By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/14/gov-laura-kellys-education-advisers-call-for-investments-in-child-care-technology-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly told members of education advisory group 
Friday that the state’s healthy financial situation made this year’s 
budget process “particularly fun.”

Faced with a projected $2.9 billion surplus, the governor was able to
 include nearly all of the recommendations made by educators in the 
proposed budget she delivered to the Legislature on Wednesday. Her 
suggested investments in K-12 schools include more money for student 
aid, professional development, student mental health services, and an 
inflation adjustment for total spending.

“We said we would fully fund our public education, and we continue to fulfill that promise,” Kelly said.

The Governor’s Council on Education includes nearly 48 business 
leaders and education officials from across the state. Members of the 
council met in the Statehouse with banners that recalled the governor’s 
inauguration in 2019, displaying the words “equality,” “education,” 
“opportunity” and “innovation.”

“We do have the pillars that we started with, that were based on the 
governor’s inauguration,” said Fred Dierksen, superintendent for Dodge 
City schools. “We added ‘innovation’ because of the importance of 
technology in education today, and where we’re going with that in all 
facets of the business. And so I just think those are constant reminders
 that we can never overlook.”

The council delivered a report with recommendations to invest in 
child care, computer science and information technology talent, 
technology and equipment upgrades, and work-based learning. The council 
also recommends the formation of a commission of health care 
policymakers, regulators and criminal justice experts to review and 
recommend career pathways.

<a target="_blank" href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GCE-Report-Final-1.pdf">Read the full report</a>.

Kelly said she plans to keep a copy of the report on her desk during the legislative session as a reference.

“You have made it clear what the issues are, and that will make it much easier,” Kelly said.

Cynthia Lane, a member of the Kansas Board of Regents, and Dierksen 
co-chaired the council, which focused on child care, early learning, 
talent pipeline and work-based learning in meetings throughout 2021.

Lane said the difficult reality that Kansas is not a place of opportunity has been driving the council’s work.

“Many of us are lifelong Kansans, many of us have chosen to live in 
Kansas, and we want to make sure that we have quality opportunities for 
all,” Lane said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642199193111.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly addresses members of her education council during a meeting Friday at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly addresses members of her education council during a meeting Friday at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/14/gov-laura-kellys-education-advisers-call-for-investments-in-child-care-technology-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly told members of education advisory group 
Friday that the state’s healthy financial situation made this year’s 
budget process “particularly fun.”Faced with a projected $2.9 billion surplus, the governor was able to
 include nearly all of the recommendations made by educators in the 
proposed budget she delivered to the Legislature on Wednesday. Her 
suggested investments in K-12 schools include more money for student 
aid, professional development, student mental health services, and an 
inflation adjustment for total spending.“We said we would fully fund our public education, and we continue to fulfill that promise,” Kelly said.The Governor’s Council on Education includes nearly 48 business 
leaders and education officials from across the state. Members of the 
council met in the Statehouse with banners that recalled the governor’s 
inauguration in 2019, displaying the words “equality,” “education,” 
“opportunity” and “innovation.”“We do have the pillars that we started with, that were based on the 
governor’s inauguration,” said Fred Dierksen, superintendent for Dodge 
City schools. “We added ‘innovation’ because of the importance of 
technology in education today, and where we’re going with that in all 
facets of the business. And so I just think those are constant reminders
 that we can never overlook.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642199260357.png" alt="Kansas Board of Regents member Cynthia Lane appears at Friday’s meeting of the Governor’s Council on Education at the Statehouse in Topeka. Behind her are banners that mimic those displayed at the governor’s inauguration in 2019. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Board of Regents member Cynthia Lane appears at Friday’s meeting of the Governor’s Council on Education at the Statehouse in Topeka. Behind her are banners that mimic those displayed at the governor’s inauguration in 2019. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>The council delivered a report with recommendations to invest in 
child care, computer science and information technology talent, 
technology and equipment upgrades, and work-based learning. The council 
also recommends the formation of a commission of health care 
policymakers, regulators and criminal justice experts to review and 
recommend career pathways.<a target="_blank" href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GCE-Report-Final-1.pdf">Read the full report</a>.Kelly said she plans to keep a copy of the report on her desk during the legislative session as a reference.“You have made it clear what the issues are, and that will make it much easier,” Kelly said.Cynthia Lane, a member of the Kansas Board of Regents, and Dierksen 
co-chaired the council, which focused on child care, early learning, 
talent pipeline and work-based learning in meetings throughout 2021.Lane said the difficult reality that Kansas is not a place of opportunity has been driving the council’s work.“Many of us are lifelong Kansans, many of us have chosen to live in 
Kansas, and we want to make sure that we have quality opportunities for 
all,” Lane said.

Kan. education advisers call for investments in child care, technology

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal Friday morning crash on the Kansas Turnpike have identified those involved.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just before 8:30a.m., a 2012 Dodge Durango driven by Tori D. Hornecker, 28, Wichita, was southbound on Interstate 35 near the K-15 exit in the number 2 lane.&nbsp;

The Durango traveled off the road to the right. The passenger side of the SUV struck the left rear corner of a trailer pulled by a 2022 Peterbilt semi driven by Dallas Ray Carmen, 39, Stillwater, Oklahoma, that was legally parked on the outside shoulder.

A passenger in the Durango identified as 6-year-0ld Regan Paige Sampson of Wichita was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the KHP.&nbsp; 

EMS transported Hornecker and a second passenger in the Durango 8-year-old Brantley Chance Sampson to Wesley Medical Center. Carmen was not injured. The driver and passengers in the Durango were not wearing seat belts or in child safety seats, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642188226552.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal Friday morning crash on the Kansas Turnpike have identified those involved.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just before 8:30a.m., a 2012 Dodge Durango driven by Tori D. Hornecker, 28, Wichita, was southbound on Interstate 35 near the K-15 exit in the number 2 lane.&nbsp;The Durango traveled off the road to the right. The passenger side of the SUV struck the left rear corner of a trailer pulled by a 2022 Peterbilt semi driven by Dallas Ray Carmen, 39, Stillwater, Oklahoma, that was legally parked on the outside shoulder.A passenger in the Durango identified as 6-year-0ld Regan Paige Sampson of Wichita was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the KHP.&nbsp; EMS transported Hornecker and a second passenger in the Durango 8-year-old Brantley Chance Sampson to Wesley Medical Center. Carmen was not injured. The driver and passengers in the Durango were not wearing seat belts or in child safety seats, according to the KHP.

6-year-old Kan. girl dies after ejected in Kansas Turnpike crash

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The tsunami threat around the Pacific from a huge undersea volcanic eruption has begun to recede but the massive ash cloud covering the tiny island nation of Tonga is preventing surveillance flights from New Zealand to assess the extent of damage. 

The eruption on Saturday sent tsunami waves swirling around buildings and people rushing to higher ground. 

The eruption was massive enough to be detected in Kansas, Kansas Mesonet noted on its <a href="https://twitter.com/ksmesonet">Twitter account</a>.

The explosion cut the internet to Tonga, leaving friends and family members around the world anxiously trying to get in touch. Even government websites and other official sources remained without updates on Sunday afternoon. 

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says there's not been any official reports of injuries or deaths in Tonga but authorities haven't yet made contact with some coastal areas and smaller islands.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The tsunami threat around the Pacific from a huge undersea volcanic eruption has begun to recede but the massive ash cloud covering the tiny island nation of Tonga is preventing surveillance flights from New Zealand to assess the extent of damage. The eruption on Saturday sent tsunami waves swirling around buildings and people rushing to higher ground. The eruption was massive enough to be detected in Kansas, Kansas Mesonet noted on its <a href="https://twitter.com/ksmesonet">Twitter account</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We did indeed measure the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HungaTongaHungaHaapai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HungaTongaHungaHaapai</a> volcano this morning. A pressure wave was detected weakly and propagated eastward with time. Note, change isn&#39;t much since we average over a five minute period. Still, a noticable trace! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qq0blvGYiq">pic.twitter.com/Qq0blvGYiq</a>&mdash; Kansas Mesonet (@ksmesonet) <a href="https://twitter.com/ksmesonet/status/1482552501077434369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The explosion cut the internet to Tonga, leaving friends and family members around the world anxiously trying to get in touch. Even government websites and other official sources remained without updates on Sunday afternoon. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says there's not been any official reports of injuries or deaths in Tonga but authorities haven't yet made contact with some coastal areas and smaller islands.

Pacific tsunami threat recedes; volcanic eruption detected in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials have updated their mask guidance, encouraging more Americans to wear N95 or KN95 masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Those kinds of masks are considered better at filtering the air. But they were in short supply previously, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials had said they should be prioritized for health care workers.

 President Joe Biden continues to urge Americans to get vaccinated and to wear a mask. "I think it's part of your patriotic duty to wear a mask," he said ahead of a meeting with his COVID response team.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html" target="_blank">updated guidance</a>&nbsp;posted late Friday,&nbsp; CDC officials removed concerns related to supply shortages and more clearly said that properly fitted N95 and KN95 masks offer the most protection.

However, agency officials noted some masks are harder to tolerate than others, and urged people to choose good-fitting masks that they will wear consistently.

“Our main message continues to be that any mask is better than no mask,” Kristen Nordlund, a CDC spokeswoman, said in a statement.

The CDC has evolved its mask guidance throughout the pandemic.

In its last update, in September, CDC officials became more encouraging of disposable N95 masks, saying they could be used in certain situations if supplies were available. Examples included being near a lot of people for extended periods of time on a train, bus or airplane; taking care of someone in poor health; or being more susceptible to severe illness.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-6eb679fb606d9ec2e98db7ab2767d1c0">announced</a>&nbsp;that his administration was planning to make “high-quality masks,” including N95s, available for free. He said more details were coming next week. The federal government has a stockpile of more than 750 million N95 masks, the White House said.

The latest CDC guidance notes that there is a special category of “surgical N95” masks, that are specially designed for protection against blood splashes and other operating room hazards. Those are not generally available for sale to the public, and should continue to be reserved for health care workers, the agency said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642088735613.png" alt="President Biden said it's your patriotic duty to wear a mask-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden said it's your patriotic duty to wear a mask-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials have updated their mask guidance, encouraging more Americans to wear N95 or KN95 masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus.Those kinds of masks are considered better at filtering the air. But they were in short supply previously, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials had said they should be prioritized for health care workers. President Joe Biden continues to urge Americans to get vaccinated and to wear a mask. "I think it's part of your patriotic duty to wear a mask," he said ahead of a meeting with his COVID response team.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F627100008618297%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=182" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html" target="_blank">updated guidance</a>&nbsp;posted late Friday,&nbsp; CDC officials removed concerns related to supply shortages and more clearly said that properly fitted N95 and KN95 masks offer the most protection.However, agency officials noted some masks are harder to tolerate than others, and urged people to choose good-fitting masks that they will wear consistently.“Our main message continues to be that any mask is better than no mask,” Kristen Nordlund, a CDC spokeswoman, said in a statement.The CDC has evolved its mask guidance throughout the pandemic.In its last update, in September, CDC officials became more encouraging of disposable N95 masks, saying they could be used in certain situations if supplies were available. Examples included being near a lot of people for extended periods of time on a train, bus or airplane; taking care of someone in poor health; or being more susceptible to severe illness.On Thursday, President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-6eb679fb606d9ec2e98db7ab2767d1c0">announced</a>&nbsp;that his administration was planning to make “high-quality masks,” including N95s, available for free. He said more details were coming next week. The federal government has a stockpile of more than 750 million N95 masks, the White House said.The latest CDC guidance notes that there is a special category of “surgical N95” masks, that are specially designed for protection against blood splashes and other operating room hazards. Those are not generally available for sale to the public, and should continue to be reserved for health care workers, the agency said.

 🎥 Biden: It's part of your patriotic duty to wear a mask

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court said Friday it will hear the case of a former Seattle-area football coach who was removed from his job because he refused to stop praying on the field.

Former Bremerton High School coach Joe Kennedy’s lawyers say the religious beliefs of their client, who is Christian, “compelled him to give thanks through prayer at the conclusion of each game for what the players accomplished and for the opportunity to be part of their lives through football.” After games had ended and after both teams’ players and coaches met at midfield to shake hands, Kennedy would kneel and offer a silent or quiet prayer.

His practice evolved, however. Students came to join him, and he eventually began to give motivational speeches that often included religious content and a short prayer.

The school district says that when it learned what Kennedy was doing it tried to accommodate him, asking that he pray separately from students. But the district says Kennedy ultimately declined to change his practice, was put on paid leave and sued. Lower courts sided with the school district.

In 2019, at an earlier stage of the case, the high court rejected getting involved. At that time, however, four conservative justices said while it was too early to get involved, they were interested in the case and the legal issues it raises.

In a statement issued Friday after the court agreed to hear the case, Kelly Shackelford, the head of First Liberty Institute, which is representing Kennedy, said, “No teacher or coach should lose their job for simply expressing their faith while in public.”

“By taking this important case, the Supreme Court can protect the right of every American to engage in private religious expression, including praying in public, without fear of punishment,” Shackelford said.

But the head of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which represents the school district, said it had followed the law, calling Kennedy's actions “coercive prayers.”

"This case is not about a school employee praying silently during a private religious devotion. Rather, this case is about protecting impressionable students who felt pressured by their coach to participate repeatedly in public prayer, and a public school district that did right by its students and families,” Rachel Laser said in a statement.

The case is expected to be argued in the spring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641555607497.png" alt="The case is expected to be argued in the spring -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The case is expected to be argued in the spring -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court said Friday it will hear the case of a former Seattle-area football coach who was removed from his job because he refused to stop praying on the field.Former Bremerton High School coach Joe Kennedy’s lawyers say the religious beliefs of their client, who is Christian, “compelled him to give thanks through prayer at the conclusion of each game for what the players accomplished and for the opportunity to be part of their lives through football.” After games had ended and after both teams’ players and coaches met at midfield to shake hands, Kennedy would kneel and offer a silent or quiet prayer.His practice evolved, however. Students came to join him, and he eventually began to give motivational speeches that often included religious content and a short prayer.The school district says that when it learned what Kennedy was doing it tried to accommodate him, asking that he pray separately from students. But the district says Kennedy ultimately declined to change his practice, was put on paid leave and sued. Lower courts sided with the school district.In 2019, at an earlier stage of the case, the high court rejected getting involved. At that time, however, four conservative justices said while it was too early to get involved, they were interested in the case and the legal issues it raises.In a statement issued Friday after the court agreed to hear the case, Kelly Shackelford, the head of First Liberty Institute, which is representing Kennedy, said, “No teacher or coach should lose their job for simply expressing their faith while in public.”“By taking this important case, the Supreme Court can protect the right of every American to engage in private religious expression, including praying in public, without fear of punishment,” Shackelford said.But the head of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which represents the school district, said it had followed the law, calling Kennedy's actions “coercive prayers.”"This case is not about a school employee praying silently during a private religious devotion. Rather, this case is about protecting impressionable students who felt pressured by their coach to participate repeatedly in public prayer, and a public school district that did right by its students and families,” Rachel Laser said in a statement.The case is expected to be argued in the spring.

Supreme Court to hear case of praying football coach forced from his job

PAWNEE COUNTY – A Pawnee County jury found Roy Gene Hill, 59 of Osage, Kansas guilty of a child sex crime during a trial Thursday, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

The jury heard testimony that the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call on February 10, 2019, at approximately 5 a.m. to respond to a possible sexual assault of a minor at a residence in Garfield, Kansas. 

Once at the residence the responding officers were advised by the owners that their 13 year old granddaughter had been awaken in her bedroom at approximately 3 a.m. by a man touching her inappropriately. 

The girl told the officers that she recognized the assailant as being her grandparent’s house guest.

The teenager testified at trial that after the assault occurred she was too scared to leave her room as she would have to pass the defendant to get to her grandmother’s room. 

Hill had been staying on the family’s couch for several weeks. She attempted to call and text her grandmother serval times, but her grandmother did not wake up for over an hour. Hill was arrested at the scene without incident. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation handled the follow-up investigation.

The jury made up of 7 men and 5 women deliberated for approximately one hour Thursday afternoon before returning Guilty verdict of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child Under the Age of 14. The defense argued law enforcement rushed to judgment and conducted an insufficient investigation.

Hill previously entered a No Contest plea on December 16, 2021, to Count 2 in the case to a charge of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender with the Pawnee County Sheriff.

Under the Kansas Offender Registration Act, offenders are required to notify the local sheriff if they remain in a County for more than 3 days. At the time, Hill was subject to life-time registration due to a previous Aggravated Indecent Liberties conviction for an incident in Neosho County in 2002. 

Pursuant to a pretrial order, the Jury was not informed of Hill’s prior sex conviction, nor his duty to register.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.. The defendant has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since February 10, 2019. Based on his prior sex offense, Hill now faces a mandatory 40 year under the Jessica’s Law sentencing provisions, according to McNett.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642114839130.png" alt="Hill-photo Ford Co." />
 <figcaption>Hill-photo Ford Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY – A Pawnee County jury found Roy Gene Hill, 59 of Osage, Kansas guilty of a child sex crime during a trial Thursday, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.The jury heard testimony that the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call on February 10, 2019, at approximately 5 a.m. to respond to a possible sexual assault of a minor at a residence in Garfield, Kansas. Once at the residence the responding officers were advised by the owners that their 13 year old granddaughter had been awaken in her bedroom at approximately 3 a.m. by a man touching her inappropriately. The girl told the officers that she recognized the assailant as being her grandparent’s house guest.The teenager testified at trial that after the assault occurred she was too scared to leave her room as she would have to pass the defendant to get to her grandmother’s room. Hill had been staying on the family’s couch for several weeks. She attempted to call and text her grandmother serval times, but her grandmother did not wake up for over an hour. Hill was arrested at the scene without incident. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation handled the follow-up investigation.The jury made up of 7 men and 5 women deliberated for approximately one hour Thursday afternoon before returning Guilty verdict of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child Under the Age of 14. The defense argued law enforcement rushed to judgment and conducted an insufficient investigation.Hill previously entered a No Contest plea on December 16, 2021, to Count 2 in the case to a charge of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender with the Pawnee County Sheriff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642115281720.png" alt="Hill-photo Kan. Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Hill-photo Kan. Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>Under the Kansas Offender Registration Act, offenders are required to notify the local sheriff if they remain in a County for more than 3 days. At the time, Hill was subject to life-time registration due to a previous Aggravated Indecent Liberties conviction for an incident in Neosho County in 2002. Pursuant to a pretrial order, the Jury was not informed of Hill’s prior sex conviction, nor his duty to register.Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.. The defendant has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since February 10, 2019. Based on his prior sex offense, Hill now faces a mandatory 40 year under the Jessica’s Law sentencing provisions, according to McNett.

Kan. sex offender faces 40-years in prison for another child sex crime

JUNCTION CITY — A 29-year-old Fort Riley Soldier was injured in an accidental, self-inflicted shooting, according to&nbsp;Junction City Police Chief John Lamb.

The incident occurred just before 10:30p.m. Thursday&nbsp; in the soldier's vehicle in front of his residence on Cypress Street in Junction City. The soldier is recovering at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.

Police have not released the soldier's name.

JUNCTION CITY — A 29-year-old Fort Riley Soldier was injured in an accidental, self-inflicted shooting, according to&nbsp;Junction City Police Chief John Lamb.The incident occurred just before 10:30p.m. Thursday&nbsp; in the soldier's vehicle in front of his residence on Cypress Street in Junction City. The soldier is recovering at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.Police have not released the soldier's name.

Fort Riley soldier injured in accidental shooting

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — A man has been arrested after hundreds of pigs died at his farm last month after they went without adequate food and were kept in conditions so cold that some of their ears froze off.

Black Hawk County sheriff’s deputies arrested the 38-year-old&nbsp;Nolan Otto Dewall on Monday on one count of livestock neglect, a misdemeanor.

Dewall had been hired to raise 2,500 baby pigs until they reached around 280 pounds, according to court records. The animals were delivered to his farm in rural Cedar Falls in late December with 15 tons of feed.

By Dec. 30, a consultant found that 800 of the pigs had died and that the animals didn’t have ready access to water and some didn’t have access to food. The consultant also found temperatures inside the barns was found to be under 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), when freshly weened hogs need temperatures around 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit to survive, court records state.

Authorities removed the remaining pigs from the farm to another facility, 51 pigs perished during the move and another 60 died in the following days, records state. The hogs died of malnutrition and dehydration, a state veterinarian determined.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — A man has been arrested after hundreds of pigs died at his farm last month after they went without adequate food and were kept in conditions so cold that some of their ears froze off.Black Hawk County sheriff’s deputies arrested the 38-year-old&nbsp;Nolan Otto Dewall on Monday on one count of livestock neglect, a misdemeanor.Dewall had been hired to raise 2,500 baby pigs until they reached around 280 pounds, according to court records. The animals were delivered to his farm in rural Cedar Falls in late December with 15 tons of feed.By Dec. 30, a consultant found that 800 of the pigs had died and that the animals didn’t have ready access to water and some didn’t have access to food. The consultant also found temperatures inside the barns was found to be under 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), when freshly weened hogs need temperatures around 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit to survive, court records state.Authorities removed the remaining pigs from the farm to another facility, 51 pigs perished during the move and another 60 died in the following days, records state. The hogs died of malnutrition and dehydration, a state veterinarian determined.

Man arrested after hundreds of pigs die from neglect

KANSAS CITY (AP) — One person is dead following a shooting Friday night on an Amtrak train that was stopped at a Missouri station, police said.

Police in Independence, Missouri, were called around 9:15 p.m. to the Amtrak station where they found a person who had been shot while the train had been stopped earlier at the Lee's Summit station, said Sgt. Chris Depue, a spokesman for the Lee’s Summit Police Department. Police are looking for the suspected shooter who is believed to have fled in Lee's Summit, he said.

The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article257355812.html">reports</a>&nbsp;the train traveled north to Independence where life-saving efforts were attempted before the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim's name is being withheld until the family is notified.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — One person is dead following a shooting Friday night on an Amtrak train that was stopped at a Missouri station, police said.Police in Independence, Missouri, were called around 9:15 p.m. to the Amtrak station where they found a person who had been shot while the train had been stopped earlier at the Lee's Summit station, said Sgt. Chris Depue, a spokesman for the Lee’s Summit Police Department. Police are looking for the suspected shooter who is believed to have fled in Lee's Summit, he said.The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article257355812.html">reports</a>&nbsp;the train traveled north to Independence where life-saving efforts were attempted before the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.The victim's name is being withheld until the family is notified.

Police: 1 dead after shooting on Amtrak train near Kansas City

JOHNSON COUNTY —Three people were injured in a Saturday house fire in Olathe.

Just after 8a.m., fire crews responded to the fire at a home at 1030 North Clinton Street near Kansas 7 and Harold Street, according to a social media report from the Olathe Fire Department.

 When firefighters arrived they were met with significant fire conditions. Due to many on-scene conditions, a second alarm was ordered.

EMS transported three residents to an area hospital in stable condition. Authorities have not reported cause of the fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642280389984.png" alt="photo courtesy Olathe Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Olathe Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Three people were injured in a Saturday house fire in Olathe.Just after 8a.m., fire crews responded to the fire at a home at 1030 North Clinton Street near Kansas 7 and Harold Street, according to a social media report from the Olathe Fire Department. When firefighters arrived they were met with significant fire conditions. Due to many on-scene conditions, a second alarm was ordered.EMS transported three residents to an area hospital in stable condition. Authorities have not reported cause of the fire.

3 hospitalized after 2-alarm fire at Kansas home

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A state board that oversees doctors has suspended the medical license of a Wichita physician, alleging that he wrote prescriptions for people he hadn’t spoken to or examined. 

The suspension order says that Chad Sharp’s employer had unlicensed employees call people last year and ask if if they were suffering from “chronic ailments.”

 These calls were recorded and then sent to Sharp, who was paid for each person whose information he reviewed. The order states that he then would prescribe a cream or ointment that was billed to the person’s insurance.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A state board that oversees doctors has suspended the medical license of a Wichita physician, alleging that he wrote prescriptions for people he hadn’t spoken to or examined. The suspension order says that Chad Sharp’s employer had unlicensed employees call people last year and ask if if they were suffering from “chronic ailments.” These calls were recorded and then sent to Sharp, who was paid for each person whose information he reviewed. The order states that he then would prescribe a cream or ointment that was billed to the person’s insurance.

License suspended for Kan. doctor over prescribing issues

Geary County Sheriff Dan Jackson has confirmed that a COVID-19 outbreak was identified Friday in the county jail. A number of inmates complained of symptoms. "So we got with our nursing staff up there and we started testing people. We ended up with nine inmates positive in two pods ( combined ),&nbsp; and at that point we had already made contact with the Health Department and they said well just stop testing right now. You're really just wasting your tests because we're pretty certain that it's spread throughout the jail."

Jackson said the Sheriff's Department has stopped all extraditions, is not releasing any prisoners to any other counties and is not picking any prisoners up. "Kind of trying to hold what we've got inside the jail right now."

Jackson noted that the Department has never stopped having COVID protocols in place but the new variant is super-easy to catch. "On Tuesday the Health Department will be coming out and they'll test every single inmate as well as all of the staff, all of the corrections officers, all the Deputies and all the admin staff. We'll all get tested and then we'll have a baseline of where we're at, at that point, and then we'll just go from there."

Symptoms experienced by inmates have ranged from a head cold to a mild fever. Jackson said they'll be provided all medical care that is required.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostGeary County Sheriff Dan Jackson has confirmed that a COVID-19 outbreak was identified Friday in the county jail. A number of inmates complained of symptoms. "So we got with our nursing staff up there and we started testing people. We ended up with nine inmates positive in two pods ( combined ),&nbsp; and at that point we had already made contact with the Health Department and they said well just stop testing right now. You're really just wasting your tests because we're pretty certain that it's spread throughout the jail."Jackson said the Sheriff's Department has stopped all extraditions, is not releasing any prisoners to any other counties and is not picking any prisoners up. "Kind of trying to hold what we've got inside the jail right now."Jackson noted that the Department has never stopped having COVID protocols in place but the new variant is super-easy to catch. "On Tuesday the Health Department will be coming out and they'll test every single inmate as well as all of the staff, all of the corrections officers, all the Deputies and all the admin staff. We'll all get tested and then we'll have a baseline of where we're at, at that point, and then we'll just go from there."Symptoms experienced by inmates have ranged from a head cold to a mild fever. Jackson said they'll be provided all medical care that is required.

Sheriff: COVID-19 outbreak at Geary County Jail

KANSAS CITY (AP) —For companies that were waiting to hear from the U.S. Supreme Court before deciding whether to require vaccinations or regular coronavirus testing for workers, the next move is up to them.

Many large corporations were silent on Thursday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-vaccine-mandate-eb5899ae1fe5b62b6f4d51f54a3cd375">ruling by the high court&nbsp;</a>to block a requirement that workers at businesses with at least 100 employees be fully vaccinated or else test regularly for COVID-19 and wear a mask on the job.

Target’s response was typical: The big retailer said it wanted to review the decision and “how it will impact our team and business.”

The Biden administration argues that nothing in federal law prevents private businesses from imposing their own vaccine requirements. However, companies could run into state bans on vaccine mandates in Republican-controlled states. And relatively few businesses enacted their own rules ahead of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirement, raising doubt that there will be rush for them now.

In legal terms, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority said the OSHA lacked authority to impose such a mandate on big companies. The court, however, let stand a vaccination requirement for most health-care workers.

The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade organization and one of the groups that challenged the OSHA action, called the court’s decision “a significant victory for employers.” It complained that OSHA acted without first allowing public comments, although administration officials met with many business and labor groups before issuing the rule.

Chris Spear, the president of the American Trucking Associations, another of the groups that fought the OSHA rule, said it “would interfere with individuals’ private health care decisions.”

Karen Harned, an official with the National Federation of Independent Business, said that as small businesses try to recover from nearly two years of pandemic, “the last thing they need is a mandate that would cause more business challenges.”

But mandate supporters called it a matter of safety for employees and customers.

Dan Simons, co-owner of the Founding Farmers chain of restaurants in the Washington area, said vaccine mandates are “common sense.” He requires his 1,000 employees to be fully vaccinated; those who request an exemption must wear a mask and submit weekly COVID test results.

“If your priority is the economy, or your own health, or the health of others, you would agree with my approach,” Simons said.

Administration officials believe that even though the OSHA rule has been blocked, it drove millions of people to get vaccinated. Companies that used mandates to achieve relatively high vaccination rates may decide that they have accomplished enough.

Ford Motor Co. said it was “encouraged by the 88% of U.S. salaried employees who are already vaccinated.” The car maker said it would review the court decision to see if it needs to change a requirement that most U.S. salaried workers get the shots.

Labor advocates were dismayed by the ruling.

“This decision will have no impact on most professional and white collar workers, but it will endanger millions of frontline workers who risk their lives daily and who are least able to protect themselves,” said David Michaels, who led OSHA during the Obama administration and now teaches at the George Washington University’s School of Public Health.

For their part,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-police-oregon-coronavirus-pandemic-workers-rights-05ff3bd3325fb47f90061b1cc8e339a1">labor unions had been divided all along&nbsp;</a>about Biden’s attempt to create a vaccine mandate, with many nurses and teachers groups in favor, but many police and fire unions opposed. Some unions wanted the right to bargain over the issue with companies.

The United Auto Workers, which encourages workers to get vaccinated, said the decision won’t change safety protocols such as face masks, temperature checks and distancing when possible for more than 150,000 union members at General Motors, Ford and Stellantis factories.

Among 543 U.S. companies surveyed in November by insurance broker and consulting firm Willis Towers Watson, employers were split on what to do with their unvaccinated workers. Fewer than one in five required vaccination. Two-thirds had no plans to require the shots unless the courts upheld the OSHA requirement.

Jeff Levin-Scherz, an executive in the firm’s health practice, said most companies with mandates will keep them because they are working. He said nothing short of a mandate can get vaccination rates to 90%, and “you really need a very high level of vaccination to prevent community outbreaks.”

United Airlines was one of the first major employers to announce a mandate, back in August. CEO Scott Kirby has said that 99% of United employees either got vaccinated or submitted a request for exemption on medical or religious grounds.

United declined to comment Thursday, but in earlier comments Kirby has sounded committed to the mandate for his employees because “it was the right thing to do for safety.”

Airlines fall under a separate Biden order that required federal contractors to get their workers vaccinated. That requirement was not part of Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling, but it has been tied up separately since early December, when a federal district judge in Georgia issued a preliminary injunction barring enforcement of the mandate.

“I would expect many federal contractors are going to wait and see because they don’t want to implement something if they don’t have to,” said Christopher Slottee, a commercial law attorney in Anchorage, Alaska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642266101298.png" alt="Entrance to a Target store in northeast Kansas -google image" />
 <figcaption>Entrance to a Target store in northeast Kansas -google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —For companies that were waiting to hear from the U.S. Supreme Court before deciding whether to require vaccinations or regular coronavirus testing for workers, the next move is up to them.Many large corporations were silent on Thursday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-vaccine-mandate-eb5899ae1fe5b62b6f4d51f54a3cd375">ruling by the high court&nbsp;</a>to block a requirement that workers at businesses with at least 100 employees be fully vaccinated or else test regularly for COVID-19 and wear a mask on the job.Target’s response was typical: The big retailer said it wanted to review the decision and “how it will impact our team and business.”The Biden administration argues that nothing in federal law prevents private businesses from imposing their own vaccine requirements. However, companies could run into state bans on vaccine mandates in Republican-controlled states. And relatively few businesses enacted their own rules ahead of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirement, raising doubt that there will be rush for them now.In legal terms, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority said the OSHA lacked authority to impose such a mandate on big companies. The court, however, let stand a vaccination requirement for most health-care workers.The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade organization and one of the groups that challenged the OSHA action, called the court’s decision “a significant victory for employers.” It complained that OSHA acted without first allowing public comments, although administration officials met with many business and labor groups before issuing the rule.Chris Spear, the president of the American Trucking Associations, another of the groups that fought the OSHA rule, said it “would interfere with individuals’ private health care decisions.”Karen Harned, an official with the National Federation of Independent Business, said that as small businesses try to recover from nearly two years of pandemic, “the last thing they need is a mandate that would cause more business challenges.”But mandate supporters called it a matter of safety for employees and customers.Dan Simons, co-owner of the Founding Farmers chain of restaurants in the Washington area, said vaccine mandates are “common sense.” He requires his 1,000 employees to be fully vaccinated; those who request an exemption must wear a mask and submit weekly COVID test results.“If your priority is the economy, or your own health, or the health of others, you would agree with my approach,” Simons said.Administration officials believe that even though the OSHA rule has been blocked, it drove millions of people to get vaccinated. Companies that used mandates to achieve relatively high vaccination rates may decide that they have accomplished enough.Ford Motor Co. said it was “encouraged by the 88% of U.S. salaried employees who are already vaccinated.” The car maker said it would review the court decision to see if it needs to change a requirement that most U.S. salaried workers get the shots.Labor advocates were dismayed by the ruling.“This decision will have no impact on most professional and white collar workers, but it will endanger millions of frontline workers who risk their lives daily and who are least able to protect themselves,” said David Michaels, who led OSHA during the Obama administration and now teaches at the George Washington University’s School of Public Health.For their part,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-police-oregon-coronavirus-pandemic-workers-rights-05ff3bd3325fb47f90061b1cc8e339a1">labor unions had been divided all along&nbsp;</a>about Biden’s attempt to create a vaccine mandate, with many nurses and teachers groups in favor, but many police and fire unions opposed. Some unions wanted the right to bargain over the issue with companies.The United Auto Workers, which encourages workers to get vaccinated, said the decision won’t change safety protocols such as face masks, temperature checks and distancing when possible for more than 150,000 union members at General Motors, Ford and Stellantis factories.Among 543 U.S. companies surveyed in November by insurance broker and consulting firm Willis Towers Watson, employers were split on what to do with their unvaccinated workers. Fewer than one in five required vaccination. Two-thirds had no plans to require the shots unless the courts upheld the OSHA requirement.Jeff Levin-Scherz, an executive in the firm’s health practice, said most companies with mandates will keep them because they are working. He said nothing short of a mandate can get vaccination rates to 90%, and “you really need a very high level of vaccination to prevent community outbreaks.”United Airlines was one of the first major employers to announce a mandate, back in August. CEO Scott Kirby has said that 99% of United employees either got vaccinated or submitted a request for exemption on medical or religious grounds.United declined to comment Thursday, but in earlier comments Kirby has sounded committed to the mandate for his employees because “it was the right thing to do for safety.”Airlines fall under a separate Biden order that required federal contractors to get their workers vaccinated. That requirement was not part of Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling, but it has been tied up separately since early December, when a federal district judge in Georgia issued a preliminary injunction barring enforcement of the mandate.“I would expect many federal contractors are going to wait and see because they don’t want to implement something if they don’t have to,” said Christopher Slottee, a commercial law attorney in Anchorage, Alaska.___

Businesses react to ruling against Biden vaccine mandate

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp;Mack Lee, 39, of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Jerry Monasmith.&nbsp;The suspicious death will now be investigated as a Homicide.

Just after 10a.m. Friday, police&nbsp;responded to a home in the 600 Block SW Lincoln in Topeka on a call for service reference checking the welfare of an individual. 

Upon arrival, officers located Lee who was unresponsive. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel at the scene. The Topeka Police Department Homicide Unit is reviewing all investigative leads and evidence, according to Monasmith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642252476017.png" alt="The suspicious death is not being investigated as a homicide-photo courtesy&nbsp; WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The suspicious death is not being investigated as a homicide-photo courtesy&nbsp; WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp;Mack Lee, 39, of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Jerry Monasmith.&nbsp;The suspicious death will now be investigated as a Homicide.Just after 10a.m. Friday, police&nbsp;responded to a home in the 600 Block SW Lincoln in Topeka on a call for service reference checking the welfare of an individual. Upon arrival, officers located Lee who was unresponsive. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel at the scene. The Topeka Police Department Homicide Unit is reviewing all investigative leads and evidence, according to Monasmith.

Police: Suspicious death at Kan. home now a homicide investigation 

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH AND JOHN HANNA, Associated Press

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Nursing homes are facing COVID-19 outbreaks, schools are closing and hospitals in the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City area are seeing so many deaths that they are raising alarms about morgue capacity.

The problems come as Kansas yet again shattered its record for new confirmed and probable cases. The state reported an average of 7,887 new cases a day for the seven days ending Friday — nearly triple what had been the biggest peak in November 2020, according to state health department data.

While the omicron variant is less deadly, hospitalizations are approaching the previous high from December 2020, new state data shows.

The rise in cases, combined with a surge of staff absences, has hospitals across a large swath of the state halting elective procedures. And hospitals in the Kansas City area are now talking to the medical examiner and county health officials about how to handle the excessive death. Already they have sought help tracking down more ventilators.

“They are running out of morgue capacity,” said. Dr. Sanmi Areola, director of the health department in Johnson County, the state’s most populous county. “It does not take being an expert in public health to know that things are pretty bad."

The county has been looking for new testing sites and expanding hours at exiting ones. The positivity rate now tops 30%.

“Quite frankly the numbers we are getting in are exceeding all capacity at all levels," said Dr. Elizabeth Holzschuh, director of epidemiology at the county's Department of Health and Environment.

She noted that since the beginning of the year, nearly 30 county residents have died of COVID-19, with the vast majority of them unvaccinated. Nursing homes in the county also are hard hit with cases, said Areola.

“Virtually all of them have outbreaks going on," he said, adding, “The good news is because of the high vaccination rate and the high rates of booster uptake we haven’t seen very high levels of hospitalizations and death, at least not yet in that group. So our message continues to be get vaccinated, get boosted.”

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly told reporters that she believes Kansas should rethink restrictions on remote learning in public schools enacted last year, but top Republicans in the GOP-dominated Legislature are so far standing behind the policy.

Her comments come as a growing number of schools closed, including Eudora, Desoto, Manhattan-Ogden, Bonner Springs and El Dorado. Many cited staffing shortages, which are so severe that the state announced this week that substitute teachers in Kansas will not be required to have college credit hours.

Meanwhile, Kansas City, Kansas, schools warned parents to start preparing for school closures and said buses would be 15 to 20 minutes late Friday because of staff shortages. And the Olathe district, which is the state’s second-largest, is about 65 staff absences away from having to cancel school, warned Superintendent Brent Yeager.

“We all know the best place for our kids to be is right in our schools so we will continue to work hard and make that the case,” Yeager said at the district’s board meeting on Thursday.

The Wichita district, which is the state’s largest with about 47,000 students, issued a similar warning that closures were possible earlier this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634925184239.jpg" alt="Photo University of Kansas Health System" />
 <figcaption>Photo University of Kansas Health System</figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH AND JOHN HANNA, Associated PressMISSION, Kan. (AP) — Nursing homes are facing COVID-19 outbreaks, schools are closing and hospitals in the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City area are seeing so many deaths that they are raising alarms about morgue capacity.The problems come as Kansas yet again shattered its record for new confirmed and probable cases. The state reported an average of 7,887 new cases a day for the seven days ending Friday — nearly triple what had been the biggest peak in November 2020, according to state health department data.While the omicron variant is less deadly, hospitalizations are approaching the previous high from December 2020, new state data shows.The rise in cases, combined with a surge of staff absences, has hospitals across a large swath of the state halting elective procedures. And hospitals in the Kansas City area are now talking to the medical examiner and county health officials about how to handle the excessive death. Already they have sought help tracking down more ventilators.“They are running out of morgue capacity,” said. Dr. Sanmi Areola, director of the health department in Johnson County, the state’s most populous county. “It does not take being an expert in public health to know that things are pretty bad."The county has been looking for new testing sites and expanding hours at exiting ones. The positivity rate now tops 30%.“Quite frankly the numbers we are getting in are exceeding all capacity at all levels," said Dr. Elizabeth Holzschuh, director of epidemiology at the county's Department of Health and Environment.She noted that since the beginning of the year, nearly 30 county residents have died of COVID-19, with the vast majority of them unvaccinated. Nursing homes in the county also are hard hit with cases, said Areola.“Virtually all of them have outbreaks going on," he said, adding, “The good news is because of the high vaccination rate and the high rates of booster uptake we haven’t seen very high levels of hospitalizations and death, at least not yet in that group. So our message continues to be get vaccinated, get boosted.”Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly told reporters that she believes Kansas should rethink restrictions on remote learning in public schools enacted last year, but top Republicans in the GOP-dominated Legislature are so far standing behind the policy.Her comments come as a growing number of schools closed, including Eudora, Desoto, Manhattan-Ogden, Bonner Springs and El Dorado. Many cited staffing shortages, which are so severe that the state announced this week that substitute teachers in Kansas will not be required to have college credit hours.Meanwhile, Kansas City, Kansas, schools warned parents to start preparing for school closures and said buses would be 15 to 20 minutes late Friday because of staff shortages. And the Olathe district, which is the state’s second-largest, is about 65 staff absences away from having to cancel school, warned Superintendent Brent Yeager.“We all know the best place for our kids to be is right in our schools so we will continue to work hard and make that the case,” Yeager said at the district’s board meeting on Thursday.The Wichita district, which is the state’s largest with about 47,000 students, issued a similar warning that closures were possible earlier this week.

Hospitals raise morgue capacity concerns, schools close

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/14/kansas-ranchers-plead-for-tax-relief-after-devastating-december-wildfire/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Dec. 15, 2021, was just 
another day for Chris Pelton, a rancher living in Paradise, but in a 
matter of hours a ravenous wildfire flipped his life, home and 
livelihood upside down.

Pelton, who also serves as a volunteer firefighter, said he smelled 
smoke about lunchtime that day. Despite his best efforts to protect his 
home by flooding his lawn, by the time he and his wife returned at 6 
a.m. the next morning, the house and ranch were gone, and a third of 
their cattle were dead.

But life remained and provided Pelton with hope. The ranch dog, 
Archie had survived, huddled in the seat of an all-terrain vehicle. Now,
 Pelton is pleading with legislators to provide hope and financial 
relief to ranchers affected by the <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/20/ball-of-rolling-fire-and-smoke-wildfires-rip-through-north-central-kansas/">wildfires in north-central Kansas</a>.

“Ranchers are a breed of people who are there to help others but hate
 asking for help themselves. I am one of those people,” Peloton said. 
“Today, I stand before you broken, everything I have worked for burned 
by flames, but humbled knowing that I have to ask for help. Kansas 
ranchers are strong, but we need your help.”

A bill approved Thursday by the Senate Assessment and Taxation 
Committee would provide relief through a tax exemption on any equipment 
purchased after Jan. 1 used to repair or replace any fencing destroyed 
by the wildfire. The land must be agricultural in nature.

In a House hearing on a similar bill, the Department of Revenue 
reported the December wildfires burned more than 160,000 acres across 12
 counties. That would equate to about 1,600 miles of fencing needing 
replacement.

According to department estimates, the state would not receive about $1.4 million if legislators approve the exemption.

Sen. Elaine Bowers, a Concordia Republican who worked on the bill, 
said the measure was nearly identical to a bill passed in 2017 in the 
wake of the Starbuck Fire. However, this piece of legislation would seek
 to create a more permanent aid mechanism without legislative 
re-authorization.

“Our main purpose was not to have this expire, so we could just pick 
up with the next firestorm, because it is not an if but a when,” Bowers 
said.

The committee added an amendment that would allow the owner of an 
agricultural or commercial building in an area where the governor has 
declared a disaster to apply to county commissioners for a one-year 
property tax abatement. Sen. Caryn Tyson, chairwoman of the Senate 
Assessment and Taxation, said similar measures have passed the Senate 
with minimal opposition in past years.

“Currently, (county commissioners) only have an option to exempt 
homes during an emergency or natural disaster,” the Parker Republican 
said. “This amendment would expand the bill to allow current, existing 
language where they can exempt the home, but they can also have the 
option of exempting any agriculture or commercial buildings from 
property tax.”

Some senators expressed concern the property tax measure could affect school financing through the 20-mill property tax levy.

There was no testimony opposing the bill. The House Taxation Committee plans to work and vote on the bill next week.

“The cost of replacing fences is not covered by insurance, and this 
unexpected expense can be difficult for farmers and ranchers to assume 
when fencing costs can reach well over $10,000 per mile,” said Richard 
Felts, president of the Kansas Farm Bureau. “This bill is drafted in a 
manner to help others affected by similar disasters in the future, which
 is good public policy and will allow those affected by these types of 
natural disasters to know that this tax relief is available.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642198729075.png" alt="Chris Pelton, a rancher living in Paradise, lost his family home and one third of his cattle in the December wildfires. Pelton asked legislators to approve a tax exemption for purchases made to replace fencing as a way to offset some of the revenue lost due to the wildfire. (Screen capture of Kansas Legislature YouTube)" />
 <figcaption>Chris Pelton, a rancher living in Paradise, lost his family home and one third of his cattle in the December wildfires. Pelton asked legislators to approve a tax exemption for purchases made to replace fencing as a way to offset some of the revenue lost due to the wildfire. (Screen capture of Kansas Legislature YouTube)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/14/kansas-ranchers-plead-for-tax-relief-after-devastating-december-wildfire/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Dec. 15, 2021, was just 
another day for Chris Pelton, a rancher living in Paradise, but in a 
matter of hours a ravenous wildfire flipped his life, home and 
livelihood upside down.Pelton, who also serves as a volunteer firefighter, said he smelled 
smoke about lunchtime that day. Despite his best efforts to protect his 
home by flooding his lawn, by the time he and his wife returned at 6 
a.m. the next morning, the house and ranch were gone, and a third of 
their cattle were dead.But life remained and provided Pelton with hope. The ranch dog, 
Archie had survived, huddled in the seat of an all-terrain vehicle. Now,
 Pelton is pleading with legislators to provide hope and financial 
relief to ranchers affected by the <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/20/ball-of-rolling-fire-and-smoke-wildfires-rip-through-north-central-kansas/">wildfires in north-central Kansas</a>.“Ranchers are a breed of people who are there to help others but hate
 asking for help themselves. I am one of those people,” Peloton said. 
“Today, I stand before you broken, everything I have worked for burned 
by flames, but humbled knowing that I have to ask for help. Kansas 
ranchers are strong, but we need your help.”A bill approved Thursday by the Senate Assessment and Taxation 
Committee would provide relief through a tax exemption on any equipment 
purchased after Jan. 1 used to repair or replace any fencing destroyed 
by the wildfire. The land must be agricultural in nature.In a House hearing on a similar bill, the Department of Revenue 
reported the December wildfires burned more than 160,000 acres across 12
 counties. That would equate to about 1,600 miles of fencing needing 
replacement.According to department estimates, the state would not receive about $1.4 million if legislators approve the exemption.Sen. Elaine Bowers, a Concordia Republican who worked on the bill, 
said the measure was nearly identical to a bill passed in 2017 in the 
wake of the Starbuck Fire. However, this piece of legislation would seek
 to create a more permanent aid mechanism without legislative 
re-authorization.“Our main purpose was not to have this expire, so we could just pick 
up with the next firestorm, because it is not an if but a when,” Bowers 
said.The committee added an amendment that would allow the owner of an 
agricultural or commercial building in an area where the governor has 
declared a disaster to apply to county commissioners for a one-year 
property tax abatement. Sen. Caryn Tyson, chairwoman of the Senate 
Assessment and Taxation, said similar measures have passed the Senate 
with minimal opposition in past years.“Currently, (county commissioners) only have an option to exempt 
homes during an emergency or natural disaster,” the Parker Republican 
said. “This amendment would expand the bill to allow current, existing 
language where they can exempt the home, but they can also have the 
option of exempting any agriculture or commercial buildings from 
property tax.”Some senators expressed concern the property tax measure could affect school financing through the 20-mill property tax levy.There was no testimony opposing the bill. The House Taxation Committee plans to work and vote on the bill next week.“The cost of replacing fences is not covered by insurance, and this 
unexpected expense can be difficult for farmers and ranchers to assume 
when fencing costs can reach well over $10,000 per mile,” said Richard 
Felts, president of the Kansas Farm Bureau. “This bill is drafted in a 
manner to help others affected by similar disasters in the future, which
 is good public policy and will allow those affected by these types of 
natural disasters to know that this tax relief is available.”

Kansas ranchers plead for tax relief after devastating wildfire

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle was found dead in a Kansas federal prison where he was being held on charges of illegal firearms possession, a prison official said. 

Saousoalii Siavii Jr., 43, was found unresponsive at the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth on Thursday afternoon, U.S. Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman Anna Armijo said in a statement, The Kansas City Star reported. 

Siavii was treated by prison staff and taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. The prison did not release additional details about Siavii’s death. 

From American Samoa, the former Oregon lineman was drafted by Kansas City in the second round in 2004 and spent two seasons with the Chiefs. He played for Dallas in 2009 and Seattle in 2010.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566905218558.png" alt="Saousoalii Siavii, Jr. booking photo from a previous arrest by Independence, Missouri Police" />
 <figcaption>Saousoalii Siavii, Jr. booking photo from a previous arrest by Independence, Missouri Police</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle was found dead in a Kansas federal prison where he was being held on charges of illegal firearms possession, a prison official said. Saousoalii Siavii Jr., 43, was found unresponsive at the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth on Thursday afternoon, U.S. Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman Anna Armijo said in a statement, The Kansas City Star reported. Siavii was treated by prison staff and taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. The prison did not release additional details about Siavii’s death. From American Samoa, the former Oregon lineman was drafted by Kansas City in the second round in 2004 and spent two seasons with the Chiefs. He played for Dallas in 2009 and Seattle in 2010.

Former Kansas City Chief found dead in federal prison

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged drug distribution.

Just before 11p.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a 2005 Volvo G60 for a traffic infraction near 126th and U.S. 75 Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Further investigation into the traffic stop led to the arrest of the back seat passenger, Tony Eugene Stith, 58, of Wichita. Stith was arrested and is being held in the Jackson County Jail for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of mushrooms and LSD, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.&nbsp; He has previous convictions that include destroying evidence in a felony case, aggravated failure to appear and for drugs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642107055923.png" alt="Stith-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Stith-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged drug distribution.Just before 11p.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a 2005 Volvo G60 for a traffic infraction near 126th and U.S. 75 Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Further investigation into the traffic stop led to the arrest of the back seat passenger, Tony Eugene Stith, 58, of Wichita. Stith was arrested and is being held in the Jackson County Jail for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of mushrooms and LSD, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.&nbsp; He has previous convictions that include destroying evidence in a felony case, aggravated failure to appear and for drugs.

Sheriff: Kansas felon back in jail accused of drug distribution

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Roger Marshall on Friday obtained Dr. Anthony Fauci’s previously unpublished financial disclosures from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to a statement from Marshall's office.

According to Marshall, the NIH released the documents to Senator Marshall after a HELP hearing earlier this week where Dr. Fauci misled the American people and said, “My financial disclosures are public knowledge, and have been so.&nbsp;It is totally accessible to you, if you want it. To the public.” Since the disclosures were not public, on Wednesday, Senator Marshall sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Letter-Requesting-Fauci-Financial-Disclosure-1.12.21.pdf" target="_blank">letter&nbsp;</a>to Dr. Fauci formally requesting his un-redacted financial disclosures by 5:00pm Friday, January 14th.

In response, Dr. Fauci produced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Anthony-Fauci-Financial-Disclosures-for-2020-and-2019.pdf" target="_blank">these</a>&nbsp;previously unpublished documents.

“Dr. Fauci lied to the American people. He is more concerned with being a media star and posing for the cover of magazines than he is being honest with the American people and holding China accountable for the COVID pandemic that has taken the lives of almost 850 thousand Americans,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.

 “Just like he has misled the American people about sending taxpayers dollars to Wuhan, China to fund gain-of-function research, about masks, testing, and more, Dr. Fauci was completely dishonest about his financial disclosures being open to the public – it’s no wonder he is the least trusted bureaucrat in America. 

At the end of the day, Dr. Fauci must be held accountable to all Americans who have been suing and requesting for this information but don’t have the power of a Senate office to ask for it. For these reasons, I will be introducing the FAUCI Act so financial disclosures like these are made public and are easily accessible online to every American.”

You may click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Anthony-Fauci-Financial-Disclosures-for-2020-and-2019.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the previously unpublished documents.

Senator Marshall will be introducing the Financial Accountability for Uniquely Compensated Individuals (FAUCI) Act, which requires the public access of financial disclosures on the official Office of Government Ethics (OGE) website for administration officials like Dr. Fauci. The FAUCI Act would also provide a list of all confidential filers within the government whose financial disclosures are not public.

On Tuesday, Senator Marshall questioned Dr. Fauci at a hearing about a number of issues including his financial disclosures and investments. Contrary to what Dr. Fauci said, Dr. Fauci’s financial disclosures for the years of the COVID pandemic were not public. Therefore, Senator Marshall requested them during the hearing. Clearly distraught by the line of questioning which included prior questions on Dr. Fauci’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/coronavirus/most_americans_agree_dr_fauci_has_lost_credibility" target="_blank">plummeting approval ratings</a>&nbsp;and his involvement in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.projectveritas.com/news/military-documents-about-gain-of-function-contradict-fauci-testimony-under/" target="_blank">funding gain-of-function research</a>&nbsp;at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Dr. Fauci was caught on a hot mic calling Senator Marshall a “<a href="https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1480977059874848769?s=20" target="_blank">moron</a>.”

Questions regarding Dr. Fauci’s financial disclosure come a day after a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/clarida-fed-official-resigns-285a1e18-5f14-4de7-8ec3-d093b0014f8f.html" target="_blank">third Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;official stepped down as a result of questionable financial trades made during the COVID pandemic.

Senator Marshall’s line of questioning that led to Dr. Fauci’s hot mic situation:

Question 1:&nbsp;Dr. Fauci,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/coronavirus/most_americans_agree_dr_fauci_has_lost_credibility" target="_blank">59% of Americans</a>&nbsp;do not have a favorable opinion of you. Frankly, honestly, you’ve lost your reputation. The American people do not trust the words coming out of your mouth. Every day you appear on TV, you do more damage than good when it comes to educating the public on COVID. Suppose you were leading a team in an effort to try to get people to stop smoking cigarettes, but every time your spokesperson gets on television, over half of the nation goes out and buys a pack of Marlboros. Wouldn’t you stop that person from appearing on national television?

Senator Marshall followed up with Dr. Fauci and said, “Perception is reality and you are hurting the team right now. You are hurting the team right now.” FOX News covered this back and forth – you may click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHQJPF7-s0Q" target="_blank">HERE</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641938689079.png" alt="On Tuesday, Senator Marshall questioned Dr. Fauci at a hearing about a number of issues including his financial disclosures and investments-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>On Tuesday, Senator Marshall questioned Dr. Fauci at a hearing about a number of issues including his financial disclosures and investments-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Roger Marshall on Friday obtained Dr. Anthony Fauci’s previously unpublished financial disclosures from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to a statement from Marshall's office.According to Marshall, the NIH released the documents to Senator Marshall after a HELP hearing earlier this week where Dr. Fauci misled the American people and said, “My financial disclosures are public knowledge, and have been so.&nbsp;It is totally accessible to you, if you want it. To the public.” Since the disclosures were not public, on Wednesday, Senator Marshall sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Letter-Requesting-Fauci-Financial-Disclosure-1.12.21.pdf" target="_blank">letter&nbsp;</a>to Dr. Fauci formally requesting his un-redacted financial disclosures by 5:00pm Friday, January 14th. In response, Dr. Fauci produced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Anthony-Fauci-Financial-Disclosures-for-2020-and-2019.pdf" target="_blank">these</a>&nbsp;previously unpublished documents.“Dr. Fauci lied to the American people. He is more concerned with being a media star and posing for the cover of magazines than he is being honest with the American people and holding China accountable for the COVID pandemic that has taken the lives of almost 850 thousand Americans,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “Just like he has misled the American people about sending taxpayers dollars to Wuhan, China to fund gain-of-function research, about masks, testing, and more, Dr. Fauci was completely dishonest about his financial disclosures being open to the public – it’s no wonder he is the least trusted bureaucrat in America. At the end of the day, Dr. Fauci must be held accountable to all Americans who have been suing and requesting for this information but don’t have the power of a Senate office to ask for it. For these reasons, I will be introducing the FAUCI Act so financial disclosures like these are made public and are easily accessible online to every American.”You may click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Anthony-Fauci-Financial-Disclosures-for-2020-and-2019.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the previously unpublished documents.Background:Senator Marshall will be introducing the Financial Accountability for Uniquely Compensated Individuals (FAUCI) Act, which requires the public access of financial disclosures on the official Office of Government Ethics (OGE) website for administration officials like Dr. Fauci. The FAUCI Act would also provide a list of all confidential filers within the government whose financial disclosures are not public.On Tuesday, Senator Marshall questioned Dr. Fauci at a hearing about a number of issues including his financial disclosures and investments. Contrary to what Dr. Fauci said, Dr. Fauci’s financial disclosures for the years of the COVID pandemic were not public. Therefore, Senator Marshall requested them during the hearing. Clearly distraught by the line of questioning which included prior questions on Dr. Fauci’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/coronavirus/most_americans_agree_dr_fauci_has_lost_credibility" target="_blank">plummeting approval ratings</a>&nbsp;and his involvement in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.projectveritas.com/news/military-documents-about-gain-of-function-contradict-fauci-testimony-under/" target="_blank">funding gain-of-function research</a>&nbsp;at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Dr. Fauci was caught on a hot mic calling Senator Marshall a “<a href="https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1480977059874848769?s=20" target="_blank">moron</a>.”Questions regarding Dr. Fauci’s financial disclosure come a day after a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/clarida-fed-official-resigns-285a1e18-5f14-4de7-8ec3-d093b0014f8f.html" target="_blank">third Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;official stepped down as a result of questionable financial trades made during the COVID pandemic.Senator Marshall’s line of questioning that led to Dr. Fauci’s hot mic situation:Question 1:&nbsp;Dr. Fauci,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/coronavirus/most_americans_agree_dr_fauci_has_lost_credibility" target="_blank">59% of Americans</a>&nbsp;do not have a favorable opinion of you. Frankly, honestly, you’ve lost your reputation. The American people do not trust the words coming out of your mouth. Every day you appear on TV, you do more damage than good when it comes to educating the public on COVID. Suppose you were leading a team in an effort to try to get people to stop smoking cigarettes, but every time your spokesperson gets on television, over half of the nation goes out and buys a pack of Marlboros. Wouldn’t you stop that person from appearing on national television?Senator Marshall followed up with Dr. Fauci and said, “Perception is reality and you are hurting the team right now. You are hurting the team right now.” FOX News covered this back and forth – you may click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHQJPF7-s0Q" target="_blank">HERE</a>

Sen. Marshall obtains Dr. Fauci's unpublished financial records

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged robbery in Barton County.

Just after 4p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to the Holiday Inn Express, 3821 10th Street in Great Bend in reference to an attempted robbery, according to a media release.

Officers were advised a male suspect entered the hotel and attempted to physically remove and steal jewelry from someone in the lobby.

While en route to the area, officers were advised the suspect had left the Holiday Inn and was now trying to take items from inside vehicles in the Sonic parking lot.

Officers located the suspect identified as Marquez Lewis, age 25 of Wichita. After speaking with Lewis, witnesses and numerous victims, Lewis was placed under arrest for attempted robbery and transported to the Barton County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642179702621.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged robbery in Barton County.Just after 4p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to the Holiday Inn Express, 3821 10th Street in Great Bend in reference to an attempted robbery, according to a media release.Officers were advised a male suspect entered the hotel and attempted to physically remove and steal jewelry from someone in the lobby.While en route to the area, officers were advised the suspect had left the Holiday Inn and was now trying to take items from inside vehicles in the Sonic parking lot.Officers located the suspect identified as Marquez Lewis, age 25 of Wichita. After speaking with Lewis, witnesses and numerous victims, Lewis was placed under arrest for attempted robbery and transported to the Barton County Jail.

Suspect attempted to take jewelry from victim in Kan. motel lobby

WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal website where Americans can request free COVID-19 tests will begin accepting orders on Wednesday as the White House looks to address nationwide shortages, but supplies will be limited to just four free tests per home.

Starting on Jan. 19, the website COVIDTests.gov will provide tests at no cost, including no shipping fee, the White House announced Friday.

As he faced criticism for low inventory and long lines for testing, President Joe Biden announced last month that the U.S. would purchase 500 million at-home tests to launch the program and on Thursday the president announced that he was doubling the order to 1 billion tests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642104330616.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal website where Americans can request free COVID-19 tests will begin accepting orders on Wednesday as the White House looks to address nationwide shortages, but supplies will be limited to just four free tests per home.Starting on Jan. 19, the website COVIDTests.gov will provide tests at no cost, including no shipping fee, the White House announced Friday.As he faced criticism for low inventory and long lines for testing, President Joe Biden announced last month that the U.S. would purchase 500 million at-home tests to launch the program and on Thursday the president announced that he was doubling the order to 1 billion tests.But Americans shouldn't expect a rapid turn-around on the orders and they will have to plan ahead and request the tests well before they meet federal guidelines for when to use a test.The White House said “tests will typically ship within 7-12 days of ordering" through the U.S. Postal Service, which reports shipping times of 1-3 days for its first-class package service in the continental United States.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at-home testing when experiencing COVID-19 systems including fever, cough, sore throat, respiratory symptoms and muscle aches, five days after a potential COVID-19 exposure, or as part of test-to-stay protocols in schools and workplaces.“Certainly if you’re going to gather with family, if you’re going to a gathering where people are immunocompromised or where they’re elderly or where you have people who might be unvaccinated or poorly protected from a vaccine that might be an opportunity you want to test,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, on Wednesday.Officials emphasized that the federal website is just one way for people to procure COVID-19 tests. Starting on Saturday, private insurance companies will be required to cover the cost of at-home rapid tests, allowing Americans to be reimbursed for tests they purchase at pharmacies and online retailers. That covers up to eight tests per month.The White House said the four-test limit on website orders will be applied to each residential address and will apply to the first tranche of 500 million tests. It estimates that the cost of purchasing and distributing the first block of tests at $4 billion.Officials said they are cognizant that any launch of a website carries some risks — and memories of the disastrous roll-out during the Obama administration of Healthcare.gov are still fresh — but said they believe they are well-positioned to handle expected demand for tests.