NUCKOLLS COUNTY, NE. — The U.S. Geological Survey says an earthquake centered near the Kansas, Nebraska state line in Nuckolls County had a preliminary magnitude of 3.7.

 The quake was reported just before 8a.m. Sunday, 4.3 miles southwest of Superior, Nebraska and was felt in many areas of Jewell County, Kansas. The Kansas Geological Survey indicated the quake measured magnitude 4.0.&nbsp;There were no immediate reports of damage.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658096570056.png" alt="Location of Sunday's quake -USGS image" />
 <figcaption>Location of Sunday's quake -USGS image</figcaption>
 </figure>NUCKOLLS COUNTY, NE. — The U.S. Geological Survey says an earthquake centered near the Kansas, Nebraska state line in Nuckolls County had a preliminary magnitude of 3.7. The quake was reported just before 8a.m. Sunday, 4.3 miles southwest of Superior, Nebraska and was felt in many areas of Jewell County, Kansas. The Kansas Geological Survey indicated the quake measured magnitude 4.0.&nbsp;There were no immediate reports of damage.&nbsp;

Earthquake reported near the Kansas, Nebraska state line

FINNEY COUNTY —Sometimes a school bus is more than just a school bus. In Garden City Public Schools, it’s now a rolling WiFi hotspot, according to a media release from USD 457.

This summer the district’s Technology and Transportation departments worked together to get WiFi installed on all USD 457 buses.

If you have a child who rides the bus to school, there’s no excuse now for them not doing homework on those long trips. The connections are now available to any student who wishes to use their time to do homework on the bus to be connected to the internet.

“We felt it was important to offer this service to our students who need access and ability to use the time they have riding to and from school to complete their school assignments,” said Charlie Stillian, the district’s transportation director. “This will be especially useful for our students who are traveling long distances or to games and other school activities.”

The district’s iPads will connect to the WiFi just as if they are in a classroom at school. There are filter and access settings in place that are compliant to school district policy and can be further managed by the school district’s technology department.

This opportunity to install WiFi on the school buses was made possible through Emergency Connectivity Funding, which provides dollars for connectivity for remote learning.

The first day of school for the 2022-23 school year will be Wednesday, August 17th, with a half-day orientation for students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade, seventh grade, ninth and tenth grades and all students new to Garden City Public Schools.&nbsp; The first full day of school for the district will be Thursday, August 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657902051184.png" alt="The district’s iPads will connect to the WiFi just as if they are in a classroom at school.-photo courtesy USD 457" />
 <figcaption>The district’s iPads will connect to the WiFi just as if they are in a classroom at school.-photo courtesy USD 457</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Sometimes a school bus is more than just a school bus. In Garden City Public Schools, it’s now a rolling WiFi hotspot, according to a media release from USD 457.This summer the district’s Technology and Transportation departments worked together to get WiFi installed on all USD 457 buses.If you have a child who rides the bus to school, there’s no excuse now for them not doing homework on those long trips. The connections are now available to any student who wishes to use their time to do homework on the bus to be connected to the internet.“We felt it was important to offer this service to our students who need access and ability to use the time they have riding to and from school to complete their school assignments,” said Charlie Stillian, the district’s transportation director. “This will be especially useful for our students who are traveling long distances or to games and other school activities.”The district’s iPads will connect to the WiFi just as if they are in a classroom at school. There are filter and access settings in place that are compliant to school district policy and can be further managed by the school district’s technology department.This opportunity to install WiFi on the school buses was made possible through Emergency Connectivity Funding, which provides dollars for connectivity for remote learning.The first day of school for the 2022-23 school year will be Wednesday, August 17th, with a half-day orientation for students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade, seventh grade, ninth and tenth grades and all students new to Garden City Public Schools.&nbsp; The first full day of school for the district will be Thursday, August 18.

SW Kansas district now has WiFi on school buses

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-offers-free-drawings-for-special-hunts-in-restricted-areas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas hunters can sign 
up for a drawing to gain access to wildlife areas, state parks, lakes 
and other areas where hunting is typically restricted.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will accept applications 
for these “special hunts” in advance of drawings scheduled for Aug. 8, 
Sept. 26 and Dec. 12. The application is free, but hunters must still 
pay for required licenses, permits, stamps and education.

There will be <a target="_blank" href="https://programs.ksoutdoors.com/Programs/Special-Hunts/2022-Fall-Winter-Hunts/(view)/1">370 opportunities available</a>
 to hunt deer, duck, geese, turkeys, doves and furbearers, depending on 
the location and season, with various weaponry. They are scheduled from 
September to February at 21 department-owned areas, six state parks, 
three state fishing lakes, three county-owned properties, two private 
lands, two national wildlife refuges, and a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
 lake.

Hunters can apply in four categories: youth, mentor, disabled, and 
open hunts. Out-of-state residents may apply for some of the hunts.

Applications and a full list of special hunts are available at <a target="_blank" href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Special-Hunts-Information">ksoutdoors.com</a>.

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-offers-free-drawings-for-special-hunts-in-restricted-areas/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas hunters can sign 
up for a drawing to gain access to wildlife areas, state parks, lakes 
and other areas where hunting is typically restricted.The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will accept applications 
for these “special hunts” in advance of drawings scheduled for Aug. 8, 
Sept. 26 and Dec. 12. The application is free, but hunters must still 
pay for required licenses, permits, stamps and education.There will be <a target="_blank" href="https://programs.ksoutdoors.com/Programs/Special-Hunts/2022-Fall-Winter-Hunts/(view)/1">370 opportunities available</a>
 to hunt deer, duck, geese, turkeys, doves and furbearers, depending on 
the location and season, with various weaponry. They are scheduled from 
September to February at 21 department-owned areas, six state parks, 
three state fishing lakes, three county-owned properties, two private 
lands, two national wildlife refuges, and a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
 lake.Hunters can apply in four categories: youth, mentor, disabled, and 
open hunts. Out-of-state residents may apply for some of the hunts.Applications and a full list of special hunts are available at <a target="_blank" href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Special-Hunts-Information">ksoutdoors.com</a>.

Kan. offers free drawings for ‘special hunts’ in restricted areas

DOUGLAS COUNTY— Deputies and game wardens searching Clinton Lake on Saturday evening recovered&nbsp; the body of a man reported missing, according to a statement from the Douglas County Sheriff's office.

Just before 4p.m. Saturday, several agencies in Douglas County responded to Clinton Lake to search for a man had been swimming.

 The Sheriff’s office and other agencies had boats involved in the search. Officials have not released the name of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658062270534.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY— Deputies and game wardens searching Clinton Lake on Saturday evening recovered&nbsp; the body of a man reported missing, according to a statement from the Douglas County Sheriff's office.Just before 4p.m. Saturday, several agencies in Douglas County responded to Clinton Lake to search for a man had been swimming. The Sheriff’s office and other agencies had boats involved in the search. Officials have not released the name of the victim.

Sheriff: Body of missing swimmer recovered from Kan. lake

Eagle Radio operates <a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">nine Post news sites</a> in communities across Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri.

Here is a sampling of stories from last week:

<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/c6b40452-04cf-43f9-9543-51f0dc203a79">🎥: Kansas-native plays Country Stampede for 10th time</a> From Little Apple Post

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/406c2e91-d9da-4b84-9332-990b9cc7fb74#//">It's not too late to seek a new career, Missouri Western can help</a> From St. Joseph Post

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/63c386cd-e851-43c7-b628-073b8f2d09bf">NAMI brings mental health support to jails, prisons</a> From Hays Post

<a href="https://panhandlepost.com/posts/e2a29261-117a-4410-a9ac-44d9ca43da85">A-Town Zesto continues burger legacy in Alliance</a> From Panhandle Post

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a9425a02-e0c5-4309-95ef-4cc50c2acd9e">$60,000 customized car missing from Salina dealership</a> From Salina Post

<a href="https://jcpost.com/posts/e942541b-d464-490b-b88d-8cc5d6ef7a67">Concrete grandstand at Al Simpler Stadium is taken down</a> From JC Post

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/257df2ac-df7b-496b-9643-3eefc15df397">Edward's Street Brew &amp; Bites cuts ribbon in Larned</a> From Great Bend Post

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/ca578a56-f6d6-4f47-9ebc-f854801e657f">Communities That Care data shows kids in Reno County need help</a> From Hutch Post

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/9e9ec18a-adf5-45ab-a8e0-80c7991fdf01">Eagle Radio employee-owner, Schmidt Foundation make donation to North Platte Habitat for Humanity</a> From North Platte Post

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Radio operates <a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">nine Post news sites</a> in communities across Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri.Here is a sampling of stories from last week:<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/c6b40452-04cf-43f9-9543-51f0dc203a79">🎥: Kansas-native plays Country Stampede for 10th time</a> From Little Apple Post<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/406c2e91-d9da-4b84-9332-990b9cc7fb74#//">It's not too late to seek a new career, Missouri Western can help</a> From St. Joseph Post<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/63c386cd-e851-43c7-b628-073b8f2d09bf">NAMI brings mental health support to jails, prisons</a> From Hays Post<a href="https://panhandlepost.com/posts/e2a29261-117a-4410-a9ac-44d9ca43da85">A-Town Zesto continues burger legacy in Alliance</a> From Panhandle Post<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a9425a02-e0c5-4309-95ef-4cc50c2acd9e">$60,000 customized car missing from Salina dealership</a> From Salina Post<a href="https://jcpost.com/posts/e942541b-d464-490b-b88d-8cc5d6ef7a67">Concrete grandstand at Al Simpler Stadium is taken down</a> From JC Post<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/257df2ac-df7b-496b-9643-3eefc15df397">Edward's Street Brew &amp; Bites cuts ribbon in Larned</a> From Great Bend Post<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/ca578a56-f6d6-4f47-9ebc-f854801e657f">Communities That Care data shows kids in Reno County need help</a> From Hutch Post<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/9e9ec18a-adf5-45ab-a8e0-80c7991fdf01">Eagle Radio employee-owner, Schmidt Foundation make donation to North Platte Habitat for Humanity</a> From North Platte Post

News From Around the Post News Network

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Long lines are back at food banks around the U.S. as working Americans overwhelmed by inflation turn to handouts to help feed their families.

With gas prices soaring along with grocery costs, many people are seeking charitable food for the first time, and more are arriving on foot.

Inflation in the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-consumer-74e1a5c9bced40460e4079f62e980095">is at a 40-year high</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-us-supreme-court-united-states-prices-congress-fd9b475349dc1d8365fbc2497a07de3b">gas prices have been surging</a>&nbsp;since April 2020, with the average cost nationwide briefly hitting $5 a gallon in June. Rapidly rising rents and an end to federal COVID-19 relief have also taken a financial toll.

The food banks, which had started to see some relief as people returned to work after pandemic shutdowns, are struggling to meet the latest need even as federal programs provide less food to distribute, grocery store donations wane and cash gifts don’t go nearly as far.

Tomasina John was among hundreds of families lined up in several lanes of cars that went around the block one recent day outside St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix. John said her family had never visited a food bank before because her husband had easily supported her and their four children with his construction work.

“But it’s really impossible to get by now without some help,” said John, who traveled with a neighbor to share gas costs as they idled under a scorching desert sun. “The prices are way too high.”

“It’s a real struggle,” said Pascual, a janitor who estimated he spends several hundred dollars a month on groceries for him, his wife and their five children aged 11 to 19.

The same scene is repeated across the nation, where food bank workers predict a rough summer keeping ahead of demand.

The surge in food prices comes after state governments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-nebraska-iowa-des-moines-4ff5e0d51f61e6704f44dfc31279376a">ended COVID-19 disaster declarations</a>&nbsp;that temporarily allowed increased benefits under SNAP, the federal food stamp program covering some 40 million Americans .

“It does not look like it’s going to get better overnight,” said Katie Fitzgerald, president and chief operating officer for the national food bank network Feeding America. “Demand is really making the supply challenges complex.”

Charitable food distribution&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-hunger-coronavirus-pandemic-4c7f1705c6d8ef5bac241e6cc8e331bb">has remained far above amounts given away before the coronavirus pandemic</a>, even though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-united-states-health-hunger-2c509e7e1ce108c47287b42315e2a0c3">demand tapered off somewhat late last year</a>.

Feeding America officials say second quarter data won't be ready until August, but they are hearing anecdotally from food banks nationwide that demand is soaring.

The Phoenix food bank's main distribution center doled out food packages to 4,271 families during the third week in June, a 78% increase over the 2,396 families served during the same week last year, said St. Mary's spokesman Jerry Brown.

More than 900 families line up at the distribution center every weekday for an emergency government food box stuffed with goods such as canned beans, peanut butter and rice, said Brown. St. Mary’s adds products purchased with cash donations, as well as food provided by local supermarkets like bread, carrots and pork chops for a combined package worth about $75.

Distribution by the Alameda County Community Food Bank in Northern California has ticked up since hitting a pandemic low at the beginning of this year, increasing from 890 households served on the third Friday in January to 1,410 households on the third Friday in June, said marketing director Michael Altfest.

At the Houston Food Bank, the largest food bank in the U.S. where food distribution levels earlier in the pandemic briefly peaked at a staggering 1 million pounds a day, an average of 610,000 pounds is now being given out daily.

That's up from about 500,000 pounds a day before the pandemic, said spokeswoman Paula Murphy said.

Murphy said cash donations have not eased, but inflation ensures they don’t go as far.

Food bank executives said the sudden surge in demand caught them off guard.

“Last year, we had expected a decrease in demand for 2022 because the economy had been doing so well,” said Michael Flood, CEO for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. “This issue with inflation came on pretty suddenly.”

“A lot of these are people who are working and did OK during the pandemic and maybe even saw their wages go up,” said Flood. “But they have also seen food prices go up beyond their budgets.”

The Los Angeles bank gave away about 30 million pounds of food during the first three months of this year, slightly less than the previous quarter but still far more than the 22 million pounds given away during the first quarter of 2020.

Feeding America's Fitzgerald is calling on USDA and Congress to find a way to restore hundreds of millions of dollars worth of commodities recently lost with the end of several temporary programs to provide food to people in need. USDA commodities, which generally can represent as much as 30% of the food the banks disperse, accounted for more than 40% of all food distributed in fiscal year 2021 by the Feeding America network.

“There is a critical need for the public sector to purchase more food now," said Fitzgerald.

During the Trump administration, USDA bought several billions of dollars in pork, apples, dairy, potatoes and other products in a program that gave most of it to food banks. The “Food Purchase &amp; Distribution Program” designed to help American farmers harmed by tariffs and other practices of U.S. trade partners has since ended. There was $1.2 billion authorized for the 2019 fiscal year and another $1.4 billion authorized for fiscal 2020.

Another temporary&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/farmers-to-families-food-box">USDA “Farmers to Families” program</a>&nbsp;that provided emergency relief provided more than 155 million food boxes for families in need across the U.S. during the height of the pandemic before ending May 31, 2021.

For now, there's enough food, but there might not be in the future, said Michael G. Manning, president and CEO at Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank in Louisiana. He said high fuel costs also make it far more expensive to collect and distribute food.

The USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which included Farmers to Families, was "a boon” for the Alameda County Community Food Bank, providing 5 billion pounds of commodities over a single year, said spokesman Altfest.

“So losing that was a big hit,” he said.

Altfest said as many as 10% of the people now seeking food are first timers, and a growing number are showing up on foot rather than in cars to save gas.

“The food they get from us is helping them save already-stretched budgets for other expenses like gas, rent, diapers and baby formula,” he said.

Meanwhile, food purchases by the bank have jumped from a monthly average of $250,000 before the pandemic to as high as $1.5 million now because of food prices. Rocketing gasoline costs forced the bank to increase its fuel budget by 66%, Altfest said.

Supply chain issues are also a problem, requiring the food bank to become more aggressive with procurement.

“We used to reorder when our inventory dropped to three weeks’ worth, now we reorder up to six weeks out,” said Altfest.

He said the food bank has already ordered and paid for whole chickens, stuffing, cranberries and other holiday feast items it will distribute for Thanksgiving, the busiest time of the year.

At the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation in Montebello east of Los Angeles, workers say they are seeing many families along with older people like Diane Martinez, who lined up one recent morning on foot.

Some of the hundreds of mostly Spanish-speaking recipients had cars parked nearby. They carried cloth bags, cardboard boxes or shoved pushcarts to pick up their food packages from the distribution site the Los Angeles bank serves.

“The prices of food are so high and they’re going up higher every day,” said Martinez, who expressed gratitude for the bags of black beans, ground beef and other groceries. “I’m so glad that they’re able to help us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657814437167.png" alt="The surge in food prices comes after state governments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-nebraska-iowa-des-moines-4ff5e0d51f61e6704f44dfc31279376a">ended COVID-19 disaster declarations</a>&nbsp;that temporarily allowed increased benefits under SNAP, the federal food stamp program covering some 40 million Americans." />
 <figcaption>The surge in food prices comes after state governments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-nebraska-iowa-des-moines-4ff5e0d51f61e6704f44dfc31279376a">ended COVID-19 disaster declarations</a>&nbsp;that temporarily allowed increased benefits under SNAP, the federal food stamp program covering some 40 million Americans.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Long lines are back at food banks around the U.S. as working Americans overwhelmed by inflation turn to handouts to help feed their families.With gas prices soaring along with grocery costs, many people are seeking charitable food for the first time, and more are arriving on foot.Inflation in the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-consumer-74e1a5c9bced40460e4079f62e980095">is at a 40-year high</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-us-supreme-court-united-states-prices-congress-fd9b475349dc1d8365fbc2497a07de3b">gas prices have been surging</a>&nbsp;since April 2020, with the average cost nationwide briefly hitting $5 a gallon in June. Rapidly rising rents and an end to federal COVID-19 relief have also taken a financial toll.The food banks, which had started to see some relief as people returned to work after pandemic shutdowns, are struggling to meet the latest need even as federal programs provide less food to distribute, grocery store donations wane and cash gifts don’t go nearly as far.Tomasina John was among hundreds of families lined up in several lanes of cars that went around the block one recent day outside St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix. John said her family had never visited a food bank before because her husband had easily supported her and their four children with his construction work.“But it’s really impossible to get by now without some help,” said John, who traveled with a neighbor to share gas costs as they idled under a scorching desert sun. “The prices are way too high.”Jesus Pascual was also in the queue.“It’s a real struggle,” said Pascual, a janitor who estimated he spends several hundred dollars a month on groceries for him, his wife and their five children aged 11 to 19.The same scene is repeated across the nation, where food bank workers predict a rough summer keeping ahead of demand.The surge in food prices comes after state governments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-nebraska-iowa-des-moines-4ff5e0d51f61e6704f44dfc31279376a">ended COVID-19 disaster declarations</a>&nbsp;that temporarily allowed increased benefits under SNAP, the federal food stamp program covering some 40 million Americans .“It does not look like it’s going to get better overnight,” said Katie Fitzgerald, president and chief operating officer for the national food bank network Feeding America. “Demand is really making the supply challenges complex.”Charitable food distribution&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-hunger-coronavirus-pandemic-4c7f1705c6d8ef5bac241e6cc8e331bb">has remained far above amounts given away before the coronavirus pandemic</a>, even though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-united-states-health-hunger-2c509e7e1ce108c47287b42315e2a0c3">demand tapered off somewhat late last year</a>.Feeding America officials say second quarter data won't be ready until August, but they are hearing anecdotally from food banks nationwide that demand is soaring.The Phoenix food bank's main distribution center doled out food packages to 4,271 families during the third week in June, a 78% increase over the 2,396 families served during the same week last year, said St. Mary's spokesman Jerry Brown.More than 900 families line up at the distribution center every weekday for an emergency government food box stuffed with goods such as canned beans, peanut butter and rice, said Brown. St. Mary’s adds products purchased with cash donations, as well as food provided by local supermarkets like bread, carrots and pork chops for a combined package worth about $75.Distribution by the Alameda County Community Food Bank in Northern California has ticked up since hitting a pandemic low at the beginning of this year, increasing from 890 households served on the third Friday in January to 1,410 households on the third Friday in June, said marketing director Michael Altfest.At the Houston Food Bank, the largest food bank in the U.S. where food distribution levels earlier in the pandemic briefly peaked at a staggering 1 million pounds a day, an average of 610,000 pounds is now being given out daily.That's up from about 500,000 pounds a day before the pandemic, said spokeswoman Paula Murphy said.Murphy said cash donations have not eased, but inflation ensures they don’t go as far.Food bank executives said the sudden surge in demand caught them off guard.“Last year, we had expected a decrease in demand for 2022 because the economy had been doing so well,” said Michael Flood, CEO for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. “This issue with inflation came on pretty suddenly.”“A lot of these are people who are working and did OK during the pandemic and maybe even saw their wages go up,” said Flood. “But they have also seen food prices go up beyond their budgets.”The Los Angeles bank gave away about 30 million pounds of food during the first three months of this year, slightly less than the previous quarter but still far more than the 22 million pounds given away during the first quarter of 2020.Feeding America's Fitzgerald is calling on USDA and Congress to find a way to restore hundreds of millions of dollars worth of commodities recently lost with the end of several temporary programs to provide food to people in need. USDA commodities, which generally can represent as much as 30% of the food the banks disperse, accounted for more than 40% of all food distributed in fiscal year 2021 by the Feeding America network.“There is a critical need for the public sector to purchase more food now," said Fitzgerald.During the Trump administration, USDA bought several billions of dollars in pork, apples, dairy, potatoes and other products in a program that gave most of it to food banks. The “Food Purchase &amp; Distribution Program” designed to help American farmers harmed by tariffs and other practices of U.S. trade partners has since ended. There was $1.2 billion authorized for the 2019 fiscal year and another $1.4 billion authorized for fiscal 2020.Another temporary&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/farmers-to-families-food-box">USDA “Farmers to Families” program</a>&nbsp;that provided emergency relief provided more than 155 million food boxes for families in need across the U.S. during the height of the pandemic before ending May 31, 2021.For now, there's enough food, but there might not be in the future, said Michael G. Manning, president and CEO at Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank in Louisiana. He said high fuel costs also make it far more expensive to collect and distribute food.The USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which included Farmers to Families, was "a boon” for the Alameda County Community Food Bank, providing 5 billion pounds of commodities over a single year, said spokesman Altfest.“So losing that was a big hit,” he said.Altfest said as many as 10% of the people now seeking food are first timers, and a growing number are showing up on foot rather than in cars to save gas.“The food they get from us is helping them save already-stretched budgets for other expenses like gas, rent, diapers and baby formula,” he said.Meanwhile, food purchases by the bank have jumped from a monthly average of $250,000 before the pandemic to as high as $1.5 million now because of food prices. Rocketing gasoline costs forced the bank to increase its fuel budget by 66%, Altfest said.Supply chain issues are also a problem, requiring the food bank to become more aggressive with procurement.“We used to reorder when our inventory dropped to three weeks’ worth, now we reorder up to six weeks out,” said Altfest.He said the food bank has already ordered and paid for whole chickens, stuffing, cranberries and other holiday feast items it will distribute for Thanksgiving, the busiest time of the year.At the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation in Montebello east of Los Angeles, workers say they are seeing many families along with older people like Diane Martinez, who lined up one recent morning on foot.Some of the hundreds of mostly Spanish-speaking recipients had cars parked nearby. They carried cloth bags, cardboard boxes or shoved pushcarts to pick up their food packages from the distribution site the Los Angeles bank serves.“The prices of food are so high and they’re going up higher every day,” said Martinez, who expressed gratitude for the bags of black beans, ground beef and other groceries. “I’m so glad that they’re able to help us.”

Long lines are back at US food banks as inflation hits high

JOHNSON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Johnson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Honda&nbsp;CBR1000R driven by Skylor Jo Brummer, 35, Lawrence, was traveling on the ramp Interstate 435 westbound to Lackman Road.

The motorcycle traveled off the right side of the roadway into the grassy median where it rolled.

Brummer was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to the&nbsp;Johnson County Medical Examiner's Office. He was wearing a helmet and gloves, according to the KHP.

JOHNSON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Johnson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Honda&nbsp;CBR1000R driven by Skylor Jo Brummer, 35, Lawrence, was traveling on the ramp Interstate 435 westbound to Lackman Road.The motorcycle traveled off the right side of the roadway into the grassy median where it rolled.Brummer was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to the&nbsp;Johnson County Medical Examiner's Office. He was wearing a helmet and gloves, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after motorcycle, Interstate ramp crash

By ALLISON WINTER <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/07/14/as-aging-farmers-retire-lawmakers-explore-how-to-boost-beginning-producers/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — More
 than half of American farmers will reach retirement age in the next 10 
years, but the steep price of entry to start a farm, along with rising 
input costs and volatile markets, make it tough for young and beginning 
farmers to take their places.

“Farming is inherently a risky 
business, but in the environment we are in right now, that risk is 
elevated,” Nathan Kauffman, vice president and economist at the Federal 
Reserve Bank of Kansas City in Omaha, testified at a U.S. House 
Agriculture Committee hearing Thursday.&nbsp;

The current financial outlook for farmers is particularly challenging.&nbsp;

Farmers face rising costs for not 
only farmland, but also fertilizer, fuel, seeds and chemicals. These 
rising costs are due in part to the war in Ukraine, strains on the 
global supply system, inflation and severe weather.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, high crop prices that have buoyed farmers over the past year are expected to go down.&nbsp;

“Uncertainty about the outlook for 
the U.S. agriculture economy is high and will depend significantly on 
global factors, particularly the war in Ukraine and the strength of 
global economic activity,” said Kauffman.

Demand for farm loans is expected to 
rise notably, and capital expenditure is expected to decline in the 
coming months for the first time since 2020, according to Kauffman.&nbsp;

House lawmakers are looking for ways 
to mitigate some of these risks and support young and beginning farmers 
in the next farm bill, the sweeping legislation that will set programs 
and funding levels for farm and food support for the next five years.&nbsp;

“It is a national and very critical 
issue. And we must ensure that the next generation of men and women can 
take the place of those who are retiring from this grand occupation 
called farming,”&nbsp; House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott, a 
Georgia Democrat, told his colleagues at the hearing.&nbsp;

“This is very critical to me. And credit is one of those tools that we must make readily available,” Scott said.

Aging farmers and the price of entry in the industry pose a challenge for U.S. agriculture.

A third of America’s 3.4 million 
farmers are over 65, according to the most recent agricultural census 
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The census was taken in 2017 
and published in 2019.&nbsp;

At the time, nearly a million more farmers were within a decade of the milestone retirement age of 65.&nbsp;

The census found that 27% of farmers 
qualify as “new and beginning producers,” with 10 years or less of 
experience in agriculture. Most of those farmers have operations that 
are smaller than average, both in terms of acres and value of 
production, according to USDA.

Members of the House Agriculture 
Committee said they are particularly interested in whether young, 
beginning or underserved farmers have access to credit, so they can get 
started in the high-capital world of agriculture.

“In any agriculture operation, one of
 the most critical relationships the farmer may have is with his or her 
lender. This is especially true for young and beginning producers. 
Farming is capital intensive,” said Rep. Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania,
 the top Republican on the committee.

“The cost of entry is incredibly high
 and can act as a barrier to entry for these new agriculturalists trying
 to start or grow their farm operations.”

The Agriculture Department’s Farm 
Services Agency has an array of different loans available to farmers, 
including one targeted at young and beginning farmers.&nbsp;

But in practice, producers say, the federal loan process can be laborious, slow and hard to access.

The struggle to obtain a loan can be 
especially acute for Black farmers, who can face racism and 
discrimination in applying for a loan, according to Dania Davy of the 
Alcorn State University Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers 
Policy Research Center in East Point, Georgia.

Black farmers have reached out to her
 group for help when the Farm Services Agency recommended they use their
 credit card instead of a federal loan, or when loan delays put a 
generational family farm at risk.

“As we review the farm bill and 
prepare for the scheduled reauthorization, we must make use of the 
opportunity to prevent the looming threat of loss of Black farms, land 
and livelihoods that has been institutionalized by racially disparate 
credit access,” Davy told the committee.&nbsp;

Davy recommends a more robust civil rights process at the local level with farm loan field agencies.

Julia Asherman, who owns a small 
organic farm in Jeffersonville, Georgia, was able to finance her 
operation with three different Farm Service Agency loans.&nbsp;

But she said even her success story 
highlights some roadblocks in the process. It took two months for her to
 get approval for her loan, and there was no option for pre-approval 
before she identified land to purchase. In a competitive market, a 
landowner would likely move on to the next bidder rather than wait that 
long for a loan.

“Farmers easily lose out on potential
 properties by not being able to act fast, and I’ve known several 
farmers personally who have not been able to use FSA loans to purchase 
for this reason,” Asherman said.

Asherman has a three-acre certified 
organic vegetable and specialty cut flower farm with five employees, 
three full-time and two part-time — a business she runs with no off-farm
 income.&nbsp;

But the FSA loan process is geared toward much larger operations, and it was a struggle to prove the validity of her farm.

“Their expectation of what a farm 
would look like, what it would gross per acre, and what it could produce
 per acre was in a totally different realm from what my understanding 
was, because they were really talking about a different kind of 
farming,” Asherman said.

The hearing was one in a series as the House Agriculture Committee ramps up its oversight work for the 2023 farm bill.&nbsp;

Hearings are set in Washington this 
month to examine farm credit, crop insurance and forestry programs. 
Lawmakers plan to take their show on the road in August with field 
hearings slated in committee members’ districts across the country.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657894752931.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON WINTER <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/07/14/as-aging-farmers-retire-lawmakers-explore-how-to-boost-beginning-producers/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — More
 than half of American farmers will reach retirement age in the next 10 
years, but the steep price of entry to start a farm, along with rising 
input costs and volatile markets, make it tough for young and beginning 
farmers to take their places.“Farming is inherently a risky 
business, but in the environment we are in right now, that risk is 
elevated,” Nathan Kauffman, vice president and economist at the Federal 
Reserve Bank of Kansas City in Omaha, testified at a U.S. House 
Agriculture Committee hearing Thursday.&nbsp;The current financial outlook for farmers is particularly challenging.&nbsp;Farmers face rising costs for not 
only farmland, but also fertilizer, fuel, seeds and chemicals. These 
rising costs are due in part to the war in Ukraine, strains on the 
global supply system, inflation and severe weather.&nbsp;Meanwhile, high crop prices that have buoyed farmers over the past year are expected to go down.&nbsp;“Uncertainty about the outlook for 
the U.S. agriculture economy is high and will depend significantly on 
global factors, particularly the war in Ukraine and the strength of 
global economic activity,” said Kauffman.Demand for farm loans is expected to 
rise notably, and capital expenditure is expected to decline in the 
coming months for the first time since 2020, according to Kauffman.&nbsp;House lawmakers are looking for ways 
to mitigate some of these risks and support young and beginning farmers 
in the next farm bill, the sweeping legislation that will set programs 
and funding levels for farm and food support for the next five years.&nbsp;“It is a national and very critical 
issue. And we must ensure that the next generation of men and women can 
take the place of those who are retiring from this grand occupation 
called farming,”&nbsp; House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott, a 
Georgia Democrat, told his colleagues at the hearing.&nbsp;“This is very critical to me. And credit is one of those tools that we must make readily available,” Scott said.<h2>An aging demographic</h2>Aging farmers and the price of entry in the industry pose a challenge for U.S. agriculture.A third of America’s 3.4 million 
farmers are over 65, according to the most recent agricultural census 
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The census was taken in 2017 
and published in 2019.&nbsp;At the time, nearly a million more farmers were within a decade of the milestone retirement age of 65.&nbsp;The census found that 27% of farmers 
qualify as “new and beginning producers,” with 10 years or less of 
experience in agriculture. Most of those farmers have operations that 
are smaller than average, both in terms of acres and value of 
production, according to USDA.Members of the House Agriculture 
Committee said they are particularly interested in whether young, 
beginning or underserved farmers have access to credit, so they can get 
started in the high-capital world of agriculture.“In any agriculture operation, one of
 the most critical relationships the farmer may have is with his or her 
lender. This is especially true for young and beginning producers. 
Farming is capital intensive,” said Rep. Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania,
 the top Republican on the committee.“The cost of entry is incredibly high
 and can act as a barrier to entry for these new agriculturalists trying
 to start or grow their farm operations.”<h2>Challenge for federal loans</h2>The Agriculture Department’s Farm 
Services Agency has an array of different loans available to farmers, 
including one targeted at young and beginning farmers.&nbsp;But in practice, producers say, the federal loan process can be laborious, slow and hard to access.The struggle to obtain a loan can be 
especially acute for Black farmers, who can face racism and 
discrimination in applying for a loan, according to Dania Davy of the 
Alcorn State University Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers 
Policy Research Center in East Point, Georgia.Black farmers have reached out to her
 group for help when the Farm Services Agency recommended they use their
 credit card instead of a federal loan, or when loan delays put a 
generational family farm at risk.“As we review the farm bill and 
prepare for the scheduled reauthorization, we must make use of the 
opportunity to prevent the looming threat of loss of Black farms, land 
and livelihoods that has been institutionalized by racially disparate 
credit access,” Davy told the committee.&nbsp;Davy recommends a more robust civil rights process at the local level with farm loan field agencies.<h2>Long wait for loan approval</h2>Julia Asherman, who owns a small 
organic farm in Jeffersonville, Georgia, was able to finance her 
operation with three different Farm Service Agency loans.&nbsp;But she said even her success story 
highlights some roadblocks in the process. It took two months for her to
 get approval for her loan, and there was no option for pre-approval 
before she identified land to purchase. In a competitive market, a 
landowner would likely move on to the next bidder rather than wait that 
long for a loan.“Farmers easily lose out on potential
 properties by not being able to act fast, and I’ve known several 
farmers personally who have not been able to use FSA loans to purchase 
for this reason,” Asherman said.Asherman has a three-acre certified 
organic vegetable and specialty cut flower farm with five employees, 
three full-time and two part-time — a business she runs with no off-farm
 income.&nbsp;But the FSA loan process is geared toward much larger operations, and it was a struggle to prove the validity of her farm.“Their expectation of what a farm 
would look like, what it would gross per acre, and what it could produce
 per acre was in a totally different realm from what my understanding 
was, because they were really talking about a different kind of 
farming,” Asherman said.The hearing was one in a series as the House Agriculture Committee ramps up its oversight work for the 2023 farm bill.&nbsp;Hearings are set in Washington this 
month to examine farm credit, crop insurance and forestry programs. 
Lawmakers plan to take their show on the road in August with field 
hearings slated in committee members’ districts across the country.

As aging farmers retire, lawmakers explore how to boost new producers

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating child sex crimes from 2016 have taken a wanted suspect into custody.

Just before 4p.m. Wednesday, authorities booked 30-year-old Donquez Ladale Jones into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to online jail records.

Law enforcement had<a href="https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriff/most-wanted/donquez-ladale-jones/"> issued an alert</a> for Jones. He was last known to live in Wichita, according to a 2016 most wanted alert. Jones is being held on a <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=385896">$100,000 bond</a>&nbsp;on requested charged of criminal sodomy with a child.

Authorities have not released details on the arrest.&nbsp;  He is scheduled for a control hearing on July 25, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657801038155.png" alt="Jones-photo Sedgwick County." />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Sedgwick County.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating child sex crimes from 2016 have taken a wanted suspect into custody.Just before 4p.m. Wednesday, authorities booked 30-year-old Donquez Ladale Jones into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to online jail records.Law enforcement had<a href="https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriff/most-wanted/donquez-ladale-jones/"> issued an alert</a> for Jones. He was last known to live in Wichita, according to a 2016 most wanted alert. Jones is being held on a <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=385896">$100,000 bond</a>&nbsp;on requested charged of criminal sodomy with a child.Authorities have not released details on the arrest.&nbsp; He is scheduled for a control hearing on July 25, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Police capture Kan. man wanted for child sex crimes in 2016 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in a plane crash just before noon Saturday in Shawnee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 PV-7 piloted by 72-year-old Steven D. Stuckey of Topeka took off southbound.

The pilot attempted to incline and turn west when the plane stalled, flipped and went nose first into the ground at 5501 NE Shaffer Road in Topeka.

Stuckey was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Frontier Forensics. He was the only person on the aircraft. The FAA is investigating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658009974045.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in a plane crash just before noon Saturday in Shawnee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 PV-7 piloted by 72-year-old Steven D. Stuckey of Topeka took off southbound.The pilot attempted to incline and turn west when the plane stalled, flipped and went nose first into the ground at 5501 NE Shaffer Road in Topeka.Stuckey was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Frontier Forensics. He was the only person on the aircraft. The FAA is investigating.

Kansas pilot dies in plane crash

WASHINGTON —A former <a href="https://www.karmainternational.com/lance-ashley">Kansas businessman</a> was sentenced Thursday to one year and one day in prison for willfully failing to pay over employment taxes to the IRS, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Lance Ashley was the sole owner and operator of Ashley Home Care Services (AHCS), an Overland Park home health care business that provided daily living services to individuals. Ashley was responsible for all financial matters relating to AHCS, including handling payroll and paying expenses. From 2013 through 2016, Ashley did not pay over to the IRS all the federal tax withholdings collected from the wages of AHCS’s employees. Instead, he used some of the funds to pay corporate and personal expenses. After the IRS initiated enforcement efforts in 2016 to collect AHCS’s unpaid employment taxes, Ashley provided fraudulent bank records to the IRS, did not fully disclose all of the company’s bank accounts, filed false IRS forms and attempted to use a recently formed corporation to conceal AHCS’s operations. In total, Ashley’s conduct caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $321,000.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Julie A. Robinson ordered Ashley to serve two years of supervised release and to pay approximately $321,000 in restitution to the United States.

IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657896341932.png" alt="Lance Ashley courtesy Karma International&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lance Ashley courtesy Karma International&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —A former <a href="https://www.karmainternational.com/lance-ashley">Kansas businessman</a> was sentenced Thursday to one year and one day in prison for willfully failing to pay over employment taxes to the IRS, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents and statements made in court, Lance Ashley was the sole owner and operator of Ashley Home Care Services (AHCS), an Overland Park home health care business that provided daily living services to individuals. Ashley was responsible for all financial matters relating to AHCS, including handling payroll and paying expenses. From 2013 through 2016, Ashley did not pay over to the IRS all the federal tax withholdings collected from the wages of AHCS’s employees. Instead, he used some of the funds to pay corporate and personal expenses. After the IRS initiated enforcement efforts in 2016 to collect AHCS’s unpaid employment taxes, Ashley provided fraudulent bank records to the IRS, did not fully disclose all of the company’s bank accounts, filed false IRS forms and attempted to use a recently formed corporation to conceal AHCS’s operations. In total, Ashley’s conduct caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $321,000.In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Julie A. Robinson ordered Ashley to serve two years of supervised release and to pay approximately $321,000 in restitution to the United States.IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

Prison: Former Kan. businessman failed to pay employment tax

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Missouri resident who was infected with a rare brain-eating amoeba that likely happened after swimming in a southeastern Iowa lake has died, health officials said Friday.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said the patient died due to primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and usually fatal infection caused by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/">naegleria fowleri ameba.</a>

Health officials said they believe the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakes-iowa-missouri-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-climate-environment-e3e629a4725a16ae641ea09f250ee247">parasite was contracted</a>&nbsp;at Lake of Three Fires near Bedford, Iowa, about 120 miles north of Kansas City. The name and age of the patient will not be released, officials said.

Iowa officials closed the Lake of Three Fires State Park near Taylor County as a precaution on July 7. The beach remains closed.

People are infected when water containing the ameba enters the body through the nose, usually while victims are swimming or diving in lakes and rivers, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials say. The fatality rate is more than 97%, according to CDC statistics.

The infections have primarily occurred in southern-tier states. It is the first case discovered in Iowa since infections were first confirmed in 1962 and possibly ever, the CDC said.

Among bordering states, Minnesota has had two cases and Missouri one, with none reported in Illinois, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Kansas has confirmed one case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657393056107.png" alt="Naegleria fowleri ameba or brain-eating amoeba- image CDC" />
 <figcaption>Naegleria fowleri ameba or brain-eating amoeba- image CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Missouri resident who was infected with a rare brain-eating amoeba that likely happened after swimming in a southeastern Iowa lake has died, health officials said Friday.The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said the patient died due to primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and usually fatal infection caused by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/">naegleria fowleri ameba.</a>Health officials said they believe the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakes-iowa-missouri-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-climate-environment-e3e629a4725a16ae641ea09f250ee247">parasite was contracted</a>&nbsp;at Lake of Three Fires near Bedford, Iowa, about 120 miles north of Kansas City. The name and age of the patient will not be released, officials said.Iowa officials closed the Lake of Three Fires State Park near Taylor County as a precaution on July 7. The beach remains closed.People are infected when water containing the ameba enters the body through the nose, usually while victims are swimming or diving in lakes and rivers, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials say. The fatality rate is more than 97%, according to CDC statistics.The infections have primarily occurred in southern-tier states. It is the first case discovered in Iowa since infections were first confirmed in 1962 and possibly ever, the CDC said.Among bordering states, Minnesota has had two cases and Missouri one, with none reported in Illinois, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Kansas has confirmed one case.

Swimmer infected with brain-eating amoeba dies

LANSING, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas prison in Lansing was placed on lockdown on Friday night after a fight among inmates sent one prisoner to the hospital and left at least three corrections employees injured.

The incident happened about 7 p.m. in a section of the facility that houses violent offenders, said Sarah LaFrenz, a spokeswoman for state Department of Corrections officials. She added that the event led to the “loss of control” over one part of the prison.

Corrections spokesman Randall Bowman confirmed in a text message that the hospitalized inmate was stabbed. He said the rest of the facility had been placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure.

A tactical unit was deployed during the altercation and additional staffing brought in from other facilities. All men had returned to their cells “with minimal resistance" by about 10:30 p.m., corrections officials said.

Lansing, the state's largest and oldest prison for adult men, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-el-dorado-kansas-prisons-9d2b4ed4e3e0edd14b4a406c5a46b002">other facilities</a>&nbsp;have been beset by staffing shortages in the last couple of years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586477437695.png" alt="Lansing is the state's largest and oldest prison for adult men. Photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Lansing is the state's largest and oldest prison for adult men. Photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>LANSING, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas prison in Lansing was placed on lockdown on Friday night after a fight among inmates sent one prisoner to the hospital and left at least three corrections employees injured.The incident happened about 7 p.m. in a section of the facility that houses violent offenders, said Sarah LaFrenz, a spokeswoman for state Department of Corrections officials. She added that the event led to the “loss of control” over one part of the prison.Corrections spokesman Randall Bowman confirmed in a text message that the hospitalized inmate was stabbed. He said the rest of the facility had been placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure.A tactical unit was deployed during the altercation and additional staffing brought in from other facilities. All men had returned to their cells “with minimal resistance" by about 10:30 p.m., corrections officials said.Lansing, the state's largest and oldest prison for adult men, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-el-dorado-kansas-prisons-9d2b4ed4e3e0edd14b4a406c5a46b002">other facilities</a>&nbsp;have been beset by staffing shortages in the last couple of years.

Kan. prison placed on lockdown after fight; 3 employees injured 

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/13/kansas-city-resident-hopes-closing-bank-of-kdot-will-improve-safety-of-interstate-70-tight-curve/">Kansas Reflector</a>

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — As Interstate
 70 exits Kansas and enters Missouri, a tight right-angle curve is a 
sight of many accidents over the years, Leo Eilts has witnessed.

Eilts, a resident of the Strawberry Hill neighborhood of Kansas City,
 Kansas, bought a building 16 years ago with a fantastic view 
overlooking the point where the Kansas and Missouri river meet. He 
quickly found his building offered a less pleasant view of accidents 
along that harrowing curve and fixed his security cameras on the point.

“I have a front row seat to a massive demolition derby just down from my building,” Eilts said.

Most of the time, the accidents would be minor, with a few fender 
benders or cars running into guardrails. But one incident stuck with 
Eilts: A cyclist coming onto the curb misjudged the turn, falling over 
the rail to their death.

While Eilts found a Kansas Department of Transportation plans to 
address dangerous aspects of the turn, he could not get an answer on why
 it was not being addressed.

“I made a lot of phone calls to Topeka. I wrote letters and put 
stamps on them. I sent emails and got no reply to everybody,” Eilts 
said. “Finally, one day I had a lady on the phone, and she said don’t 
you know there’s no money in KDOT?”

Dating as far back as 2001, Kansas raided billions from the 
transportation coffers to help other parts of the state budget. Under 
former Gov. Sam Brownback, withdrawals from KDOT ballooned, with more 
than $2 billion taken for other purposes.

Payments have slowed in state budgets under Gov. Laura Kelly. In the 
most recent budget, the state would close the so-called “bank of KDOT” 
during the next fiscal year by not diverting any funds to general 
government uses.

Political leaders, local union leaders and residents like Eilts spoke
 Tuesday of their hopes this will allow the state to finally address 
issues like the dangerous curve in Kansas City.

“We’ve got those monies now, so we’re able to invest in the 
infrastructure and things we need to make the state better,” said Sen. 
Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City. “We finally have the monies now to restart 
those projects that got suspended.”

Mike Kane, speaking for Laborers Local Union 1290, said the restart 
of these many projects would mean a lot for Kansas laborers as well, 
using U.S. Highway 169 as an example.

“I think it’s approximately 290,000 labor hours,” Kane said.

“If you don’t fix your bridge when it deteriorates, materials cost 
twice as much,” he added, and people won’t be able to get to work.

Efforts to close the transportation bank are not new. Sen. Richard 
Hildebrand, a Baxter Springs Republican, introduced a constitutional 
amendment to prevent the Legislature from swiping highway funds for 
other uses.

The failed proposal would have required money raised for 
transportation projects using the state sales tax to be used on those 
projects.

“It always bothered me to read in the paper and see where the state 
was sweeping funds out of the Bank of KDOT,” Hildebrand said in 2020, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2020/03/10/proposal-in-kansas-senate-would-end-raid-on-highway-funds/1548180007/">as reported by the Topeka Capital-Journal</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657731131960.png" alt="Leo Eilts has witnessed many accidents, ranging from minor to fatal, at the tight right-angle curve as Interstate 70 exits Kansas and enters Missouri. With the state budget set to close the so-called Bank of KDOT, Eilts is hopeful projects like fixing the dangerous curve can be addressed. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Leo Eilts has witnessed many accidents, ranging from minor to fatal, at the tight right-angle curve as Interstate 70 exits Kansas and enters Missouri. With the state budget set to close the so-called Bank of KDOT, Eilts is hopeful projects like fixing the dangerous curve can be addressed. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/13/kansas-city-resident-hopes-closing-bank-of-kdot-will-improve-safety-of-interstate-70-tight-curve/">Kansas Reflector</a>KANSAS CITY, Kan. — As Interstate
 70 exits Kansas and enters Missouri, a tight right-angle curve is a 
sight of many accidents over the years, Leo Eilts has witnessed.Eilts, a resident of the Strawberry Hill neighborhood of Kansas City,
 Kansas, bought a building 16 years ago with a fantastic view 
overlooking the point where the Kansas and Missouri river meet. He 
quickly found his building offered a less pleasant view of accidents 
along that harrowing curve and fixed his security cameras on the point.“I have a front row seat to a massive demolition derby just down from my building,” Eilts said.Most of the time, the accidents would be minor, with a few fender 
benders or cars running into guardrails. But one incident stuck with 
Eilts: A cyclist coming onto the curb misjudged the turn, falling over 
the rail to their death.While Eilts found a Kansas Department of Transportation plans to 
address dangerous aspects of the turn, he could not get an answer on why
 it was not being addressed.“I made a lot of phone calls to Topeka. I wrote letters and put 
stamps on them. I sent emails and got no reply to everybody,” Eilts 
said. “Finally, one day I had a lady on the phone, and she said don’t 
you know there’s no money in KDOT?”Dating as far back as 2001, Kansas raided billions from the 
transportation coffers to help other parts of the state budget. Under 
former Gov. Sam Brownback, withdrawals from KDOT ballooned, with more 
than $2 billion taken for other purposes.Payments have slowed in state budgets under Gov. Laura Kelly. In the 
most recent budget, the state would close the so-called “bank of KDOT” 
during the next fiscal year by not diverting any funds to general 
government uses.Political leaders, local union leaders and residents like Eilts spoke
 Tuesday of their hopes this will allow the state to finally address 
issues like the dangerous curve in Kansas City.“We’ve got those monies now, so we’re able to invest in the 
infrastructure and things we need to make the state better,” said Sen. 
Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City. “We finally have the monies now to restart 
those projects that got suspended.”Mike Kane, speaking for Laborers Local Union 1290, said the restart 
of these many projects would mean a lot for Kansas laborers as well, 
using U.S. Highway 169 as an example.“I think it’s approximately 290,000 labor hours,” Kane said.“If you don’t fix your bridge when it deteriorates, materials cost 
twice as much,” he added, and people won’t be able to get to work.Efforts to close the transportation bank are not new. Sen. Richard 
Hildebrand, a Baxter Springs Republican, introduced a constitutional 
amendment to prevent the Legislature from swiping highway funds for 
other uses.The failed proposal would have required money raised for 
transportation projects using the state sales tax to be used on those 
projects.“It always bothered me to read in the paper and see where the state 
was sweeping funds out of the Bank of KDOT,” Hildebrand said in 2020, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2020/03/10/proposal-in-kansas-senate-would-end-raid-on-highway-funds/1548180007/">as reported by the Topeka Capital-Journal</a>.

Will ‘Bank of KDOT’ closure improve safety of I-70 tight curve?

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has voted to restore&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;rights nationwide in Democrats' first legislative response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court’s landmark decision overturning Roe v. Wade</a>.

The bill has little chance of becoming law, with the necessary support lacking in the 50-50 Senate. Yet voting marks the beginning of a new era in the debate as lawmakers, governors and legislatures grapple with the impact of the court's decision.

The legislation passed 219-210. The House also passed a second bill to prohibit punishment for a woman or child who decides to travel to another state to get an abortion, 223-205.

“Just three weeks ago the Supreme Court took a wrecking ball to the fundamental rights by overturning Roe v. Wade,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ahead of the votes, gathering with other Democratic women on the steps of the Capitol. “It is outrageous that 50 years later, women must again fight for our most basic rights against an extremist court.”

Republicans spoke forcefully against the two bills, praising the Supreme Court’s decision and warning that the legislation would go further than Roe ever did when it comes to legalizing abortion.

Urging her colleagues to vote no, Washington GOP Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers called abortion “the greatest human rights issue of our generation.”

She said the Democratic legislation “has nothing to do with protecting the health of women. It has everything to do with forcing an extreme agenda on the American people.”

By overturning Roe, the court has allowed states to enact strict abortion limits, including many that had previously been deemed unconstitutional. The ruling is expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states.

Already, a number of GOP-controlled states have moved quickly to curtail or outlaw abortion, while states controlled by Democrats have sought to champion access. Voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-nancy-pelosi-womens-rights-government-and-politics-c410dbe9a8321b35a4e779b2fb226de5">now rank abortion</a>&nbsp;as among the most pressing issues facing the country, a shift in priorities that Democrats hope will reshape the political landscape in their favor for the midterm elections.

This is the second time the House has passed the bill, which would expand on the protections Roe had previously provided by banning what supporters say are medically unnecessary restrictions that block access to safe and accessible abortions. It would prevent abortion bans earlier than 24 weeks, which is when fetal viability, the ability of a human fetus to survive outside the uterus, is generally thought to begin. It allows exceptions for abortions after fetal viability when a provider determines the life or health of the mother is at risk.

The Democrats’ proposal would also prevent states from requiring providers to share “medically inaccurate” information, or from requiring additional tests or waiting periods, often aimed at dissuading a patient from having an abortion.

The bill that would prohibit punishment for traveling out of state would specify that doctors can’t be punished for providing reproductive care outside their home state. Democratic Rep. Lizzie Fletcher of Texas, one of the bill’s authors, said the threats to travel “fail to reflect the fundamental rights that are granted in our Constitution.”

Democrats have highlighted the case of a 10-year-old girl who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-indiana-indianapolis-8708e35d637dd9aa83681113250e0875">had to cross state lines</a>&nbsp;into Indiana to get an abortion after being raped, calling it an example of how the court's decision is already having severe consequences.

“We don’t have to imagine why this might matter. We don’t need to conjure up hypotheticals. We already know what’s happened,” Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar said Thursday on the Senate floor.

“Should the next little 10-year-old's right or 12-year-old's right or 14-year-old's right to get the care that she desperately needs be put in jeopardy?"

The Constitution doesn’t explicitly say travel between states is a right, though the Supreme Court has said it is a right that “has been firmly established and repeatedly recognized.” Yet the court has never said exactly where the right to travel comes from and that could leave it open to challenge or elimination, as the right to an abortion was.

Lawmakers in Missouri earlier this year, for example,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-business-health-lawsuits-missouri-b795a9cf11a28488b875f774c3b414c2">considered</a>&nbsp;making it illegal to “aid or abet” abortions that violate Missouri law, even if they occur out of state. The proposal was ultimately shelved.

Democrats have teed up more bills for passage in the coming weeks. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Friday that the House will vote next week on legislation guaranteeing a right to contraception.

GOP Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, who supports instituting a nationwide ban on abortion, accused his colleagues across the aisle Thursday of seeking to “inflame" the issue of abortion. He said proponents of the travel bill should ask themselves, “Does the child in the womb have the right to travel in their future?”

Only two Senate Republicans, Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, have been supportive of abortion rights, but they do not support the Democrats' proposal, calling it too far-reaching. They have introduced alternative legislation that would bar states from placing an "undue burden” on a woman's ability to obtain an abortion before fetal viability, among other provisions.

When pressed Thursday on whether Democrats should work with the two senators, Pelosi pushed back, “We’re not going to negotiate a woman’s right to choose."

Since the court's ruling last month, some activists have accused President Joe Biden and other top Democrats of failing to respond forcefully enough to the decision. Biden, who denounced the court's ruling as “extreme,” last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-government-and-politics-0e6496122de46f1039cbb2b5145d6d60">issued an executive order</a>&nbsp;intended to head off some potential penalties that women seeking abortion may face. His administration has also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-government-and-politics-4221f9306a596904b9af2e0d1fad23b9">warned medical providers</a>&nbsp;that they must offer abortion if the life of the mother is at risk.

Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee has already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-mitch-mcconnell-government-and-politics-3cf10d1e1b3dc46ea202a466a86ae9ea">launched a digital ad campaign</a>&nbsp;to energize voters on the issue, warning that Republicans’ ultimate goal is to outlaw abortion nationwide.

“We have to elect a couple more Democratic senators so that we can get around the filibuster so that we can pass legislation that truly impacts a woman’s right to choose,” she said. “There’s no halfway measure.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657917592672.jpeg" alt="When pressed Thursday on whether Democrats should work with the two senators, Pelosi pushed back, “We’re not going to negotiate a woman’s right to choose."-photo courtesy House Speaker's office" />
 <figcaption>When pressed Thursday on whether Democrats should work with the two senators, Pelosi pushed back, “We’re not going to negotiate a woman’s right to choose."-photo courtesy House Speaker's office</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has voted to restore&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;rights nationwide in Democrats' first legislative response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court’s landmark decision overturning Roe v. Wade</a>.The bill has little chance of becoming law, with the necessary support lacking in the 50-50 Senate. Yet voting marks the beginning of a new era in the debate as lawmakers, governors and legislatures grapple with the impact of the court's decision.The legislation passed 219-210. The House also passed a second bill to prohibit punishment for a woman or child who decides to travel to another state to get an abortion, 223-205.“Just three weeks ago the Supreme Court took a wrecking ball to the fundamental rights by overturning Roe v. Wade,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ahead of the votes, gathering with other Democratic women on the steps of the Capitol. “It is outrageous that 50 years later, women must again fight for our most basic rights against an extremist court.”Republicans spoke forcefully against the two bills, praising the Supreme Court’s decision and warning that the legislation would go further than Roe ever did when it comes to legalizing abortion.Urging her colleagues to vote no, Washington GOP Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers called abortion “the greatest human rights issue of our generation.”She said the Democratic legislation “has nothing to do with protecting the health of women. It has everything to do with forcing an extreme agenda on the American people.”By overturning Roe, the court has allowed states to enact strict abortion limits, including many that had previously been deemed unconstitutional. The ruling is expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states.Already, a number of GOP-controlled states have moved quickly to curtail or outlaw abortion, while states controlled by Democrats have sought to champion access. Voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-nancy-pelosi-womens-rights-government-and-politics-c410dbe9a8321b35a4e779b2fb226de5">now rank abortion</a>&nbsp;as among the most pressing issues facing the country, a shift in priorities that Democrats hope will reshape the political landscape in their favor for the midterm elections.This is the second time the House has passed the bill, which would expand on the protections Roe had previously provided by banning what supporters say are medically unnecessary restrictions that block access to safe and accessible abortions. It would prevent abortion bans earlier than 24 weeks, which is when fetal viability, the ability of a human fetus to survive outside the uterus, is generally thought to begin. It allows exceptions for abortions after fetal viability when a provider determines the life or health of the mother is at risk.The Democrats’ proposal would also prevent states from requiring providers to share “medically inaccurate” information, or from requiring additional tests or waiting periods, often aimed at dissuading a patient from having an abortion.The bill that would prohibit punishment for traveling out of state would specify that doctors can’t be punished for providing reproductive care outside their home state. Democratic Rep. Lizzie Fletcher of Texas, one of the bill’s authors, said the threats to travel “fail to reflect the fundamental rights that are granted in our Constitution.”Democrats have highlighted the case of a 10-year-old girl who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-indiana-indianapolis-8708e35d637dd9aa83681113250e0875">had to cross state lines</a>&nbsp;into Indiana to get an abortion after being raped, calling it an example of how the court's decision is already having severe consequences.“We don’t have to imagine why this might matter. We don’t need to conjure up hypotheticals. We already know what’s happened,” Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar said Thursday on the Senate floor.“Should the next little 10-year-old's right or 12-year-old's right or 14-year-old's right to get the care that she desperately needs be put in jeopardy?"The Constitution doesn’t explicitly say travel between states is a right, though the Supreme Court has said it is a right that “has been firmly established and repeatedly recognized.” Yet the court has never said exactly where the right to travel comes from and that could leave it open to challenge or elimination, as the right to an abortion was.Lawmakers in Missouri earlier this year, for example,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-business-health-lawsuits-missouri-b795a9cf11a28488b875f774c3b414c2">considered</a>&nbsp;making it illegal to “aid or abet” abortions that violate Missouri law, even if they occur out of state. The proposal was ultimately shelved.Democrats have teed up more bills for passage in the coming weeks. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Friday that the House will vote next week on legislation guaranteeing a right to contraception.GOP Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, who supports instituting a nationwide ban on abortion, accused his colleagues across the aisle Thursday of seeking to “inflame" the issue of abortion. He said proponents of the travel bill should ask themselves, “Does the child in the womb have the right to travel in their future?”Only two Senate Republicans, Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, have been supportive of abortion rights, but they do not support the Democrats' proposal, calling it too far-reaching. They have introduced alternative legislation that would bar states from placing an "undue burden” on a woman's ability to obtain an abortion before fetal viability, among other provisions.When pressed Thursday on whether Democrats should work with the two senators, Pelosi pushed back, “We’re not going to negotiate a woman’s right to choose."Since the court's ruling last month, some activists have accused President Joe Biden and other top Democrats of failing to respond forcefully enough to the decision. Biden, who denounced the court's ruling as “extreme,” last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-government-and-politics-0e6496122de46f1039cbb2b5145d6d60">issued an executive order</a>&nbsp;intended to head off some potential penalties that women seeking abortion may face. His administration has also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-government-and-politics-4221f9306a596904b9af2e0d1fad23b9">warned medical providers</a>&nbsp;that they must offer abortion if the life of the mother is at risk.Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee has already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-mitch-mcconnell-government-and-politics-3cf10d1e1b3dc46ea202a466a86ae9ea">launched a digital ad campaign</a>&nbsp;to energize voters on the issue, warning that Republicans’ ultimate goal is to outlaw abortion nationwide.“We have to elect a couple more Democratic senators so that we can get around the filibuster so that we can pass legislation that truly impacts a woman’s right to choose,” she said. “There’s no halfway measure.”

2nd House vote to restore abortion rights won't survive Senate

Quick help for suicidal thoughts and other mental health emergencies is as easy <a href="https://988lifeline.org/">as 9-8-8.</a>

The United States’ first nationwide three-digit mental health crisis hotline goes live on Saturday.

The new “9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline” will connect callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and offer a broader range of services for people experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use crisis. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657909299467.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Quick help for suicidal thoughts and other mental health emergencies is as easy <a href="https://988lifeline.org/">as 9-8-8.</a>The United States’ first nationwide three-digit mental health crisis hotline goes live on Saturday.The new “9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline” will connect callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and offer a broader range of services for people experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use crisis. Callers will be connected to resources in their local community and to in-person crisis services where available. Kansans who dial 9-8-8 will be routed to a local crisis specialist trained to address unique concerns and needs, which may include assessment, stabilization, referral, and follow-up.The federal government has provided over $280 million to help states create systems that will do much more, including mobile mental health crisis teams that can be sent to people’s homes and emergency mental health centers, similar to urgent care clinics that treat physical aches and pains.“This is one of the most exciting things that has happened” in mental health care, said Dr. Brian Hepburn, a psychiatrist who heads the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors.Hepburn cautions that when 988 kicks off, it will not be like “the flick of a switch. It’s going to take a number of years in order for us to be able to reach everybody across the country."Some states already have comprehensive mental health crisis systems, but others have a long way to go. And widespread shortages of mental health specialists are expected to slow their ability to expand services.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rand.org/pubs/working_papers/WRA1955-1-v2.html">RAND Corp. survey</a>&nbsp;published last month found that fewer than half of state or regional public health officials were confident about being ready for 988, which is expected to generate an influx of calls.Nearly 60% said call-center staffers had specialized suicide prevention training; half said they had mobile crisis response teams available 24/7 with licensed counselors; and fewer than one-third had urgent mental-health care units.The 988 system will build on the&nbsp;<a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">National Suicide Prevention Lifeline</a>, an existing network of over 200 crisis centers nationwide staffed by counselors who answer millions of calls each year — about 2.4 million in 2020. Calls to the old lifeline, 1-800-273-8255, will still go through even with 988 in place.“If we can get 988 to work like 911 … lives will be saved,’’ said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.Dispatching paramedics for heart attacks and police for crimes makes sense — but not for psychiatric emergencies, mental health advocates say. Calls to 911 for those crises often lead to violent law enforcement encounters and trips to jail or crowded emergency rooms where suicidal people can wait days for treatment.The 988 system “is a real opportunity to do things right," said Hannah Wesolowski of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nami.org/Home">National Alliance on Mental Illness</a>.Sustained funding will be needed. According to the National Academy of State Health Policy, four states have enacted laws to impose telecommunications fees to support 988 and many others are working on the issue.A desperate call to a Utah state senator in 2013 helped spark the idea of a three-digit mental health crisis line.Sen. Daniel Thatcher says a good friend sought his help after taking his suicidal son to an emergency room, only to be told by a doctor to come back if the boy hurt himself.Thatcher has battled depression and at 17, he also considered suicide. He knew that despondent people in crisis may lack the wherewithal to seek out help or to remember the 10-digit national suicide lifeline number.Thatcher found that many of Utah’s in-state crisis lines went straight to police dispatchers or voicemail. He wondered why there was no 911 service for mental health, and the idea got national attention after he mentioned it to longtime Sen. Orrin Hatch.In 2020, Congress passed the bill designating the 3-digit crisis number and then-President Donald Trump signed it into law.Thatcher’s mother was a nurse and knew where to get him help. He says 988 has the potential to make it that easy for others.“If you get help, you live. It really is that simple,’’ Thatcher said.