Kansas
Kansas opens $2.3M in victim assistance grants; KCK shelter says timing is critical
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) – More than $2.3 million in victim assistance grants is now available for Kansas organizations that serve crime victims, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced Wednesday.
Six state grant programs administered through the Office of the Attorney General are open for application. The funding supports nonprofits and government agencies statewide that provide direct services to crime victims, including domestic violence shelters, sexual assault agencies, child advocacy centers, child exchange and visitation centers, and organizations serving human trafficking victims.
Friends of Yates, a 24/7 domestic violence shelter in Kansas City, Kansas, operates between 35 and 40 beds and says it runs at capacity as much as 80 to 90 percent of the year.
Executive Director Dr. Desmond Lamb said demand is not declining.
“We’re seeing kind of an uptake in domestic violent homicide, which is unfortunate,” Lamb said. “Domestic violence is definitely on the rise.”
Lamb said the shelter provides three meals a day, transportation to medical appointments, school transportation for children, and economic and family advocacy services to residents.
“We use every penny to provide direct services and trauma-informed care to those who we serve,” Lamb said.
Lamb said the shelter has historically received funding through the attorney general’s grant programs since the programs began more than 20 years ago. He said grant dollars help cover utilities, insurance, food, and overall shelter operations.
“Many times resources are not as prevalent and practical in marginalized communities as they are in other, more affluent communities,” Lamb said. “So when these resources become available, it is definitely an appreciated and a needed help.”
Kristen Czugala, Division Chief of Victim Services at the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, said the funding is drawn from district court fines and fees, as well as a portion of marriage license fees, along with some state general funds.
“This funding is really vital to our local programs,” Czugala said. “These awards are used to help support the agencies that are doing the hard work in the field, supporting victims of crime, helping them feel believed and supported and to be safe in our communities.”
The attorney general’s office typically awards approximately 100 individual grants to about 50 organizations each year across the six funding streams. The six programs open for application are:
- Child Exchange and Visitation Center Program (CEVC) — Provides supervised child exchange and visitation to children and families at risk due to domestic or family violence.
- Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Fund (HTVAF) — Established by the Legislature in 2013, supports training for law enforcement and services for human trafficking victims and victims of commercial sexual exploitation of a child.
- Child Abuse and Neglect Fund (CVAF-CA) — Supports ongoing operating expenses of programs assisting child victims.
- Crime Victims Assistance Fund (CVAF) — Supports ongoing operating expenses of programs assisting crime victims and helps establish and maintain new victim services programs.
- State Protection from Abuse Fund (PFA) — Provides temporary emergency shelter for adult victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and their dependent children, along with counseling and educational services.
- Child Advocacy Center Fund (CAC) — Supports ongoing operating expenses of child advocacy centers.
The first step of the application process is due April 10, 2026. Applications are submitted through the Grant Management System on the attorney general’s website at ag.ks.gov/divisions/victim-services/grant-programs. Awards are expected to be announced this summer.
Lamb said Friends of Yates plans to reapply.
“We keep our fingers crossed and we pray,” Lamb said. “And most generally, we get that phone call that puts a smile on our face.”
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A former PTA treasurer from Lee’s Summit has pleaded guilty to nine counts of bank and wire fraud after stealing more than $100,000 from the organization, according to federal officials.
Officials said Holly Mikkelsen could face up to 30 years in federal prison without parole.
From Aug. 17, 2020, to July 23, 2025, Mikkelsen served as treasurer of the Summit Pointe Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (SPE PTA) in Kansas City, Missouri. The group is a nonprofit, school-based volunteer organization.
Prosecutors said that while serving as treasurer, Mikkelsen made unauthorized withdrawals from the PTA’s checking accounts for her personal benefit. Investigators said the alleged theft included writing and signing checks in the nonprofit’s name payable to herself, using those funds for personal expenses, withdrawing cash from ATMs, and transferring SPE PTA money into her personal accounts.
“The council is taking immediate steps to strengthen financial accountability across all affiliated PTAs, including a full review of existing protocols, dual authorization requirements for financial transactions, board financial training, and consistent audit practices district-wide,” said Lorenzo Harrison, Council President of LSR7 PTA. “The community will be kept informed as this process moves forward.”
Sentencing for Mikkelsen is scheduled for Sept. 24.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Early risers, give yourselves a few extra minutes before heading out the door this morning. Showers and storms to start the day will likely make for at least a slightly slower commute.
Brief periods of heavy rainfall will be possible. While rain will be around through much of the day, there will also be some breaks in the rainfall too.
Temperatures will stay below average while conditions will be damp at times. Highs today will be in the 60s and upper 50s.
New storms are expected to move in from the west by the evening. As they cross the state line from Colorado, they will initially need to be monitored closely.
A couple of Western Kansas storms during the evening could be strong to severe. While all forms of severe weather will be possible, the threat of a tornado is low and mainly confined to areas along the Kansas/Colorado line.
The severe threat should be lower after midnight despite skies remaining unsettled.
Spotty showers and thunderstorms will likely continue to show some life into Friday.
Despite clouds and rain through much of the day tomorrow, many high temperatures will begin to warm up into the 70s.
Some new storms will be possible later in the afternoon and evening but will still be spotty.
A Friday severe risk has expanded a bit since yesterday but is still confined to southern portions of the area. Wind and hail are the main threats.
Some strong storms to the south will be possible all the way into the overnight.
Saturday will be similar to Thursday and Friday. Spotty rain around through much of the day, more evening showers and storms rolling through, and damp through the overnight.
Once Saturday night rain moves out, Sunday will not be as active. Memorial Day will be mainly dry and warm before skies turn unsettled again.
Kansas
United Market opens in Kansas City’s Linwood Shopping Center, bringing fresh food back to Prospect
KSHB 41 reporter La’Nita Brooks covers stories in Kansas City, Missouri, and stories offering solutions on crime. Share your story idea with La’Nita.
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Hundreds of people packed the parking lot at Linwood Boulevard and Prospect Avenue on Wednesday for the grand opening of United Market KC, a new grocery store community members say represents more than a place to shop.
“A place where families can once again access fresh, affordable food right here in the heart of Prospect,” Helen, a speaker at the event, said.
La’Nita Brooks
The store replaces the former Sun Fresh location, which was marked by empty shelves and unpleasant smells before closing.
Under new ownership and a completely new brand, community leaders and the store’s owner say United Market KC is a new beginning for the corridor.
United Market opens in Kansas City’s Linwood shopping center, bringing fresh food back to Prospect
The grand opening drew the Kansas City, Missouri, mayor, several city councilmembers and community leaders, who all spoke at the event.
The day included performances, a live band, free samples and a flood of customers shopping the aisles for the first time. The first five customers received $100 toward their purchase.
La’Nita Brooks
Anthony Estrada, the owner of United Market, closed the ceremony with a heartfelt speech about his hopes to unite the community through food — a vision reflected in the store’s name.
“Extremely excited,” Estrada said. “I feel like the community really showed up. I feel like that’s what we need for the store to be successful. We’re here to serve the community the best we can.”
La’Nita Brooks
Marquita Taylor, president of the Santa Fe Area Council Neighborhood Association, said she was pleased with how quickly a new store followed the previous one and called on the community to help keep it thriving.
“I’m glad it didn’t take long from one store to the next. I’m glad and happy to see so many people here. And I just want the commitment of all these people to wrap your arms around this store because it has to stay safe,” Taylor said.
Community leaders said they are confident the store is here to stay.
La’Nita Brooks
Resident Billy Ray said the atmosphere inside the store matched the excitement outside.
“Beautiful, open, looking good, everyone’s walking around happy, shopping,” Ray said. “That’s what we want to see.”
United Market will slowly phase into a free membership concept after the first 30 days.
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