MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a bank robbery.

On Wednesday, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Independence Police Department along with Montgomery County authorities investigated a bank robbery that occurred at Equity Bank&nbsp;112 E Myrtle Street in Independence, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

At 4 p.m. Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office were assisting South Coffeyville Police Department with an injury accident that occurred on U.S. 169 at the Oklahoma State line. While deputies were directing traffic,&nbsp; one deputy observed the suspect and suspect vehicle drive slowly by him north bound on U.S. 169 toward Coffeyville. The deputy&nbsp; then gave chase in his patrol unit.

The case went through residential streets in Coffeyville, then back onto North U.S. 169. The suspect lost control of his vehicle at County Road 3200 and U.S. 169. At that time the suspect later identified a Paul Duane Gordon, 35, Marshfield, Missouri, exited his vehicle and ran on foot across a field, where he was taken into custody by Montgomery County Deputies.

Deputies took Gordon into custody and transported him to the Montgomery Department of Corrections where he was booked on requested charges of Aggravated Bank Robbery, Flee and eluding and reckless driving, according to Wade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620262909672.png" alt="Gordon photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Gordon photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a bank robbery.On Wednesday, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Independence Police Department along with Montgomery County authorities investigated a bank robbery that occurred at Equity Bank&nbsp;112 E Myrtle Street in Independence, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.At 4 p.m. Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office were assisting South Coffeyville Police Department with an injury accident that occurred on U.S. 169 at the Oklahoma State line. While deputies were directing traffic,&nbsp; one deputy observed the suspect and suspect vehicle drive slowly by him north bound on U.S. 169 toward Coffeyville. The deputy&nbsp; then gave chase in his patrol unit.The case went through residential streets in Coffeyville, then back onto North U.S. 169. The suspect lost control of his vehicle at County Road 3200 and U.S. 169. At that time the suspect later identified a Paul Duane Gordon, 35, Marshfield, Missouri, exited his vehicle and ran on foot across a field, where he was taken into custody by Montgomery County Deputies.Deputies took Gordon into custody and transported him to the Montgomery Department of Corrections where he was booked on requested charges of Aggravated Bank Robbery, Flee and eluding and reckless driving, according to Wade.

Kan. bank robbery suspect captured after chase, crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Conservative Republicans who see the federal government as out of control split Wednesday and halted the push in Kansas for a convention of states to propose changes to the U.S. Constitution.

The state Senate spent nearly three hours during the final days of its annual session to consider&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/scr1611_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a resolution</a>&nbsp;asking Congress to call a convention. Some backers hoped its approval would help settle an obscure legal question vexing them, but senators thwarted their plans by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210505173233_654867/" target="_blank">voting 21-19</a>&nbsp;to send the resolution back to committee.

“It does nothing to send it back, except delay the project and maybe kill it,” said Acting Senate Majority Leader Larry Alley, a Winfield Republican.

Convention backers envision a one-vote-per-state gathering that proposes “fiscal restraints” on the federal government and term limits for Congress. Convention of States Action, a group pushing the idea, says on&nbsp;<a href="https://conventionofstates.com/" target="_blank">its website</a>&nbsp;that it wants to “bring power back to the states” from Washington’s “unelected bureaucrats.”

<a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/constitution/article-v.html" target="_blank">The U.S. Constitution</a>&nbsp;says Congress shall call a convention if the legislatures of two-thirds of the states, or 34, apply. To call for a constitutional convention,&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/828/Article-2-Legislative" target="_blank">the Kansas Constitution</a>&nbsp;requires the approval of two-thirds of each chamber of its Legislature.

Kansas convention supporters have mustered simple majorities in the Legislature in the past but not two-thirds majorities. They argued Wednesday that because the U.S. Constitution doesn’t set a margin for legislatures, state constitutions can’t require a supermajority. Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican, agreed in&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/ag-opinions/2019/2019-010.pdf?sfvrsn=91aad1a_6" target="_blank">a 2019 legal opinion.</a>

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican and convention supporter, hoped to pass the resolution with 21 to 26 votes in the 40-member chamber. Although that would be shy of a two-thirds majority, he said he would declare the measure passed and expect to spark a lawsuit to settle the question of what’s required for Kansas to join the call.

“I would like, eventually, an answer to that question,” Masterson said after the Senate’s vote.

The Senate’s debate came as leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature hoped to wrap up the year’s business by week’s end. GOP lawmakers are negotiating with Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly over school funding and education policy proposals, and legislators also had to finish the next state budget.

Convention of States Action says 15 states have applied for a convention. The debate Wednesday in Kansas was mostly among the Senate’s 29 Republicans. All 11 Democrats voted to send the resolution back to committee, and they generally worry about how a convention would operate and what might come out.

Asked why fellow Democrats weren’t more active, Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, smiled and said: “Republicans were doing just fine.”

Some Republicans are skeptical that a convention would result in conservative changes in the U.S. Constitution because proposals still would have to be ratified by three-fourths of the states, or 38. But on Wednesday, several were more concerned that skirting the state constitution’s two-thirds requirement would be an abuse of power as bad as any from Washington.

“We’re endangering our future to operate on a normal basis,” said Sen. Rob Olson, an Olathe Republican. “The Kansas Constitution is just too important to throw it away.”

Mark Meckler, president of Convention of States Action, said approving the resolution by a simple majority and helping to get the legal question answered would counter people who “cower in fear while the country crumbles around them.”

Masterson and other Republicans rejected the idea that convention backers’ plans would ignore the state constitution if successful.

“The debate was fun. I had a good time,” Masterson told reporters afterward. “We took the shot and ended where we did, and that’s OK.”

By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Conservative Republicans who see the federal government as out of control split Wednesday and halted the push in Kansas for a convention of states to propose changes to the U.S. Constitution.The state Senate spent nearly three hours during the final days of its annual session to consider&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/scr1611_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a resolution</a>&nbsp;asking Congress to call a convention. Some backers hoped its approval would help settle an obscure legal question vexing them, but senators thwarted their plans by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210505173233_654867/" target="_blank">voting 21-19</a>&nbsp;to send the resolution back to committee.“It does nothing to send it back, except delay the project and maybe kill it,” said Acting Senate Majority Leader Larry Alley, a Winfield Republican.Convention backers envision a one-vote-per-state gathering that proposes “fiscal restraints” on the federal government and term limits for Congress. Convention of States Action, a group pushing the idea, says on&nbsp;<a href="https://conventionofstates.com/" target="_blank">its website</a>&nbsp;that it wants to “bring power back to the states” from Washington’s “unelected bureaucrats.”<a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/constitution/article-v.html" target="_blank">The U.S. Constitution</a>&nbsp;says Congress shall call a convention if the legislatures of two-thirds of the states, or 34, apply. To call for a constitutional convention,&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/828/Article-2-Legislative" target="_blank">the Kansas Constitution</a>&nbsp;requires the approval of two-thirds of each chamber of its Legislature.Kansas convention supporters have mustered simple majorities in the Legislature in the past but not two-thirds majorities. They argued Wednesday that because the U.S. Constitution doesn’t set a margin for legislatures, state constitutions can’t require a supermajority. Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican, agreed in&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/ag-opinions/2019/2019-010.pdf?sfvrsn=91aad1a_6" target="_blank">a 2019 legal opinion.</a>Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican and convention supporter, hoped to pass the resolution with 21 to 26 votes in the 40-member chamber. Although that would be shy of a two-thirds majority, he said he would declare the measure passed and expect to spark a lawsuit to settle the question of what’s required for Kansas to join the call.“I would like, eventually, an answer to that question,” Masterson said after the Senate’s vote.The Senate’s debate came as leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature hoped to wrap up the year’s business by week’s end. GOP lawmakers are negotiating with Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly over school funding and education policy proposals, and legislators also had to finish the next state budget.Convention of States Action says 15 states have applied for a convention. The debate Wednesday in Kansas was mostly among the Senate’s 29 Republicans. All 11 Democrats voted to send the resolution back to committee, and they generally worry about how a convention would operate and what might come out.Asked why fellow Democrats weren’t more active, Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, smiled and said: “Republicans were doing just fine.”Some Republicans are skeptical that a convention would result in conservative changes in the U.S. Constitution because proposals still would have to be ratified by three-fourths of the states, or 38. But on Wednesday, several were more concerned that skirting the state constitution’s two-thirds requirement would be an abuse of power as bad as any from Washington.“We’re endangering our future to operate on a normal basis,” said Sen. Rob Olson, an Olathe Republican. “The Kansas Constitution is just too important to throw it away.”Mark Meckler, president of Convention of States Action, said approving the resolution by a simple majority and helping to get the legal question answered would counter people who “cower in fear while the country crumbles around them.”Masterson and other Republicans rejected the idea that convention backers’ plans would ignore the state constitution if successful.“The debate was fun. I had a good time,” Masterson told reporters afterward. “We took the shot and ended where we did, and that’s OK.”

GOP's split halts push in Kansas for convention of states

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a kidnapping, vehicle theft and continue to search for a suspect.

Just after 5 a.m. Wednesday, police were&nbsp; dispatched to 4101 E Highway 50 Lot 379 in reference to a missing vehicle and child inside, according to Lt. Jason Chase.

Through the initial investigation it was determined that a 14-month-old&nbsp;Sebastian Bautist was inside a 2011 White Chevy Tahoe that was stolen from the driveway of the residence.

An immediate response to locate the vehicle and boy was conducted with the assistance of the Finney County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Bureau of Investigation. 

 The child and vehicle were found in the area of 4200 Block of Nancy in Garden City when an individual observed a vehicle matching the description from the Amber Alert. The boy was not injured. Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620217372421.png" alt="Sebastian Bautista photo Garden City Police" />
 <figcaption>Sebastian Bautista photo Garden City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a kidnapping, vehicle theft and continue to search for a suspect.Just after 5 a.m. Wednesday, police were&nbsp; dispatched to 4101 E Highway 50 Lot 379 in reference to a missing vehicle and child inside, according to Lt. Jason Chase.Through the initial investigation it was determined that a 14-month-old&nbsp;Sebastian Bautist was inside a 2011 White Chevy Tahoe that was stolen from the driveway of the residence.An immediate response to locate the vehicle and boy was conducted with the assistance of the Finney County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The child and vehicle were found in the area of 4200 Block of Nancy in Garden City when an individual observed a vehicle matching the description from the Amber Alert. The boy was not injured. Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact police.

Police: Search continues for suspect in SW Kan. Amber Alert 

BARTON COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 4p..m. Wednesday in Barton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Western Star semi driven by Francisco E.&nbsp;Martinez-Solano, 47, Bazine, was southbound on U.S. 281 one mile north of the Stafford/Barton County line.

The semi blew a left front steering tire crossed the center line into the path of northbound 2012 GMC Sierra driven by Gerald A. Hinson, 59, Great Bend.

The semi continued into the east ditch and rolled onto its side and the pickup came to rest in the east ditch.

Hinson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Bryant Funeral Home. EMS transported a passenger in the GMC Ryan James&nbsp;Kohman, 23, Great Bend, to the hospital in Great Bend. Martinez-Solano was not transported for treatment.&nbsp;Kohman was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

BARTON COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 4p..m. Wednesday in Barton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Western Star semi driven by Francisco E.&nbsp;Martinez-Solano, 47, Bazine, was southbound on U.S. 281 one mile north of the Stafford/Barton County line.The semi blew a left front steering tire crossed the center line into the path of northbound 2012 GMC Sierra driven by Gerald A. Hinson, 59, Great Bend.The semi continued into the east ditch and rolled onto its side and the pickup came to rest in the east ditch.Hinson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Bryant Funeral Home. EMS transported a passenger in the GMC Ryan James&nbsp;Kohman, 23, Great Bend, to the hospital in Great Bend. Martinez-Solano was not transported for treatment.&nbsp;Kohman was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kan. man dies, 1 hospitalized after crash with a semi

COWLEY COUNTY—A Kansas man is facing more jail time for a fifth DUI arrest since 2009.

Just before 6p.m. April 28, police were dispatched to west-central Arkansas City, Kansas for a report of a vehicle being driven on the wrong side of the roadway that almost had struck another oncoming vehicle, according to a media release.

Police located the vehicle in the 300 block of North A Street and conducted a traffic stop. The driver identified as 40-year-old Jason Dale Patton&nbsp; was transported to the Arkansas City Police Department for further testing.

Following testing, Patton allegedly became irate and combative, slamming his own head multiple times into the holding room wall. After he later complained of head pain, he was evaluated by the Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department.

As Patton was being escorted outside the building for transport to the county jail, he then allegedly kicked and kneed holes into the wall of the police department.

Patton also began resisting the officers and had to be physically restrained prior to his transport.

Officers booked Patton on requested charges of one felony count each of driving under the influence (fifth offense) and interference with a law enforcement officer.

He also was arrested on one misdemeanor count each of criminal damage to property, driving with a suspended driver’s license and transporting an open container of alcohol, according to police.

Patton was transported to and booked into the Cowley County Jail in Winfield in lieu of $9,300 bond through Cowley County District Court in Arkansas City. He since has posted bond and been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620245096228.png" alt="Patton photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Patton photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY—A Kansas man is facing more jail time for a fifth DUI arrest since 2009.Just before 6p.m. April 28, police were dispatched to west-central Arkansas City, Kansas for a report of a vehicle being driven on the wrong side of the roadway that almost had struck another oncoming vehicle, according to a media release.Police located the vehicle in the 300 block of North A Street and conducted a traffic stop. The driver identified as 40-year-old Jason Dale Patton&nbsp; was transported to the Arkansas City Police Department for further testing.Following testing, Patton allegedly became irate and combative, slamming his own head multiple times into the holding room wall. After he later complained of head pain, he was evaluated by the Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department.As Patton was being escorted outside the building for transport to the county jail, he then allegedly kicked and kneed holes into the wall of the police department.Patton also began resisting the officers and had to be physically restrained prior to his transport.Officers booked Patton on requested charges of one felony count each of driving under the influence (fifth offense) and interference with a law enforcement officer.He also was arrested on one misdemeanor count each of criminal damage to property, driving with a suspended driver’s license and transporting an open container of alcohol, according to police.Patton was transported to and booked into the Cowley County Jail in Winfield in lieu of $9,300 bond through Cowley County District Court in Arkansas City. He since has posted bond and been released.

Police: Kan. man faces more jail time after 5th DUI arrest

KANSAS CITY(AP) — A grand jury has indicted a University of Missouri-Kansas City student on second-degree murder and armed criminal action counts in the March shooting death of another man over what police called a gambling feud.

Zyan Teague, 21, is charged in the March 20 death of 31-year-old Byren Dennie, of Kansas City.&nbsp; Officers found Dennie lying in the grass in an empty lot in the Ivanhoe Southwest neighborhood with gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital, where he died.

Witnesses told police that Teague was among a group of people invited to Dennie’s home after leaving a Kansas City night club, investigators said. The group had been gambling when an argument began that led to a fight outside the home, police said.

Witnesses said that Teague had fought with Dennie outside, and police said Teague was allegedly seen leaving the area in a silver sedan registered to him. Police said shell casings and a shoe left behind at the scene were matched to a gun, ammunition and the other shoe later found in Teague’s dorm room.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620134752722.png" alt="Teague photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Teague photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — A grand jury has indicted a University of Missouri-Kansas City student on second-degree murder and armed criminal action counts in the March shooting death of another man over what police called a gambling feud.Zyan Teague, 21, is charged in the March 20 death of 31-year-old Byren Dennie, of Kansas City.&nbsp; Officers found Dennie lying in the grass in an empty lot in the Ivanhoe Southwest neighborhood with gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital, where he died.Witnesses told police that Teague was among a group of people invited to Dennie’s home after leaving a Kansas City night club, investigators said. The group had been gambling when an argument began that led to a fight outside the home, police said.Witnesses said that Teague had fought with Dennie outside, and police said Teague was allegedly seen leaving the area in a silver sedan registered to him. Police said shell casings and a shoe left behind at the scene were matched to a gun, ammunition and the other shoe later found in Teague’s dorm room.

UMKC student charged in gambling feud shooting death

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a detention deputy on sex charges.

On Tuesday, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office received information concerning a detention deputy having sexual contact with a female inmate, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The Investigations Division of the Sheriff’s Office investigated the complaint and determined enough probable cause existed to arrest the detention deputy identified as 40-year-old Tony LoSavio for eight counts of unlawful sexual relations.

&nbsp;LoSavio, began employment with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2017 and has been placed on an unpaid suspension.

Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter said charges in the case are expected by Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620228617694.png" alt="LoSavio photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>LoSavio photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a detention deputy on sex charges.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSedgwickCountySheriff%2Fvideos%2F292222212392172%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>On Tuesday, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office received information concerning a detention deputy having sexual contact with a female inmate, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.The Investigations Division of the Sheriff’s Office investigated the complaint and determined enough probable cause existed to arrest the detention deputy identified as 40-year-old Tony LoSavio for eight counts of unlawful sexual relations.&nbsp;LoSavio, began employment with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2017 and has been placed on an unpaid suspension.Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter said charges in the case are expected by Friday.

🎥 Kansas jail deputy accused of sex with inmate

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One of two Kansas teens arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Erik Stokes at a Wichita apartment&nbsp; made her first court appearance Tuesday.

Breckyn Elliott, 18 of Wichita, was charged with 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 7p.m. April 25, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at the&nbsp;Morgan's Landing Apartments complex in the 3800 Block of West 13th Street in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

Through the investigation, detectives determined the two pictured suspects and possibly other were involved in the incident.

When officers arrived, they learned there were five individuals inside the apartment at the time of the incident. One who was fatally shot has been identified as 17-year-old Eric Stokes of Wichita.

EMS transported a second shooting victim identified as a 17-year-old boy to a local hospital. He was treated for minor injuries and released, according to Stephens.

Investigators learned that three unknown, armed suspects arrived at the apartment, forced their way in and fired several shots that killed Stokes.&nbsp; The suspects fled on foot from the apartment complex.&nbsp; It was not a random incident and drugs are believed to have played a part, according to Stephens.

On April 26, police released a video of two suspects involved in the homicide.&nbsp; After the release, police received numerous tips from the community, which led to the identification and arrest of Easton Palmer on Tuesday evening at a home in the 11200 block of west Dora in Wichita without incident.

Elliott's next court date is May 13, according to the district attorney. Her bond is $250,000.&nbsp;

Law enforcement authorities continue their search for a third suspect and are asking the public for help to locate 25-year-old Jaron C. Palmer in connection with the murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619801567819.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —One of two Kansas teens arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Erik Stokes at a Wichita apartment&nbsp; made her first court appearance Tuesday.Breckyn Elliott, 18 of Wichita, was charged with 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 7p.m. April 25, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at the&nbsp;Morgan's Landing Apartments complex in the 3800 Block of West 13th Street in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619547988764.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Through the investigation, detectives determined the two pictured suspects and possibly other were involved in the incident.When officers arrived, they learned there were five individuals inside the apartment at the time of the incident. One who was fatally shot has been identified as 17-year-old Eric Stokes of Wichita.EMS transported a second shooting victim identified as a 17-year-old boy to a local hospital. He was treated for minor injuries and released, according to Stephens.Investigators learned that three unknown, armed suspects arrived at the apartment, forced their way in and fired several shots that killed Stokes.&nbsp; The suspects fled on foot from the apartment complex.&nbsp; It was not a random incident and drugs are believed to have played a part, according to Stephens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619618101953.png" alt="Easton Palmer was charged with murder in the case- photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Easton Palmer was charged with murder in the case- photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On April 26, police released a video of two suspects involved in the homicide.&nbsp; After the release, police received numerous tips from the community, which led to the identification and arrest of Easton Palmer on Tuesday evening at a home in the 11200 block of west Dora in Wichita without incident.Elliott's next court date is May 13, according to the district attorney. Her bond is $250,000.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619801280517.png" alt="Jaron Palmer-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Jaron Palmer-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Law enforcement authorities continue their search for a third suspect and are asking the public for help to locate 25-year-old Jaron C. Palmer in connection with the murder.

2nd Kan. teen charged for apartment robbery, murder

BROWN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 9a.m. Wednesday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Buick Century driven by Martin Charles Richbourg, 22, Falls City, Nebraska, was&nbsp; northbound on Horned Owl Road six miles east of Morrill.

A 2007 Acura MDX driven by Tad Jeremy Alfrey, 40, Seneca was southbound and both vehicles approached a curve at the same time. 

Alfrey swerved to avoid the Buick traveling northbound in the southbound lane. Both vehicles swerved and collided in the northbound lanes.

A passenger in the Buick identified as Andrew S Vaughan, 36, Falls City, Nebraska, was pronounced dead at the scene.

EMS transported Richbourg to KU Medical Center. Alfrey was not injured.&nbsp;Vaughan was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 9a.m. Wednesday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Buick Century driven by Martin Charles Richbourg, 22, Falls City, Nebraska, was&nbsp; northbound on Horned Owl Road six miles east of Morrill.A 2007 Acura MDX driven by Tad Jeremy Alfrey, 40, Seneca was southbound and both vehicles approached a curve at the same time. Alfrey swerved to avoid the Buick traveling northbound in the southbound lane. Both vehicles swerved and collided in the northbound lanes.A passenger in the Buick identified as Andrew S Vaughan, 36, Falls City, Nebraska, was pronounced dead at the scene.EMS transported Richbourg to KU Medical Center. Alfrey was not injured.&nbsp;Vaughan was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

1 dead, 1 hospitalized after wrong-way Kan. crash

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that Kansas has administered over two million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, more than doubling the number of doses administered in about six weeks, according to a media release from her office.

“Kansas is making measurable progress getting shots in arms across the state, but we have more work to do to reach herd immunity and ensure Kansans get back to work, back to school, and back to normal,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Cases of COVID-19 variants are rising across the state. To maintain our recovery efforts, we must ensure that every Kansan is vaccinated.”

To date, the CDC reports that Kansas has administered 2,059,674 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. About 43% of Kansans have received at least their first dose, with nearly 33% fully vaccinated.

“This is a great milestone for Kansas, but there is still more work to do,”&nbsp;Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said.&nbsp;“We encourage all Kansans who have yet to be vaccinated to take that initial step to get vaccinated.”

“My administration is concerned with reports that some counties in Kansas are turning away vaccines due to vaccine hesitancy in some communities,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“I want to be clear. The vaccine is safe, it’s effective, and it’s free. I urge all Kansans to get vaccinated, and to encourage your families, friends, and communities to do the same.”

All Kansans are encouraged to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.q-_PdK20y5JJyLAyLc6_cCrEdEtnx1ZHpo8tqtncKxg/s/1303160919/br/105924978956-l" target="_blank">Vaccines.gov</a>&nbsp;to find the nearest location with an available vaccine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620248014592.png" alt="Vaccination clinic Wednesday in Wichita-photo courtesy Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Vaccination clinic Wednesday in Wichita-photo courtesy Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that Kansas has administered over two million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, more than doubling the number of doses administered in about six weeks, according to a media release from her office.“Kansas is making measurable progress getting shots in arms across the state, but we have more work to do to reach herd immunity and ensure Kansans get back to work, back to school, and back to normal,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Cases of COVID-19 variants are rising across the state. To maintain our recovery efforts, we must ensure that every Kansan is vaccinated.”To date, the CDC reports that Kansas has administered 2,059,674 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. About 43% of Kansans have received at least their first dose, with nearly 33% fully vaccinated.“This is a great milestone for Kansas, but there is still more work to do,”&nbsp;Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said.&nbsp;“We encourage all Kansans who have yet to be vaccinated to take that initial step to get vaccinated.”“My administration is concerned with reports that some counties in Kansas are turning away vaccines due to vaccine hesitancy in some communities,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“I want to be clear. The vaccine is safe, it’s effective, and it’s free. I urge all Kansans to get vaccinated, and to encourage your families, friends, and communities to do the same.”All Kansans are encouraged to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.q-_PdK20y5JJyLAyLc6_cCrEdEtnx1ZHpo8tqtncKxg/s/1303160919/br/105924978956-l" target="_blank">Vaccines.gov</a>&nbsp;to find the nearest location with an available vaccine.

Kansas has administered over 2 million COVID vaccines

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/evergy-plans-major-coal-shutdowns-environmental-groups-say-its-not-fast-enough">Kansas News Service</a>

Scientists say that if we’re going to stop rising global 
temperatures, the world will need to greatly reduce the amount of carbon
 it’s emitting into the air.

Electricity production is one of the
 largest culprits and transitioning away from fossil fuels is seen as a 
key step in stopping climate change.

Under mounting pressure to ditch fossil fuels and amid shifting economics that make coal increasingly less competitive, the<a href="https://newsroom.evergy.com/2021-04-30-Evergy-Sets-Goal-for-Net-Zero-Carbon-Emissions-by-2045,-Interim-Carbon-Reduction-Target-of-70-percent-by-2030" target="_blank"> largest utility in Kansas pledges to close nearly all of its coal-burning plants</a> in the next 20 years.

In the meantime, it’s moving to harvest more energy from the wind and the sun.

Environmental groups remain unimpressed. They say Evergy could abandon coal for renewable energy far more quickly.

The update comes from the latest <a href="https://www.efis.psc.mo.gov/mpsc/commoncomponents/view_itemno_details.asp?caseno=EO-2021-0035&amp;attach_id=2021018545" target="_blank">long-term planning document</a>
 Evergy is required to file with state regulators in Missouri. Kansas 
regulators are also asking for a state-specific plan for the first time.
 That’s not due for another month.

“We are ahead of the national 
average and ahead of most utilities in the amount of carbon reduction 
that we’ll be able to do,” Evergy spokesman Chuck Caisley said.

The
 plan calls for retiring about 20% of its coal power generating capacity
 in the next ten years. Evergy would retire its last three coal plants 
in 2039.

The first plant scheduled for retirement is Lawrence 
Energy Center in 2023. A plant near St. Joseph, Missouri would close in 
2024, followed by a unit north of Topeka in 2030 and a unit near La 
Cygne, Kansas in 2032.

“That falls way short of what’s needed in 
order to stop the climate crisis,” said Andy Knott, a deputy regional 
director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign.

But Caisley 
said Evergy can’t shift to renewable energy until it has the capacity to
 generate enough electricity to replace it. And even though it’ll keep 
some coal-burning plants open until 2039, they likely won’t be operating
 at full capacity. Instead, they’ll be run seasonally to meet peak 
demands.

The plan would reduce Evergy’s carbon emissions by 70% 
from 2005 levels by 2030. The Biden administration would like to see the
 electricity generation sector have net-zero emissions by 2035. Evergy’s
 current plan wouldn’t get there until 2045.

Beto Lugo is the executive director of <a href="http://cankc.org/about-us/" target="_blank">Clean Air Now</a>,
 an environmental justice organization in Kansas City. He said the 
closure of the coal plants is a big win for communities of color that 
are often more impacted by pollution than other groups.

“That’s 
why the communities need to be a part of those discussions,” he said. 
“They need to be at the table guiding a lot of these projects.”

Lugo said it’s particularly important that those communities benefit in some way from the renewable energy projects planned.

Evergy
 says it plans to build 3,200 megawatts of renewable energy in the next 
decade, nearly doubling its renewable capacity. Most of the new 
development will be in large-scale solar energy farms. The first project
 would be completed as early as 2023.

The Sierra Club’s Knott and
 other environmental advocates also worry that the plan calls for 
potentially building several new natural gas power plants after 2035. 
They would provide always-ready power to replace some of the lost coal. 
(Wind and solar lack the on-demand convenience of coal and gas.) While 
natural gas releases fewer carbon emissions than coal, it’s still a 
fossil fuel built on a supply chain that emits large amounts of 
greenhouse gases.

“Building new gas would continue the climate disaster,” Knott said. “That is not the right direction to go.”

But
 Caisley said the analysis for the plan was done using today’s 
technology at today’s prices. He said the further the plan gets into the
 future, changes are nearly inevitable.

“Our hope is that over 
that time period the technology exists in order to not have to make an 
investment in carbon,” he said. “But we’re not there yet.”

The plan was also made without considering <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/utilities-just-got-new-financial-tool-could-speed-end-coal-plants-kansas" target="_blank">newly approved financial tools</a> that would make it easier and more financially appealing for Evergy to retire older coal plants earlier than expected.

Ashok
 Gupta is an energy economist with the National Resource Defense 
Council. He said the plan is definitely a step in the right direction, 
but it needs to do more of what is proposed, and quicker.

He said the new financial tool will play a key role in making that happen.

“This is not the end of the process,” Gupta said. “And we expect a lot to change even in the annual update by next year.”

Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620231284103.png" alt=" Lawrence Energy Center Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Lawrence Energy Center Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/evergy-plans-major-coal-shutdowns-environmental-groups-say-its-not-fast-enough">Kansas News Service</a>Scientists say that if we’re going to stop rising global 
temperatures, the world will need to greatly reduce the amount of carbon
 it’s emitting into the air.Electricity production is one of the
 largest culprits and transitioning away from fossil fuels is seen as a 
key step in stopping climate change.Under mounting pressure to ditch fossil fuels and amid shifting economics that make coal increasingly less competitive, the<a href="https://newsroom.evergy.com/2021-04-30-Evergy-Sets-Goal-for-Net-Zero-Carbon-Emissions-by-2045,-Interim-Carbon-Reduction-Target-of-70-percent-by-2030" target="_blank"> largest utility in Kansas pledges to close nearly all of its coal-burning plants</a> in the next 20 years.In the meantime, it’s moving to harvest more energy from the wind and the sun.Environmental groups remain unimpressed. They say Evergy could abandon coal for renewable energy far more quickly.The update comes from the latest <a href="https://www.efis.psc.mo.gov/mpsc/commoncomponents/view_itemno_details.asp?caseno=EO-2021-0035&amp;attach_id=2021018545" target="_blank">long-term planning document</a>
 Evergy is required to file with state regulators in Missouri. Kansas 
regulators are also asking for a state-specific plan for the first time.
 That’s not due for another month.“We are ahead of the national 
average and ahead of most utilities in the amount of carbon reduction 
that we’ll be able to do,” Evergy spokesman Chuck Caisley said.The
 plan calls for retiring about 20% of its coal power generating capacity
 in the next ten years. Evergy would retire its last three coal plants 
in 2039.The first plant scheduled for retirement is Lawrence 
Energy Center in 2023. A plant near St. Joseph, Missouri would close in 
2024, followed by a unit north of Topeka in 2030 and a unit near La 
Cygne, Kansas in 2032.“That falls way short of what’s needed in 
order to stop the climate crisis,” said Andy Knott, a deputy regional 
director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign.But Caisley 
said Evergy can’t shift to renewable energy until it has the capacity to
 generate enough electricity to replace it. And even though it’ll keep 
some coal-burning plants open until 2039, they likely won’t be operating
 at full capacity. Instead, they’ll be run seasonally to meet peak 
demands.The plan would reduce Evergy’s carbon emissions by 70% 
from 2005 levels by 2030. The Biden administration would like to see the
 electricity generation sector have net-zero emissions by 2035. Evergy’s
 current plan wouldn’t get there until 2045.Beto Lugo is the executive director of <a href="http://cankc.org/about-us/" target="_blank">Clean Air Now</a>,
 an environmental justice organization in Kansas City. He said the 
closure of the coal plants is a big win for communities of color that 
are often more impacted by pollution than other groups.“That’s 
why the communities need to be a part of those discussions,” he said. 
“They need to be at the table guiding a lot of these projects.”Lugo said it’s particularly important that those communities benefit in some way from the renewable energy projects planned.Evergy
 says it plans to build 3,200 megawatts of renewable energy in the next 
decade, nearly doubling its renewable capacity. Most of the new 
development will be in large-scale solar energy farms. The first project
 would be completed as early as 2023.The Sierra Club’s Knott and
 other environmental advocates also worry that the plan calls for 
potentially building several new natural gas power plants after 2035. 
They would provide always-ready power to replace some of the lost coal. 
(Wind and solar lack the on-demand convenience of coal and gas.) While 
natural gas releases fewer carbon emissions than coal, it’s still a 
fossil fuel built on a supply chain that emits large amounts of 
greenhouse gases.“Building new gas would continue the climate disaster,” Knott said. “That is not the right direction to go.”But
 Caisley said the analysis for the plan was done using today’s 
technology at today’s prices. He said the further the plan gets into the
 future, changes are nearly inevitable.“Our hope is that over 
that time period the technology exists in order to not have to make an 
investment in carbon,” he said. “But we’re not there yet.”The plan was also made without considering <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/utilities-just-got-new-financial-tool-could-speed-end-coal-plants-kansas" target="_blank">newly approved financial tools</a> that would make it easier and more financially appealing for Evergy to retire older coal plants earlier than expected.Ashok
 Gupta is an energy economist with the National Resource Defense 
Council. He said the plan is definitely a step in the right direction, 
but it needs to do more of what is proposed, and quicker.He said the new financial tool will play a key role in making that happen.“This is not the end of the process,” Gupta said. “And we expect a lot to change even in the annual update by next year.”Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

Evergy coal shutdowns; environmental groups say it's not fast enough

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. birth rate fell 4% last year, the largest single-year decrease in nearly 50 years, according to a government report being released Wednesday.

The rate dropped for moms of every major race and ethnicity, and in nearly every age group, falling to the lowest point since federal health officials started tracking it more than a century ago.

Births have been declining in younger women for years, as many postponed motherhood and had smaller families.

Birth rates for women in their late 30s and in their 40s have been inching up. But not last year.

“The fact that you saw declines in births even for older moms is quite striking,” said Brady Hamilton, of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the lead author of the new report.

The CDC report is based on a review of more than 99% of birth certificates issued last year. The findings echo a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-science-health-3dc7033a62728f1a99a176c5577af58c">Associated Press analysis</a>&nbsp;of 2020 data from 25 states showing that births had fallen during the coronavirus outbreak.

The pandemic no doubt contributed to last year’s big decline, experts say. Anxiety about COVID-19 and its impact on the economy likely caused many couples to think that having a baby right then was a bad idea.

But many of the 2020 pregnancies began well before the U.S. epidemic. CDC researchers are working on a follow-up report to better parse out how the decline unfolded, Hamilton said.

— About 3.6 million babies were born in the U.S. last year, down from about 3.75 million in 2019. When births were booming in 2007, the U.S. recorded 4.3 million births.

— The U.S. birth rate dropped to about 56 births per 1,000 women of child-bearing age, the lowest rate on record. The rate is half of what it was in the early 1960s.

— The birth rate for 15– to 19-year-olds dropped 8% from 2019. It’s fallen almost every year since 1991.

— Birth rates fell 8% for Asian American women; 3% for Hispanic women; 4% for Black and white women; and 6% for moms who were American Indians or Alaska Natives.

— The cesarean delivery rate rose, slightly, to about 32%. It had generally been declining since 2009.

— Some good news: The percentage of infants born small and premature — at less less than 37 weeks of gestation — fell slightly, to 10%, after rising five years in a row.

The current generation is getting further away from having enough children to replace itself.

The U.S. once was among only a few developed countries with a fertility rate that ensured each generation had enough children to replace it. About a dozen years ago, the estimated rate was 2.1 kids per U.S. woman. But it’s been sliding, and last year dropped to about 1.6, the lowest rate on record.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606170442903.png" alt="Photo by Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. birth rate fell 4% last year, the largest single-year decrease in nearly 50 years, according to a government report being released Wednesday.The rate dropped for moms of every major race and ethnicity, and in nearly every age group, falling to the lowest point since federal health officials started tracking it more than a century ago.Births have been declining in younger women for years, as many postponed motherhood and had smaller families.Birth rates for women in their late 30s and in their 40s have been inching up. But not last year.“The fact that you saw declines in births even for older moms is quite striking,” said Brady Hamilton, of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the lead author of the new report.The CDC report is based on a review of more than 99% of birth certificates issued last year. The findings echo a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-science-health-3dc7033a62728f1a99a176c5577af58c">Associated Press analysis</a>&nbsp;of 2020 data from 25 states showing that births had fallen during the coronavirus outbreak.The pandemic no doubt contributed to last year’s big decline, experts say. Anxiety about COVID-19 and its impact on the economy likely caused many couples to think that having a baby right then was a bad idea.But many of the 2020 pregnancies began well before the U.S. epidemic. CDC researchers are working on a follow-up report to better parse out how the decline unfolded, Hamilton said.Other highlights from the CDC report:— About 3.6 million babies were born in the U.S. last year, down from about 3.75 million in 2019. When births were booming in 2007, the U.S. recorded 4.3 million births.— The U.S. birth rate dropped to about 56 births per 1,000 women of child-bearing age, the lowest rate on record. The rate is half of what it was in the early 1960s.— The birth rate for 15– to 19-year-olds dropped 8% from 2019. It’s fallen almost every year since 1991.— Birth rates fell 8% for Asian American women; 3% for Hispanic women; 4% for Black and white women; and 6% for moms who were American Indians or Alaska Natives.— The cesarean delivery rate rose, slightly, to about 32%. It had generally been declining since 2009.— Some good news: The percentage of infants born small and premature — at less less than 37 weeks of gestation — fell slightly, to 10%, after rising five years in a row.The current generation is getting further away from having enough children to replace itself.The U.S. once was among only a few developed countries with a fertility rate that ensured each generation had enough children to replace it. About a dozen years ago, the estimated rate was 2.1 kids per U.S. woman. But it’s been sliding, and last year dropped to about 1.6, the lowest rate on record.___

CDC: U.S. birth, fertility rates at record low

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/04/senate-republicans-dismiss-kansas-budget-directors-warning-about-education-funds/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas lawmakers 
must fully fund K-12 public schools and pump an additional $106 million 
into universities, or federal authorities will withhold education 
funding from the state.

Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget 
director sent a dire warning to legislators Sunday night, on the eve of 
their votes to override the governor’s vetoes of a tax bundle and 
provisions of the budget. The budget director, Adam Proffitt, advised 
lawmakers of strings attached to the most recent federal relief packages
 designed to help the country recover from the pandemic.

The state needs to 
maintain spending levels for both K-12 and higher education, Proffitt 
wrote in the memo, or risk losing federal funding for both. In the 
budget passed last month, lawmakers partially restored steep cuts to 
higher education included in the budget Kelly proposed at the start of 
the session.

Based on Proffitt’s 
calculations, the state should allocate an extra $106 million for 
universities to ensure compliance with federal authorities. If the state
 applies for a waiver, that funding could be split into a pair of $53 
million payments, now and next year.

“This recommendation is 
the best path forward for Kansas because it 1) greatly reduces the 
state’s exposure to risk of recoupment of future federal dollars, and 2)
 demonstrates the state’s commitment to fully funding education at all 
levels,” Proffitt wrote.

If the intent was to scare lawmakers into preserving a comfortable budget surplus, it didn’t work. <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/03/kansas-republicans-restore-tax-cuts-after-both-chambers-spike-governors-veto/">Republicans eagerly defeated</a>
 the Democratic governor’s vetoes of a tax cut bundle designed to funnel
 tens of millions of dollars to large corporations and some of the 
highest-earning individuals.

In a meeting Monday 
morning of Senate Republicans, concerns about losing federal aid were 
brushed aside by Senate President Ty Masterson and Sen. Caryn Tyson, a 
Parker Republican who led the charge for tax reform.

Tyson said she had been in
 contact with Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who plans to run 
for governor next year, and that he didn’t think the threat to withhold 
funding will hold up.

“I think it’s more political than accurate at this point,” Tyson said.

Masterson told the caucus 
there were varying opinions on how the “maintenance of effort” provision
 in federal funding applies to state spending. A possible solution posed
 by Masterson: Set money aside in escrow “just to cover our bases.”

In debate over the tax 
cuts, Democrats in the Senate rattled sabers at the absence of 
legislation funding K-12 public schools, the prospect of cutting taxes 
with a bleak financial outlook, and the threats outlined in Proffitt’s 
memo.

“Passing a bill with $300 
million in tax credits while asking for help to fund our public 
education — I think they’re going to see through us,” said Senate 
Minority Leader Dinah Sykes.

Tyson pointed out the $300 million figure represented the cost of tax cuts over three years.

“For those of you that don’t know, I do have a math degree, and you can make it look however you want,” Tyson said.

Tyson also referenced 
healthy tax collections, a point bolstered Monday afternoon — hours 
after both chambers had restored tax cuts by overriding the governor’s 
veto — when the Kansas Department of Revenue released its report on 
April revenues. Even after revising expectations upward, the state 
collected $91.3 million more than expected. The single month’s surplus 
is nearly enough to cover a year’s worth of the tax cuts.

The revenue report also 
presents a stark contrast to last April, when much of the state was 
under a lockdown imposed by Kelly to blunt the spread of a deadly virus.
 Corporate income tax collections were up by 304.1% from year to year. 
Individual income tax collections were up 72.5%.

Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature. He spent 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620231143233.png" alt="Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, said a memo from the governor's budget director urging lawmakers to spend more money on higher education or risk losing federal funds was "more political than accurate." (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, said a memo from the governor's budget director urging lawmakers to spend more money on higher education or risk losing federal funds was "more political than accurate." (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/04/senate-republicans-dismiss-kansas-budget-directors-warning-about-education-funds/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas lawmakers 
must fully fund K-12 public schools and pump an additional $106 million 
into universities, or federal authorities will withhold education 
funding from the state.Unless they don’t.Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget 
director sent a dire warning to legislators Sunday night, on the eve of 
their votes to override the governor’s vetoes of a tax bundle and 
provisions of the budget. The budget director, Adam Proffitt, advised 
lawmakers of strings attached to the most recent federal relief packages
 designed to help the country recover from the pandemic.The state needs to 
maintain spending levels for both K-12 and higher education, Proffitt 
wrote in the memo, or risk losing federal funding for both. In the 
budget passed last month, lawmakers partially restored steep cuts to 
higher education included in the budget Kelly proposed at the start of 
the session.Based on Proffitt’s 
calculations, the state should allocate an extra $106 million for 
universities to ensure compliance with federal authorities. If the state
 applies for a waiver, that funding could be split into a pair of $53 
million payments, now and next year.“This recommendation is 
the best path forward for Kansas because it 1) greatly reduces the 
state’s exposure to risk of recoupment of future federal dollars, and 2)
 demonstrates the state’s commitment to fully funding education at all 
levels,” Proffitt wrote.If the intent was to scare lawmakers into preserving a comfortable budget surplus, it didn’t work. <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/03/kansas-republicans-restore-tax-cuts-after-both-chambers-spike-governors-veto/">Republicans eagerly defeated</a>
 the Democratic governor’s vetoes of a tax cut bundle designed to funnel
 tens of millions of dollars to large corporations and some of the 
highest-earning individuals.In a meeting Monday 
morning of Senate Republicans, concerns about losing federal aid were 
brushed aside by Senate President Ty Masterson and Sen. Caryn Tyson, a 
Parker Republican who led the charge for tax reform.Tyson said she had been in
 contact with Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who plans to run 
for governor next year, and that he didn’t think the threat to withhold 
funding will hold up.“I think it’s more political than accurate at this point,” Tyson said.Masterson told the caucus 
there were varying opinions on how the “maintenance of effort” provision
 in federal funding applies to state spending. A possible solution posed
 by Masterson: Set money aside in escrow “just to cover our bases.”In debate over the tax 
cuts, Democrats in the Senate rattled sabers at the absence of 
legislation funding K-12 public schools, the prospect of cutting taxes 
with a bleak financial outlook, and the threats outlined in Proffitt’s 
memo.“Passing a bill with $300 
million in tax credits while asking for help to fund our public 
education — I think they’re going to see through us,” said Senate 
Minority Leader Dinah Sykes.Tyson pointed out the $300 million figure represented the cost of tax cuts over three years.“For those of you that don’t know, I do have a math degree, and you can make it look however you want,” Tyson said.Tyson also referenced 
healthy tax collections, a point bolstered Monday afternoon — hours 
after both chambers had restored tax cuts by overriding the governor’s 
veto — when the Kansas Department of Revenue released its report on 
April revenues. Even after revising expectations upward, the state 
collected $91.3 million more than expected. The single month’s surplus 
is nearly enough to cover a year’s worth of the tax cuts.The revenue report also 
presents a stark contrast to last April, when much of the state was 
under a lockdown imposed by Kelly to blunt the spread of a deadly virus.
 Corporate income tax collections were up by 304.1% from year to year. 
Individual income tax collections were up 72.5%.Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature. He spent 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Senate GOP dismisses warning about Kan. education funds

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2021-09518/independent-contractor-status-under-the-fair-labor-standards-act-withdrawal" target="_blank">announced the withdrawal</a>
 — effective Thursday — of the “Independent Contractor Rule,” to maintain 
workers’ rights to the minimum wage and overtime compensation 
protections of the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa">Fair Labor Standards Act</a>.

The department is withdrawing the rule for several reasons, including:

“By withdrawing the Independent Contractor Rule, we will 
help preserve essential worker rights and stop the erosion of worker 
protections that would have occurred had the rule gone into effect,” 
said <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/osec">U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh</a>.
 “Legitimate business owners play an important role in our economy but, 
too often, workers lose important wage and related protections when 
employers misclassify them as independent contractors. We remain 
committed to ensuring that employees are recognized clearly and 
correctly when they are, in fact, employees so that they receive the 
protections the Fair Labor Standards Act provides.”

The FLSA includes provisions that require covered 
employers to pay employees at least the federal minimum wage for every 
hour they work and overtime compensation at not less than 
one-and-one-half times their regular rate of pay for every hour they 
work over 40 in a workweek. FLSA protections do not apply to independent
 contractors.

In addition to maintaining the scope of workers covered 
by FLSA wage and hour protections, the department anticipates that the 
independent contractor rule’s withdrawal will avoid a reduction in 
workers’ access to employer-provided fringe benefits such as
 health insurance and retirement plans. The withdrawal will also avoid a
 reduction in other benefits such as unemployment insurance and workers 
compensation coverage. 

For more information about the FLSA or other laws it enforces, visit the <a href="http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd">Wage and Hour Division</a>, or call toll-free 1-866-4US-WAGE.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615920467817.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Department of LaborWASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2021-09518/independent-contractor-status-under-the-fair-labor-standards-act-withdrawal" target="_blank">announced the withdrawal</a>
 — effective Thursday — of the “Independent Contractor Rule,” to maintain 
workers’ rights to the minimum wage and overtime compensation 
protections of the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa">Fair Labor Standards Act</a>.The department is withdrawing the rule for several reasons, including:<ul>
 <li>The independent contractor rule was in tension with the FLSA’s text and purpose, as well as relevant judicial precedent. </li><li>The rule’s prioritization of two 
“core factors” for determining employee status under the FLSA would have
 undermined the longstanding balancing approach of the economic 
realities test and court decisions requiring a review of the totality of
 the circumstances related to the employment relationship. </li><li>The rule would have 
narrowed the facts and considerations comprising the analysis of whether
 a worker is an employee or an independent contractor, resulting in 
workers losing FLSA protections. </li>
 </ul>“By withdrawing the Independent Contractor Rule, we will 
help preserve essential worker rights and stop the erosion of worker 
protections that would have occurred had the rule gone into effect,” 
said <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/osec">U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh</a>.
 “Legitimate business owners play an important role in our economy but, 
too often, workers lose important wage and related protections when 
employers misclassify them as independent contractors. We remain 
committed to ensuring that employees are recognized clearly and 
correctly when they are, in fact, employees so that they receive the 
protections the Fair Labor Standards Act provides.” The FLSA includes provisions that require covered 
employers to pay employees at least the federal minimum wage for every 
hour they work and overtime compensation at not less than 
one-and-one-half times their regular rate of pay for every hour they 
work over 40 in a workweek. FLSA protections do not apply to independent
 contractors.In addition to maintaining the scope of workers covered 
by FLSA wage and hour protections, the department anticipates that the 
independent contractor rule’s withdrawal will avoid a reduction in 
workers’ access to employer-provided fringe benefits such as
 health insurance and retirement plans. The withdrawal will also avoid a
 reduction in other benefits such as unemployment insurance and workers 
compensation coverage. For more information about the FLSA or other laws it enforces, visit the <a href="http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd">Wage and Hour Division</a>, or call toll-free 1-866-4US-WAGE.

U.S. Labor Department ends 'independent contractor' rule

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 470 to a total of 310,115, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4999, an increase of 14.

<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 470 to a total of 310,115, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4999, an increase of 14.<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/2021/5/1620234199944.png" alt="Wednesday May 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday May 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued an Emergency Order of Suspension to Little Rainbow Day Care Home, 1105 Haven Dr. in Junction City.

 State law allows the Secretary of KDHE to issue such an order when, in the opinion of the Secretary, the order is necessary to protect children in the home from any potential threat to health or safety. The order is subject to appeal.

<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/5-5-21%20EOS%20junction%20city%20order.docx.pdf">Click here</a> to read the full order

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued an Emergency Order of Suspension to Little Rainbow Day Care Home, 1105 Haven Dr. in Junction City. State law allows the Secretary of KDHE to issue such an order when, in the opinion of the Secretary, the order is necessary to protect children in the home from any potential threat to health or safety. The order is subject to appeal.<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/5-5-21%20EOS%20junction%20city%20order.docx.pdf">Click here</a> to read the full order

State issues emergency suspension of group day care home

NEW YORK (AP) — Peloton is recalling its treadmills after one child died and 29 other children suffered from cuts, broken bones and other injuries from being pulled under the rear of the treadmill.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday that Peloton received 72 reports of adults, kids, pets or other items, such as exercise balls, being pulled under the treadmill.

The recall comes after the safety commission&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/product-safety-be5516665f9a2c7c4bb9b9441d4aef01">warned&nbsp;</a>last month that people with children or pets to immediately stop using Peloton treadmills and posted a video on YouTube of a child being pulled under the treadmill.

Peloton is best known for its stationary bikes, but it introduced the treadmill about three years ago and now calls it the Tread+. It costs more than $4,200.

Those who own the treadmill can get a full refund from Peloton by Nov. 6, 2022.

NEW YORK (AP) — Peloton is recalling its treadmills after one child died and 29 other children suffered from cuts, broken bones and other injuries from being pulled under the rear of the treadmill.The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday that Peloton received 72 reports of adults, kids, pets or other items, such as exercise balls, being pulled under the treadmill.The recall comes after the safety commission&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/product-safety-be5516665f9a2c7c4bb9b9441d4aef01">warned&nbsp;</a>last month that people with children or pets to immediately stop using Peloton treadmills and posted a video on YouTube of a child being pulled under the treadmill.Peloton is best known for its stationary bikes, but it introduced the treadmill about three years ago and now calls it the Tread+. It costs more than $4,200.Those who own the treadmill can get a full refund from Peloton by Nov. 6, 2022.

Peloton recalls treadmills after a child dies

GRANDVIEW, Mo. (AP) — A suspect arrested in the shooting death of a man whose body was found inside a crashed car in the Kansas City suburb of Grandview early this week has been charged in the crime, authorities said.

Prosecutors charged Davion Fugate, 21, of Grandview, with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death.

Officers were called to the scene around 1:40 p.m. Sunday and found a vehicle that had crashed into a tree. Officers found the body of a 23-year-old man who had been driving inside the vehicle and said he had been shot several times. Police have not released the victim’s name.

Witnesses reported seeing Fugate shooting at the vehicle in his own driveway — about a block away from where the car crashed — and running down the street. One witness told police it looked like the man who fired at the car chased it down to make sure the driver was shot.

Investigators say a home surveillance video obtained by police showed Fugate running after the car firing more than a dozen times.

Fugate is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620155344500.png" alt="Fugate photo Jackson County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Fugate photo Jackson County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>GRANDVIEW, Mo. (AP) — A suspect arrested in the shooting death of a man whose body was found inside a crashed car in the Kansas City suburb of Grandview early this week has been charged in the crime, authorities said.Prosecutors charged Davion Fugate, 21, of Grandview, with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death.Officers were called to the scene around 1:40 p.m. Sunday and found a vehicle that had crashed into a tree. Officers found the body of a 23-year-old man who had been driving inside the vehicle and said he had been shot several times. Police have not released the victim’s name.Witnesses reported seeing Fugate shooting at the vehicle in his own driveway — about a block away from where the car crashed — and running down the street. One witness told police it looked like the man who fired at the car chased it down to make sure the driver was shot.Investigators say a home surveillance video obtained by police showed Fugate running after the car firing more than a dozen times.Fugate is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.

Charges filed: Man found dead in KC-area crash had been shot

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers advanced a plan Tuesday to provide hundreds of millions of dollars to Kansas businesses hurt by coronavirus pandemic restrictions, and they’re poised to give GOP leaders the final say over how the federal COVID-19 relief funds are spent.

The Republican-controlled state Senate approved, 26-13,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb286_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would dedicate nearly $350 million in coronavirus relief funds for the state and another $350 million for cities and counties to compensate small businesses that were forced to shut down last spring because of the pandemic or had their operations restricted after the economy reopened.

GOP legislators have been considering different figures for the total relief, and the Senate began its discussion at $2 billion — but reduced it after Vice President Rick Wilborn, a McPherson Republican, called that number “probably a little rich.”

Senators also passed, 33-6,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2313_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">another measure</a>&nbsp;that would provide rebates of up to $7,500 from cities and counties to businesses for the property taxes they paid while they were shut down or their activities were limited. Those taxes are based on property values, not income, so they were owed whether or not a business was open.

The two business-relief bills go next to the Republican-controlled House. Lawmakers hope to wrap up the year’s business by week’s end.

“Businesses were blindsided and their liberties were taken away through no fault of their own,” said Senate Judiciary Chair Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican. “The businesses were put in harm’s way by government action.”

The Senate also was expected this week to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of a provision in budget legislation leaving the final decisions on spending $4.8 billion in federal funds to top lawmakers. The GOP-controlled House voted 86-38 along party lines Monday to overturn Kelly’s action.

Kelly acted early in the pandemic to close K-12 school buildings and impose a statewide stay-at-home order for five weeks. But Republicans used their legislative supermajorities to limit her power over the state’s response in exchange for keeping the state of emergency in place.

The governor agreed last year to let the State Finance Council make the final decisions over how federal COVID-19 relief funds are spent. The council has eight legislative leaders, and six are currently Republicans, but the governor is the chair, calls the meetings and can veto what the lawmakers do.

Kelly has said any change from that process would create confusion and slow the distribution of relief money.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620210313470.png" alt="The state Senate approved, 26-13,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb286_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would dedicate nearly $350 million in coronavirus relief funds for the state and another $350 million for cities and counties to compensate small businesses that were forced to shut down last spring because of the pandemic." />
 <figcaption>The state Senate approved, 26-13,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb286_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would dedicate nearly $350 million in coronavirus relief funds for the state and another $350 million for cities and counties to compensate small businesses that were forced to shut down last spring because of the pandemic.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers advanced a plan Tuesday to provide hundreds of millions of dollars to Kansas businesses hurt by coronavirus pandemic restrictions, and they’re poised to give GOP leaders the final say over how the federal COVID-19 relief funds are spent.The Republican-controlled state Senate approved, 26-13,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb286_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would dedicate nearly $350 million in coronavirus relief funds for the state and another $350 million for cities and counties to compensate small businesses that were forced to shut down last spring because of the pandemic or had their operations restricted after the economy reopened.GOP legislators have been considering different figures for the total relief, and the Senate began its discussion at $2 billion — but reduced it after Vice President Rick Wilborn, a McPherson Republican, called that number “probably a little rich.”Senators also passed, 33-6,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2313_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">another measure</a>&nbsp;that would provide rebates of up to $7,500 from cities and counties to businesses for the property taxes they paid while they were shut down or their activities were limited. Those taxes are based on property values, not income, so they were owed whether or not a business was open.The two business-relief bills go next to the Republican-controlled House. Lawmakers hope to wrap up the year’s business by week’s end.“Businesses were blindsided and their liberties were taken away through no fault of their own,” said Senate Judiciary Chair Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican. “The businesses were put in harm’s way by government action.”The Senate also was expected this week to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of a provision in budget legislation leaving the final decisions on spending $4.8 billion in federal funds to top lawmakers. The GOP-controlled House voted 86-38 along party lines Monday to overturn Kelly’s action.Kelly acted early in the pandemic to close K-12 school buildings and impose a statewide stay-at-home order for five weeks. But Republicans used their legislative supermajorities to limit her power over the state’s response in exchange for keeping the state of emergency in place.The governor agreed last year to let the State Finance Council make the final decisions over how federal COVID-19 relief funds are spent. The council has eight legislative leaders, and six are currently Republicans, but the governor is the chair, calls the meetings and can veto what the lawmakers do.Kelly has said any change from that process would create confusion and slow the distribution of relief money.But Republicans said Kelly still used her power to block discussions of GOP spending proposals. Their solution,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-coronavirus-health-ab10c923b1c35ec9ccc9b8a0536a2ee6">which Kelly vetoed,</a>&nbsp;was to give the final say to another council made up of only eight top lawmakers, six of them also Republicans.“The Legislature had the appearance of being involved but were omitted from the discussions,” said House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican. “It’s best that we have more say and input in the people’s money and how it’s being spent.”Discussions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-c905ff55880cff98b6184dd8d1a5eb8e">setting aside federal COVID-19 relief dollars</a>&nbsp;to compensate businesses started after a Wichita fitness studio and its owner sued the state in December. His attorneys and Attorney General Derek Schmidt agreed to put the case on hold to allow state lawmakers to provide compensation and avoid larger potential payouts from similar lawsuits.The bill before the Senate would make funds available to businesses with 50 or fewer employees starting in March 2020. Their claims would be decided by a three-member board in the attorney general’s office, which would determine how much would be owed by the state and how much by local governments.Democrats said the state should let cities and counties decide how to spend their coronavirus relief funds and said businesses receiving the relief dollars should be required to spend part of it on employees’ pay.And Democratic Sen. Tom Holland, of Baldwin City, derided the plan to have the state set up a “pot of gold doling out committee.” Schmidt, a Republican, is running for governor in 2022.Meanwhile, Republicans tied their proposal to give businesses property tax rebates to renewing a statewide property tax levy that raises $752 million and is a key source of funding for public schools. The state constitution prevents the levy from being imposed for more than two years at a time, and GOP lawmakers argued that thriving businesses fund schools.But local officials fear paying the rebates will force them to divert funds from local services. Trey Cocking, deputy director and lobbyist for the League of Kansas Municipalities, said cities generally spend 60% of their budgets on public safety.“When there’s that kind of property tax rebate, it’s got to come from somewhere,” he said, watching the Senate debate from one of its galleries. “It’s most likely to come from public safety.”___