TOPEKA, Kan. – It’s a sign of the season – political campaigning and the posting of campaign signs. The Kansas Department of Transportation is reminding the public that all political campaign signs or billboards are prohibited on state rights of way.

By law, all state highway rights of way are exclusively for public highway purposes. Only regulatory, guide signs and warning signs placed by KDOT are allowed on the 9,500-mile state highway system. KDOT has jurisdiction over all interstate, Kansas and U.S. routes.

When KDOT maintenance crews find political or business advertising on state right of way, the signs will be removed immediately and without notice. All such signs will then be taken to the closest KDOT sub-area office. Political campaign signs not retrieved from the sub-area offices will be disposed of after the election.

Political campaign advertising is allowed on private property bordering state right of way. However, people placing or erecting signs on private property must first obtain permission from the property owner.

A state law passed in 2015 related to placement of campaign signs on city or county owned rights of way does not apply to state highway right of way. Persons placing signs along city streets or county roads should consult local jurisdiction rules.

CARBONDALE, Kan. – The Osage County Sheriff’s Office has reported two people were arrested Monday after a deputy visited a residence in rural Carbondale, Kan., to serve a civil paper.

The sheriff’s report said around 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 30, 2022, a deputy arrived at the residence in the 12600 block of South Lewelling Road, near Carbondale, to serve the civil paper, when he encountered two subjects engaged in suspected illegal narcotic use. One subject was taken into custody without incident. Another subject fled the scene on foot. A sheriff’s office dog was requested at the scene and was used to track the subject.

Marie E. Bagby, 59, Carbondale, was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two warrants. Dennis D. Lee, 68, Carbondale, was taken into custody on suspicion of felony interference with law enforcement.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Kansas Highway Patrol and Carbondale Police Department in the incident.

OSAGE COUNTY, Kan. – Three Kansas City, Mo., men were arrested early Monday morning after about a 20-mile vehicle pursuit on Interstate 35.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office reported that at 4:10 a.m. May 30, 2022, an Osage County deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop at milepost 165 on I-35. The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle finally came to a stop at milepost 187 after it struck a tire deflating device deployed by Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

When the vehicle came to a stop, three subjects fled into a wooded area. Eventually the three were located, taken into custody, and booked into the Osage County Jail on a variety of charges.

Ramar D. Brown, 26, Kansas City, Mo., was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, felony flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, and felony interference. Jaron L. Brown, 22, and Johnathon D. Daniel, 30, both of Kansas City, Mo., were each arrested on suspicion of felony interference.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Ottawa Police Department assisted in the pursuit and arrests.

SCRANTON, Kan. – The Osage County Sheriff’s Office has reported a man was found deceased after a house fire in rural Scranton early Friday morning. After emergency personnel responded and the structure was safe to enter, Larry D. Moore, 68, resident of the home, was located inside.

The sheriff’s office reported that a 911 call came in at 1:12 a.m. May 27, 2022, reporting a house on fire at 4098 W. 141st St., Scranton. OCFD No. 1, Carbondale, and OCFD No. 6, Burlingame, Osage County EMS, and sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene.

Upon arrival of responders, the house was found heavily involved with fire. Additional assistance was requested from OCFD No. 2, Osage City, and the 190th Air Refueling Wing Fire Department.

After entering the structure, firefighters found Moore inside deceased.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the case.