RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sexual assault and have made an arrest.

On Friday police arrested 21-year-old&nbsp; Marvin Santell Gatewood Jr. of&nbsp; Manhattan, on a Geary County District Court Warrant, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report.

He is being held on a requested charge of rape; sexual intercourse with physically powerless victim on a bond $10,000, according to the RCPD.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616871323480.png" alt="Gatewood photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Gatewood photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sexual assault and have made an arrest.On Friday police arrested 21-year-old&nbsp; Marvin Santell Gatewood Jr. of&nbsp; Manhattan, on a Geary County District Court Warrant, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report.He is being held on a requested charge of rape; sexual intercourse with physically powerless victim on a bond $10,000, according to the RCPD.

Kansas man arrested for alleged rape

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a fatal shooting.

Just before 4:30 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue for a shooting call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arriving, they located&nbsp;54-year-old Merrill Rabus of Wichita unconscious and receiving life-saving measures.

Rabus had undetermined injuries, including what appeared to be a single gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The investigation revealed Rabus was on his bicycle at the intersection of 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue when he was struck by a white Plymouth van driven by 31-year-old Charity Blackmon. 

Blackmon then got out of her vehicle and fired a shot from a handgun, striking Rabus. Blackmon fled the scene and was followed by witnesses who provided her location. She was located and arrested at 14th&nbsp;Street North and Green Street by a Wichita State University police officer, according to Cruz.

 Blackmon and Rabus were not known to each other. Officers also recovered a handgun through this investigation.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a bicyclist is dead after a woman struck him with her van as he crossed a Wichita street and then apparently shot him. 

&nbsp;Charity Charmon Blackmon, 31,&nbsp; was booked into jail Friday night on suspicion of first-degree murder, driving with a suspended license, unsafe turning or stopping and failure to give proper signal. 

Wichita police chief Gordon Ramsay said the victim was either riding or walking his bicycle when he was hit Friday afternoon. Ramsay said the initial reports were that the suspect got out to shoot the man after the crash. 

Ramsay said police would know definitively if he was shot after an autopsy. The man’s name wasn’t immediately released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616871807743.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation on Friday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation on Friday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a fatal shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616855135199.png" alt="Blackmon photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Blackmon photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 4:30 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue for a shooting call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arriving, they located&nbsp;54-year-old Merrill Rabus of Wichita unconscious and receiving life-saving measures.Rabus had undetermined injuries, including what appeared to be a single gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.The investigation revealed Rabus was on his bicycle at the intersection of 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue when he was struck by a white Plymouth van driven by 31-year-old Charity Blackmon. Blackmon then got out of her vehicle and fired a shot from a handgun, striking Rabus. Blackmon fled the scene and was followed by witnesses who provided her location. She was located and arrested at 14th&nbsp;Street North and Green Street by a Wichita State University police officer, according to Cruz. Blackmon and Rabus were not known to each other. Officers also recovered a handgun through this investigation.&nbsp;---------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a bicyclist is dead after a woman struck him with her van as he crossed a Wichita street and then apparently shot him. &nbsp;Charity Charmon Blackmon, 31,&nbsp; was booked into jail Friday night on suspicion of first-degree murder, driving with a suspended license, unsafe turning or stopping and failure to give proper signal. Wichita police chief Gordon Ramsay said the victim was either riding or walking his bicycle when he was hit Friday afternoon. Ramsay said the initial reports were that the suspect got out to shoot the man after the crash. Ramsay said police would know definitively if he was shot after an autopsy. The man’s name wasn’t immediately released.

Police: Kan. driver hit and then fatally shot bicyclist

Authorities in Lawrence report they have located 94-year-old Marilyn Dowell and she is safe.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Lawrence Police Department is seeking assistance in locating a missing elderly adult. 

Marilyn Dowell, 94-years-old was reported missing by a care-giver in the 1700 block of Brandon Woods Drive in Lawrence on Saturday morning, according to police spokesman Patrick Compton.&nbsp;

 Also missing was Marilyn’s 2012 gold, GMC Terrain, with a Kansas Disabled license plate: 12535.

Officers were able to locate Marilyn’s vehicle leaving the city at 7:44 a.m., and a neighbor told police she could be on her way to Arizona.

Marilyn needs movement assistance and is considered a fall risk.

If you see Ms. Dowell or her 2012 GMC Terrain, please contact the Lawrence Police Department immediately at (785) 832-7509.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616862060002.png" alt="Marilyn Dowell&nbsp;is also suffering from dementia like symptoms, according to police" />
 <figcaption>Marilyn Dowell&nbsp;is also suffering from dementia like symptoms, according to police</figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities in Lawrence report they have located 94-year-old Marilyn Dowell and she is safe.-----DOUGLAS COUNTY —Lawrence Police Department is seeking assistance in locating a missing elderly adult. Marilyn Dowell, 94-years-old was reported missing by a care-giver in the 1700 block of Brandon Woods Drive in Lawrence on Saturday morning, according to police spokesman Patrick Compton.&nbsp; Also missing was Marilyn’s 2012 gold, GMC Terrain, with a Kansas Disabled license plate: 12535.Officers were able to locate Marilyn’s vehicle leaving the city at 7:44 a.m., and a neighbor told police she could be on her way to Arizona.Marilyn needs movement assistance and is considered a fall risk.If you see Ms. Dowell or her 2012 GMC Terrain, please contact the Lawrence Police Department immediately at (785) 832-7509.

Police cancel Silver Alert; missing Kan. woman found

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Ambitious Republicans are starting to make moves in Iowa, long a proving ground for future presidents. Their first step is finding out whether activists there have gotten over the last one.

Former President Donald Trump remains a hulking presence in Iowa, where he won twice by healthy margins. He’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-leaves-white-house-ad718c0048c341d0044c4709fb23c8dd">hinted he’ll run again</a>, and his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-49a24edd6d10888dbad61689c24b05a5">false claims</a>&nbsp;that the last election was stolen still dominate some Republican circles.

But that doesn’t mean Trump has frozen the field of potential 2024 Republican presidential candidates. Several GOP politicians have plans for trips to Iowa and other early nominating states this spring. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is the first since the election to gauge Iowans’ interest in person this week.

Party activists say these early arrivals are welcome, despite Trump’s enduring popularity and the pervasive belief he was somehow wronged in his 2020 defeat. But interviews with GOP county party leaders and local activists around the state expose the difference between their declared love for Trump and hope he runs again.

“There are Trumpsters who can’t wait for him to run again. They are the ones still moaning and groaning that they were cheated out of the election,” said Gwen Ecklund, a veteran former county chairwoman in conservative western Iowa. “But there are some — average, rank-and-file Republicans — who are turning the page.”

That’s who Pompeo will be looking for in this very early phase. The former top Trump diplomat and successful Kansas politician spoke Friday with a regular Republican breakfast group and up-and-coming Republicans in Des Moines as well as meet privately with top Iowa party officials.

Pompeo is fresh off a national political speaking debut at the American Conservative Union’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cpac-false-trump-claims-40eeace4eec6a286dc6e8fb50f0afd5b">CPAC conference</a>&nbsp;last month in Florida. As he’s expected to in Iowa, Pompeo subtly distinguished himself, without alienating Republicans still loyal to Trump and hoping for a 2024 comeback.

“I had the chance to bring home American hostages from Pyongyang,” Pompeo told the audience in Orlando. “‘America first’ takes some real courage. It takes a secretary of state willing to walk into a room and tell it like it is, and a president who will have his back.”

Others will attempt to walk the same line.

Florida Sen. Rick Scott plans to follow the well-worn path of presidential prospects with an April 1 trip to Cedar Rapids. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott is scheduled to meet Republicans in eastern Iowa’s Quad Cities on April 15, all signs of an an exceptionally early start to the 2024 campaign.

Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, who has met virtually with Republicans in the leadoff primary state New Hampshire, is also making plans to visit Iowa in the coming months, advisers said.

They’ll get a fair hearing, Henry County Republican chairwoman Nancy Amos said. But most in her southeast corner of Iowa want to see Trump run again.

“Oh, sure, we’ll go and listen to them. It’s not like we won’t give others a chance,” said Amos, who represents one of a string of Mississippi River counties Trump carried after Democrat Barack Obama had earlier. “It’s just most of the talk is about Trump.”

Trump’s enduring popularity, however, doesn’t mean everyone wants him to run again. Though Trump carried Crawford County — where Ecklund is GOP co-chairwoman — by more than 30 percentage points twice, she’s encountered Republicans “ready to move on” and “tired of extreme controversy.”

Statewide, views of Trump have dimmed some since he carried Iowa by about 8 percentage points in November. In The Des Moines Register’s March Iowa Poll, 53% of Iowans viewed the former president unfavorably and 45% favorably, about the reverse of a year ago.

In an unscientific measure, a straw poll of 1,000 attendees at the CPAC conference found that 97% of these devout conservative activists approved of the job Trump had done as president, though only 68% said he, now age 74, should run again in four years.

Yet, Trump prompted roaring applause and a standing ovation in Orlando when he told the audience, “Who knows, I may even decide to beat them a third time,” alluding to his false claim that he won the 2020 election.

Members of his own administration, including Attorney General William Barr, say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barr-no-widespread-election-fraud-b1f1488796c9a98c4b1a9061a6c7f49d">no proof of widespread voter fraud</a>&nbsp;has been uncovered. Courts in multiple battleground states have thrown out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-losing-election-lawsuits-36d113484ac0946fa5f0614deb7de15e">a barrage of lawsuits</a>&nbsp;filed on behalf of the president.

In a January Pew Research poll, taken after the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters, a 57% majority of Republicans said Trump should continue to be a major political figure for many years to come.

To maintain his influence, he’s going to have to find a way back to the spotlight, a challenge without his signature Twitter account, said Republican pollster Ed Goeas, who has advised Republican Senate candidates including Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst.

“At some point he’s going to figure out how to get more attention than he’s getting now, or he’s going to fade into the sunset,” Goeas said. “I just think Donald Trump two years from now is going to look very different than Donald Trump of a month ago.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616766061345.png" alt="Mike Pompeo spoke to the Pottawattamie County GOP in Council Bluffs, IA Thursday evening-photo courtesy Secretary Pompeo" />
 <figcaption>Mike Pompeo spoke to the Pottawattamie County GOP in Council Bluffs, IA Thursday evening-photo courtesy Secretary Pompeo</figcaption>
 </figure>DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Ambitious Republicans are starting to make moves in Iowa, long a proving ground for future presidents. Their first step is finding out whether activists there have gotten over the last one.Former President Donald Trump remains a hulking presence in Iowa, where he won twice by healthy margins. He’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-leaves-white-house-ad718c0048c341d0044c4709fb23c8dd">hinted he’ll run again</a>, and his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-49a24edd6d10888dbad61689c24b05a5">false claims</a>&nbsp;that the last election was stolen still dominate some Republican circles.But that doesn’t mean Trump has frozen the field of potential 2024 Republican presidential candidates. Several GOP politicians have plans for trips to Iowa and other early nominating states this spring. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is the first since the election to gauge Iowans’ interest in person this week.Party activists say these early arrivals are welcome, despite Trump’s enduring popularity and the pervasive belief he was somehow wronged in his 2020 defeat. But interviews with GOP county party leaders and local activists around the state expose the difference between their declared love for Trump and hope he runs again.“There are Trumpsters who can’t wait for him to run again. They are the ones still moaning and groaning that they were cheated out of the election,” said Gwen Ecklund, a veteran former county chairwoman in conservative western Iowa. “But there are some — average, rank-and-file Republicans — who are turning the page.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616766008619.png" alt="Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was elected to serve Kansas 4th congressional district in 2010 until he accepted appointment as CIA Director in 2017." />
 <figcaption>Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was elected to serve Kansas 4th congressional district in 2010 until he accepted appointment as CIA Director in 2017.</figcaption>
 </figure>That’s who Pompeo will be looking for in this very early phase. The former top Trump diplomat and successful Kansas politician spoke Friday with a regular Republican breakfast group and up-and-coming Republicans in Des Moines as well as meet privately with top Iowa party officials.Pompeo is fresh off a national political speaking debut at the American Conservative Union’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cpac-false-trump-claims-40eeace4eec6a286dc6e8fb50f0afd5b">CPAC conference</a>&nbsp;last month in Florida. As he’s expected to in Iowa, Pompeo subtly distinguished himself, without alienating Republicans still loyal to Trump and hoping for a 2024 comeback.“I had the chance to bring home American hostages from Pyongyang,” Pompeo told the audience in Orlando. “‘America first’ takes some real courage. It takes a secretary of state willing to walk into a room and tell it like it is, and a president who will have his back.”Others will attempt to walk the same line.Florida Sen. Rick Scott plans to follow the well-worn path of presidential prospects with an April 1 trip to Cedar Rapids. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott is scheduled to meet Republicans in eastern Iowa’s Quad Cities on April 15, all signs of an an exceptionally early start to the 2024 campaign.Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, who has met virtually with Republicans in the leadoff primary state New Hampshire, is also making plans to visit Iowa in the coming months, advisers said.They’ll get a fair hearing, Henry County Republican chairwoman Nancy Amos said. But most in her southeast corner of Iowa want to see Trump run again.“Oh, sure, we’ll go and listen to them. It’s not like we won’t give others a chance,” said Amos, who represents one of a string of Mississippi River counties Trump carried after Democrat Barack Obama had earlier. “It’s just most of the talk is about Trump.”Trump’s enduring popularity, however, doesn’t mean everyone wants him to run again. Though Trump carried Crawford County — where Ecklund is GOP co-chairwoman — by more than 30 percentage points twice, she’s encountered Republicans “ready to move on” and “tired of extreme controversy.”Statewide, views of Trump have dimmed some since he carried Iowa by about 8 percentage points in November. In The Des Moines Register’s March Iowa Poll, 53% of Iowans viewed the former president unfavorably and 45% favorably, about the reverse of a year ago.In an unscientific measure, a straw poll of 1,000 attendees at the CPAC conference found that 97% of these devout conservative activists approved of the job Trump had done as president, though only 68% said he, now age 74, should run again in four years.Yet, Trump prompted roaring applause and a standing ovation in Orlando when he told the audience, “Who knows, I may even decide to beat them a third time,” alluding to his false claim that he won the 2020 election.Members of his own administration, including Attorney General William Barr, say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barr-no-widespread-election-fraud-b1f1488796c9a98c4b1a9061a6c7f49d">no proof of widespread voter fraud</a>&nbsp;has been uncovered. Courts in multiple battleground states have thrown out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-losing-election-lawsuits-36d113484ac0946fa5f0614deb7de15e">a barrage of lawsuits</a>&nbsp;filed on behalf of the president.In a January Pew Research poll, taken after the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters, a 57% majority of Republicans said Trump should continue to be a major political figure for many years to come.To maintain his influence, he’s going to have to find a way back to the spotlight, a challenge without his signature Twitter account, said Republican pollster Ed Goeas, who has advised Republican Senate candidates including Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst.“At some point he’s going to figure out how to get more attention than he’s getting now, or he’s going to fade into the sunset,” Goeas said. “I just think Donald Trump two years from now is going to look very different than Donald Trump of a month ago.”___

Former Kan. congressman in Iowa ahead of 2024 campaign

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was charged Friday with five counts related to his arrest on suspicion of drunk driving, Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay said.

Suellentrop was arrested March 16 after the Kansas Highway Patrol said he was driving the wrong way on Interstate 70 in Topeka. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-7380a7e3e4fbe335536f78e0a5bf719d">was released&nbsp;</a>hours later after a Shawnee County judge said the arrest report did not contain information needed to hold him.

Suellentrop, a Republican from Wichita, was charged Friday with eluding or attempting to elude police, driving under the influence, reckless driving, driving the wrong way down a divided highway and speeding.

He turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued, and bond was set at $5,000, Kagay said in a news release.

Suellentrop’s attorney, Tom Lemon, did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616846113554.png" alt="Suellentrop&nbsp;turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued, and bond was set at $5,000, according to Shawnee Co. District Attorney Mike Kagay.&nbsp; &nbsp;Photo Shawnee Co. Detention Center" />
 <figcaption>Suellentrop&nbsp;turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued, and bond was set at $5,000, according to Shawnee Co. District Attorney Mike Kagay.&nbsp; &nbsp;Photo Shawnee Co. Detention Center</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was charged Friday with five counts related to his arrest on suspicion of drunk driving, Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay said.Suellentrop was arrested March 16 after the Kansas Highway Patrol said he was driving the wrong way on Interstate 70 in Topeka. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-7380a7e3e4fbe335536f78e0a5bf719d">was released&nbsp;</a>hours later after a Shawnee County judge said the arrest report did not contain information needed to hold him.Suellentrop, a Republican from Wichita, was charged Friday with eluding or attempting to elude police, driving under the influence, reckless driving, driving the wrong way down a divided highway and speeding.He turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued, and bond was set at $5,000, Kagay said in a news release.Suellentrop’s attorney, Tom Lemon, did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.

Kan. Senate leader out of jail after criminal charges filed 

WELD COUNTY, Colorado — Law enforcement authorities investigating the cold case murder of a woman in Colorado confirmed an arrest Friday.

&nbsp;Kay Daye was 29-years-old when she went missing in late November of 1979, according to Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams. The business lab monitor was working nights at a community college in Greeley when she was last seen alive by a student on November 26, 1979, according to Reams.

The following day, two of her co-workers found her 1977 Datsun station wagon parked on the eastbound shoulder in the 5700 Block of&nbsp; of 20th Street, three blocks from the Aimes Community College Campus.&nbsp;

The co-workers also discovered her body inside. She had been beaten, sexually assaulted and strangled to death with the cloth belt of her own coat, according to Reams.

For more than 41-years, her family and friends have waited for law enforcement to bring the killer to justice.

On Tuesday, two Weld County Deputies traveled to Wichita and arrested a 64-year-old suspect identified as James Herman Dye for the murder. This follows a detective who reopened the investigation in May of 2020, according to Reams.

Dye has been charged with murder in the first-degree, according to the Weld County Attorney. The extradition process that will move Dye from Kansas to Colorado is also underway.

Investigators said at a Friday news conference that Dye was also a student at the community college where the victim worked.&nbsp;DNA evidence linked him to the crime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616796453520.png" alt="A photo of murder victim Kay Daye behind Sheriff&nbsp; Steve Reams during Friday's press conference" />
 <figcaption>A photo of murder victim Kay Daye behind Sheriff&nbsp; Steve Reams during Friday's press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>WELD COUNTY, Colorado — Law enforcement authorities investigating the cold case murder of a woman in Colorado confirmed an arrest Friday.&nbsp;Kay Daye was 29-years-old when she went missing in late November of 1979, according to Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams. The business lab monitor was working nights at a community college in Greeley when she was last seen alive by a student on November 26, 1979, according to Reams.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616792269449.png" alt="Dye-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dye-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The following day, two of her co-workers found her 1977 Datsun station wagon parked on the eastbound shoulder in the 5700 Block of&nbsp; of 20th Street, three blocks from the Aimes Community College Campus.&nbsp;The co-workers also discovered her body inside. She had been beaten, sexually assaulted and strangled to death with the cloth belt of her own coat, according to Reams.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616796383618.png" alt="Suspect images courtesy Weld Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Suspect images courtesy Weld Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>For more than 41-years, her family and friends have waited for law enforcement to bring the killer to justice.On Tuesday, two Weld County Deputies traveled to Wichita and arrested a 64-year-old suspect identified as James Herman Dye for the murder. This follows a detective who reopened the investigation in May of 2020, according to Reams.Dye has been charged with murder in the first-degree, according to the Weld County Attorney. The extradition process that will move Dye from Kansas to Colorado is also underway.Investigators said at a Friday news conference that Dye was also a student at the community college where the victim worked.&nbsp;DNA evidence linked him to the crime.

Man arrested in Kansas for woman's 1979 murder

HASKELL COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Friday in Haskell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Ram pulling a horse trailer and driven by Ira Sage Dickinson, 21, Rock Springs, WY., was eastbound on U.S. 56 three miles west of Satanta.

The driver attempted to pass a 2003 Peterbilt dump truck driven by Jessie Allen Eckert, 49, Hugoton. The Dodge made contact with the dump truck drivers side front bumper. 

The dump truck traveled into the south ditch. The Dodge pickup and trailer traveled into the north ditch.&nbsp; It rolled and&nbsp; the horse trailer detached.

Two passengers in the Dodge identified as Hadly G&nbsp;McCormick, 23, Scottsbluff, NE. and Cade Cinch Bullock, 19, Campo, CO., were&nbsp; pronounced dead at the scene.

McCormick was transported to&nbsp;Ziegler Funeral Chapel and Bullock to Robinson Funeral Home.

EMS transported Eckert and Dickinson to the Satanta District Hospital. The occupants of the Dodge were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

HASKELL COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Friday in Haskell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Ram pulling a horse trailer and driven by Ira Sage Dickinson, 21, Rock Springs, WY., was eastbound on U.S. 56 three miles west of Satanta.The driver attempted to pass a 2003 Peterbilt dump truck driven by Jessie Allen Eckert, 49, Hugoton. The Dodge made contact with the dump truck drivers side front bumper. The dump truck traveled into the south ditch. The Dodge pickup and trailer traveled into the north ditch.&nbsp; It rolled and&nbsp; the horse trailer detached.Two passengers in the Dodge identified as Hadly G&nbsp;McCormick, 23, Scottsbluff, NE. and Cade Cinch Bullock, 19, Campo, CO., were&nbsp; pronounced dead at the scene.McCormick was transported to&nbsp;Ziegler Funeral Chapel and Bullock to Robinson Funeral Home.EMS transported Eckert and Dickinson to the Satanta District Hospital. The occupants of the Dodge were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

2 dead after pickup, dump truck crash on Kan. highway

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program has relaunched to assist unemployed Kansans with job searches and career counseling, according to a media release from Governor Laura Kelly's office.

"By connecting unemployed Kansans with the resources needed to secure a high-quality job, the RESEA program will improve our economy, communities, and the livelihoods of Kansans statewide,"&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly. "It's not good enough to return to the days before the pandemic; instead, we must rebuild a healthier, stronger, more resilient workforce and economy.”

RESEA is a collaboration between the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Labor to provide early-intervention job search assistance and career counseling to unemployment claimants deemed likely to exhaust their benefits. In order to continue receiving benefits, individuals who are selected are required to participate.

“We’re here to help the people of Kansas find meaningful, in-demand jobs in our state, and the RESEA program is a key resource to make that happen quickly,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “RESEA helps Kansans get jobs, and get them as soon as possible. We’ve experienced an unprecedented employment crisis, and we’re here to provide every resource possible to make sure affected Kansans can provide for themselves and their families.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, appointments will be entirely virtual. If internet access is an issue, case managers will work with participants to find an alternative appointment method.

This program is being reinstated with the following objectives in mind:

Kansans receiving unemployment who are selected to participate in the RESEA program will receive a letter soon with more information. They will also be assigned a Case Manager who will provide necessary documentation.

Appointment dates for RESEA program participants will begin on March 29.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560186434781.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program has relaunched to assist unemployed Kansans with job searches and career counseling, according to a media release from Governor Laura Kelly's office."By connecting unemployed Kansans with the resources needed to secure a high-quality job, the RESEA program will improve our economy, communities, and the livelihoods of Kansans statewide,"&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly. "It's not good enough to return to the days before the pandemic; instead, we must rebuild a healthier, stronger, more resilient workforce and economy.”RESEA is a collaboration between the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Labor to provide early-intervention job search assistance and career counseling to unemployment claimants deemed likely to exhaust their benefits. In order to continue receiving benefits, individuals who are selected are required to participate.“We’re here to help the people of Kansas find meaningful, in-demand jobs in our state, and the RESEA program is a key resource to make that happen quickly,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “RESEA helps Kansans get jobs, and get them as soon as possible. We’ve experienced an unprecedented employment crisis, and we’re here to provide every resource possible to make sure affected Kansans can provide for themselves and their families.”Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, appointments will be entirely virtual. If internet access is an issue, case managers will work with participants to find an alternative appointment method.This program is being reinstated with the following objectives in mind:<ul>
 <li>Quickly assist unemployed Kansans in finding new, meaningful work in our state;</li><li>Strengthen the integrity of Kansas’ unemployment program;</li><li>Promote alignment with the vision of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA);</li><li>Establish RESEA as an entry point to other workforce system partners.</li>
 </ul>Kansans receiving unemployment who are selected to participate in the RESEA program will receive a letter soon with more information. They will also be assigned a Case Manager who will provide necessary documentation.Appointment dates for RESEA program participants will begin on March 29.&nbsp;

Kansas restarts Reemployment Services program

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — The suspect in the Colorado supermarket shootings bought a firearm at a local gun store after passing a background check, and he also had a second weapon with him that he didn’t use in the attack that killed 10 people this week, authorities and the gun store owner said Friday.

Investigators are working to determine the motive for the shooting, but they don’t know yet why the suspect chose the King Soopers grocery store in Boulder or what led him to carry out the rampage, Police Chief Maris Herold said at a news conference.

“Like the rest of the community, we too want to know why — why that King Soopers, why Boulder, why Monday,” Herold said. “It will be something haunting for all of us until we figure that out. Sometimes you just don’t figure these things out. But, I am hoping that we will.”

The quick response by officers, who traded gunfire with the suspect, kept many people inside the store out of danger, said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, who declined to say how many people were in the supermarket. The first officer on scene was killed.

“Their actions saved other civilians from being killed,” Dougherty said about the officers. “They charged into the store and immediately faced a very significant amount of gunfire from the shooter, who at first they were unable to locate.”

More charges will be filed against 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa in the coming weeks in connection with firing at officers, Dougherty said.

John Mark Eagleton, owner of Eagles Nest Armory in the Denver suburb of Arvada, said in a statement that his store was cooperating with authorities as they investigate. The suspect passed a background check conducted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation before purchasing a gun, Eagleton said.

Alissa used a Ruger AR-556 pistol, which resembles an AR-15 rifle with a slightly shorter stock, in the shooting, Herold said. An arrest affidavit says Alissa purchased it on March 16, six days before the shooting.

He also had a 9 mm handgun, which the police chief said was not believed to have been used in the attack. Herold didn’t say how Alissa obtained it.

“We are absolutely shocked by what happened and our hearts are broken for the victims and families that are left behind. Ensuring every sale that occurs at our shop is lawful, has always been and will always remain the highest priority for our business,” Eagleton said in the statement.

The gun store is in a shopping center that also has a chiropractic clinic, yoga studio and foot massage parlor. It is less than a half-mile from one of the restaurants Alissa’s family owns and about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from his family’s house in Arvada. A different King Soopers store is across the street.

Colorado has a universal background check law covering almost all gun sales, but misdemeanor convictions generally do not prevent people from purchasing weapons.

Alissa was convicted in 2018 of misdemeanor assault after he knocked a fellow high school student to the floor, climbed on top of him and punched him in the head several times, according to police documents. He was sentenced to probation and community service.

If Alissa had been convicted of a felony, his gun purchase would have been prohibited under federal law.

Dougherty, the district attorney, said Friday that the FBI and other agencies were looking into the background of Alissa and the victims and didn’t yet have information to share. He said federal agencies were looking into “other firearms that might be connected to him” but refused to elaborate.

Dougherty said officials will limit how much they reveal about the investigation, which is expected to take months, to protect Alissa’s right to a fair trial and ensure it takes place in Boulder County.

“If we share too much about the facts of the investigation, it’s possible we’ll see a motion by the defense to move this trial to somewhere else in the state of Colorado,” Dougherty said. “And I want to make sure that the people of Boulder have the opportunity for this trial to be held and for justice to be done here.”

Alissa made his first court appearance Thursday, where his public defender asked for a mental health evaluation but provided no details about his mental state. He is charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder over shots fired at a police officer who was not hurt.

Alissa was treated at a hospital before going to jail, his hands bound during the transfer by the handcuffs used by Officer Eric Talley, who died in the attack. Alissa has been moved to a jail outside Boulder County due to safety concerns stemming from threats made against him, county sheriff’s spokeswoman Carrie Haverfield said in a statement Friday.

Alissa is being held without bail and has not yet entered a plea. His next court hearing will not be scheduled for two to three months to allow his attorneys to evaluate his mental state and evidence collected by investigators.

A Catholic funeral Mass for Talley will be celebrated Monday at a cathedral in downtown Denver. His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday in the Boulder County city of Lafayette. The 51-year-old joined the Police Department in 2010. He had seven children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616793462620.png" alt="The community has come together in the face of this week's horrific tragedy-photo City of Boulder" />
 <figcaption>The community has come together in the face of this week's horrific tragedy-photo City of Boulder</figcaption>
 </figure>BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — The suspect in the Colorado supermarket shootings bought a firearm at a local gun store after passing a background check, and he also had a second weapon with him that he didn’t use in the attack that killed 10 people this week, authorities and the gun store owner said Friday.Investigators are working to determine the motive for the shooting, but they don’t know yet why the suspect chose the King Soopers grocery store in Boulder or what led him to carry out the rampage, Police Chief Maris Herold said at a news conference.“Like the rest of the community, we too want to know why — why that King Soopers, why Boulder, why Monday,” Herold said. “It will be something haunting for all of us until we figure that out. Sometimes you just don’t figure these things out. But, I am hoping that we will.”The quick response by officers, who traded gunfire with the suspect, kept many people inside the store out of danger, said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, who declined to say how many people were in the supermarket. The first officer on scene was killed.“Their actions saved other civilians from being killed,” Dougherty said about the officers. “They charged into the store and immediately faced a very significant amount of gunfire from the shooter, who at first they were unable to locate.”More charges will be filed against 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa in the coming weeks in connection with firing at officers, Dougherty said.John Mark Eagleton, owner of Eagles Nest Armory in the Denver suburb of Arvada, said in a statement that his store was cooperating with authorities as they investigate. The suspect passed a background check conducted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation before purchasing a gun, Eagleton said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616547245871.png" alt="Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa photo Boulder Police" />
 <figcaption>Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa photo Boulder Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Alissa used a Ruger AR-556 pistol, which resembles an AR-15 rifle with a slightly shorter stock, in the shooting, Herold said. An arrest affidavit says Alissa purchased it on March 16, six days before the shooting.He also had a 9 mm handgun, which the police chief said was not believed to have been used in the attack. Herold didn’t say how Alissa obtained it.“We are absolutely shocked by what happened and our hearts are broken for the victims and families that are left behind. Ensuring every sale that occurs at our shop is lawful, has always been and will always remain the highest priority for our business,” Eagleton said in the statement.The gun store is in a shopping center that also has a chiropractic clinic, yoga studio and foot massage parlor. It is less than a half-mile from one of the restaurants Alissa’s family owns and about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from his family’s house in Arvada. A different King Soopers store is across the street.Colorado has a universal background check law covering almost all gun sales, but misdemeanor convictions generally do not prevent people from purchasing weapons.Alissa was convicted in 2018 of misdemeanor assault after he knocked a fellow high school student to the floor, climbed on top of him and punched him in the head several times, according to police documents. He was sentenced to probation and community service.If Alissa had been convicted of a felony, his gun purchase would have been prohibited under federal law.Dougherty, the district attorney, said Friday that the FBI and other agencies were looking into the background of Alissa and the victims and didn’t yet have information to share. He said federal agencies were looking into “other firearms that might be connected to him” but refused to elaborate.Dougherty said officials will limit how much they reveal about the investigation, which is expected to take months, to protect Alissa’s right to a fair trial and ensure it takes place in Boulder County.“If we share too much about the facts of the investigation, it’s possible we’ll see a motion by the defense to move this trial to somewhere else in the state of Colorado,” Dougherty said. “And I want to make sure that the people of Boulder have the opportunity for this trial to be held and for justice to be done here.”Alissa made his first court appearance Thursday, where his public defender asked for a mental health evaluation but provided no details about his mental state. He is charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder over shots fired at a police officer who was not hurt.Alissa was treated at a hospital before going to jail, his hands bound during the transfer by the handcuffs used by Officer Eric Talley, who died in the attack. Alissa has been moved to a jail outside Boulder County due to safety concerns stemming from threats made against him, county sheriff’s spokeswoman Carrie Haverfield said in a statement Friday.Alissa is being held without bail and has not yet entered a plea. His next court hearing will not be scheduled for two to three months to allow his attorneys to evaluate his mental state and evidence collected by investigators.A Catholic funeral Mass for Talley will be celebrated Monday at a cathedral in downtown Denver. His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday in the Boulder County city of Lafayette. The 51-year-old joined the Police Department in 2010. He had seven children.___

Colorado shooting suspect passed check in legal gun purchase

BY JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

It took an Ellis County jury just over an hour to find a Russell man guilty in connection with a string of burglaries in Hays last year.

Robin Galyardt was found guilty Friday of three counts of burglary, two counts of attempted burglary and two counts of theft.

Assistant Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham said Friday that Galyardt was found guilty of burglary for breaking into Merle Norman Cosmetics, Eagle Technology Solutions and CBD American Shaman on March 19, 2020. The attempted burglary convictions stem from his Galyardt’s attempts to enter two other Hays businesses.

Galyardt was found guilty of theft for taking money from Eagle Technology Solutions and CBD American Shaman.

Cunningham said Galyardt is expected to face between 27 and 55 months in prison. Officials are working to determine his prior criminal history.

Galyardt does have a prior conviction for aggravated burglary and possession of burglary tools dating back to 1990, according to Kansas Department of Corrections records.

Sentencing is expected sometime next month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616789779341.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GalyardtBY JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostIt took an Ellis County jury just over an hour to find a Russell man guilty in connection with a string of burglaries in Hays last year.Robin Galyardt was found guilty Friday of three counts of burglary, two counts of attempted burglary and two counts of theft.Assistant Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham said Friday that Galyardt was found guilty of burglary for breaking into Merle Norman Cosmetics, Eagle Technology Solutions and CBD American Shaman on March 19, 2020. The attempted burglary convictions stem from his Galyardt’s attempts to enter two other Hays businesses.Galyardt was found guilty of theft for taking money from Eagle Technology Solutions and CBD American Shaman.Cunningham said Galyardt is expected to face between 27 and 55 months in prison. Officials are working to determine his prior criminal history.Galyardt does have a prior conviction for aggravated burglary and possession of burglary tools dating back to 1990, according to Kansas Department of Corrections records.Sentencing is expected sometime next month.

Kan. man found guilty for a series of business burglaries

RILEY COUNTY —A home in rural Riley County is a complete loss after a fire.&nbsp;

Just before 8p.m. Thursday Riley County Fire District #1 received a report of a structure fire with smoke and flames visible at 9280 Barton Road, according to Riley County Fire District #1 Chief Michael Regal.

“Upon arrival, the 2-story residence was heavily involved in fire. Crews conducted exterior operations due to the structure being 75% involved.

Two individuals have been displaced from the fire. Riley County EMS treated occupants on the scene, no one was transported for further care.

A representative from the Kansas State Fire Marshal Service was on the scene Friday to determine a cause.

A portion of Barton Road between Country Road and Tuttle Creek Road in the Leonardville area was temporarily closed to allow fire crews to work, according to the Riley County Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616786994416.png" alt="A representative from the Kansas State Fire Marshal Service was on the scene Friday to determine a cause-photo courtesy Riley Co. Fire District 1." />
 <figcaption>A representative from the Kansas State Fire Marshal Service was on the scene Friday to determine a cause-photo courtesy Riley Co. Fire District 1.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —A home in rural Riley County is a complete loss after a fire.&nbsp;Just before 8p.m. Thursday Riley County Fire District #1 received a report of a structure fire with smoke and flames visible at 9280 Barton Road, according to Riley County Fire District #1 Chief Michael Regal.“Upon arrival, the 2-story residence was heavily involved in fire. Crews conducted exterior operations due to the structure being 75% involved.Two individuals have been displaced from the fire. Riley County EMS treated occupants on the scene, no one was transported for further care.A representative from the Kansas State Fire Marshal Service was on the scene Friday to determine a cause.A portion of Barton Road between Country Road and Tuttle Creek Road in the Leonardville area was temporarily closed to allow fire crews to work, according to the Riley County Police Department.

Fire Chief: Home destroyed in rural Kansas fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is including rivals Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China among the invitees to the first big climate talks of his administration, an event the U.S. hopes will help shape, speed up and deepen global efforts to cut climate-wrecking fossil fuel pollution, administration officials told The Associated Press. 

The president is seeking to revive a U.S.-convened forum of the world’s major economies on climate that George W. Bush and Barack Obama both used and Donald Trump let languish. 

Leaders of some of the world’s top climate-change sufferers, do-gooders and backsliders round out the rest of the 40 invitations being delivered Friday. It will be held April 22 and 23.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614942546425.png" alt="Biden" />
 <figcaption>Biden</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is including rivals Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China among the invitees to the first big climate talks of his administration, an event the U.S. hopes will help shape, speed up and deepen global efforts to cut climate-wrecking fossil fuel pollution, administration officials told The Associated Press. The president is seeking to revive a U.S.-convened forum of the world’s major economies on climate that George W. Bush and Barack Obama both used and Donald Trump let languish. Leaders of some of the world’s top climate-change sufferers, do-gooders and backsliders round out the rest of the 40 invitations being delivered Friday. It will be held April 22 and 23.

Pres. Biden invites Putin, Xi Jinping to climate talks 

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that starting Monday, March 29, the State of Kansas will make the COVID-19 vaccine available to all Kansans (16+), entering the final Phase 5 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.ubDUIVThm5i2wwMrejtn9iLpuJil1tvbFfXjWRlw4_Q/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">Vaccine Prioritization</a>&nbsp;plan, according to a media release from her office.

“With the anticipated increase in supply from the federal government, we must get every dose of vaccine into arms quickly,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I strongly encourage every Kansan to get the COVID-19 vaccine so we can get back to school, back to work, and back to normal.”

Kansas will become the 8th&nbsp;state to make the vaccine available to all adults, joining Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Utah, and West Virginia.

As of March 26,<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMjYuMzc3ODQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvdmlkLmNkYy5nb3YvY292aWQtZGF0YS10cmFja2VyLyN2YWNjaW5hdGlvbnMifQ.sFC6hfLyb9saz9FMqRT-HD3k5y5Z0XZPHX487V3L_rA/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">&nbsp;35.1%</a>&nbsp;of the adult population in Kansas had received at least one dose of the vaccine.

In the early part of the vaccination program (December 2020 – February 2021), limited federal supply led to demand for vaccine consistently outstripping supply. However, the supply increases of recent weeks have reversed this situation. Local Health Departments (LHDs) and providers have started reporting a decline in demand despite the state opening to Phases 3 and 4 populations. To ensure no vaccine goes to waste, the Kelly administration decided to open eligibility to all Kansans.

Kansans are encouraged to use the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.aeqhimZY4uP5KjdOQ4BPwDU6G3ogyV88Q0Amwsf3xEU/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">Vaccine Finder</a>&nbsp;tool to find the nearest location with available vaccine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610104544544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that starting Monday, March 29, the State of Kansas will make the COVID-19 vaccine available to all Kansans (16+), entering the final Phase 5 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.ubDUIVThm5i2wwMrejtn9iLpuJil1tvbFfXjWRlw4_Q/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">Vaccine Prioritization</a>&nbsp;plan, according to a media release from her office.“With the anticipated increase in supply from the federal government, we must get every dose of vaccine into arms quickly,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I strongly encourage every Kansan to get the COVID-19 vaccine so we can get back to school, back to work, and back to normal.”Kansas will become the 8th&nbsp;state to make the vaccine available to all adults, joining Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Utah, and West Virginia.As of March 26,<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMjYuMzc3ODQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvdmlkLmNkYy5nb3YvY292aWQtZGF0YS10cmFja2VyLyN2YWNjaW5hdGlvbnMifQ.sFC6hfLyb9saz9FMqRT-HD3k5y5Z0XZPHX487V3L_rA/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">&nbsp;35.1%</a>&nbsp;of the adult population in Kansas had received at least one dose of the vaccine.In the early part of the vaccination program (December 2020 – February 2021), limited federal supply led to demand for vaccine consistently outstripping supply. However, the supply increases of recent weeks have reversed this situation. Local Health Departments (LHDs) and providers have started reporting a decline in demand despite the state opening to Phases 3 and 4 populations. To ensure no vaccine goes to waste, the Kelly administration decided to open eligibility to all Kansans.Kansans are encouraged to use the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.aeqhimZY4uP5KjdOQ4BPwDU6G3ogyV88Q0Amwsf3xEU/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">Vaccine Finder</a>&nbsp;tool to find the nearest location with available vaccine.About the COVID-19 vaccines:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMjYuMzc3ODQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3RpbWUuY29tLzU5NDIwNzYvcHJvb2YtY292aWQtMTktdmFjY2luZXMtd29yay8ifQ.4K2ibSgHqf_L3FHxbJLaaAjBad4X-loM4Yd3tTjswCQ/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">COVID-19 Vaccines work</a>:&nbsp;New England Journal of Medicine&nbsp;published a study on Feb. 24 that found researchers in Israel and the U.S. report that the vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech was highly effective in protecting against infection with the COVID-19 virus, lowering people’s chances of getting sick with the disease—especially severe disease—and dropping COVID-19 hospitalization rates.</li><li>Scientists have been researching&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.28L4URDjRLyYtmmVFwrZFVEIwLixtTKUQ8CB8vIxQuQ/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">mRNA</a>&nbsp;technology, which makes it possible to create a vaccine faster, for years to prepare for potential infectious viruses. This research and the high supply of volunteers for clinical trials led to the relatively&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMjYuMzc3ODQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAyLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuaG9wa2luc21lZGljaW5lLm9yZyUyRmhlYWx0aCUyRmNvbmRpdGlvbnMtYW5kLWRpc2Vhc2VzJTJGY29yb25hdmlydXMlMkZpcy10aGUtY292aWQxOS12YWNjaW5lLXNhZmUmZGF0YT0wNCU3QzAxJTdDTGF1cmVuLkZpdHpnZXJhbGQlNDBrcy5nb3YlN0NhYjU1Njk1YjZkMWQ0ZjBmMjE2ZjA4ZDhlZmZhMTFjZSU3Q2RjYWU4MTAxYzkyZDQ4MGNiYzQzYzY3NjFjY2NjYzVhJTdDMCU3QzAlN0M2Mzc1MjMyMDQ2MDk5NTM4NTYlN0NVbmtub3duJTdDVFdGcGJHWnNiM2Q4ZXlKV0lqb2lNQzR3TGpBd01EQWlMQ0pRSWpvaVYybHVNeklpTENKQlRpSTZJazFoYVd3aUxDSlhWQ0k2TW4wJTNEJTdDMTAwMCZzZGF0YT0lMkIlMkZUN1JtQ3E3NGwzOSUyRkpsYllhMmhhZ3BybVdCT2t5Wm8lMkZVWUlxWHhqJTJCMCUzRCZyZXNlcnZlZD0wIn0.DO1KeJdPNKo7fYVCmfZPYk38nG3hLc13868zPgifkWk/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">quick</a>&nbsp;development of the COVID-19 vaccines.</li><li>COVID-19 vaccines must meet&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.WrLjrb9CNPgiehOWJoSp92P265nv0uSksmJw-AdXo20/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">rigorous</a>&nbsp;standards and have undergone the most&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.zK4AWTSgGHpTY36_AQHWCk1IVNfP5zNZvNjD-TpmksQ/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">intensive</a>&nbsp;safety monitoring in U.S. history. The three COVID-19 vaccines had to meet safety and effectiveness standards to be approved for Emergency Use Authorization and have been evaluated in&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.1fCwgNA_d2YWui9oFU8guVKsMFWjuyS9VnXGH3pfcI0/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">tens of thousands</a>&nbsp;of participants in clinical trials.</li>
 </ul>

Vaccine available to anyone 16 and older starting Monday

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 506 to a total of 301,433, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4891, an increase of 10.

<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 506 to a total of 301,433, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4891, an increase of 10.<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/2021/3/1616778303737.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City police officer was shot in the leg while trying to make an arrest before he returned fire, killing the suspect, authorities said.

Police reported the shootout happened around 6 p.m. Thursday inside a gas station on the south end of the city. The Missouri State Highway Patrol, which is investigating the shooting, said two uniformed Kansas City police officers spotted a man inside the business whom they believed was wanted on suspicion of assault in an unrelated case.

As the officers attempted to arrest the man, a fight ensued, the patrol said, and the man pulled a gun and shot one officer in the leg. The officer returned fire, killing the suspect, the patrol said.

The man shot by the officer was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The injured officer was treated and listed in stable condition, the patrol said.

The names of the man killed and the officer injured were not immediately released.

The man's death marked the 40th homicide in Kansas City this year, according to data kept by the Kansas City Star. Kansas City recorded 182 homicides in all of 2020, the most in the city’s history in a single year.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting in Kansas City.

Just before 6p.m. Thursday police officers attempted to arrest an aggravated assault suspect at the corner of 63rd and Prospect, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

 Officers tried to detain the suspect but he resisted. During the struggle, the suspect retrieved a gun and shot an officer.

The officer returned fire striking the suspect. No other witnesses nor officers were injured. The suspect succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The officer was&nbsp; in stable condition and being treated at Research Medical Center. Authorities released no additional details.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A is in charge of the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616756345082.png" alt="Investigators on the scene of the officer-involved shooting photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Investigators on the scene of the officer-involved shooting photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City police officer was shot in the leg while trying to make an arrest before he returned fire, killing the suspect, authorities said.Police reported the shootout happened around 6 p.m. Thursday inside a gas station on the south end of the city. The Missouri State Highway Patrol, which is investigating the shooting, said two uniformed Kansas City police officers spotted a man inside the business whom they believed was wanted on suspicion of assault in an unrelated case.As the officers attempted to arrest the man, a fight ensued, the patrol said, and the man pulled a gun and shot one officer in the leg. The officer returned fire, killing the suspect, the patrol said.The man shot by the officer was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The injured officer was treated and listed in stable condition, the patrol said.The names of the man killed and the officer injured were not immediately released.The man's death marked the 40th homicide in Kansas City this year, according to data kept by the Kansas City Star. Kansas City recorded 182 homicides in all of 2020, the most in the city’s history in a single year.-----KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting in Kansas City.Just before 6p.m. Thursday police officers attempted to arrest an aggravated assault suspect at the corner of 63rd and Prospect, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Officers tried to detain the suspect but he resisted. During the struggle, the suspect retrieved a gun and shot an officer.The officer returned fire striking the suspect. No other witnesses nor officers were injured. The suspect succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The officer was&nbsp; in stable condition and being treated at Research Medical Center. Authorities released no additional details.The Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A is in charge of the investigation.

Update: KC officer injured, suspect killed in shootout

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office reported that Carl Whiting was located and is now safe

BARTON COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Barton County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a man missing from Barton County.&nbsp;

The whereabouts of 64-year-old Carl A. Whiting are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Whiting was last seen at approximately 10 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, in Barton County, near K-96 Highway.

Whiting is a white male, 6 ft. 2 in. tall, weighing 240 lbs. He has brown eyes and sandy hair. Whiting was last seen wearing blue jeans, black and orange New Balance shoes, and a gray v-neck sweatshirt.

Additionally, he has dementia. Whiting has a history of leaving his home and soliciting rides from drivers, often times out of the county.

If you see Carl Whiting, or know his whereabouts, please immediately contact the Barton County Sheriff’s Office at 620-793-1920.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616755877455.png" alt="Carl Whiting photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Carl Whiting photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton County Sheriff’s Office reported that Carl Whiting was located and is now safe--------BARTON COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Barton County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a man missing from Barton County.&nbsp;The whereabouts of 64-year-old Carl A. Whiting are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.Whiting was last seen at approximately 10 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, in Barton County, near K-96 Highway.Whiting is a white male, 6 ft. 2 in. tall, weighing 240 lbs. He has brown eyes and sandy hair. Whiting was last seen wearing blue jeans, black and orange New Balance shoes, and a gray v-neck sweatshirt.Additionally, he has dementia. Whiting has a history of leaving his home and soliciting rides from drivers, often times out of the county.If you see Carl Whiting, or know his whereabouts, please immediately contact the Barton County Sheriff’s Office at 620-793-1920.

KBI cancels Silver Alert; missing Kan. man found

KU doctors urged the public to recognize the proven safety of COVID-19 vaccines

By ALEX SMITH <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-03-25/officials-say-cause-of-death-unknown-for-kansas-woman-who-got-covid-19-shot">Kansas News Service</a>

Kansas officials confirmed on Thursday that a 68-year-old Atchison 
County woman experienced anaphylaxis and died after she received a 
COVID-19 vaccination but said no link between the shot and her death had
 been determined.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said on Thursday it would investigate the case.

The
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 126 million 
doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in the U.S. from 
mid-December through March 22. The agency received 2,216 reports of 
deaths following the administration of doses, but its reviews have found
 no evidence that the vaccines caused those deaths.

Doctors at the
 University of Kansas, who did not treat the patient, said on Thursday 
that more information would be needed to understand what occurred. But 
they cautioned against people basing opinions of vaccines on a single 
incident or media coverage of it.

“What you don’t want to do is, 
in this time where we have such great division in this country and such a
 great fight between red states and blues states — don’t take this event
 and take it to such an extreme that you say no one should be 
vaccinated, because the fact is that everyone should be vaccinated,” 
said University of Kansas Chief Medical Officer Steven Stites.

On 
its Facebook page Wednesday evening, NBC affiliate KSNT in Topeka cited 
the obituary of 68-year-old Jeanie Evans of Effingham, Kansas, which 
flatly stated that the cause of death was “a reaction to the Covid 
vaccine.” The obituary reported that Evans had died at Stormont Vail 
Hospital in Topeka. 

The story was then picked up by other TV 
stations, including KCTV Channel 5 and KMBC Channel 9 in Kansas City. By
 late Thursday morning, it had been shared more than 1,000 times on 
Facebook. Although many of those who shared it posted comments skeptical
 of the vaccines’ safety, others were critical of the news outlets’ 
reporting or attacked other commenters. 

By noon, the New York Post and Fox5 New York had also published articles on Evans’ death.

KDHE
 confirmed to KCUR on Thursday that a 68-year-old Atchison County woman 
had died but said a cause of death had yet to be determined by a medical
 expert.

“Until the investigation is complete, it is premature to 
assign a specific cause of death,” Kansas Department of Health and 
Environment spokeswoman Kristi Zears said in an email.

The death will be investigated in accordance with standard protocol,  Zears added.

A
 spokesman for Stormont Vail confirmed that Evans, who was vaccinated 
elsewhere, had died after being transported to the hospital. 

"The
 individual was transported to our hospital after receiving the vaccine 
in the region. A cause of death has yet to be determined. Our thoughts 
and condolences are with the family," spokesman Matt Lara said in an 
email. 

KCUR was unable to reach Evans’ family on Thursday.

Stites,
 of KU, said that, while an extreme reaction to a vaccine dose is 
possible, deaths may occur following the administration of a vaccine due
 to many unrelated causes, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Stites
 encouraged the public to honor the Evans family's loss while also 
recognizing the overwhelming evidence of the vaccines' safety.

“The
 rest of us have to understand that that pain in that isolated instance 
is not measured," Stites said. "We can’t measure it for that family. We 
can’t find solace for that family. But we know that, throughout the 
world and throughout mankind, there is no question that vaccines save 
millions and millions and millions and millions of lives relative to the
 number of people who die.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616770405447.png" alt="Jeanie Evans of Atchison, Kansas, died on Wednesday, a day after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, according to her obituary. " />
 <figcaption>Jeanie Evans of Atchison, Kansas, died on Wednesday, a day after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, according to her obituary. </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>KU doctors urged the public to recognize the proven safety of COVID-19 vaccines</h2>By ALEX SMITH <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-03-25/officials-say-cause-of-death-unknown-for-kansas-woman-who-got-covid-19-shot">Kansas News Service</a>Kansas officials confirmed on Thursday that a 68-year-old Atchison 
County woman experienced anaphylaxis and died after she received a 
COVID-19 vaccination but said no link between the shot and her death had
 been determined.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said on Thursday it would investigate the case.The
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 126 million 
doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in the U.S. from 
mid-December through March 22. The agency received 2,216 reports of 
deaths following the administration of doses, but its reviews have found
 no evidence that the vaccines caused those deaths.Doctors at the
 University of Kansas, who did not treat the patient, said on Thursday 
that more information would be needed to understand what occurred. But 
they cautioned against people basing opinions of vaccines on a single 
incident or media coverage of it.“What you don’t want to do is, 
in this time where we have such great division in this country and such a
 great fight between red states and blues states — don’t take this event
 and take it to such an extreme that you say no one should be 
vaccinated, because the fact is that everyone should be vaccinated,” 
said University of Kansas Chief Medical Officer Steven Stites.On 
its Facebook page Wednesday evening, NBC affiliate KSNT in Topeka cited 
the obituary of 68-year-old Jeanie Evans of Effingham, Kansas, which 
flatly stated that the cause of death was “a reaction to the Covid 
vaccine.” The obituary reported that Evans had died at Stormont Vail 
Hospital in Topeka. The story was then picked up by other TV 
stations, including KCTV Channel 5 and KMBC Channel 9 in Kansas City. By
 late Thursday morning, it had been shared more than 1,000 times on 
Facebook. Although many of those who shared it posted comments skeptical
 of the vaccines’ safety, others were critical of the news outlets’ 
reporting or attacked other commenters. By noon, the New York Post and Fox5 New York had also published articles on Evans’ death.KDHE
 confirmed to KCUR on Thursday that a 68-year-old Atchison County woman 
had died but said a cause of death had yet to be determined by a medical
 expert.“Until the investigation is complete, it is premature to 
assign a specific cause of death,” Kansas Department of Health and 
Environment spokeswoman Kristi Zears said in an email.The death will be investigated in accordance with standard protocol, Zears added.A
 spokesman for Stormont Vail confirmed that Evans, who was vaccinated 
elsewhere, had died after being transported to the hospital. "The
 individual was transported to our hospital after receiving the vaccine 
in the region. A cause of death has yet to be determined. Our thoughts 
and condolences are with the family," spokesman Matt Lara said in an 
email. KCUR was unable to reach Evans’ family on Thursday.Stites,
 of KU, said that, while an extreme reaction to a vaccine dose is 
possible, deaths may occur following the administration of a vaccine due
 to many unrelated causes, such as a heart attack or stroke.Stites
 encouraged the public to honor the Evans family's loss while also 
recognizing the overwhelming evidence of the vaccines' safety.“The
 rest of us have to understand that that pain in that isolated instance 
is not measured," Stites said. "We can’t measure it for that family. We 
can’t find solace for that family. But we know that, throughout the 
world and throughout mankind, there is no question that vaccines save 
millions and millions and millions and millions of lives relative to the
 number of people who die.”

Officials: Cause of death unknown for Kan. woman who got COVID shot 

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Authorities say they believe that human remains first spotted by someone out walking in a state park Thursday afternoon are the body of a Chinese woman who has been missing since October 2019.

The skeletal remains, some clothing, a driver’s license and some credit cards with Mengqi Ji Elledge’s name on them were found in a remote area of Rock Bridge State Park in Boone County. Columbia Mayor Brian Treece and Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones announced the findings Thursday evening.

Assistant Chief Jeremiah Hunter described the identification of the remains as preliminary. Hunter, Jones and Treece emphasized the importance of this development in beginning to provide closure to Ji’s family. Police officials said DNA and potentially other testing would be done to confirm that the remains are Ji’s.

Jones said authorities had contacted Ji’s family through their attorney.

“As a parent, I can only imagine how important it is to want to have some measure of closure in a tragedy such as this,” Jones said.

Ji’s husband, Joseph Elledge, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a77cf5d7402709f672060620c18c200d">charged in February</a>&nbsp;2020 with first-degree murder in her disappearance. He has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3464aeebdecdfb6819997198bbb315e1">pleaded not guilty</a>&nbsp;to the murder charge and to related charges of child endangerment and domestic abuse.

The couple has a 2-year-old daughter. Elledge, a University of Missouri student, is jailed without bond. His trial is set for Nov. 1.

Prosecutors have speculated that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/754a42ae3659132b431a838ae833ee3e">Elledge strangled his wife</a>&nbsp;to avoid a costly divorce and stop her from fleeing to China with their daughter.

Elledge told authorities he realized his wife was missing on Oct. 9, 2019, but didn’t report she was gone until the next day— which is when a friend came to the house at the request of Ji’s mother. Authorities say he drove to remote areas, spending around 45 minutes at a secluded access point to the Lamine River after dark, during those 24 hours. Cadaver dogs detected the presence of human remains there, but law enforcement was unable to find a body despite multiple searches.

Hunter said parts of Rock Bridge State Park had been previously searched but not the area where the remains were found, which is about 30 feet from a road.

During a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b8203ea6a4a34200bdbed74653732810">court hearing</a>&nbsp;in November 2019, Boone County Chief Prosecutor Dan Knight described Elledge as a “jealous, controlling, manipulative psychopath.” Knight played four audio recordings of the couple arguing.

In the recordings, the husband says, “I don’t like being with you,” ″I’m eager to end it” and “I will bury the earth under you.” Ji can also be heard arguing with her husband, who raised his voice several times. At one point, he told her, “I know you want me to hit you,” and, “This, it’s not abusive.”

He was also heard saying he wanted a divorce “the sooner the better.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1572177968305.png" alt="Ji’s husband, Joseph Elledge, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a77cf5d7402709f672060620c18c200d">charged in February</a>&nbsp;2020 with first-degree murder in her disappearance. Photo Boone Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Ji’s husband, Joseph Elledge, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a77cf5d7402709f672060620c18c200d">charged in February</a>&nbsp;2020 with first-degree murder in her disappearance. Photo Boone Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Authorities say they believe that human remains first spotted by someone out walking in a state park Thursday afternoon are the body of a Chinese woman who has been missing since October 2019.The skeletal remains, some clothing, a driver’s license and some credit cards with Mengqi Ji Elledge’s name on them were found in a remote area of Rock Bridge State Park in Boone County. Columbia Mayor Brian Treece and Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones announced the findings Thursday evening.Assistant Chief Jeremiah Hunter described the identification of the remains as preliminary. Hunter, Jones and Treece emphasized the importance of this development in beginning to provide closure to Ji’s family. Police officials said DNA and potentially other testing would be done to confirm that the remains are Ji’s.Jones said authorities had contacted Ji’s family through their attorney.“As a parent, I can only imagine how important it is to want to have some measure of closure in a tragedy such as this,” Jones said.Ji’s husband, Joseph Elledge, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a77cf5d7402709f672060620c18c200d">charged in February</a>&nbsp;2020 with first-degree murder in her disappearance. He has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3464aeebdecdfb6819997198bbb315e1">pleaded not guilty</a>&nbsp;to the murder charge and to related charges of child endangerment and domestic abuse.The couple has a 2-year-old daughter. Elledge, a University of Missouri student, is jailed without bond. His trial is set for Nov. 1.Prosecutors have speculated that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/754a42ae3659132b431a838ae833ee3e">Elledge strangled his wife</a>&nbsp;to avoid a costly divorce and stop her from fleeing to China with their daughter.Elledge told authorities he realized his wife was missing on Oct. 9, 2019, but didn’t report she was gone until the next day— which is when a friend came to the house at the request of Ji’s mother. Authorities say he drove to remote areas, spending around 45 minutes at a secluded access point to the Lamine River after dark, during those 24 hours. Cadaver dogs detected the presence of human remains there, but law enforcement was unable to find a body despite multiple searches.Hunter said parts of Rock Bridge State Park had been previously searched but not the area where the remains were found, which is about 30 feet from a road.During a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b8203ea6a4a34200bdbed74653732810">court hearing</a>&nbsp;in November 2019, Boone County Chief Prosecutor Dan Knight described Elledge as a “jealous, controlling, manipulative psychopath.” Knight played four audio recordings of the couple arguing.In the recordings, the husband says, “I don’t like being with you,” ″I’m eager to end it” and “I will bury the earth under you.” Ji can also be heard arguing with her husband, who raised his voice several times. At one point, he told her, “I know you want me to hit you,” and, “This, it’s not abusive.”He was also heard saying he wanted a divorce “the sooner the better.”Defense attorneys argued during the hearing that Ji had exchanged sexually explicit messages with another person.Elledge’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum, said he had no comment Thursday evening.A message left with Ji’s family attorney was not returned Thursday.Ji received a master’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Missouri in December 2014. She previously attended the East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai.___