NEOSHO COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities made several arrests Wednesday following an eight-month long joint investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

With assistance from the United States Attorney’s Office, arrest warrants were issued for individuals related to the distribution of methamphetamine. Then&nbsp; arrest warrants were executed as a part of “Operation Spring Cleaning" in&nbsp;Chanute, Kan., and in the surrounding Neosho, Allen and Montgomery counties.

Those arrested were booked into the Neosho County and Allen County Jails for drug-related crimes including the suspected distribution of methamphetamine, and the possession of controlled substances.&nbsp;

During the execution of one of the arrest warrants at&nbsp;804 N. Garfield, in&nbsp;Chanute, Kan., suspicious explosive devices were located. The ATF and KHP Hazardous Device Unit responded to assist with the safe removal of these devices and aid in the investigation.

Name,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Age,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; City,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Charge&nbsp;(*Listed charge may be the most serious of several charges)

Shadow McKinney, 28, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school, and Distribution of methamphetamine&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kerry Wilson, 41, Chanute, (6 Counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

Anna Stockenbrand, 31, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

Dedra Bright, 36, Cherryville, Distribution of methamphetamine

Gina Perez, 37, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

Michael Naff, 35, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

Ellen Fisher, 34, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine

Quintin Obermiller, 30, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine

Markus K. Steeves, 47, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of school property, Criminal use of an explosive

Pending arrests connected to this operation:

Kevin Pratt, 45, Iola, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

Jessica Rogers, 39, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine

Timothy J. Mishler, 30, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine

The joint operation represented a coordinated law enforcement effort to reduce the accessibility of illegal drugs impacting Southeast Kansas. This investigation is ongoing.

The cases will be prosecuted by Neosho County Attorney Linus A. Thuston, Allen County Attorney Jerry Hathaway, and Assistant Allen County Attorney Jacqie Spradling.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619043819595.png" alt="Michael Naff photo Allen County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Michael Naff photo Allen County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>NEOSHO COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities made several arrests Wednesday following an eight-month long joint investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.With assistance from the United States Attorney’s Office, arrest warrants were issued for individuals related to the distribution of methamphetamine. Then&nbsp; arrest warrants were executed as a part of “Operation Spring Cleaning" in&nbsp;Chanute, Kan., and in the surrounding Neosho, Allen and Montgomery counties.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619044014479.png" alt="Gina Perez photo Allen County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Gina Perez photo Allen County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Those arrested were booked into the Neosho County and Allen County Jails for drug-related crimes including the suspected distribution of methamphetamine, and the possession of controlled substances.&nbsp;During the execution of one of the arrest warrants at&nbsp;804 N. Garfield, in&nbsp;Chanute, Kan., suspicious explosive devices were located. The ATF and KHP Hazardous Device Unit responded to assist with the safe removal of these devices and aid in the investigation.Arrested during this operation were:Name,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Age,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; City,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Charge&nbsp;(*Listed charge may be the most serious of several charges)Shadow McKinney, 28, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school, and Distribution of methamphetamine&nbsp;&nbsp;Kerry Wilson, 41, Chanute, (6 Counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a schoolAnna Stockenbrand, 31, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a schoolDedra Bright, 36, Cherryville, Distribution of methamphetamineGina Perez, 37, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a schoolMichael Naff, 35, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619043891748.png" alt="Fisher photo Allen County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Fisher photo Allen County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellen Fisher, 34, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamineQuintin Obermiller, 30, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamineMarkus K. Steeves, 47, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of school property, Criminal use of an explosivePending arrests connected to this operation:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619087859955.png" alt="Kevin Pratt photo from a previous arrest in Wilson Co." />
 <figcaption>Kevin Pratt photo from a previous arrest in Wilson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kevin Pratt, 45, Iola, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a schoolJessica Rogers, 39, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamineTimothy J. Mishler, 30, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamineThe joint operation represented a coordinated law enforcement effort to reduce the accessibility of illegal drugs impacting Southeast Kansas. This investigation is ongoing.The cases will be prosecuted by Neosho County Attorney Linus A. Thuston, Allen County Attorney Jerry Hathaway, and Assistant Allen County Attorney Jacqie Spradling.&nbsp;

KBI: Multiple suspects jailed in 'Operation Spring Cleaning'

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a standoff on I-70.

Just after 4 a.m. Thursday, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office with a vehicle pursuit, according to Undersheriff Brian Hornaday.

 Geary County Sheriff’s Deputies pursued a 2010 Nissan Titan occupied by a white male westbound on Interstate 70 into Dickinson County.&nbsp; 

Stop sticks were successfully deployed during the pursuit, causing the vehicle to come to a stop near Jeep Road.

 After refusing to exit the vehicle, a stand-off ensued, causing east and westbound traffic on Interstate 70 to be shut down between the Abilene exit and the Jeep Road exit. in Dickinson County.&nbsp; 

Just before 6a.m. the suspect surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody by the Geary County Sheriff’s Office without further incident.

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a standoff on I-70.Just after 4 a.m. Thursday, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office with a vehicle pursuit, according to Undersheriff Brian Hornaday. Geary County Sheriff’s Deputies pursued a 2010 Nissan Titan occupied by a white male westbound on Interstate 70 into Dickinson County.&nbsp; Stop sticks were successfully deployed during the pursuit, causing the vehicle to come to a stop near Jeep Road. After refusing to exit the vehicle, a stand-off ensued, causing east and westbound traffic on Interstate 70 to be shut down between the Abilene exit and the Jeep Road exit. in Dickinson County.&nbsp; Just before 6a.m. the suspect surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody by the Geary County Sheriff’s Office without further incident.

Kan. deputies arrest suspect after standoff on I-70 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced new employer tax credits and other steps to encourage people reluctant to be inoculated to get the COVID-19 vaccine as his administration tries to overcome diminishing demand for the shots. The moves came as Biden celebrated reaching his latest goal of administering 200 million coronavirus doses in his first 100 days in office.

With more than 50% of adults at least partially vaccinated and roughly 28 million vaccine doses being delivered each week, demand has eclipsed supply as the constraining factor to vaccinations in much of the country.

In a White House speech on Wednesday, Biden acknowledged entering a “new phase” in the federal vaccination effort that relies on increased outreach to Americans to get their shots, both to protect them and their communities.

“Vaccines can save your own life, but they can also save your grandmother’s life, your co-worker’s life, the grocery store clerk or the delivery person helping you and your neighbors get through the crisis,” Biden said. “That’s why you should get vaccinated.”

Over the past week, the pace of inoculation in the U.S. has slowed slightly. That is partly a reflection of disruptions from the “pause” in administration of the Johnson &amp; Johnson shot for a safety review, but also of softening interest for vaccines in many places even as eligibility has been opened to all those older than 16.

As the vaccination program progresses, the administration believes it will only get more difficult to sustain the current pace of about 3 million shots per day. Roughly 130 million Americans have yet to receive one dose.

Surveys have shown that vaccine hesitancy has declined since the rollout of the shots, but administration officials believe they have to make getting vaccinated easier and more appealing, particularly for younger Americans who are less at risk from the virus and do not feel the same urgency to get a shot. That means providing incentives and encouragement to get vaccinated, as well as reducing the friction surrounding the vaccination process.

Biden announced a tax credit for small businesses to provide paid leave for those getting vaccinated or potentially needing to take time off to recover from side effects. Paid for through the $1.9 trillion virus relief package passed last month, the tax change would provide a credit of up to $511 per day, per employee for businesses with fewer than 500 workers to ensure that those workers or businesses don’t suffer a penalty by getting vaccinated.

The White House is urging larger employers, which have more resources, to provide the same benefits to their workers, and educate them about the shots and encourage them to get vaccinated.

“We’re calling on every employer, large and small, in every state, give employees the time off they need with pay to get vaccinated,” Biden said.

According to the White House, just 43% of working adults have received at least one shot.

As Biden celebrated the vaccine milestone, there is a different reality in the states.

In Iowa, nearly half of the counties are not accepting new doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the state’s allotment because demand has fallen off. In Florida, Palm Beach County plans to close mass vaccination clinics at the end of May with thousands of available vaccine slots unclaimed. In rural West Virginia, a vaccine clinic at a casino/race track parking garage is opening shots to out-of-state residents to address lagging demand. The hope is that people from Washington, D.C., make the hour’s drive to get vaccinated. In Arizona, a plan collapsed that would have opened a federally run vaccine site in Tucson; demand is slipping and county officials preferred more targeted, mobile locations.

Asked about the dip in vaccinations, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said “fluctuation is not uncommon” and that “what we want to do is continue to encourage Americans to continue to get vaccinated.”

“The pace of vaccination isn’t linear,” Becerra said, adding that “we are on a pretty good pace.”

Through its partnership with more than 40,000 retail pharmacies, the White House says more than 90% of Americans now live within 5 miles of a vaccination site. The administration is encouraging state and local efforts to bring vaccines directly to people, whether through initiatives reaching the homebound or clinics at large employment sites.

Many states have also begun to open up vaccination sites to walk-in appointments, reducing reliance on often-cumbersome reservation systems.

Maximizing the number of Americans vaccinated in the coming months is critical for the White House, which is aiming to restore a semblance of normalcy around the July Fourth holiday and even more so by the beginning of the next school year.

Administration officials have been careful to avoid predicting when the country will have vaccinated enough people to reach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-do-we-reach-herd-immunity-explained-8da12b3d4f6e33c0c6562f29f81ca52a">herd immunity</a>&nbsp;— when enough people become immune to a disease to make its spread unlikely. The U.S. is on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult by the end of May and for every American by July, but administering the shots will be another matter.

With its stockpile secure and demand dropping at home, the president spoke again of sharing excess doses with allies.

Biden said he talked with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for about 30 minutes on Wednesday. “We helped a little bit there, we’re going to try to help some more,” Biden said, referring to his decision last month to share about 1.5 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine with Canada. “But there’s other countries as well that I’m confident we can help, including in Central America. But it’s in process.”

He added. “We don’t have enough to be confident to send it abroad now. But I expect we’re going to be able to do that.”

Biden set his goal of 200 million shots last month after meeting his 100 million-in-100 days goal just over a month ago. That original benchmark was announced Dec. 8, days before the U.S. had even one authorized vaccine, let alone the three that have now received emergency authorization. Still, it was generally seen within reach, if optimistic.

By the time Biden was inaugurated on Jan. 20, the U.S. had already administered 20 million shots at a rate of about 1 million per day, bringing complaints at the time that Biden’s goal was not ambitious enough. Biden quickly revised it upward to 150 million doses in his first 100 days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619027369469.png" alt="President Biden said Wednesday that roughly 130 million Americans have yet to receive one dose of vaccine -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden said Wednesday that roughly 130 million Americans have yet to receive one dose of vaccine -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced new employer tax credits and other steps to encourage people reluctant to be inoculated to get the COVID-19 vaccine as his administration tries to overcome diminishing demand for the shots. The moves came as Biden celebrated reaching his latest goal of administering 200 million coronavirus doses in his first 100 days in office.With more than 50% of adults at least partially vaccinated and roughly 28 million vaccine doses being delivered each week, demand has eclipsed supply as the constraining factor to vaccinations in much of the country.In a White House speech on Wednesday, Biden acknowledged entering a “new phase” in the federal vaccination effort that relies on increased outreach to Americans to get their shots, both to protect them and their communities.“Vaccines can save your own life, but they can also save your grandmother’s life, your co-worker’s life, the grocery store clerk or the delivery person helping you and your neighbors get through the crisis,” Biden said. “That’s why you should get vaccinated.”Over the past week, the pace of inoculation in the U.S. has slowed slightly. That is partly a reflection of disruptions from the “pause” in administration of the Johnson &amp; Johnson shot for a safety review, but also of softening interest for vaccines in many places even as eligibility has been opened to all those older than 16.As the vaccination program progresses, the administration believes it will only get more difficult to sustain the current pace of about 3 million shots per day. Roughly 130 million Americans have yet to receive one dose.Surveys have shown that vaccine hesitancy has declined since the rollout of the shots, but administration officials believe they have to make getting vaccinated easier and more appealing, particularly for younger Americans who are less at risk from the virus and do not feel the same urgency to get a shot. That means providing incentives and encouragement to get vaccinated, as well as reducing the friction surrounding the vaccination process.Biden announced a tax credit for small businesses to provide paid leave for those getting vaccinated or potentially needing to take time off to recover from side effects. Paid for through the $1.9 trillion virus relief package passed last month, the tax change would provide a credit of up to $511 per day, per employee for businesses with fewer than 500 workers to ensure that those workers or businesses don’t suffer a penalty by getting vaccinated.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618481198163.png" alt="Vaccinations at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City-photo courtesy Missouri Dept. of Health" />
 <figcaption>Vaccinations at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City-photo courtesy Missouri Dept. of Health</figcaption>
 </figure>The White House is urging larger employers, which have more resources, to provide the same benefits to their workers, and educate them about the shots and encourage them to get vaccinated.“We’re calling on every employer, large and small, in every state, give employees the time off they need with pay to get vaccinated,” Biden said.According to the White House, just 43% of working adults have received at least one shot.As Biden celebrated the vaccine milestone, there is a different reality in the states.In Iowa, nearly half of the counties are not accepting new doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the state’s allotment because demand has fallen off. In Florida, Palm Beach County plans to close mass vaccination clinics at the end of May with thousands of available vaccine slots unclaimed. In rural West Virginia, a vaccine clinic at a casino/race track parking garage is opening shots to out-of-state residents to address lagging demand. The hope is that people from Washington, D.C., make the hour’s drive to get vaccinated. In Arizona, a plan collapsed that would have opened a federally run vaccine site in Tucson; demand is slipping and county officials preferred more targeted, mobile locations.Asked about the dip in vaccinations, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said “fluctuation is not uncommon” and that “what we want to do is continue to encourage Americans to continue to get vaccinated.”“The pace of vaccination isn’t linear,” Becerra said, adding that “we are on a pretty good pace.”Through its partnership with more than 40,000 retail pharmacies, the White House says more than 90% of Americans now live within 5 miles of a vaccination site. The administration is encouraging state and local efforts to bring vaccines directly to people, whether through initiatives reaching the homebound or clinics at large employment sites.Many states have also begun to open up vaccination sites to walk-in appointments, reducing reliance on often-cumbersome reservation systems.Maximizing the number of Americans vaccinated in the coming months is critical for the White House, which is aiming to restore a semblance of normalcy around the July Fourth holiday and even more so by the beginning of the next school year.Administration officials have been careful to avoid predicting when the country will have vaccinated enough people to reach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-do-we-reach-herd-immunity-explained-8da12b3d4f6e33c0c6562f29f81ca52a">herd immunity</a>&nbsp;— when enough people become immune to a disease to make its spread unlikely. The U.S. is on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult by the end of May and for every American by July, but administering the shots will be another matter.With its stockpile secure and demand dropping at home, the president spoke again of sharing excess doses with allies.Biden said he talked with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for about 30 minutes on Wednesday. “We helped a little bit there, we’re going to try to help some more,” Biden said, referring to his decision last month to share about 1.5 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine with Canada. “But there’s other countries as well that I’m confident we can help, including in Central America. But it’s in process.”He added. “We don’t have enough to be confident to send it abroad now. But I expect we’re going to be able to do that.”Biden set his goal of 200 million shots last month after meeting his 100 million-in-100 days goal just over a month ago. That original benchmark was announced Dec. 8, days before the U.S. had even one authorized vaccine, let alone the three that have now received emergency authorization. Still, it was generally seen within reach, if optimistic.By the time Biden was inaugurated on Jan. 20, the U.S. had already administered 20 million shots at a rate of about 1 million per day, bringing complaints at the time that Biden’s goal was not ambitious enough. Biden quickly revised it upward to 150 million doses in his first 100 days.—-

Biden offers new tax incentive to help spur vaccinations

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft from area businesses and have two suspects in custody.

On April 5, 2021, deputies were dispatched to a business in the 8100 block of SW Topeka Boulevard for a possible theft, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a large hole cut into the fence and a damaged gate at the entrance of the property. 

During the investigation, it was discovered that multiple items were stolen, including industrial sized batteries, and multiple items were damaged with a total value over $28,000.

On Wednesday deputies gathered valuable information and responded to a residence in the 200 block of SE Pinecrest Drive and located the remaining stolen batteries as well as two suspects.

Jarrod M. Ryan (48) and Amy L. Kibbee (28), both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into the

Shawnee County Department of Corrections on charges of aggravated criminal damage to

property, theft, conspiracy and criminal trespass. Ryan was also charged with several drug related

This incident is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619088593865.png" alt="Ryan photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ryan photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft from area businesses and have two suspects in custody.On April 5, 2021, deputies were dispatched to a business in the 8100 block of SW Topeka Boulevard for a possible theft, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a large hole cut into the fence and a damaged gate at the entrance of the property. During the investigation, it was discovered that multiple items were stolen, including industrial sized batteries, and multiple items were damaged with a total value over $28,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619088574976.png" alt="Kibbee photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kibbee photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday deputies gathered valuable information and responded to a residence in the 200 block of SE Pinecrest Drive and located the remaining stolen batteries as well as two suspects.Jarrod M. Ryan (48) and Amy L. Kibbee (28), both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into theShawnee County Department of Corrections on charges of aggravated criminal damage toproperty, theft, conspiracy and criminal trespass. Ryan was also charged with several drug relatedcharges.This incident is still under investigation.

2 suspects jailed for theft at rural Kansas business

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers 
that the most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;tool at IRS.gov or through the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go Mobile App</a>.

Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours 
after an e-filed return is received. In addition, Where's My 
Refund&nbsp;provides a personalized date after the return is processed and a 
refund is approved.

Now more than ever, the safest and best way to file a complete and accurate tax return and get a refund is to file <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">electronically</a> and use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>. Taxpayers can visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing">IRS.gov/filing</a> for more details about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free tax preparation sites</a>. E-filing is also available through a trusted <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">tax professional</a>.

While most tax refunds are issued within 21 days, some may take longer because the return requires additional review.

There are several reasons a tax refund may take long:

The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process a return.

Taxpayers claiming the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a>
 on their tax return will not cause a delay in the processing of that 
tax return. However, it is important that taxpayers claim the correct 
amount. If a correction is needed, there may be a slight delay in 
processing the return and the IRS will send a notice explaining any 
change made. Refunds may be delayed while the IRS makes any necessary 
corrections.

Taxpayers can use Where's My Refund?&nbsp;to start checking on the status 
of their return within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an
 electronically filed return or four weeks after the taxpayer mails a 
paper return. The tool's tracker displays progress through three phases:

To use it a taxpayer must <a href="https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp">enter</a>
 their Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer 
Identification Number) , their filing status and the exact whole dollar 
amount of their refund. The IRS updates "Where's My Refund?&nbsp;once a day, 
usually overnight, so there's no need to check more frequently.

Calling IRS doesn't speed up refund timing

Calling the IRS won't expedite a tax refund. The information 
available on Where's My Refund?&nbsp;is the same information available to IRS
 telephone assistors.

Most taxpayers who want to prepare their own returns can file electronically for free with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>. Alternatively, taxpayers who qualify can get <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free tax help from trained volunteers</a> at community sites around the country.

Some people mistakenly believe they can expedite their refund by 
ordering a tax transcript, calling the IRS or calling their tax 
preparer. Ordering a tax transcript will not help a taxpayer get their 
refund faster or find out when they'll get their refund.

Taxpayers can use several options to help find a paid tax preparer. One resource is <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a>, which includes a list of consumer tips for selecting a tax professional.

The <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>
 is a free searchable and sortable database. It includes the name, city,
 state and zip code of credentialed return preparers who are CPAs, 
enrolled agents or attorneys, as well as those who have completed the 
requirements for the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/annual-filing-season-program">Annual Filing Season Program</a>. A search of the database can help taxpayers verify credentials and qualifications of tax professionals.

Taxpayers can find answers to questions, forms and instructions and 
easy-to-use tools online at IRS.gov anytime. No appointment required and
 no waiting on hold.

This news release is part of a group of IRS tips called the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-time-guide">Tax Time Guide</a>. The guide is designed to help taxpayers as they near the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline">May 17, 2021, tax filing deadline</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers 
that the most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;tool at IRS.gov or through the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go Mobile App</a>.Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours 
after an e-filed return is received. In addition, Where's My 
Refund&nbsp;provides a personalized date after the return is processed and a 
refund is approved.<h2>Go paperless</h2>Now more than ever, the safest and best way to file a complete and accurate tax return and get a refund is to file <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">electronically</a> and use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>. Taxpayers can visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing">IRS.gov/filing</a> for more details about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free tax preparation sites</a>. E-filing is also available through a trusted <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">tax professional</a>.<h2>Refund timing</h2>While most tax refunds are issued within 21 days, some may take longer because the return requires additional review.<h2>There are several reasons a tax refund may take long:</h2><ul>
 <li>The return may include errors or be incomplete.</li><li>The return could be affected by identity theft or fraud.</li><li>The return includes a claim for the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.</li><li>The time between the IRS issuing the refund and the bank posting it
 to an account since many banks do not process payments on weekends or 
holidays.</li>
 </ul>The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process a return.Taxpayers claiming the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a>
 on their tax return will not cause a delay in the processing of that 
tax return. However, it is important that taxpayers claim the correct 
amount. If a correction is needed, there may be a slight delay in 
processing the return and the IRS will send a notice explaining any 
change made. Refunds may be delayed while the IRS makes any necessary 
corrections.<h2>Fast and easy refund updates</h2>Taxpayers can use Where's My Refund?&nbsp;to start checking on the status 
of their return within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an
 electronically filed return or four weeks after the taxpayer mails a 
paper return. The tool's tracker displays progress through three phases:<ol>
 <li>Return Received;</li><li>Refund Approved; and</li><li>Refund Sent.</li>
 </ol>To use it a taxpayer must <a href="https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp">enter</a>
 their Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer 
Identification Number) , their filing status and the exact whole dollar 
amount of their refund. The IRS updates "Where's My Refund?&nbsp;once a day, 
usually overnight, so there's no need to check more frequently.<h2>Calling IRS doesn't speed up refund timing</h2>Calling the IRS won't expedite a tax refund. The information 
available on Where's My Refund?&nbsp;is the same information available to IRS
 telephone assistors.Most taxpayers who want to prepare their own returns can file electronically for free with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>. Alternatively, taxpayers who qualify can get <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free tax help from trained volunteers</a> at community sites around the country.<h2>Ignore refund myths</h2>Some people mistakenly believe they can expedite their refund by 
ordering a tax transcript, calling the IRS or calling their tax 
preparer. Ordering a tax transcript will not help a taxpayer get their 
refund faster or find out when they'll get their refund.<h2>Filing options</h2>Taxpayers can use several options to help find a paid tax preparer. One resource is <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a>, which includes a list of consumer tips for selecting a tax professional.The <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>
 is a free searchable and sortable database. It includes the name, city,
 state and zip code of credentialed return preparers who are CPAs, 
enrolled agents or attorneys, as well as those who have completed the 
requirements for the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/annual-filing-season-program">Annual Filing Season Program</a>. A search of the database can help taxpayers verify credentials and qualifications of tax professionals.Taxpayers can find answers to questions, forms and instructions and 
easy-to-use tools online at IRS.gov anytime. No appointment required and
 no waiting on hold.This news release is part of a group of IRS tips called the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-time-guide">Tax Time Guide</a>. The guide is designed to help taxpayers as they near the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline">May 17, 2021, tax filing deadline</a>.

IRS: Use the Where’s My Refund? tool or app to check tax refund status

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today further details of tax credits available under the 
American Rescue Plan to help small businesses, including providing paid 
leave for employees receiving COVID-19 vaccinations.

The additional details, provided in a fact sheet released today, 
spell out some basic facts about the employers eligible for the tax 
credits. It also provides information on how these employers may claim 
the credit for leave paid to employees related to COVID-19 vaccinations

Eligible employers, such as businesses and tax-exempt organizations 
with fewer than 500 employees and certain governmental employers, can 
receive a tax credit for providing paid time off for each employee 
receiving the vaccine and for any time needed to recover from the 
vaccine. For example, if an eligible employer offers employees a paid 
day off in order to get vaccinated, the employer can receive a tax 
credit equal to the wages paid to employees for that day (up to certain 
limits).

"This new information is a shot in the arm for struggling small 
employers who are working hard to keep their businesses going while also
 watching out for the health of their employees," said IRS Commissioner 
Chuck Rettig. "Our work on this issue is part of a larger effort by the 
IRS to assist the nation recover from the pandemic."

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) allows small and midsize 
employers, and certain governmental employers, to claim refundable tax 
credits that reimburse them for the cost of providing paid sick and 
family leave to their employees due to COVID-19, including leave taken 
by employees to receive or recover from COVID-19 vaccinations. 
Self-employed individuals are eligible for similar tax credits.

The ARP tax credits are available to eligible employers that pay sick
 and family leave for leave from April 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2021.

The paid leave credits under the ARP are tax credits against the 
employer's share of the Medicare tax. The tax credits are refundable, 
which means that the employer is entitled to payment of the full amount 
of the credits if it exceeds the employer's share of the Medicare tax.

In anticipation of claiming the credits on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f941.pdf">Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return&nbsp;PDF</a>,
 eligible employers can keep the federal employment taxes that they 
otherwise would have deposited, including federal income tax withheld 
from employees, the employees' share of social security and Medicare 
taxes and the eligible employer's share of social security and Medicare 
taxes with respect to all employees up to the amount of credit for which
 they are eligible. If the eligible employer does not have enough 
federal employment taxes on deposit to cover the amount of the 
anticipated credits, the eligible employer may request an advance by 
filing Form 7200, Advance Payment of Employer Credits Due to COVID-19.

Self-employed individuals may claim comparable credits on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf">Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return&nbsp;PDF</a>.

More details are available on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/employer-tax-credits-for-employee-paid-leave-due-to-covid-19">this fact sheet</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today further details of tax credits available under the 
American Rescue Plan to help small businesses, including providing paid 
leave for employees receiving COVID-19 vaccinations.The additional details, provided in a fact sheet released today, 
spell out some basic facts about the employers eligible for the tax 
credits. It also provides information on how these employers may claim 
the credit for leave paid to employees related to COVID-19 vaccinationsEligible employers, such as businesses and tax-exempt organizations 
with fewer than 500 employees and certain governmental employers, can 
receive a tax credit for providing paid time off for each employee 
receiving the vaccine and for any time needed to recover from the 
vaccine. For example, if an eligible employer offers employees a paid 
day off in order to get vaccinated, the employer can receive a tax 
credit equal to the wages paid to employees for that day (up to certain 
limits)."This new information is a shot in the arm for struggling small 
employers who are working hard to keep their businesses going while also
 watching out for the health of their employees," said IRS Commissioner 
Chuck Rettig. "Our work on this issue is part of a larger effort by the 
IRS to assist the nation recover from the pandemic."The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) allows small and midsize 
employers, and certain governmental employers, to claim refundable tax 
credits that reimburse them for the cost of providing paid sick and 
family leave to their employees due to COVID-19, including leave taken 
by employees to receive or recover from COVID-19 vaccinations. 
Self-employed individuals are eligible for similar tax credits.The ARP tax credits are available to eligible employers that pay sick
 and family leave for leave from April 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2021.The paid leave credits under the ARP are tax credits against the 
employer's share of the Medicare tax. The tax credits are refundable, 
which means that the employer is entitled to payment of the full amount 
of the credits if it exceeds the employer's share of the Medicare tax.In anticipation of claiming the credits on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f941.pdf">Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return&nbsp;PDF</a>,
 eligible employers can keep the federal employment taxes that they 
otherwise would have deposited, including federal income tax withheld 
from employees, the employees' share of social security and Medicare 
taxes and the eligible employer's share of social security and Medicare 
taxes with respect to all employees up to the amount of credit for which
 they are eligible. If the eligible employer does not have enough 
federal employment taxes on deposit to cover the amount of the 
anticipated credits, the eligible employer may request an advance by 
filing Form 7200, Advance Payment of Employer Credits Due to COVID-19.Self-employed individuals may claim comparable credits on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf">Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return&nbsp;PDF</a>.More details are available on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/employer-tax-credits-for-employee-paid-leave-due-to-covid-19">this fact sheet</a>.

IRS: Tax credit will allow small employers to offer paid 'vaccine leave'

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri Senate budget committee on Wednesday voted against funding Medicaid expansion.

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 7-7 on a Republican-sponsored proposal that would have set money aside to pay for the program. The tied vote meant the proposal failed.

Missouri voters last year amended the state Constitution to extend access to government health care to thousands more low-income adults, but now the Republican-led Legislature is arguing over whether to fund it.

Many Republican lawmakers have for years resisted expanding access to Medicaid, citing the expense of expanding it and waste within the current program.

But some GOP senators on Wednesday said the Legislature will be sued if they don't fund the voter-approved measure, and that could mean a judge forces them to pay for it. They argued the Legislature should provide the money now so lawmakers have some control over the spending.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri Senate budget committee on Wednesday voted against funding Medicaid expansion.The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 7-7 on a Republican-sponsored proposal that would have set money aside to pay for the program. The tied vote meant the proposal failed.Missouri voters last year amended the state Constitution to extend access to government health care to thousands more low-income adults, but now the Republican-led Legislature is arguing over whether to fund it.Many Republican lawmakers have for years resisted expanding access to Medicaid, citing the expense of expanding it and waste within the current program.But some GOP senators on Wednesday said the Legislature will be sued if they don't fund the voter-approved measure, and that could mean a judge forces them to pay for it. They argued the Legislature should provide the money now so lawmakers have some control over the spending.

Missouri panel votes down Medicaid expansion funding

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1b53774b-1add-4510-9245-aeb590b3218d">READ MORE: Where's my tax refund? Track it here.</a>

WASHINGTON — Today, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department
 of the Treasury, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they 
are disbursing nearly two million payments in the sixth batch of 
Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan.

Today's announcement brings the total disbursed so far to 
approximately 161 million payments, with a total value of more than $379
 billion, since these payments began rolling out to Americans in batches
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">as announced</a> on March 12.

The sixth batch of payments began processing on Friday, April 16, 
with an official payment date of April 21, with some people receiving 
direct payments in their accounts earlier as provisional or pending 
deposits. Here is additional information on this batch of payments:

Additional information is available on the first five batches of
 Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan, which began 
processing on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-2-million-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan-va-beneficiaries-bring-total-to-approximately-159-million-as-payments-continue">April 9</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-25-million-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan">April 2</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan-total-tops-130-million-with-more-to-come">March 26</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-another-37-million-economic-impact-payments-from-the-american-rescue-plan">March 19</a> and <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0063">March 12</a>.

The IRS will continue to make Economic Impact Payments on a weekly 
basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to eligible individuals for whom 
the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but who 
recently filed a tax return, as well to people who qualify for "plus-up"
 payments.

Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return

Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to
 urge people who don't normally file a tax return and haven't received 
Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the 
benefits they're entitled to under the law, including tax credits such 
as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>,
 the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Filing a 2020 
tax return will also assist the IRS in determining whether someone is 
eligible for an advance payment of the 2021 Child Tax Credit, which will
 begin to be disbursed this summer.

For example, some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020
 tax return – even if they don't usually file – to provide information 
the IRS needs to send payments for a qualifying dependent. Eligible 
individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as 
possible to be considered for an additional payment for their qualifying
 dependents.

People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/those-experiencing-homelessness-can-get-economic-impact-payments-and-other-tax-benefits-permanent-address-not-required">homelessness</a>,
 the rural poor and others. Individuals who didn't get a first or second
 round Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts may be 
eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.

Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of
 Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.

Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1b53774b-1add-4510-9245-aeb590b3218d">READ MORE: Where's my tax refund? Track it here.</a>IRSWASHINGTON — Today, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department
 of the Treasury, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they 
are disbursing nearly two million payments in the sixth batch of 
Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan.Today's announcement brings the total disbursed so far to 
approximately 161 million payments, with a total value of more than $379
 billion, since these payments began rolling out to Americans in batches
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">as announced</a> on March 12.The sixth batch of payments began processing on Friday, April 16, 
with an official payment date of April 21, with some people receiving 
direct payments in their accounts earlier as provisional or pending 
deposits. Here is additional information on this batch of payments:<ul>
 <li>In total, this batch includes nearly 2 million payments with a value of nearly $3.4 billion.</li><li>Nearly 700,000 payments, with a value of more than $1.3 billion, 
went to eligible individuals for whom the IRS previously did not have 
information to issue an Economic Impact Payment but who recently filed a
 tax return.&nbsp;</li><li>This batch also includes additional ongoing supplemental payments 
for people who earlier this year received payments based on their 2019 
tax returns but are eligible for a new or larger payment based on their 
recently processed 2020 tax returns. This batch included nearly 700,000 
of these "plus-up" payments, with a value of nearly $1.2 billion.</li><li>Another 600,000 payments went to Social Security beneficiaries and 
Supplemental Security Income recipients, including those with foreign 
addresses.</li><li>Overall, this sixth batch of payments contains about 900,000 direct
 deposit payments (with a total value of $1.5 billion) and nearly 1.1 
million paper check payments (with a total value of nearly $1.8 
billion).</li>
 </ul>Additional information is available on the first five batches of
 Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan, which began 
processing on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-2-million-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan-va-beneficiaries-bring-total-to-approximately-159-million-as-payments-continue">April 9</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-25-million-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan">April 2</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan-total-tops-130-million-with-more-to-come">March 26</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-another-37-million-economic-impact-payments-from-the-american-rescue-plan">March 19</a> and <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0063">March 12</a>.The IRS will continue to make Economic Impact Payments on a weekly 
basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to eligible individuals for whom 
the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but who 
recently filed a tax return, as well to people who qualify for "plus-up"
 payments.<h2>Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return</h2>Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to
 urge people who don't normally file a tax return and haven't received 
Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the 
benefits they're entitled to under the law, including tax credits such 
as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>,
 the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Filing a 2020 
tax return will also assist the IRS in determining whether someone is 
eligible for an advance payment of the 2021 Child Tax Credit, which will
 begin to be disbursed this summer.For example, some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020
 tax return – even if they don't usually file – to provide information 
the IRS needs to send payments for a qualifying dependent. Eligible 
individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as 
possible to be considered for an additional payment for their qualifying
 dependents.People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/those-experiencing-homelessness-can-get-economic-impact-payments-and-other-tax-benefits-permanent-address-not-required">homelessness</a>,
 the rural poor and others. Individuals who didn't get a first or second
 round Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts may be 
eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of
 Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

IRS: Two million more COVID stimulus checks disbursed

ROELAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors have filed charges against a man in the fatal stabbing 36 years ago of another man in suburban Kansas City, Kansas.

Johnson County prosecutors announced the developments in the cold case Tuesday, charging 65-year-old Geter Rhymes with first-degree murder in the 1985 stabbing death of 29-year-old Gary Watson.

Watson’s body was found on March 13, 1985, in his apartment in Roeland Park. Police at the time said three men were seen entering Watson’s apartment about two hours before his body was discovered by a family member. Police conducted more than 200 interviews in the case.

Advances in testing allowed investigators to reanalyze evidence collected from the 1985 scene and make the arrest, Johnson County Sheriff’s crime scene investigator Kate Meyer said.

Rhymes was arrested in St. Louis, officials said. Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe said Rhymes was expected to be extradited to Johnson County in the next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619015188881.png" alt="Rhymes is being held in St. Charles County" />
 <figcaption>Rhymes is being held in St. Charles County</figcaption>
 </figure>ROELAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors have filed charges against a man in the fatal stabbing 36 years ago of another man in suburban Kansas City, Kansas.Johnson County prosecutors announced the developments in the cold case Tuesday, charging 65-year-old Geter Rhymes with first-degree murder in the 1985 stabbing death of 29-year-old Gary Watson.Watson’s body was found on March 13, 1985, in his apartment in Roeland Park. Police at the time said three men were seen entering Watson’s apartment about two hours before his body was discovered by a family member. Police conducted more than 200 interviews in the case.Advances in testing allowed investigators to reanalyze evidence collected from the 1985 scene and make the arrest, Johnson County Sheriff’s crime scene investigator Kate Meyer said.Rhymes was arrested in St. Louis, officials said. Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe said Rhymes was expected to be extradited to Johnson County in the next week.

Cold Case: Charges filed in 36-year-old Kan. murder

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas City man has been sentenced on federal charges of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and discharging a firearm on school property, according to acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard said today.

Dallas Srivisay, 21,&nbsp;of Kansas City was sentenced on April 20, 2021 to 96 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.&nbsp; 

Srivisay entered a guilty plea on October 6, 2020.&nbsp; According to court records, this investigation involved an incident where Srivisay and a codefendant participated in a drug exchange with others in a Manhattan, Kansas high school parking lot. 

The intended drug deal went bad when the unknown buyer attempted to rob Srivisay’s brother and his codefendant at gunpoint. The attempted robbery ended in an exchange of gunfire between Srivisay and others when Srivisay began discharging a firearm into the would-be robber’s car.&nbsp; 

Immediately following the shootout at the high school, Srivisay and the codefendant were engaged in a high-speed police chase on I-70 where the vehicle reached speeds exceeding 120 miles per hour until the vehicle was forcibly stopped by law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619022091552.png" alt="Police on the scene of the drug deal shooting investigation in Manhattan in September of 2019-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the drug deal shooting investigation in Manhattan in September of 2019-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas City man has been sentenced on federal charges of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and discharging a firearm on school property, according to acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard said today.Dallas Srivisay, 21,&nbsp;of Kansas City was sentenced on April 20, 2021 to 96 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.&nbsp; Srivisay entered a guilty plea on October 6, 2020.&nbsp; According to court records, this investigation involved an incident where Srivisay and a codefendant participated in a drug exchange with others in a Manhattan, Kansas high school parking lot. The intended drug deal went bad when the unknown buyer attempted to rob Srivisay’s brother and his codefendant at gunpoint. The attempted robbery ended in an exchange of gunfire between Srivisay and others when Srivisay began discharging a firearm into the would-be robber’s car.&nbsp; Immediately following the shootout at the high school, Srivisay and the codefendant were engaged in a high-speed police chase on I-70 where the vehicle reached speeds exceeding 120 miles per hour until the vehicle was forcibly stopped by law enforcement.

Man sentenced for drug deal shooting in Kan. school parking lot

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri House on Wednesday ousted a lawmaker accused of sexually and physically abusing his children years ago.

The Republican-led House voted almost unanimously to kick out Rick Roeber, a Republican from Lee's Summit who was elected in November to represent his suburban Kansas City district.

Nobody voted against his ouster, though one lawmaker voted “present" to sidestep taking a position.

Roeber's expulsion followed a House Ethics Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-michael-brown-5d51e365fdc4599d811f46cc3b4cc15e">investigation</a>&nbsp;into claims made by his now-adult children that he sexually abused two of them at the ages of 5 and 9.

The committee&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Committees.aspx?category=all&amp;committee=2491&amp;year=2021&amp;code=R%20&amp;cluster=true">found their allegations credible</a>.

“It is unacceptable what he has done to the home life of these children,” GOP House Speaker Rob Vescovo said during an emotional speech from the chamber floor. “And I find him in the worst capacity to represent the people, and more specifically represent the children, of the 34th District or the children of the state of Missouri.”

Roeber didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. He previously told the committee that he didn’t sexually abuse his children.

Several of Roeber's children testified to House investigators this year that he also frequently beat them with a belt, choked them and once drowned a litter of puppies.

One child who said Roeber was sexually abusive told investigators that “to have someone that you are trusting as your parent to treat you in that manner and to not treat you like a child ... takes away your innocence.”

The committee found records showing that his children reported the abuse around the time it allegedly occurred in the 1990s, but the Jackson County prosecutor's office didn't file charges. Jean Peters Baker, the current Jackson County prosecutor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-michael-brown-1fc9a34a7a70950d74f13286cd092016">has asked for documents and transcripts</a>&nbsp;from the House investigation so that her office can determine if crimes were committed. A spokesman for her office has declined to comment further about the matter.

"The state of Missouri has failed these children," said state Rep. Robert Sauls, a Democrat from Independence who served on the Ethics Committee. “And I will not sit back and let the state of Missouri continue to fail them.”

Roeber&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-columbia-michael-brown-child-abuse-bfc4fa0649dd864bdb715bd213fc5202">tried to resign</a>&nbsp;last week after the Missouri Independent&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/04/13/missouri-legislators-investigating-rick-roeber-ask-prosecutor-to-ensure-safety-of-child/">first reported</a>&nbsp;that House leaders went to the Jackson County prosecutor with concerns that Roeber currently has weekend visitations with a child.

Roeber didn't mention any of the allegations against him in his resignation letter, saying he planned to move out of state to be closer to family.

But the House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-michael-brown-34c5cf14890c602396a66ae9d2938c1d">refused to let him resign</a>, which allowed the Ethics Committee to complete its report and recommend that he be publicly expelled.

“I don’t think it is appropriate for him to walk away on his own terms as he has continued to walk away on his own terms on his children his entire life,” Vescovo said to his colleagues Wednesday.

Lawmakers also agreed with the committee's recommendation that Roeber should reimburse the House for the roughly $1,570 it spent investigating the claims.

House leaders said in a joint statement Wednesday that they hope law enforcement "will continue the work we started by thoroughly investigating Rick Roeber and the serious allegations against him.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608046618254.png" alt="Roeber announced his plans to resign April 13.&nbsp; He represents part of Jackson County, including much of Lee’s Summit in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2020. Prior to his legislative duties, Roeber served as a project manager for Sprint for 20 years, as well as a chaplain for KC Rescue Mission." />
 <figcaption>Roeber announced his plans to resign April 13.&nbsp; He represents part of Jackson County, including much of Lee’s Summit in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2020. Prior to his legislative duties, Roeber served as a project manager for Sprint for 20 years, as well as a chaplain for KC Rescue Mission.</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri House on Wednesday ousted a lawmaker accused of sexually and physically abusing his children years ago.The Republican-led House voted almost unanimously to kick out Rick Roeber, a Republican from Lee's Summit who was elected in November to represent his suburban Kansas City district.Nobody voted against his ouster, though one lawmaker voted “present" to sidestep taking a position.Roeber's expulsion followed a House Ethics Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-michael-brown-5d51e365fdc4599d811f46cc3b4cc15e">investigation</a>&nbsp;into claims made by his now-adult children that he sexually abused two of them at the ages of 5 and 9.The committee&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Committees.aspx?category=all&amp;committee=2491&amp;year=2021&amp;code=R%20&amp;cluster=true">found their allegations credible</a>.“It is unacceptable what he has done to the home life of these children,” GOP House Speaker Rob Vescovo said during an emotional speech from the chamber floor. “And I find him in the worst capacity to represent the people, and more specifically represent the children, of the 34th District or the children of the state of Missouri.”Roeber didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. He previously told the committee that he didn’t sexually abuse his children.Several of Roeber's children testified to House investigators this year that he also frequently beat them with a belt, choked them and once drowned a litter of puppies.One child who said Roeber was sexually abusive told investigators that “to have someone that you are trusting as your parent to treat you in that manner and to not treat you like a child ... takes away your innocence.”The committee found records showing that his children reported the abuse around the time it allegedly occurred in the 1990s, but the Jackson County prosecutor's office didn't file charges. Jean Peters Baker, the current Jackson County prosecutor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-michael-brown-1fc9a34a7a70950d74f13286cd092016">has asked for documents and transcripts</a>&nbsp;from the House investigation so that her office can determine if crimes were committed. A spokesman for her office has declined to comment further about the matter."The state of Missouri has failed these children," said state Rep. Robert Sauls, a Democrat from Independence who served on the Ethics Committee. “And I will not sit back and let the state of Missouri continue to fail them.”Roeber&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-columbia-michael-brown-child-abuse-bfc4fa0649dd864bdb715bd213fc5202">tried to resign</a>&nbsp;last week after the Missouri Independent&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/04/13/missouri-legislators-investigating-rick-roeber-ask-prosecutor-to-ensure-safety-of-child/">first reported</a>&nbsp;that House leaders went to the Jackson County prosecutor with concerns that Roeber currently has weekend visitations with a child.Roeber didn't mention any of the allegations against him in his resignation letter, saying he planned to move out of state to be closer to family.But the House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-michael-brown-34c5cf14890c602396a66ae9d2938c1d">refused to let him resign</a>, which allowed the Ethics Committee to complete its report and recommend that he be publicly expelled.“I don’t think it is appropriate for him to walk away on his own terms as he has continued to walk away on his own terms on his children his entire life,” Vescovo said to his colleagues Wednesday.Lawmakers also agreed with the committee's recommendation that Roeber should reimburse the House for the roughly $1,570 it spent investigating the claims.House leaders said in a joint statement Wednesday that they hope law enforcement "will continue the work we started by thoroughly investigating Rick Roeber and the serious allegations against him.”

Lawmakers expel KC-area rep. accused of abusing his kids

DAWSON COUNTY, NE. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating five suspects after&nbsp;&nbsp;locating more than 230 pounds of marijuana and other controlled substances in two traffic stops this week.

Just after 3p.m. Monday, a trooper observed a Dodge Ram fail to signal a turn as it was exiting Interstate 80 just west of Lexington, according to a media release.

 During the traffic stop, a State patrol K-9 detected the presence of a controlled substance inside the pickup. A search of the vehicle revealed 88 pounds of marijuana, concealed in luggage in the bed of the pickup. Troopers also located THC pills, THC vape cartridges, THC wax, and THC gummies in the cab of the pickup.

The driver, John Valencia Lopez, 21, and passengers Jesse Jarquin, 23, and Evelin Morales Ramos, 21, all of Georgia, were each arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. All three are being held in the Dawson County Jail.

Just after 11:30a.m. Tuesday, another trooper performed a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Silverado for a registration issue. During the traffic stop, which occurred near North Platte on Interstate 80, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. A search of the vehicle revealed 146 pounds of marijuana contained in the bed of the pickup, as well as a small amount of methamphetamine in the cab of the pickup.

The driver, Brian Nixon, 51, of Kokomo, Indiana, was arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp. Nixon is being held in Lincoln County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619034325455.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>DAWSON COUNTY, NE. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating five suspects after&nbsp;&nbsp;locating more than 230 pounds of marijuana and other controlled substances in two traffic stops this week.Just after 3p.m. Monday, a trooper observed a Dodge Ram fail to signal a turn as it was exiting Interstate 80 just west of Lexington, according to a media release. During the traffic stop, a State patrol K-9 detected the presence of a controlled substance inside the pickup. A search of the vehicle revealed 88 pounds of marijuana, concealed in luggage in the bed of the pickup. Troopers also located THC pills, THC vape cartridges, THC wax, and THC gummies in the cab of the pickup.The driver, John Valencia Lopez, 21, and passengers Jesse Jarquin, 23, and Evelin Morales Ramos, 21, all of Georgia, were each arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. All three are being held in the Dawson County Jail.Just after 11:30a.m. Tuesday, another trooper performed a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Silverado for a registration issue. During the traffic stop, which occurred near North Platte on Interstate 80, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. A search of the vehicle revealed 146 pounds of marijuana contained in the bed of the pickup, as well as a small amount of methamphetamine in the cab of the pickup.The driver, Brian Nixon, 51, of Kokomo, Indiana, was arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp. Nixon is being held in Lincoln County Jail.

State troopers seize 234 pounds of marijuana

Washington–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/4idS9SfOOJw?t=147" target="_blank">FOX Business</a>&nbsp;Wednesday to discuss ongoing mask mandates and an increase in vaccine hesitancy saying in part, “We need to be focused on getting vaccines into people’s arms right now so that we do achieve that herd immunity here in the United States," according to a release from his office.

"We’re not being rewarded for getting the vaccine – we should be able to get rid of these masks. It’s the vaccine hesitancy that’s going to be holding us back now, not the number of vaccines available." Marshall said.

"We know the vaccines work, and that’s why people need to go get their vaccines. So people can be as free as they were once before.”&nbsp;

About three-quarters of Kansas counties have turned down new shipments of the coronavirus vaccine at least once over the past month as demand slows, according to the Associated Press.

State data shows that six counties that have rejected allocations for four straight week, 33 for one week, 26 for two weeks and 16 for three weeks. Only 24 counties, mostly the larger ones such as Shawnee, Johnson and Sedgwick, haven’t turned down any shipments. 

The slowdown is coming even though just 37% of the state’s residents have received at least one vaccine dose, state data shows.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619021116109.png" alt="Senator Roger Marshall said, "We’re not being rewarded for getting the vaccine – we should be able to get rid of these mask."" />
 <figcaption>Senator Roger Marshall said, "We’re not being rewarded for getting the vaccine – we should be able to get rid of these mask."</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/4idS9SfOOJw?t=147" target="_blank">FOX Business</a>&nbsp;Wednesday to discuss ongoing mask mandates and an increase in vaccine hesitancy saying in part, “We need to be focused on getting vaccines into people’s arms right now so that we do achieve that herd immunity here in the United States," according to a release from his office."We’re not being rewarded for getting the vaccine – we should be able to get rid of these masks. It’s the vaccine hesitancy that’s going to be holding us back now, not the number of vaccines available." Marshall said."We know the vaccines work, and that’s why people need to go get their vaccines. So people can be as free as they were once before.”&nbsp;About three-quarters of Kansas counties have turned down new shipments of the coronavirus vaccine at least once over the past month as demand slows, according to the Associated Press.State data shows that six counties that have rejected allocations for four straight week, 33 for one week, 26 for two weeks and 16 for three weeks. Only 24 counties, mostly the larger ones such as Shawnee, Johnson and Sedgwick, haven’t turned down any shipments. The slowdown is coming even though just 37% of the state’s residents have received at least one vaccine dose, state data shows.

Marshall: We’re not being rewarded for getting vaccine 

WASHINGTON —The Department of Agriculture has issued flexibilities to allow school meal programs and childcare services return to serving healthy meals in fall 2021. Several meal service flexibilities that enable social distancing are now extended through June 30, 2022A recent study from Tufts University found that in 2018, schools were the single healthiest source of food consumed across a sample of children and adults.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “USDA will remain relentless in ensuring our nation’s children get the critical nutrition they need.” Vilsack says states and districts wanted waivers extended to plan for a safe reopening in the fall. Schools nationwide are allowed to serve meals through USDA’s National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option, which is typically only available during the summer.

This option maintains the nutrition standards of the standard school meal while allowing schools to serve free meals to all children. In addition, schools that choose this option will receive higher-than-normal meal reimbursements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619024861925.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy USDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The Department of Agriculture has issued flexibilities to allow school meal programs and childcare services return to serving healthy meals in fall 2021. Several meal service flexibilities that enable social distancing are now extended through June 30, 2022A recent study from Tufts University found that in 2018, schools were the single healthiest source of food consumed across a sample of children and adults.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “USDA will remain relentless in ensuring our nation’s children get the critical nutrition they need.” Vilsack says states and districts wanted waivers extended to plan for a safe reopening in the fall. Schools nationwide are allowed to serve meals through USDA’s National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option, which is typically only available during the summer.This option maintains the nutrition standards of the standard school meal while allowing schools to serve free meals to all children. In addition, schools that choose this option will receive higher-than-normal meal reimbursements.

USDA extends universal free lunch through next school year

By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

A bit of work remains to be completed, but it appears most of
the Missouri River levee system destroyed by the 2019 flood has been restored.

Col. Mark Himes, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Omaha office says the section it oversees from Gavins Point Dam down to
Atchison County, Missouri has been restored and is ready should the Missouri
River flood this spring.

“Thankfully, all the indications are we don’t need to worry about
that this spring, but we’ve essentially restored everything back to full
height,” Himes tells St. Joseph Post.

Commander of the Corps’ Kansas City office, Col. William
Hannan, says protection in his district, which runs from Holt County all the
way to St. Louis, has been restored to 91% protection.

“We’re really down to two levee systems, one in Holt County
and one in northern Platte County, that won’t be finished until September, but
still progressing really well on the levee rebuild; faster than we did after
the 1993 flood and the 2011 flood,” Hannan tells St. Joseph Post.

Hannan says the Holt County levee has been particularly
difficult to repair. He says a contract has been awarded and construction is
ready to begin.

Hannan says 2019 posed problems not seen even in the major
floods of 1993 or 2011. The 2019 flood kept the Missouri River above flood
stage longer than any other flood.

“Being at a flood stage on the river, the high water, we didn’t
drop below flood stage until 279 days after that first day that we entered the
flood,” according to Hannan. “So, I had my emergency management center
activated for that whole time. It was the longest activation in the district’s history.”

Hannan is hopeful a study commissioned by the states of
Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa will help the Corps improve flood
protection along the Missouri River. He says the study will also advise
Congress on changes needed in federal regulations to improve flood protection.

Hannan points out, at present, federal law prohibits the Corps
from making improvements to a flood-damaged levee.

“So we can come up with policy recommendations and how can we
adjust that law to allow us to move faster and really be more efficient with
our funding to improve protection, not just bring protection back to where it stood
before.,” Hannan says.

Hannan says the key to flood protection along the Missouri
River is how it works for the local community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619029126281.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri levee damaged during 2019 flood. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers" />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri levee damaged during 2019 flood. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>A bit of work remains to be completed, but it appears most of
the Missouri River levee system destroyed by the 2019 flood has been restored.Col. Mark Himes, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Omaha office says the section it oversees from Gavins Point Dam down to
Atchison County, Missouri has been restored and is ready should the Missouri
River flood this spring.“Thankfully, all the indications are we don’t need to worry about
that this spring, but we’ve essentially restored everything back to full
height,” Himes tells St. Joseph Post.Commander of the Corps’ Kansas City office, Col. William
Hannan, says protection in his district, which runs from Holt County all the
way to St. Louis, has been restored to 91% protection.“We’re really down to two levee systems, one in Holt County
and one in northern Platte County, that won’t be finished until September, but
still progressing really well on the levee rebuild; faster than we did after
the 1993 flood and the 2011 flood,” Hannan tells St. Joseph Post.Hannan says the Holt County levee has been particularly
difficult to repair. He says a contract has been awarded and construction is
ready to begin.Hannan says 2019 posed problems not seen even in the major
floods of 1993 or 2011. The 2019 flood kept the Missouri River above flood
stage longer than any other flood.“Being at a flood stage on the river, the high water, we didn’t
drop below flood stage until 279 days after that first day that we entered the
flood,” according to Hannan. “So, I had my emergency management center
activated for that whole time. It was the longest activation in the district’s history.”Hannan is hopeful a study commissioned by the states of
Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa will help the Corps improve flood
protection along the Missouri River. He says the study will also advise
Congress on changes needed in federal regulations to improve flood protection.Hannan points out, at present, federal law prohibits the Corps
from making improvements to a flood-damaged levee.“So we can come up with policy recommendations and how can we
adjust that law to allow us to move faster and really be more efficient with
our funding to improve protection, not just bring protection back to where it stood
before.,” Hannan says.Hannan says the key to flood protection along the Missouri
River is how it works for the local community.

Repairs to Missouri River levees damaged by 2019 flood nearly complete

SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fire and have made an arrest.

Just before 1a.m. Sunday, police and firefighters responded to report of a fire at National Beef, 1501 East 8th Street in Liberal, according to a media release.

Fire crews were able to quickly control the fire. After a review of surveillance video, investigators observed an 18-year-old man in the area prior to the 911 call. Investigators determined he intentionally started the fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officers located and arrested the teen and booked him into the Seward County Jail on a requested charge of aggravated arson, according to the release.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fire and have made an arrest.Just before 1a.m. Sunday, police and firefighters responded to report of a fire at National Beef, 1501 East 8th Street in Liberal, according to a media release.Fire crews were able to quickly control the fire. After a review of surveillance video, investigators observed an 18-year-old man in the area prior to the 911 call. Investigators determined he intentionally started the fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers located and arrested the teen and booked him into the Seward County Jail on a requested charge of aggravated arson, according to the release.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

Police: Teen accused of starting fire in SW Kansas

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 593&nbsp; to a total of 306,883, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4961, an increase of 6.

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

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 593&nbsp; to a total of 306,883, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4961, an increase of 6.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619024571924.png" alt="Wednesday April 21, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday April 21, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged road rage and have made an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619005267341.png" alt=" Inkelaar photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption> Inkelaar photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged road rage and have made an arrest.Just after 11:30 a.m. Tuesday , officers responded to an off-duty officer in trouble call at Kellogg and Meridian, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Officers received information of a large physical disturbance on Kellogg and an off-duty officer being on the scene.Through the investigation, it was learned a road rage incident occurred between 51-year-old Tyrone Inkelaar who was driving a black pickup and a 63-year-old man driving a white pickup.&nbsp;Inkelaar stopped in front of the white truck on Kellogg, exited his vehicle, and ran toward the other driver.&nbsp; A physical disturbance then ensued.&nbsp;An off-duty community service officer observed the incident, stopped, and alerted witnesses to call 911. Officers arrested Inkelaar without incident and booked him into jail on a charge of simple battery, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Inkelaar and the other driver only sustained minor injuries.The case will be presented to the City of Wichita Prosecutor's Office