HODGEMAN COUNTY—Crews fighting a large grass fire in Hodgeman County Thursday finally contained the blaze at approximately 7:25p.m., according to Sheriff Jared Walker.&nbsp;

Fire crews from all over southwest Kansas arrived to assist with the fire on Lake Road east of the city of Jetmore.

"There was still some trees burning but in the burned area late Thursday, according to Walker.&nbsp; Fire personnel remained on scene mopping up some spots. The sheriff thanedk everyone that came and assisted including Hanston Fire; Ford County; Ness County;&nbsp; Gray County; Finney County;&nbsp; Pawnee County and the SW Kansas Regional Task Force which had trucks from Kiowa, Minneola, and Ashland. Also all the companies and farmers that brought trailers of water and Hodgeman County Road and Bridge and KDOT employees.

Officials have not released details on the acres burned or what caused the fire. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709291613888.png" alt="Photos Hodgeman County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Hodgeman County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>HODGEMAN COUNTY—Crews fighting a large grass fire in Hodgeman County Thursday finally contained the blaze at approximately 7:25p.m., according to Sheriff Jared Walker.&nbsp;Fire crews from all over southwest Kansas arrived to assist with the fire on Lake Road east of the city of Jetmore.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709292454566.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"There was still some trees burning but in the burned area late Thursday, according to Walker.&nbsp; Fire personnel remained on scene mopping up some spots. The sheriff thanedk everyone that came and assisted including Hanston Fire; Ford County; Ness County;&nbsp; Gray County; Finney County;&nbsp; Pawnee County and the SW Kansas Regional Task Force which had trucks from Kiowa, Minneola, and Ashland. Also all the companies and farmers that brought trailers of water and Hodgeman County Road and Bridge and KDOT employees.Officials have not released details on the acres burned or what caused the fire. There were no injuries reported.

Sheriff: Large southwest Kansas grass fire contained

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — A court employee and a police officer were fatally shot Thursday after the court process server tried to serve an eviction notice at a home in Missouri, authorities said.

A second officer was critically injured, but is expected to survive, police said.

Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman said Thursday afternoon at a news conference outside Centerpoint Medical Center that two of his police officers were met with gunfire while coming to the aid of Drexel Mack, the man who had been trying to serve the eviction notice.

Mack had called 911 saying he had been shot, Dustman said. The officers responded at about 1:10 p.m. and approached Mack to help him when someone shot at them, he said.

“I’m very tragically sorry to report that we lost one of our own," Dustman said, identifying the officer as Cody Allen, 35.

The second officer, whose name wasn’t released, underwent surgery and is expected to recover, Dustman said.

Dustman called Allen a hero and described the police department as a “broken family,” over Allen's death.

“He always had a smile,” Dustman said.

A man suspected in the shooting was in custody and sustained minor injuries, Corporal Justin Ewing with Missouri State Highway Patrol said during an earlier news conference.

Independence Police Department spokesperson Officer Jack Taylor said no details were immediately available about what led to the shooting.

Mack had worked for Jackson County for over a decade, officials said.

“We are devastated that a court employee, who is a public servant, was shot by a member of the public while performing their job,” Presiding Judge Jalilah Otto said in a statement. “Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts are with our employee, our entire Court family, and the Independence Police Department.”

More than a dozen officers lined up outside the hospital late Thursday afternoon to escort the bodies of the slain to the medical examiner’s office. People hugged and consoled each other after the procession left.

Helicopter video from KMBC-TV earlier in the day showed emergency vehicles converged around an isolated house in the middle of a field. The area was a mixture of woods and farmland with a smattering of houses on large, multi-acre lots. A church was mixed in among the homes.

Independence is a suburb of Kansas City, with about 122,000 residents.

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — A court employee and a police officer were fatally shot Thursday after the court process server tried to serve an eviction notice at a home in Independence, Missouri, authorities said.

A second officer was critically injured, but is expected to survive, police said at a news conference.

A male suspect sustained minor injuries, Corporal Justin Ewing with Missouri State Highway Patrol said during a separate news conference.

Independence Police Department spokesperson Officer Jack Taylor said no details are immediately available about what led to the shooting.

Helicopter video from KMBC-TV showed emergency vehicles converged around an isolated house in the middle of a field. The media was cordoned off in an area about 1 mile (1.61 kilometers) from the crime scene. The area was a mixture of woods and farmland with a smattering of houses on large, multi-acre lots. A church was mixed in among the houses.

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — Two police officers and a court employee were shot and wounded Thursday at a home in Independence, Missouri, authorities said.

Corporal Justin Ewing with Missouri State Highway Patrol said during a news conference the two officers were critically injured and were transported to a hospital. Their conditions were not immediately known.

The 16th Judicial Court of Missouri said a court process server also was shot and critically injured by someone inside the home while serving an eviction notice.

A male suspect sustained minor injuries, Kansas City police Capt. Jake Becchina said at the news conference.

Capt. Ronda Montgomery of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said she could confirm that police officers were shot, but that she couldn’t comment further. She said it’s under the jurisdiction of the Independence police and that it’s their scene.

Schools in the Fort Osage School District were locked down for about 20-30 minutes until authorities gave the all-clear, spokesperson Stephanie Smith said.

“The incident occurred several miles from our nearest school, so it really was out of caution,” she said. “Safety is always our first priority for our students.”

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — Two police officers and a court employee were shot and wounded Thursday while serving an eviction at a home in Independence, Missouri, authorities said.

Independence Police Department spokesperson Officer Jack Taylor said the two officers were taken to a hospital, and their conditions were not immediately known. One person was arrested, he said.

The 16th Judicial Court of Missouri said a court process server also was shot by someone inside the home while serving an eviction notice.

Taylor said no details are immediately available about what led to the shooting. A news conference is planned for later, he said.

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — Authorities said two police officers were shot and wounded Thursday in Independence, Missouri.

Independence Police Officer Kelley Rupert said a process server — a person who typically helps serve warrants — was also injured.

The Police Department said in a Facebook post that there were reports of shots fired near a residence in the area.

The Police Department said in a Facebook post that there were reports of shots fired near a residence.

Taylor said no details are immediately available about what led to the shooting.

Police will provide updates as more information becomes available.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities were at a residence near Elsea Smith Road and Bundschu Road in Independence on Thursday, according to a social media report from police.

 There were reports of shots fired around that residence.  Two officers have been transported with gunshot wounds.&nbsp;One person was arrested, according to&nbsp; Independence Police Department spokesperson Officer Jack Taylor.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709258563931.png" alt="-Independence Police Officer Cody Allen -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>-Independence Police Officer Cody Allen -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — A court employee and a police officer were fatally shot Thursday after the court process server tried to serve an eviction notice at a home in Missouri, authorities said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709244314466.png" alt="Law enforcement near the crime scene in rural Jackson Co.-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement near the crime scene in rural Jackson Co.-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>A second officer was critically injured, but is expected to survive, police said.Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman said Thursday afternoon at a news conference outside Centerpoint Medical Center that two of his police officers were met with gunfire while coming to the aid of Drexel Mack, the man who had been trying to serve the eviction notice.Mack had called 911 saying he had been shot, Dustman said. The officers responded at about 1:10 p.m. and approached Mack to help him when someone shot at them, he said.“I’m very tragically sorry to report that we lost one of our own," Dustman said, identifying the officer as Cody Allen, 35.The second officer, whose name wasn’t released, underwent surgery and is expected to recover, Dustman said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We continue to receive updates on the situation this afternoon in Independence, in which police officers have been shot and injured. <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperGHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MSHPTrooperGHQ</a> is assisting. Teresa and I are praying for the <a href="https://twitter.com/IndepMoPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndepMoPolice</a> officers involved and all who work to protect us.&mdash; Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovParsonMO/status/1763306137519030284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My heart breaks for the Independence Police Department and all the family and friends of their officer who succumbed to injuries from a shooting earlier today. I am praying for all others impacted today and all of the women and men of law enforcement in the Kansas City area.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1763312000065519700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Dustman called Allen a hero and described the police department as a “broken family,” over Allen's death.“He always had a smile,” Dustman said.A man suspected in the shooting was in custody and sustained minor injuries, Corporal Justin Ewing with Missouri State Highway Patrol said during an earlier news conference.Independence Police Department spokesperson Officer Jack Taylor said no details were immediately available about what led to the shooting.Mack had worked for Jackson County for over a decade, officials said.“We are devastated that a court employee, who is a public servant, was shot by a member of the public while performing their job,” Presiding Judge Jalilah Otto said in a statement. “Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts are with our employee, our entire Court family, and the Independence Police Department.”More than a dozen officers lined up outside the hospital late Thursday afternoon to escort the bodies of the slain to the medical examiner’s office. People hugged and consoled each other after the procession left.Helicopter video from KMBC-TV earlier in the day showed emergency vehicles converged around an isolated house in the middle of a field. The area was a mixture of woods and farmland with a smattering of houses on large, multi-acre lots. A church was mixed in among the homes.Independence is a suburb of Kansas City, with about 122,000 residents.------------------INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — A court employee and a police officer were fatally shot Thursday after the court process server tried to serve an eviction notice at a home in Independence, Missouri, authorities said.A second officer was critically injured, but is expected to survive, police said at a news conference.A male suspect sustained minor injuries, Corporal Justin Ewing with Missouri State Highway Patrol said during a separate news conference.Independence Police Department spokesperson Officer Jack Taylor said no details are immediately available about what led to the shooting.Helicopter video from KMBC-TV showed emergency vehicles converged around an isolated house in the middle of a field. The media was cordoned off in an area about 1 mile (1.61 kilometers) from the crime scene. The area was a mixture of woods and farmland with a smattering of houses on large, multi-acre lots. A church was mixed in among the houses.Independence is a suburb of Kansas City, with about 122,000 residents.----------------INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — Two police officers and a court employee were shot and wounded Thursday at a home in Independence, Missouri, authorities said.Corporal Justin Ewing with Missouri State Highway Patrol said during a news conference the two officers were critically injured and were transported to a hospital. Their conditions were not immediately known.The 16th Judicial Court of Missouri said a court process server also was shot and critically injured by someone inside the home while serving an eviction notice.“We are devastated that a court employee, who is a public servant, was shot by a member of the public while performing their job,” Presiding Judge Jalilah Otto said in a statement. “Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts are with our employee, our entire Court family, and the Independence Police Department.”A male suspect sustained minor injuries, Kansas City police Capt. Jake Becchina said at the news conference.Independence Police Department spokesperson Officer Jack Taylor said no details are immediately available about what led to the shooting.Helicopter video from KMBC-TV showed emergency vehicles converged around an isolated house in the middle of a field. The media was cordoned off in an area about 1 mile (1.61 kilometers) from the crime scene. The area was a mixture of woods and farmland with a smattering of houses on large, multi-acre lots. A church was mixed in among the houses.Independence is a suburb of Kansas City, with about 122,000 residents.Capt. Ronda Montgomery of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said she could confirm that police officers were shot, but that she couldn’t comment further. She said it’s under the jurisdiction of the Independence police and that it’s their scene.Schools in the Fort Osage School District were locked down for about 20-30 minutes until authorities gave the all-clear, spokesperson Stephanie Smith said.“The incident occurred several miles from our nearest school, so it really was out of caution,” she said. “Safety is always our first priority for our students.”-----------INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — Two police officers and a court employee were shot and wounded Thursday while serving an eviction at a home in Independence, Missouri, authorities said.Independence Police Department spokesperson Officer Jack Taylor said the two officers were taken to a hospital, and their conditions were not immediately known. One person was arrested, he said.The 16th Judicial Court of Missouri said a court process server also was shot by someone inside the home while serving an eviction notice.“We are devastated that a court employee, who is a public servant, was shot by a member of the public while performing their job,” Presiding Judge Jalilah Otto said in a statement. “Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts are with our employee, our entire Court family, and the Independence Police Department.”Taylor said no details are immediately available about what led to the shooting. A news conference is planned for later, he said.Helicopter video from KMBC-TV showed emergency vehicles converged around an isolated house in the middle of a field. The media was cordoned off in an area about 1 mile (1.61 kilometers) from the crime scene. The area was a mixture of woods and farmland with a smattering of houses on large, multi-acre lots. A church was mixed in among the houses.Independence is a suburb of Kansas City, with about 122,000 residents.Capt. Ronda Montgomery of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said she could confirm that police officers were shot, but that she couldn’t comment further. She said it’s under the jurisdiction of the Independence police and that it’s their scene.Schools in the Fort Osage School District were locked down for about 20-30 minutes until authorities gave the all-clear, spokesperson Stephanie Smith said.“The incident occurred several miles from our nearest school, so it really was out of caution,” she said. “Safety is always our first priority for our students.”--------INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — Authorities said two police officers were shot and wounded Thursday in Independence, Missouri.Independence Police Department spokesperson Officer Jack Taylor said the two officers were taken to a hospital, and their conditions were not immediately known. One person was arrested, he said.Independence Police Officer Kelley Rupert said a process server — a person who typically helps serve warrants — was also injured.Taylor said no details are immediately available about what led to the shooting. A news conference is planned for later, he said.Helicopter video from KMBC-TV showed emergency vehicles converged around an isolated house in the middle of a field. The media was cordoned off in an area about 1 mile (1.61 kilometers) from the crime scene. The area was a mixture of woods and farmland with a smattering of houses on large, multi-acre lots. A church was mixed in among the houses.Independence is a suburb of Kansas City, with about 122,000 residents.The Police Department said in a Facebook post that there were reports of shots fired near a residence in the area.Capt. Ronda Montgomery of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said she could confirm that police officers were shot, but that she couldn’t comment further. She said it’s under the jurisdiction of the Independence police and that it’s their scene.Schools in the Fort Osage School District were locked down for about 20-30 minutes until authorities gave the all-clear, spokesperson Stephanie Smith said.“The incident occurred several miles from our nearest school, so it really was out of caution,” she said. “Safety is always our first priority for our students.”-----------------INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — Authorities said two police officers were shot and wounded Thursday in Independence, Missouri.Independence Police Department spokesperson Officer Jack Taylor said the two officers were taken to a hospital, and their conditions were not immediately known. One person was arrested, he said.Independence Police Officer Kelley Rupert said a process server — a person who typically helps serve warrants — was also injured.Taylor said no details are immediately available about what led to the shooting. A news conference is planned for later, he said.Helicopter video from KMBC-TV showed emergency vehicles converged around an isolated house in the middle of a field. The media was cordoned off in an area about 1 mile (1.61 kilometers) from the crime scene. The area was a mixture of woods and farmland with a smattering of houses on large, multi-acre lots. A church was mixed in among the houses.Independence is a suburb of Kansas City, with about 122,000 residents.The Police Department said in a Facebook post that there were reports of shots fired near a residence in the area.Capt. Ronda Montgomery of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said she could confirm that police officers were shot, but that she couldn’t comment further. She said it’s under the jurisdiction of the Independence police and that it’s their scene.--------------INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — Authorities said two police officers were shot and wounded Thursday in Independence, Missouri.Independence Police Department spokesperson Officer Jack Taylor said the two officers were taken to a hospital, and their conditions were not immediately known. One person was arrested, he said.Independence Police Officer Kelley Rupert said a process server — a person who typically helps serve warrants — was also injured.The Police Department said in a Facebook post that there were reports of shots fired near a residence.Taylor said no details are immediately available about what led to the shooting.Capt. Ronda Montgomery of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said she could confirm that police officers were shot, but that she couldn’t comment further. She said it’s under the jurisdiction of the Independence police and that it’s their scene.Police will provide updates as more information becomes available.----------------KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities were at a residence near Elsea Smith Road and Bundschu Road in Independence on Thursday, according to a social media report from police. There were reports of shots fired around that residence. Two officers have been transported with gunshot wounds.&nbsp;One person was arrested, according to&nbsp; Independence Police Department spokesperson Officer Jack Taylor.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Police ID officer, court worker fatally shot near Kansas City

JERUSALEM —U.S. Forces closed out the month of February facing additional attacks in the Red Sea.

Between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Thursday, the U.S. Navy conducted two self-defense strikes against six mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

Earlier that evening, at approximately 5:10 p.m. (Sanna time), forces shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the southern Red Sea in self-defense.

CENTCOM forces determined that the missiles and UAV presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the U.S. Navy ships in the region. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;President Joe Biden said Thursday that a deal to pause fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and release some hostages held by the militant group would “probably” not be done by Monday. His comments at the White House came days after he said he hoped to have an agreement in place by the end of the upcoming weekend.

“Hope springs eternal,” Biden told reporters on the South Lawn before departing for Texas, where he is to visit the U.S.-Mexico border. “I was on the telephone with people from the region. Probably not by Monday, but I’m hopeful.”

The White House later said the president had spoken by phone Thursday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. The calls focused on the war in Gaza and cease-fire negotiations, as well as plans to get more humanitarian aid into the besieged territory.

Biden and the two leaders emphasized in their calls how “the release of hostages would result in an immediate and sustained cease-fire in Gaza over a period of at least six weeks,” a White House statement said.

Biden also said the U.S. was still trying to determined what happened in Gaza City on Thursday, where witnesses say Israeli troops fired on a large crowd of Palestinians racing to pull food off an aid convoy. Biden said the loss of life would complicate ongoing talks to free hostages and pause fighting between Israel and Hamas.

“We’re checking it out right now,” Biden told reporters. “There’s two competing versions of what happened. I don’t have an answer yet.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="Photo U.S.&nbsp; Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S.&nbsp; Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. Forces closed out the month of February facing additional attacks in the Red Sea.Between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Thursday, the U.S. Navy conducted two self-defense strikes against six mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.Earlier that evening, at approximately 5:10 p.m. (Sanna time), forces shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the southern Red Sea in self-defense.CENTCOM forces determined that the missiles and UAV presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the U.S. Navy ships in the region. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.Meanwhile,&nbsp;President Joe Biden said Thursday that a deal to pause fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and release some hostages held by the militant group would “probably” not be done by Monday. His comments at the White House came days after he said he hoped to have an agreement in place by the end of the upcoming weekend.“Hope springs eternal,” Biden told reporters on the South Lawn before departing for Texas, where he is to visit the U.S.-Mexico border. “I was on the telephone with people from the region. Probably not by Monday, but I’m hopeful.”The White House later said the president had spoken by phone Thursday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. The calls focused on the war in Gaza and cease-fire negotiations, as well as plans to get more humanitarian aid into the besieged territory.Biden and the two leaders emphasized in their calls how “the release of hostages would result in an immediate and sustained cease-fire in Gaza over a period of at least six weeks,” a White House statement said.Biden also said the U.S. was still trying to determined what happened in Gaza City on Thursday, where witnesses say Israeli troops fired on a large crowd of Palestinians racing to pull food off an aid convoy. Biden said the loss of life would complicate ongoing talks to free hostages and pause fighting between Israel and Hamas.“We’re checking it out right now,” Biden told reporters. “There’s two competing versions of what happened. I don’t have an answer yet.”

U.S. warships end February facing additional Red Sea threats

SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a an arrest this week.

Just after 1a.m. Wednesday, police responded to reported suspicious persons in the 1800 block of NW Brickyard Road, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichold

Officers did not find that a crime had been committed but noticed a vehicle near the railroad tracks. Upon further investigation, officers determined one of the rail cars had open doors and there was wire on the ground.

An individual emerged from the rail car, identified later as Matthew G. Allender, 41, of Topeka. He ran from police. Officers ultimately took him into custody and contacted Union Pacific Railroad. It was determined there was around $550,000 in damage to the rail cars that had been burglarized.

As a result of the investigation, Allender was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department on requested&nbsp;charges of Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated crime Felony theft $25,000 &lt; $100,000 Motor Vehicle Parts or Accessories Criminal damage to property; Felony Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony cases Criminal trespass; Property as posted per KSA 32-1013.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709154582078.png" alt="Allender-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Allender-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a an arrest this week.Just after 1a.m. Wednesday, police responded to reported suspicious persons in the 1800 block of NW Brickyard Road, according to police spokesperson Rosie NicholdOfficers did not find that a crime had been committed but noticed a vehicle near the railroad tracks. Upon further investigation, officers determined one of the rail cars had open doors and there was wire on the ground.An individual emerged from the rail car, identified later as Matthew G. Allender, 41, of Topeka. He ran from police. Officers ultimately took him into custody and contacted Union Pacific Railroad. It was determined there was around $550,000 in damage to the rail cars that had been burglarized.As a result of the investigation, Allender was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department on requested&nbsp;charges of Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated crime Felony theft $25,000 &lt; $100,000 Motor Vehicle Parts or Accessories Criminal damage to property; Felony Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony cases Criminal trespass; Property as posted per KSA 32-1013.

Kan. man accused of $500,000 damage in railroad burglary

TOPEKA – The Wichita Police Department reported that Patrick Miller was located and is now safe. Thanks for your assistance during the silver alert.

SEDGWICK COUNTY –&nbsp;The Wichita Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita man, according to a media release.

The whereabouts of 79-year-old Patrick Miller are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Patrick is likely driving a white 2004 Ford F150 bearing Kansas tag 787FBW. He may be in the El Dorado area, near Highway 254 west and Interstate 35.

Patrick is described as a black male, approximately 5 foot 7 inches tall, and weighing around 145 pounds. He has grey hair, brown eyes, and a beard. Patrick&nbsp;has dementia and may need assistance to return safely.

If you see Patrick Miller or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about this case, please call the Wichita Police Department at&nbsp;(316) 268-4111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709257815645.png" alt="Patrick Miller-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Patrick Miller-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – The Wichita Police Department reported that Patrick Miller was located and is now safe. Thanks for your assistance during the silver alert.SEDGWICK COUNTY –&nbsp;The Wichita Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita man, according to a media release.The whereabouts of 79-year-old Patrick Miller are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709257859934.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Patrick is likely driving a white 2004 Ford F150 bearing Kansas tag 787FBW. He may be in the El Dorado area, near Highway 254 west and Interstate 35.Patrick is described as a black male, approximately 5 foot 7 inches tall, and weighing around 145 pounds. He has grey hair, brown eyes, and a beard. Patrick&nbsp;has dementia and may need assistance to return safely.If you see Patrick Miller or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about this case, please call the Wichita Police Department at&nbsp;(316) 268-4111.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled, missing Kansas man found

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman who shot at a police officer inside an east Wichita grocery store has been sentenced. 

District Judge Jeffrey Syrios sentenced 34-year-old Danielle Robinson, of Salina, to just more than 16-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On October 4, 2021, Robinson was inside the Whole Foods store at 1423 N. Webb Road, armed with a gun. She walked in and out of the store, pointing the pistol at the windows of the store from inside and outside. It appeared she was under the influence.

When two officers arrived, she refused to drop the gun and fired it once at the officers. Both fired back, wounding her. She was released from a hospital the next day.

Robinson was scheduled for a jury trial in June of this year but pled guilty on January 18, to two counts of attempted second degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633514325560.png" alt="Robinson-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Robinson-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman who shot at a police officer inside an east Wichita grocery store has been sentenced. District Judge Jeffrey Syrios sentenced 34-year-old Danielle Robinson, of Salina, to just more than 16-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633466749928.png" alt="Image released by Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image released by Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 4, 2021, Robinson was inside the Whole Foods store at 1423 N. Webb Road, armed with a gun. She walked in and out of the store, pointing the pistol at the windows of the store from inside and outside. It appeared she was under the influence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633466917940.png" alt="Image from body camera released by Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image from body camera released by Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>When two officers arrived, she refused to drop the gun and fired it once at the officers. Both fired back, wounding her. She was released from a hospital the next day.Robinson was scheduled for a jury trial in June of this year but pled guilty on January 18, to two counts of attempted second degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

Prison for Kan. woman who shot at police from grocery store 

SALINE COUNTY—Saline County emergency officials have lifted the evacuation notice was&nbsp; for all those within two miles of Hohneck and Watkins Roads as crews continue fighting a grass fire northwest of Salina.

The large grass fire is roughly 5-7 miles northwest of Salina,&nbsp;according to the National Weather Service.

An evacuation notice had been issued just before 2p.m. for all those within two miles of Hohneck and Watkins Roads.

The fire that started on the south side of Intersate 70 between Muir and Headville Road crossed the interstate and is now burning north toward Culver, prompting the evacuation.

Additionally, the interstate has low to no visibility due to smoke in the area of Interstate 70 west of Interstate 135. Avoid the interstate and take an alternate route if you must travel. Air support is en route to the area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709239509319.jpeg" alt="Thursday afternoon grass fire in Saline County -photo Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C" />
 <figcaption>Thursday afternoon grass fire in Saline County -photo Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—Saline County emergency officials have lifted the evacuation notice was&nbsp; for all those within two miles of Hohneck and Watkins Roads as crews continue fighting a grass fire northwest of Salina.The large grass fire is roughly 5-7 miles northwest of Salina,&nbsp;according to the National Weather Service.An evacuation notice had been issued just before 2p.m. for all those within two miles of Hohneck and Watkins Roads.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709240120647.png" alt="photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>The fire that started on the south side of Intersate 70 between Muir and Headville Road crossed the interstate and is now burning north toward Culver, prompting the evacuation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709236113133.png" alt="photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Additionally, the interstate has low to no visibility due to smoke in the area of Interstate 70 west of Interstate 135. Avoid the interstate and take an alternate route if you must travel. Air support is en route to the area.

Evacuation notice lifted as crews fight large grass fire in Saline Co.

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-election-campaign-425e275ffbe6da60c9b9e5dbfc590379">Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;vowed Thursday to fulfill Moscow’s goals in Ukraine and sternly warned the West against deeper involvement in the fighting, saying that such a move is fraught with the risk of a global nuclear conflict.

Putin's warning came in a state-of-the-nation address ahead of next month’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-presidential-election-2024-what-to-know-04a363dd56d4b3f15d3048ed8585fe55">election</a>&nbsp;he’s all but certain to win, underlining his readiness to protect Russian gains in Ukraine.

In an apparent reference to French President Emmanuel Macron's statement earlier this week that the future deployment of Western ground troops to Ukraine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paris-conference-support-ukraine-zelenskyy-c458a1df3f9a7626128cdeb84050d469#:~:text=PARIS%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20French%20President,grinds%20into%20a%20third%20year.">should not be “ruled out”</a>, Putin warned that it would lead to “tragic” consequences for the countries who decide to do that.

Putin noted that while accusing Russia of plans tp attack NATO allies in Europe, Western allies were “selecting targets for striking our territory and selecting the most efficient as they think striking assets and talking about the possibility of sending a NATO contingent to Ukraine.”

“We remember the fate of those who sent their troop contingents to the territory of our country,” the Russian leader said. “Now the consequences for the potential invaders will be far more tragic.”

Speaking before an audience of lawmakers and top officials, Putin said the West should keep in mind that “we also have the weapons that can strike targets on their territory, and what they are now suggesting and scaring the world with, all that raises the real threat of a nuclear conflict that will mean the destruction of our civilization.”

“Don't they understand it?” he said, alleging that Western leaders are playing with options of deeper involvement in the conflict, as in a simulation. “Those people haven't been through any tough challenges and they have forgotten what war means.”

The strong statement followed earlier warnings from Putin, who has issued frequent reminders of Russia's nuclear might since he sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 as he sought to discourage the West from expanding its military support for Kyiv.

Putin emphasized that Russia’s nuclear forces are in “full readiness,” saying that the military has deployed potent new weapons, some of them tested on the battlefield in Ukraine.

The Kremlin leader said they include the new Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile that has entered service with Russian nuclear forces, along with the Burevestnik atomic-powered cruise missile and the Poseidon atomic-powered, nuclear-armed drone, which are completing their tests.

He added that the Kinzhal and Zircon hypersonic missiles have proven their efficacy on the battlefield in Ukraine.

At the same time, he rejected Western leaders’ statements about the threat of a Russian attack on NATO allies in Europe as “ravings” and again dismissed Washington's claim that Moscow was pondering the deployment of space-based nuclear weapons.

Putin charged that the U.S. allegations were part of a ploy to draw Russia into talks on nuclear arms control on American terms even as Washington continues its efforts to deliver a “strategic defeat” to Moscow in Ukraine.

“Ahead of the U.S. election, they just want to show their citizens, as well as others, that they continue to rule the world,” he said. “It won't work.”

In his speech that focused heavily on economic and social issues ahead of the March 15-17 presidential vote, Putin argued that Russia was “defending its sovereignty and security and protecting our compatriots” in Ukraine, charging that the Russian forces have the upper hand in the fighting.

He hailed Russian soldiers and honored those who were killed in fighting with a moment of silence.

Putin has repeatedly said that he sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 to protect Russian interests and prevent Ukraine from posing a major security threat to Russia by joining NATO. Kyiv and its allies have denounced it as an unprovoked act of aggression.

The Russian leader has repeatedly signaled a desire to negotiate an end to the fighting but warned that Russia will hold onto its gains.

Putin, 71, who is running as an independent candidate in the March 15-17 presidential election, relies on the tight control over Russia’s political system that he has established during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0dc36e0cdf7e6fa3c5e0d735b4c55197">24 years in power</a>.

Prominent critics who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-russia-successors-president-election-kremlin-58154b1f252908e76083c944efc6828e">could challenge him</a>&nbsp;have either been imprisoned or are living abroad, while most independent media have been banned, meaning that Putin’s reelection is all but assured. He faces token opposition from three other candidates nominated by Kremlin-friendly parties represented in parliament.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-navalny-life-timeline-0722708e19e51b10699b2cc73ece0bae">Russia’s best-known opposition leader Alexei Navalny</a>, whose attempt to run against Putin in 2018 was rejected,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/alexei-navalny-death-russia-updates">died suddenly in an Arctic prison colony</a>&nbsp;earlier this month, while serving a 19-year sentence on extremism charges. Navalny’s funeral is set for Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="File Image from a video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation in Moscow (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)" />
 <figcaption>File Image from a video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation in Moscow (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-election-campaign-425e275ffbe6da60c9b9e5dbfc590379">Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;vowed Thursday to fulfill Moscow’s goals in Ukraine and sternly warned the West against deeper involvement in the fighting, saying that such a move is fraught with the risk of a global nuclear conflict.Putin's warning came in a state-of-the-nation address ahead of next month’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-presidential-election-2024-what-to-know-04a363dd56d4b3f15d3048ed8585fe55">election</a>&nbsp;he’s all but certain to win, underlining his readiness to protect Russian gains in Ukraine.In an apparent reference to French President Emmanuel Macron's statement earlier this week that the future deployment of Western ground troops to Ukraine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paris-conference-support-ukraine-zelenskyy-c458a1df3f9a7626128cdeb84050d469#:~:text=PARIS%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20French%20President,grinds%20into%20a%20third%20year.">should not be “ruled out”</a>, Putin warned that it would lead to “tragic” consequences for the countries who decide to do that.Putin noted that while accusing Russia of plans tp attack NATO allies in Europe, Western allies were “selecting targets for striking our territory and selecting the most efficient as they think striking assets and talking about the possibility of sending a NATO contingent to Ukraine.”“We remember the fate of those who sent their troop contingents to the territory of our country,” the Russian leader said. “Now the consequences for the potential invaders will be far more tragic.”Speaking before an audience of lawmakers and top officials, Putin said the West should keep in mind that “we also have the weapons that can strike targets on their territory, and what they are now suggesting and scaring the world with, all that raises the real threat of a nuclear conflict that will mean the destruction of our civilization.”“Don't they understand it?” he said, alleging that Western leaders are playing with options of deeper involvement in the conflict, as in a simulation. “Those people haven't been through any tough challenges and they have forgotten what war means.”The strong statement followed earlier warnings from Putin, who has issued frequent reminders of Russia's nuclear might since he sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 as he sought to discourage the West from expanding its military support for Kyiv.Putin emphasized that Russia’s nuclear forces are in “full readiness,” saying that the military has deployed potent new weapons, some of them tested on the battlefield in Ukraine.The Kremlin leader said they include the new Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile that has entered service with Russian nuclear forces, along with the Burevestnik atomic-powered cruise missile and the Poseidon atomic-powered, nuclear-armed drone, which are completing their tests.He added that the Kinzhal and Zircon hypersonic missiles have proven their efficacy on the battlefield in Ukraine.At the same time, he rejected Western leaders’ statements about the threat of a Russian attack on NATO allies in Europe as “ravings” and again dismissed Washington's claim that Moscow was pondering the deployment of space-based nuclear weapons.Putin charged that the U.S. allegations were part of a ploy to draw Russia into talks on nuclear arms control on American terms even as Washington continues its efforts to deliver a “strategic defeat” to Moscow in Ukraine.“Ahead of the U.S. election, they just want to show their citizens, as well as others, that they continue to rule the world,” he said. “It won't work.”In his speech that focused heavily on economic and social issues ahead of the March 15-17 presidential vote, Putin argued that Russia was “defending its sovereignty and security and protecting our compatriots” in Ukraine, charging that the Russian forces have the upper hand in the fighting.He hailed Russian soldiers and honored those who were killed in fighting with a moment of silence.Putin has repeatedly said that he sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 to protect Russian interests and prevent Ukraine from posing a major security threat to Russia by joining NATO. Kyiv and its allies have denounced it as an unprovoked act of aggression.The Russian leader has repeatedly signaled a desire to negotiate an end to the fighting but warned that Russia will hold onto its gains.Putin, 71, who is running as an independent candidate in the March 15-17 presidential election, relies on the tight control over Russia’s political system that he has established during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0dc36e0cdf7e6fa3c5e0d735b4c55197">24 years in power</a>.Prominent critics who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-russia-successors-president-election-kremlin-58154b1f252908e76083c944efc6828e">could challenge him</a>&nbsp;have either been imprisoned or are living abroad, while most independent media have been banned, meaning that Putin’s reelection is all but assured. He faces token opposition from three other candidates nominated by Kremlin-friendly parties represented in parliament.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-navalny-life-timeline-0722708e19e51b10699b2cc73ece0bae">Russia’s best-known opposition leader Alexei Navalny</a>, whose attempt to run against Putin in 2018 was rejected,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/alexei-navalny-death-russia-updates">died suddenly in an Arctic prison colony</a>&nbsp;earlier this month, while serving a 19-year sentence on extremism charges. Navalny’s funeral is set for Friday.

Putin threatens nuclear war if NATO sends troops to Ukraine

KANSAS CITY —Two Kansas City area men have been charged in connection with the late-afternoon Jan. 17, 2024, shootings inside Crown Center, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Joel Olivas, 23, and Brian Favela, 22, collectively face 26 felony charges. Each defendant faces three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, six counts of Armed Criminal Action, Terroristic Threat in the 1st&nbsp;Degree and three counts of Harassment in the 1st&nbsp;Degree. Both charged defendants are affiliated with the East Side Gang.

According to court records, a total of six persons were wounded in the shooting, including three victims not involved in the disturbance between two groups. Crime scene technicians located 54 spent shell casings, observed live rounds on the ground and recovered eight spent bullets and 22 bullet fragments. Witnesses stated a groups of males could be heard in a verbal disturbance at Crown Center.

 They fired their weapons in a public space with blatant disregard for the safety of many persons inside a mall, including families and children.

Prosecutors worked closely with the police investigative team on the timing of criminal charges in this case to protect officer safety in taking these defendants into custody. The charges were placed under seal this month. The seal was lifted today.

Prosecutors requested a $500,000 cash bond for each defendant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709159745533.png" alt="Olivas-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Olivas-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Two Kansas City area men have been charged in connection with the late-afternoon Jan. 17, 2024, shootings inside Crown Center, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Joel Olivas, 23, and Brian Favela, 22, collectively face 26 felony charges. Each defendant faces three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, six counts of Armed Criminal Action, Terroristic Threat in the 1st&nbsp;Degree and three counts of Harassment in the 1st&nbsp;Degree. Both charged defendants are affiliated with the East Side Gang.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709159804082.png" alt="Favela photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Favela photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>According to court records, a total of six persons were wounded in the shooting, including three victims not involved in the disturbance between two groups. Crime scene technicians located 54 spent shell casings, observed live rounds on the ground and recovered eight spent bullets and 22 bullet fragments. Witnesses stated a groups of males could be heard in a verbal disturbance at Crown Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705578148945.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure> They fired their weapons in a public space with blatant disregard for the safety of many persons inside a mall, including families and children.Prosecutors worked closely with the police investigative team on the timing of criminal charges in this case to protect officer safety in taking these defendants into custody. The charges were placed under seal this month. The seal was lifted today.Prosecutors requested a $500,000 cash bond for each defendant.

Suspects charged for gunfight at Crown Center that injured 6

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — More than 1,000 child care providers and stakeholders from all 105 Kansas counties urged lawmakers to channel more money into the state’s overwhelmed child care programs.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://stage.worklifesystems.com/Kansas?county=all">Child care data</a>&nbsp;in the state suggests only 46% of children in Kansas are receiving child care services, and that an additional 85,000 child care slots are needed to meet demand.&nbsp;

To alleviate some of the financial strain faced by providers, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly introduced a $56 million allocation as part of her proposed budget for<a target="_blank" href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-kelly-announces-fiscal-year-2025-budget/">&nbsp;fiscal year 2025</a>.&nbsp;The funding includes nearly $30 million for the construction of child care facilities and $5 million for a northwest Kansas pilot program seeking to test practices for public-private child care partnerships in rural areas.&nbsp;

Another $15 million will go toward workforce grants to support child care providers struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2025, the money would provide an estimated 3,500 child care organizations with $4,000 grants.

Child care providers and stakeholders signed onto a letter supporting the allocation, calling the move a critical economic development and one that would bolster struggling Kansas families.&nbsp;

“Too many Kansas families are struggling with the high costs of child care,”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/KSOG/2024/02/27/file_attachments/2796444/Kansas%20Early%20Childhood%20Sign-On%20Letter.pdf">the letter reads</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Investing in early childhood programs included in the budget will make child care more affordable and more available in communities from Kansas City to Garden City. …We need to invest in early childhood education to make sure all Kansas kids get started on the right track.”&nbsp;

Lawmakers in the Republican-majority Legislature will go through budget items before sending the budget back to Kelly. If enacted, this allocation would be the largest single-year investment in early childhood care and education in Kansas history, according to the governor’s office.&nbsp;

“Early childhood providers are essential to preparing our children for lifelong success and know how critical it is to invest in our state’s early childhood system,” Kelly said in a Wednesday statement. “Legislators should listen to these experts and approve the crucial budget proposals needed to expand access to child care, support our working families and businesses, and grow our economy.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685738907816.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;File photo-Child care system slots may increase under new funding provisions.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;File photo-Child care system slots may increase under new funding provisions.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — More than 1,000 child care providers and stakeholders from all 105 Kansas counties urged lawmakers to channel more money into the state’s overwhelmed child care programs.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://stage.worklifesystems.com/Kansas?county=all">Child care data</a>&nbsp;in the state suggests only 46% of children in Kansas are receiving child care services, and that an additional 85,000 child care slots are needed to meet demand.&nbsp;To alleviate some of the financial strain faced by providers, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly introduced a $56 million allocation as part of her proposed budget for<a target="_blank" href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-kelly-announces-fiscal-year-2025-budget/">&nbsp;fiscal year 2025</a>.&nbsp;The funding includes nearly $30 million for the construction of child care facilities and $5 million for a northwest Kansas pilot program seeking to test practices for public-private child care partnerships in rural areas.&nbsp;Another $15 million will go toward workforce grants to support child care providers struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2025, the money would provide an estimated 3,500 child care organizations with $4,000 grants.Child care providers and stakeholders signed onto a letter supporting the allocation, calling the move a critical economic development and one that would bolster struggling Kansas families.&nbsp;“Too many Kansas families are struggling with the high costs of child care,”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/KSOG/2024/02/27/file_attachments/2796444/Kansas%20Early%20Childhood%20Sign-On%20Letter.pdf">the letter reads</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Investing in early childhood programs included in the budget will make child care more affordable and more available in communities from Kansas City to Garden City. …We need to invest in early childhood education to make sure all Kansas kids get started on the right track.”&nbsp;Lawmakers in the Republican-majority Legislature will go through budget items before sending the budget back to Kelly. If enacted, this allocation would be the largest single-year investment in early childhood care and education in Kansas history, according to the governor’s office.&nbsp;“Early childhood providers are essential to preparing our children for lifelong success and know how critical it is to invest in our state’s early childhood system,” Kelly said in a Wednesday statement. “Legislators should listen to these experts and approve the crucial budget proposals needed to expand access to child care, support our working families and businesses, and grow our economy.”&nbsp;

‘Families are struggling’: Kansas child care providers ask for funding increase

BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;“continues to be fit for duty,” his doctor wrote Wednesday after conducting an annual physical that is being closely watched as the 81-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-election-2024-president-democrats-trump-9c72115656855da89a41cac3f79aa65b#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Joe,president%20for%20another%20four%20years.">seeks reelection</a>&nbsp;in November.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Health-Summary-2.28.pdf">Click here to read the full letter </a>from the physician to the President

(Click below to watch the White House Press secretary respond to questions on the President's lack of a cognitive test)

Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden's physician, wrote that the president is adjusting well to a new device that helps control his sleep apnea and has experienced some hip discomfort but also works out five times per week.

“President Biden is a healthy, active, robust, 81-year-old male who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency,” O’Connor said in a six-page memo on the president’s health, following a physical that took Biden to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for more than 2 1/2 hours.

His memo added that Biden “feels well and this year's physical identifies no new concerns.”

The oldest president in U.S. history, Biden would be 86 by the end of a second term, should he win one. His latest physical mirrored one he had in February last year when O'Connor described Biden as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-health-bdce6c15df6186e06710f2d903a3513e">“healthy, vigorous” and “fit”</a>&nbsp;to handle his White House duties.

Still, voters are approaching this year’s election with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-donald-trump-government-and-politics-ede57ce56fdf7958addec2cf9ef5e0de">misgivings about Biden’s age</a>, having scrutinized his gaffes, his coughing, his slow walking and even a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-us-secret-service-jill-delaware-government-and-politics-d039291d372a38982b533d05d18d7a6f">tumble off his bicycle</a>.

After he returned to the White House on Wednesday, Biden attended an event on combating crime and suggested that when it came to his health “everything is squared away” and "there is nothing different than last year.”

He also joked about his age and people thinking "I look too young.”

Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, 77, is the favorite to lock up the Republican nomination later this month, which would bring him closer to a November rematch against Biden. Trump was 70 when he took office in 2017, which made him the oldest American president to be inaugurated — until Biden broke his record by being inaugurated at 78 in 2021.

O'Connor's report said that Biden’s stiff walking was no worse than last year and was the result of arthritic changes in his spine. He said the president also noted “some increased left hip discomfort.” There were no signs of stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or other similar conditions in what the report called an “extremely detailed neurologic exam.”

Biden, last summer, began using a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine at night to help with sleep apnea, and O'Connor wrote that the president had responded well to that treatment and is “diligently compliant" about using it.

A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hur-garland-classified-documents-836b99fe9cbef9ba7d32602f4928efec">special counsel’s report on the investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents</a>&nbsp;repeatedly derided Biden's memory, calling it “hazy,” “fuzzy,” “faulty,” “poor” and having “significant limitations.” It also noted that Biden could not recall defining milestones in his own life such as when his son Beau died or when he served as vice president.

Still, addressing reporters the evening of the report's release, Biden said "my memory is fine” and grew visibly angry as he denied forgetting when his son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">died of brain cancer in 2015</a>&nbsp;at the age of 46.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that O’Connor was one of a team of 20 different medical specialists who helped complete the physical.

Asked why Biden wasn't undergoing a cognitive test as part of the physical, Jean-Pierre said that O'Connor and Biden's neurologist “don't believe he needs one.”

“He passes a cognitive test every day, every day as he moves from one topic to another topic, understanding the granular level of these topics,” Jean-Pierre said, noting that Biden tackled such diverse issues as Wednesday's crime prevention event before his planned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-joe-biden-immigration-border-trump-2024-734b45dd77b70a41471c9c843c36cc49">trip to the U.S.-Mexico border</a>&nbsp;on Thursday and next week's State of the Union address.

“This is a very rigorous job," she added.

That picture of the president doesn’t reflect the type of struggles with routine tasks that might indicate the need for further tests, said Dr. Michael Rosenbloom, a neurologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

“Constantly questioning older folks who may have an occasional lapse is a form of ageism,” Rosenbloom said.

From sleep apnea to arthritis, Biden’s health report “seems pretty run of the mill for an 81-year-old person,” said Dr. Jeffrey A. Linder, chief of general internal medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

“His doctors are in a unique position to assess his cognitive ability on a daily basis,” Linder said. "These doctors are able to see how he’s functioning day to day. That’s much more useful” than a cognitive assessment.

Many Americans, including Democrats, have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-biden-2024-presidential-prospects-c843c5af6775b4c8a0cff8e2b1db03f6">expressed reservations about Biden</a>&nbsp;seeking a second term during this fall's election. Only 37% of Democrats say Biden should pursue reelection, down from 52% before the 2022 midterm elections, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Biden counters that his age brings wisdom, and he has begun to criticize Trump for the former president’s recent public gaffes.

The president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-seth-meyers-donors-2024-3ba258c294d0697f2f2963f3025dd529">joked</a>&nbsp;that his age was classified information and suggested during a taping in New York on Monday of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seth-meyers-late-night-10-years-237f12c227cd2de1f25528b3249bd61e">“Late Night With Seth Meyers</a>&nbsp;″ that Trump mistakenly called his wife Melania, “Mercedes” during a weekend speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference -- though the Trump campaign says he was correctly referring to political commentator Mercedes Schlapp.

Trump has indeed had his share of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-age-biden-trump-gaffes-flubs-c46427d30471f79ee695d3e76f4d17f4">verbal miscues</a>, mixing up the city and state where he was campaigning, calling Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán the leader of Turkey and repeatedly mispronouncing the militant group Hamas as “hummus.” More recently, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-trump-mental-fitness-pelosi-522c3cddcaf7b85df5a64658c5041e96">confused</a>&nbsp;his Republican primary rival Nikki Haley with former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

While he was president, Trump's annual physical in 2019 revealed that he had gained weight and was up to 243 pounds. With his 6-foot, 3-inch frame, that meant Trump's Body Mass Index was 30.4. An index rating of 30 is the level at which doctors consider someone obese under this commonly used formula.

Wednesday's report listed Biden as 6-foot tall and weighing 178 pounds.

BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;“continues to be fit for duty,” his doctor wrote Wednesday after conducting an annual physical that is being closely watched as the 81-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-election-2024-president-democrats-trump-9c72115656855da89a41cac3f79aa65b#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Joe,president%20for%20another%20four%20years.">seeks reelection</a>&nbsp;in November.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Health-Summary-2.28.pdf">Click here to read the full letter </a>from the physician to the President(Click below to watch the White House Press secretary respond to questions on the President's lack of a cognitive test)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1445488582723636%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=643" 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>Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden's physician, wrote that the president is adjusting well to a new device that helps control his sleep apnea and has experienced some hip discomfort but also works out five times per week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709157235123.png" alt="Page 1 of&nbsp;Dr. Kevin O’Connor's memo on the President's health" />
 <figcaption>Page 1 of&nbsp;Dr. Kevin O’Connor's memo on the President's health</figcaption>
 </figure>“President Biden is a healthy, active, robust, 81-year-old male who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency,” O’Connor said in a six-page memo on the president’s health, following a physical that took Biden to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for more than 2 1/2 hours.His memo added that Biden “feels well and this year's physical identifies no new concerns.”The oldest president in U.S. history, Biden would be 86 by the end of a second term, should he win one. His latest physical mirrored one he had in February last year when O'Connor described Biden as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-health-bdce6c15df6186e06710f2d903a3513e">“healthy, vigorous” and “fit”</a>&nbsp;to handle his White House duties.Still, voters are approaching this year’s election with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-donald-trump-government-and-politics-ede57ce56fdf7958addec2cf9ef5e0de">misgivings about Biden’s age</a>, having scrutinized his gaffes, his coughing, his slow walking and even a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-us-secret-service-jill-delaware-government-and-politics-d039291d372a38982b533d05d18d7a6f">tumble off his bicycle</a>.After he returned to the White House on Wednesday, Biden attended an event on combating crime and suggested that when it came to his health “everything is squared away” and "there is nothing different than last year.”He also joked about his age and people thinking "I look too young.”Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, 77, is the favorite to lock up the Republican nomination later this month, which would bring him closer to a November rematch against Biden. Trump was 70 when he took office in 2017, which made him the oldest American president to be inaugurated — until Biden broke his record by being inaugurated at 78 in 2021.O'Connor's report said that Biden’s stiff walking was no worse than last year and was the result of arthritic changes in his spine. He said the president also noted “some increased left hip discomfort.” There were no signs of stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or other similar conditions in what the report called an “extremely detailed neurologic exam.”Biden, last summer, began using a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine at night to help with sleep apnea, and O'Connor wrote that the president had responded well to that treatment and is “diligently compliant" about using it.A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hur-garland-classified-documents-836b99fe9cbef9ba7d32602f4928efec">special counsel’s report on the investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents</a>&nbsp;repeatedly derided Biden's memory, calling it “hazy,” “fuzzy,” “faulty,” “poor” and having “significant limitations.” It also noted that Biden could not recall defining milestones in his own life such as when his son Beau died or when he served as vice president.Still, addressing reporters the evening of the report's release, Biden said "my memory is fine” and grew visibly angry as he denied forgetting when his son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">died of brain cancer in 2015</a>&nbsp;at the age of 46.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that O’Connor was one of a team of 20 different medical specialists who helped complete the physical.Asked why Biden wasn't undergoing a cognitive test as part of the physical, Jean-Pierre said that O'Connor and Biden's neurologist “don't believe he needs one.”“He passes a cognitive test every day, every day as he moves from one topic to another topic, understanding the granular level of these topics,” Jean-Pierre said, noting that Biden tackled such diverse issues as Wednesday's crime prevention event before his planned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-joe-biden-immigration-border-trump-2024-734b45dd77b70a41471c9c843c36cc49">trip to the U.S.-Mexico border</a>&nbsp;on Thursday and next week's State of the Union address.“This is a very rigorous job," she added.That picture of the president doesn’t reflect the type of struggles with routine tasks that might indicate the need for further tests, said Dr. Michael Rosenbloom, a neurologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine.“Constantly questioning older folks who may have an occasional lapse is a form of ageism,” Rosenbloom said.From sleep apnea to arthritis, Biden’s health report “seems pretty run of the mill for an 81-year-old person,” said Dr. Jeffrey A. Linder, chief of general internal medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.“His doctors are in a unique position to assess his cognitive ability on a daily basis,” Linder said. "These doctors are able to see how he’s functioning day to day. That’s much more useful” than a cognitive assessment.Many Americans, including Democrats, have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-biden-2024-presidential-prospects-c843c5af6775b4c8a0cff8e2b1db03f6">expressed reservations about Biden</a>&nbsp;seeking a second term during this fall's election. Only 37% of Democrats say Biden should pursue reelection, down from 52% before the 2022 midterm elections, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.Biden counters that his age brings wisdom, and he has begun to criticize Trump for the former president’s recent public gaffes.The president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-seth-meyers-donors-2024-3ba258c294d0697f2f2963f3025dd529">joked</a>&nbsp;that his age was classified information and suggested during a taping in New York on Monday of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seth-meyers-late-night-10-years-237f12c227cd2de1f25528b3249bd61e">“Late Night With Seth Meyers</a>&nbsp;″ that Trump mistakenly called his wife Melania, “Mercedes” during a weekend speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference -- though the Trump campaign says he was correctly referring to political commentator Mercedes Schlapp.Trump has indeed had his share of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-age-biden-trump-gaffes-flubs-c46427d30471f79ee695d3e76f4d17f4">verbal miscues</a>, mixing up the city and state where he was campaigning, calling Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán the leader of Turkey and repeatedly mispronouncing the militant group Hamas as “hummus.” More recently, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-trump-mental-fitness-pelosi-522c3cddcaf7b85df5a64658c5041e96">confused</a>&nbsp;his Republican primary rival Nikki Haley with former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.While he was president, Trump's annual physical in 2019 revealed that he had gained weight and was up to 243 pounds. With his 6-foot, 3-inch frame, that meant Trump's Body Mass Index was 30.4. An index rating of 30 is the level at which doctors consider someone obese under this commonly used formula.Wednesday's report listed Biden as 6-foot tall and weighing 178 pounds.

🎥 Biden fit for duty: Read his physician's memo; no cognitive test

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas felon accused in a double murder of a man and woman at Wichita motel made his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746460">John Aurthur Griffin</a>&nbsp;III, 20, Wichita, was charged with capital murder, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, aggravated endangering a child, and two counts of aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 9:30a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting call&nbsp; in the 7300 block of E. Kellogg, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders located two shooting victims in a motel room identified as&nbsp;35-year-old Christopher Harrell and 35-year-old Natisha Phillips both of Wichita.

EMS transported Harrell to a local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Phillips was pronounced deceased on the scene. 

Officers also located a young child at the scene, who was unharmed, and police are using resources to address any psychological or medical needs for the child.&nbsp;

Subsequent investigation led the arrest of Griffin. He had been in prison for portion of 2022 and 2023 after a conviction for Battery of a Juvenile Corrections Facility officer, Employer person confined, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. During his time his approximately 18 months in prison, Griffin had been disciplined nearly three dozen times for battery, theft, fighting and other crimes, according to the KDOC

His next court appearance is March 13. He is being held on a bond of six-million dollars.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708953115181.png" alt="Griffin-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Griffin-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas felon accused in a double murder of a man and woman at Wichita motel made his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746460">John Aurthur Griffin</a>&nbsp;III, 20, Wichita, was charged with capital murder, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, aggravated endangering a child, and two counts of aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708804201051.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 9:30a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting call&nbsp; in the 7300 block of E. Kellogg, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders located two shooting victims in a motel room identified as&nbsp;35-year-old Christopher Harrell and 35-year-old Natisha Phillips both of Wichita.EMS transported Harrell to a local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Phillips was pronounced deceased on the scene. Officers also located a young child at the scene, who was unharmed, and police are using resources to address any psychological or medical needs for the child.&nbsp;Subsequent investigation led the arrest of Griffin. He had been in prison for portion of 2022 and 2023 after a conviction for Battery of a Juvenile Corrections Facility officer, Employer person confined, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. During his time his approximately 18 months in prison, Griffin had been disciplined nearly three dozen times for battery, theft, fighting and other crimes, according to the KDOCHis next court appearance is March 13. He is being held on a bond of six-million dollars.

Violent felon charged with capital murder in Kan. motel killings

FORD COUNTY —It's been a busy week for fire crews in Kansas. According to a social media report from Ford County Fire and EMS, they sent a truck, on Tuesday, along with the SW Kansas Wildland Taskforce to Harper County Oklahoma to help with a very large grass fire.

Just before noon Wednesday, Ford County crews were dispatched to a grass fire northeast of Bucklin.  While heading to that fire another fire was reported by the small rural Ford County community of Wilroads Garden. 

The initial report was for a grass fire with multiple structures being threatened.  Some trucks were diverted from the first fire and additional resources were requested at the second fire. 

There were no houses lost but there were some out buildings, vehicles and livestock losses. Fire crews continue to monitor for hot spots at this time.&nbsp;

Departments from&nbsp;Dodge City Fire Department&nbsp;, Jetmore,&nbsp;Fowler Fire Department&nbsp;,&nbsp;Minneola Fire Department&nbsp;,&nbsp;Ashland Kansas Fire Department&nbsp;, Ford County Road &amp; Bridge,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064581137044&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWzgFNJrJJJ7RtWhHGNUWVekvhiu9q0hQfUv0PB_g4Jmsk-Giko63VJ69dT_V7LogjslJRq39DS8sHpSg7TFNv9uIvyGwzQFEI1jfRJHSVjh8ay_nhRfudRTik0XIzt6L32nA-URjRD7QiEFuZfMwdLZsyRlMgPG8TIWBPLOvwDqDq3lGKS2dCN234oI21dp5M&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Ford County Sheriff's Office</a>&nbsp;, Pride Ag and&nbsp; and Victory Electric assisted with this fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709211368458.png" alt="Photo courtesy Ford County Fire and EMS" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Ford County Fire and EMS</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —It's been a busy week for fire crews in Kansas. According to a social media report from Ford County Fire and EMS, they sent a truck, on Tuesday, along with the SW Kansas Wildland Taskforce to Harper County Oklahoma to help with a very large grass fire.Just before noon Wednesday, Ford County crews were dispatched to a grass fire northeast of Bucklin. While heading to that fire another fire was reported by the small rural Ford County community of Wilroads Garden. The initial report was for a grass fire with multiple structures being threatened. Some trucks were diverted from the first fire and additional resources were requested at the second fire. There were no houses lost but there were some out buildings, vehicles and livestock losses. Fire crews continue to monitor for hot spots at this time.&nbsp;Departments from&nbsp;Dodge City Fire Department&nbsp;, Jetmore,&nbsp;Fowler Fire Department&nbsp;,&nbsp;Minneola Fire Department&nbsp;,&nbsp;Ashland Kansas Fire Department&nbsp;, Ford County Road &amp; Bridge,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064581137044&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWzgFNJrJJJ7RtWhHGNUWVekvhiu9q0hQfUv0PB_g4Jmsk-Giko63VJ69dT_V7LogjslJRq39DS8sHpSg7TFNv9uIvyGwzQFEI1jfRJHSVjh8ay_nhRfudRTik0XIzt6L32nA-URjRD7QiEFuZfMwdLZsyRlMgPG8TIWBPLOvwDqDq3lGKS2dCN234oI21dp5M&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Ford County Sheriff's Office</a>&nbsp;, Pride Ag and&nbsp; and Victory Electric assisted with this fire.

Livestock lost in southwest Kansas wildfires

KANSAS CITY —A family is very thankful a Kansas City police detective was in the right place at the right time earlier this month.

Detective Lauren Montgomery and Officer Brett Ussary were leaving University Health after conducting interviews when they encountered a family that needed immediate help.

On Tuesday KCPD released a video showing Montgomery (gray jacket) administer back blows to the baby who was choking and not breathing. "The parents were frantic." Officer Brett Ussary, meanwhile, rushed into University Health for help. 

"While he was doing so Montgomery dislodged an object from the baby’s airway, who began gasping for air and crying."

"Great job, Detective Montgomery and Officer Ussary!" KCPD wrote in their post on the department's social media page.

KANSAS CITY —A family is very thankful a Kansas City police detective was in the right place at the right time earlier this month.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Baby saved! In this video, you see Detective Lauren Montgomery (gray jacket) administer back blows to a baby that was choking and not breathing. The parents were frantic. Officer Brett Ussary, meanwhile, rushed into University Health for help. While he was doing so… 1/2 <a href="https://t.co/6mwi9Wgfqw">pic.twitter.com/6mwi9Wgfqw</a>&mdash; kcpolice (@kcpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcpolice/status/1762527635861623269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Detective Lauren Montgomery and Officer Brett Ussary were leaving University Health after conducting interviews when they encountered a family that needed immediate help.On Tuesday KCPD released a video showing Montgomery (gray jacket) administer back blows to the baby who was choking and not breathing. "The parents were frantic." Officer Brett Ussary, meanwhile, rushed into University Health for help. "While he was doing so Montgomery dislodged an object from the baby’s airway, who began gasping for air and crying.""Great job, Detective Montgomery and Officer Ussary!" KCPD wrote in their post on the department's social media page.

🎥 Kansas City police detective saves life of choking baby

NEW YORK (AP) — Leap year. It's a delight for the calendar and math nerds among us. So how did it all begin and why?

Have a look at some of the numbers, history and lore behind the (not quite) every four year phenom that adds a 29th day to February.

The math is mind-boggling in a layperson sort of way and down to fractions of days and minutes. There's even a leap second occasionally, but there's no hullabaloo when that happens.

The thing to know is that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/news/2020/2/21/doing-the-math-on-why-we-have-leap-day/">leap year exists,</a>&nbsp;in large part, to keep the months in sync with annual events, including equinoxes and solstices, according to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology.

It's a correction to counter the fact that Earth's orbit isn't precisely 365 days a year.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/Numbers/Math/Mathematical_Thinking/calendar_calculations.htm">The trip takes about six hours longer than that, NASA says.</a>

Contrary to what some might believe, however, not every four years is a leaper. Adding a leap day every four years would make the calendar longer by more than 44 minutes, according to the National Air &amp; Space Museum.

Later, on a calendar yet to come (we'll get to it), it was decreed that years divisible by 100 not follow the four-year leap day rule unless they are also divisible by 400, the JPL notes. In the past 500 years, there was no leap day in 1700, 1800 and 1900, but 2000 had one. In the next 500 years, if the practice is followed, there will be no leap day in 2100, 2200, 2300 and 2500.

The next leap years are 2028, 2032 and 2036.

Eventually, nothing good in terms of when major events fall, when farmers plant and how seasons align with the sun and the moon.

“Without the leap years, after a few hundred years we will have summer in November,” said Younas Khan, a physics instructor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “Christmas will be in summer. There will be no snow. There will be no feeling of Christmas.”

Ancient civilizations used the cosmos to plan their lives, and there are calendars dating back to the Bronze Age. They were based on either the phases of the moon or the sun, as various calendars are today. Usually they were “lunisolar,” using both.

Now hop on over to the Roman Empire and Julius Caesar. He was dealing with major seasonal drift on calendars used in his neck of the woods. They dealt badly with drift by adding months. He was also navigating a vast array of calendars starting in a vast array of ways in the vast Roman Empire.

He introduced his Julian calendar in 46 BCE. It was purely solar and counted a year at 365.25 days, so once every four years an extra day was added. Before that, the Romans counted a year at 355 days, at least for a time.

But still, under Julius, there was drift. There were too many leap years! The solar year isn't precisely 365.25 days! It's 365.242 days, said Nick Eakes, an astronomy educator at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Thomas Palaima, a classics professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said adding periods of time to a year to reflect variations in the lunar and solar cycles was done by the ancients. The Athenian calendar, he said, was used in the fourth, fifth and sixth centuries with 12 lunar months.

That didn't work for seasonal religious rites. The drift problem led to “intercalating” an extra month periodically to realign with lunar and solar cycles, Palaima said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709168477060.png" alt="Leap years were created to keep the human calendar in line with Earth's rotation around the sun. (AP Digital Embed)" />
 <figcaption>Leap years were created to keep the human calendar in line with Earth's rotation around the sun. (AP Digital Embed)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Leap year. It's a delight for the calendar and math nerds among us. So how did it all begin and why?<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708881735016.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Have a look at some of the numbers, history and lore behind the (not quite) every four year phenom that adds a 29th day to February.BY THE NUMBERSThe math is mind-boggling in a layperson sort of way and down to fractions of days and minutes. There's even a leap second occasionally, but there's no hullabaloo when that happens.The thing to know is that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/news/2020/2/21/doing-the-math-on-why-we-have-leap-day/">leap year exists,</a>&nbsp;in large part, to keep the months in sync with annual events, including equinoxes and solstices, according to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology.It's a correction to counter the fact that Earth's orbit isn't precisely 365 days a year.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/Numbers/Math/Mathematical_Thinking/calendar_calculations.htm">The trip takes about six hours longer than that, NASA says.</a>Contrary to what some might believe, however, not every four years is a leaper. Adding a leap day every four years would make the calendar longer by more than 44 minutes, according to the National Air &amp; Space Museum.Later, on a calendar yet to come (we'll get to it), it was decreed that years divisible by 100 not follow the four-year leap day rule unless they are also divisible by 400, the JPL notes. In the past 500 years, there was no leap day in 1700, 1800 and 1900, but 2000 had one. In the next 500 years, if the practice is followed, there will be no leap day in 2100, 2200, 2300 and 2500.Still with us?The next leap years are 2028, 2032 and 2036.WHAT WOULD HAPPEN WITHOUT A LEAP DAY?Eventually, nothing good in terms of when major events fall, when farmers plant and how seasons align with the sun and the moon.“Without the leap years, after a few hundred years we will have summer in November,” said Younas Khan, a physics instructor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “Christmas will be in summer. There will be no snow. There will be no feeling of Christmas.”WHO CAME UP WITH LEAP YEAR?The short answer: It evolved.Ancient civilizations used the cosmos to plan their lives, and there are calendars dating back to the Bronze Age. They were based on either the phases of the moon or the sun, as various calendars are today. Usually they were “lunisolar,” using both.Now hop on over to the Roman Empire and Julius Caesar. He was dealing with major seasonal drift on calendars used in his neck of the woods. They dealt badly with drift by adding months. He was also navigating a vast array of calendars starting in a vast array of ways in the vast Roman Empire.He introduced his Julian calendar in 46 BCE. It was purely solar and counted a year at 365.25 days, so once every four years an extra day was added. Before that, the Romans counted a year at 355 days, at least for a time.But still, under Julius, there was drift. There were too many leap years! The solar year isn't precisely 365.25 days! It's 365.242 days, said Nick Eakes, an astronomy educator at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.Thomas Palaima, a classics professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said adding periods of time to a year to reflect variations in the lunar and solar cycles was done by the ancients. The Athenian calendar, he said, was used in the fourth, fifth and sixth centuries with 12 lunar months.That didn't work for seasonal religious rites. The drift problem led to “intercalating” an extra month periodically to realign with lunar and solar cycles, Palaima said.The Julian calendar was 0.0078 days (11 minutes and 14 seconds) longer than the tropical year, so errors in timekeeping still gradually accumulated, according to NASA. But stability increased, Palaima said.The Julian calendar was the model used by the Western world for hundreds of years. Enter Pope Gregory XIII, who calibrated further. His Gregorian calendar took effect in the late 16th century. It remains in use today and, clearly, isn't perfect or there would be no need for leap year. But it was a big improvement, reducing drift to mere seconds.Why did he step in? Well, Easter. It was coming later in the year over time, and he fretted that events related to Easter like the Pentecost might bump up against pagan festivals. The pope wanted Easter to remain in the spring.He eliminated some extra days accumulated on the Julian calendar and tweaked the rules on leap day. It's Pope Gregory and his advisers who came up with the really gnarly math on when there should or shouldn't be a leap year.“If the solar year was a perfect 365.25 then we wouldn’t have to worry about the tricky math involved,” Eakes said.WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH LEAP YEAR AND MARRIAGE?Bizarrely, leap day comes with lore about women popping the marriage question to men. It was mostly benign fun, but it came with a bite that reinforced gender roles.There’s distant European folklore. One story places the idea of women proposing in fifth century Ireland, with St. Bridget appealing to St. Patrick to offer women the chance to ask men to marry them, according to historian Katherine Parkin in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/audio/2012/02/29/leap-year-marriage-proposals">2012 paper in the Journal of Family History.</a>Nobody really knows where it all began.In 1904, syndicated columnist Elizabeth Meriwether Gilmer, aka Dorothy Dix, summed up the tradition this way: “Of course people will say ... that a woman’s leap year prerogative, like most of her liberties, is merely a glittering mockery.”The pre-Sadie Hawkins tradition, however serious or tongue-in-cheek, could have empowered women but merely perpetuated stereotypes. The proposals were to happen via postcard, but many such cards turned the tables and poked fun at women instead.Advertising perpetuated the leap year marriage game. A 1916 ad by the American Industrial Bank and Trust Co. read thusly: “This being Leap Year day, we suggest to every girl that she propose to her father to open a savings account in her name in our own bank.”There was no breath of independence for women due to leap day.SHOULD WE PITY THE LEAPLINGS?Being born in a leap year on a leap day certainly is a talking point. But it can be kind of a pain from a paperwork perspective. Some governments and others requiring forms to be filled out and birthdays to be stated stepped in to declare what date was used by leaplings for such things as drivers licenses, whether Feb. 28 or March 1.Technology has made it far easier for leap babies to jot down their Feb. 29 milestones, though there can be glitches in terms of health systems, insurance policies and with other businesses and organization that don't have that date built in.There are about 5 million people worldwide who share the leap birthday out of about 8 billion people on the planet. Shelley Dean, 23, in Seattle, Washington, chooses a rosy attitude about being a leapling. Growing up, she had normal birthday parties each year, but an extra special one when leap years rolled around. Since, as an adult, she marks that non-leap period between Feb. 28 and March 1 with a low-key “whew.”This year is different.“It will be the first birthday that I’m going to celebrate with my family in eight years, which is super exciting, because the last leap day I was on the other side of the country in New York for college,” she said. “It's a very big year.”