than 20 people are dead and 100 people are wounded after a man opened fire on an outdoor concert late Sunday.

Clark County Sheriff Joseph Lombardo says officers confronted the suspect on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino across the street from the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival. Authorities say the man is dead. They did not release the suspect’s name but said he is a local resident.

Several officers from the Bakersfield Police Department were attending the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on Sunday when a gunman opened fire. One was shot and taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Authorities did not release his name.

Lombardo said they believe this was a “lone wolf” attack but said they are looking for a roommate of the dead suspect as a person of interest

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1:13 a.m.

A Southern California police department says one of its off-duty officers was shot during the attack on a Las Vegas concert.

Several officers from the Bakersfield Police Department were attending the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on Sunday when a gunman opened fire. One was shot and taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Authorities did not release his name.

Two people are dead and dozens wounded after someone opened fire on an outdoor country music festival across the street from the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.

Las Vegas police say one suspect is ‘down’ but did not give any other details.

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1 a.m.

Some flights have resumed at the Las Vegas airport after all planes were temporarily grounded due to the deadly shooting on the Strip.

McCarran International Airport says limited flight activity has resumed early Monday.

Two people are dead and dozens wounded after someone opened fire late Sunday on an outdoor country music festival.

Las Vegas police say one suspect is ‘down’ but did not give any other details.

University Medical Center spokeswoman Danita Cohen said 26 people were admitted to the hospital after the incident.

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12:50 a.m.

Las Vegas police say one suspect is ‘down’ after a deadly shooting Sunday at an outdoor concert and authorities don’t believe there are any more shooters.

Two people are dead and dozens more wounded after a gunman opened fire during Jason Aldean’s performance at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival.

Authorities shut down part of the Las Vegas Strip and Interstate 15.

McCarran International Airport officials say all flights in and out have been temporarily halted.

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12:30 a.m.

All planes have been grounded at the Las Vegas airport after the deadly shooting at an outdoor concert on the Strip.

McCarran International Airport says all flights in and out have been temporarily halted in response to the shooting.

Two people are dead and dozens wounded after someone opened fire late Sunday on a music festival.

Las Vegas police say one suspect is ‘down’ but did not give any other details.

University Medical Center spokeswoman Danita Cohen said 26 people were admitted to the hospital after the incident.

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12:15 a.m.

A concert-goer says he heard what sounded like fireworks while he was watching Jason Aldean’s performance at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival Sunday night.

Thirty-six-year-old Kodiak Yazzie said the music stopped temporarily and started up again before another round of pops sent the performers ducking for cover and fleeing the stage.

As the 40,000 fans in the crowd began to flee, Yazzie took cover and said he saw flashes of light coming from the Mandalay Bay hotel tower high above.

The bursts of pops would start and stop for more than five minutes. He says he saw dozens of ambulances as he ran for safety. He later got a Lyft driver to take him home to suburban Henderson.

Las Vegas police say one suspect is ‘down.’

A hospital spokeswoman says two people are dead and dozens wounded.

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12:05 a.m.

Las Vegas police say one suspect is ‘down’ after shooting at country music festival that has left two people dead and dozens wounded.

University Medical Center spokeswoman Danita Cohen said 26 people were admitted to the hospital.

Dozens of patrol vehicles descended on the Strip after authorities received reports of an active shooter near the Route 91 Harvest Festival. Some officers took cover behind their vehicles while others carrying assault rifles ran into the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.

Authorities shut down part of the Las Vegas Strip and Interstate 15.

Some flights destined for the McCarran International Airport were diverted due to incident.

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11:55 p.m.

A Las Vegas hospital says at least two people are dead and dozens wounded after a shooting late Sunday at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip.

University Medical Center spokeswoman Danita Cohen said 26 people were admitted to the hospital. She says, of those, at least two have died, 12 are in critical condition and the rest are being evaluated.

Dozens of patrol vehicles descended on the Strip after authorities received reports of an active shooter near the Route 91 Harvest Festival.

Authorities shut down part of the Las Vegas Strip and Interstate 15.

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11:45 p.m.

Concert-goers reported seeing muzzle flashes from the upper floors of the Mandalay Bay hotel-casino across Las Vegas Boulevard from the Route 91 Harvest country music festival and the sound of what they described as automatic gun fire.

Witnesses say they saw multiple victims Sunday night as they fled the gunfire raining down on the concert venue.

Some later huddled in the basement of the nearby Tropicana hotel-casino.

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11 p.m.

Multiple victims were being transported to hospitals after a shooting late Sunday at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip.

Dozens of patrol vehicles descended on the Strip after authorities received reports of an active shooter near the Route 91 Harvest Festival.

Some officers took cover behind their vehicles while others carrying assault rifles ran into the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.

University Medical Center spokeswoman Danita Cohen said the Las Vegas hospital is taking in “several” people with gunshot wounds. She didn’t have any other immediate information.

Authorities shut down part of the Las Vegas Strip and Interstate 15.

Some flights destined for the McCarran International Airport were diverted due to incident.

Witnesses say country singer Jason Aldean was playing near the end of the concert when gunfire rang out.

No further information was immediately known.

South Hutchinson City Council to discuss Tyson proposal Monday

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SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council will get its first discussion on what is being dubbed “Project Sunset” during Monday’s agenda session.

The project, better known as the “Tyson Chicken facility,” is suddenly a highly-sought after project ever since Leavenworth County rejected the proposal. Tyson wants to build a $320 million processing facility that could employ 1,600 people.

City Administrator Matt Stiles sent a letter to the Kansas Department of Agriculture pushing for consideration of a parcel of land they feel meets criteria for the new plant. The area is a mile south of US-50 and a mile west of K-96 at the intersection of Morgan and Valley Pride Road.

Chamber President Debra Teufel will also be on hand for the meeting to provide information on how they will approach the project.

Monday’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the South Hutchinson city offices at 2 S. Main.

 

Scanned ticket count sets new standard for Kansas State Fair attendance

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair didn’t break attendance records this year, but it did implement a new ticketing system that provides the most accurate attendance counts ever. A new partnership with web-based, ticketing-service provider Etix introduced a ticket-scanning system that digitally tracks fairgoer traffic.

This year, 322,278 people were counted through the gates to the State Fairgrounds. According to Fair organizers, attendance recorded this year showed about a 10 percent difference compared to the previously “weighed” and audited accounting for attendance last year, and in previous years. Saturday attendance typically reaches more than 60,000 people. This year, the actual scans accounted for 50,491 and 48,755 on each respective Saturday.

“It’s hard to set records year after year,” Susan Sankey, Kansas State Fair general manager, said. “The new ticketing system brought more confidence in tracking the attendance. Electronic ticketing has allowed for more efficiency and the data from the system will help to make improvements, assist with better planning, and sets a new standard for tracking attendance.”

While the fair wraps up for 2017, Sankey notes that overall feedback about the Fair has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’ve had many comments about how smoothly things went this year. We thank everyone who came out to enjoy the Fair – our sponsors, vendors, exhibitors, volunteers, students and every guest. “

Fair officials are still finalizing revenue numbers and preparing the budget for next year. There were some hot, windy and humid days, but the event was free of any major safety or weather problems. Recent amusement ride accidents, including on the opening day at the Ohio State Fair just weeks before the Kansas State Fair likely caused heightened sensitivity about the carnival rides, resulting in some lesser revenues. Also, the concert was delayed Saturday evening and the midway rides were temporarily shut down due to a passing storm.

North American Midway Entertainment, the contracted midway provider at the Kansas State Fair, followed its standard protocols, making safety a high, ongoing priority. Sankey says that led to a smooth transition to comply with new amusement ride regulations in Kansas.

“Rides are just one component of the wide range of activities we have happening every day at the Fair,” Sankey said. “For example, youth livestock shows represented record turnouts this year, filling the barns to capacity. Ours is a traditional Fair with a diversity true to agriculture and commerce. It celebrates everything Kansas every day.”

The Kansas State Fair has been held annually in Hutchinson since 1913. Plans are already underway for next year’s Fair, set for Sept. 7-16, 2018.

Library knocking another hole in the wall

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[ By KATE LEWIS ]

[ HUTCHINSON PUBLIC LIBRARY ]

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — “We’re knocking another hole in the wall,” Gregg Wamsley, Hutchinson Public Library Director, said. “We’ve recognized for quite some time the need to provide more streamlined service to our patrons, and we are now working towards that with a new service desk, plus adding more places to sit, a coffee bar, and large picture window.”

Currently the library has two desks, the circulation desk and information desk, and these two desks will be combined. Staff will be trained to help patrons with a variety of services, including circulation, computer lab, and general information. Reference will still be located on the second floor.  

“Patrons have asked for more places to sit and read, updated décor, and fresh brewed coffee available in the library. By moving the service desk to the center of the room, space is opened up for both a new seating area and self-serve coffee bar. Plans include a new cafe-style seating area, cabinetry, new carpet, and a large picture window on the north side of the library. New Items will be located in the new seating area, and Reserved Books will be behind the service desk. The copier and printer tables will also be combined. Self-check Out will be on both sides of the service desk, and Self-check In will be located by the new seating area, just inside the Main Street entrance.  

Construction will begin sometime in early October, and is estimated to take about seven to eight weeks. During construction, a temporary service desk will be by the computer lab. Reserves and new items will be moved behind the computer area. Construction debris and materials will primarily be moved in and out of the hole in the wall to minimize disruption at the entrance. A plastic curtain will keep dust contained to the construction area.  

Kevin Wineinger of Gastinger Walker is the architect for this project, and A&A Construction is the contractor. This construction project is funded from a generous gift from Robert & Neva Jane Upp. Wamsley says, “The Upps were long time supporters of the library, and they wanted their gift to go toward something permanent in the library. The Hutchinson Public Library Board felt that this project was an appropriate use of their gift, and library staff look forward to better helping patrons find what they need.”  

HFD starting new Fire Prevention Program

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department is releasing a new fire prevention program called “Fire in Your Neighborhood.” The goal is to inform area neighborhoods of what happened after a fire and how to prevent future occurrences.

Normally at a fire scene, numerous neighbors congregate to see what is happening after hearing the sirens and the commotion of a fire. They watch the firefighters in action as they perform their duties of saving lives and reducing property damage.

After the incident de-escalates, citizens wander back to their homes with a lot of unanswered questions. Examples of this would be: “Why did the firefighters cut a large hole in the roof?” or “Why did the firefighters have to break open the window?” and “I wonder what may have caused the fire?”

The Hutchinson Fire Department crews will canvas the neighborhood by going door-to-door to answer these questions and provide some safety tips for your home. If you are not home, the department will leave a door hanger that is full of useful safety tips.

In addition, you may request a scheduled free home inspection to evaluate smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detector placement, trip or fall hazards, or any other fire or life safety hazards.

To schedule a free home inspection, please call the Hutchinson Fire Department at 694-2871.

USD 308 to purchase Northgate Dillons building

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson School Board gave approval for the district to enter into a purchase agreement with Dillons for the former Northgate store at 30th and Plum during last night’s agenda session.

When the renovation is completed, the 60-thousand-square-foot building will house the district’s Pre-K programs, which may also include Early Head Start, jointly operated by TECH USD 308 and the early ed center. It will also house the Parents as Teachers program. The district hopes to have the programs moved to the new facility by 2019.

The Pre-K facility will likely utilize about 60-75 percent of the available space of the facility with a long list of possibilities for the remaining space including a new home for the administrative offices, a centralized kitchen for the district or possible relocation of the district IT department.

Superintendent Gary Price said this all came about after the need arose to consolidate Pre-K programs and provide all-day service for those students. He noted that they approached Dillons, who was willing to negotiate the purchase of the building. The cost of the building will be $450,000, far less than the original asking price of $1.5 million.

The new building could also eliminate or repurpose a number of district buildings including the Hutcherson Center in Careyville, the current administration center, the early ed center and Avenue A school, which may be closing as a traditional school by next year.

The Northgate building has been vacant since Dillons moved into its new Marketplace store at 30th and Waldron in August of 2013.

Suspect in Friday’s fatal shooting makes court appearance

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The suspect in last Friday’s shooting made an initial court appearance.

Thirty-four-year-old Quinton Moore of Hutchinson faces a charge of first-degree murder for the shooting of 42-year-old Clarence D. Allen.

According to Police, Moore allegedly arrived at the residence of 1701 E. 30th and shot Allen multiple times with a handgun. Moore then immediately fled the home. Allen was found by a friend later in the morning laying in a bed with multiple gunshot wounds to his head and face.

Moore was described as an on-and-off roommate and apparently told someone after the murder that he emptied a clip with the black handgun. Under Miranda, Moore apparently admitted to the shooting. He was apparently upset about some things involving the victim according to statements made in court, but Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen didn’t specify what upset him.

This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Hutchinson Police Department at 694-2816.

Moore will be back in court next week to hear any formal charges.

Chamber may have interest in Tyson plant

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Several area cities have expressed interest in the proposed Tyson Chicken processing facility that was turned away by Leavenworth County Commissioners on Tuesday.

The Hutchinson Reno County Chamber of Commerce is also taking at least a peek at the proposal to see if there is any interest in Tyson.

President Debra Teufel says she wants to look over the project specs of the $320 million facility that was to be located in Leavenworth County. Those plans were stalled when County Commissioners rescinded a previous resolution in favor of issuing $500 million in industrial revenue bonds.

The resolution would have made the project eligible for an 80 percent property-tax reduction. The Commission’s vote came three days after a town hall meeting in Tonganoxie persuaded local legislators to oppose the project. Between 2000 and 3000 people attended. Many objected to the project. Several business leaders in Wichita have also expressed the desire to have their city look into the facility.

Teufel says she wants to look over the proposal and other information before making any decision. That would also include the blessing of the city and other community and county leaders. South Hutchinson City Manager Matt Stiles and Hutchinson City Manager John Deardoff said they would look at the proposal if it were to gain any traction here in the area. County Administrator Gary Meagher also said it would be an interest to the county.

The Tyson plant would employ about 1,600 people and cost $320 million to build.

UPDATE: Suspect in Kan. tax office shooting owes almost $400K in unpaid taxes

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Tuesday shooting scene photo courtesy KWCH

SEDGWICK COUNTY —  Law enforcement authorities continue their investigating of the Tuesday afternoon shooting of an employee the Kansas Department of Revenue office in Wichita.

Officer Charley Davidson confirmed Wednesday morning that the suspect Ricky Wirths, 51, Wichita, is being held for attempted first-degree murder.

Just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday police responded to report of a shooting at the Department of Revenue Taxation office near the intersection of 21st Street and Amidon in Wichita, according to Davidson. Officers found a 35-year-old employee of the office with multiple gunshot wounds.  He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.  Davidson reported Wednesday that the victim is improving and in stable condition.

On Tuesday morning, the Department of Revenue and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s office had been at a home in the 900 Block of West 31st Street North following up on a Department of Revenue investigation.  The shooting victim has been part of this investigation, according to Davidson. Tax records indicate Wirths has two tax warrants totaling almost $400,000 related to his construction business, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue.

At 2:30p.m. Tuesday, Ricky Wirths, the individual who is the object of the Department of Revenue investigation, walked into the Department of Revenue office and asked for the victim by name.  The victim came to the front of the business to meet with Wirths.  As they discussed the investigation, Wirths pulled a handgun and shot the victim multiple times, according to Davidson.

The victim fled back into the office area and the suspect fled in a pickup truck.  Officers found the suspect and arrested him without incident near the intersection of 31st North and Arkansas. Police have interviewed multiple witnesses to the crime and have recovered a gun.

Wirths is being held without bond, according to the Sedgwick County Jail booking report.

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a man under investigation by the Kansas Department of Revenue is suspected in a shooting that critically injured an employee at the agency’s Wichita office.

Wichita Police spokesman Charley Davidson told reporters that a 35-year-old employee was shot multiple times Tuesday before the gunman fled the scene. The suspect was arrested about a half hour later and is in custody.

Davidson says there was a Revenue Department investigation involving the suspect earlier in the day, but he did not have details.

Police were called at about 2:40 p.m. to the shopping center where the office is located.

The investigation is ongoing. No names or other details were immediately released.

Gov. Sam Brownback released a statement asking for prayers for the victim. The statement also said the office where the shooting occurred will be closed the rest of the week.

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a man under investigation by the Kansas Department of Revenue is suspected in a shooting that critically injured an employee at the agency’s Wichita office.

Wichita Police spokesman Charley Davidson told reporters that a 35-year-old employee was shot multiple times Tuesday before the gunman fled the scene. The suspect was arrested about a half hour later and is in custody.

Davidson says there was a Revenue Department investigation involving the suspect earlier in the day, but he did not have details of its nature.

Police were called at about 2:40 p.m. to the shopping center where the office is located.

The investigation is ongoing. No names or other details were immediately released.

Job fair held for Siemens employees

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — More than 30 local and regional companies turned out this morning for the job fair for Siemens employees.

The event will help those facing furloughs from the Hutchinson nacelle plant. Siemens announced last month that it would lay off 140 workers to fall in line with production forecasts. Siemens allowed its workers to leave their shifts and attend the job fair with Hutchinson Community College providing the transportation to and from the Sports Arena.

Warren Scott, the Employment Specialist and Veterans Representative for Kansas WorkforceOne, says this all started on Friday with a meeting with Siemens employees who were offered a list of options from finding work elsewhere, to training opportunities, to unemployment benefits.

Scott says if a potential employee needs specialized training, WorkforceOne will help fund training for skills necessary for that job. WorkforceOne can also provide training for the spouse of a furloughed employee so they can either improve their job status or find employment.

The Siemens layoffs are expected to be put in place in October. The company announced at the time of the layoffs that it is committed to Hutchinson.

Siemens Gamesa says it will announce its new Strategic Business Plan on November 15, 2017 at a Capital Markets Day. At that time, Siemens Gamesa will provide information about the product portfolio, the financial targets for fiscal years 2018-2020 as well as a global sales plan and a model for the future supply chain footprint.

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