JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;

Just after 9a.m. March 31, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Escape at 134th Road near S. Road south of Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

&nbsp;The driver, Carlos Acevedo, 28, of Topeka, was subsequently arrested on requested charges of possession of cocaine and driving while suspended. .

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680299177011.png" alt="Acevedo-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Acevedo-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;Just after 9a.m. March 31, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Escape at 134th Road near S. Road south of Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;The driver, Carlos Acevedo, 28, of Topeka, was subsequently arrested on requested charges of possession of cocaine and driving while suspended. .

Sheriff's deputy finds cocaine during Kan. traffic stop

TOPEKA —A spate of threats and false reports of shooters have been pouring into schools and colleges across the country for months, raising concerns among law enforcement and elected leaders.

Schools in Pennsylvania were the latest targeted by so-called swatting. Computer-generated calls on Wednesday made claims about active shooters, but it was all a hoax. One day earlier, nearly 30 Massachusetts schools received fake threats.

School officials are already on edge amid a backdrop of deadly school shootings, the latest Monday at a Christian school in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-school-shooting-covenant-school-03aa394109a5e682877403c0c3e52aa7">Nashville</a>.

(Click below to listen to a March 2023 hoax 911 calls received in Topeka.)

Hundreds of cases of swatting occur annually, with some using caller ID spoofing to disguise their number. The goal is to get authorities, particularly a SWAT team, to respond to an address.

An FBI official said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cea91facddabed823513f205073a441f">in November</a>&nbsp;that they believe the wave of false threats focused on schools may be coming from outside of the country.

Officials said at the time that they had identified calls to about 250 colleges, 100 high schools and several junior high schools just since early June falsely reporting explosive devices being planted at the schools or saying that a shooting was imminent.

The FBI didn’t immediately respond to emails Wednesday from The Associated Press seeking comment, but the threats have continued to accumulate in recent months.

Few regions of the country have been spared from such calls and the disruptions they cause.

The false calls Wednesday in Pennsylvania led to lockdowns or evacuations in several counties, according to state police. Law enforcement had to take each one seriously no matter how dubious it seemed.

Police in Pittsburgh, for instance, searched every room at Central Catholic High School, even after getting word that a report of people being hurt inside wasn't true within a minute, said Thomas Stangrecki, the interim police chief.

“We treated it as a real incident,” Stangrecki said. Another threat at a nearby Catholic school had worried parents gathered outside.

In Iowa, so many schools were targeted earlier this month that Gov. Kim Reynolds complained at a news conference about the toll it was taking to confirm the terror-inducing calls are fake.

“It's what no governor, it's what no parent or anybody — superintendent, teachers, kids — want to hear,” Reynolds said. “And we're grateful and just so thankful that is what it was.”

And in Minnesota, the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension issued a warning last month after fake calls forced eight schools into lockdown over two days.

DO FAKE THREATS HINDER RESPONSE TO REAL SHOOTINGS?

Authorities are grappling with the false alarms in a country where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-mass-school-shooting-database-columbine-uvalde-1c82749f7236752a2e621f402489b357">mass shooters</a>&nbsp;have killed hundreds of people throughout history. Shooters have attacked in places like stores, theaters and workplaces, but it is in schools and colleges where the carnage reverberates perhaps most keenly.

At U.S. schools and colleges, 175 people have been killed in 15 mass shootings that resulted in the deaths of four or more people, not including the perpetrator — from 1999′s Columbine High School massacre to Monday’s shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. That’s according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University, in addition to other AP reporting.

Such calls have proven dangerous and even outright deadly.

In 2017, a police officer in Wichita, Kansas, shot and killed a man while responding to a hoax emergency call. Just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8d48bc5c4db63afb97457d4080c02612">this month</a>, the city agreed to pay $5 million to settle a lawsuit, with the money to go to the two children of 28-year-old Andrew Finch.

The hoax call that led to his death began as a feud between two online gamers. One of the gamers recruited Tyler Barriss to “swat” the other gamer. But the address used was old, leading police to Finch, who was not involved in the dispute or playing the video game.

Barriss was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, while the other two gamers were sentenced to 15- and 18-month terms.

Police in Maryland also shot a 20-year-old Maryland man in the face with rubber bullets after a fake hostage situation was reported at his home.

The FBI in Pittsburgh nodded to the risk, noting in a statement about the school threat cases that it “takes swatting very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677682971206.png" alt="On March 2, Police responded to a hoax 911 call at Highland Park High School in Topeka Wednesday-photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>On March 2, Police responded to a hoax 911 call at Highland Park High School in Topeka Wednesday-photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —A spate of threats and false reports of shooters have been pouring into schools and colleges across the country for months, raising concerns among law enforcement and elected leaders.Schools in Pennsylvania were the latest targeted by so-called swatting. Computer-generated calls on Wednesday made claims about active shooters, but it was all a hoax. One day earlier, nearly 30 Massachusetts schools received fake threats.School officials are already on edge amid a backdrop of deadly school shootings, the latest Monday at a Christian school in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-school-shooting-covenant-school-03aa394109a5e682877403c0c3e52aa7">Nashville</a>.Here is a look at the issues involved:(Click below to listen to a March 2023 hoax 911 calls received in Topeka.)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uVt5dz4qRLE?start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>WHAT IS SWATTING?Hundreds of cases of swatting occur annually, with some using caller ID spoofing to disguise their number. The goal is to get authorities, particularly a SWAT team, to respond to an address.An FBI official said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cea91facddabed823513f205073a441f">in November</a>&nbsp;that they believe the wave of false threats focused on schools may be coming from outside of the country.Officials said at the time that they had identified calls to about 250 colleges, 100 high schools and several junior high schools just since early June falsely reporting explosive devices being planted at the schools or saying that a shooting was imminent.The FBI didn’t immediately respond to emails Wednesday from The Associated Press seeking comment, but the threats have continued to accumulate in recent months.WHERE ARE SWATTING CALLS HAPPENING?Few regions of the country have been spared from such calls and the disruptions they cause.The false calls Wednesday in Pennsylvania led to lockdowns or evacuations in several counties, according to state police. Law enforcement had to take each one seriously no matter how dubious it seemed.Police in Pittsburgh, for instance, searched every room at Central Catholic High School, even after getting word that a report of people being hurt inside wasn't true within a minute, said Thomas Stangrecki, the interim police chief.“We treated it as a real incident,” Stangrecki said. Another threat at a nearby Catholic school had worried parents gathered outside.In Iowa, so many schools were targeted earlier this month that Gov. Kim Reynolds complained at a news conference about the toll it was taking to confirm the terror-inducing calls are fake.“It's what no governor, it's what no parent or anybody — superintendent, teachers, kids — want to hear,” Reynolds said. “And we're grateful and just so thankful that is what it was.”And in Minnesota, the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension issued a warning last month after fake calls forced eight schools into lockdown over two days.DO FAKE THREATS HINDER RESPONSE TO REAL SHOOTINGS?Authorities are grappling with the false alarms in a country where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-mass-school-shooting-database-columbine-uvalde-1c82749f7236752a2e621f402489b357">mass shooters</a>&nbsp;have killed hundreds of people throughout history. Shooters have attacked in places like stores, theaters and workplaces, but it is in schools and colleges where the carnage reverberates perhaps most keenly.At U.S. schools and colleges, 175 people have been killed in 15 mass shootings that resulted in the deaths of four or more people, not including the perpetrator — from 1999′s Columbine High School massacre to Monday’s shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. That’s according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University, in addition to other AP reporting.DO EVEN FALSE THREATS POSE A RISK?Such calls have proven dangerous and even outright deadly.In 2017, a police officer in Wichita, Kansas, shot and killed a man while responding to a hoax emergency call. Just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8d48bc5c4db63afb97457d4080c02612">this month</a>, the city agreed to pay $5 million to settle a lawsuit, with the money to go to the two children of 28-year-old Andrew Finch.The hoax call that led to his death began as a feud between two online gamers. One of the gamers recruited Tyler Barriss to “swat” the other gamer. But the address used was old, leading police to Finch, who was not involved in the dispute or playing the video game.Barriss was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, while the other two gamers were sentenced to 15- and 18-month terms.Police in Maryland also shot a 20-year-old Maryland man in the face with rubber bullets after a fake hostage situation was reported at his home.The FBI in Pittsburgh nodded to the risk, noting in a statement about the school threat cases that it “takes swatting very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk.”___

🎥How 'swatting' calls spread as schools face real threats

By SHERIDAN WIMMER <a href="https://kansaslivingmagazine.com/articles/2023/02/01/kansas-farm-dog-wins-national-competition">Kansas Living</a>

When their border collie Tough was paralyzed from a traumatic spinal 
injury in 2015 while helping move cattle, Denny and Donna Ashcraft, 
ranchers in Jackson County, didn’t think she would recover. With hard 
decisions on the line and their dog’s quality of life to consider, the 
Ashcrafts watched over her with concern.

“We rushed her to the local vet,” Denny remembers. “She was paralyzed
 from the neck down, and we thought there was only one option for her.”

But with a name like Tough, the hardworking cattle and sheepherder began to recover.

“She was almost fully paralyzed for three weeks,” Donna says.

“After some time, she started to get some movement back and we saw 
glimmers of hope,” Denny says. “Her tail started to wag. We took her 
home and helped her through her recovery.”

“We put a life vest on her and floated her in a tank of water to help
 with physical therapy,” Donna says. “And we called in a chiropractor 
for her.”

Tough is as tough as they come, and after some time to rest, recover 
and do some swimming in a stock tank, she’s been able to continue to 
help on the ranch from time to time.

“She’s 10 feet tall and bulletproof,” Denny says about Tough, who they use as a working dog on their ranch in Mayetta.

“She’s slowing down some, sure,” he says of the now 14-year-old. “And
 she’s not 100 percent compared to how she was prior to her injury, but 
she loves to work. She’s good at it — you can tell it gives her purpose 
and makes her happy.”

The Ashcrafts got Tough from a good friend of theirs in Oklahoma. Within a week, Denny was attached.

“I started working her with our livestock, and I noticed her extreme 
talent right off the bat,” he says. “She was fast — almost too fast.”

Her natural talent led the Ashcrafts to put Tough in stock dog trials when she was in her prime before the accident.

Stock dog trials are herding events to test the working ability of 
herding breed dogs. This type of competition began in the 1860s in New 
Zealand and gained popularity in other countries by the 20th century.

Judges look for accuracy of the dog’s work with the guidance of a 
handler (Denny). The courses in the trials vary, but the dogs are 
assessed on their pen work, sorting, chute work and pasture work. 
Working dogs should be efficient but manage livestock in a stress-free 
manner.

“Tough handles livestock with considerable ease,” Donna says. “She’s 
always respectful and makes sure she’s in the right place so there isn’t
 a lot of pressure or stress on the livestock. And ultimately, we want 
to handle our livestock in a low-stress manner right from the start.”

Tough had a third-place finish in Fort Worth, won reserve champion at
 the National Western Stock Show in Denver and won grand champion at the
 San Antonio and Houston stock shows.

“She has a good feel for her livestock,” Donna says. “She has a good 
understanding of placement of livestock, and it shows in the trials and 
here at home on the ranch.”

Tough won stock dog trials in the beginning of her career, she’s won 
the hearts of Denny and Donna and anyone who comes into her circle, and 
recently, Tough won the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Farm Dog 
of the Year competition. With support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, Tough 
and the Ashcrafts were honored at the the AFBF annual convention in 
Puerto Rico in January.

“We’ve never been past the boundaries of the continental United 
States, so it was a big trip for us,” Donna says. “Since Tough is aging,
 we didn’t want to stress her with the flight, so she stayed home to 
tend to her flocks.”

The contest celebrates dogs who work alongside farmers and ranchers in producing nutritious food for families.

“It’s exciting to celebrate the important role of farm dogs on farms and ranches,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall says. “They’re loyal work partners every day on the farm. Their faithful and playful companionship constantly enriches the lives of farmers and their families.”

“Tough has a name that describes her life,” Denny says. “She gets up 
every morning with the same happy desire to go to work. She greets every
 new day like it’s the best day of her life, despite her limitations. 
Because of her ever-positive attitude, winning Farm Dog of the Year is 
even more of an honor for us. Tough has an incredible story to tell and 
an example to share that life is good, no matter the circumstances.”

The Ashcrafts win a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money.

“Because of Tough’s circumstances now, this award is quite 
meaningful,” Denny says. “We may have shed a few tears at the time of 
her injury not knowing what would become of her future, but had we known
 she would still be receiving recognition and awards as a 14-year-old 
not-quite-steady-on-her-feet bundle of love, we would never have been 
concerned. She’s the dog that just keeps on giving and sharing new 
perspectives on all the good life has to offer.”

The decision Donna and Denny made to allow Tough to recover wasn’t 
easy, and it’s something those of us who have loved (and have been loved
 by) a pet understand.

“It was difficult to try to make that decision to give her more time 
and possibly see her suffer,” Donna admits. “But she had given us her 
heart and soul, so we wanted to give the same back to her.”

The Ashcrafts are selective about what livestock Tough is around now —
 so no more cattle moving for her — but Tough is really the one making 
those decisions.

“It was obvious she still wanted to work,” Donna says about Tough 
after she recovered from her injury. “So we let Tough tell us what she 
can do, and if the sheep were out, we let her work those at her own 
pace. We try to keep her away from the cattle, but sometimes she’ll 
sneak off and bring some heifers back to Denny.”

Tough is a special dog — a winner in competitions and in her attitude toward work and life.

“She teaches you to be happy in your circumstances,” Denny says. “She’s gone through a lot, but she’s still so happy.”

“Tough loves to work and lives to work,” Donna says. “And she lives 
for Denny. She just thinks he’s the cat’s pajamas. She has a passion for
 work, and she’ll do anything Denny asks her to do. She’s a companion 
for him, and if there wasn’t a job for her, they’d find something for 
her to do just so they could have time together.”

Tough is the perfect reminder that tough times don’t last, but tough dogs do.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680277991338.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERIDAN WIMMER <a href="https://kansaslivingmagazine.com/articles/2023/02/01/kansas-farm-dog-wins-national-competition">Kansas Living</a>When their border collie Tough was paralyzed from a traumatic spinal 
injury in 2015 while helping move cattle, Denny and Donna Ashcraft, 
ranchers in Jackson County, didn’t think she would recover. With hard 
decisions on the line and their dog’s quality of life to consider, the 
Ashcrafts watched over her with concern.“We rushed her to the local vet,” Denny remembers. “She was paralyzed
 from the neck down, and we thought there was only one option for her.”But with a name like Tough, the hardworking cattle and sheepherder began to recover.“She was almost fully paralyzed for three weeks,” Donna says.“After some time, she started to get some movement back and we saw 
glimmers of hope,” Denny says. “Her tail started to wag. We took her 
home and helped her through her recovery.”“We put a life vest on her and floated her in a tank of water to help
 with physical therapy,” Donna says. “And we called in a chiropractor 
for her.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680278055781.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Tough enough</h2>Tough is as tough as they come, and after some time to rest, recover 
and do some swimming in a stock tank, she’s been able to continue to 
help on the ranch from time to time.“She’s 10 feet tall and bulletproof,” Denny says about Tough, who they use as a working dog on their ranch in Mayetta.“She’s slowing down some, sure,” he says of the now 14-year-old. “And
 she’s not 100 percent compared to how she was prior to her injury, but 
she loves to work. She’s good at it — you can tell it gives her purpose 
and makes her happy.”<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IwyKCqldQiw"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Stock dog trials</h2>The Ashcrafts got Tough from a good friend of theirs in Oklahoma. Within a week, Denny was attached.“I started working her with our livestock, and I noticed her extreme 
talent right off the bat,” he says. “She was fast — almost too fast.”Her natural talent led the Ashcrafts to put Tough in stock dog trials when she was in her prime before the accident.Stock dog trials are herding events to test the working ability of 
herding breed dogs. This type of competition began in the 1860s in New 
Zealand and gained popularity in other countries by the 20th century.Judges look for accuracy of the dog’s work with the guidance of a 
handler (Denny). The courses in the trials vary, but the dogs are 
assessed on their pen work, sorting, chute work and pasture work. 
Working dogs should be efficient but manage livestock in a stress-free 
manner.“Tough handles livestock with considerable ease,” Donna says. “She’s 
always respectful and makes sure she’s in the right place so there isn’t
 a lot of pressure or stress on the livestock. And ultimately, we want 
to handle our livestock in a low-stress manner right from the start.”Tough had a third-place finish in Fort Worth, won reserve champion at
 the National Western Stock Show in Denver and won grand champion at the
 San Antonio and Houston stock shows.“She has a good feel for her livestock,” Donna says. “She has a good 
understanding of placement of livestock, and it shows in the trials and 
here at home on the ranch.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680278090577.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Dog of the year</h2>Tough won stock dog trials in the beginning of her career, she’s won 
the hearts of Denny and Donna and anyone who comes into her circle, and 
recently, Tough won the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Farm Dog 
of the Year competition. With support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, Tough 
and the Ashcrafts were honored at the the AFBF annual convention in 
Puerto Rico in January.“We’ve never been past the boundaries of the continental United 
States, so it was a big trip for us,” Donna says. “Since Tough is aging,
 we didn’t want to stress her with the flight, so she stayed home to 
tend to her flocks.”The contest celebrates dogs who work alongside farmers and ranchers in producing nutritious food for families.“It’s exciting to celebrate the important role of farm dogs on farms and ranches,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall says. “They’re loyal work partners every day on the farm. Their faithful and playful companionship constantly enriches the lives of farmers and their families.”“Tough has a name that describes her life,” Denny says. “She gets up 
every morning with the same happy desire to go to work. She greets every
 new day like it’s the best day of her life, despite her limitations. 
Because of her ever-positive attitude, winning Farm Dog of the Year is 
even more of an honor for us. Tough has an incredible story to tell and 
an example to share that life is good, no matter the circumstances.”The Ashcrafts win a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money.“Because of Tough’s circumstances now, this award is quite 
meaningful,” Denny says. “We may have shed a few tears at the time of 
her injury not knowing what would become of her future, but had we known
 she would still be receiving recognition and awards as a 14-year-old 
not-quite-steady-on-her-feet bundle of love, we would never have been 
concerned. She’s the dog that just keeps on giving and sharing new 
perspectives on all the good life has to offer.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680278142075.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A true companion</h2>The decision Donna and Denny made to allow Tough to recover wasn’t 
easy, and it’s something those of us who have loved (and have been loved
 by) a pet understand.“It was difficult to try to make that decision to give her more time 
and possibly see her suffer,” Donna admits. “But she had given us her 
heart and soul, so we wanted to give the same back to her.”The Ashcrafts are selective about what livestock Tough is around now —
 so no more cattle moving for her — but Tough is really the one making 
those decisions.“It was obvious she still wanted to work,” Donna says about Tough 
after she recovered from her injury. “So we let Tough tell us what she 
can do, and if the sheep were out, we let her work those at her own 
pace. We try to keep her away from the cattle, but sometimes she’ll 
sneak off and bring some heifers back to Denny.”Tough is a special dog — a winner in competitions and in her attitude toward work and life.“She teaches you to be happy in your circumstances,” Denny says. “She’s gone through a lot, but she’s still so happy.”“Tough loves to work and lives to work,” Donna says. “And she lives 
for Denny. She just thinks he’s the cat’s pajamas. She has a passion for
 work, and she’ll do anything Denny asks her to do. She’s a companion 
for him, and if there wasn’t a job for her, they’d find something for 
her to do just so they could have time together.”Tough is the perfect reminder that tough times don’t last, but tough dogs do.&nbsp;

🎥 Kansas farm dog wins national competition

SEWARD COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just after 2a.m. Sunday during a pursuit with the the Seward County Sheriff's office.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Toyota Solara driven by Luis A. Molina, 17, Garden City, was fleeing from a traffic stop with deputies in the&nbsp; 600 Block of S Seward Avenue in Southeast Liberal, Kansas.

The Toyota struck a legally parked and unoccupied 2009 GMC Canyon. Debris from both vehicle struck a parked and unoccupied 2011 Chevy Tahoe.

EMS transported Molina to Southwest Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries.&nbsp; Two other juveniles were also in the Toyota.&nbsp;

SEWARD COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just after 2a.m. Sunday during a pursuit with the the Seward County Sheriff's office.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Toyota Solara driven by Luis A. Molina, 17, Garden City, was fleeing from a traffic stop with deputies in the&nbsp; 600 Block of S Seward Avenue in Southeast Liberal, Kansas.The Toyota struck a legally parked and unoccupied 2009 GMC Canyon. Debris from both vehicle struck a parked and unoccupied 2011 Chevy Tahoe.EMS transported Molina to Southwest Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries.&nbsp; Two other juveniles were also in the Toyota.&nbsp;

Kan. teen hospitalized after crash fleeing from deputies

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Local law enforcement and the FBI are investigating a pair of ATM burglaries in Topeka.

Just after 4a.m. Thursday, police responded to Community National Bank, 5431 SW 29th Street and just after 3a.m. Friday, police responded to Core First Bank and Trust, 2021 SE 29th Street both in Topeka after reports of ATM burglaries, according to police spokesperson Rachel Nichols.

Investigators believe the burglaries are connected and are working to find two vehicles involved. Police released security camera images of the suspect vehicles.

 Anyone with information on the crimes is asked to contact police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680295603072.png" alt="One of the ATMs involved in the burglaries -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>One of the ATMs involved in the burglaries -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Local law enforcement and the FBI are investigating a pair of ATM burglaries in Topeka.Just after 4a.m. Thursday, police responded to Community National Bank, 5431 SW 29th Street and just after 3a.m. Friday, police responded to Core First Bank and Trust, 2021 SE 29th Street both in Topeka after reports of ATM burglaries, according to police spokesperson Rachel Nichols.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680295630388.png" alt="Security camera images Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera images Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680295953834.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators believe the burglaries are connected and are working to find two vehicles involved. Police released security camera images of the suspect vehicles. Anyone with information on the crimes is asked to contact police.

FBI still working to locate suspect in Kan. ATM burglaries

&nbsp;Andover Police reported&nbsp;David Sawdy was located in Marion County and authorities are working to reunite him with his family. Police released no additional details early Sunday.

BUTLER COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation state-wide Silver Alert for a missing Kansas man continues.

&nbsp;David Sawdy, 85, was last heard from on Friday afternoon at 12:00pm on his land phone land at his home in Andover.

 He was seen on camera at 6:50p.m. headed north on Ridge Road from 13th Street in Wichita driving his 2005 Silver Chevy Tahoe with Kansas tag 14879.

Sawdy is 5 feet 10 inches tall, 150 pounds, gray hair with brown eyes. 

If you see him, please contact the Andover Police Department dispatch at 316-733-5177 ext. 0.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680364464941.png" alt="Sawdy-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Sawdy-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Andover Police reported&nbsp;David Sawdy was located in Marion County and authorities are working to reunite him with his family. Police released no additional details early Sunday.----------------BUTLER COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation state-wide Silver Alert for a missing Kansas man continues.&nbsp;David Sawdy, 85, was last heard from on Friday afternoon at 12:00pm on his land phone land at his home in Andover. He was seen on camera at 6:50p.m. headed north on Ridge Road from 13th Street in Wichita driving his 2005 Silver Chevy Tahoe with Kansas tag 14879.Sawdy is 5 feet 10 inches tall, 150 pounds, gray hair with brown eyes. If you see him, please contact the Andover Police Department dispatch at 316-733-5177 ext. 0.

Silver Alert canceled; missing Kansas man found safe

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — An alarm blared and lights flashed as a heavily armed assailant stalked the hallways of The Covenant School.

Surveillance footage of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-school-shooting-covenant-school-03aa394109a5e682877403c0c3e52aa7?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_01">the shooting Monday at the private Christian school</a>&nbsp;in Nashville showed many familiar security measures, including the double set of locked glass doors the killer shot their way through before fatally shooting three children and three school employees.

"It’s just next to impossible to stop someone with an AR-17 coming through the door,” said George Grant, a leader with the Nashville Presbytery, which is connected with the school. Grant said the presbytery doesn’t have a formal security program for its churches and schools but that members have worked together to share best practices and improve safety.

Around the U.S., private schools generally do not face as many requirements as public schools for developing security plans. In Tennessee, laws requiring schools to develop and submit safety plans do not apply to private schools, an emailed statement from the state Department of Education said.

Private schools also sometimes lack access to government programs to bolster security, though private schools in some states are eligible for state money to bolster security with staff, equipment and technology. Some federal grants also are available to private schools for security aid.

Generally, private schools don't have access to the police many public schools have assigned to their campuses, said Mo Canady, executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers. He said some private schools have arranged to hire recently retired officers.

“I would imagine after this horrific situation in Nashville that there may be more attempts by private schools to try to not only bolster security but to get school resource officers.”

Still, amid widespread concerns about mass shootings, experts say private schools have invested similarly to public schools in violence prevention.

Private schools were among institutions that invested most heavily in security in the aftermath of the 2012 shooting that killed 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. Today, private schools have some of the highest-paid security specialists, including retired federal agents, said Michael Dorn, who has been involved in assessing security at thousands of schools as executive director of Safe Havens International, a nonprofit school safety center.

Security protocols for private schools are similar to those for public schools, but they are more tailored to each school’s location and circumstances, said Myra McGovern of the National Association of Independent Schools.

Security such as metal detectors may not be as visible at private schools, which also have considerations including boarding students and, in some cases, the children of heads of state to look after, she said.

“Attention to security is similar, but the way that it manifests is perhaps different,” McGovern said.

The quality of safety plans for private schools also varies widely, as it does for public schools, Dorn said.

“We see schools that are pretty behind and some that are exceptional,” he said.

In Tennessee, an executive order last year by Gov. Bill Lee on school safety measures directed the state to conduct a report on the use of armed guards in nonpublic schools and assess their need for active-shooter training.

Most U.S. school systems conduct active-shooter and lockdown trainings, and the Nashville school had in fact undergone&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-texas-education-violence-469144ec9cee9cb33f0860f7445d8591">active-shooter training</a>&nbsp;in 2022, which prevented further loss of life during Monday's shooting, city police spokesperson Brooke Reese said.

Private or not, shootings are more common at middle and high schools than at elementary schools like Covenant, which are less likely to have assigned security officers. Educators also are wary of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-school-safety-teaching-newport-news-virginia-07c0979141666c852923aff75421a0f1">unsettling young learners</a>&nbsp;with more heavy-handed security measures.

The Covenant School has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade. The school and the Covenant Presbyterian Church are connected with the Nashville Presbytery, which includes congregations in the Presbyterian Church in America, across Middle Tennessee and southwestern Kentucky.

“Over the last several years, most of our churches have undergone training and have really scrutinized their security arrangements,” said Grant, the immediate past moderator for the Nashville Presbytery. “It’s not an official sort of presbytery-wide initiative, but it has just sort of grown out of relationships.”

Grant said Franklin Classical School, a school under the spiritual oversight of his church, Parish Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, has lockdown procedures and security codes in place. The school always has a former police officer on site when school is in session. It is unknown whether The Covenant School had a security officer.

Grant said his church’s security team has called for a review of security protocols and already had training planned for the week after Easter.

“This is just a good reminder that we live in a broken, fallen world," he said. "And we need to be vigilant to care for one another as best we can.”

___ Ma reported from Washington, D.C. Associated Press writers Jonathan Mattise in Nashville and Michael Melia in Hartford, Conn., contributed to this report.

The Associated Press education team receives support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679935165685.png" alt="First responders at the scene at Covenant School -photo Nashville Metro Police" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene at Covenant School -photo Nashville Metro Police</figcaption>
 </figure>NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — An alarm blared and lights flashed as a heavily armed assailant stalked the hallways of The Covenant School.Surveillance footage of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-school-shooting-covenant-school-03aa394109a5e682877403c0c3e52aa7?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_01">the shooting Monday at the private Christian school</a>&nbsp;in Nashville showed many familiar security measures, including the double set of locked glass doors the killer shot their way through before fatally shooting three children and three school employees."It’s just next to impossible to stop someone with an AR-17 coming through the door,” said George Grant, a leader with the Nashville Presbytery, which is connected with the school. Grant said the presbytery doesn’t have a formal security program for its churches and schools but that members have worked together to share best practices and improve safety.Around the U.S., private schools generally do not face as many requirements as public schools for developing security plans. In Tennessee, laws requiring schools to develop and submit safety plans do not apply to private schools, an emailed statement from the state Department of Education said.Private schools also sometimes lack access to government programs to bolster security, though private schools in some states are eligible for state money to bolster security with staff, equipment and technology. Some federal grants also are available to private schools for security aid.Generally, private schools don't have access to the police many public schools have assigned to their campuses, said Mo Canady, executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers. He said some private schools have arranged to hire recently retired officers.“I would imagine after this horrific situation in Nashville that there may be more attempts by private schools to try to not only bolster security but to get school resource officers.”Still, amid widespread concerns about mass shootings, experts say private schools have invested similarly to public schools in violence prevention.Private schools were among institutions that invested most heavily in security in the aftermath of the 2012 shooting that killed 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. Today, private schools have some of the highest-paid security specialists, including retired federal agents, said Michael Dorn, who has been involved in assessing security at thousands of schools as executive director of Safe Havens International, a nonprofit school safety center.Security protocols for private schools are similar to those for public schools, but they are more tailored to each school’s location and circumstances, said Myra McGovern of the National Association of Independent Schools.Security such as metal detectors may not be as visible at private schools, which also have considerations including boarding students and, in some cases, the children of heads of state to look after, she said.“Attention to security is similar, but the way that it manifests is perhaps different,” McGovern said.The quality of safety plans for private schools also varies widely, as it does for public schools, Dorn said.“We see schools that are pretty behind and some that are exceptional,” he said.In Tennessee, an executive order last year by Gov. Bill Lee on school safety measures directed the state to conduct a report on the use of armed guards in nonpublic schools and assess their need for active-shooter training.Most U.S. school systems conduct active-shooter and lockdown trainings, and the Nashville school had in fact undergone&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-texas-education-violence-469144ec9cee9cb33f0860f7445d8591">active-shooter training</a>&nbsp;in 2022, which prevented further loss of life during Monday's shooting, city police spokesperson Brooke Reese said.Private or not, shootings are more common at middle and high schools than at elementary schools like Covenant, which are less likely to have assigned security officers. Educators also are wary of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-school-safety-teaching-newport-news-virginia-07c0979141666c852923aff75421a0f1">unsettling young learners</a>&nbsp;with more heavy-handed security measures.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hale fired a number of rounds inside the Covenant Church/School building. She was armed with these 3 guns and significant ammunition. <a href="https://t.co/3LYOU2r0sh">pic.twitter.com/3LYOU2r0sh</a>&mdash; Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) <a href="https://twitter.com/MNPDNashville/status/1640521034594918400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Covenant School has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade. The school and the Covenant Presbyterian Church are connected with the Nashville Presbytery, which includes congregations in the Presbyterian Church in America, across Middle Tennessee and southwestern Kentucky.“Over the last several years, most of our churches have undergone training and have really scrutinized their security arrangements,” said Grant, the immediate past moderator for the Nashville Presbytery. “It’s not an official sort of presbytery-wide initiative, but it has just sort of grown out of relationships.”Grant said Franklin Classical School, a school under the spiritual oversight of his church, Parish Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, has lockdown procedures and security codes in place. The school always has a former police officer on site when school is in session. It is unknown whether The Covenant School had a security officer.Grant said his church’s security team has called for a review of security protocols and already had training planned for the week after Easter.“This is just a good reminder that we live in a broken, fallen world," he said. "And we need to be vigilant to care for one another as best we can.”___ Ma reported from Washington, D.C. Associated Press writers Jonathan Mattise in Nashville and Michael Melia in Hartford, Conn., contributed to this report.The Associated Press education team receives support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Nashville shooting highlights security at private schools

SEDGWICK COUNTY– A former detention deputy in the Sedgwick County Jail has been sentenced to prison.

Sedgwick County District Judge Tyler Roush sentenced Dustin Burnett, 22 of Maize, to 68 months in prison. On February 10 Burnett made an Alford plea to three charges of unlawful sexual relations with two female inmates and official misconduct in the jail. 

The two official misconduct charges involve Burnett catching an inmate burning a hole through a jail cell window and watching others sneak contraband items through the hole. Burnett did not stop the act or report it.

In July, while investigating a security breach at Sedgwick County Jail&nbsp; investigators learned Burnett, the on-duty deputy in that area of the jail, observed inmates break a window, bring contraband into the facility and didn't stop it or inform anyone it occurred. He also did not give investigators the full story about the incident when confronted about it, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp;

Later, two female inmates reported inappropriate sexual contact with Burnett, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick. The alleged sexual contact occurred on July 17, 2022.

Burnett started work at the jail in January of 2022 and was terminated upon his arrest.

An Alford plea is a guilty plea in which a defendant does not admit guilt but admits the prosecution’s evidence is sufficient to result in a finding of guilt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658429257903.png" alt="Burnett-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Burnett-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY– A former detention deputy in the Sedgwick County Jail has been sentenced to prison.Sedgwick County District Judge Tyler Roush sentenced Dustin Burnett, 22 of Maize, to 68 months in prison. On February 10 Burnett made an Alford plea to three charges of unlawful sexual relations with two female inmates and official misconduct in the jail. The two official misconduct charges involve Burnett catching an inmate burning a hole through a jail cell window and watching others sneak contraband items through the hole. Burnett did not stop the act or report it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658430090733.png" alt="Suspected Fentanyl Laced Pills found during the search of the jail following Burnett's arrest -photo Sedgwick Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Suspected Fentanyl Laced Pills found during the search of the jail following Burnett's arrest -photo Sedgwick Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>In July, while investigating a security breach at Sedgwick County Jail&nbsp; investigators learned Burnett, the on-duty deputy in that area of the jail, observed inmates break a window, bring contraband into the facility and didn't stop it or inform anyone it occurred. He also did not give investigators the full story about the incident when confronted about it, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp;Later, two female inmates reported inappropriate sexual contact with Burnett, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick. The alleged sexual contact occurred on July 17, 2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658429970384.png" alt="--Pen sharpened down into a shank found during a search of the jail." />
 <figcaption>--Pen sharpened down into a shank found during a search of the jail.</figcaption>
 </figure>Burnett started work at the jail in January of 2022 and was terminated upon his arrest.An Alford plea is a guilty plea in which a defendant does not admit guilt but admits the prosecution’s evidence is sufficient to result in a finding of guilt.

Kan. jail deputy who let inmates sneak in drugs is sentenced

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A former nurse was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison for stealing fentanyl from two hospitals where she worked.

Faith Naccarato, 42, of Kansas City pleaded guilty to two counts of tampering with a consumer product and two counts of possession of fentanyl by deception and subterfuge, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, between January 2020 and April 2020, Naccarato, used her fingerprint to remove vials of fentanyl from an automated dispensing cabinet in the surgical specialty unit at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park. She replaced the fentanyl with saline solution before placing the vials back in the cabinet.

Between February 2020 and April 2020, Naccarato took vials of fentanyl from an automated dispensing cabinet in the noninvasive cardiology unit at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission in Meriam. She replaced the fentanyl with saline solution and then placed the vials back in the cabinet.

Naccarato told investigators she stole the fentanyl for personal use.

“Our medical facilities are not immune from the effects of the growing fentanyl addiction crisis in our country, and as a result, the District of Kansas prosecutes a growing number of cases against

health care providers accused of stealing medication intended to go to patients,” said Kate E. Brubacher, U.S. Attorney. “The Justice Department believes stopping these abuses is paramount to guarding the public trust: people must have confidence in the integrity of their health care.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A former nurse was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison for stealing fentanyl from two hospitals where she worked.Faith Naccarato, 42, of Kansas City pleaded guilty to two counts of tampering with a consumer product and two counts of possession of fentanyl by deception and subterfuge, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, between January 2020 and April 2020, Naccarato, used her fingerprint to remove vials of fentanyl from an automated dispensing cabinet in the surgical specialty unit at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park. She replaced the fentanyl with saline solution before placing the vials back in the cabinet.Between February 2020 and April 2020, Naccarato took vials of fentanyl from an automated dispensing cabinet in the noninvasive cardiology unit at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission in Meriam. She replaced the fentanyl with saline solution and then placed the vials back in the cabinet.Naccarato told investigators she stole the fentanyl for personal use.“Our medical facilities are not immune from the effects of the growing fentanyl addiction crisis in our country, and as a result, the District of Kansas prosecutes a growing number of cases againsthealth care providers accused of stealing medication intended to go to patients,” said Kate E. Brubacher, U.S. Attorney. “The Justice Department believes stopping these abuses is paramount to guarding the public trust: people must have confidence in the integrity of their health care.”The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case.

Nurse going to prison for fentanyl thefts from hospitals in Kansas

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 2p.m. March 30, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at 2nd and Market in Osage City for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, a K9 was deployed, and illegal narcotics were located.

The driver identified as 57-year-old Kevin D. Spunaugle and a passenger 52-year-old Linda S. Spunaugle both of Olivet were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges that include Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680172919563.png" alt="Spunaugle -photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Spunaugle -photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just after 2p.m. March 30, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at 2nd and Market in Osage City for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, a K9 was deployed, and illegal narcotics were located.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680172892837.png" alt="Spunaugle-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Spunaugle-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver identified as 57-year-old Kevin D. Spunaugle and a passenger 52-year-old Linda S. Spunaugle both of Olivet were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges that include Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of paraphernalia.

Kansas couple accused of transporting meth

By GREG DOERING <a href="https://kansaslivingmagazine.com/articles/2023/02/01/how-the-farm-bill-impacts-everyone-not-just-farmers">Kansas Living</a>

By the time the Great Depression started in 1929, America’s farmers 
and ranchers were already suffering from a yearslong agricultural 
depression that had started shortly after World War I. While Congress 
debated several relief proposals, none was ever enacted.

A lack of policy to ensure an adequate price for crops and livestock 
created a downward cycle. To make up for low prices, farmers and 
ranchers raised more and more, creating larger surpluses that drove 
prices even lower.

It wasn’t until 1933 that the federal government acted to prevent 
further destruction in the agriculture industry. Under the New Deal, 
three closely related programs — the Commodity Credit Corporation, 
Agricultural Adjustment Administration and Farm Credit Administration — 
were created to address the problems of oversupply and low prices. In 
conjunction, the programs essentially set a floor on the price of staple
 crops like corn and wheat, offered incentives for returning farmland to
 grassland and refinanced farm mortgages to lower interest rates. Now 
considered the first farm bill, the original legislation has been 
reviewed and updated every five years or so. Congress is slated to pass 
the 19th iteration in 2023.

Over the decades, the farm bill has evolved alongside agriculture. It
 no longer is just about protecting the work of farmers and ranchers, 
but rather the policies touch nearly every corner of agriculture and 
ensure U.S. consumers have access to high quality, safe and nutritious 
food.

Unlike the 1933 farm bill, which was focused almost exclusively on 
farmers, today’s farm bill is aimed at many aspects of agriculture from 
the growers to consumers through various programs packaged under a 
single bill with “titles” addressing specific areas.

Though the titles vary from bill to bill, the 2018 farm bill included
 12 that covered commodities, conservation, trade, nutrition, credit, 
rural development, research, extension and related matters, forestry, 
energy, horticulture, crop insurance and a catchall for miscellaneous 
matters.

While the list is expansive, 99 percent of farm bill spending is 
currently dedicated to nutrition, commodities, crop insurance and 
conservation. Most has gone toward the nutrition component, primarily 
through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which 
helps vulnerable families purchase healthy food.

The remaining 1 percent is divided among the other eight titles and 
makes investments in rural economic growth, research supporting 
innovation and food safety, farmers markets, local food programs and 
much more.

“In that 1 percent, there are a lot of research and training programs
 that can have a big impact,” says Jenny Ifft, associate professor in 
agricultural economics at Kansas State University.

Of all the titles in the farm bill, crop insurance is perhaps the 
most important to Kansas farmers because it gives them certainty when 
making investments to expand, whether that means buying more land or 
upgrading their equipment.

Mother nature is a tough business partner, but with crop insurance, 
farmers receive protection from disasters in the same fashion home and 
car owners are guarded against damage to their property. Under the farm 
bill, farmers receive varying subsidies to buy policies from private 
companies to cover perils like frost, wind, disease, drought, fire, 
flooding and insect damage. Coverage for more than 120 crops is 
available, with the premium and amount paid in the event of a loss being
 tied to the actual value of the crop.

From lawmakers’ point of view, the risk management tools in the farm 
bill prevent a lot of headaches from trying to pass separate legislation
 for disaster relief after every flood, fire, freeze or other 
catastrophe.

“It really takes the place of disaster programs, which are a disaster
 to implement,” says retired Sen. Pat Roberts, who worked on eight farm 
bills during his tenure in both the House and Senate. “It’s far better 
to have crop insurance.”

In fact, crop insurance is so important to Kansas farmers that Rep. 
Tracey Mann says it’s the main topic he heard on the campaign trail last
 fall on visits with producers in Kansas’ 1st Congressional District. 
Mann’s district stretches from the Colorado border in the west to 
portions of Douglas County in the east, giving him a broad view of 
agriculture across more than three-quarters of the state.

Mann, who grew up on a farm near Quinter, serves on the House 
Agriculture Committee, which is tasked with writing the 2023 farm bill. 
He also sees room in the next bill for expanded trade promotion and 
reduced regulations for farmers and ranchers. Mann says successfully 
drafting the next farm bill involves telling the story of American 
agriculture and how it extends beyond our country’s borders.

“Our farmers in Kansas, in the Midwest and throughout the country 
feed a hungry world,” he says. “That need is constantly growing so we 
need to have policy in place to meet it.”

Expanding trade and opening new markets gives farmers more incentive 
to raise crops and livestock, while reducing regulations lowers the cost
 of production, which can then be passed on to consumers.

“Speaking broadly, the farm bill helps create an environment where our producers can innovate and can keep growing,” Ifft says. “Economic stability is a policy objective. The farm bill helps create that stability so farmers can adapt.”

Roberts says the multiyear spending authorized in farm bills adds 
certainty, noting farms are like any other business and benefit from the
 ability to make long-range plans. Ifft agrees.

“If you grow row crops like wheat, corn or soybeans, more likely than
 not, you’re using crop insurance,” she says. “Something like 90 to 95 
percent of acres in row crops are covered by crop insurance. That helps 
producers access credit and make investments. If you have a bad year, 
it’s going to help keep your farm and your family in business.”

Ultimately, feeding people is the goal of the farm bill, and the 
nutrition title accounts for about three-quarters of the total spending 
authorized by Congress. Most of the money is distributed through SNAP, 
which was formerly known as the food stamp program. Recent farm bills 
have included provisions for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables 
distributed to school lunch programs.

Like crop insurance, SNAP provides a buffer for families facing 
economic hardships, especially if they struggle to put food on their 
table.

“It can be the difference between officially being classified as in 
poverty&nbsp;or not,” Ifft says. “It’s countercyclical and sees increased use
 during times of economic hardship.”

SNAP also provides indirect benefits for retailers like grocery 
stores and increases the demand for food, which helps farmers and 
ranchers. It also serves a broad range of families across the country, 
in both urban and rural areas. From 2011- 15, SNAP participation 
averaged 13 percent of households in urban areas while the utilization 
rate in rural areas was 16 percent.

“SNAP has millions of participants, but the average benefit is $218 per month,” Ifft says. “While urban populations are larger and hence have more beneficiaries, SNAP is relatively more important in rural areas.”

At first glance, it can be difficult to see the connection between 
policies targeted at a small group like farmers and ranchers and the 
wide safety net funded under the nutrition title, but both Mann and 
Roberts say the union is critical for the legislation.

“At the end of the day — whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, Independent or Libertarian — everyone eats,” Mann says. “We’ve got to have a safe, consistent, robust food supply to feed America.”

The bill is as diverse and encompassing as agriculture itself, even 
if consumers’ perception of farmers and ranchers differs from the 
reality.

“If you look at the general population, people care about their 
food,” Ifft says. “As a society, a lot of people still have a warm place
 in their hearts for agriculture. There is that general support; it’s 
not always linked to an understanding of what modern agriculture looks 
like and what it takes to earn your livelihood in agriculture.”

In a way, calling it the farm bill is a disservice since the ultimate
 policy objectives are about ensuring our nation’s pantry is well 
stocked. Groceries start at farm gates long before they wind up on 
dinner plates, so perhaps a better name would be the farm and food bill.
 Because without one, we wouldn’t have the other.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680278741410.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING <a href="https://kansaslivingmagazine.com/articles/2023/02/01/how-the-farm-bill-impacts-everyone-not-just-farmers">Kansas Living</a>By the time the Great Depression started in 1929, America’s farmers 
and ranchers were already suffering from a yearslong agricultural 
depression that had started shortly after World War I. While Congress 
debated several relief proposals, none was ever enacted.A lack of policy to ensure an adequate price for crops and livestock 
created a downward cycle. To make up for low prices, farmers and 
ranchers raised more and more, creating larger surpluses that drove 
prices even lower.It wasn’t until 1933 that the federal government acted to prevent 
further destruction in the agriculture industry. Under the New Deal, 
three closely related programs — the Commodity Credit Corporation, 
Agricultural Adjustment Administration and Farm Credit Administration — 
were created to address the problems of oversupply and low prices. In 
conjunction, the programs essentially set a floor on the price of staple
 crops like corn and wheat, offered incentives for returning farmland to
 grassland and refinanced farm mortgages to lower interest rates. Now 
considered the first farm bill, the original legislation has been 
reviewed and updated every five years or so. Congress is slated to pass 
the 19th iteration in 2023.Over the decades, the farm bill has evolved alongside agriculture. It
 no longer is just about protecting the work of farmers and ranchers, 
but rather the policies touch nearly every corner of agriculture and 
ensure U.S. consumers have access to high quality, safe and nutritious 
food.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680278932413.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The modern Farm Bill</h2>Unlike the 1933 farm bill, which was focused almost exclusively on 
farmers, today’s farm bill is aimed at many aspects of agriculture from 
the growers to consumers through various programs packaged under a 
single bill with “titles” addressing specific areas.Though the titles vary from bill to bill, the 2018 farm bill included
 12 that covered commodities, conservation, trade, nutrition, credit, 
rural development, research, extension and related matters, forestry, 
energy, horticulture, crop insurance and a catchall for miscellaneous 
matters.While the list is expansive, 99 percent of farm bill spending is 
currently dedicated to nutrition, commodities, crop insurance and 
conservation. Most has gone toward the nutrition component, primarily 
through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which 
helps vulnerable families purchase healthy food.The remaining 1 percent is divided among the other eight titles and 
makes investments in rural economic growth, research supporting 
innovation and food safety, farmers markets, local food programs and 
much more.“In that 1 percent, there are a lot of research and training programs
 that can have a big impact,” says Jenny Ifft, associate professor in 
agricultural economics at Kansas State University.<h2>Farm safety net</h2>Of all the titles in the farm bill, crop insurance is perhaps the 
most important to Kansas farmers because it gives them certainty when 
making investments to expand, whether that means buying more land or 
upgrading their equipment.Mother nature is a tough business partner, but with crop insurance, 
farmers receive protection from disasters in the same fashion home and 
car owners are guarded against damage to their property. Under the farm 
bill, farmers receive varying subsidies to buy policies from private 
companies to cover perils like frost, wind, disease, drought, fire, 
flooding and insect damage. Coverage for more than 120 crops is 
available, with the premium and amount paid in the event of a loss being
 tied to the actual value of the crop.From lawmakers’ point of view, the risk management tools in the farm 
bill prevent a lot of headaches from trying to pass separate legislation
 for disaster relief after every flood, fire, freeze or other 
catastrophe.“It really takes the place of disaster programs, which are a disaster
 to implement,” says retired Sen. Pat Roberts, who worked on eight farm 
bills during his tenure in both the House and Senate. “It’s far better 
to have crop insurance.”In fact, crop insurance is so important to Kansas farmers that Rep. 
Tracey Mann says it’s the main topic he heard on the campaign trail last
 fall on visits with producers in Kansas’ 1st Congressional District. 
Mann’s district stretches from the Colorado border in the west to 
portions of Douglas County in the east, giving him a broad view of 
agriculture across more than three-quarters of the state.Mann, who grew up on a farm near Quinter, serves on the House 
Agriculture Committee, which is tasked with writing the 2023 farm bill. 
He also sees room in the next bill for expanded trade promotion and 
reduced regulations for farmers and ranchers. Mann says successfully 
drafting the next farm bill involves telling the story of American 
agriculture and how it extends beyond our country’s borders.“Our farmers in Kansas, in the Midwest and throughout the country 
feed a hungry world,” he says. “That need is constantly growing so we 
need to have policy in place to meet it.”Expanding trade and opening new markets gives farmers more incentive 
to raise crops and livestock, while reducing regulations lowers the cost
 of production, which can then be passed on to consumers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680278971826.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Investment incentive</h2>“Speaking broadly, the farm bill helps create an environment where our producers can innovate and can keep growing,” Ifft says. “Economic stability is a policy objective. The farm bill helps create that stability so farmers can adapt.”Roberts says the multiyear spending authorized in farm bills adds 
certainty, noting farms are like any other business and benefit from the
 ability to make long-range plans. Ifft agrees.“If you grow row crops like wheat, corn or soybeans, more likely than
 not, you’re using crop insurance,” she says. “Something like 90 to 95 
percent of acres in row crops are covered by crop insurance. That helps 
producers access credit and make investments. If you have a bad year, 
it’s going to help keep your farm and your family in business.”<h2>Food safety net</h2>Ultimately, feeding people is the goal of the farm bill, and the 
nutrition title accounts for about three-quarters of the total spending 
authorized by Congress. Most of the money is distributed through SNAP, 
which was formerly known as the food stamp program. Recent farm bills 
have included provisions for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables 
distributed to school lunch programs.Like crop insurance, SNAP provides a buffer for families facing 
economic hardships, especially if they struggle to put food on their 
table.“It can be the difference between officially being classified as in 
poverty&nbsp;or not,” Ifft says. “It’s countercyclical and sees increased use
 during times of economic hardship.”SNAP also provides indirect benefits for retailers like grocery 
stores and increases the demand for food, which helps farmers and 
ranchers. It also serves a broad range of families across the country, 
in both urban and rural areas. From 2011- 15, SNAP participation 
averaged 13 percent of households in urban areas while the utilization 
rate in rural areas was 16 percent.“SNAP has millions of participants, but the average benefit is $218 per month,” Ifft says. “While urban populations are larger and hence have more beneficiaries, SNAP is relatively more important in rural areas.”<h2>Building a coalition</h2>At first glance, it can be difficult to see the connection between 
policies targeted at a small group like farmers and ranchers and the 
wide safety net funded under the nutrition title, but both Mann and 
Roberts say the union is critical for the legislation.“At the end of the day — whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, Independent or Libertarian — everyone eats,” Mann says. “We’ve got to have a safe, consistent, robust food supply to feed America.”<h2>Supporting everyone</h2>The bill is as diverse and encompassing as agriculture itself, even 
if consumers’ perception of farmers and ranchers differs from the 
reality.“If you look at the general population, people care about their 
food,” Ifft says. “As a society, a lot of people still have a warm place
 in their hearts for agriculture. There is that general support; it’s 
not always linked to an understanding of what modern agriculture looks 
like and what it takes to earn your livelihood in agriculture.”In a way, calling it the farm bill is a disservice since the ultimate
 policy objectives are about ensuring our nation’s pantry is well 
stocked. Groceries start at farm gates long before they wind up on 
dinner plates, so perhaps a better name would be the farm and food bill.
 Because without one, we wouldn’t have the other.

How the farm bill impacts everyone — not just farmers

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing and asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as 44-year-old&nbsp;Armando Pavon Campos.

Just before 3 p.m., Friday, police were dispatched to a home in the 1300 block of Conkling Avenue in Garden City, according to a media release.

Officers found 63-year-old Julia Landeros deceased inside the residence. She had been stabbed. 

The initial investigation determined that the incident occurred earlier in the week and Campos was identified as a suspect. He is described as 5-foot-6, 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Campos is missing part of his right leg and has a prosthetic. 

If located or if you have information on Campos, please call the Garden City Police Department at (620) 276-1300. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at (620) 275-7807, or text your tip to Garden City PD, text GCTIP and your tip to Tip411 (847411)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680373857809.png" alt="Campos-photo Garden City PD" />
 <figcaption>Campos-photo Garden City PD</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing and asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as 44-year-old&nbsp;Armando Pavon Campos.Just before 3 p.m., Friday, police were dispatched to a home in the 1300 block of Conkling Avenue in Garden City, according to a media release.Officers found 63-year-old Julia Landeros deceased inside the residence. She had been stabbed. The initial investigation determined that the incident occurred earlier in the week and Campos was identified as a suspect. He is described as 5-foot-6, 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Campos is missing part of his right leg and has a prosthetic. If located or if you have information on Campos, please call the Garden City Police Department at (620) 276-1300. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at (620) 275-7807, or text your tip to Garden City PD, text GCTIP and your tip to Tip411 (847411)

Suspect wanted for woman's stabbing death in SW Kansas  

WICHITA, Kan.— Travelers on the Kansas Turnpike will have new food options at four of the six service areas located on the 236-mile roadway, according to a media release from the KDA.

In addition to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksturnpike.com/restaurant-change-coming-to-emporia-service-area">changes at the Emporia Service Area</a>, recent request for proposals from quick-service vendors also prompt the following changes:

“Providing solid traveler services is important to KTA and we’re glad this change can happen prior to becoming a cashless roadway in 2024,” said Steve Hewitt, KTA’s CEO. “Thanks to feedback provided by customers, we have a better understanding of their expectations which helps when selecting quality partners.”

Existing restaurants at the Towanda, Matfield Green and Topeka Service Areas will close at 11 p.m. April 14, 2023 to accommodate remodeling of the restaurant space. Remodeling of the Emporia Service Area restaurant is currently underway as that restaurant closed in mid-March. Convenience stores at the affected service areas will temporarily provide additional food items during the remodel process.

Schedule permitting, the new restaurants will tentatively open as listed below.

Progress on remodel efforts will be part of KTA’s construction report published monthly in KTA’s electronic newsletter, Turnpike Times, and included in the monthly Construction News email. Individuals can sign up to receive one or both publications here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksturnpike.com/communication">https://www.ksturnpike.com/communication</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588891583149.png" alt="Topeka Service area Google image" />
 <figcaption>Topeka Service area Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.— Travelers on the Kansas Turnpike will have new food options at four of the six service areas located on the 236-mile roadway, according to a media release from the KDA. In addition to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksturnpike.com/restaurant-change-coming-to-emporia-service-area">changes at the Emporia Service Area</a>, recent request for proposals from quick-service vendors also prompt the following changes:<ul>
 <li>Towanda Service Area, (I-35/KTA mile marker 65) changes to a Subway and Dairy Queen</li><li>Matfield Green Service Area (I-35/KTA mile marker 97) changes to a Subway and Dairy Queen</li><li>Topeka Service Area (I-70/KTA mile marker 188) changes to a McDonald’s.</li>
 </ul>“Providing solid traveler services is important to KTA and we’re glad this change can happen prior to becoming a cashless roadway in 2024,” said Steve Hewitt, KTA’s CEO. “Thanks to feedback provided by customers, we have a better understanding of their expectations which helps when selecting quality partners.”Existing restaurants at the Towanda, Matfield Green and Topeka Service Areas will close at 11 p.m. April 14, 2023 to accommodate remodeling of the restaurant space. Remodeling of the Emporia Service Area restaurant is currently underway as that restaurant closed in mid-March. Convenience stores at the affected service areas will temporarily provide additional food items during the remodel process.Schedule permitting, the new restaurants will tentatively open as listed below.<ul>
 <li>Emporia Service Area (Subway and Taco John’s): drive thru - mid-May; dine in - early June.</li><li>Towanda and Matfield Green Service Areas (Subway and Dairy Queen): drive thru - late June; dine in - mid-July.</li><li>Topeka Service Area (McDonald's): drive thru - mid-August; dine in - early September.</li>
 </ul>Progress on remodel efforts will be part of KTA’s construction report published monthly in KTA’s electronic newsletter, Turnpike Times, and included in the monthly Construction News email. Individuals can sign up to receive one or both publications here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksturnpike.com/communication">https://www.ksturnpike.com/communication</a>.

New restaurants coming to Kansas Turnpike service areas

KANSAS CITY (AP) —&nbsp;&nbsp;Missouri's state attorney general is investigating gender-affirming care provided by Planned Parenthood, according to a lawsuit filed by the St. Louis health provider.

Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri sued Attorney General Andrew Bailey Friday in St. Louis Circuit Court, according to court documents.

Bailey's office demanded records from Planned Parenthood on March 14 as part of an investigation into treatments provided to transgender youths at an unrelated St. Louis clinic run by Washington University, the lawsuit claims.

Planned Parenthood argues in its lawsuit that its clinic has nothing to do with the Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital, which came under multiple investigations following allegations of mistreatment by a former employee.

Planned Parenthood is trying to block access to its records and asked Judge Elizabeth Hogan to tell Bailey he has no authority to investigate the clinic, which is inspected by the state health department.

Dr. Colleen McNicholas, the health center's chief medical officer, described Bailey's investigation as a "fishing expedition." She told The Associated Press that his office has made no allegations of mistreatment at the Planned Parenthood clinic.

A spokeswoman for Bailey did not immediately return Associated Press requests for comment Friday.

Announcing his investigation into Washington University, Bailey cited whistleblower complaints alleging physicians there did not warn patients and parents enough about potential side effects of puberty blockers and hormones, and that doctors pressured parents to consent to treatment.

The lawsuit comes amid a national push to restrict transgender health care, drag shows, bathroom access and how LGBTQ+ topics are discussed in schools. The lawsuit was filed Friday as rallies were scheduled in cities nationwide as part of Transgender Day of Visibility.

The attorney general's investigation is "an attempt to help him work outside of the legislative process and eliminate access to transgender care for Missourians," McNicholas said.

As the state's top prosecutor, Bailey is following his predecessor's lead in using the office to take a stand on social issues. Last week, he announced plans to file an emergency rule to restrict healthcare for transgender children. It would require an 18-month waiting period, 15 therapy sessions and additional mental health treatment before Missouri doctors can provide gender-affirming care to minors.

"I am dedicated to using every legal tool at my disposal to stand in the gap and protect children from being subject to inhumane science experiments," Bailey said in a statement announcing the planned rule.

Transgender medical treatment for children has been available in the U.S. for over a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations. Many clinics use treatment plans pioneered in Amsterdam 30 years ago, according to a recent review in the British Psych Bulletin. Since 2005, the number of youth referred to gender clinics has increased as much as tenfold in the U.S., U.K, Canada and Finland, the review said.

McNicholas, of Planned Parenthood, said Bailey is using the "same playbook" that anti-abortion activists and elected officials have used to restrict abortions.

Missouri banned almost all abortions in 2022, after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

Before that, Republicans fought for years to regulate abortion out of existence in the state. The GOP-led state legislature proposed anti-abortion bills yearly. When increasingly restrictive bans on the procedure were tossed in court, Republican governors stepped in.

"If we are to learn anything from our past experience with the state targeting us for the provision of lawful abortion care, we know that other folks who are providing this care are certainly going to be targets," McNicholas said. "If not now, then soon."

KANSAS CITY (AP) —&nbsp;&nbsp;Missouri's state attorney general is investigating gender-affirming care provided by Planned Parenthood, according to a lawsuit filed by the St. Louis health provider.Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri sued Attorney General Andrew Bailey Friday in St. Louis Circuit Court, according to court documents.Bailey's office demanded records from Planned Parenthood on March 14 as part of an investigation into treatments provided to transgender youths at an unrelated St. Louis clinic run by Washington University, the lawsuit claims.Planned Parenthood argues in its lawsuit that its clinic has nothing to do with the Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital, which came under multiple investigations following allegations of mistreatment by a former employee.Planned Parenthood is trying to block access to its records and asked Judge Elizabeth Hogan to tell Bailey he has no authority to investigate the clinic, which is inspected by the state health department.Dr. Colleen McNicholas, the health center's chief medical officer, described Bailey's investigation as a "fishing expedition." She told The Associated Press that his office has made no allegations of mistreatment at the Planned Parenthood clinic.A spokeswoman for Bailey did not immediately return Associated Press requests for comment Friday.Announcing his investigation into Washington University, Bailey cited whistleblower complaints alleging physicians there did not warn patients and parents enough about potential side effects of puberty blockers and hormones, and that doctors pressured parents to consent to treatment.The lawsuit comes amid a national push to restrict transgender health care, drag shows, bathroom access and how LGBTQ+ topics are discussed in schools. The lawsuit was filed Friday as rallies were scheduled in cities nationwide as part of Transgender Day of Visibility.The attorney general's investigation is "an attempt to help him work outside of the legislative process and eliminate access to transgender care for Missourians," McNicholas said.As the state's top prosecutor, Bailey is following his predecessor's lead in using the office to take a stand on social issues. Last week, he announced plans to file an emergency rule to restrict healthcare for transgender children. It would require an 18-month waiting period, 15 therapy sessions and additional mental health treatment before Missouri doctors can provide gender-affirming care to minors."I am dedicated to using every legal tool at my disposal to stand in the gap and protect children from being subject to inhumane science experiments," Bailey said in a statement announcing the planned rule.His office has not yet filed the rule.Transgender medical treatment for children has been available in the U.S. for over a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations. Many clinics use treatment plans pioneered in Amsterdam 30 years ago, according to a recent review in the British Psych Bulletin. Since 2005, the number of youth referred to gender clinics has increased as much as tenfold in the U.S., U.K, Canada and Finland, the review said.McNicholas, of Planned Parenthood, said Bailey is using the "same playbook" that anti-abortion activists and elected officials have used to restrict abortions.Missouri banned almost all abortions in 2022, after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.Before that, Republicans fought for years to regulate abortion out of existence in the state. The GOP-led state legislature proposed anti-abortion bills yearly. When increasingly restrictive bans on the procedure were tossed in court, Republican governors stepped in."If we are to learn anything from our past experience with the state targeting us for the provision of lawful abortion care, we know that other folks who are providing this care are certainly going to be targets," McNicholas said. "If not now, then soon."