WASHINGTON (AP) — The cost of deploying about 26,000 National Guard troops to secure the U.S. Capitol in the wake of the deadly Jan. 6 riot is nearly $500 million, U.S. military officials said Thursday.

The deployment brought troops in from all 50 states and four territories as law enforcement agencies tried to lock down the Capitol for the inauguration of the President Joe Biden. Thousands of Guard members poured into the nation’s capital and were stationed across the city to block traffic and protect lawmakers and landmarks.

Officials said the nearly $500 million includes the costs of transporting Guard troops from their states to Washington, their salaries and benefits, as well as housing and other essentials. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss internal figures and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Because the troops were activated by the federal government for more than 30 days, their health benefits are also covered, adding to the price of the deployment.

Officials say the money is expected to cover the costs of the Guard through mid-March, when the troops are expected to leave. Between 5,000 and 7,000 troops are scheduled to stay in Washington through March 14.

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a terrorism bulletin warning about possible additional violence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611346427579.png" alt="Some members of the National Guard spent a night in a parking garage- photo courtesy Senator Tim Scott" />
 <figcaption>Some members of the National Guard spent a night in a parking garage- photo courtesy Senator Tim Scott</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The cost of deploying about 26,000 National Guard troops to secure the U.S. Capitol in the wake of the deadly Jan. 6 riot is nearly $500 million, U.S. military officials said Thursday.The deployment brought troops in from all 50 states and four territories as law enforcement agencies tried to lock down the Capitol for the inauguration of the President Joe Biden. Thousands of Guard members poured into the nation’s capital and were stationed across the city to block traffic and protect lawmakers and landmarks.Officials said the nearly $500 million includes the costs of transporting Guard troops from their states to Washington, their salaries and benefits, as well as housing and other essentials. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss internal figures and spoke on condition of anonymity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611848655634.png" alt="Members of the Kansas National Guard took photos with several member of the Kansas Congressional delegation during their stay in DC including Senator Jerry Moran.&nbsp;Approximately 230 Kansas National Guard Soldiers and Airmen returned home from Washington, D.C., last week.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Kansas National Guard took photos with several member of the Kansas Congressional delegation during their stay in DC including Senator Jerry Moran.&nbsp;Approximately 230 Kansas National Guard Soldiers and Airmen returned home from Washington, D.C., last week.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Because the troops were activated by the federal government for more than 30 days, their health benefits are also covered, adding to the price of the deployment.Officials say the money is expected to cover the costs of the Guard through mid-March, when the troops are expected to leave. Between 5,000 and 7,000 troops are scheduled to stay in Washington through March 14.The Department of Homeland Security has issued a terrorism bulletin warning about possible additional violence.

Guard deployment to secure DC will cost $500 million

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate early Friday took a key step toward fast-track passage of President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan without support from Republicans. Vice President Kamala Harris was in the chair to cast the tie-breaking vote, her first.

Democrats in the chamber applauded after Harris announced the 51-50 vote at around 5:30 a.m. The action came after a grueling all-night session, where senators voted on amendments that could define the contours of the eventual COVID-19 aid bill.

The budget now returns to the House, where it will have to be approved again due to the changes made by the Senate. Final passage will unlock the next phase in drafting of the virus relief bill, with the work divided among several congressional committees.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer D-N.Y., called passage of the resolution the “first big step to putting our country back on the road to recovery.”

By moving on a fast track, the goal for Democrats is to have COVID relief approved by March, when extra unemployment assistance and other pandemic aid expires. It’s an aggressive timeline that will test the ability of the new administration and Congress to deliver.

Biden, who has been meeting with lawmakers in recent days to discuss the package, will talk Friday at the White House with the House committee chairs who will be assembling the bill under the budget process known as “reconciliation.”

Biden also plans to make remarks Friday on the economy as he keeps up the pressure on Congress to “act big” on his relief package.

With a rising virus death toll and strained economy, the president’s goal is to have COVID-19 relief approved by March, when extra unemployment assistance and other pandemic aid measures expire. Money for vaccine distributions, direct payments to households, school reopenings and business aid are at stake.

The marathon Senate session brought test votes on several Democratic priorities, including a $15 minimum wage. The Senate by voice vote adopted an amendment from Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, opposed to raising the wage during the pandemic. Ernst said a wage hike at this time would be “devastating” for small businesses.

None of the amendments to the budget are binding on Democrats as they draft their COVID plan, but passage of a wage increase could prove difficult. Even if a $15 wage can get past procedural challenges in the final bill, passage will require the support from every Democrat in the 50-50 Senate, which could be a tall order.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, a vocal proponent of the wage increase, vowed to press ahead. “We need to end the crisis of starvation wages,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612529465267.png" alt="Vice President Kamala Harris as she announced her vote to break the tie just after 5a.m. Friday in the United State's Senate- photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Kamala Harris as she announced her vote to break the tie just after 5a.m. Friday in the United State's Senate- photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate early Friday took a key step toward fast-track passage of President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan without support from Republicans. Vice President Kamala Harris was in the chair to cast the tie-breaking vote, her first.Democrats in the chamber applauded after Harris announced the 51-50 vote at around 5:30 a.m. The action came after a grueling all-night session, where senators voted on amendments that could define the contours of the eventual COVID-19 aid bill.The budget now returns to the House, where it will have to be approved again due to the changes made by the Senate. Final passage will unlock the next phase in drafting of the virus relief bill, with the work divided among several congressional committees.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer D-N.Y., called passage of the resolution the “first big step to putting our country back on the road to recovery.”By moving on a fast track, the goal for Democrats is to have COVID relief approved by March, when extra unemployment assistance and other pandemic aid expires. It’s an aggressive timeline that will test the ability of the new administration and Congress to deliver.Biden, who has been meeting with lawmakers in recent days to discuss the package, will talk Friday at the White House with the House committee chairs who will be assembling the bill under the budget process known as “reconciliation.”Biden also plans to make remarks Friday on the economy as he keeps up the pressure on Congress to “act big” on his relief package.With a rising virus death toll and strained economy, the president’s goal is to have COVID-19 relief approved by March, when extra unemployment assistance and other pandemic aid measures expire. Money for vaccine distributions, direct payments to households, school reopenings and business aid are at stake.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612529745380.png" alt="Early Friday morning on the floor of the. U.S. Senate-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Early Friday morning on the floor of the. U.S. Senate-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>The marathon Senate session brought test votes on several Democratic priorities, including a $15 minimum wage. The Senate by voice vote adopted an amendment from Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, opposed to raising the wage during the pandemic. Ernst said a wage hike at this time would be “devastating” for small businesses.None of the amendments to the budget are binding on Democrats as they draft their COVID plan, but passage of a wage increase could prove difficult. Even if a $15 wage can get past procedural challenges in the final bill, passage will require the support from every Democrat in the 50-50 Senate, which could be a tall order.Sen. Bernie Sanders, a vocal proponent of the wage increase, vowed to press ahead. “We need to end the crisis of starvation wages,” he said.

Senate takes step toward $1.9T COVID relief; VP casts tie-breaker vote

WASHINGTON — Biden administration officials are weighing sending masks to every American as they hope to nudge individuals to do their part in lowering coronavirus transmission rates.

White House chief of staff Ron Klain said in an interview with NBC News that administration officials are looking at using mask supplies that the government already has in its stockpile.

Klain said that the administration hopes to make an announcement on a potential move “in the next few days or next week.”

Biden has pleaded for Americans to wear masks during the first 100 days of his administration. It’s a step he said could help save thousands of lives as Americans await their turn to be vaccinated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612486295120.png" alt="President Biden and Vice President Harris wearing masks as the podium is cleaned prior to his foreign policy address at the State Department on Thursday-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden and Vice President Harris wearing masks as the podium is cleaned prior to his foreign policy address at the State Department on Thursday-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Biden administration officials are weighing sending masks to every American as they hope to nudge individuals to do their part in lowering coronavirus transmission rates.White House chief of staff Ron Klain said in an interview with NBC News that administration officials are looking at using mask supplies that the government already has in its stockpile.Klain said that the administration hopes to make an announcement on a potential move “in the next few days or next week.”Biden has pleaded for Americans to wear masks during the first 100 days of his administration. It’s a step he said could help save thousands of lives as Americans await their turn to be vaccinated.

US officials mull sending masks to every American

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series business burglaries and have made an arrest.

Just after 10:00 p.m. Tuesday, a police officer driving on Interstate 70 in Topeka observed a vehicle matching the description of one believed to be involved in multiple business burglaries, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and the driver of the vehicle was identified as 54-year-old Raynard Walton.

He is suspected of burglarizing Topeka Sports &amp; Family Chiropractic, Joy &amp; Co CPA and HQ Technologies LLC in recent months.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested Walton and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Correction in requested charges of Burglary, Theft and Criminal damage to property. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612391496958.png" alt="Walton photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Walton photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series business burglaries and have made an arrest.Just after 10:00 p.m. Tuesday, a police officer driving on Interstate 70 in Topeka observed a vehicle matching the description of one believed to be involved in multiple business burglaries, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.The officer conducted a traffic stop and the driver of the vehicle was identified as 54-year-old Raynard Walton.He is suspected of burglarizing Topeka Sports &amp; Family Chiropractic, Joy &amp; Co CPA and HQ Technologies LLC in recent months.As a result of the investigation, police arrested Walton and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Correction in requested charges of Burglary, Theft and Criminal damage to property. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Suspect jailed for series of Kansas business burglaries

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A faster-spreading coronavirus variant first identified in the United Kingdom is probably more widespread in Kansas than a single confirmed case in the state’s northwest suggests, officials with a major health system said Thursday.

The first identified case of the variant came as the number of new COVID-19 cases dropped in the state and with officials focused on distributing vaccines. State health department data showed that Kansas averaged 914 new confirmed and probable cases a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, the lowest seven-day rolling average since late October and just a third of the record average of 2,767 cases for the seven days ending Nov. 18.

Public health officials also are concerned that people will attend gatherings and not maintain social distances at Super Bowl parties this weekend.

<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/2-3-21%20variant%20final.pdf" target="_blank">The state health department announced</a>&nbsp;Wednesday that it had confirmed a case of the U.K. variant, in Ellis County, which is home to Hays and Fort Hays State University. Officials had worried that the variant was responsible for a fast-developing outbreak at a minimum-security state prison in Winfield in south-central Kansas, but genetic testing ruled that out.

“If it is in Hays, is there a chance it is in Kansas City? I think there is a chance it is in Kansas City and surrounding areas,” Dr. Dana Hawkinson, director of infection control for the University of Kansas Health System, said during an online briefing Thursday.

Dr. David Wild, a University of Kansas Health System vice president, said even before the first Kansas case was identified, he could “nearly guarantee” coronavirus variants were spreading already in Kansas and the Kansas City area.

“We know now of one in the state,” he said. “There will be more.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-many-coronavirus-variants-are-there-12d1f000ed9601f99c1c7c08e020ba7b">Cases of the U.K. and other variants</a>&nbsp;are identified through a full review of the virus’ genome.

Fort Hays State and the local health department said the person infected with variant was a student-athlete at the university, which tests its athletes weekly for COVID-19. Officials said the athlete’s contacts are being traced and that the state health department was sending a mobile testing van to Hays.

Hawkinson said it’s “well established” that the U.K. variant is “more transmissible,” and public health officials fear it could be deadlier. But he added, “We have to be concerned about other variants arising as well.”

“We are all tired, and it is one day at a time, but that is why we need to continue to need to be more vigilant, especially this weekend,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Republican-controlled Kansas Senate debated formally condemning a decision by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration to make prison inmates eligible for COVID-19 vaccines during the second phase of vaccine distribution, which Kansas launched last month.

Prison inmates are in line with people 65 and older, workers critical to the economy and other people in group living situations. They’re ahead of most of the state’s 2.9 million residents, including people under 65 with medical conditions putting them at risk of severe complications if they are infected with COVID-19.

The Senate’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sr1707_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">nonbinding resolution</a>&nbsp;was drafted by health committee Chair Richard Hilderbrand, a Galena Republican. It called on Kelly to reverse her policy on inoculating inmates “without delay,” criticizing the idea that violent offenders could get shots before their victims.

Kelly has defended the policy, saying it will protect prison workers and helps keep COVID-19 in check in communities with prisons. Kansas also is following the recommendations of public health officials and experts, and state prisons have been especially hard-hit with virus outbreaks.

“I continue to believe that we are doing the right thing,” she said during a Wednesday news conference at the Statehouse.

But Kelly also said the state is for now vaccinating prison employees and, “Then, when we have finished with the staff, we will move on and begin with inmates who are 65 or older.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608566572342.png" alt="Virus variant -image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>Virus variant -image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A faster-spreading coronavirus variant first identified in the United Kingdom is probably more widespread in Kansas than a single confirmed case in the state’s northwest suggests, officials with a major health system said Thursday.The first identified case of the variant came as the number of new COVID-19 cases dropped in the state and with officials focused on distributing vaccines. State health department data showed that Kansas averaged 914 new confirmed and probable cases a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, the lowest seven-day rolling average since late October and just a third of the record average of 2,767 cases for the seven days ending Nov. 18.Public health officials also are concerned that people will attend gatherings and not maintain social distances at Super Bowl parties this weekend.<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/2-3-21%20variant%20final.pdf" target="_blank">The state health department announced</a>&nbsp;Wednesday that it had confirmed a case of the U.K. variant, in Ellis County, which is home to Hays and Fort Hays State University. Officials had worried that the variant was responsible for a fast-developing outbreak at a minimum-security state prison in Winfield in south-central Kansas, but genetic testing ruled that out.“If it is in Hays, is there a chance it is in Kansas City? I think there is a chance it is in Kansas City and surrounding areas,” Dr. Dana Hawkinson, director of infection control for the University of Kansas Health System, said during an online briefing Thursday.Dr. David Wild, a University of Kansas Health System vice president, said even before the first Kansas case was identified, he could “nearly guarantee” coronavirus variants were spreading already in Kansas and the Kansas City area.“We know now of one in the state,” he said. “There will be more.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-many-coronavirus-variants-are-there-12d1f000ed9601f99c1c7c08e020ba7b">Cases of the U.K. and other variants</a>&nbsp;are identified through a full review of the virus’ genome.Fort Hays State and the local health department said the person infected with variant was a student-athlete at the university, which tests its athletes weekly for COVID-19. Officials said the athlete’s contacts are being traced and that the state health department was sending a mobile testing van to Hays.Hawkinson said it’s “well established” that the U.K. variant is “more transmissible,” and public health officials fear it could be deadlier. But he added, “We have to be concerned about other variants arising as well.”“We are all tired, and it is one day at a time, but that is why we need to continue to need to be more vigilant, especially this weekend,” he said.Meanwhile, the Republican-controlled Kansas Senate debated formally condemning a decision by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration to make prison inmates eligible for COVID-19 vaccines during the second phase of vaccine distribution, which Kansas launched last month.Prison inmates are in line with people 65 and older, workers critical to the economy and other people in group living situations. They’re ahead of most of the state’s 2.9 million residents, including people under 65 with medical conditions putting them at risk of severe complications if they are infected with COVID-19.The Senate’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sr1707_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">nonbinding resolution</a>&nbsp;was drafted by health committee Chair Richard Hilderbrand, a Galena Republican. It called on Kelly to reverse her policy on inoculating inmates “without delay,” criticizing the idea that violent offenders could get shots before their victims.Kelly has defended the policy, saying it will protect prison workers and helps keep COVID-19 in check in communities with prisons. Kansas also is following the recommendations of public health officials and experts, and state prisons have been especially hard-hit with virus outbreaks.“I continue to believe that we are doing the right thing,” she said during a Wednesday news conference at the Statehouse.But Kelly also said the state is for now vaccinating prison employees and, “Then, when we have finished with the staff, we will move on and begin with inmates who are 65 or older.”___

Officials: Coronavirus variant likely more common in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislation that would make it a felony for doctors to provide medical treatments that help transgender youth transition is unlikely to get a hearing, the head of the committee to which it has been assigned said Thursday.

Four conservative GOP members of the Kansas House introduced&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2210_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the measure&nbsp;</a>Wednesday, drawing immediate and strong condemnation from the Legislature’s first transgender member, its two other openly LGBTQ lawmakers and the executive director of the state’s leading LGBTQ-rights organization.

It is among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-bills-judiciary-helena-060d274f606d9e8e08b786be0398efd3">measures in more than a dozen state legislatures</a>&nbsp;targeting transgender youth in sports or medical treatments for them. States are considering them after an executive order from Democratic President Joe Biden prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in school sports and elsewhere sparked a backlash from conservative groups.

“It turns off the medical interventions that a parent can seek for their child,” said Democratic Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, a transgender woman who was elected last year.

Byers added: “I’ve known who I am since I was — before kindergarten.”

The House health committee probably will not have a hearing for the measure because it has too much other work, such as proposals for modernizing the state’s mental health system, said Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican.

The bill would apply not only to performing surgery on transgender minors but also to other treatments, such as prescribing drugs to block the onset of puberty to prepare a child for transitioning. Under the measure, doctors could be sentenced to up to eight months in prison for “unlawful gender reassignment service” and lose their medical licenses for unprofessional conduct.

One of the Kansas measure’s sponsors, rural northeast Kansas Republican Rep. Randy Garber, said it is designed to protect minors when they are “too young to be making those decisions.”

Asked about LGBTQ advocates’ statements that transgender people often know from a young age that their identities don’t match the gender assigned to them at birth, Garber said: “They probably know they want to get drunk, too, but we don’t let them drink alcohol, do we? Or smoke, or whatever.”

Kansas is among at least eight states where lawmakers are considering such a measure. At least seven states are considering proposals to restrict transgender students’ participation in sports, a measure that was introduced in the Kansas House last year but died without getting a hearing. Lawmakers in Montana and South Carolina are considering both ideas.

“Ever since (same-sex) marriage was declared constitutional, they’ve changed their targets,” said Tom Witt, executive director of Equality Kansas. “Instead of going after grownups, almost every single one of these bills across the country has been targeted at little kids.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612468437256.png" alt="Rep. Stephanie Byers of Wichita, a transgender woman who was elected last year." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Stephanie Byers of Wichita, a transgender woman who was elected last year.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislation that would make it a felony for doctors to provide medical treatments that help transgender youth transition is unlikely to get a hearing, the head of the committee to which it has been assigned said Thursday.Four conservative GOP members of the Kansas House introduced&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2210_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the measure&nbsp;</a>Wednesday, drawing immediate and strong condemnation from the Legislature’s first transgender member, its two other openly LGBTQ lawmakers and the executive director of the state’s leading LGBTQ-rights organization.It is among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-bills-judiciary-helena-060d274f606d9e8e08b786be0398efd3">measures in more than a dozen state legislatures</a>&nbsp;targeting transgender youth in sports or medical treatments for them. States are considering them after an executive order from Democratic President Joe Biden prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in school sports and elsewhere sparked a backlash from conservative groups.“It turns off the medical interventions that a parent can seek for their child,” said Democratic Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, a transgender woman who was elected last year.Byers added: “I’ve known who I am since I was — before kindergarten.”The House health committee probably will not have a hearing for the measure because it has too much other work, such as proposals for modernizing the state’s mental health system, said Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican.The bill would apply not only to performing surgery on transgender minors but also to other treatments, such as prescribing drugs to block the onset of puberty to prepare a child for transitioning. Under the measure, doctors could be sentenced to up to eight months in prison for “unlawful gender reassignment service” and lose their medical licenses for unprofessional conduct.One of the Kansas measure’s sponsors, rural northeast Kansas Republican Rep. Randy Garber, said it is designed to protect minors when they are “too young to be making those decisions.”Asked about LGBTQ advocates’ statements that transgender people often know from a young age that their identities don’t match the gender assigned to them at birth, Garber said: “They probably know they want to get drunk, too, but we don’t let them drink alcohol, do we? Or smoke, or whatever.”Kansas is among at least eight states where lawmakers are considering such a measure. At least seven states are considering proposals to restrict transgender students’ participation in sports, a measure that was introduced in the Kansas House last year but died without getting a hearing. Lawmakers in Montana and South Carolina are considering both ideas.“Ever since (same-sex) marriage was declared constitutional, they’ve changed their targets,” said Tom Witt, executive director of Equality Kansas. “Instead of going after grownups, almost every single one of these bills across the country has been targeted at little kids.”

Kan. measure would criminalize care for transgender youth

SHAWNEE COUNTY– A Topeka Police officer was charged and attacked by a suspect Thursday morning while responding to an unrelated call for service.

Just after 9:00 a.m. the officer was dispatched to a home in the 200 block of SE 34th St. to investigate a possible unwanted subject, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

When the officer arrived on scene at a boarded up home, a man unrelated to the original call came riding by on a bicycle.&nbsp; Police Sgt. Scott Scurlock says the bicyclist tried to get the officer's attention. 

Scurlock says when the officer asked the man to wait, the suspect charged the officer, knocked him over and punched him several times. During the tussle, the man tried unsuccessfully to grab the officer's gun.&nbsp;

A community member immediately stepped in to assist the officer. The suspect later identified as 22-year-old Justin Reed was then taken into custody. The officer was not seriously hurt in the attack, according to Spiker.

“The Topeka Police Department is very grateful to the citizen who assisted during the incident. Above and beyond that, we have all been profoundly moved by the widespread community outpouring of support and concern that we received afterwards,” said Topeka Police Chief Bryan Wheeles. “I am very proud of the brave work that our police officers do every day to keep us safe.”

As a result of the investigation Reed was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges including Aggravated battery on LEO, Interference with LEO, Robbery and Possession of marijuana.

The circumstances of this attack remain under investigation. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612474840434.png" alt="Reed photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Reed photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY– A Topeka Police officer was charged and attacked by a suspect Thursday morning while responding to an unrelated call for service.Just after 9:00 a.m. the officer was dispatched to a home in the 200 block of SE 34th St. to investigate a possible unwanted subject, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.When the officer arrived on scene at a boarded up home, a man unrelated to the original call came riding by on a bicycle.&nbsp; Police Sgt. Scott Scurlock says the bicyclist tried to get the officer's attention. Scurlock says when the officer asked the man to wait, the suspect charged the officer, knocked him over and punched him several times. During the tussle, the man tried unsuccessfully to grab the officer's gun.&nbsp;A community member immediately stepped in to assist the officer. The suspect later identified as 22-year-old Justin Reed was then taken into custody. The officer was not seriously hurt in the attack, according to Spiker.“The Topeka Police Department is very grateful to the citizen who assisted during the incident. Above and beyond that, we have all been profoundly moved by the widespread community outpouring of support and concern that we received afterwards,” said Topeka Police Chief Bryan Wheeles. “I am very proud of the brave work that our police officers do every day to keep us safe.”As a result of the investigation Reed was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges including Aggravated battery on LEO, Interference with LEO, Robbery and Possession of marijuana.The circumstances of this attack remain under investigation.

Kan. police officer attacked by man who grabbed for gun

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy and are seeking the community’s assistance in locating and identifying several vehicles and the individuals associated with them.

The vehicle is believed to be a Chevrolet Suburban or GMC Yukon XL. Information about the location of this vehicle can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org" target="_blank">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&nbsp;or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

Just after 4:00 a.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

While en route to the shooting scene, officers were flagged down near SE 6th Avenue and SE Golden Avenue by family members of an injured baby who were driving to a local hospital. 

Officers began rendering aid and called for American Medical Response to respond to their location. AMR transported the baby to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A crime scene was located at 804 SE Sherman Avenue where dozens of shell casings were located.

Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy was in critical condition late Tuesday.&nbsp; Police did not released additional information on his condition Thursday afternoon and have&nbsp;also not released the names of the baby or family members.

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy.

Just after 4:00 a.m. the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy remained in critical condition as 4p.m. Tuesday, according to Spiker.

Police have not released the names of the baby or family members.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Topeka are investigating an early-morning shooting that left a 1-year-old baby critically injured. 

The shooting happened around 4 a.m. Tuesday, when someone riddled a home near Eighth Street and Southeast Sherman Avenue with gunfire. 

Police say one of the shots hit a baby inside the home. Investigators report they found about two dozen bullet casings in the street outside the home. Officers called to the scene found a family leaving the home with the baby and rushed the child in critical condition to an area hospital. 

The names of the baby and family members were not immediately released, and no arrests have been announced.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612477615451.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy and are seeking the community’s assistance in locating and identifying several vehicles and the individuals associated with them.The vehicle is believed to be a Chevrolet Suburban or GMC Yukon XL. Information about the location of this vehicle can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org" target="_blank">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&nbsp;or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.Just after 4:00 a.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.While en route to the shooting scene, officers were flagged down near SE 6th Avenue and SE Golden Avenue by family members of an injured baby who were driving to a local hospital. Officers began rendering aid and called for American Medical Response to respond to their location. AMR transported the baby to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.A crime scene was located at 804 SE Sherman Avenue where dozens of shell casings were located.Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy was in critical condition late Tuesday.&nbsp; Police did not released additional information on his condition Thursday afternoon and have&nbsp;also not released the names of the baby or family members.-----------TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612303293079.png" alt="Police near the scene of the shooting early Tuesday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police near the scene of the shooting early Tuesday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 4:00 a.m. the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.While en route to the shooting scene, officers were flagged down near SE 6th Avenue and SE Golden Avenue by family members of an injured baby who were driving to a local hospital. Officers began rendering aid and called for American Medical Response to respond to their location. AMR transported the baby to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.A crime scene was located at 804 SE Sherman Avenue where dozens of shell casings were located.Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy remained in critical condition as 4p.m. Tuesday, according to Spiker.Police have not released the names of the baby or family members.-------------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Topeka are investigating an early-morning shooting that left a 1-year-old baby critically injured. The shooting happened around 4 a.m. Tuesday, when someone riddled a home near Eighth Street and Southeast Sherman Avenue with gunfire. Police say one of the shots hit a baby inside the home. Investigators report they found about two dozen bullet casings in the street outside the home. Officers called to the scene found a family leaving the home with the baby and rushed the child in critical condition to an area hospital. The names of the baby and family members were not immediately released, and no arrests have been announced.

Police want to ID SUV in Kan. shooting that injured baby

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly unveiled on Thursday an economic development plan that aims to provide a blueprint for the state’s future as it looks to the new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dubbed the&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Framework-for-Growth-Report.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas Framework for Growth</a>, the plan was lauded as the first of its kind in more than 30 years. It was showcased in a virtual announcement joined by two of the state’s former governors, Democrat John Carlin and Republican Mike Hayden.

Work on drafting the plan began in late 2019, but the new challenges brought on by the pandemic created an urgent need to rethink an approach with the flexibility to respond to ever-changing economic conditions, its supporters said.

Kelly called it a “bold plan” to address current and future challenges, saying it takes a long-range view of the headwinds facing Kansas and lays out a set strategy and initiatives to guide state level economic development for decades to come.

“This strategic plan takes a forward thinking, nimble approach to encouraging economic growth and prosperity, particularly when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kelly said.

Its key initiatives are based on four pillars: talent, innovation, community assets, and policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612467982505.png" alt="Governor Kelly joined Lt. Governor Toland and former Governors John Carlin and Mike Hayden to announce the new Framework for Growth plan - the first of its kind in 30 years. "This initiative will act as a blueprint to spur economic development for all Kansans, in every part of Kansas."" />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly joined Lt. Governor Toland and former Governors John Carlin and Mike Hayden to announce the new Framework for Growth plan - the first of its kind in 30 years. "This initiative will act as a blueprint to spur economic development for all Kansans, in every part of Kansas."</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly unveiled on Thursday an economic development plan that aims to provide a blueprint for the state’s future as it looks to the new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic.Dubbed the&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Framework-for-Growth-Report.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas Framework for Growth</a>, the plan was lauded as the first of its kind in more than 30 years. It was showcased in a virtual announcement joined by two of the state’s former governors, Democrat John Carlin and Republican Mike Hayden.Work on drafting the plan began in late 2019, but the new challenges brought on by the pandemic created an urgent need to rethink an approach with the flexibility to respond to ever-changing economic conditions, its supporters said.Kelly called it a “bold plan” to address current and future challenges, saying it takes a long-range view of the headwinds facing Kansas and lays out a set strategy and initiatives to guide state level economic development for decades to come.“This strategic plan takes a forward thinking, nimble approach to encouraging economic growth and prosperity, particularly when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kelly said.Its key initiatives are based on four pillars: talent, innovation, community assets, and policy.

Governor unveils economic plan as Kan. recovers from pandemic

WASHINGTON —New Kansas Congressman Tracey Mann&nbsp; delivered his first floor speech representing the Big First District Thursday.

Mann spoke about what the District means to him, the legislation he introduced this week and his priorities this Congress.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612473865029.png" alt="Kansas First District Rep. Tracey Mann" />
 <figcaption>Kansas First District Rep. Tracey Mann</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —New Kansas Congressman Tracey Mann&nbsp; delivered his first floor speech representing the Big First District Thursday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qsZXj4td3ds" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Mann spoke about what the District means to him, the legislation he introduced this week and his priorities this Congress.&nbsp;

🎥 Kan. 1st District Rep. gives first speech on House Floor

Identification of variant coronavirus strain initially announced Wednesday

Ellis County Health Department and Fort Hays State University

A Fort Hays State University student-athlete who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus as part of the university’s weekly student athlete testing program, has been identified through whole genome sequencing as&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/932820a9-9f00-4b7b-bddc-032485ed14d3">positive for the UK variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp;</a>

Case investigation and contact tracing are ongoing. Individuals who are at an elevated risk will be notified. KDHE will deploy a mobile lab to Fort Hays State University later today. KDHE will conduct on-site testing that will yield positive or negative results within four hours. They will also collect samples that will be sent to the state lab for whole-genome sequencing analysis to identify potential COVID-19 variants.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State University’s Critical Incident Policy Group, Tiger Athletics, FHSU Student Health Center, KDHE and the Ellis County Health Department are working closely to coordinate the next steps in our joint response to the identification of this UK variant of the virus in Ellis County.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State University and the Ellis County Health Department want the people of Ellis County to know that the best way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and its evolving variants is to continue to adhere to essential health and safety precautions, including maintaining physical distancing, wearing face masks, practicing good hygiene, staying home if ill, following isolation and quarantine recommendations, and getting vaccinated as soon as it is available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The latest information on COVID-19 variants is available on the Centers for Disease Control Prevention’s website at:&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtJ-2FpHRmHYRBDfobUU4IXCa-2B2-2BkCEo9QFsFIjbzFo8Hrtrmv7E-2B0U6r1FisCpexnd9WFU0qXgeSW-2BRdB9bEgIfJ8-3DQ2M7_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BX069yh51mhn-2F54SwUE1G2C34f8aIGup1iOmGQexC0W6LmG2R1WHGCxeuwVGda3Bge-2B-2B-2BiWFHC9TRAHNw8h0fIlqz-2F4bAJp9r1ksTf-2BoZSwSvNjA0viAxIizR5N9iKMOOp5sAQD4Xp2Wc8O4-2FerZx-2BG0v1Oc8BOCs0Uute0YOtAB-2BAOJls3igV2hsRtvbGiO2rdsL13b2x3rDxiGUvDRmNzRRSXg44XsFkXZtv8rJ1tcpcjisyVAOyNJHGn-2Bby7mXyh2zw0KCof7aXlch316uIg-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant.html</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608566572342.png" alt="Virus variant image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>Virus variant image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Identification of variant coronavirus strain initially announced Wednesday</h2>Ellis County Health Department and Fort Hays State UniversityA Fort Hays State University student-athlete who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus as part of the university’s weekly student athlete testing program, has been identified through whole genome sequencing as&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/932820a9-9f00-4b7b-bddc-032485ed14d3">positive for the UK variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp;</a>Case investigation and contact tracing are ongoing. Individuals who are at an elevated risk will be notified. KDHE will deploy a mobile lab to Fort Hays State University later today. KDHE will conduct on-site testing that will yield positive or negative results within four hours. They will also collect samples that will be sent to the state lab for whole-genome sequencing analysis to identify potential COVID-19 variants.&nbsp;Fort Hays State University’s Critical Incident Policy Group, Tiger Athletics, FHSU Student Health Center, KDHE and the Ellis County Health Department are working closely to coordinate the next steps in our joint response to the identification of this UK variant of the virus in Ellis County.&nbsp;Fort Hays State University and the Ellis County Health Department want the people of Ellis County to know that the best way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and its evolving variants is to continue to adhere to essential health and safety precautions, including maintaining physical distancing, wearing face masks, practicing good hygiene, staying home if ill, following isolation and quarantine recommendations, and getting vaccinated as soon as it is available.&nbsp;&nbsp;The latest information on COVID-19 variants is available on the Centers for Disease Control Prevention’s website at:&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtJ-2FpHRmHYRBDfobUU4IXCa-2B2-2BkCEo9QFsFIjbzFo8Hrtrmv7E-2B0U6r1FisCpexnd9WFU0qXgeSW-2BRdB9bEgIfJ8-3DQ2M7_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BX069yh51mhn-2F54SwUE1G2C34f8aIGup1iOmGQexC0W6LmG2R1WHGCxeuwVGda3Bge-2B-2B-2BiWFHC9TRAHNw8h0fIlqz-2F4bAJp9r1ksTf-2BoZSwSvNjA0viAxIizR5N9iKMOOp5sAQD4Xp2Wc8O4-2FerZx-2BG0v1Oc8BOCs0Uute0YOtAB-2BAOJls3igV2hsRtvbGiO2rdsL13b2x3rDxiGUvDRmNzRRSXg44XsFkXZtv8rJ1tcpcjisyVAOyNJHGn-2Bby7mXyh2zw0KCof7aXlch316uIg-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant.html</a>.

FHSU student-athlete tests positive for UK virus variant

KANSAS CITY (AP)—As the Super Bowl approaches, officials said Wednesday more than 169,000 counterfeit sports-related items worth $44 million were seized in the past year.

The effort, known as Operation Team Player, begins at the end of each Super Bowl and continues through the next. It's overseen by a unit of Homeland Security Investigations, part of the Homeland Security Department.

Officials appeared at a news conference Wednesday with dozens of counterfeit NFL jerseys and hats, fake Super Bowl rings and numerous other sports items.&nbsp;

Click the video below to watch a replay of the news conference.

Steve Francis, director of HSI's intellectual property rights center, said in addition to fans being scammed with inferior merchandise the money is often used to finance other illegal activity.

“Make no mistake, intellectual property theft is not a victimless crime,” Francis said. “Our efforts here in Tampa will continue.”

Much of the effort leading up to Sunday's Super Bowl in Tampa has focused on flea markets, street vendors and retail outlets selling the fake goods.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Tampa Police Department also are involved in the investigations. Officials say people should take care where and how they buy team merchandise and look for the proper logos and other markings.

“We're prepared and ready to prosecute anyone who commits this crime in the city of Tampa,” said Police Chief Brian Dugan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612469884801.png" alt="Photo courtesy Operation Team Player" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Operation Team Player</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP)—As the Super Bowl approaches, officials said Wednesday more than 169,000 counterfeit sports-related items worth $44 million were seized in the past year.The effort, known as Operation Team Player, begins at the end of each Super Bowl and continues through the next. It's overseen by a unit of Homeland Security Investigations, part of the Homeland Security Department.Officials appeared at a news conference Wednesday with dozens of counterfeit NFL jerseys and hats, fake Super Bowl rings and numerous other sports items.&nbsp;Click the video below to watch a replay of the news conference.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ySh6l6Q7M4g" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Steve Francis, director of HSI's intellectual property rights center, said in addition to fans being scammed with inferior merchandise the money is often used to finance other illegal activity.“Make no mistake, intellectual property theft is not a victimless crime,” Francis said. “Our efforts here in Tampa will continue.”Much of the effort leading up to Sunday's Super Bowl in Tampa has focused on flea markets, street vendors and retail outlets selling the fake goods.U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Tampa Police Department also are involved in the investigations. Officials say people should take care where and how they buy team merchandise and look for the proper logos and other markings.“We're prepared and ready to prosecute anyone who commits this crime in the city of Tampa,” said Police Chief Brian Dugan.

Officials: $44M in fake sports gear seized

BUCHANAN COUNTY, MO. —A second man has confessed to his role in an August drive-by shooting in St. Joseph that killed a two-year-old girl.

Twenty-one-year-old Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard of St. Joseph pleaded guilty to second degree murder Thursday morning during a court appearance at the Buchanan County Courthouse before Judge Daniel Kellogg.

Kimbrough-Ballard admitted he fired shots into another car, stating he didn’t know Raelynn Craig was a passenger.

Earlier, 21-year-old Caimon Ramone Stillman of St. Joseph, pleaded guilty for his role in the deadly shooting.

Both men fired shots into another car near the Frog Hop at 20th and Messanie in St. Joseph on August 9th. The shots hit and wounded two adults in the car, but also hit and killed Raelynn in a car set in the back.

A third man involved in the shooting, 20-year-old Te’Avion Hawkins of Platte City, Missouri, is scheduled to appear in court later this month. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Kimbrough-Ballard for March 15th. Stillman is scheduled to be sentenced April 23rd.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612461440518.jpeg" alt="Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard -photo Buchanan County Sheriff's&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard -photo Buchanan County Sheriff's&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBUCHANAN COUNTY, MO. —A second man has confessed to his role in an August drive-by shooting in St. Joseph that killed a two-year-old girl.Twenty-one-year-old Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard of St. Joseph pleaded guilty to second degree murder Thursday morning during a court appearance at the Buchanan County Courthouse before Judge Daniel Kellogg.Kimbrough-Ballard admitted he fired shots into another car, stating he didn’t know Raelynn Craig was a passenger.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598730435442.png" alt="Stillman photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>Stillman photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Earlier, 21-year-old Caimon Ramone Stillman of St. Joseph, pleaded guilty for his role in the deadly shooting.Both men fired shots into another car near the Frog Hop at 20th and Messanie in St. Joseph on August 9th. The shots hit and wounded two adults in the car, but also hit and killed Raelynn in a car set in the back.A third man involved in the shooting, 20-year-old Te’Avion Hawkins of Platte City, Missouri, is scheduled to appear in court later this month. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Kimbrough-Ballard for March 15th. Stillman is scheduled to be sentenced April 23rd.

2nd man admits to drive-by shooting that killed 2-year-old

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a 17-year-old boy from Wichita have located the body of his missing girlfriend.

Early Thursday, a police lieutenant was patrolling and located Kayla Blackmon’s 2005 Ford Escape in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 500 block of West 27th Street South in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Officers located Blackmon in the vehicle deceased.

On Tuesday, police alerted the public that Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on Monday.

Police are still working to determine the circumstances of what occurred in this case. Davidson released no additional details.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue to search for 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon of Wichita. On Tuesday, police investigating a reported shooting identified the victim as Blackmon's boyfriend Michael Beasley, 17, of Wichita.

As part of the investigation, police are asking  for assistance to locate Blackm0n and her grey, 2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.

Police believe Blackmon may be in danger. Authorities ask that if you see the vehicle, please call 911.

Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call in the 1000 Block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

A passerby saw a man lying in the grass on the north side of an abandoned church. When the passerby approached the man later identified as Beasley to see if he needed help, he discovered the man was unresponsive and called police. Sedgwick County EMS and additional first responders arrived and determined Beasley was dead.&nbsp; 

Police have released no new information in the case.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a reported shooting have identified a victim as 17-year-old Michael Beasley of Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

As part of the investigation, police are asking&nbsp; for assistance to locate Beasley's 18-year-old girlfriend Kayla Blackm0n of Wichita and her grey, 2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.

Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call in the 1000 Block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Davidson.

Davidson released no additional information including Beasley's cause of death on Tuesday morning.&nbsp; Police also have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612284535821.png" alt="Officer Charley Davidson explained during a Tuesday press briefing that authorities needed help to locate Kayla Blackmon and her 2005 Ford&nbsp; Escape ." />
 <figcaption>Officer Charley Davidson explained during a Tuesday press briefing that authorities needed help to locate Kayla Blackmon and her 2005 Ford&nbsp; Escape .</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a 17-year-old boy from Wichita have located the body of his missing girlfriend.Early Thursday, a police lieutenant was patrolling and located Kayla Blackmon’s 2005 Ford Escape in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 500 block of West 27th Street South in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Officers located Blackmon in the vehicle deceased.On Tuesday, police alerted the public that Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on Monday.Police are still working to determine the circumstances of what occurred in this case. Davidson released no additional details.-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue to search for 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon of Wichita. On Tuesday, police investigating a reported shooting identified the victim as Blackmon's boyfriend Michael Beasley, 17, of Wichita.As part of the investigation, police are asking for assistance to locate Blackm0n and her grey, 2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.Police believe Blackmon may be in danger. Authorities ask that if you see the vehicle, please call 911.Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call in the 1000 Block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.A passerby saw a man lying in the grass on the north side of an abandoned church. When the passerby approached the man later identified as Beasley to see if he needed help, he discovered the man was unresponsive and called police. Sedgwick County EMS and additional first responders arrived and determined Beasley was dead.&nbsp; Police have released no new information in the case.------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a reported shooting have identified a victim as 17-year-old Michael Beasley of Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.As part of the investigation, police are asking&nbsp; for assistance to locate Beasley's 18-year-old girlfriend Kayla Blackm0n of Wichita and her grey, 2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612285744552.png" alt="Blackmon-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Blackmon-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Police believe Blackmon may be in danger. Authorities ask that if you see the vehicle, please call 911.Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call in the 1000 Block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612285804058.png" alt="2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK." />
 <figcaption>2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.</figcaption>
 </figure>A passerby saw a man lying in the grass on the north side of an abandoned church. When the passerby approached the man later identified as Beasley to see if he needed help, he discovered the man was unresponsive and called police. Sedgwick County EMS and additional first responders arrived and determined Beasley was dead.&nbsp; Davidson released no additional information including Beasley's cause of death on Tuesday morning.&nbsp; Police also have not reported an arrest.

Police find body of Kan. teen following death of boyfriend

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-02-03/this-new-map-shows-where-to-get-a-coronavirus-vaccine-in-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>

Kansas has launched an online map that shows which hospitals and other locations offer COVID-19 vaccinations.

The tool — called <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine" target="_blank">Find My Vaccine</a> — shows dozens of sites across Kansas marked in either orange or blue.

Those colors show you where the latest shipments of vaccine doses went.

Orange sites
 haven’t received doses this week that would be available to people 
seeking their first shot. Those sites may have doses on hand reserved 
for people who are scheduled to receive their second shot. But 
that detail — second doses — doesn’t show up on the map, because it 
wouldn’t help the average person who is hoping to get their first shot.

Blue sites have received a shipment of doses this week that are meant for people looking to get their first shot.

If you see your county hospital or another site near you is offering shots, call and ask to get onto their wait list.

Keep in mind, Kansas still only receives about 45,000 doses a week from the federal government for use outside of nursing homes.

Compare that to the approximately 1 million Kansans that meet the current criteria for getting shots.

Kansas is in Phase 2 of its vaccine rollout. It includes
 people over the age of 65. It also covers teachers, grocery workers, 
first responders, prison inmates and many others. The state offers more 
detail <a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/de/a6/100975e84c238fc4db5592eb3a9d/clj-phase-2-definition.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.

Right
 now, the state’s vaccine map mostly shows county health departments and
 hospitals, but as vaccine supply increases, it’s likely more providers 
will appear on the map.

Pharmacies, for example, have made clear that they want to participate.

For more on how vaccine distribution works in Kansas and how widespread coronavirus is in the state, check out <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/heres-latest-where-and-how-get-covid-vaccine-kansas" target="_blank">our FAQ</a>.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612385640072.png" alt="Okun Fieldhouse in Shawnee, Kansas, is one place where people can get their shot, but only by appointment. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Okun Fieldhouse in Shawnee, Kansas, is one place where people can get their shot, but only by appointment. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-02-03/this-new-map-shows-where-to-get-a-coronavirus-vaccine-in-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>Kansas has launched an online map that shows which hospitals and other locations offer COVID-19 vaccinations.The tool — called <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine" target="_blank">Find My Vaccine</a> — shows dozens of sites across Kansas marked in either orange or blue.Those colors show you where the latest shipments of vaccine doses went.Orange sites
 haven’t received doses this week that would be available to people 
seeking their first shot. Those sites may have doses on hand reserved 
for people who are scheduled to receive their second shot. But 
that detail — second doses — doesn’t show up on the map, because it 
wouldn’t help the average person who is hoping to get their first shot.Blue sites have received a shipment of doses this week that are meant for people looking to get their first shot.If you see your county hospital or another site near you is offering shots, call and ask to get onto their wait list.Keep in mind, Kansas still only receives about 45,000 doses a week from the federal government for use outside of nursing homes.Compare that to the approximately 1 million Kansans that meet the current criteria for getting shots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610374737400.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas is in Phase 2 of its vaccine rollout. It includes
 people over the age of 65. It also covers teachers, grocery workers, 
first responders, prison inmates and many others. The state offers more 
detail <a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/de/a6/100975e84c238fc4db5592eb3a9d/clj-phase-2-definition.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.Right
 now, the state’s vaccine map mostly shows county health departments and
 hospitals, but as vaccine supply increases, it’s likely more providers 
will appear on the map.Pharmacies, for example, have made clear that they want to participate.For more on how vaccine distribution works in Kansas and how widespread coronavirus is in the state, check out <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/heres-latest-where-and-how-get-covid-vaccine-kansas" target="_blank">our FAQ</a>.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Kansas map helps you find COVID-19 vaccine providers 

BARTON COUNTY—A Kansas man drown in a creek on Wednesday in Barton County.

Just after 9:30.am., deputies were dispatched to a location on the Wet Walnut Creek near 387 NW. 40th Road, north and west of Great Bend, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

A 911 caller reported an unresponsive individual in the water at that location.

A family member had called to report they had located 20-year-old Manuel Castillo in the creek. The Great Bend Fire Department and EMS services had also arrived at the scene and began resuscitation efforts. Castillo was transported the hospital in Great Bend where he was later pronounced deceased.

A Sheriff’s Office investigation indicates Castillo was walking along the creek bank at which time he evidently fell approximately 40 feet down the embankment. Evidence of the fall was found at the scene, according to Bellendir.

At that particular location, the embankment was covered with rock, metal rods and corrugated steel to prevent erosion. Castillo received numerous abrasions and lacerations during the fall. Further investigation indicates he was incapacitated by the fall and went into about 2 feet of water.

Forensic examination by Dr. Lyle Norhook indicates the cause of death was drowning. Preliminary findings indicate the death was accidental in nature.

BARTON COUNTY—A Kansas man drown in a creek on Wednesday in Barton County.Just after 9:30.am., deputies were dispatched to a location on the Wet Walnut Creek near 387 NW. 40th Road, north and west of Great Bend, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.A 911 caller reported an unresponsive individual in the water at that location.A family member had called to report they had located 20-year-old Manuel Castillo in the creek. The Great Bend Fire Department and EMS services had also arrived at the scene and began resuscitation efforts. Castillo was transported the hospital in Great Bend where he was later pronounced deceased.A Sheriff’s Office investigation indicates Castillo was walking along the creek bank at which time he evidently fell approximately 40 feet down the embankment. Evidence of the fall was found at the scene, according to Bellendir.At that particular location, the embankment was covered with rock, metal rods and corrugated steel to prevent erosion. Castillo received numerous abrasions and lacerations during the fall. Further investigation indicates he was incapacitated by the fall and went into about 2 feet of water.Forensic examination by Dr. Lyle Norhook indicates the cause of death was drowning. Preliminary findings indicate the death was accidental in nature.

Sheriff: 20-year-old Kan. man drowns after fall into creek

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have asked the public for help to locate a suspect.

Just after 5:30 p.m. Monday, police responded to South Madison Avenue and East Skinner Street, according to Officer Paul Cruz.

A 49-year-old male victim reported to police that a suspect identified as Bryan Conner came to Auto Kings Car Dealership, 3205 South Broadway and requested to test-drive a blue Jeep Cherokee. 

The victim and Conner got into the Jeep and while they were test driving the vehicle, Conner stopped at Madison and Skinner, brandished a handgun and ordered the victim out of the vehicle.&nbsp; Conner then took the vehicle keys, got out of the vehicle, and left north bound on foot.

Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612449876172.png" alt="On Thursday, police released a booking photo from a prior arrest for the suspect identified as 32-year-old Bryan Conner" />
 <figcaption>On Thursday, police released a booking photo from a prior arrest for the suspect identified as 32-year-old Bryan Conner</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have asked the public for help to locate a suspect.Just after 5:30 p.m. Monday, police responded to South Madison Avenue and East Skinner Street, according to Officer Paul Cruz.A 49-year-old male victim reported to police that a suspect identified as Bryan Conner came to Auto Kings Car Dealership, 3205 South Broadway and requested to test-drive a blue Jeep Cherokee. The victim and Conner got into the Jeep and while they were test driving the vehicle, Conner stopped at Madison and Skinner, brandished a handgun and ordered the victim out of the vehicle.&nbsp; Conner then took the vehicle keys, got out of the vehicle, and left north bound on foot.Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call police.

Update: Kan. car salesman robbed during test drive

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Assurances from labor officials that new security protocols are blocking thousands of fraudulent attempts every hour to access Kansas’ unemployment benefits system did little Wednesday to dispel the concerns of Republican lawmakers who fear the state is losing millions of dollars to COVID-19 pandemic scammers.

The state Department of Labor reported that it blocked more than 649,000 attempts from internet bots or human scammers to log into its unemployment system within 34 hours after a shutdown of the system ended Tuesday morning. The department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-f79ed0b839ad8501cf50650ca51dcbb1">shut down the system</a>&nbsp;Saturday afternoon to add new security protocols after a flood of fraudulent claims for benefits.

Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature have criticized Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and her administration for months over problems at the Department of Labor in providing benefits to workers who’ve lost their jobs in the pandemic. She and department officials have blamed the struggles on a decades-old computer system.

“I’m not going to deny that it has been a tough road and that many Kansans are frustrated by the inadequacy of the system that is 40, 45 years old,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference on COVID-19.

GOP lawmakers have become increasingly focused on fraudulent claims and have said they’re worried that employers, who cover at least part of the benefits for their ex-workers, will be on the hook for bogus claims if the fraud is not detected. The department also is mailing forms to individuals telling them they owe income taxes on past unemployment benefits — creating a headache for people who learn that bogus claims have been filed in their names.

The department said before the unemployment system’s reboot that it was catching about 2,300 fraudulent claims a day — or roughly 96 an hour. But its latest data means it stopped almost 19,400 fraudulent log-in attempts an hour since the reboot — or a little more than five every second.

“How many actually got through is my concern,” said House commerce committee Chair Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican.

GOP lawmakers have been at odds with Kelly almost since COVID-19 reached the state in early March 2020 over her closing non-essential businesses and trying to mandate mask wearing, and Republicans have signaled that it will make what they view as her mistakes a key issue when she seeks a second term in 2022. But in recent weeks, as the number of new COVID-19 cases has declined, GOP criticism has focused on the Department of Labor and issues with the rollout of vaccines.

Kansas averaged 914 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, the first time the rolling seven-day average was below 1,000 since Oct. 28, according to state health department data. The state added 2,247 cases to its pandemic tally since Monday, bringing it to 278,915, close to one for every 10 of its 2.9 million residents.

The health department added 86 deaths to the state’s pandemic total since Monday, making it 3,895. Kansas averaged 25 additional COVID-19 deaths a day for the seven days ending Wednesday.

But the health department said Wednesday evening that it had confirmed a case in Ellis County in northwest Kansas of a more contagious coronavirus variant first identified in Great Britain. Public health officials worry that it could lead to an increase in new hospitalizations and deaths.

Kelly issued a statewide stay-at-home order in late March to contain the spread of COVID-19, and unemployment claims surged. They dropped before surging again starting in late November, fueling concerns that many of the claims were bogus.

Julie Menghini, the Department of Labor’s director of government affairs, told legislators in an email Tuesday evening that it has this year mailed out its largest number of forms notifying people they owed income taxes on unemployment benefits. She said the department made “every effort” to ensure that the forms didn’t go to people who had bogus claims filed in their names.

“However, despite our best efforts and in light of the historic level of forms issued as well as the high level of fraudulent activity, we expect a small universe of victims to receive these forms in error for compensation they never received,” Menghini wrote.

But GOP lawmakers said they’re getting complaints from people getting the forms who also can’t get through to the department’s special fraud call center.

University of Kansas journalism professor Teri Finneman received a notice saying that she owed taxes on $1,500 in unemployment benefits that she never received. She’s tried repeatedly to get through to the Department of Labor by phone and in frustration wrote a letter last week.

Finneman, who has covered state government in other states as a former political reporter, said she has never seen anything like it from a state agency. She said the fact that Kansas let an agency operate with a decades-old computer system is “completely inexcusable.”

“It is extremely frustrating how many Kansans have been impacted by this,” she said in an email to The AP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612392146635.png" alt="“I’m not going to deny that it has been a tough road and that many Kansans are frustrated by the inadequacy of the system that is 40, 45 years old,” Gov. Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference on COVID-19." />
 <figcaption>“I’m not going to deny that it has been a tough road and that many Kansans are frustrated by the inadequacy of the system that is 40, 45 years old,” Gov. Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference on COVID-19.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Assurances from labor officials that new security protocols are blocking thousands of fraudulent attempts every hour to access Kansas’ unemployment benefits system did little Wednesday to dispel the concerns of Republican lawmakers who fear the state is losing millions of dollars to COVID-19 pandemic scammers.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F252521489829194%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The state Department of Labor reported that it blocked more than 649,000 attempts from internet bots or human scammers to log into its unemployment system within 34 hours after a shutdown of the system ended Tuesday morning. The department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-f79ed0b839ad8501cf50650ca51dcbb1">shut down the system</a>&nbsp;Saturday afternoon to add new security protocols after a flood of fraudulent claims for benefits.Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature have criticized Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and her administration for months over problems at the Department of Labor in providing benefits to workers who’ve lost their jobs in the pandemic. She and department officials have blamed the struggles on a decades-old computer system.“I’m not going to deny that it has been a tough road and that many Kansans are frustrated by the inadequacy of the system that is 40, 45 years old,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference on COVID-19.GOP lawmakers have become increasingly focused on fraudulent claims and have said they’re worried that employers, who cover at least part of the benefits for their ex-workers, will be on the hook for bogus claims if the fraud is not detected. The department also is mailing forms to individuals telling them they owe income taxes on past unemployment benefits — creating a headache for people who learn that bogus claims have been filed in their names.The department said before the unemployment system’s reboot that it was catching about 2,300 fraudulent claims a day — or roughly 96 an hour. But its latest data means it stopped almost 19,400 fraudulent log-in attempts an hour since the reboot — or a little more than five every second.“How many actually got through is my concern,” said House commerce committee Chair Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican.GOP lawmakers have been at odds with Kelly almost since COVID-19 reached the state in early March 2020 over her closing non-essential businesses and trying to mandate mask wearing, and Republicans have signaled that it will make what they view as her mistakes a key issue when she seeks a second term in 2022. But in recent weeks, as the number of new COVID-19 cases has declined, GOP criticism has focused on the Department of Labor and issues with the rollout of vaccines.Kansas averaged 914 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, the first time the rolling seven-day average was below 1,000 since Oct. 28, according to state health department data. The state added 2,247 cases to its pandemic tally since Monday, bringing it to 278,915, close to one for every 10 of its 2.9 million residents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612376064354.png" alt="Wednesday February 3, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday February 3, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>The health department added 86 deaths to the state’s pandemic total since Monday, making it 3,895. Kansas averaged 25 additional COVID-19 deaths a day for the seven days ending Wednesday.But the health department said Wednesday evening that it had confirmed a case in Ellis County in northwest Kansas of a more contagious coronavirus variant first identified in Great Britain. Public health officials worry that it could lead to an increase in new hospitalizations and deaths.Kelly issued a statewide stay-at-home order in late March to contain the spread of COVID-19, and unemployment claims surged. They dropped before surging again starting in late November, fueling concerns that many of the claims were bogus.Julie Menghini, the Department of Labor’s director of government affairs, told legislators in an email Tuesday evening that it has this year mailed out its largest number of forms notifying people they owed income taxes on unemployment benefits. She said the department made “every effort” to ensure that the forms didn’t go to people who had bogus claims filed in their names.“However, despite our best efforts and in light of the historic level of forms issued as well as the high level of fraudulent activity, we expect a small universe of victims to receive these forms in error for compensation they never received,” Menghini wrote.But GOP lawmakers said they’re getting complaints from people getting the forms who also can’t get through to the department’s special fraud call center.University of Kansas journalism professor Teri Finneman received a notice saying that she owed taxes on $1,500 in unemployment benefits that she never received. She’s tried repeatedly to get through to the Department of Labor by phone and in frustration wrote a letter last week.Finneman, who has covered state government in other states as a former political reporter, said she has never seen anything like it from a state agency. She said the fact that Kansas let an agency operate with a decades-old computer system is “completely inexcusable.”“It is extremely frustrating how many Kansans have been impacted by this,” she said in an email to The AP.