SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 10a.m. Wednesday in Shawnee County have identified the woman who died as Rita M. Cline of Topeka, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

Investigators determined, while assisting a friend that was backing up a UTV,&nbsp; Cline was struck and became trapped under what was originally reported as a tractor.&nbsp;

The friend immediately called 911. Deputies and fire personnel arrived and removed the UTV from Cline's body. CPR was attempted until American Medical Response arrived on scene.&nbsp; Cline was pronounced deceased at the scene .This accident is still under investigation by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10a.m.&nbsp; Wednesday in Shawnee County.

Deputies and emergency crews responded to a 911 call regarding an individual trapped under a tractor in the 3200 block of SW 93rd Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Firs responders found an individual suffering from significant injuries. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;This incident is still under investigation.

Check the Post for additional information as it is released.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 10a.m. Wednesday in Shawnee County have identified the woman who died as Rita M. Cline of Topeka, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.Investigators determined, while assisting a friend that was backing up a UTV,&nbsp; Cline was struck and became trapped under what was originally reported as a tractor.&nbsp;The friend immediately called 911. Deputies and fire personnel arrived and removed the UTV from Cline's body. CPR was attempted until American Medical Response arrived on scene.&nbsp; Cline was pronounced deceased at the scene .This accident is still under investigation by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office-------------------SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10a.m.&nbsp; Wednesday in Shawnee County.Deputies and emergency crews responded to a 911 call regarding an individual trapped under a tractor in the 3200 block of SW 93rd Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Firs responders found an individual suffering from significant injuries. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;This incident is still under investigation.Check the Post for additional information as it is released.

Sheriff: 1 dead in rural Kansas UTV accident

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police in Wichita reported Wednesday the arrest of Jeremiah Walker in connection with the the death of&nbsp;27- year-old Quentin Gordon, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses. Police are no longer looking for&nbsp;Anjaliyah S. Orange in connection with the case.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Wichita Police are trying to locate Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker as they may have information about a homicide that occurred on June 4.

Just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 4800 block of East Funston, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.

Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene and found 27- year-old Quentin Gordon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Wichita Police Department Homicide Investigators, in collaboration with patrol officers, immediately began their investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that Gordon was involved in an argument with another individual when the shooting occurred, indicating that this was not a random act of violence, according to Moses.

If you have any information about Anjaliyah and Jeremiah's whereabouts or have seen them, please call 911, Crimestoppers at 316-267-2111, or WPD Investigators at 316-268-4407.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717697125559.png" alt="Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker-photo Wichita Police&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker-photo Wichita Police&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police in Wichita reported Wednesday the arrest of Jeremiah Walker in connection with the the death of&nbsp;27- year-old Quentin Gordon, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses. Police are no longer looking for&nbsp;Anjaliyah S. Orange in connection with the case.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Wichita Police are trying to locate Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker as they may have information about a homicide that occurred on June 4.Just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 4800 block of East Funston, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene and found 27- year-old Quentin Gordon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Wichita Police Department Homicide Investigators, in collaboration with patrol officers, immediately began their investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that Gordon was involved in an argument with another individual when the shooting occurred, indicating that this was not a random act of violence, according to Moses.If you have any information about Anjaliyah and Jeremiah's whereabouts or have seen them, please call 911, Crimestoppers at 316-267-2111, or WPD Investigators at 316-268-4407.

Search continues for 2 in Kansas homicide investigation

SEWARD COUNTY —A man injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Wednesday in Liberal has died.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Polaris UTV driven by Tucker J. Smith, 26, Kismet, was northbound in 1800 Block of Frontage Road, 50-feet north of the Cosmetology Building at Seward County Community College.

The driver accelerated as the UTV turned the corner to travel east. An occupant in the bed of the UTV identified as Jacob G. Still, 29, Tyrone, Oklahoma, lost his balance and fell out.

EMS transported&nbsp;Still to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment of a serious injury. He was pronounced deceased just before 11:30p.m. Wednesday.

Smith and another passenger were not injured.&nbsp;

SEWARD COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Wednesday in Liberal.

EMS transported&nbsp;Still to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment of a serious injury. Smith and another passenger were not injured.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717029313292.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY —A man injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Wednesday in Liberal has died.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Polaris UTV driven by Tucker J. Smith, 26, Kismet, was northbound in 1800 Block of Frontage Road, 50-feet north of the Cosmetology Building at Seward County Community College.The driver accelerated as the UTV turned the corner to travel east. An occupant in the bed of the UTV identified as Jacob G. Still, 29, Tyrone, Oklahoma, lost his balance and fell out.EMS transported&nbsp;Still to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment of a serious injury. He was pronounced deceased just before 11:30p.m. Wednesday.Smith and another passenger were not injured.&nbsp;--------------SEWARD COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Wednesday in Liberal.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Polaris UTV driven by Tucker J. Smith, 26, Kismet, was northbound in 1800 Block of Frontage Road, 50-feet north of the Cosmetology Building at Seward County Community College.The driver accelerated as the UTV turned the corner to travel east. An occupant in the bed of the UTV identified as Jacob G. Still, 29, Tyrone, Oklahoma, lost his balance and fell out.EMS transported&nbsp;Still to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment of a serious injury. Smith and another passenger were not injured.&nbsp;

Man hospitalized after fall from UTV at SW Kansas college 

CRAWFORD COUNTY – The Frontenac Police Department reported to the KBI that Jean Joyce was located and is in good condition. She will be transported home. The statewide Silver Alert is now canceled

CRAWFORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Frontenac Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a woman last seen in Frontenac, Kansas.

The whereabouts of 70-year-old Jean Marie Joyce, of Frontenac, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.

Joyce walked away from a nursing facility at 316 Wickware Dr., in Frontenac, at around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29. She was last seen wearing jeans and a pink jacket.

Joyce is a white female who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs around 120 pounds. She has brown and grey hair and blue eyes. Joyce has dementia.

If you see Jean Joyce, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Frontenac Police Department at (620)&nbsp;231-9216.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717063147359.png" alt="Jean Marie Joyce -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Jean Marie Joyce -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>CRAWFORD COUNTY – The Frontenac Police Department reported to the KBI that Jean Joyce was located and is in good condition. She will be transported home. The statewide Silver Alert is now canceled-----------CRAWFORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Frontenac Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a woman last seen in Frontenac, Kansas.The whereabouts of 70-year-old Jean Marie Joyce, of Frontenac, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.Joyce walked away from a nursing facility at 316 Wickware Dr., in Frontenac, at around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29. She was last seen wearing jeans and a pink jacket.Joyce is a white female who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs around 120 pounds. She has brown and grey hair and blue eyes. Joyce has dementia.If you see Jean Joyce, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Frontenac Police Department at (620)&nbsp;231-9216.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled; missing Kan. woman found in good condition

For the second time in the history of the State of Kansas, The Kansas Flying Disc Association (KFDA) will induct a new class into its Hall of Fame. The event, scheduled for 6 p.m. on June 14th at the Champions Landing golf course and country club, will be held in conjunction with the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) Masters Disc Golf World Championships in Emporia, Kansas.

Kansas has a storied history of flying disc (frisbee) sports dating back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. Players from every corner of the state organized clubs, produced newsletters and held tournaments throughout the region at that time. These early pioneers set the foundation for the sport to flourish and grow statewide to what it is today.

Mirroring the explosive national growth of disc golf, there are currently over 250 disc golf courses in Kansas, and Emporia is widely known as the “Disc Golf Capital of the World.” Per capita, Kansas is in the top five states nationally for rounds of disc golf played. Fools Fest, an annual ultimate Frisbee tournament held at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., is the 13th oldest frisbee competition in the world.

As flying disc sports have matured over the decades to the national and world stages, flying disc athletes and teams from Kansas have made their mark, both in competition and in creating and supporting a structure to expand the sport.

“We have an amazing history here in the State of Kansas that needs to be celebrated and told,” said Rich Smith, KFDA’s president and president-emeritus at Henderson Engineers. “The individuals in our second Hall of Fame class have not only achieved great results on the playing field, but they have also dedicated their time and talent to impact many others to help grow the sport here in the Sunflower State.”

The seven members of the second class of the Kansas Flying Disc Hall of Fame include:

1. Harvey Barger: A longtime resident of Winfield, Kan., Harvey started playing Frisbee in 1978. He initially played all sports including ultimate and helped form the Lost Planet Airmen, a successful Ultimate team. He then switched to disc golf and formed the Walnut Valley Disc Golf Association and was a co-founding member of the Kansas Disc Golf Association (KDGA). As a player, Harvey qualified for the Amateur National Disc Golf Championships in 1989. As a tournament director, his claim to fame is the 35-year-running, world famous "OctoberFriz" disc sports festival in Winfield. Harvey also ran the first PDGA Amateur World Championships with an assist from Ed Headrick, the father of disc golf.

2. Robert “Bob” Decker: A lifelong Kansan from Wichita, Bob’s first exposure to flying discs was in the 60s with the "professional" Frisbee. From there he went on to play most organized sports, including guts, but settled on disc golf. In addition to being a KDGA state champion and nine-time PDGA winner in disc golf, he is a committed volunteer serving on many boards such as the PDGA Board for 16 years, including a two-year stint as President.

3. Bruce Hudson: From Lawrence, Bruce was introduced to flying disc sports in 1978 while in college at Missouri State University. Bruce played all flying disc sports and was a standout ultimate player until devoting more time to disc golf in the 1980s. While living in Topeka, Kan., he formed the Dawn to Dusk Disc golf club and served as President and tournament director for years. He also spearheaded efforts to develop the Lake Shawnee Disc Golf Course. As a competitor, he qualified for the 1983 Disc Golf World Championships among many other accomplishments. He presently serves on the Board of the Kansas Disc Sports Scholarship Foundation.

4. Jeremy Rusco: An Emporia resident and a scholarship athlete at both Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kan., and Emporia State University, Jeremy was introduced to disc golf in 2002 as a student at the former. It was in Emporia, though, where his entrepreneurial drive took over and he founded Dynamic Discs, one of the world’s largest disc golf retailers. Dynamic Discs’ status as a globally renowned brand put the City of Emporia and the State of Kansas on the map. As a player, Jeremy was a fierce competitor who won the 3rd Glass Blown Open in the Intermediate Division. He also was the tournament director/assistant tournament director for 171 PDGA tournaments. Jeremy recently purchased the Emporia Country Club and transformed it into Champions Landing, creating an active lifestyle destination locally. He is an Eagle Member of the PDGA.

5. Chris “Smitty” Smith: Chris is a lifelong Kansan who currently lives in Wichita. He was introduced to flying disc sports as student at Fort Hays State University, where he saw people playing at Frontier Park. He and his friends went to Walmart to purchase discs and the rest is history. He has won the Kansas Disc Golf Championships multiple times and recently won the 2023 MP50 World Championships. He has volunteered with the KDGA, the PDGA and Wichita’s Air Capital Disc Golf Club (ACDGC) and has run many tournaments and leagues. He has also helped design and develop or redevelop over seven disc golf courses in the State of Kansas.

6. Rich Smith: From Topeka and currently residing in Overland Park, Rich began playing Frisbee in the late 1970s. He is considered one of the top freestylers from the State of Kansas, competing nationally in the Freestyle Players Association (FPA), but he was also an overall, ultimate and guts player. Over the years, he has performed dozens of demonstrations, halftime shows and lectures about flying disc sports. Rich was a Kansas State Champion and placed nationally in freestyle, discathon, disc golf and overall competitions. In 2022, he placed second in his age group in the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) Overall World Championships. Rich is founder and president of KFDA and is the retired President/CEO of Henderson Engineers in Lenexa, Kan. He is an Eagle Member of the PDGA.

7. Kansas State University Aerial Wizards: In 1975, a group of frisbee enthusiasts got together at Kansas State University (KSU) in Manhattan, Kan., and began playing ultimate. They additionally set up a disc golf course on campus in 1978. The group settled upon the name Aerial Wizards for their team and began competing throughout the Midwest, holding tournaments, and making a name for themselves. For 49 years, the Aerial Wizards (currently shortened to The Wizards) have been introducing students to flying disc sports and instilling a passion for Frisbee throughout KSU’s campus. Countless members have moved across the country spreading the good word of frisbee that they were introduced to while in Manhattan. The greatest achievement of the Aerial Wizards is bringing together a multitude of like-minded frisbee enthusiasts who not only have continued to play throughout all these years, but have formed incredible bonds of friendship that have lasted the test of time all due to a simple piece of plastic in a small town on the prairie.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477739510.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedFor the second time in the history of the State of Kansas, The Kansas Flying Disc Association (KFDA) will induct a new class into its Hall of Fame. The event, scheduled for 6 p.m. on June 14th at the Champions Landing golf course and country club, will be held in conjunction with the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) Masters Disc Golf World Championships in Emporia, Kansas.Kansas has a storied history of flying disc (frisbee) sports dating back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. Players from every corner of the state organized clubs, produced newsletters and held tournaments throughout the region at that time. These early pioneers set the foundation for the sport to flourish and grow statewide to what it is today.Mirroring the explosive national growth of disc golf, there are currently over 250 disc golf courses in Kansas, and Emporia is widely known as the “Disc Golf Capital of the World.” Per capita, Kansas is in the top five states nationally for rounds of disc golf played. Fools Fest, an annual ultimate Frisbee tournament held at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., is the 13th oldest frisbee competition in the world.As flying disc sports have matured over the decades to the national and world stages, flying disc athletes and teams from Kansas have made their mark, both in competition and in creating and supporting a structure to expand the sport.“We have an amazing history here in the State of Kansas that needs to be celebrated and told,” said Rich Smith, KFDA’s president and president-emeritus at Henderson Engineers. “The individuals in our second Hall of Fame class have not only achieved great results on the playing field, but they have also dedicated their time and talent to impact many others to help grow the sport here in the Sunflower State.”The seven members of the second class of the Kansas Flying Disc Hall of Fame include:1. Harvey Barger: A longtime resident of Winfield, Kan., Harvey started playing Frisbee in 1978. He initially played all sports including ultimate and helped form the Lost Planet Airmen, a successful Ultimate team. He then switched to disc golf and formed the Walnut Valley Disc Golf Association and was a co-founding member of the Kansas Disc Golf Association (KDGA). As a player, Harvey qualified for the Amateur National Disc Golf Championships in 1989. As a tournament director, his claim to fame is the 35-year-running, world famous "OctoberFriz" disc sports festival in Winfield. Harvey also ran the first PDGA Amateur World Championships with an assist from Ed Headrick, the father of disc golf.2. Robert “Bob” Decker: A lifelong Kansan from Wichita, Bob’s first exposure to flying discs was in the 60s with the "professional" Frisbee. From there he went on to play most organized sports, including guts, but settled on disc golf. In addition to being a KDGA state champion and nine-time PDGA winner in disc golf, he is a committed volunteer serving on many boards such as the PDGA Board for 16 years, including a two-year stint as President.3. Bruce Hudson: From Lawrence, Bruce was introduced to flying disc sports in 1978 while in college at Missouri State University. Bruce played all flying disc sports and was a standout ultimate player until devoting more time to disc golf in the 1980s. While living in Topeka, Kan., he formed the Dawn to Dusk Disc golf club and served as President and tournament director for years. He also spearheaded efforts to develop the Lake Shawnee Disc Golf Course. As a competitor, he qualified for the 1983 Disc Golf World Championships among many other accomplishments. He presently serves on the Board of the Kansas Disc Sports Scholarship Foundation.4. Jeremy Rusco: An Emporia resident and a scholarship athlete at both Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kan., and Emporia State University, Jeremy was introduced to disc golf in 2002 as a student at the former. It was in Emporia, though, where his entrepreneurial drive took over and he founded Dynamic Discs, one of the world’s largest disc golf retailers. Dynamic Discs’ status as a globally renowned brand put the City of Emporia and the State of Kansas on the map. As a player, Jeremy was a fierce competitor who won the 3rd Glass Blown Open in the Intermediate Division. He also was the tournament director/assistant tournament director for 171 PDGA tournaments. Jeremy recently purchased the Emporia Country Club and transformed it into Champions Landing, creating an active lifestyle destination locally. He is an Eagle Member of the PDGA.5. Chris “Smitty” Smith: Chris is a lifelong Kansan who currently lives in Wichita. He was introduced to flying disc sports as student at Fort Hays State University, where he saw people playing at Frontier Park. He and his friends went to Walmart to purchase discs and the rest is history. He has won the Kansas Disc Golf Championships multiple times and recently won the 2023 MP50 World Championships. He has volunteered with the KDGA, the PDGA and Wichita’s Air Capital Disc Golf Club (ACDGC) and has run many tournaments and leagues. He has also helped design and develop or redevelop over seven disc golf courses in the State of Kansas.6. Rich Smith: From Topeka and currently residing in Overland Park, Rich began playing Frisbee in the late 1970s. He is considered one of the top freestylers from the State of Kansas, competing nationally in the Freestyle Players Association (FPA), but he was also an overall, ultimate and guts player. Over the years, he has performed dozens of demonstrations, halftime shows and lectures about flying disc sports. Rich was a Kansas State Champion and placed nationally in freestyle, discathon, disc golf and overall competitions. In 2022, he placed second in his age group in the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) Overall World Championships. Rich is founder and president of KFDA and is the retired President/CEO of Henderson Engineers in Lenexa, Kan. He is an Eagle Member of the PDGA.7. Kansas State University Aerial Wizards: In 1975, a group of frisbee enthusiasts got together at Kansas State University (KSU) in Manhattan, Kan., and began playing ultimate. They additionally set up a disc golf course on campus in 1978. The group settled upon the name Aerial Wizards for their team and began competing throughout the Midwest, holding tournaments, and making a name for themselves. For 49 years, the Aerial Wizards (currently shortened to The Wizards) have been introducing students to flying disc sports and instilling a passion for Frisbee throughout KSU’s campus. Countless members have moved across the country spreading the good word of frisbee that they were introduced to while in Manhattan. The greatest achievement of the Aerial Wizards is bringing together a multitude of like-minded frisbee enthusiasts who not only have continued to play throughout all these years, but have formed incredible bonds of friendship that have lasted the test of time all due to a simple piece of plastic in a small town on the prairie.

Kansas Flying Disc Association to induct 7 into 2024 Hall of Fame

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have two suspects in custody.

After 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, deputies were checking the security of a business in the 5500 block of SW Randolph Avenue, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies found indications of recent damage to the property and evidence of a suspected burglary. Evidence was collected and they continued surveillance of the property.

The Sheriff’s Office said around 4:40 a.m., a black 2000 Mercury Mountaineer arrived and parked near the area where deputies observed the damage to the property. Multiple law enforcement officers surrounded the property and deployed a drone. A few minutes later, an individual wearing a face mask and carrying a pry bar emerged from the property and was immediately arrested. A second individual located inside the suspect vehicle was also arrested at the scene.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Zackery W. Slover, 42, and Richard M. Lane, 42, both of Topeka, were booked into the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.snco.us/doc/" target="_blank">Shawnee County Department of Corrections</a>&nbsp;on requested charges of burglary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716151885045.png" alt="Lane-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lane-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have two suspects in custody.After 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, deputies were checking the security of a business in the 5500 block of SW Randolph Avenue, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies found indications of recent damage to the property and evidence of a suspected burglary. Evidence was collected and they continued surveillance of the property.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716151826361.png" alt="Slover -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Slover -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sheriff’s Office said around 4:40 a.m., a black 2000 Mercury Mountaineer arrived and parked near the area where deputies observed the damage to the property. Multiple law enforcement officers surrounded the property and deployed a drone. A few minutes later, an individual wearing a face mask and carrying a pry bar emerged from the property and was immediately arrested. A second individual located inside the suspect vehicle was also arrested at the scene.According to the Sheriff’s Office, Zackery W. Slover, 42, and Richard M. Lane, 42, both of Topeka, were booked into the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.snco.us/doc/" target="_blank">Shawnee County Department of Corrections</a>&nbsp;on requested charges of burglary.

Kansas burglary suspect caught carrying a pry bar

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (AP) —A Virginia school board voted Friday to restore the names of Confederate military leaders to a high school and an elementary school, four years after the names were removed amid nationwide protests calling for a reckoning over racial injustice.

In a reversal experts believe was the first of its kind, Shenandoah County's school board voted 5-1 to rename Mountain View High School as Stonewall Jackson High School and Honey Run Elementary as Ashby Lee Elementary.

Friday's vote reversed a decision by the school board in 2020 when school systems across Virginia and the South were removing Confederate names from schools and other public locations in response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/black-lives-matter">Black Lives Matter</a>&nbsp;movement.

The Southern Poverty Law Center's Intelligence Project, which maintains a database of more than 2,000 Confederate memorials nationwide, is not aware of another case of a school system restoring a Confederate name that was removed, said senior research analyst Rivka Maizlish.

Overall, the trend toward removal of Confederate names and memorials has continued, even if it has slowed somewhat since 2020, she said, noting that the Army renamed nine installations named for Confederate leaders, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arlington-national-cemetery-confederate-memorial-removal-88f1d672070c440a4da080da91bd57b7">removed a Confederate memorial</a>&nbsp;from Arlington National Cemetery.

In Virginia, local governments had been banned from removing Confederate memorials and statues until the law was changed in 2020, though the statute did not apply to school names.

On Friday, school board members who voted to restore the Confederate names said the previous board ignored popular sentiment and due process when the names were stripped.

Elections in 2023 significantly changed the school board's makeup, with one board member writing in an op-ed for the Northern Virginia Daily that the results gave Shenandoah County “the first 100% conservative board since anyone can remember.”

That board member, Gloria Carlineo, said during the six-hour meeting that began Thursday night that opponents of the Confederate names should “stop bringing racism and prejudice into everything” because it “detracts from true cases of racism.”

The lone board member to vote against restoring the Confederate names, Kyle Gutshall, said he respected both sides of the debate but believed a majority of residents in his district wanted to leave the Mountain View and Honey Run names in place.

“I don't judge anybody or look down on anybody for the decision they're making,” he said. “It's a complex issue.”

During several hours of public comment, county residents spoke up on both sides of the issue.

Beth Ogle, a longtime resident with children in the school system, said restoring the Confederate names is “a statement to the world that you do not value the dignity and respect of your minority students, faculty and staff.”

Kenny Wakeman, a lifelong county resident, said the Stonewall Jackson name “stood proudly for 60 years until 2020," when he said the “actions of a rogue police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota,” prompted a move to change the name, a reference to the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd">Floyd</a>&nbsp;that propelled nationwide protests and debate over racial injustice.

Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson was a Confederate general from Virginia who gained fame at the First Battle of Bull Run near Manassas in 1861 and died in 1863 after he was shot and had his arm amputated. Jackson's name&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/88a3c977101353baf3fc76dc3084056b">was also removed from another high school in Virginia's Prince William County in 2020</a>&nbsp;that is now known as Unity Reed High School.

Ashby Lee is named for both Gen. Robert E. Lee, a Virginia native who commanded Confederate forces, and for Turner Ashby, a Confederate cavalry officer who was killed in battle in 1862 near Harrisonburg, Virginia. A high school near Harrisonburg is also named for Ashby.

The resolution approved by the school board states that private donations would be used to pay for the name changes.

Shenandoah County, a largely rural jurisdiction with a population of about 45,000, roughly 100 miles west of the nation's capital, has long been politically conservative. In 2020, Republican Donald Trump won 70% of the presidential vote in Shenandoah, even as Biden won Virginia by 10 points.

In Virginia, local governments were banned from removing Confederate memorials and statues until the 2020 law lifted those restrictions. Statues of Confederate leaders, including Lee, Jackson and Confederate President Jefferson Davis were removed from Richmond’s famed Monument Avenue in 2020 and 2021 following protests and vandalizing of the statues.

Maizlish, from the Southern Poverty Law Center, said it's unusual, though not unprecedented, that conservative jurisdictions like Shenandoah removed Confederate names in the first place.

She said that while there's no evidence other jurisdictions have restored Confederate names or monuments, she is “always concerned about people who work to continue to promote Lost Cause propaganda.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715377992875.png" alt="File photo Virginia removed the statue of Robert E. Lee from the U.S. Capitol in December 2020 -photo by Jack Mayer, Office of former Governor Ralph Northam" />
 <figcaption>File photo Virginia removed the statue of Robert E. Lee from the U.S. Capitol in December 2020 -photo by Jack Mayer, Office of former Governor Ralph Northam</figcaption>
 </figure>FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (AP) —A Virginia school board voted Friday to restore the names of Confederate military leaders to a high school and an elementary school, four years after the names were removed amid nationwide protests calling for a reckoning over racial injustice.In a reversal experts believe was the first of its kind, Shenandoah County's school board voted 5-1 to rename Mountain View High School as Stonewall Jackson High School and Honey Run Elementary as Ashby Lee Elementary.Friday's vote reversed a decision by the school board in 2020 when school systems across Virginia and the South were removing Confederate names from schools and other public locations in response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/black-lives-matter">Black Lives Matter</a>&nbsp;movement.The Southern Poverty Law Center's Intelligence Project, which maintains a database of more than 2,000 Confederate memorials nationwide, is not aware of another case of a school system restoring a Confederate name that was removed, said senior research analyst Rivka Maizlish.Overall, the trend toward removal of Confederate names and memorials has continued, even if it has slowed somewhat since 2020, she said, noting that the Army renamed nine installations named for Confederate leaders, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arlington-national-cemetery-confederate-memorial-removal-88f1d672070c440a4da080da91bd57b7">removed a Confederate memorial</a>&nbsp;from Arlington National Cemetery.In Virginia, local governments had been banned from removing Confederate memorials and statues until the law was changed in 2020, though the statute did not apply to school names.On Friday, school board members who voted to restore the Confederate names said the previous board ignored popular sentiment and due process when the names were stripped.Elections in 2023 significantly changed the school board's makeup, with one board member writing in an op-ed for the Northern Virginia Daily that the results gave Shenandoah County “the first 100% conservative board since anyone can remember.”That board member, Gloria Carlineo, said during the six-hour meeting that began Thursday night that opponents of the Confederate names should “stop bringing racism and prejudice into everything” because it “detracts from true cases of racism.”The lone board member to vote against restoring the Confederate names, Kyle Gutshall, said he respected both sides of the debate but believed a majority of residents in his district wanted to leave the Mountain View and Honey Run names in place.“I don't judge anybody or look down on anybody for the decision they're making,” he said. “It's a complex issue.”During several hours of public comment, county residents spoke up on both sides of the issue.Beth Ogle, a longtime resident with children in the school system, said restoring the Confederate names is “a statement to the world that you do not value the dignity and respect of your minority students, faculty and staff.”Kenny Wakeman, a lifelong county resident, said the Stonewall Jackson name “stood proudly for 60 years until 2020," when he said the “actions of a rogue police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota,” prompted a move to change the name, a reference to the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd">Floyd</a>&nbsp;that propelled nationwide protests and debate over racial injustice.Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson was a Confederate general from Virginia who gained fame at the First Battle of Bull Run near Manassas in 1861 and died in 1863 after he was shot and had his arm amputated. Jackson's name&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/88a3c977101353baf3fc76dc3084056b">was also removed from another high school in Virginia's Prince William County in 2020</a>&nbsp;that is now known as Unity Reed High School.Ashby Lee is named for both Gen. Robert E. Lee, a Virginia native who commanded Confederate forces, and for Turner Ashby, a Confederate cavalry officer who was killed in battle in 1862 near Harrisonburg, Virginia. A high school near Harrisonburg is also named for Ashby.The resolution approved by the school board states that private donations would be used to pay for the name changes.Shenandoah County, a largely rural jurisdiction with a population of about 45,000, roughly 100 miles west of the nation's capital, has long been politically conservative. In 2020, Republican Donald Trump won 70% of the presidential vote in Shenandoah, even as Biden won Virginia by 10 points.In Virginia, local governments were banned from removing Confederate memorials and statues until the 2020 law lifted those restrictions. Statues of Confederate leaders, including Lee, Jackson and Confederate President Jefferson Davis were removed from Richmond’s famed Monument Avenue in 2020 and 2021 following protests and vandalizing of the statues.Maizlish, from the Southern Poverty Law Center, said it's unusual, though not unprecedented, that conservative jurisdictions like Shenandoah removed Confederate names in the first place.She said that while there's no evidence other jurisdictions have restored Confederate names or monuments, she is “always concerned about people who work to continue to promote Lost Cause propaganda.”___

In reversal, school board votes to restore Confederate names to 2 schools

As of October 1, 2024, Hays Post will begin charging $55 per obituary for posting obituaries. This cost will include an unlimited word count and posting of a photo of the deceased.&nbsp;

We understand that obituaries are an important way to honor the memory of loved ones and share their life stories with the community. We remain committed to providing this service. The fees collected will help us continue to offer high-quality obituaries while maintaining the overall sustainability of the Hays Post.&nbsp;

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Individuals will still be able to submit obituaries to the Hays Post. They will need to prepay by credit card.&nbsp;

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If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

As of October 1, 2024, Hays Post will begin charging $55 per obituary for posting obituaries. This cost will include an unlimited word count and posting of a photo of the deceased.&nbsp;We understand that obituaries are an important way to honor the memory of loved ones and share their life stories with the community. We remain committed to providing this service. The fees collected will help us continue to offer high-quality obituaries while maintaining the overall sustainability of the Hays Post.&nbsp;Funeral homes will be able to establish billing with a credit card with Eagle Media, the parent company of the Hays Post.&nbsp;Please email the form to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:haysobits@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">haysobits@eaglemedia.com</a>, send it by mail to Eagle Media, 2300 Hall, Hays, KS 67601. You can also call Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.A summary of your charges will be sent to you monthly for funeral homes.Individuals will still be able to submit obituaries to the Hays Post. They will need to prepay by credit card.&nbsp;Both the photo and copy of the obituary need to be submitted in digital form to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:haysobits@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">haysobits@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;in the body of an email or as a MicrosoftWord file. Photos should be emailed in a separate attachment as .jpg files if possible.&nbsp;PLEASE NOTE: We will no longer go directly to funeral home websites to obtain obituaries. They MUST be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:haysobits@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">haysobits@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;to be published.&nbsp;Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;If you have questions, please contact Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.&nbsp;If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Hays Post obituary policy

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers who missed the April tax-filing deadline to file a tax return as soon as they can.

The IRS offers different&nbsp;resources to help those who may&nbsp;be unable to pay their tax bill in total. Those who missed the deadline to file but owe taxes should file quickly to minimize penalties and interest.

Taxpayers should keep in mind that payments are still due by the April 15 deadline, even if they requested an extension of time to file a tax return. An extension to file is not an extension to pay.

File and pay amount owed to reduce penalties and interest

Taxpayers who still owe taxes should file their tax return and pay any taxes owed quickly to reduce penalties and interest. Until the balance is paid in full,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/interest">interest</a>&nbsp;and penalties accrue on taxes owed.

Even if a taxpayer can't afford to immediately pay the full amount of taxes owed, they should still file a tax return and pay as much as possible. This reduces interest and penalties on the outstanding amount and may help avoid a possible late-filing penalty.

There are options for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/options-for-taxpayers-who-need-help-paying-their-tax-bill">taxpayers who owe the IRS but cannot afford to pay</a>. For more information see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">penalties page</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov.

Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they have filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other important requirements, including paying or arranging to pay any tax due. For more information, see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalty-relief-due-to-first-time-abate-or-other-administrative-waiver">first-time penalty abatement</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.

A quick, easy way for individuals to pay taxes owed securely is through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">IRS Direct Pay</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit or credit card or digital wallet</a>, or their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS Online Account</a>. Taxpayers may also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement)</a>.

Those who pay electronically get immediate confirmation after submitting payment. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>&nbsp;allow taxpayers to receive payment email notifications. Find more payment options on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

Some taxpayers automatically qualify for extra time to file and pay taxes due without penalties and interest, including:

–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxpayers in certain disaster areas. There’s no need for these taxpayers to submit an extension; extra time is granted automatically due to the disaster. Information on the most recent tax relief for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations">disaster situations</a>&nbsp;is available on the IRS website.

–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad">U.S. citizens and resident aliens</a>&nbsp;who live and work outside of the United States and Puerto Rico get an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad-automatic-2-month-extension-of-time-to-file">automatic two-month</a>&nbsp;extension to file their tax returns. This year they have until June 17 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 15 or interest will be charged.

–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico. Details are available in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3.pdf">Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide</a>.

–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those serving in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/military/combat-zones">combat zones</a>&nbsp;have up to 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due.

Owed a refund? Don’t overlook filing a tax return; 2020 unclaimed refund deadline May 17

Taxpayers who choose not to file a return because they don't earn enough to meet the filing requirement may miss out on receiving a refund due to potential refundable tax credits. Some examples are the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-8812-form-1040">Child Tax Credit</a>. Taxpayers sometimes fail to file a tax return and claim a refund for these credits and others for which they may be eligible.

There's no penalty for filing after the April 15 deadline if a refund is due. However, taxpayers due a refund should still consider filing as soon as possible. Every year, the IRS estimates that there are nearly a million taxpayers potentially due refund money who failed to file prior year tax returns.

For taxpayers who didn’t file a 2020 tax return, time is running out to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/time-running-out-to-claim-1-billion-in-refunds-for-tax-year-2020-taxpayers-face-may-17-deadline">claim those refunds</a>. The deadline to file 2020 returns is May 17, 2024.

Taxpayers still needing to file for tax year 2023 are encouraged to use electronic filing options including IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile">Free File</a>, which is available on IRS.gov through Oct. 20 to prepare and file 2023 tax returns electronically.

Taxpayers can track their refund using the&nbsp;“<a href="https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund">Where's My Refund?</a>”&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a>&nbsp;or by calling the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954. To use the tool, taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, the filing status and the expected refund amount. The refund status information updates once daily, usually overnight, so there's no need to check more frequently.

<a>Selecting a trusted tax professional</a>

Taxpayers who still need to file a return may wish to consult a tax preparer. The IRS has resources to help taxpayers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">choose a tax professional</a>. Tools like the&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;allows taxpayers to find tax return preparers who have completed IRS requirements for the Annual Filing Season Program or who hold a professional credential recognized by the IRS.

Taxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect them when interacting with the IRS. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a>&nbsp;divides them in 10 categories. IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1.pdf">Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer</a>, reiterates these rights along with the agency's obligation to protect them.

IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers who missed the April tax-filing deadline to file a tax return as soon as they can.The IRS offers different&nbsp;resources to help those who may&nbsp;be unable to pay their tax bill in total. Those who missed the deadline to file but owe taxes should file quickly to minimize penalties and interest.Taxpayers should keep in mind that payments are still due by the April 15 deadline, even if they requested an extension of time to file a tax return. An extension to file is not an extension to pay.File and pay amount owed to reduce penalties and interestTaxpayers who still owe taxes should file their tax return and pay any taxes owed quickly to reduce penalties and interest. Until the balance is paid in full,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/interest">interest</a>&nbsp;and penalties accrue on taxes owed.Even if a taxpayer can't afford to immediately pay the full amount of taxes owed, they should still file a tax return and pay as much as possible. This reduces interest and penalties on the outstanding amount and may help avoid a possible late-filing penalty.There are options for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/options-for-taxpayers-who-need-help-paying-their-tax-bill">taxpayers who owe the IRS but cannot afford to pay</a>. For more information see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">penalties page</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov.Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they have filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other important requirements, including paying or arranging to pay any tax due. For more information, see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalty-relief-due-to-first-time-abate-or-other-administrative-waiver">first-time penalty abatement</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.Electronically pay taxes owedA quick, easy way for individuals to pay taxes owed securely is through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">IRS Direct Pay</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit or credit card or digital wallet</a>, or their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS Online Account</a>. Taxpayers may also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement)</a>.Those who pay electronically get immediate confirmation after submitting payment. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>&nbsp;allow taxpayers to receive payment email notifications. Find more payment options on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.Some taxpayers automatically qualify for extra time to file and pay taxes due without penalties and interest, including:–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxpayers in certain disaster areas. There’s no need for these taxpayers to submit an extension; extra time is granted automatically due to the disaster. Information on the most recent tax relief for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations">disaster situations</a>&nbsp;is available on the IRS website.–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad">U.S. citizens and resident aliens</a>&nbsp;who live and work outside of the United States and Puerto Rico get an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad-automatic-2-month-extension-of-time-to-file">automatic two-month</a>&nbsp;extension to file their tax returns. This year they have until June 17 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 15 or interest will be charged.–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico. Details are available in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3.pdf">Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide</a>.–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those serving in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/military/combat-zones">combat zones</a>&nbsp;have up to 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due.Owed a refund? Don’t overlook filing a tax return; 2020 unclaimed refund deadline May 17Taxpayers who choose not to file a return because they don't earn enough to meet the filing requirement may miss out on receiving a refund due to potential refundable tax credits. Some examples are the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-8812-form-1040">Child Tax Credit</a>. Taxpayers sometimes fail to file a tax return and claim a refund for these credits and others for which they may be eligible.There's no penalty for filing after the April 15 deadline if a refund is due. However, taxpayers due a refund should still consider filing as soon as possible. Every year, the IRS estimates that there are nearly a million taxpayers potentially due refund money who failed to file prior year tax returns.For taxpayers who didn’t file a 2020 tax return, time is running out to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/time-running-out-to-claim-1-billion-in-refunds-for-tax-year-2020-taxpayers-face-may-17-deadline">claim those refunds</a>. The deadline to file 2020 returns is May 17, 2024.Taxpayers still needing to file for tax year 2023 are encouraged to use electronic filing options including IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile">Free File</a>, which is available on IRS.gov through Oct. 20 to prepare and file 2023 tax returns electronically.Taxpayers can track their refund using the&nbsp;“<a href="https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund">Where's My Refund?</a>”&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a>&nbsp;or by calling the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954. To use the tool, taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, the filing status and the expected refund amount. The refund status information updates once daily, usually overnight, so there's no need to check more frequently.<a>Selecting a trusted tax professional</a>Taxpayers who still need to file a return may wish to consult a tax preparer. The IRS has resources to help taxpayers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">choose a tax professional</a>. Tools like the&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;allows taxpayers to find tax return preparers who have completed IRS requirements for the Annual Filing Season Program or who hold a professional credential recognized by the IRS.Taxpayer Bill of RightsTaxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect them when interacting with the IRS. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a>&nbsp;divides them in 10 categories. IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1.pdf">Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer</a>, reiterates these rights along with the agency's obligation to protect them.

Missed the April tax-filing deadline? File quickly to avoid penalties and interest; those owed a refund also shouldn’t forget to file

SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon in Topeka, according to a media release from the KBI.

At around 3:10 p.m., TPD received a 911 call reporting that a suspect connected to an armed carjacking that occurred in Topeka earlier in the day, was in the area of 16th&nbsp;and Harrison Street.

Preliminary information indicates that TPD officers responded and observed the suspect, Terrell D. Hayes-Osby, 34, of Topeka, fleeing on foot. Officers engaged in a foot pursuit heading west on 16th&nbsp;St., across Topeka Blvd. During the pursuit, Hayes-Osby fired in the direction of officers. Four officers from TPD returned fire. Hayes-Osby was struck. The shooting occurred around 3:25 p.m. near 16th&nbsp;and Tyler St.

Medical aid was rendered. EMS responded and transported Hayes-Osby to a local hospital. No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident.

Currently, Hayes-Osby’s condition is serious, but he is expected to survive.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Topeka.

&nbsp;Just before 2 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a citizen report of an armed robbery in the 2700 block of SE California Avenue in Topeka where a vehicle was taken by force, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols. The suspect is alleged to have been armed with a firearm and acting erratically.

During the investigation, officers received additional citizen calls with information of suspect sightings. With the assistance of multiple citizens, the responding officers were able to locate the suspect in central Topeka.&nbsp; Officers attempted to make contact with the suspect who ran.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., in the 500 block of SW 16th Street, the suspect fired a weapon at the pursuing officers causing the officers to return fire, in self-defense. The suspect was transported to a local hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries.

 No police officers or other were injured in this incident.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will take over the investigation. Per policy, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is under investigation.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713660808243.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon in Topeka, according to a media release from the KBI.At around 3:10 p.m., TPD received a 911 call reporting that a suspect connected to an armed carjacking that occurred in Topeka earlier in the day, was in the area of 16th&nbsp;and Harrison Street.Preliminary information indicates that TPD officers responded and observed the suspect, Terrell D. Hayes-Osby, 34, of Topeka, fleeing on foot. Officers engaged in a foot pursuit heading west on 16th&nbsp;St., across Topeka Blvd. During the pursuit, Hayes-Osby fired in the direction of officers. Four officers from TPD returned fire. Hayes-Osby was struck. The shooting occurred around 3:25 p.m. near 16th&nbsp;and Tyler St.Medical aid was rendered. EMS responded and transported Hayes-Osby to a local hospital. No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident.Currently, Hayes-Osby’s condition is serious, but he is expected to survive.---------------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Topeka.&nbsp;Just before 2 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a citizen report of an armed robbery in the 2700 block of SE California Avenue in Topeka where a vehicle was taken by force, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols. The suspect is alleged to have been armed with a firearm and acting erratically.During the investigation, officers received additional citizen calls with information of suspect sightings. With the assistance of multiple citizens, the responding officers were able to locate the suspect in central Topeka.&nbsp; Officers attempted to make contact with the suspect who ran.At approximately 3:30 p.m., in the 500 block of SW 16th Street, the suspect fired a weapon at the pursuing officers causing the officers to return fire, in self-defense. The suspect was transported to a local hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries. No police officers or other were injured in this incident.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will take over the investigation. Per policy, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is under investigation.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

Kansas carjacking suspect wounded in gunfight with police

Please return a credit card form so we can set up billing. Please email the form to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:haysobits@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">haysobits@eaglemedia.com</a>, send it by mail to Eagle Media, 2300 Hall, Hays, KS 67601. You can also call Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has dismissed all impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alejandro-mayorkas">Alejandro Mayorkas</a>, ending the House Republican push to remove the Cabinet secretary from office over his handling of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-security-migrants-homeland-security-1c6e9f612dff721191c0254f980947a5">the U.S.-Mexico border</a>&nbsp;and ending his trial before arguments even began.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?534981-1/senate-session&amp;live">Click here to watch the Senate</a> impeachment trial 12 noon CDT

<a href="https://d3i6fh83elv35t.cloudfront.net/static/2024/01/Articles-of-Impeachment.pdf">Click here to read full</a>&nbsp;articles of impeachment against Sec. Mayorkas

Senators voted to dismiss both articles of impeachment and end the trial, with Democrats arguing that the articles were unconstitutional. The first article charged Mayorkas with “willful and systemic refusal to comply" with immigration law. The second article charged Mayorkas with a “breach of trust” for saying the border was secure. The votes were 51-48 and 51-49, both along party lines.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the House Republicans’ case failed to meet “the high standard of high crimes and misdemeanors” and could set a dangerous precedent.

“For the sake of the Senate’s integrity and to protect impeachment for those rare cases we truly need it, senators should dismiss today’s charges,” said Schumer, D-N.Y., as he opened Wednesday’s session.

Senate Republicans had argued for a full impeachment trial after the House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-mayorkas-impeachment-vote-border-security-80cbd5bbb8f512c6814f155f825a1214">narrowly voted</a>&nbsp;in February to impeach Mayorkas for his handling of the border, arguing in the two articles that he “willfully and systematically” refused to enforce immigration laws. The House vote was the first time in nearly 150 years that a Cabinet secretary was impeached.

An outright dismissal of House Republicans’ prosecution of Mayorkas, with no chance to argue the case, is an embarrassing defeat for House Republicans and embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who made the impeachment a priority. And it is likely to resonate politically for both Republicans and Democrats in a presidential election year when border security has been a top issue.

Republicans argue that President Joe Biden has been weak on the border as arrests for illegal crossings skyrocketed to more than 2 million people during the last two years of his term, though they have fallen from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-crossings-mexico-biden-18ac91ef502e0c5433f74de6cc629b32">a record-high</a>&nbsp;of 250,000 in December amid heightened enforcement in Mexico. Democrats say that instead of impeaching Mayorkas, Republicans should have accepted a bipartisan Senate compromise aimed at reducing the number of migrants who come into the U.S. illegally.

House impeachment managers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-mayorkas-impeachment-trial-border-security-63e9ec242ec8a2f0a95f84497c506e0d">delivered the charges to the Senate</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, standing in the well of the Senate and reading them aloud to a captive audience of senators. But they did not get a chance to present the case before the Senate dismissed it.

Once the senators were sworn in on Wednesday, the chamber turned into the court of impeachment, with Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington presiding. Murray is the president pro tempore of the Senate, or the senior-most member of the majority party who sits in for the vice president. Senators approached the front of the Senate in groups of four to sign an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/political-news-57ef0cdd29d9875b13713f4974eab9d5">oath book</a>&nbsp;that is stored in the National Archives.

Schumer then called for the votes to dismiss the trial after Republicans rejected a proposed agreement for Senate debate time and several votes on GOP objections. Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt said Democrats were “bulldozing 200 years of precedent" on impeachments by trying to dismiss the trial.

Angry Republicans called for several votes to delay the inevitable final outcome, but none of them passed as all Democrats and three Independents held together.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said “history will not judge this moment well.”

“This process must not be abused," McConnell said. "It must not be short-circuited."

Still, Republicans similarly moved to dismiss former President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial in 2021, weeks after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2021-united-states-capitol-riot">the Jan. 6, 2021, attack</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol. All but five GOP senators — including McConnell — voted to end the trial, arguing it was unconstitutional because Trump had already left office.

As Johnson signed the articles Monday in preparation for sending them across the Capitol, he said Schumer should convene a trial to “hold those who engineered this crisis to full account.”

Schumer “is the only impediment to delivering accountability for the American people,” Johnson said. “Pursuant to the Constitution, the House demands a trial.”

Even if the Senate held a trial, Republicans would not be able to win the support of the two-thirds of the Senate that is needed to convict and remove Mayorkas from office — Democrats control the Senate, 51-49, and they appear to be united against the impeachment effort. Not one House Democrat supported it, either.

Mayorkas, who was in New York on Wednesday to launch a campaign for children’s online safety, reiterated that he’s focused on the work of his department. “The Senate is going to do what the Senate considers to be appropriate as that proceeds,” he said. “I am here in New York City on Wednesday morning fighting online sexual exploitation and abuse. I’m focused on our mission.”

Johnson delayed sending the articles to the Senate for weeks while both chambers finished work on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-shutdown-budget-speaker-johnson-85dc1e93f6c49c154c02a166d0e8e784">government funding</a>&nbsp;legislation and took a two-week recess. Johnson had said he would send them to the Senate last week, but he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mayorkas-impeachment-house-speaker-johnson-border-534cbf59e92c9cf141bba1ff38dc01cf">punted again</a>&nbsp;after Senate Republicans said they wanted more time to prepare.

At a hearing with Mayorkas on Tuesday about President Joe Biden's budget request for the department, some of the House impeachment managers previewed the arguments they would have made.

Tennessee Rep. Mark Green, the chairman of the House Homeland Security panel, told the secretary that he has a duty under the law to control and guard U.S. borders, and “during your three years as secretary, you have failed to fulfill this oath. You have refused to comply with the laws passed by Congress, and you have breached the public trust.”

Mayorkas defended the department's efforts but said the nation's immigration system is “fundamentally broken, and only Congress can fix it."

The impeachment trial is the third in five years. Democrats impeached President Donald Trump twice, once over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-politics-election-2020-d78192d45b176f73ad435ae9fb926ed3">his dealings with Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">second time</a>&nbsp;in the days after the Capitol attack.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-ut-state-wire-acquittals-politics-93c85dcfb0e6b2185391965e77ebea51">Trump was acquitted</a>&nbsp;by the Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">both times</a>.

If the Senate had moved to a trial on Mayorkas, senators would have been forced to sit in their seats for the duration, maybe weeks, while the House impeachment managers and lawyers representing Mayorkas made their cases.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has voted to dismiss the first of two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alejandro-mayorkas">Alejandro Mayorkas</a>, the first step in ending its trial on his handling of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-security-migrants-homeland-security-1c6e9f612dff721191c0254f980947a5">the U.S.-Mexico border</a>,

Democrats said the article, which charged Mayorkas with “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law,” is unconstitutional. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for a second vote that would dismiss the second article, which charges Mayorkas with a breach of trust over saying that the border was secure.

The vote to dismiss the first article was 51-48 along party lines, with Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voting “present.”

If the Senate votes to dismiss both articles, the trial will be over before arguments start. Schumer said the House Republicans' case fails to meet "the high standard of high crimes and misdemeanors" and could set a dangerous precedent.

“For the sake of the Senate's integrity and to protect impeachment for those rare cases we truly need it, senators should dismiss today's charges,” said Schumer, D-N.Y., as he opened Wednesday's session.

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-mayorkas-impeachment-vote-border-security-80cbd5bbb8f512c6814f155f825a1214">narrowly voted</a>&nbsp;in February to impeach Mayorkas for his handling of the border, arguing in the two articles that he “willfully and systematically” refused to enforce immigration laws. House impeachment managers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-mayorkas-impeachment-trial-border-security-63e9ec242ec8a2f0a95f84497c506e0d">delivered the charges to the Senate</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, standing in the well of the Senate and reading them aloud to a captive audience of senators.

An outright dismissal of House Republicans’ prosecution of Mayorkas, with no chance to argue the case, would be an embarrassing defeat for House Republicans and embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who made the impeachment a priority. And it is likely to resonate politically for both Republicans and Democrats in a presidential election year when border security has been a top issue.

Schumer then called for the votes to dismiss the trial after Republicans rejected a proposed agreement for Senate debate time and several votes on GOP objections. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell called for a delay in the proceedings while Republican senators huddled on the floor to discuss how to proceed and called for several votes to delay the final outcome. All the votes were party-line.

In any case, Republicans would not be able to win the support of the two-thirds of the Senate that is needed to convict and remove Mayorkas from office — Democrats control the Senate, 51-49, and they appear to be united against the impeachment effort. Not one House Democrat supported it, either.

While most Republicans oppose quick dismissal, some have hinted they could vote with Democrats.

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said last week he wasn’t sure what he would do if there were a move to dismiss the trial. “I think it’s virtually certain that there will not be the conviction of someone when the constitutional test has not been met,” he said.

At the same time, Romney said he wants to at least express his view that “Mayorkas has done a terrible job, but he’s following the direction of the president and has not met the constitutional test of a high crime or misdemeanor.”

The two articles argue that Mayorkas not only refused to enforce existing law but also breached the public trust by lying to Congress and saying the border was secure. The House vote was the first time in nearly 150 years that a Cabinet secretary was impeached.

Since then, Johnson delayed sending the articles to the Senate for weeks while both chambers finished work on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-shutdown-budget-speaker-johnson-85dc1e93f6c49c154c02a166d0e8e784">government funding</a>&nbsp;legislation and took a two-week recess. Johnson had said he would send them to the Senate last week, but he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mayorkas-impeachment-house-speaker-johnson-border-534cbf59e92c9cf141bba1ff38dc01cf">punted again</a>&nbsp;after Senate Republicans said they wanted more time to prepare.

House impeachment managers previewed some of their arguments at a hearing with Mayorkas on Tuesday morning about President Joe Biden's budget request for the department.

Other impeachment managers are Michael McCaul of Texas, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Ben Cline of Virginia, Andrew Garbarino of New York, Michael Guest of Mississippi, Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, Clay Higgins of Louisiana, Laurel Lee of Florida, August Plfuger of Texas and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.

If Democrats were unable to dismiss or table both articles, they could follow the precedent of several impeachment trials for federal judges over the last century and hold a vote to create a trial committee that would investigate the charges. While there is sufficient precedent for this approach, Democrats may prefer to end the process completely, especially in a presidential election year when immigration and border security are top issues.

The impeachment trial is the third in five years. Democrats impeached President Donald Trump twice, once over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-politics-election-2020-d78192d45b176f73ad435ae9fb926ed3">his dealings with Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">a second time</a>&nbsp;in the days after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2021-united-states-capitol-riot">the Jan. 6, 2021, attack</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-ut-state-wire-acquittals-politics-93c85dcfb0e6b2185391965e77ebea51">Trump was acquitted</a>&nbsp;by the Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">both times</a>.

At a trial, senators would be forced to sit in their seats for the duration, maybe weeks, while the House impeachment managers and lawyers representing Mayorkas make their cases. The Senate is allowed to call witnesses, as well, if it so decides, and it can ask questions of both sides after the opening arguments are finished.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Wednesday opened the impeachment trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alejandro-mayorkas">Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas</a>&nbsp;over his handling of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-security-migrants-homeland-security-1c6e9f612dff721191c0254f980947a5">the U.S.-Mexico border</a>, swearing in senators as jurors while Democrats said they wanted to end the trial before arguments even begin.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that he will move to dismiss the trial, arguing that House Republicans' two impeachment articles “fail to meet the high standard of high crimes and misdemeanors" and could set a dangerous precedent.

“For the sake of the Senate's integrity and to protect impeachment for those rare cases we truly need it, senators should dismiss today's charges,” Schumer, D-N.Y., said as he opened the Senate.

Now that the the senators are sworn in, the chamber has turned into the court of impeachment, with Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington presiding. Murray is the president pro tempore of the Senate, or the senior-most member of the majority party who sits in for the vice president. Senators approached the front of the Senate in groups of four to sign an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/political-news-57ef0cdd29d9875b13713f4974eab9d5">oath book</a>&nbsp;that is stored in the National Archives.

The entire process could be done within hours. Schumer said he will seek an agreement from Republicans for a period of debate — an offer they are unlikely to accept — and then allow some Republican objections. He will them move to dismiss the trial and hold a vote.

To win that vote, Schumer will need the support of all of the Senate's Democrats and three independents.

If Democrats are unable to dismiss or table the articles, they could follow the precedent of several impeachment trials for federal judges over the last century and hold a vote to create a trial committee that would investigate the charges. While there is sufficient precedent for this approach, Democrats may prefer to end the process completely, especially in a presidential election year when immigration and border security are top issues.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats could end the impeachment trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alejandro-mayorkas">Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday before arguments even begin.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is expected to call votes to dismiss two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas after senators are sworn in as jurors midday, a move that could scuttle the trial and frustrate Republicans who have demanded that House prosecutors be able to make their case. Democrats appear to be united in opposition to moving forward.

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-mayorkas-impeachment-vote-border-security-80cbd5bbb8f512c6814f155f825a1214">narrowly voted</a>&nbsp;in February to impeach Mayorkas for his handling of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-security-migrants-homeland-security-1c6e9f612dff721191c0254f980947a5">the U.S.-Mexico border</a>, arguing in the two articles that he “willfully and systematically” refused to enforce immigration laws. House impeachment managers appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., delivered the charges to the Senate on Tuesday, standing in the well of the Senate and reading them aloud to a captive audience of senators.

The entire process could be done within hours on Wednesday. Majority Democrats have said the GOP case against Mayorkas doesn’t rise to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cc4471115abf4d7bad43e07cb64958d7">“high crimes and misdemeanors”</a>&nbsp;laid out as a bar for impeachment in the Constitution, and Schumer probably has enough votes to end the trial immediately if he decides to do so.

Schumer has said he wants to “address this issue as expeditiously as possible.”

“Impeachment should never be used to settle a policy disagreement,” Schumer said. “That would set a horrible precedent for the Congress.”

🎥 Historic impeachment trial of DHS Secretary Mayorkas 

TOPEKA&nbsp;-&nbsp;The winners of last weekend’s Kansas KidWind State Finals are now gearing up for their next challenge – the World KidWind Challenge scheduled for May 5-8, 2024 in Minneapolis, MN.&nbsp; To qualify for the world competition, teams first had to capture one of the top two spots in their age division during regional competitions, then win one of the top three spots in their age group at the State Finals.

The winning teams representing Kansas are:

1st&nbsp;place – Hutch STEM Blue - Allen STEM Magnet School - USD 308Coaches: Keith Gable and Tara UrbanTeam Members: Samarah Bushue, Audden Guillen, Gatlin Loepp, and Dalton Urban

2nd&nbsp;place – Beloit Breeze Club - Beloit Jr/Sr High School - USD 273Coach: Christie FoutsTeam Members: Colby Albert, Brylee Lepon, Rilee Lundine, and Tripp Stillwell

3rd&nbsp;place – Black Bears - Sterling Jr/Sr High School - USD 376Coach: Sydney WilsonTeam Members: Elizabeth Buchberger, Josie Heter, James McGlynn, and Stokley Smith

1st&nbsp;place – W2&nbsp;– Oakley High School – USD 274Coaches: Morgan BerkgrenTeam Members: Gage Eberle, Kylee Hodges, Maddox Hubert, Emma Mandeville, and Zoe Myers

2nd&nbsp;place – Burlington Wind Company BLKT – Burlington High School – USD 244Coach: Bryan BrueningTeam Members: Brendan Devening, Logan Ferrara, Kasten Payer, and Tate Sowder

3rd&nbsp;place – Burlington Wind Company MICZA – Burlington High School – USD 244Coaches: Bryan BrueningTeam Members: Matthew Dekat, Ivy Ziva Elmore, Caden Hartpence, and Isaac Rinker

SubmittedTOPEKA&nbsp;-&nbsp;The winners of last weekend’s Kansas KidWind State Finals are now gearing up for their next challenge – the World KidWind Challenge scheduled for May 5-8, 2024 in Minneapolis, MN.&nbsp; To qualify for the world competition, teams first had to capture one of the top two spots in their age division during regional competitions, then win one of the top three spots in their age group at the State Finals.The winning teams representing Kansas are:4th- 8th&nbsp;Grade Division1st&nbsp;place – Hutch STEM Blue - Allen STEM Magnet School - USD 308Coaches: Keith Gable and Tara UrbanTeam Members: Samarah Bushue, Audden Guillen, Gatlin Loepp, and Dalton Urban2nd&nbsp;place – Beloit Breeze Club - Beloit Jr/Sr High School - USD 273Coach: Christie FoutsTeam Members: Colby Albert, Brylee Lepon, Rilee Lundine, and Tripp Stillwell3rd&nbsp;place – Black Bears - Sterling Jr/Sr High School - USD 376Coach: Sydney WilsonTeam Members: Elizabeth Buchberger, Josie Heter, James McGlynn, and Stokley Smith9th-12th Grade Division1st&nbsp;place – W2&nbsp;– Oakley High School – USD 274Coaches: Morgan BerkgrenTeam Members: Gage Eberle, Kylee Hodges, Maddox Hubert, Emma Mandeville, and Zoe Myers2nd&nbsp;place – Burlington Wind Company BLKT – Burlington High School – USD 244Coach: Bryan BrueningTeam Members: Brendan Devening, Logan Ferrara, Kasten Payer, and Tate Sowder3rd&nbsp;place – Burlington Wind Company MICZA – Burlington High School – USD 244Coaches: Bryan BrueningTeam Members: Matthew Dekat, Ivy Ziva Elmore, Caden Hartpence, and Isaac RinkerTo prepare for competition in the KidWind Challenge, team members work together to design, build and test a wind turbine using the materials of their choice. At each level of competition (regional, state and national), turbines are put to the test in a 48" × 48" wind tunnel at a wind speed of approximately 3.5-5 m/s (meters per second). Scoring is based on turbine performance and efficiency, a knowledge quiz, an instant challenge, and a presentation to judges where the team explains its design process.KidWind is an Energy Education Event from the Kansas Corporation Commission and K-State Engineering Extension made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The goal is to help students learn key concepts around science, technology, engineering, and math in fun and engaging ways. The KidWind program actively engages students. It teaches not only STEM skills, but also promotes teamwork, problem solving and public speaking.

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