KANSAS CITY—A jury has convicted a Kansas City man on multiple child sex charges for sexual abuse he perpetrated on a child, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Robert J. Warren, 63, was convicted of Statutory Rape 1st Degree, Statutory Rape 2nd Degree, Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child, two counts of Child Molestation 4th Degree and Enticing/Attempting to Entice a Child. He will be sentenced on April 27.

According to court records, in August 2017, Kansas City police were alerted to sexual abuse involving a 14-year-old child. Forensic interviews of the victim confirmed the abuse on more than one occasion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675437690536.png" alt="Warren-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Warren-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A jury has convicted a Kansas City man on multiple child sex charges for sexual abuse he perpetrated on a child, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Robert J. Warren, 63, was convicted of Statutory Rape 1st Degree, Statutory Rape 2nd Degree, Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child, two counts of Child Molestation 4th Degree and Enticing/Attempting to Entice a Child. He will be sentenced on April 27.According to court records, in August 2017, Kansas City police were alerted to sexual abuse involving a 14-year-old child. Forensic interviews of the victim confirmed the abuse on more than one occasion.

Jury: Kansas City man guilty of multiple child sex crimes

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged theft and forgery.

On February 3, police began an investigation that focused on the unlawful use of a donation that was intended for the Salvation Army, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 This donation was made with gift cards which were used in transactions at an Atchison business on various dates in December.

On Tuesday, police arrested Pamela S. Bilderback, 39, Atchison, on requested charges that include theft by deception, forgery, criminal use of a financial card, and unlawful computer acts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675874175185.png" alt="Bilderback-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Bilderback-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged theft and forgery.On February 3, police began an investigation that focused on the unlawful use of a donation that was intended for the Salvation Army, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. This donation was made with gift cards which were used in transactions at an Atchison business on various dates in December.On Tuesday, police arrested Pamela S. Bilderback, 39, Atchison, on requested charges that include theft by deception, forgery, criminal use of a financial card, and unlawful computer acts.

Police: Kan. woman used gift cards donated to Salvation Army

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities took three suspects into custody after a car struck a deputy's vehicle who was involved in an earlier traffic stop.

Just after 8p.m. Sunday,&nbsp;Corporal Roger Wilt with the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office was on a traffic stop in the 26,000 block of 85th Road, according to Sheriff Dave Faletti.

Wilt’s patrol vehicle had the rear emergency lights activated for other drivers on the roadway and was standing outside of his patrol vehicle speaking with the driver of the stopped vehicle when he saw a Red Saturn Vue approaching the area. 

The Saturn failed to slow down, struck his patrol vehicle, and continued southbound toward 71st Road at a high rate of speed. Wilt pursued the Saturn driven by&nbsp;Kenneth Raye Corcran, 20 of Arkansas City.

As the Saturn approached 71s Road, Corcran appeared to lose control of the vehicle. It rolled on its side and came to rest on its wheels. All occupants of the vehicle were removed from the vehicle. Arkansas City Fire and EMS checked all occupants of the car. All refused treatment.

The deputy arrested Corcran on requested charge of Driving while Under the Influence, Flee or attempt to Elude, Criminal Restraint, Duty of Driver to report Accident, No Driver’s License, No Proof of Insurance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and reckless driving.&nbsp;

A passenger, Daniel Laszlo Soproni, age 22 of Arkansas City, Ks. was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; A second Aaron Christian Griffith, 23 of Arkansas City&nbsp; was arrested on a requested charge of Failure to Appear Warrant and a fourth passenger was released at the scene with no charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675724981134.png" alt="Corcran-photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Corcran-photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities took three suspects into custody after a car struck a deputy's vehicle who was involved in an earlier traffic stop.Just after 8p.m. Sunday,&nbsp;Corporal Roger Wilt with the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office was on a traffic stop in the 26,000 block of 85th Road, according to Sheriff Dave Faletti.Wilt’s patrol vehicle had the rear emergency lights activated for other drivers on the roadway and was standing outside of his patrol vehicle speaking with the driver of the stopped vehicle when he saw a Red Saturn Vue approaching the area. The Saturn failed to slow down, struck his patrol vehicle, and continued southbound toward 71st Road at a high rate of speed. Wilt pursued the Saturn driven by&nbsp;Kenneth Raye Corcran, 20 of Arkansas City.As the Saturn approached 71s Road, Corcran appeared to lose control of the vehicle. It rolled on its side and came to rest on its wheels. All occupants of the vehicle were removed from the vehicle. Arkansas City Fire and EMS checked all occupants of the car. All refused treatment.The deputy arrested Corcran on requested charge of Driving while Under the Influence, Flee or attempt to Elude, Criminal Restraint, Duty of Driver to report Accident, No Driver’s License, No Proof of Insurance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and reckless driving.&nbsp;A passenger, Daniel Laszlo Soproni, age 22 of Arkansas City, Ks. was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; A second Aaron Christian Griffith, 23 of Arkansas City&nbsp; was arrested on a requested charge of Failure to Appear Warrant and a fourth passenger was released at the scene with no charges.

SUV struck Kan. deputy's patrol vehicle on a traffic stop

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/07/new-kansas-bill-would-set-cap-on-insulin-prices-restrict-costs-for-diabetes-equipment/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Rep. Heather Meyer is familiar with the battle between lifesaving medication and crippling medical debt.

Meyer, who was diagnosed with type 1 
diabetes at the age of 12, grew up with a single father who also had 
type 1 diabetes. With finances tight and health insurance unaffordable, 
the two had to ration bottles of insulin, reuse syringes and go without 
proper testing equipment, trying to gauge their blood sugar levels based
 on how they were feeling.

“We struggled constantly,” Meyer 
said. “And it was between rationing insulin and paying bills. And which 
are we going to do? We know we need to stay alive and we want to live. 
So we’re going to do our best with what we have to stay alive. But that 
meant our blood sugars were always running on the high side, or they 
would tank out because we were overcorrecting for a hike.”

To help out <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/14/as-insulin-costs-soar-diabetics-say-a-35-cap-on-co-pays-is-not-enough/">families in similar situations</a>,
 Meyer is championing legislation that would set limits on insulin 
prices. The bill is an attempt to lessen the financial burden of the 
thousands of Kansans living with diabetes.&nbsp;

The bill was introduced Monday in the
 House Health and Human Services Committee by Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Shawnee
 Democrat, on behalf of Meyer, a Overland Park Democrat. The legislation
 had not been published on the Legislature’s website as of Tuesday 
evening. Meyer said the financial impact of the bill is still unknown, 
and she is working with the state’s insurance commissioner to hammer out
 fiscal details.

The bill would set the maximum co-pay
 at $35 per month for insulin and insulin products under a qualifying 
program, eligible to both uninsured and insured people. The only 
exception would be people on Medicaid or Medicare, because federal 
insurance already has provisions for people with diabetes.

Meyer said another component of the 
bill was a provision allowing for a 30-day emergency supply of insulin 
per year, along with setting price caps on diabetic supplies, such as 
glucometers and syringes. The price cap for equipment would be set at 
$100.

“We wanted to make sure that was 
included because you know things happen,” Meyer said. “Your insulin can 
go bad. You can leave it in your car and it freezes or gets too hot. You
 can drop it on the floor and break your vial. You can, like I did, 
accidentally leave it at work.”

Meyer said she has dealt with soaring
 insulin prices for much of her life, paying more than $300 dollars per 
month for insulin at times. Though her insurance as a legislator is 
better than her past insurance, she said she is still struggling with 
exorbitant costs for necessary equipment.

Meyer said she recently had to pay 
out of pocket for her testing supplies, which cost her $1,500 for 
glucose monitoring equipment and a transmitter that would relay 
information about her blood sugar levels. With expenses so high, she 
said, she has had to pick and choose between medically necessary 
equipment.

“I’m currently not even using a 
continuous glucose monitor to pair with my insulin pump, because I’m 
waiting on it because I had to wait to figure out how to budget that 
out,” Meyer said. “I ended up using three different credit cards to pay 
for it.”

Meyer said she had similar stories 
from families across the state who were struggling to pay for diabetic 
equipment and insulin itself.

About 11.4% of the state’s adult 
population, about 255,215 people, have been diagnosed with diabetes, 
according to the American Diabetes Association. The organization 
estimated that total direct medical expenses for managing diabetes in 
the state were around $1.7 billion in 2017, with medical expenses about 
2.3 times higher for people who have diabetes than those who don’t have 
the conditions.

She said it is time to reduce the 
financial strain on Kansas families, especially parents worrying how to 
provide for their children.

“They have to shell out thousands of 
dollars a year just to ensure that their child, their minor child, does 
not die,” Meyer said. “I mean, that is absolutely ridiculous.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675869340143.png" alt="Rep. Heather Meyer, an Overland Park Democrat who has type 1 diabetes, is championing new legislation that would set a cap on insulin costs. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Heather Meyer, an Overland Park Democrat who has type 1 diabetes, is championing new legislation that would set a cap on insulin costs. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/07/new-kansas-bill-would-set-cap-on-insulin-prices-restrict-costs-for-diabetes-equipment/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Rep. Heather Meyer is familiar with the battle between lifesaving medication and crippling medical debt.Meyer, who was diagnosed with type 1 
diabetes at the age of 12, grew up with a single father who also had 
type 1 diabetes. With finances tight and health insurance unaffordable, 
the two had to ration bottles of insulin, reuse syringes and go without 
proper testing equipment, trying to gauge their blood sugar levels based
 on how they were feeling.“We struggled constantly,” Meyer 
said. “And it was between rationing insulin and paying bills. And which 
are we going to do? We know we need to stay alive and we want to live. 
So we’re going to do our best with what we have to stay alive. But that 
meant our blood sugars were always running on the high side, or they 
would tank out because we were overcorrecting for a hike.”To help out <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/14/as-insulin-costs-soar-diabetics-say-a-35-cap-on-co-pays-is-not-enough/">families in similar situations</a>,
 Meyer is championing legislation that would set limits on insulin 
prices. The bill is an attempt to lessen the financial burden of the 
thousands of Kansans living with diabetes.&nbsp;The bill was introduced Monday in the
 House Health and Human Services Committee by Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Shawnee
 Democrat, on behalf of Meyer, a Overland Park Democrat. The legislation
 had not been published on the Legislature’s website as of Tuesday 
evening. Meyer said the financial impact of the bill is still unknown, 
and she is working with the state’s insurance commissioner to hammer out
 fiscal details.The bill would set the maximum co-pay
 at $35 per month for insulin and insulin products under a qualifying 
program, eligible to both uninsured and insured people. The only 
exception would be people on Medicaid or Medicare, because federal 
insurance already has provisions for people with diabetes.Meyer said another component of the 
bill was a provision allowing for a 30-day emergency supply of insulin 
per year, along with setting price caps on diabetic supplies, such as 
glucometers and syringes. The price cap for equipment would be set at 
$100.“We wanted to make sure that was 
included because you know things happen,” Meyer said. “Your insulin can 
go bad. You can leave it in your car and it freezes or gets too hot. You
 can drop it on the floor and break your vial. You can, like I did, 
accidentally leave it at work.”Meyer said she has dealt with soaring
 insulin prices for much of her life, paying more than $300 dollars per 
month for insulin at times. Though her insurance as a legislator is 
better than her past insurance, she said she is still struggling with 
exorbitant costs for necessary equipment.Meyer said she recently had to pay 
out of pocket for her testing supplies, which cost her $1,500 for 
glucose monitoring equipment and a transmitter that would relay 
information about her blood sugar levels. With expenses so high, she 
said, she has had to pick and choose between medically necessary 
equipment.“I’m currently not even using a 
continuous glucose monitor to pair with my insulin pump, because I’m 
waiting on it because I had to wait to figure out how to budget that 
out,” Meyer said. “I ended up using three different credit cards to pay 
for it.”Meyer said she had similar stories 
from families across the state who were struggling to pay for diabetic 
equipment and insulin itself.About 11.4% of the state’s adult 
population, about 255,215 people, have been diagnosed with diabetes, 
according to the American Diabetes Association. The organization 
estimated that total direct medical expenses for managing diabetes in 
the state were around $1.7 billion in 2017, with medical expenses about 
2.3 times higher for people who have diabetes than those who don’t have 
the conditions.She said it is time to reduce the 
financial strain on Kansas families, especially parents worrying how to 
provide for their children.“They have to shell out thousands of 
dollars a year just to ensure that their child, their minor child, does 
not die,” Meyer said. “I mean, that is absolutely ridiculous.”

New Kansas bill would set cap on insulin prices

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an abduction have made an arrest.

Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 1200 block of E. Mt. Vernon in Wichita for a disturbance, abduction call, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. 

A witnesses reported seeing two men arguing with a woman and forcibly placing her inside a vehicle and leaving the area.

Officers immediately began checking the area for the vehicle, and with the information provided by one of the witnesses following Atkinson’s vehicle, officers were able to locate the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but a suspect later identified as 26-year-old Daivon Atkinson refused to stop, and a chase ensued.

Officers were able to stop Atkinson’s vehicle after a brief pursuit at the intersection of 10th Street North and Madison.&nbsp; The officers arrested Atkinson after a foot pursuit.

The investigation revealed that Atkinson confronted his girlfriend, the 33-year-old victim, over an unknown circumstance. Atkinson told the victim to get in the car, and she refused. Atkinson and an acquaintance of the victim grabbed her and placed her inside the vehicle before fleeing the area.

This case would not have been solved so quickly without our officers’ and DIVERT officer’s quick response and help from the witnesses. Atkinson was booked on requested traffic charges and a requested aggravated assault charge not related to the initial disturbance, according to Rebolledo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675860596880.png" alt="ATKINSON-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>ATKINSON-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an abduction have made an arrest.Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 1200 block of E. Mt. Vernon in Wichita for a disturbance, abduction call, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. A witnesses reported seeing two men arguing with a woman and forcibly placing her inside a vehicle and leaving the area.Officers immediately began checking the area for the vehicle, and with the information provided by one of the witnesses following Atkinson’s vehicle, officers were able to locate the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but a suspect later identified as 26-year-old Daivon Atkinson refused to stop, and a chase ensued.Officers were able to stop Atkinson’s vehicle after a brief pursuit at the intersection of 10th Street North and Madison.&nbsp; The officers arrested Atkinson after a foot pursuit.The investigation revealed that Atkinson confronted his girlfriend, the 33-year-old victim, over an unknown circumstance. Atkinson told the victim to get in the car, and she refused. Atkinson and an acquaintance of the victim grabbed her and placed her inside the vehicle before fleeing the area.This case would not have been solved so quickly without our officers’ and DIVERT officer’s quick response and help from the witnesses. Atkinson was booked on requested traffic charges and a requested aggravated assault charge not related to the initial disturbance, according to Rebolledo.

Kansas man accused in girlfriend's abduction 

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Three Salina residents have been arrested in connection to the shooting death of Dylan Eugene Garman on May 7, in Salina.

The Salina Police Department announced Wednesday that Dalton Levi Palmer, 29; Dakota Wayne Bunting, 24 and Tataum Elois Escamilla, 19, all of Salina, all have been arrested in connection to the shooting death.

At approximately 3:20 a.m. on May 7, 2022, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of S. College Avenue in Salina for a report of several gunshots in the area. Although they located multiple spent ammunition casings in the street at that location, officers did not find any victims or witnesses at the scene, the department noted in a news release.

That same morning, at 3:23 a.m., officers were dispatched to the emergency department of Salina Regional Health Center, 400 S. Santa Fe Avenue, for the report of two gunshot victims there: an 18-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man. The man, who was pronounced deceased by medical staff, was later identified as Garman.

At 3:34 a.m. on May 7, 2022, officers were sent to a residence in the 500 block of E. Cloud Street in Salina for the report of a person lying in the front yard who had been shot multiple times. Officers located a 23-year-old man who had multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported by EMS to Salina Regional where he underwent emergency surgery. He later was transferred to a hospital in Wichita, the Salina Police Department noted.

Also on May 7, 2022, police identified Palmer as a person of interest and warned the public that due to Palmer's past criminal behavior, he should be considered armed and dangerous. Palmer was located at a north Salina residence and arrested by agents of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on Jan. 31, the Salina Police Department noted in a news release issued Wednesday afternoon.

Additionally, Escamilla was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Benton County, Ark., on Feb. 1 and Bunting was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Bryant County, Okla., on Monday, according to information provided today by the Salina Police Department.

"The Salina Police Department would like to thank the public, the U.S. Marshals, and Kansas Bureau of Investigation for their assistance with this investigation," the Salina Police Department noted.

Dalton Levi Palmer is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;First degree murder, Attempted first degree murder and Criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle

Dakota Wayne Bunting is jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;Voluntary manslaughter, Criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and Unlawful possession of marijuana.

Tataum Elois Escamilla is in custody on requested charges of&nbsp;First degree murder and Attempted first degree murder,

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675262559179.jpeg" alt="Dalton Levi Palmer -Photo Salina Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Dalton Levi Palmer -Photo Salina Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThree Salina residents have been arrested in connection to the shooting death of Dylan Eugene Garman on May 7, in Salina.The Salina Police Department announced Wednesday that Dalton Levi Palmer, 29; Dakota Wayne Bunting, 24 and Tataum Elois Escamilla, 19, all of Salina, all have been arrested in connection to the shooting death.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675889245921.png" alt="Dakota Wayne Bunting-photo Salina Police" />
 <figcaption>Dakota Wayne Bunting-photo Salina Police</figcaption>
 </figure>At approximately 3:20 a.m. on May 7, 2022, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of S. College Avenue in Salina for a report of several gunshots in the area. Although they located multiple spent ammunition casings in the street at that location, officers did not find any victims or witnesses at the scene, the department noted in a news release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675889269229.png" alt="Tataum Elois Escamilla-photo Salina Police" />
 <figcaption>Tataum Elois Escamilla-photo Salina Police</figcaption>
 </figure>That same morning, at 3:23 a.m., officers were dispatched to the emergency department of Salina Regional Health Center, 400 S. Santa Fe Avenue, for the report of two gunshot victims there: an 18-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man. The man, who was pronounced deceased by medical staff, was later identified as Garman.At 3:34 a.m. on May 7, 2022, officers were sent to a residence in the 500 block of E. Cloud Street in Salina for the report of a person lying in the front yard who had been shot multiple times. Officers located a 23-year-old man who had multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported by EMS to Salina Regional where he underwent emergency surgery. He later was transferred to a hospital in Wichita, the Salina Police Department noted.Also on May 7, 2022, police identified Palmer as a person of interest and warned the public that due to Palmer's past criminal behavior, he should be considered armed and dangerous. Palmer was located at a north Salina residence and arrested by agents of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on Jan. 31, the Salina Police Department noted in a news release issued Wednesday afternoon.Additionally, Escamilla was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Benton County, Ark., on Feb. 1 and Bunting was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Bryant County, Okla., on Monday, according to information provided today by the Salina Police Department."The Salina Police Department would like to thank the public, the U.S. Marshals, and Kansas Bureau of Investigation for their assistance with this investigation," the Salina Police Department noted.Dalton Levi Palmer is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;First degree murder, Attempted first degree murder and Criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicleDakota Wayne Bunting is jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;Voluntary manslaughter, Criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and Unlawful possession of marijuana.Tataum Elois Escamilla is in custody on requested charges of&nbsp;First degree murder and Attempted first degree murder,

3 accused in May shooting death in Salina

By ADAM GOLDSTEIN <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/07/usda-projects-farm-income-will-fall-in-2023-after-two-robust-years/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — After two strong years 
of growth, U.S. farm income is forecast to drop substantially in 2023 as
 commodity prices fall and expenses rise, the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture Economic Research Service reported Tuesday.

And with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/">food prices projected to rise into 2023</a>, the nation’s producers will not be reaping the financial benefits.

The economic team said 
inflation-adjusted net cash profits are expected to decline from a 
record-high $195.3 billion last year to $150.3 billion in calendar year 
2023, a drop of 22.9%.

Projected net farm income will fall 
to $136.9 billion, according to the ERS, 18.2% below the calendar year 
2022 levels when adjusted for inflation. 2022 marked the best year on 
record for inflation-adjusted net farm income since 1973.

The division added that declines in 
farm income are expected to affect nearly all specialty operations and 
regions across the country.

The farm sector income and wealth 
forecast was the first of 2023. ERS senior economist Carrie Litkowski 
also spoke on a webinar about what the details of the forecast hold for 
farmers and legislators.

“The goal of forecasting is not to 
predict the future, but to tell you what you need to know to take 
meaningful action in the present,” Litkowski said.

She said that USDA data on farm income and wealth can contribute to discussions in Congress this year on <a target="_blank" href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/02/03/trade-agreements-access-to-foreign-markets-debated-in-u-s-senate-farm-bill-hearing/">the upcoming farm bill.</a>

The U.S. farm sector comprises roughly 2 million farms, which operate close to 900 million acres of land.

Litkowski said that the drop in net 
farm cash income and net farm income levels can be largely attributed to
 lower commodity prices. She noted the ERS forecast a 4% reduction in 
commodity cash receipts from calendar years 2022 to 2023, equal to $23.6
 billion.&nbsp;

Litkowski added that total crop cash 
receipts are expected to decline close to 6% from 2022, with corn and 
soy most affected. Still, Litkowski said cash receipts for both crops 
will remain at relatively high levels.&nbsp;

The economist also cited the impacts 
of a $5.4 billion reduction in direct government payments to farmers in 
2023, to $10.8 billion. This number reflects a forecast 34.4% drop in 
federal spending, which Litkowski attributed to declining payouts for 
USDA pandemic aid and disaster assistance programs.&nbsp;

Litkowski also attributed net farm 
income declines to growing production costs, forecast to increase by an 
inflation-adjusted $18.3 billion from 2022. Litkowski said these cost 
increases are driven predominantly by growth in interest rates, 
livestock and poultry expenses, and labor expenses.&nbsp;

The economists also cited growing 
operator dwelling expenses as affecting production costs for farmers, 
including factors like property taxes.

Litkowski noted that all farm 
businesses in the report, regardless of location or crop specialty, are 
forecast to see declines in cash receipts and government payments along 
with increasing costs.&nbsp;

The ERS noted that average net cash 
farm income for farm businesses is expected to fall 17.7% in nominal 
terms, to $92,400. A nominal dollar measure is an amount of money that 
has not had its value adjusted for the effects of inflation.&nbsp;

The economists added that all 
commodity specializations of farm businesses are forecast to receive 
lower average cash net income.&nbsp;

Total animal cash receipts are 
forecast to decline 8% from calendar years 2022 to 2023. The largest 
dollar decline for commodities is milk, which is forecast to see a $10 
billion decrease in cash receipts.&nbsp;

“Milk receipts will fall in 2023 because of a lower milk price,” Litkowski said.&nbsp;

Dairy and hog farmers are expected to see the largest relative decline in animal cash receipts from calendar years 2022 to 2023.

Cash receipts for eggs are also expected to decline 26% in 2023, compared to calendar year 2022.&nbsp;

Litkowski noted that avian flu caused
 the price of eggs to skyrocket over the past three years, and that the 
sector will start to recover from the shocks of these outbreaks in 2023.

Litkowski said that farmers growing cotton and specialty crops are also expected to see large nominal dollar declines.

Geographically, farm businesses in 
the Fruitful Rim and Northern Crescent regions are among those expected 
to see the largest net farm income declines.&nbsp;

The Fruitful Rim includes western 
Oregon, western Washington, south-central Idaho, western California, 
most of Arizona, the southern rim of Texas, Florida, southern Alabama 
and southern Georgia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Northern Crescent includes the 
upper Midwest and the Northeast, including Wisconsin, eastern Minnesota,
 Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, 
Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.&nbsp;

Farm businesses in the Fruitful Rim 
region are forecast to see the largest median nominal dollar decrease, 
of $46,700, and those in the Northern Crescent region are forecast to 
see the largest median percentage decrease in net cash farm income at 
29.9% per farm, according to the ERS.

The wellbeing of farm operator 
households is determined by a combination of on-farm and off-farm 
activity. Most income for many of these households comes from off the 
farm, according to the ERS.

The government service found that 
median total farm household income is forecast to decrease 0.4% in 2023 
from 2022, to $96,715, when adjusted for inflation. Yet median net farm 
income earned by farm households is expected to drop another $442, 
producing a median average of $1,123 in adjusted net farm household 
income losses in 2023.&nbsp;

Litkowski said this number should not cause panic.

“At the median, farm income is 
negative,” Litkowski explained. “But recall that half of all farms are 
what we call residential farms, where the primary occupation of the 
operator is not farming. So this results in a low and usually negative 
farm income at the median.”

Litkowski added that median off-farm 
income in 2023 is projected to grow to $91,080, a 0.4% increase from 
2022 when adjusted for inflation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675869239225.png" alt="Projected net farm income will fall an estimated 18.2% below the calendar year 2022 levels when adjusted for inflation, according to a USDA forecast. (Perry Beeman/Iowa Capital Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption>Projected net farm income will fall an estimated 18.2% below the calendar year 2022 levels when adjusted for inflation, according to a USDA forecast. (Perry Beeman/Iowa Capital Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ADAM GOLDSTEIN <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/07/usda-projects-farm-income-will-fall-in-2023-after-two-robust-years/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — After two strong years 
of growth, U.S. farm income is forecast to drop substantially in 2023 as
 commodity prices fall and expenses rise, the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture Economic Research Service reported Tuesday.And with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/">food prices projected to rise into 2023</a>, the nation’s producers will not be reaping the financial benefits. The economic team said 
inflation-adjusted net cash profits are expected to decline from a 
record-high $195.3 billion last year to $150.3 billion in calendar year 
2023, a drop of 22.9%.Projected net farm income will fall 
to $136.9 billion, according to the ERS, 18.2% below the calendar year 
2022 levels when adjusted for inflation. 2022 marked the best year on 
record for inflation-adjusted net farm income since 1973.The division added that declines in 
farm income are expected to affect nearly all specialty operations and 
regions across the country.The farm sector income and wealth 
forecast was the first of 2023. ERS senior economist Carrie Litkowski 
also spoke on a webinar about what the details of the forecast hold for 
farmers and legislators.“The goal of forecasting is not to 
predict the future, but to tell you what you need to know to take 
meaningful action in the present,” Litkowski said.She said that USDA data on farm income and wealth can contribute to discussions in Congress this year on <a target="_blank" href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/02/03/trade-agreements-access-to-foreign-markets-debated-in-u-s-senate-farm-bill-hearing/">the upcoming farm bill.</a>The U.S. farm sector comprises roughly 2 million farms, which operate close to 900 million acres of land.<h2>Broader farm income&nbsp;</h2>Litkowski said that the drop in net 
farm cash income and net farm income levels can be largely attributed to
 lower commodity prices. She noted the ERS forecast a 4% reduction in 
commodity cash receipts from calendar years 2022 to 2023, equal to $23.6
 billion.&nbsp;Litkowski added that total crop cash 
receipts are expected to decline close to 6% from 2022, with corn and 
soy most affected. Still, Litkowski said cash receipts for both crops 
will remain at relatively high levels.&nbsp;The economist also cited the impacts 
of a $5.4 billion reduction in direct government payments to farmers in 
2023, to $10.8 billion. This number reflects a forecast 34.4% drop in 
federal spending, which Litkowski attributed to declining payouts for 
USDA pandemic aid and disaster assistance programs.&nbsp;Litkowski also attributed net farm 
income declines to growing production costs, forecast to increase by an 
inflation-adjusted $18.3 billion from 2022. Litkowski said these cost 
increases are driven predominantly by growth in interest rates, 
livestock and poultry expenses, and labor expenses.&nbsp;The economists also cited growing 
operator dwelling expenses as affecting production costs for farmers, 
including factors like property taxes.<h2>Farm businesses</h2>Litkowski noted that all farm 
businesses in the report, regardless of location or crop specialty, are 
forecast to see declines in cash receipts and government payments along 
with increasing costs.&nbsp;The ERS noted that average net cash 
farm income for farm businesses is expected to fall 17.7% in nominal 
terms, to $92,400. A nominal dollar measure is an amount of money that 
has not had its value adjusted for the effects of inflation.&nbsp;The economists added that all 
commodity specializations of farm businesses are forecast to receive 
lower average cash net income.&nbsp;Total animal cash receipts are 
forecast to decline 8% from calendar years 2022 to 2023. The largest 
dollar decline for commodities is milk, which is forecast to see a $10 
billion decrease in cash receipts.&nbsp;“Milk receipts will fall in 2023 because of a lower milk price,” Litkowski said.&nbsp;Dairy and hog farmers are expected to see the largest relative decline in animal cash receipts from calendar years 2022 to 2023.Cash receipts for eggs are also expected to decline 26% in 2023, compared to calendar year 2022.&nbsp;Litkowski noted that avian flu caused
 the price of eggs to skyrocket over the past three years, and that the 
sector will start to recover from the shocks of these outbreaks in 2023.Litkowski said that farmers growing cotton and specialty crops are also expected to see large nominal dollar declines.Geographically, farm businesses in 
the Fruitful Rim and Northern Crescent regions are among those expected 
to see the largest net farm income declines.&nbsp;The Fruitful Rim includes western 
Oregon, western Washington, south-central Idaho, western California, 
most of Arizona, the southern rim of Texas, Florida, southern Alabama 
and southern Georgia.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Northern Crescent includes the 
upper Midwest and the Northeast, including Wisconsin, eastern Minnesota,
 Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, 
Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.&nbsp;Farm businesses in the Fruitful Rim 
region are forecast to see the largest median nominal dollar decrease, 
of $46,700, and those in the Northern Crescent region are forecast to 
see the largest median percentage decrease in net cash farm income at 
29.9% per farm, according to the ERS.<h2>Farm household income&nbsp;</h2>The wellbeing of farm operator 
households is determined by a combination of on-farm and off-farm 
activity. Most income for many of these households comes from off the 
farm, according to the ERS.The government service found that 
median total farm household income is forecast to decrease 0.4% in 2023 
from 2022, to $96,715, when adjusted for inflation. Yet median net farm 
income earned by farm households is expected to drop another $442, 
producing a median average of $1,123 in adjusted net farm household 
income losses in 2023.&nbsp;Litkowski said this number should not cause panic.“At the median, farm income is 
negative,” Litkowski explained. “But recall that half of all farms are 
what we call residential farms, where the primary occupation of the 
operator is not farming. So this results in a low and usually negative 
farm income at the median.”Litkowski added that median off-farm 
income in 2023 is projected to grow to $91,080, a 0.4% increase from 
2022 when adjusted for inflation.

USDA projects farm income will fall in 2023 after two robust years

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/08/no-fooling-house-committee-shopping-april-1-demise-of-state-sales-tax-on-groceries/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Sisters of Charity coordinator Rebecca Metz says legislation
 to do away April 1 with the state’s portion of sales tax charged on 
groceries would do more than alleviate the tax burden of low- and 
middle-income individuals and families.

Action by the 2023 Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly to eliminate the 
state food sales tax on groceries in less than two months rather than in
 two years would enable ministries providing meals to food-insecure 
people across the state to stretch their budgets, she said. Many of 
these ministries don’t have the benefit of nonprofit tax status and rely
 on generosity of people who contribute without of a tax break.

“Please support everyday Kansans trying to meet their immediate food 
needs as well as helping increase the impact of various ministries 
working on food insecurity,” Metz said.

The House Tax Committee began Tuesday an exploration of House Bill 
2111, which would zero out the state sales tax for food and food 
ingredients. The bill included an exemption from the Kansas sales tax — 
local sales taxes would remain — on children’s diapers and feminine 
hygiene products. Another element of the bill would start a special fund
 to account for revenue losses by grocery stores in special economic 
development zones financed through state-backed STAR bonds.

The initiative has a long road to passage by the House and Senate. 
Some lawmakers oppose the change, while others expressed interest in 
merging this reform with tax policy not as palatable to all parties. 
Gov. Laura Kelly urged legislators to swiftly end the state tax on 
groceries and expressed confidence an agreement to do that could be 
reached. She’s met with Senate and House leadership to seek a deal.

“We just had discussions this morning,” Kelly said Tuesday in an interview. “I’m optimistic we will come to some consensus.”

In the 2022 legislative session, Kelly proposed the Legislature 
terminate the state’s 6.5% sales tax on groceries. Legislators balked at
 that approach during an election year, but approved a bill cutting the 
rate to 4% on Jan. 1, 2023, 2% on Jan. 1, 2024 and zero on Jan. 1, 2025.
 Kelly signed it into law.

“We had quite a debate on food sales tax and I know it wasn’t what 
the governor wanted back then, but we came up with what I think was a 
compromise plan and the governor signed it,” said Rep. Clarke Sanders, 
R-Salina. “Relative to food, I don’t see any reason to revisit that 
now.”

Existence of a large state government revenue surplus in Kansas 
raised the prospect of advancing legislation this session to speed 
transition to the zero tax rate on food sales. That change would match 
sales tax laws in Colorado, Nebraska and Iowa. Missouri’s sales tax on 
groceries stands at 1.2%, which has enticed Kansans to cross the border 
to grocery shop. Oklahoma assesses a rate of 4.5% on grocery sales.

Topeka Rep. Vic Miller, leader of the House Democratic caucus, said 
the bill could be an example of bipartisanship leading to good public 
policy. He asked the committee to consider expanding the list of 
sanitary items covered by the bill to include soap, shampoo, toilet 
tissue, toothpaste and deodorant that would cut $14 million from annual 
state tax revenue.

The Kansas Department of Revenue estimated the original version of 
the House bill would cost the state treasury $40 million in the fiscal 
year ending June 30, $301 million in the next fiscal year and $136 
million in the subsequent fiscal year. The projection was based on an 
assumption 15% of all sales tax collections were related to groceries.

“I say go fast and do it now,” Miller said. “Let us not concern 
ourselves with who gets credit for eliminating the sales tax on the 
items mentioned in the bill. Let us go about the state declaring that we
 all did something good that will benefit every Kansan.”

There was no public testimony in opposition to food sales tax reform 
at the House hearing, but several proponents specifically requested the 
House exempt diapers and hygiene products.

Becca Houlehan of Leawood and Izzy Zschoche of Prairie Village, both 
students at Notre Dame de Sion High School, said they formed an 
organization last year known as “Equity.Period.” The goal was to provide
 feminine hygiene products in restrooms at their school. They later 
expanded to other locations and have donated 12,000 items. They do shop 
in Missouri, which has a lower state sales tax, to maximize value of 
donations.

“Still, we know this isn’t enough,” Houlehan said. “Basic human 
necessities are increasing in price to the point it’s cost prohibitive 
for many. We believe Kansas is better than this. Humanity should be 
better than this.”

Jon McCormick, president and chief executive officer of the Retail 
Grocers Association of Kansas and Missouri, suggested the committee 
examine the issue from both sides of the checkout counter. He represents
 125 supermarket and convenience stores.

“There are two goals here. One, help the Kansans have a lower food 
bill — now,” he said. “The people who spend most of their food dollars 
in grocery stores are the people who need this implementation of the 
reduction in the food tax sped up. They cook meals at home and rarely 
can afford to eat out.”

He said sales tax reform would help Kansas retailers stay in business
 because they would take a step closer to be competitive on taxation.

“We’ve lost about 100 stores since 2008. Most of them have been independent stores and they’re all in small towns,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675869083556.png" alt="Democratic Rep. Tom Sawyer, left, and Republican Rep. Adam Smith were among House Tax Committee members considering a bill Tuesday ending the state’s 4% sales tax on groceries. Under current state law, that state tax would end Jan. 1, 2025. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic Rep. Tom Sawyer, left, and Republican Rep. Adam Smith were among House Tax Committee members considering a bill Tuesday ending the state’s 4% sales tax on groceries. Under current state law, that state tax would end Jan. 1, 2025. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/08/no-fooling-house-committee-shopping-april-1-demise-of-state-sales-tax-on-groceries/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Sisters of Charity coordinator Rebecca Metz says legislation
 to do away April 1 with the state’s portion of sales tax charged on 
groceries would do more than alleviate the tax burden of low- and 
middle-income individuals and families.Action by the 2023 Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly to eliminate the 
state food sales tax on groceries in less than two months rather than in
 two years would enable ministries providing meals to food-insecure 
people across the state to stretch their budgets, she said. Many of 
these ministries don’t have the benefit of nonprofit tax status and rely
 on generosity of people who contribute without of a tax break.“Please support everyday Kansans trying to meet their immediate food 
needs as well as helping increase the impact of various ministries 
working on food insecurity,” Metz said.The House Tax Committee began Tuesday an exploration of House Bill 
2111, which would zero out the state sales tax for food and food 
ingredients. The bill included an exemption from the Kansas sales tax — 
local sales taxes would remain — on children’s diapers and feminine 
hygiene products. Another element of the bill would start a special fund
 to account for revenue losses by grocery stores in special economic 
development zones financed through state-backed STAR bonds.The initiative has a long road to passage by the House and Senate. 
Some lawmakers oppose the change, while others expressed interest in 
merging this reform with tax policy not as palatable to all parties. 
Gov. Laura Kelly urged legislators to swiftly end the state tax on 
groceries and expressed confidence an agreement to do that could be 
reached. She’s met with Senate and House leadership to seek a deal.“We just had discussions this morning,” Kelly said Tuesday in an interview. “I’m optimistic we will come to some consensus.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675869149141.png" alt="Salina GOP Rep. Clarke Sanders said he didn’t support a bill terminating April 1 the state’s 4% sales tax on groceries and would prefer to stick with a 2022 law phasing out that tax Jan. 1, 2025. Colorado and Nebraska don’t have a state sales tax on groceries. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Salina GOP Rep. Clarke Sanders said he didn’t support a bill terminating April 1 the state’s 4% sales tax on groceries and would prefer to stick with a 2022 law phasing out that tax Jan. 1, 2025. Colorado and Nebraska don’t have a state sales tax on groceries. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘Don’t see a reason’</h2>In the 2022 legislative session, Kelly proposed the Legislature 
terminate the state’s 6.5% sales tax on groceries. Legislators balked at
 that approach during an election year, but approved a bill cutting the 
rate to 4% on Jan. 1, 2023, 2% on Jan. 1, 2024 and zero on Jan. 1, 2025.
 Kelly signed it into law.“We had quite a debate on food sales tax and I know it wasn’t what 
the governor wanted back then, but we came up with what I think was a 
compromise plan and the governor signed it,” said Rep. Clarke Sanders, 
R-Salina. “Relative to food, I don’t see any reason to revisit that 
now.”Existence of a large state government revenue surplus in Kansas 
raised the prospect of advancing legislation this session to speed 
transition to the zero tax rate on food sales. That change would match 
sales tax laws in Colorado, Nebraska and Iowa. Missouri’s sales tax on 
groceries stands at 1.2%, which has enticed Kansans to cross the border 
to grocery shop. Oklahoma assesses a rate of 4.5% on grocery sales.Topeka Rep. Vic Miller, leader of the House Democratic caucus, said 
the bill could be an example of bipartisanship leading to good public 
policy. He asked the committee to consider expanding the list of 
sanitary items covered by the bill to include soap, shampoo, toilet 
tissue, toothpaste and deodorant that would cut $14 million from annual 
state tax revenue.The Kansas Department of Revenue estimated the original version of 
the House bill would cost the state treasury $40 million in the fiscal 
year ending June 30, $301 million in the next fiscal year and $136 
million in the subsequent fiscal year. The projection was based on an 
assumption 15% of all sales tax collections were related to groceries.“I say go fast and do it now,” Miller said. “Let us not concern 
ourselves with who gets credit for eliminating the sales tax on the 
items mentioned in the bill. Let us go about the state declaring that we
 all did something good that will benefit every Kansan.”There was no public testimony in opposition to food sales tax reform 
at the House hearing, but several proponents specifically requested the 
House exempt diapers and hygiene products.<h2>‘Kansas is better than this’</h2>Becca Houlehan of Leawood and Izzy Zschoche of Prairie Village, both 
students at Notre Dame de Sion High School, said they formed an 
organization last year known as “Equity.Period.” The goal was to provide
 feminine hygiene products in restrooms at their school. They later 
expanded to other locations and have donated 12,000 items. They do shop 
in Missouri, which has a lower state sales tax, to maximize value of 
donations.“Still, we know this isn’t enough,” Houlehan said. “Basic human 
necessities are increasing in price to the point it’s cost prohibitive 
for many. We believe Kansas is better than this. Humanity should be 
better than this.”Jon McCormick, president and chief executive officer of the Retail 
Grocers Association of Kansas and Missouri, suggested the committee 
examine the issue from both sides of the checkout counter. He represents
 125 supermarket and convenience stores.“There are two goals here. One, help the Kansans have a lower food 
bill — now,” he said. “The people who spend most of their food dollars 
in grocery stores are the people who need this implementation of the 
reduction in the food tax sped up. They cook meals at home and rarely 
can afford to eat out.”He said sales tax reform would help Kansas retailers stay in business
 because they would take a step closer to be competitive on taxation.“We’ve lost about 100 stores since 2008. Most of them have been independent stores and they’re all in small towns,” he said.

Kan. House committee considers April demise of state sales tax on groceries

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;Health reported&nbsp; 1,963&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">new</a> coronavirus cases in Kansas from Feb. 1 to Feb. 8, for a total of 930,148 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 2,163 cases the previous week.

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">the state reported&nbsp;</a>26 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on Feb. 1, for a total of 9,995

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">Click here</a>&nbsp;for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”

The health department updates data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;Health reported&nbsp; 1,963&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">new</a> coronavirus cases in Kansas from Feb. 1 to Feb. 8, for a total of 930,148 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 2,163 cases the previous week.On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">the state reported&nbsp;</a>26 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on Feb. 1, for a total of 9,995<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">Click here</a>&nbsp;for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department updates data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE reports drop in COVID cases; 26 more deaths

DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations after a traffic stop on Interstate 70.

Just after 10a.m. Tuesday, a Dickinson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop with a 2017 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup for a traffic infraction on Interstate 70, according to Undersheriff Jeff Vaughan.

The deputy made contact with the driver of the vehicle identified as Darren James Denter, 49, out of Old Monroe, Missouri.

The deputy detected the strong odor of marijuana during the traffic stop which led to a search of the vehicle. The search revealed 182 pounds of marijuana, 49 pounds of THC wax, 1000 Psilocybin Mushroom candy bars, 11 pounds of Psilocybin Mushrooms, 550 pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes packaged for sale, and 128 pre-packaged four gram marijuana packages. The estimated street value is over $500,000.

The sheriff booked Denter into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute certain hallucinogenic and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Sheriff’s Office encouraged parents to talk to their children about accepting and consuming anything they don’t know the origin of as items such as chocolate bars and candy can be laced with illegal and harmful substances.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675873348652.png" alt="Psilocybin Mushroom candy bars -photo Dickinson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Psilocybin Mushroom candy bars -photo Dickinson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations after a traffic stop on Interstate 70.Just after 10a.m. Tuesday, a Dickinson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop with a 2017 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup for a traffic infraction on Interstate 70, according to Undersheriff Jeff Vaughan.The deputy made contact with the driver of the vehicle identified as Darren James Denter, 49, out of Old Monroe, Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675873309102.png" alt="photo Dickinson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>photo Dickinson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The deputy detected the strong odor of marijuana during the traffic stop which led to a search of the vehicle. The search revealed 182 pounds of marijuana, 49 pounds of THC wax, 1000 Psilocybin Mushroom candy bars, 11 pounds of Psilocybin Mushrooms, 550 pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes packaged for sale, and 128 pre-packaged four gram marijuana packages. The estimated street value is over $500,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675873639265.png" alt="Denter-photo Dickinson co." />
 <figcaption>Denter-photo Dickinson co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The sheriff booked Denter into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute certain hallucinogenic and possession of drug paraphernalia.The Sheriff’s Office encouraged parents to talk to their children about accepting and consuming anything they don’t know the origin of as items such as chocolate bars and candy can be laced with illegal and harmful substances.

$500K worth of pot, mushroom candy seized on I-70 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Herman Jones, who has been sued for sexual harassment and retaliation, will retire in July, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Wednesday.

The governor also said Adjutant General David Weishar, who leads the Kansas National Guard and is the state's emergency management director, will retire April 1.

Jones has a 45-year career in law enforcement and was the Shawnee County sheriff before Kelly appointed him patrol superintendent in 2019.

Several women, all current and former patrol employees, sued top agency officials in federal court in 2021, alleging discrimination and a hostile work environment. Two former majors sued in 2020, alleging they were dismissed for helping women lodge complaints against top officials.

Kelly told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2023/02/08/kansas-highway-patrols-herman-jones-to-retire-amid-controversy/69884704007/">the Topeka Capitol-Journal</a>&nbsp;in December that two independent investigations found no substance to the allegations made against Jones.

Some Republican lawmakers have suggested putting the patrol under the direction of the Kansas Attorney General's office if Jones was not removed.

Kelly did not name a replacement for Jones.

Weishaar was appointed the Adjutant General on April 1, 2020. Kelly named Brig. Gen. Michael Venerdi to replace Weishaar. He currently has leadership roles with the Kansas Guard and previously was commander of the 184th Wing at McConnell Air Force Base.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday announced the retirements of Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Herman Jones and Adjutant General Major General David Weishaar.

"Colonel Jones and&nbsp;General Weishaar  have together helped keep Kansans safe over the past several years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said in a media release from her office.

&nbsp;“Both have overseen immense operations throughout our entire state during challenging times, and I am grateful for their service and dedication. I wish them the best in their retirements.”

After more than 45 years in law enforcement, KHP Superintendent Colonel Herman Jones will retire from his cabinet position on July 1, 2023.

“It has been a sincere&nbsp;and distinct&nbsp;honor serving the citizens of Kansas as the Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol,”&nbsp;Colonel Herman Jones said.&nbsp;“It has been my&nbsp;endeavor to keep&nbsp;Kansas highways and communities safe.&nbsp;Through the support of&nbsp;Governor Kelly and the collaboration of many dedicated employees of the Kansas Highway Patrol, we have&nbsp;strived to maintain the integrity of this agency.”

Prior to being appointed KHP Superintendent in 2019, Jones was Shawnee County Sheriff. He has served Kansas as a police officer in Emporia, a state trooper for KHP, and an instructor at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. Under his leadership, the agency increased recruitment efforts, enhanced law enforcement equipment and training, and carried out operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Major General David Weishaar was appointed the Adjutant General of Kansas on April 1, 2020, and has since led the 7,000 soldiers and airmen of the Kansas National Guard. In this role, he also served as the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor and Director of Emergency Management for the State of Kansas.

“Serving as the Adjutant General for the State of Kansas has been the highlight of my career,”&nbsp;Major General David Weishaar said.&nbsp;“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served the citizens of Kansas and the thousands of soldiers, airmen, and civilians who make up the Adjutant General’s Department. Any success I’ve had over the past 42 years is because of the teams I’ve been privileged to be a part of. They made it fun to come to work, even on the days we had to deal with things that weren’t fun.”

Major General Weishaar will retire on April 1, 2023. Governor Kelly will appoint Brigadier General Michael Venerdi to become Adjutant General. Vernerdi currently serves as the Chief of Staff – Air to the Adjutant General and as Director of the Joint Staff, Kansas National Guard at the Joint Force Headquarters in Topeka. He previously served as Commander of the 184th&nbsp;Wing at McConnell Air Force Base.

The Kelly Administration will announce Col. Jones’ successor in the coming months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595516989688.png" alt="&nbsp;KHP Col. Herman Jones, in uniform at the Capitol. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;KHP Col. Herman Jones, in uniform at the Capitol. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Herman Jones, who has been sued for sexual harassment and retaliation, will retire in July, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Wednesday.The governor also said Adjutant General David Weishar, who leads the Kansas National Guard and is the state's emergency management director, will retire April 1.Jones has a 45-year career in law enforcement and was the Shawnee County sheriff before Kelly appointed him patrol superintendent in 2019.Several women, all current and former patrol employees, sued top agency officials in federal court in 2021, alleging discrimination and a hostile work environment. Two former majors sued in 2020, alleging they were dismissed for helping women lodge complaints against top officials.Kelly told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2023/02/08/kansas-highway-patrols-herman-jones-to-retire-amid-controversy/69884704007/">the Topeka Capitol-Journal</a>&nbsp;in December that two independent investigations found no substance to the allegations made against Jones.Some Republican lawmakers have suggested putting the patrol under the direction of the Kansas Attorney General's office if Jones was not removed.Kelly did not name a replacement for Jones.Weishaar was appointed the Adjutant General on April 1, 2020. Kelly named Brig. Gen. Michael Venerdi to replace Weishaar. He currently has leadership roles with the Kansas Guard and previously was commander of the 184th Wing at McConnell Air Force Base.--------------TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday announced the retirements of Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Herman Jones and Adjutant General Major General David Weishaar."Colonel Jones and&nbsp;General Weishaar have together helped keep Kansans safe over the past several years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said in a media release from her office.&nbsp;“Both have overseen immense operations throughout our entire state during challenging times, and I am grateful for their service and dedication. I wish them the best in their retirements.”After more than 45 years in law enforcement, KHP Superintendent Colonel Herman Jones will retire from his cabinet position on July 1, 2023.“It has been a sincere&nbsp;and distinct&nbsp;honor serving the citizens of Kansas as the Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol,”&nbsp;Colonel Herman Jones said.&nbsp;“It has been my&nbsp;endeavor to keep&nbsp;Kansas highways and communities safe.&nbsp;Through the support of&nbsp;Governor Kelly and the collaboration of many dedicated employees of the Kansas Highway Patrol, we have&nbsp;strived to maintain the integrity of this agency.”Prior to being appointed KHP Superintendent in 2019, Jones was Shawnee County Sheriff. He has served Kansas as a police officer in Emporia, a state trooper for KHP, and an instructor at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. Under his leadership, the agency increased recruitment efforts, enhanced law enforcement equipment and training, and carried out operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.Major General David Weishaar was appointed the Adjutant General of Kansas on April 1, 2020, and has since led the 7,000 soldiers and airmen of the Kansas National Guard. In this role, he also served as the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor and Director of Emergency Management for the State of Kansas.“Serving as the Adjutant General for the State of Kansas has been the highlight of my career,”&nbsp;Major General David Weishaar said.&nbsp;“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served the citizens of Kansas and the thousands of soldiers, airmen, and civilians who make up the Adjutant General’s Department. Any success I’ve had over the past 42 years is because of the teams I’ve been privileged to be a part of. They made it fun to come to work, even on the days we had to deal with things that weren’t fun.”Major General Weishaar will retire on April 1, 2023. Governor Kelly will appoint Brigadier General Michael Venerdi to become Adjutant General. Vernerdi currently serves as the Chief of Staff – Air to the Adjutant General and as Director of the Joint Staff, Kansas National Guard at the Joint Force Headquarters in Topeka. He previously served as Commander of the 184th&nbsp;Wing at McConnell Air Force Base.The Kelly Administration will announce Col. Jones’ successor in the coming months.

KHP Superintendent Jones will step down, effective July 1

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A 19-year-old accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-shootings-kansas-af49bdbb75fa7df79770b541bfd02b9b">shooting a school resource officer</a>&nbsp;during a scuffle at a Kansas high school pleaded not guilty and was bound over for trial.

Jaylon Elmore entered his plea Monday during a preliminary hearing on charges of attempted capital murder, felony possession of a firearm and two counts of criminal use of a weapon.

Elmore is accused of shooting school resource officer Erik Clark in the March 4 shooting in the assistant principal's office at Olathe East High School.

Prosecutors allege Elmore, who was a senior at the time, was called to the office when he refused to allow school officials to search his backpack after reports that he had a gun.

Clark and Elmore shot each other during the scuffle, according to court documents. The assistant principal was hit by bullets “most likely” shot by Clark during the confrontation, investigators said.

Both men survived their injuries and were released shortly after the shooting. Elmore was hospitalized in critical condition for several months.

Elmore's scheduling trial is set for April 10. He is being held on $1 million bond, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article272241893.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652189950125.png" alt="Elmore-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Elmore-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A 19-year-old accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-shootings-kansas-af49bdbb75fa7df79770b541bfd02b9b">shooting a school resource officer</a>&nbsp;during a scuffle at a Kansas high school pleaded not guilty and was bound over for trial.Jaylon Elmore entered his plea Monday during a preliminary hearing on charges of attempted capital murder, felony possession of a firearm and two counts of criminal use of a weapon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646417385414.png" alt="-Scene outside the school on the morning of the shooting -photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>-Scene outside the school on the morning of the shooting -photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Elmore is accused of shooting school resource officer Erik Clark in the March 4 shooting in the assistant principal's office at Olathe East High School.Prosecutors allege Elmore, who was a senior at the time, was called to the office when he refused to allow school officials to search his backpack after reports that he had a gun.Clark and Elmore shot each other during the scuffle, according to court documents. The assistant principal was hit by bullets “most likely” shot by Clark during the confrontation, investigators said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646450835191.png" alt="-Erik Clark-photo courtesy Olathe Police" />
 <figcaption>-Erik Clark-photo courtesy Olathe Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Both men survived their injuries and were released shortly after the shooting. Elmore was hospitalized in critical condition for several months.Elmore's scheduling trial is set for April 10. He is being held on $1 million bond, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article272241893.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.

Student enters plea in shooting at Kansas high school

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden exhorted Congress Tuesday night to work with him to “finish the job” of rebuilding the economy and uniting the nation as he delivered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/state-of-the-union-address">State of the Union address</a>.

Kansas Senior Senator Jerry Moran disagreed with the President's optimism. In a statement from his office, Moran wrote, “The American people need look no further than their grocery receipts and bank accounts to understand the grave state of our union. President Biden’s policies have contributed to high inflation, driven up prices by more than 13 percent over the past two years and stifled American energy production – leading to higher energy bills and high gas prices.

Kansas junior Senator Roger Marshall agreed with Moran "This President and his allies in Congress have recklessly borrowed and spent our nation into a recession. Under President Biden’s tenure inflation is up over 13 percent. For&nbsp;anyone who fills their car up with gas, goes to the grocery store, who pays their rent or home heating bill, inflation is outpacing wages and Social Security checks, and Americans are feeling the pinch."

In his 73-minute speech, Biden sought to portray a nation dramatically improved from the one he took charge of two years ago: from a reeling economy to one prosperous with new jobs; from a crippled, pandemic-weary nation to one that has now reopened, and a democracy that has survived its biggest test since the Civil War.

Moran continued,&nbsp;“The American people elected a politically-divided Congress not to continue the discord in Washington but to force their elected leaders to find common ground and commonsense solutions. When President Biden was running for office, he stated he would be a middle-ground President." 

"I urge President Biden to work with elected officials across the aisle to pass policies that reduce inflation, find consensus on the border crisis and send a clear message to our adversaries that we are a strong, unified nation.”

Kansas Third District Rep. Sharice Davids, a democrat, didn't agree with everything she heard from the President.

“Tonight, I was looking for President Biden to share his plan for the challenges ahead, domestic and international, and to acknowledge the need for continued oversight and implementation on the bipartisan accomplishments of the last two years—particularly the infrastructure law and new domestic manufacturing investments."

"I heard those things from the President, even though I didn’t agree with all of them, she wrote&nbsp; in a statement from her office.&nbsp; "I believe both parties should be open to conversations about the upcoming debt limit—though I don’t think threatening Medicare and Social Security is an appropriate negotiating tactic. I appreciated the President’s attention on China, both in an economic and national security context, and I hope that will be an area of bipartisan cooperation in Congress. I think we can all agree we should make more in America.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675822682128.png" alt="Senator Roger Marshall entering the House Chamber ahead of the State of the Union address-image courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Senator Roger Marshall entering the House Chamber ahead of the State of the Union address-image courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden exhorted Congress Tuesday night to work with him to “finish the job” of rebuilding the economy and uniting the nation as he delivered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/state-of-the-union-address">State of the Union address</a>.Kansas Senior Senator Jerry Moran disagreed with the President's optimism. In a statement from his office, Moran wrote, “The American people need look no further than their grocery receipts and bank accounts to understand the grave state of our union. President Biden’s policies have contributed to high inflation, driven up prices by more than 13 percent over the past two years and stifled American energy production – leading to higher energy bills and high gas prices.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Inflation. Open Borders. Chinese Aggression. We need to responsibly and honestly examine the state of our union after two years of Joe Biden. <a href="https://t.co/BcptrEKAHj">pic.twitter.com/BcptrEKAHj</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1623176962486198272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas junior Senator Roger Marshall agreed with Moran "This President and his allies in Congress have recklessly borrowed and spent our nation into a recession. Under President Biden’s tenure inflation is up over 13 percent. For&nbsp;anyone who fills their car up with gas, goes to the grocery store, who pays their rent or home heating bill, inflation is outpacing wages and Social Security checks, and Americans are feeling the pinch."In his 73-minute speech, Biden sought to portray a nation dramatically improved from the one he took charge of two years ago: from a reeling economy to one prosperous with new jobs; from a crippled, pandemic-weary nation to one that has now reopened, and a democracy that has survived its biggest test since the Civil War.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I&#39;m on my way to the House Floor for President Biden&#39;s State of the Union Address. It&#39;s my hope that tonight President Biden addresses the critical issues facing our communities and acknowledges that the state of our union is in crisis. It&#39;s time to get America back on track. <a href="https://t.co/QiULECuk14">pic.twitter.com/QiULECuk14</a>&mdash; Rep. Jake LaTurner (@RepLaTurner) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLaTurner/status/1623130629956149249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Moran continued,&nbsp;“The American people elected a politically-divided Congress not to continue the discord in Washington but to force their elected leaders to find common ground and commonsense solutions. When President Biden was running for office, he stated he would be a middle-ground President." "I urge President Biden to work with elected officials across the aisle to pass policies that reduce inflation, find consensus on the border crisis and send a clear message to our adversaries that we are a strong, unified nation.”Kansas Third District Rep. Sharice Davids, a democrat, didn't agree with everything she heard from the President.“Tonight, I was looking for President Biden to share his plan for the challenges ahead, domestic and international, and to acknowledge the need for continued oversight and implementation on the bipartisan accomplishments of the last two years—particularly the infrastructure law and new domestic manufacturing investments.""I heard those things from the President, even though I didn’t agree with all of them, she wrote&nbsp; in a statement from her office.&nbsp; "I believe both parties should be open to conversations about the upcoming debt limit—though I don’t think threatening Medicare and Social Security is an appropriate negotiating tactic. I appreciated the President’s attention on China, both in an economic and national security context, and I hope that will be an area of bipartisan cooperation in Congress. I think we can all agree we should make more in America.”

Kansas lawmakers respond to the State of the Union address

WASHINGTON (AP) — Navy divers began pulling pieces of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-antony-blinken-china-b1b03193b7abeb7bbeca169bbc7c2c53">downed Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;from the depths of the ocean floor on Tuesday, using sophisticated reconnaissance drones dubbed the Kingfish and the Swordfish to locate the debris.

After collecting all of the balloon's white fabric and shell structure found floating on the surface, the Navy has now shifted to an all-underwater search for the remnants of the massive balloon that a U.S. fighter jet shot down off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday, officials said.

Navy and Coast Guard personnel were using underwater drones to locate and map the debris field, and divers were in the water gathering up what they could, officials said.

The debris already collected was being hauled by small boats to a few area locations, including a Coast Guard station south of Myrtle Beach, and, depending on the size, will eventually go either to the FBI lab at Quantico, Virginia, or other sites where experts can analyze it, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details of an ongoing military operation.

The head of U.S. Northern Command, Gen. Glen VanHerck, who is in charge of the recovery effort, and several Biden administration officials will brief members of Congress on the balloon on Wednesday and Thursday.

Lawmakers have raised a number of questions about whether the balloon was able to collect intelligence and transmit it back to China during the time it traveled eastward across the United States, after crossing the border from Canada into Idaho.

White House and Pentagon officials have largely avoided providing any details on the balloon's capabilities.

Officials said Tuesday the U.S. was very aware of the sites the balloon crossed over — including nuclear missile silos and other military installations — and knows how to protect them from any intelligence collection. Even if the balloon was able to transmit, they said, it wasn't getting any new or important information to send.

The officials were unwilling to provide any insight into what the U.S. has been able to glean about the balloon’s collection and transmission abilities.

The balloon, an estimated 200 feet (60 meters) tall, was carrying a long sensor package underneath, which VanHerck estimated was the size of a small regional jet.

U.S. counterintelligence teams hope to learn far more about the sensors and other equipment on the balloon as they retrieve it and study it.

The balloon debris is scattered in waters that are about 50 feet (15 meters) deep, but stretch across an area 15 football fields long and 15 football fields across, VanHerck said.

In new images released Tuesday morning, sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 can be seen leaning over a rigid hull inflatable boat and pulling in broad swaths of the balloon’s white outer fabric and shell structure.

VanHerck has also said the recovery teams were taking precautions to safeguard against the chance any part of the balloon was rigged with explosives or was dangerous in any way.

A Navy warship, the USS Carter Hall, is heading the recovery effort, aided by three Coast Guard cutters — the Venturous, the Richard Snyder and the Nathan Bruckenthal — as well as the USNS Pathfinder, an oceanographic survey ship. A salvage ship is expected to arrive on Wednesday.

The Pentagon said Tuesday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requested a secure call with his Chinese counterpart, Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe, on Saturday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-china-antony-blinken-51e49202f2a0a50541cde059934c4cfb">after the balloon was shot down</a>. China declined the request, said Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary.

“Lines between our militaries are particularly important in moments like this. ... Our commitment to open lines of communication will continue,” Ryder said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675809745976.jpeg" alt="This image provided by the U.S. Navy shows sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recovering a high-altitude surveillance balloon off the coast of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Feb. 5, 2023. (U.S. Navy via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This image provided by the U.S. Navy shows sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recovering a high-altitude surveillance balloon off the coast of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Feb. 5, 2023. (U.S. Navy via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Navy divers began pulling pieces of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-antony-blinken-china-b1b03193b7abeb7bbeca169bbc7c2c53">downed Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;from the depths of the ocean floor on Tuesday, using sophisticated reconnaissance drones dubbed the Kingfish and the Swordfish to locate the debris.After collecting all of the balloon's white fabric and shell structure found floating on the surface, the Navy has now shifted to an all-underwater search for the remnants of the massive balloon that a U.S. fighter jet shot down off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday, officials said.Navy and Coast Guard personnel were using underwater drones to locate and map the debris field, and divers were in the water gathering up what they could, officials said.The debris already collected was being hauled by small boats to a few area locations, including a Coast Guard station south of Myrtle Beach, and, depending on the size, will eventually go either to the FBI lab at Quantico, Virginia, or other sites where experts can analyze it, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details of an ongoing military operation.The head of U.S. Northern Command, Gen. Glen VanHerck, who is in charge of the recovery effort, and several Biden administration officials will brief members of Congress on the balloon on Wednesday and Thursday.Lawmakers have raised a number of questions about whether the balloon was able to collect intelligence and transmit it back to China during the time it traveled eastward across the United States, after crossing the border from Canada into Idaho.White House and Pentagon officials have largely avoided providing any details on the balloon's capabilities.Officials said Tuesday the U.S. was very aware of the sites the balloon crossed over — including nuclear missile silos and other military installations — and knows how to protect them from any intelligence collection. Even if the balloon was able to transmit, they said, it wasn't getting any new or important information to send.The officials were unwilling to provide any insight into what the U.S. has been able to glean about the balloon’s collection and transmission abilities.The balloon, an estimated 200 feet (60 meters) tall, was carrying a long sensor package underneath, which VanHerck estimated was the size of a small regional jet.U.S. counterintelligence teams hope to learn far more about the sensors and other equipment on the balloon as they retrieve it and study it.The balloon debris is scattered in waters that are about 50 feet (15 meters) deep, but stretch across an area 15 football fields long and 15 football fields across, VanHerck said.In new images released Tuesday morning, sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 can be seen leaning over a rigid hull inflatable boat and pulling in broad swaths of the balloon’s white outer fabric and shell structure.VanHerck has also said the recovery teams were taking precautions to safeguard against the chance any part of the balloon was rigged with explosives or was dangerous in any way.A Navy warship, the USS Carter Hall, is heading the recovery effort, aided by three Coast Guard cutters — the Venturous, the Richard Snyder and the Nathan Bruckenthal — as well as the USNS Pathfinder, an oceanographic survey ship. A salvage ship is expected to arrive on Wednesday.The Pentagon said Tuesday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requested a secure call with his Chinese counterpart, Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe, on Saturday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-china-antony-blinken-51e49202f2a0a50541cde059934c4cfb">after the balloon was shot down</a>. China declined the request, said Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary.“Lines between our militaries are particularly important in moments like this. ... Our commitment to open lines of communication will continue,” Ryder said.

Cleanup continues: Pentagon quiet on spy balloon's capabilities

CASS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal semi, Amtrak train crash have identified the driver who died as Patrick E. Metz, 34, Kansas City.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Ford FedEx delivery truck driven by Metz was southbound on Hereford Road just south of Smart Road.

The driver failed to stop at a stop sign and traveled into the path of an eastbound Amtrak train.&nbsp; After impact, Metz was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other injuries.&nbsp; Metz was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

CASS COUNTY —One person died in an accident with a train just before 9:30a.m. Tuesday south of Kansas City.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol a FedEx truck&nbsp; was attempting to cross the railroad tracks on Hereford Road at Smart Road near Pleasant Hill.

The driver of the truck failed to yield. A southbound Amtrak train struck the FedEx truck. The truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

 There were no injuries on the train. Pleasant Hill is approximately 35 miles southeast of Kansas City.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the driver's name.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675806122893.png" alt="Scene of the fatal crash investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Scene of the fatal crash investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>CASS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal semi, Amtrak train crash have identified the driver who died as Patrick E. Metz, 34, Kansas City.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Ford FedEx delivery truck driven by Metz was southbound on Hereford Road just south of Smart Road.The driver failed to stop at a stop sign and traveled into the path of an eastbound Amtrak train.&nbsp; After impact, Metz was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other injuries.&nbsp; Metz was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.------CASS COUNTY —One person died in an accident with a train just before 9:30a.m. Tuesday south of Kansas City.According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol a FedEx truck&nbsp; was attempting to cross the railroad tracks on Hereford Road at Smart Road near Pleasant Hill.The driver of the truck failed to yield. A southbound Amtrak train struck the FedEx truck. The truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE: Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner Train 318 will now terminate east of Lees Summit (LEE) due to a vehicle strike. Alternate transportation will be provided.&mdash; Amtrak Alerts (@AmtrakAlerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmtrakAlerts/status/1623008342883938337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> There were no injuries on the train. Pleasant Hill is approximately 35 miles southeast of Kansas City.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the driver's name.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.