BY SHERMAN SMITH AND TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — As House Democrats unveiled a proposal to save homeowners $500 million on property taxes, House Minority Leader Vic Miller brayed at GOP leaders who play “stupid games” to try to secure income tax cuts that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/30/analysis-show-kansas-chambers-flat-tax-proposal-costs-1-5b-favors-top-20-of-wage-earners/">primarily favor the wealthiest Kansans</a>.

Miller, a Topeka Democrat, accused Republican leaders of deploying “bogus” objections and forcing votes on “gotcha” bills. He double-dog dared House Speaker Dan Hawkins to try to repeal&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/25/kansas-counties-eager-for-lawmakers-to-resurrect-property-tax-relief-fund/">a property tax relief program that has been in statute since 1937</a>&nbsp;but has been defunded for the past 20 years.

And he said he won’t give in to “political extortion.”

“I’m very fearful that the Republican leadership will play the same stupid games that they always play that result in no benefit to anyone,” Miller said. “But I would love to have these things out on the floor for a straight-up vote, where members get to do what they want, and aren’t extorted into doing the only thing that leadership gives them a choice (to vote on). I’d love to see a straight-up debate.”

Members of both parties are eager to slash taxes in the upcoming legislative session in light of a projected $2 billion surplus in the state coffers.

Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson, backed by special interest groups like Americans for Prosperity, have tried to adopt tax relief in the form of a “flat tax.” Their proposal in the past session would have slashed the tax rate for the top income bracket and offered modest relief for lower brackets. About 43% of the tax savings would go to the 3% of Kansans who earn more than $250,000 a year.

Earlier this week, Republican&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/14/with-kansas-on-track-for-billions-in-surplus-republicans-promise-to-deliver-tax-cuts/">promised to deliver</a>&nbsp;unspecified tax cuts next year.

Democrats responded Tuesday by unveiling a package of tax cuts tailored for residential property owners. Their ideas are to revive and refine the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund, raise the exemption on the statewide mill levy from $42,000 to $100,000, and place a constitutional amendment before voters that would shift the tax burden from homeowners to other types of property. Miller said the package would total about $500 million in savings on property tax bills.

Miller displayed a pie chart that showed how the property tax burden has shifted over the past 30 years. Homeowners used to pay about 35% of overall property taxes. Now they pay about 54%, Miller said. The proposed constitutional amendment aims to reverse that trend.

“For the nerds out there,” as Miller put it, the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund requires the state to set aside 3.63% of sales tax collections and divide the money among counties through a formula based on population and assessed property tax value. The program was put into state law in 1937 and remained in effect through 2003.

Hawkins, in a misleading statement offered without evidence, said earlier this year that local governments had simply used the money intended for property tax relief as a “slush fund.” Miller called it a “bogus objection,” and said the Democrats have a solution: Revise the program so that the money is deducted in the form of a rebate from individual homeowners’ property tax bills. This idea would reduce property taxes by $130 million statewide, he said.

Miller challenged Hawkins to make good on his threat to repeal the LAVTR from state statute.

“Put that out on the floor for a vote. We’ll see how popular that idea is,” Miller said. “In fact, you can put this in writing so he hears it before his listening tour later this week: I dare him to introduce that proposal. I double dog dare him. How’s that?”

The House and Senate tax committee concluded a series of meetings this fall by recommending the 2024 Legislature work on a proposed constitutional amendment that would forbid counties from raising assessments on real property in Kansas by more than 4% each year.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-senate-passes-constitutional-amendment-restraining-property-tax-valuations/">The Senate passed the amendment in April</a>, but the House didn’t reciprocate. Before implementation, it also would have to be approved by a majority of Kansas voters on a statewide ballot.

Chairman Adam Smith, a House Republican from Weskan, said the Legislature needed to restrain assessment valuation increases that fed into escalating property taxes.

“To read the temperature of the committee, I think there’s significant motivation to do something at the valuation level,” he said.

Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, urged colleagues on the committee to concentrate during the upcoming session on residential property tax relief. The constitutional amendment favored by the Senate —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/scr1611/">Concurrent Resolution 1611</a>&nbsp;— was too broad because it delved into residential, commercial and agriculture property. The tax interests of businesses and farmers were well represented by lobbyists at the Capitol, he said, but not homeowners.

“I’m not sure who is really advocating for Joe and Jane Homeowner,” Holland said.

Wichita Rep. Tom Sawyer, another Democrat on the interim tax committee, said his constituents routinely complained about high property taxes while few seemed irritated by income tax rates.

He said the Legislature should examine potential of earmarking state general fund dollars to reduce the statewide property tax levy providing funds for K-12 public schools.

The interim tax committee agreed to ask the Legislature to consider granting a sales tax exemption to all 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kansas. It would cost the state treasury about $34 million annually if each of 14,000 organizations made use of the exemption. Under current state law, nonprofits individually petition the Legislature for an exemption.

The committee suggested lawmakers consider introducing legislation giving cities and counties comparable authority to dictate local sales tax rates. Under current state law, counties have the potential to impose a 1% general sales tax. Yet, cities in Kansas can establish a 2% general sales tax.

“These are local issues,” said Rep. Mike Amyx, a Lawrence Democrat. “They need to be handled back home.”

Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican and chairwoman of the Senate’s tax committee, joined with her interim committee peers in support of a call for the Legislature to assume greater oversight of tax credits issued as economic development incentives. She said companies making use of publicly financed incentives ought to be more transparent with the Legislature.

The panel also proposed that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/10/kansas-governor-approves-megaproject-incentive-package-meant-to-woo-secret-company/">all tax bills flow through the respective House and Senate tax committees</a>, a procedural move that would address concern about other legislative committees effectively maneuvering around tax committee opposition.

Miller cautioned that Republican leaders would again try to bundle various tax cut proposals into a single bill, presented late at night in the final hours of the session, with no chance to amend the package.

He said he won’t give in to “political extortion — which is what I see Republican coming up with, with their so-called flat tax.”

The House and Senate passed a tax package that included $330 million in income tax cuts, $40 million in property tax relief, and $40 million for corporations.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/24/kansas-governor-vetoes-flat-tax-plan-proposes-one-time-800m-rebate/">Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the bill</a>, and the Senate failed to override her veto with the support of two-thirds of the 40-member chamber.

The income tax cuts would have disproportionately benefited the highest wage earners, and most of the corporate tax cuts would have gone to out-of-state shareholders.

“The trickle down thing? It’s been debunked over and over,” Miller said. “If you’re going to give tax relief, and you want to spur the economy, give it to the people who make the least amount, not the people who make the most.”

If the Democrats’ property tax package were isolated and put to a vote, it would pass, Miller said. But he said GOP leaders are “afraid” to do that.

“They won’t have a gotcha bill that the governor has to veto,” Miller said. “They’ll have a bill that is so good, she’ll have no choice but to sign it, and they’re afraid she’ll get credit, or they’re afraid Democrats will get some credit for doing something the right way. So they conjure up this process.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700318094206.png" alt=" House Minority Leader Vic Miller, right, answers reporters questions during a Nov. 11, 2023, news conference at the Statehouse in Topeka. Miller unveiled a $500 million residential property tax relief package. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> House Minority Leader Vic Miller, right, answers reporters questions during a Nov. 11, 2023, news conference at the Statehouse in Topeka. Miller unveiled a $500 million residential property tax relief package. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY SHERMAN SMITH AND TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — As House Democrats unveiled a proposal to save homeowners $500 million on property taxes, House Minority Leader Vic Miller brayed at GOP leaders who play “stupid games” to try to secure income tax cuts that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/30/analysis-show-kansas-chambers-flat-tax-proposal-costs-1-5b-favors-top-20-of-wage-earners/">primarily favor the wealthiest Kansans</a>.Miller, a Topeka Democrat, accused Republican leaders of deploying “bogus” objections and forcing votes on “gotcha” bills. He double-dog dared House Speaker Dan Hawkins to try to repeal&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/25/kansas-counties-eager-for-lawmakers-to-resurrect-property-tax-relief-fund/">a property tax relief program that has been in statute since 1937</a>&nbsp;but has been defunded for the past 20 years.And he said he won’t give in to “political extortion.”“I’m very fearful that the Republican leadership will play the same stupid games that they always play that result in no benefit to anyone,” Miller said. “But I would love to have these things out on the floor for a straight-up vote, where members get to do what they want, and aren’t extorted into doing the only thing that leadership gives them a choice (to vote on). I’d love to see a straight-up debate.”Members of both parties are eager to slash taxes in the upcoming legislative session in light of a projected $2 billion surplus in the state coffers.Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson, backed by special interest groups like Americans for Prosperity, have tried to adopt tax relief in the form of a “flat tax.” Their proposal in the past session would have slashed the tax rate for the top income bracket and offered modest relief for lower brackets. About 43% of the tax savings would go to the 3% of Kansans who earn more than $250,000 a year.Earlier this week, Republican&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/14/with-kansas-on-track-for-billions-in-surplus-republicans-promise-to-deliver-tax-cuts/">promised to deliver</a>&nbsp;unspecified tax cuts next year.Democrats responded Tuesday by unveiling a package of tax cuts tailored for residential property owners. Their ideas are to revive and refine the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund, raise the exemption on the statewide mill levy from $42,000 to $100,000, and place a constitutional amendment before voters that would shift the tax burden from homeowners to other types of property. Miller said the package would total about $500 million in savings on property tax bills.Miller displayed a pie chart that showed how the property tax burden has shifted over the past 30 years. Homeowners used to pay about 35% of overall property taxes. Now they pay about 54%, Miller said. The proposed constitutional amendment aims to reverse that trend.“For the nerds out there,” as Miller put it, the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund requires the state to set aside 3.63% of sales tax collections and divide the money among counties through a formula based on population and assessed property tax value. The program was put into state law in 1937 and remained in effect through 2003.Hawkins, in a misleading statement offered without evidence, said earlier this year that local governments had simply used the money intended for property tax relief as a “slush fund.” Miller called it a “bogus objection,” and said the Democrats have a solution: Revise the program so that the money is deducted in the form of a rebate from individual homeowners’ property tax bills. This idea would reduce property taxes by $130 million statewide, he said.Miller challenged Hawkins to make good on his threat to repeal the LAVTR from state statute.“Put that out on the floor for a vote. We’ll see how popular that idea is,” Miller said. “In fact, you can put this in writing so he hears it before his listening tour later this week: I dare him to introduce that proposal. I double dog dare him. How’s that?”<h2>Legislative panel’s priorities</h2>The House and Senate tax committee concluded a series of meetings this fall by recommending the 2024 Legislature work on a proposed constitutional amendment that would forbid counties from raising assessments on real property in Kansas by more than 4% each year.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-senate-passes-constitutional-amendment-restraining-property-tax-valuations/">The Senate passed the amendment in April</a>, but the House didn’t reciprocate. Before implementation, it also would have to be approved by a majority of Kansas voters on a statewide ballot.Chairman Adam Smith, a House Republican from Weskan, said the Legislature needed to restrain assessment valuation increases that fed into escalating property taxes.“To read the temperature of the committee, I think there’s significant motivation to do something at the valuation level,” he said.Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, urged colleagues on the committee to concentrate during the upcoming session on residential property tax relief. The constitutional amendment favored by the Senate —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/scr1611/">Concurrent Resolution 1611</a>&nbsp;— was too broad because it delved into residential, commercial and agriculture property. The tax interests of businesses and farmers were well represented by lobbyists at the Capitol, he said, but not homeowners.“I’m not sure who is really advocating for Joe and Jane Homeowner,” Holland said.Wichita Rep. Tom Sawyer, another Democrat on the interim tax committee, said his constituents routinely complained about high property taxes while few seemed irritated by income tax rates.He said the Legislature should examine potential of earmarking state general fund dollars to reduce the statewide property tax levy providing funds for K-12 public schools.The interim tax committee agreed to ask the Legislature to consider granting a sales tax exemption to all 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kansas. It would cost the state treasury about $34 million annually if each of 14,000 organizations made use of the exemption. Under current state law, nonprofits individually petition the Legislature for an exemption.The committee suggested lawmakers consider introducing legislation giving cities and counties comparable authority to dictate local sales tax rates. Under current state law, counties have the potential to impose a 1% general sales tax. Yet, cities in Kansas can establish a 2% general sales tax.“These are local issues,” said Rep. Mike Amyx, a Lawrence Democrat. “They need to be handled back home.”Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican and chairwoman of the Senate’s tax committee, joined with her interim committee peers in support of a call for the Legislature to assume greater oversight of tax credits issued as economic development incentives. She said companies making use of publicly financed incentives ought to be more transparent with the Legislature.The panel also proposed that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/10/kansas-governor-approves-megaproject-incentive-package-meant-to-woo-secret-company/">all tax bills flow through the respective House and Senate tax committees</a>, a procedural move that would address concern about other legislative committees effectively maneuvering around tax committee opposition.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700318043576.png" alt=" House Minority Leader Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat, produces a pie chart during a Nov. 11, 2023, news conference at the Statehouse in Topeka. The chart shows how the overall property tax burden has shifted to homeowners. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> House Minority Leader Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat, produces a pie chart during a Nov. 11, 2023, news conference at the Statehouse in Topeka. The chart shows how the overall property tax burden has shifted to homeowners. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Political extortion</h2>Miller cautioned that Republican leaders would again try to bundle various tax cut proposals into a single bill, presented late at night in the final hours of the session, with no chance to amend the package.He said he won’t give in to “political extortion — which is what I see Republican coming up with, with their so-called flat tax.”The House and Senate passed a tax package that included $330 million in income tax cuts, $40 million in property tax relief, and $40 million for corporations.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/24/kansas-governor-vetoes-flat-tax-plan-proposes-one-time-800m-rebate/">Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the bill</a>, and the Senate failed to override her veto with the support of two-thirds of the 40-member chamber.The income tax cuts would have disproportionately benefited the highest wage earners, and most of the corporate tax cuts would have gone to out-of-state shareholders.“The trickle down thing? It’s been debunked over and over,” Miller said. “If you’re going to give tax relief, and you want to spur the economy, give it to the people who make the least amount, not the people who make the most.”If the Democrats’ property tax package were isolated and put to a vote, it would pass, Miller said. But he said GOP leaders are “afraid” to do that.“They won’t have a gotcha bill that the governor has to veto,” Miller said. “They’ll have a bill that is so good, she’ll have no choice but to sign it, and they’re afraid she’ll get credit, or they’re afraid Democrats will get some credit for doing something the right way. So they conjure up this process.”

Kan. Democrats push property tax relief as alternative to GOP’s ‘political extortion’

KANSAS CITY —A teen has been charged for his role in causing injuries to a young woman whose body was found in a Grandview parking lot near a residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Tyheem V. Anderson, 19, faces three criminal felony counts: Assault 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action and Kidnapping.

According to court records filed Wednesday, the victim went to Anderson's house in Kansas City.&nbsp; Anderson told police he and victim had been in a long relationship. 

On Nov. 11, 2023, a witness called police and told them she had seen the victim restrained in a surrender position. The following day officers were tipped that they could find the victim at another residence. 

Grandview officers responded and found the victim in a lot near the Grandview residence. She had suffered trauma, including stab and gunshot wounds. A tooth was also missing. &nbsp;Officers searched a Kansas City residence, where they found mail and other items with the Anderson's name on them. They also found blood and a tooth. Anderson admitted to being with victim on Nov. 12, when they had an argument.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700143993489.png" alt="Anderson-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Anderson-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A teen has been charged for his role in causing injuries to a young woman whose body was found in a Grandview parking lot near a residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Tyheem V. Anderson, 19, faces three criminal felony counts: Assault 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action and Kidnapping.According to court records filed Wednesday, the victim went to Anderson's house in Kansas City.&nbsp; Anderson told police he and victim had been in a long relationship. On Nov. 11, 2023, a witness called police and told them she had seen the victim restrained in a surrender position. The following day officers were tipped that they could find the victim at another residence. Grandview officers responded and found the victim in a lot near the Grandview residence. She had suffered trauma, including stab and gunshot wounds. A tooth was also missing. &nbsp;Officers searched a Kansas City residence, where they found mail and other items with the Anderson's name on them. They also found blood and a tooth. Anderson admitted to being with victim on Nov. 12, when they had an argument.&nbsp;

KC teen accused of violent murder of girlfriend

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a burglary investigation.

on November 15, sheriff detectives and deputies served search warrants on a Jackson County residence near 190th&nbsp;and S. Roads in rural Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

&nbsp; The search warrant was executed following a report of a drug and burglary investigation. The burglary occurred to a residence and two out-buildings in the 18000 block of S. Road near Mayetta. 

A number of items including a Kawasaki UTV and a 4-wheel-drive Club Car golf cart were stolen from the property, according to Morse.

 Following the burglary, the vehicles were sold to an individual in Lawrence.&nbsp; The vehicles were later recovered. During the search warrant, drugs, drug paraphernalia and items believed to have been stolen in the S. Road burglary were found at the residence.

As a result of the search warrant two occupants of the residence were arrested on drug, burglary and theft charges. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with this investigation.&nbsp;

Justin Lane Stephens, of Mayetta. Stephens is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; burglary, felony theft, criminal trespass, and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated endangerment of a child.

Also, arrested was 35-year-old, Chellcie Lynn Sparks, of Mayetta.&nbsp; She is being held on requested charges of burglary, felony theft, criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, possession of methamphetamine, aggravated endangering a child, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700241307175.png" alt="Stephens-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Stephens-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a burglary investigation.on November 15, sheriff detectives and deputies served search warrants on a Jackson County residence near 190th&nbsp;and S. Roads in rural Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; The search warrant was executed following a report of a drug and burglary investigation. The burglary occurred to a residence and two out-buildings in the 18000 block of S. Road near Mayetta. A number of items including a Kawasaki UTV and a 4-wheel-drive Club Car golf cart were stolen from the property, according to Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700241232936.png" alt="Sparks-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Sparks-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Following the burglary, the vehicles were sold to an individual in Lawrence.&nbsp; The vehicles were later recovered. During the search warrant, drugs, drug paraphernalia and items believed to have been stolen in the S. Road burglary were found at the residence.As a result of the search warrant two occupants of the residence were arrested on drug, burglary and theft charges. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with this investigation.&nbsp;Justin Lane Stephens, of Mayetta. Stephens is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; burglary, felony theft, criminal trespass, and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated endangerment of a child.Also, arrested was 35-year-old, Chellcie Lynn Sparks, of Mayetta.&nbsp; She is being held on requested charges of burglary, felony theft, criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, possession of methamphetamine, aggravated endangering a child, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.

Kan. deputies recover items taken in rural burglary

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. flu season is underway, with at least seven states reporting high levels of illnesses and cases rising in other parts of the country, health officials say.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">new flu data</a>&nbsp;on Friday, showing very high activity last week in Louisiana, and high activity in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico and South Carolina. It was also high in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, the U.S. territory where health officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/puerto-rico-flu-epidemic-0a9dda2ac3b407486d44412f6cbc62e0">declared</a>&nbsp;an influenza epidemic earlier this month.

“We’re off to the races,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert

Traditionally, the winter flu season ramps up in December or January. But it took off in October last year, and is making a November entrance this year.

Flu activity was moderate but rising in New York City, Arkansas, California, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. And while flu activity has been high in Alaska for weeks, the state did not report data last week, so it wasn't part of the latest count.

Tracking during flu season relies in part on reports of people with flu-like symptoms who go to doctor's offices or hospitals; many people with the flu are not tested, so their infections aren’t lab-confirmed. COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses can sometimes muddy the picture.

Alicia Budd, who leads the CDC’s flu surveillance team, said several indicators are showing “continued increases” in flu.

There are different kinds of flu viruses, and the version that's been spreading the most so far this year usually leads to a lesser amount of hospitalizations and deaths in the elderly — the group on whom flu tends to take the largest toll.

So far this fall, the CDC estimates at least 780,000 flu illnesses, at least 8,000 hospitalizations and at least 490 flu-related deaths — including at least one child.

Budd said that it’s not yet clear exactly how effective the current flu vaccines are, but the shots are well-matched to the flu strains that are showing up. In the U.S., about 35% of U.S. adults and 33% of children have been vaccinated against flu, current CDC data indicates. That's down compared to last year in both categories.

Flu vaccination rates are better than rates for the other two main respiratory viruses — COVID-19 and RSV. About 14% of adults and 5% of children have gotten the currently recommended COVID-19 shot, and about 13.5% of adults 60 and older have gotten one of the RSV shots that became available earlier this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700243960153.png" alt="CDC map for November 17" />
 <figcaption>CDC map for November 17</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. flu season is underway, with at least seven states reporting high levels of illnesses and cases rising in other parts of the country, health officials say.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">new flu data</a>&nbsp;on Friday, showing very high activity last week in Louisiana, and high activity in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico and South Carolina. It was also high in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, the U.S. territory where health officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/puerto-rico-flu-epidemic-0a9dda2ac3b407486d44412f6cbc62e0">declared</a>&nbsp;an influenza epidemic earlier this month.“We’re off to the races,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expertTraditionally, the winter flu season ramps up in December or January. But it took off in October last year, and is making a November entrance this year.Flu activity was moderate but rising in New York City, Arkansas, California, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. And while flu activity has been high in Alaska for weeks, the state did not report data last week, so it wasn't part of the latest count.Tracking during flu season relies in part on reports of people with flu-like symptoms who go to doctor's offices or hospitals; many people with the flu are not tested, so their infections aren’t lab-confirmed. COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses can sometimes muddy the picture.Alicia Budd, who leads the CDC’s flu surveillance team, said several indicators are showing “continued increases” in flu.There are different kinds of flu viruses, and the version that's been spreading the most so far this year usually leads to a lesser amount of hospitalizations and deaths in the elderly — the group on whom flu tends to take the largest toll.So far this fall, the CDC estimates at least 780,000 flu illnesses, at least 8,000 hospitalizations and at least 490 flu-related deaths — including at least one child.Budd said that it’s not yet clear exactly how effective the current flu vaccines are, but the shots are well-matched to the flu strains that are showing up. In the U.S., about 35% of U.S. adults and 33% of children have been vaccinated against flu, current CDC data indicates. That's down compared to last year in both categories.Flu vaccination rates are better than rates for the other two main respiratory viruses — COVID-19 and RSV. About 14% of adults and 5% of children have gotten the currently recommended COVID-19 shot, and about 13.5% of adults 60 and older have gotten one of the RSV shots that became available earlier this year.

The flu is soaring in 7 states and rising in others

A Girard school district policy banning long hair for boys is harmful and unlawful, ACLU letter says

By&nbsp;RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Officials at R.V. Haderlein Elementary in Girard forced an 8-year-old Native American boy to cut his hair, despite objections that he grew it out to connect with his cultural heritage.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas warned the district in a letter Friday that the school policy is both a violation of religious freedom and one that promotes “rigid gender norms.”

“The present-day harms of school policies that restrict Native American boys from wearing long hair must be understood in the historical context of multifaceted efforts to separate Native American children from their families and tribes and to deny them their rights of cultural and religious expression,”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclukansas.org/en/girard-usd-248-re-hair-length-policy">the ACLU letter reads</a>. “Haderlein’s policy impacts Native American students disproportionately and perpetuates a legacy of cultural, psychological, and spiritual trauma and discrimination.”

R.V. Haderlein Elementary has a dress code policy mandating that boys wear their hair short, with “hair not to touch the collar of a crew neck t-shirt … or extend below the earlobes.” Female students aren’t subjected to the same mandate.

The 8-year-old boy, a member of the Wyandotte Nation, started growing his hair out after he attended the Nation’s annual gathering and saw the cultural tradition of men wearing their hair long. A common Wyandotte Nation spiritual and religious practice is for men to grow their hair out, only cutting it when in mourning.

In August, school officials warned the 8-year-old’s family that his hair needed to be cut to comply with the dress code, according to the ACLU letter. For his protection, the family has chosen not to be identified publicly.

In early September, his mother asked for an exemption to the policy because of his heritage and religious practices but was told this wasn’t allowed. On Friday, Sept. 22, Joni Benso, assistant principal at the school, sent an email to his mother. Benso said she had noted “concerns about the policy,” but told the mother she needed to cut his hair over the weekend or he would be sent home, according to the ACLU’s letter.&nbsp;

After several attempts to contact the district’s superintendent, the child’s mother cut his hair that weekend under the belief he would be sent home from school every day and potentially suspended, according to the ACLU’s account of events.&nbsp;

The superintendent, Todd Ferguson, said he could not comment on the case. Ferguson said the district would review the dress code policy during a December board meeting.

“Nothing matters more than creating a safe, respectful and caring school for every student,” Ferguson said. “I am unable to comment on individual students, families or employees, due to confidentiality laws. I can share that the USD 248 Board of Education is planning to review and consider updates to the dress code policy when they meet.”

The ACLU is now urging the school to accommodate the child and allow for an exemption to the policy, arguing the policy violates the Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act, the U.S. Constitution, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Officials also advise the school to rescind the policy altogether and allow all boys to grow their hair out.

“The school’s discriminatory sex-based hair policy sends a damaging message to boys that they cannot be feminine in any way, and this message harms all students by promoting rigid views of gender norms and roles,” the ACLU letter reads.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700317850422.png" alt="The ACLU of Kansas on Friday sent a letter to Girard school officials warning them that their sex-based hair policy is unlawful. School officials forced an 8-year-old Native American boy to cut his hair in conflict with his religious practices. (Kansas Reflector illustration)" />
 <figcaption>The ACLU of Kansas on Friday sent a letter to Girard school officials warning them that their sex-based hair policy is unlawful. School officials forced an 8-year-old Native American boy to cut his hair in conflict with his religious practices. (Kansas Reflector illustration)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A Girard school district policy banning long hair for boys is harmful and unlawful, ACLU letter says</h2>By&nbsp;RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Officials at R.V. Haderlein Elementary in Girard forced an 8-year-old Native American boy to cut his hair, despite objections that he grew it out to connect with his cultural heritage.The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas warned the district in a letter Friday that the school policy is both a violation of religious freedom and one that promotes “rigid gender norms.”“The present-day harms of school policies that restrict Native American boys from wearing long hair must be understood in the historical context of multifaceted efforts to separate Native American children from their families and tribes and to deny them their rights of cultural and religious expression,”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclukansas.org/en/girard-usd-248-re-hair-length-policy">the ACLU letter reads</a>. “Haderlein’s policy impacts Native American students disproportionately and perpetuates a legacy of cultural, psychological, and spiritual trauma and discrimination.”R.V. Haderlein Elementary has a dress code policy mandating that boys wear their hair short, with “hair not to touch the collar of a crew neck t-shirt … or extend below the earlobes.” Female students aren’t subjected to the same mandate.The 8-year-old boy, a member of the Wyandotte Nation, started growing his hair out after he attended the Nation’s annual gathering and saw the cultural tradition of men wearing their hair long. A common Wyandotte Nation spiritual and religious practice is for men to grow their hair out, only cutting it when in mourning.In August, school officials warned the 8-year-old’s family that his hair needed to be cut to comply with the dress code, according to the ACLU letter. For his protection, the family has chosen not to be identified publicly.In early September, his mother asked for an exemption to the policy because of his heritage and religious practices but was told this wasn’t allowed. On Friday, Sept. 22, Joni Benso, assistant principal at the school, sent an email to his mother. Benso said she had noted “concerns about the policy,” but told the mother she needed to cut his hair over the weekend or he would be sent home, according to the ACLU’s letter.&nbsp;After several attempts to contact the district’s superintendent, the child’s mother cut his hair that weekend under the belief he would be sent home from school every day and potentially suspended, according to the ACLU’s account of events.&nbsp;The superintendent, Todd Ferguson, said he could not comment on the case. Ferguson said the district would review the dress code policy during a December board meeting.“Nothing matters more than creating a safe, respectful and caring school for every student,” Ferguson said. “I am unable to comment on individual students, families or employees, due to confidentiality laws. I can share that the USD 248 Board of Education is planning to review and consider updates to the dress code policy when they meet.”The ACLU is now urging the school to accommodate the child and allow for an exemption to the policy, arguing the policy violates the Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act, the U.S. Constitution, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.Officials also advise the school to rescind the policy altogether and allow all boys to grow their hair out.“The school’s discriminatory sex-based hair policy sends a damaging message to boys that they cannot be feminine in any way, and this message harms all students by promoting rigid views of gender norms and roles,” the ACLU letter reads.

After Kan. school district forces Native American boy to cut his hair, ACLU sends warning

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Lawrence Police Officers are investigating a 5-month-old homicide and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police took 22-year-old Maliqe Crenshaw into custody&nbsp; during a car stop by members of the Lawrence Police tactical team in the 2200 block of Louisiana Street in Lawrence, according to a social media report.

&nbsp;Just after 1a.m. June 3, police responded to the 2400 block of Cedarwood Avenue in Lawrence after multiple residents reported hearing gunfire. A short time later, a man later identified as Cameron Renner was dropped off at LMH Health with multiple gunshot wounds, and was soon pronounced dead at the hospital. 

Investigators were eventually able to identify Renner with the public’s assistance. After a months-long investigation, police were able to tie forensic evidence to Crenshaw, leading to his arrest. 

A charging affidavit has been submitted to the District Attorney’s Office requesting charges be filed for 2nd Degree Murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700083413471.png" alt="Photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Lawrence Police Officers are investigating a 5-month-old homicide and have a suspect in custody.Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police took 22-year-old Maliqe Crenshaw into custody&nbsp; during a car stop by members of the Lawrence Police tactical team in the 2200 block of Louisiana Street in Lawrence, according to a social media report.&nbsp;Just after 1a.m. June 3, police responded to the 2400 block of Cedarwood Avenue in Lawrence after multiple residents reported hearing gunfire. A short time later, a man later identified as Cameron Renner was dropped off at LMH Health with multiple gunshot wounds, and was soon pronounced dead at the hospital. Investigators were eventually able to identify Renner with the public’s assistance. After a months-long investigation, police were able to tie forensic evidence to Crenshaw, leading to his arrest. A charging affidavit has been submitted to the District Attorney’s Office requesting charges be filed for 2nd Degree Murder.

Police capture suspect for 5-month-old Kan. murder 

WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is screening imports of cinnamon from multiple countries for toxic lead contamination after growing reports of children who were sickened after eating pouches of applesauce and apple puree.

Cinnamon from a manufacturer in Ecuador is the “likely source” of high levels of lead found in recalled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-lead-poisoning-children-cdc-applesauce-puree-793c33aa66544044ae6413f8d34e169a" target="_blank">pouches of applesauce puree</a>&nbsp;linked to illnesses in at least 34 children in 22 states, the FDA said Friday.

But the agency noted there have not been other reports of illness or elevated blood lead levels tied to the spice that’s popular in holiday baking.

The agency has not yet been able to collect and directly test samples of the cinnamon in the product. Import records show that WanaBana LLC of Coral Gables, Florida, received shipments of cinnamon apple fruit puree from Austrofood, a manufacturer in Ecuador.

One pouch of recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon puree collected from a Dollar Tree store was found to have lead levels more than 200 times higher than proposed FDA guidance would allow, officials said.

The agency does not regulate specific levels of heavy metals — including lead— in spices, said Joanne Slavin, a food science professor at the University of Minnesota.

Consumers should be aware that cinnamon may contain lead, she said, but the FDA’s release on Friday said there’s no indication that cinnamon products other than the applesauce puree are affected.

“I wouldn’t want to panic people and say if you put cinnamon in your pumpkin pie, you’re a bad grandma,” she said.

Illnesses linked to the pouches have been reported in children ages 1 to 3, with at least one child showing a blood lead level eight times higher than the level that raises concern, the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00500.asp?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_511-DM117142&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=HAN%20500%20-%20General%20Public&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_511-DM117142" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;said.

There’s no safe level of lead exposure, but the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels than most. The affected children’s blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.

The recalled fruit products include pouches of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce. They were sold at the Dollar Tree, on Amazon and in other online outlets.

Kids who may have eaten the products should be tested for lead levels, health officials said. Children who have fallen ill reported headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and anemia, but often kids may show no symptoms.

Lead exposure can lead to serious learning, cognitive and behavior problems. Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699279077387.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is screening imports of cinnamon from multiple countries for toxic lead contamination after growing reports of children who were sickened after eating pouches of applesauce and apple puree.Cinnamon from a manufacturer in Ecuador is the “likely source” of high levels of lead found in recalled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-lead-poisoning-children-cdc-applesauce-puree-793c33aa66544044ae6413f8d34e169a" target="_blank">pouches of applesauce puree</a>&nbsp;linked to illnesses in at least 34 children in 22 states, the FDA said Friday.But the agency noted there have not been other reports of illness or elevated blood lead levels tied to the spice that’s popular in holiday baking.The agency has not yet been able to collect and directly test samples of the cinnamon in the product. Import records show that WanaBana LLC of Coral Gables, Florida, received shipments of cinnamon apple fruit puree from Austrofood, a manufacturer in Ecuador.One pouch of recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon puree collected from a Dollar Tree store was found to have lead levels more than 200 times higher than proposed FDA guidance would allow, officials said.The agency does not regulate specific levels of heavy metals — including lead— in spices, said Joanne Slavin, a food science professor at the University of Minnesota.Consumers should be aware that cinnamon may contain lead, she said, but the FDA’s release on Friday said there’s no indication that cinnamon products other than the applesauce puree are affected.“I wouldn’t want to panic people and say if you put cinnamon in your pumpkin pie, you’re a bad grandma,” she said.Illnesses linked to the pouches have been reported in children ages 1 to 3, with at least one child showing a blood lead level eight times higher than the level that raises concern, the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00500.asp?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_511-DM117142&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=HAN%20500%20-%20General%20Public&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_511-DM117142" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;said.There’s no safe level of lead exposure, but the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels than most. The affected children’s blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.The recalled fruit products include pouches of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce. They were sold at the Dollar Tree, on Amazon and in other online outlets.Kids who may have eaten the products should be tested for lead levels, health officials said. Children who have fallen ill reported headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and anemia, but often kids may show no symptoms.Lead exposure can lead to serious learning, cognitive and behavior problems. Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

FDA screens cinnamon imports after more kids ill from lead-tainted applesauce

WASHINGTON (AP)— Militants attacked U.S. military bases in Syria and Iraq on Friday, conducting three strikes on facilities using one-way attack drones that wounded one soldier, two U.S. officials said on the condition of anonymity to provide sensitive details of the strikes.

The attacks have been launched almost daily since Oct. 17, the day a blast at a Gaza hospital killed hundreds and sparked protests across the region. The U.S. has repeatedly warned the groups to desist and avoid escalating the war between Israel and Hamas into a wider conflict.

The three additional attacks on U.S. military facilities on Friday bring the total number of attacks on U.S. and coalition military facilities in Iraq and Syria to at least 60 since Oct. 17. At least 59 service members have been wounded, but the Pentagon has said all were minor injuries and those troops were able to return to duty.

On Friday a one-way drone targeted Al Harir air base in Erbil, with no casualties reported, but a damage assessment was still ongoing. Multiple one-way drones attacked Al Asad air base in Iraq but caused no injuries or infrastructure damage, and another multiple one-way drone attack at Tall Baydar, Syria, resulted in minor injuries to one service member who was able to return to duty, one of the defense officials said.

WASHINGTON (AP)— Militants attacked U.S. military bases in Syria and Iraq on Friday, conducting three strikes on facilities using one-way attack drones that wounded one soldier, two U.S. officials said on the condition of anonymity to provide sensitive details of the strikes.The attacks have been launched almost daily since Oct. 17, the day a blast at a Gaza hospital killed hundreds and sparked protests across the region. The U.S. has repeatedly warned the groups to desist and avoid escalating the war between Israel and Hamas into a wider conflict.The three additional attacks on U.S. military facilities on Friday bring the total number of attacks on U.S. and coalition military facilities in Iraq and Syria to at least 60 since Oct. 17. At least 59 service members have been wounded, but the Pentagon has said all were minor injuries and those troops were able to return to duty.On Friday a one-way drone targeted Al Harir air base in Erbil, with no casualties reported, but a damage assessment was still ongoing. Multiple one-way drones attacked Al Asad air base in Iraq but caused no injuries or infrastructure damage, and another multiple one-way drone attack at Tall Baydar, Syria, resulted in minor injuries to one service member who was able to return to duty, one of the defense officials said.

Militants attack 3 U.S. bases in Syria and Iraq, 1 soldier wounded 

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting continue asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

On October 11, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

 First responders found 18-year-old s Ra’Juan Spicer,suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene.&nbsp;

Police are attempting to locate Reginald Rucker-Plakio, 17, of Topeka, in reference to the homicide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699048664862.png" alt="Rucker-Plakio-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Rucker-Plakio-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting continue asking the public for help to locate a suspect.On October 11, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks. First responders found 18-year-old s Ra’Juan Spicer,suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene.&nbsp;Police are attempting to locate Reginald Rucker-Plakio, 17, of Topeka, in reference to the homicide.

Homicide: Search continues for Kansas teen suspect

WASHINGTON —House Speaker Mike Johnson Friday&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cha.house.gov/cha-subcommittee-reading-room-fe781e74-d577-4f64-93cc-fc3a8dd8df18">released the January 6th tapes</a>&nbsp;all&nbsp;44,000 hours.

<a href="https://cha.house.gov/cha-subcommittee-reading-room-fe781e74-d577-4f64-93cc-fc3a8dd8df18">Click here to view</a> all the videos

In a statement from his office Johnson wrote, "When I ran for Speaker, I promised to make accessible to the American people the 44,000 hours of video from Capitol Hill security taken on January 6, 2021."

"Truth and transparency are critical. Today, we will begin immediately posting video on a public website and move as quickly as possible to add to the website nearly all of the footage, more than 40,000 hours. In the meantime, a public viewing room will ensure that every citizen can view every minute of the videos uncensored."

"This decision will provide millions of Americans, criminal defendants, public interest organizations, and the media an ability to see for themselves what happened that day, rather than having to rely upon the interpretation of a small group of government officials."

"I commend Chairman Loudermilk and his team for their diligent work to ensure the thousands of hours of videos are promptly processed to be uploaded to the committee’s public website."

"Processing will involve blurring the faces of private citizens on the yet unreleased tapes to avoid any persons from being targeted for retaliation of any kind and segregating an estimated 5% of the videos that may involve sensitive security information related to the building architecture."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700262204221.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —House Speaker Mike Johnson Friday&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cha.house.gov/cha-subcommittee-reading-room-fe781e74-d577-4f64-93cc-fc3a8dd8df18">released the January 6th tapes</a>&nbsp;all&nbsp;44,000 hours.<a href="https://cha.house.gov/cha-subcommittee-reading-room-fe781e74-d577-4f64-93cc-fc3a8dd8df18">Click here to view</a> all the videos<div>x<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, I am keeping my promise to the American people and making all the January 6th tapes available to ALL Americans.&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1725609920312041652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a statement from his office Johnson wrote, "When I ran for Speaker, I promised to make accessible to the American people the 44,000 hours of video from Capitol Hill security taken on January 6, 2021.""Truth and transparency are critical. Today, we will begin immediately posting video on a public website and move as quickly as possible to add to the website nearly all of the footage, more than 40,000 hours. In the meantime, a public viewing room will ensure that every citizen can view every minute of the videos uncensored.""This decision will provide millions of Americans, criminal defendants, public interest organizations, and the media an ability to see for themselves what happened that day, rather than having to rely upon the interpretation of a small group of government officials.""I commend Chairman Loudermilk and his team for their diligent work to ensure the thousands of hours of videos are promptly processed to be uploaded to the committee’s public website.""Processing will involve blurring the faces of private citizens on the yet unreleased tapes to avoid any persons from being targeted for retaliation of any kind and segregating an estimated 5% of the videos that may involve sensitive security information related to the building architecture."

🎥 44,000 hours of Jan. 6 security footage now online for public access

KANSAS CITY. (AP) — A man has been found guilty in the death of a woman whose remains were found inside a duffel bag along a rural northwest Missouri road almost two weeks after she was killed at a Kansas City hotel.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-independence-crime-27059ade94e6411b6294c46eac52f160">Marcus Brooks</a>&nbsp;was convicted Thursday of first-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Ariel Starcher, a mother of two from Independence.

A Missouri Transportation Department worker found the bag with Starcher’s body inside it in February 2020 around 45 miles north of Kansas City. She had died of suffocation, and also suffered a broken neck.

Key testimony against him came from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b7f202fc026be6249d5c5c8ec0410477">Taylor Stoughton,</a>&nbsp;who pleaded guilty last year to second-degree murder, as Brooks’ accomplice. She and Brooks were arrested a year after the killing.

At the time, Starcher's grandfather, Jim Starcher, told WDAF-TV that his granddaughter knew Brooks and sometimes called him for rides. Her friends had made the family nervous, he told The Kansas City Star.

“I always worried about her, the life she was going through,” he told The Kansas City Star. “She was trying to change her life, get her life straightened out. But it’s just one step forward and four steps back."

The defense argued that Stoughton was the one to suffocate and bind Starcher. Brooks said he was in the shower at the time and only helped dispose of the body. Special Public Defender Steven Willibey also questioned Stoughton’s testimony, noting that a plea agreement shortens her potential sentence.

But Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Davidson said Brooks' DNA was found underneath Starcher's fingernails and that one was torn, suggesting she had been killed trying fight off her attacker.

Stoughton will be sentenced Nov. 20 and Brooks on Dec. 21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700232241175.jpeg" alt="Marcus Brooks-photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>Marcus Brooks-photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY. (AP) — A man has been found guilty in the death of a woman whose remains were found inside a duffel bag along a rural northwest Missouri road almost two weeks after she was killed at a Kansas City hotel.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-independence-crime-27059ade94e6411b6294c46eac52f160">Marcus Brooks</a>&nbsp;was convicted Thursday of first-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Ariel Starcher, a mother of two from Independence.A Missouri Transportation Department worker found the bag with Starcher’s body inside it in February 2020 around 45 miles north of Kansas City. She had died of suffocation, and also suffered a broken neck.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628710419571.jpeg" alt="Taylor Stoughton-photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>Taylor Stoughton-photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Key testimony against him came from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b7f202fc026be6249d5c5c8ec0410477">Taylor Stoughton,</a>&nbsp;who pleaded guilty last year to second-degree murder, as Brooks’ accomplice. She and Brooks were arrested a year after the killing.At the time, Starcher's grandfather, Jim Starcher, told WDAF-TV that his granddaughter knew Brooks and sometimes called him for rides. Her friends had made the family nervous, he told The Kansas City Star.“I always worried about her, the life she was going through,” he told The Kansas City Star. “She was trying to change her life, get her life straightened out. But it’s just one step forward and four steps back."The defense argued that Stoughton was the one to suffocate and bind Starcher. Brooks said he was in the shower at the time and only helped dispose of the body. Special Public Defender Steven Willibey also questioned Stoughton’s testimony, noting that a plea agreement shortens her potential sentence.But Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Davidson said Brooks' DNA was found underneath Starcher's fingernails and that one was torn, suggesting she had been killed trying fight off her attacker.Stoughton will be sentenced Nov. 20 and Brooks on Dec. 21.

Man guilty in death of woman whose body was found in duffel bag 

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery at a retailer in Johnson County and asking the public for help to ID three suspects.

"Walk in, fill your arms, walk out without paying. That's exactly what these three did recently at a Lenexa retailer, according to police

Officers need help identify these individuals for prosecution and to let them know this is not okay in Lenexa. 

The suspect left in a silver car with a paper license plate. If you have information that could assist&nbsp; in this investigation, please call a detective at 913-825-8097.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery at a retailer in Johnson County and asking the public for help to ID three suspects.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Walk in, fill your arms, walk out without paying. That&#39;s exactly what these three did recently at a Lenexa retailer. We&#39;d appreciate any assistance in helping us to identify these individuals for prosecution and to let them know this is not okay in Lenexa. They left in a silver… <a href="https://t.co/8I77XiqP50">pic.twitter.com/8I77XiqP50</a>&mdash; Lenexa Police (@LenexaPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/LenexaPolice/status/1725570993748336703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Walk in, fill your arms, walk out without paying. That's exactly what these three did recently at a Lenexa retailer, according to policeOfficers need help identify these individuals for prosecution and to let them know this is not okay in Lenexa. The suspect left in a silver car with a paper license plate. If you have information that could assist&nbsp; in this investigation, please call a detective at 913-825-8097.

🎥Police ask for help to ID suspect in Kan. retail theft

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred just before 9:30p.m. Thursday.

According to Sheriff Daryl Forte', first responders found the victims at 42nd and Sterling in Kansas City. 

One man was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported another man to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Police have not released the names of the victims or reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700247623825.png" alt="photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred just before 9:30p.m. Thursday.According to Sheriff Daryl Forte', first responders found the victims at 42nd and Sterling in Kansas City. One man was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported another man to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Police have not released the names of the victims or reported an arrest.

KCPD investigating double homicide

NEW YORK (AP) — George “Funky” Brown, the co-founder and longtime drummer of Kool &amp; The Gang who helped write such hits as “Too Hot,” “Ladies Night,” “Joanna” and the party favorite “Celebration,” died Thursday in Los Angeles at age 74.

Brown died after a battle with cancer, according to a statement released by Universal Music. He had retired earlier in the year, nearly 60 years after the band began, and revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

Kool &amp; The Gang has sold millions of records with its catchy blend of jazz, funk and soul, what Brown liked to call “the sound of happiness.” In 1964, Brown helped launch the Grammy-winning group, originally called the Jazziacs, along with such friends as bassist Robert “Kool” Bell, brother Ronald Bell on keyboards and guitarist Charles Smith.

After years of relative obscurity, name changes and personnel changes, Kool &amp; The Gang broke through in the mid-1970s with “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging” among others songs and peaked in the late '70s-mid 1980s, with hits ranging from the ballads “Cherish” and “Joanna” to the up-tempo, chart-topping “Celebration,” now a standard at weddings and other festive gatherings.

In 2023, Brown produced the band's latest album, “People Just Wanna Have Fun,” and released his memoir “Too Hot: Kool &amp; The Gang &amp; Me.”

He is survived by his wife, Hanh Brown, and his five children. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that donations can be made in his honor to the Lung Cancer Society of America.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700251186896.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — George “Funky” Brown, the co-founder and longtime drummer of Kool &amp; The Gang who helped write such hits as “Too Hot,” “Ladies Night,” “Joanna” and the party favorite “Celebration,” died Thursday in Los Angeles at age 74.Brown died after a battle with cancer, according to a statement released by Universal Music. He had retired earlier in the year, nearly 60 years after the band began, and revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.Kool &amp; The Gang has sold millions of records with its catchy blend of jazz, funk and soul, what Brown liked to call “the sound of happiness.” In 1964, Brown helped launch the Grammy-winning group, originally called the Jazziacs, along with such friends as bassist Robert “Kool” Bell, brother Ronald Bell on keyboards and guitarist Charles Smith.After years of relative obscurity, name changes and personnel changes, Kool &amp; The Gang broke through in the mid-1970s with “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging” among others songs and peaked in the late '70s-mid 1980s, with hits ranging from the ballads “Cherish” and “Joanna” to the up-tempo, chart-topping “Celebration,” now a standard at weddings and other festive gatherings.In 2023, Brown produced the band's latest album, “People Just Wanna Have Fun,” and released his memoir “Too Hot: Kool &amp; The Gang &amp; Me.”He is survived by his wife, Hanh Brown, and his five children. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that donations can be made in his honor to the Lung Cancer Society of America.

Founding member of Kool & The Gang dies at 74

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran&nbsp; and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) led their colleagues in calling on President Biden to immediately enforce oil sanctions on Iran as mandated by Congress.

The letter also urges the administration to permanently freeze the $6 billion funding mechanism established in September’s hostage agreement with Iran.

<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/d/7/d7f05058-dba9-48fb-a58f-045059608341/993C9D31FCC5A6543E147C42984AFC26.letter-to-president-biden-on-iranian-oil-sanctions-with-signatures.pdf">Click here to read</a> the full letter

“For far too long, Iran has evaded consequence for its complacency in funding radical terror,”&nbsp;the senators wrote.&nbsp;“To prevent further atrocities and to fulfill our promise of providing unwavering support to our most important ally in the Middle East, we urge your administration to take the necessary means in severing financial avenues available to Iran, specifically cracking down on oil exports.”

The letter was signed by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R- W.V.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran&nbsp; and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) led their colleagues in calling on President Biden to immediately enforce oil sanctions on Iran as mandated by Congress.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700171313612.png" alt="A portion of the letter from the Senators" />
 <figcaption>A portion of the letter from the Senators</figcaption>
 </figure>The letter also urges the administration to permanently freeze the $6 billion funding mechanism established in September’s hostage agreement with Iran.<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/d/7/d7f05058-dba9-48fb-a58f-045059608341/993C9D31FCC5A6543E147C42984AFC26.letter-to-president-biden-on-iranian-oil-sanctions-with-signatures.pdf">Click here to read</a> the full letter“For far too long, Iran has evaded consequence for its complacency in funding radical terror,”&nbsp;the senators wrote.&nbsp;“To prevent further atrocities and to fulfill our promise of providing unwavering support to our most important ally in the Middle East, we urge your administration to take the necessary means in severing financial avenues available to Iran, specifically cracking down on oil exports.”The letter was signed by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R- W.V.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

Moran calls on Biden to enforce mandated sanctions on Iran

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after noon November 13, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 35 in Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

 During the stop, deputy found illegal narcotics and a stolen firearm.

A passenger of the vehicle, Dominick E. Washington, 35, of Wichita was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of cocaine, Possession of ecstasy, Possession of stolen firearm and an Arrest warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700092539850.png" alt="Washington-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Washington-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after noon November 13, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 35 in Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, deputy found illegal narcotics and a stolen firearm.A passenger of the vehicle, Dominick E. Washington, 35, of Wichita was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of cocaine, Possession of ecstasy, Possession of stolen firearm and an Arrest warrant.

Sheriff: Kansas man caught with cocaine, stolen firearm

WASHINGTON (AP) — An Indian company that recently recalled eyedrops sold in the U.S. had a host of sanitation and manufacturing problems, including barefoot workers, cracked floors and altered records, U.S. health inspectors found.

Food and Drug Administration officials uncovered more than a dozen problems at the Mumbai plant operated by Kilitch Healthcare India, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/173608/download">preliminary inspection report</a>&nbsp;posted by the agency. The factory produced more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-recall-fda-infection-cvs-rite-aid-a9471104de34efd152137d3fdba9c260">two dozen varieties of eyedrops</a>&nbsp;that were subject to an FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-certain-eye-drops-several-major-brands-due-risk-eye">safety warning</a>&nbsp;last month.

The products were sold by CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid and other national retailers who said they would be removed from store shelves. New details about the plant's problems emerged after FDA inspectors visited the plant late last month.

Agency inspectors documented factory workers not wearing masks, gloves and gowns and working barefoot in areas that are supposed to be sterile. A manager told FDA officials “that this is their standard practice,” according to the report.

Elsewhere, FDA staff noted cracked floors, plus water stains and peeling paint on walls and ceilings.

The FDA report also suggests factory officials would routinely omit or falsify contamination test results.

For instance, a factory microbiologist said that a bacterial sample that could trigger “an alert or action limit” would not be documented. Instead, officials would perform additional cleaning and then record a figure that indicated sterility. This occurred “two or three times per month,” according to the microbiologist.

The FDA's initial findings are likely to be followed by a formal report and a warning letter to the company.

On Monday, Kilitch Healthcare officially recalled the lubricating eyedrops, sold in 27 different brands and formulations. The agency&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kilitch-healthcare-india-limited-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-various-eye-drops-potential">published the notice</a>&nbsp;to its website Wednesday. The recall is something of a formality, since the FDA had already alerted U.S. stores and consumers to the problem.

FDA officials don't have the legal authority to force drug manufacturers to recall their products, and instead rely on companies to “voluntarily” do so. The FDA had recommended the recall on Oct. 25 and shortly thereafter blocked imports from Kilitch.

Drugmakers and distributors “are responsible for the quality of their products,” but the FDA recently asked Congress for the authority to mandate such recalls, an agency spokeswoman said in a statement Thursday.

Kilitch Healthcare said it has not received “any reports of adverse events” related to its products. The drops could cause vision loss or blindness, according to the FDA.

The lubricating drops were distributed in the U.S. by Velocity Pharma, based in Farmingdale, New York, and carry expiration dates between November 2023 and September 2025.

FDA records show no prior inspections for Kilitch Healthcare.

The FDA is responsible for assuring the safety of foreign products shipped to the U.S., though it has long struggled to keep pace with international pharmaceutical supply chains that increasingly begin in India.

Recently, the agency has been working to make up for missed inspections that weren't conducted during COVID-19. Agency records show FDA didn't conduct any inspections in India during fiscal year 2021, at the height of the pandemic. Inspections rose to 177 in fiscal 2023, but that was still about half the number of inspections that the FDA was conducting the year before COVID-19.

CVS Health said in a statement that it previously “stopped the sale in-store and online” of all the eyedrops cited by the FDA. Customers can return them to CVS for a full refund.

Target did not respond to emailed questions about the products. Cardinal Health, a medical supply company, also did not respond to emails.

Earlier this year, federal officials linked an unrelated outbreak of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-business-health-4572be6da44f4fab4e0f691f5e37e3ed">drug-resistant bacteria</a>&nbsp;to eyedrops from two different companies, EzriCare and Delsam Pharma.

More than 80 people in the U.S. tested positive for eye infections from the rare bacterial strain, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/crpa-artificial-tears.html#anchor_1674746879046">most recent update</a>&nbsp;from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among them, 14 people suffered vision loss, four had to have an eye removed and four died, the CDC said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — An Indian company that recently recalled eyedrops sold in the U.S. had a host of sanitation and manufacturing problems, including barefoot workers, cracked floors and altered records, U.S. health inspectors found.Food and Drug Administration officials uncovered more than a dozen problems at the Mumbai plant operated by Kilitch Healthcare India, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/173608/download">preliminary inspection report</a>&nbsp;posted by the agency. The factory produced more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-recall-fda-infection-cvs-rite-aid-a9471104de34efd152137d3fdba9c260">two dozen varieties of eyedrops</a>&nbsp;that were subject to an FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-certain-eye-drops-several-major-brands-due-risk-eye">safety warning</a>&nbsp;last month.The products were sold by CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid and other national retailers who said they would be removed from store shelves. New details about the plant's problems emerged after FDA inspectors visited the plant late last month.Agency inspectors documented factory workers not wearing masks, gloves and gowns and working barefoot in areas that are supposed to be sterile. A manager told FDA officials “that this is their standard practice,” according to the report.Elsewhere, FDA staff noted cracked floors, plus water stains and peeling paint on walls and ceilings.The FDA report also suggests factory officials would routinely omit or falsify contamination test results.For instance, a factory microbiologist said that a bacterial sample that could trigger “an alert or action limit” would not be documented. Instead, officials would perform additional cleaning and then record a figure that indicated sterility. This occurred “two or three times per month,” according to the microbiologist.The FDA's initial findings are likely to be followed by a formal report and a warning letter to the company.On Monday, Kilitch Healthcare officially recalled the lubricating eyedrops, sold in 27 different brands and formulations. The agency&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kilitch-healthcare-india-limited-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-various-eye-drops-potential">published the notice</a>&nbsp;to its website Wednesday. The recall is something of a formality, since the FDA had already alerted U.S. stores and consumers to the problem.FDA officials don't have the legal authority to force drug manufacturers to recall their products, and instead rely on companies to “voluntarily” do so. The FDA had recommended the recall on Oct. 25 and shortly thereafter blocked imports from Kilitch.Drugmakers and distributors “are responsible for the quality of their products,” but the FDA recently asked Congress for the authority to mandate such recalls, an agency spokeswoman said in a statement Thursday.Kilitch Healthcare said it has not received “any reports of adverse events” related to its products. The drops could cause vision loss or blindness, according to the FDA.The lubricating drops were distributed in the U.S. by Velocity Pharma, based in Farmingdale, New York, and carry expiration dates between November 2023 and September 2025.FDA records show no prior inspections for Kilitch Healthcare.The FDA is responsible for assuring the safety of foreign products shipped to the U.S., though it has long struggled to keep pace with international pharmaceutical supply chains that increasingly begin in India.Recently, the agency has been working to make up for missed inspections that weren't conducted during COVID-19. Agency records show FDA didn't conduct any inspections in India during fiscal year 2021, at the height of the pandemic. Inspections rose to 177 in fiscal 2023, but that was still about half the number of inspections that the FDA was conducting the year before COVID-19.CVS Health said in a statement that it previously “stopped the sale in-store and online” of all the eyedrops cited by the FDA. Customers can return them to CVS for a full refund.Target did not respond to emailed questions about the products. Cardinal Health, a medical supply company, also did not respond to emails.Earlier this year, federal officials linked an unrelated outbreak of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-business-health-4572be6da44f4fab4e0f691f5e37e3ed">drug-resistant bacteria</a>&nbsp;to eyedrops from two different companies, EzriCare and Delsam Pharma.More than 80 people in the U.S. tested positive for eye infections from the rare bacterial strain, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/crpa-artificial-tears.html#anchor_1674746879046">most recent update</a>&nbsp;from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among them, 14 people suffered vision loss, four had to have an eye removed and four died, the CDC said.

Sanitation issues: FDA expands eyedrops recall

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

HILL CITY — A sign that was posted in a bar in Hill City sparked vandalism at the business and resulted in the local chamber of commerce moving its annual banquet.

The owner of the Cowboy Junction in Hill City posted a sign in the bar that said "No Coon Tunes."

Someone took a photo of the sign and posted it on Facebook. The post appeared on "The State of Kansas," a satirical Facebook page. It went viral from there. Facebook removed the image from "The State of Kansas" Facebook page.

Following the Facebook post, someone spray-painted the message "KKK Club" on the outdoor sign for the club.

Graham County Sheriff Cole Presley said Thursday the department had no suspects in the vandalism case, but the case is still under investigation. 

"It's concerning, and we don't want to see anything escalate," Presley said.

He added, "I want to reassure the public that we are investigating what has occurred here because we fear an escalation. I don't want anyone to think we are ignoring this case at all. We're not."

Kathie Hildebrand, wife of owner Ralph Hildebrand, said the offending sign has been removed, and the spray paint has been removed from their vandalized sign.

However, she said she has been receiving unwanted messages on Facebook and has been receiving "nasty phone calls" since the photo of the sign in the bar was posted on social media.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700163561435.png" alt="The sign on the left was hung in the Cowboy Junction Bar in Hill City. After the sign went viral on Facebook, the outdoor sign at the club was vandalized (pictured right). Images shared via Facebook" />
 <figcaption>The sign on the left was hung in the Cowboy Junction Bar in Hill City. After the sign went viral on Facebook, the outdoor sign at the club was vandalized (pictured right). Images shared via Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHILL CITY — A sign that was posted in a bar in Hill City sparked vandalism at the business and resulted in the local chamber of commerce moving its annual banquet.The owner of the Cowboy Junction in Hill City posted a sign in the bar that said "No Coon Tunes."Someone took a photo of the sign and posted it on Facebook. The post appeared on "The State of Kansas," a satirical Facebook page. It went viral from there. Facebook removed the image from "The State of Kansas" Facebook page.Following the Facebook post, someone spray-painted the message "KKK Club" on the outdoor sign for the club.Graham County Sheriff Cole Presley said Thursday the department had no suspects in the vandalism case, but the case is still under investigation. "It's concerning, and we don't want to see anything escalate," Presley said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700163767935.jpeg" alt="Ralph Hildebrand posted the following post on Facebook in response to the concerns about the sign. Posted to Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Ralph Hildebrand posted the following post on Facebook in response to the concerns about the sign. Posted to Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>He added, "I want to reassure the public that we are investigating what has occurred here because we fear an escalation. I don't want anyone to think we are ignoring this case at all. We're not."Kathie Hildebrand, wife of owner Ralph Hildebrand, said the offending sign has been removed, and the spray paint has been removed from their vandalized sign.However, she said she has been receiving unwanted messages on Facebook and has been receiving "nasty phone calls" since the photo of the sign in the bar was posted on social media.Hildebrand called the whole situation a disaster.She said Cowboy Junction is a county music bar. Most of its regular clients are older and like to dance to country music, Hildebrand said.Recently some younger white females came into the bar and played non-country music that owner Ralph Hildebrand did not feel was consistent with the theme of the bar, Kathie said. That is when he posted the sign.Although Ralph Hildebrand's wife spoke to the Hays Post, but she said she did not think Ralph would respond for comment.Kathie said the issue with the unwanted music could have been addressed better."Everybody takes it wrong," she said."We aren't really racist," she said.She said the establishment has welcomed customers of color for a variety of events.She said she hoped to move on from the incident."I'm trying to get rid of it," she said. "I'm trying to get away from it."The director of the Hill City Chamber of Commerce said the chamber made the decision to move its annual banquet, which had been scheduled for the Cowboy Junction, to the Graham County Fairgrounds.She said she did not want to comment further on the issue.