WASHINGTON —New Kansas Senator Roger Marshall is receiving plenty of criticism for his vote along with a handful of other GOP Senators including Josh Hawley of Missouri and Ted Cruz of Texas against President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

On Thursday Marshall wrote on social media, "Joe Biden is the President-Elect and we must and will have a peaceful transition of power on January 20th. Anything less is not an option. To be explicitly clear – Joe Biden will be our next President. 

I am sickened and angered by the violence that unfolded at our nation’s Capitol yesterday. To all those who destroyed any chance we had for peaceful discussion and debate on restoring and ensuring confidence in this and all future elections: Your actions were despicable and each of you – the rioters, vandals, and trespassers – should be prosecuted to the fullest extent. 

I am thankful for our law enforcement officers who worked courageously to restore order at the U.S. Capitol – their heroism is unmatched. America is a resilient nation, and I have no doubt that we will unite and grow stronger after this."

More than 90 senators populated the chamber for Wednesday night's debate — guarded by dozens of heavily armed police — and the typically verbose crowd had to keep their remarks to just five minutes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610059607126.png" alt="Marshall spoke during the late Wednesday night debate-image courtesy CSPAN.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507698-5/senate-rejects-objection-arizona-electoral-votes-93-6&amp;event=507698&amp;playEvent">Click here</a>&nbsp;to watch a replay" />
 <figcaption>Marshall spoke during the late Wednesday night debate-image courtesy CSPAN.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507698-5/senate-rejects-objection-arizona-electoral-votes-93-6&amp;event=507698&amp;playEvent">Click here</a>&nbsp;to watch a replay</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —New Kansas Senator Roger Marshall is receiving plenty of criticism for his vote along with a handful of other GOP Senators including Josh Hawley of Missouri and Ted Cruz of Texas against President-elect Joe Biden's victory.On Thursday Marshall wrote on social media, "Joe Biden is the President-Elect and we must and will have a peaceful transition of power on January 20th. Anything less is not an option. To be explicitly clear – Joe Biden will be our next President. I am sickened and angered by the violence that unfolded at our nation’s Capitol yesterday. To all those who destroyed any chance we had for peaceful discussion and debate on restoring and ensuring confidence in this and all future elections: Your actions were despicable and each of you – the rioters, vandals, and trespassers – should be prosecuted to the fullest extent. I am thankful for our law enforcement officers who worked courageously to restore order at the U.S. Capitol – their heroism is unmatched. America is a resilient nation, and I have no doubt that we will unite and grow stronger after this."More than 90 senators populated the chamber for Wednesday night's debate — guarded by dozens of heavily armed police — and the typically verbose crowd had to keep their remarks to just five minutes.

🎥 Sen. Marshall acknowledges Biden as President-elect

TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly held a press conference Thursday to give an update regarding vaccine priority groups and other COVID-19 information for the state of Kansas.

Kansas could finish giving COVID-19 vaccines to long-term care residents and health care workers by the end of this month.

The governor said the state's vaccine web site is now available <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">at Kansasvaccine.gov</a>&nbsp;

&nbsp;A draft plan that Kelly released Thursday shows the next phase of the vaccine rollout likely will include people 75 and older and those living in group settings such as prisons. 

Also included will be critical workers including firefighters, law enforcement, meatpacking employees, grocery store workers and teachers. 

The third phase is expected to include people 65 and older and those with severe underlying health problems. People with less serious health problems will likely fall into the fourth phase. The fifth group will include everyone else.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5501 to a total of 236,818 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3027 an increase of 130

TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly held a press conference Thursday to give an update regarding vaccine priority groups and other COVID-19 information for the state of Kansas.Kansas could finish giving COVID-19 vaccines to long-term care residents and health care workers by the end of this month.<div> <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F707415516490444%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The governor said the state's vaccine web site is now available <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">at Kansasvaccine.gov</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;A draft plan that Kelly released Thursday shows the next phase of the vaccine rollout likely will include people 75 and older and those living in group settings such as prisons. Also included will be critical workers including firefighters, law enforcement, meatpacking employees, grocery store workers and teachers. The third phase is expected to include people 65 and older and those with severe underlying health problems. People with less serious health problems will likely fall into the fourth phase. The fifth group will include everyone else.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5501 to a total of 236,818 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3027 an increase of 130<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609956538515.png" alt="Wednesday Jan. 6, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Jan. 6, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥  Gov. Kelly updates vaccine distribution in Kansas 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Rep. Jake LaTurner tested positive for COVID-19 while participating in a joint session of Congress that certified President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the Electoral College.

LaTurner’s office tweeted early Thursday that the freshman Republican “is not experiencing any symptoms at this time.”

  LaTurner had voted to object to the counting of Arizona’s electoral votes for Biden, but his tweet said he was following the advice of the House physician and federal Centers for Disease Control guidelines and not returning to the House floor for other votes.  LaTurner took office Sunday, representing the 2nd District of eastern Kansas.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Rep. Jake LaTurner tested positive for COVID-19 while participating in a joint session of Congress that certified President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the Electoral College.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Late Wednesday evening, Congressman Jake LaTurner received a positive test result for COVID-19. Congressman LaTurner took the test as part of Washington DC’s travel guidelines that requires visitors be tested. He is not experiencing any symptoms at this time.&mdash; Rep. Jake LaTurner (@RepLaTurner) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLaTurner/status/1347086287942131713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>LaTurner’s office tweeted early Thursday that the freshman Republican “is not experiencing any symptoms at this time.” LaTurner had voted to object to the counting of Arizona’s electoral votes for Biden, but his tweet said he was following the advice of the House physician and federal Centers for Disease Control guidelines and not returning to the House floor for other votes. LaTurner took office Sunday, representing the 2nd District of eastern Kansas.

Kan. congressman was at joint session, tested positive for virus

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on Congress’ tally of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-electoral-college-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">Electoral College vote</a>&nbsp;won by Joe Biden (all times local):

District of Columbia police have identified the three people who had medical emergencies and died during the storming of the Capitol.

They are 55-year-old Kevin Greeson, of Athens, Alabama; 34-year-old Rosanne Boyland, of Kennesaw, Georgia; and 50-year-old Benjamin Phillips, of Ringtown, Pennsylvania.

Police Chief Robert Contee would not go into detail about the exact causes of their deaths and would not say if any of the three was actively involved in breaching the Capitol building on Wednesday.

Contee would only say that all three “were on the grounds of the Capitol when they experienced their medical emergencies.”

Greeson’s family says he had a heart attack. They described him as a supporter of President Donald Trump's but denied that he condoned violence.

The Capitol Police say a fourth person, identified as Ashli Babbitt, was shot by an employee of Capitol Police while the rioters were moving toward the House chamber. She died at a hospital.

The siege at the Capitol by Trump loyalists came as Congress was certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.

Four people died as protesters violently occupied the U.S. Capitol.

Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in “medical emergencies.”

Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared Wednesday evening by law enforcement.

The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

D.C. police officials also say two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee. Police found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

Police arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Officials say the 30 people were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m.

The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.

The Metropolitan Police Department said 15 other people had been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in various protest-related arrests on an array of charges, including weapons possession and assault.

Fire officials also took 13 people to area hospitals on Wednesday from protest-related injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609966346561.png" alt="Protesters at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday afternoon -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Protesters at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday afternoon -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on Congress’ tally of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-electoral-college-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">Electoral College vote</a>&nbsp;won by Joe Biden (all times local):District of Columbia police have identified the three people who had medical emergencies and died during the storming of the Capitol.They are 55-year-old Kevin Greeson, of Athens, Alabama; 34-year-old Rosanne Boyland, of Kennesaw, Georgia; and 50-year-old Benjamin Phillips, of Ringtown, Pennsylvania.Police Chief Robert Contee would not go into detail about the exact causes of their deaths and would not say if any of the three was actively involved in breaching the Capitol building on Wednesday.Contee would only say that all three “were on the grounds of the Capitol when they experienced their medical emergencies.”Greeson’s family says he had a heart attack. They described him as a supporter of President Donald Trump's but denied that he condoned violence.The Capitol Police say a fourth person, identified as Ashli Babbitt, was shot by an employee of Capitol Police while the rioters were moving toward the House chamber. She died at a hospital.The siege at the Capitol by Trump loyalists came as Congress was certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.------------Four people died as protesters violently occupied the U.S. Capitol.Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in “medical emergencies.”Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared Wednesday evening by law enforcement.The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.D.C. police officials also say two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee. Police found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.------Police arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.Officials say the 30 people were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m.The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.The Metropolitan Police Department said 15 other people had been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in various protest-related arrests on an array of charges, including weapons possession and assault.Fire officials also took 13 people to area hospitals on Wednesday from protest-related injuries.

Update: Police ID 3 who died during Capitol breach

By AMY RICKER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

GREAT BEND — As states 
continue vaccinating front-line workers and nursing home residents, 
another dilemma faces millions of women. Should you get the COVID-19 
vaccination if you are pregnant? What if you are breastfeeding?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

During
 The University of Kansas Healthcare morning media update, OB/GYN and 
member of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Kevin 
Ault said when it comes to expectant mothers, there isn’t a lot of 
data.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We had a few women get pregnant during the trials of 
the two vaccines that are available for emergency use authorization, so 
we are very handicapped as far as what to tell people. There’s not a 
prior reason to think that a vaccine that's not a live virus would cause
 problems during pregnancy. So, what the ACIP and the American College 
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have recommended is to recognize 
there isn’t much data. So, talk to your obstetrician, try to evaluate 
what’s going on in your community, and see what your own exposure is so 
there are several factors that go into that decision,” explained 
Ault.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ault said more data may be on the way rather quickly due 
to a new program called V-Safe. V-Safe is a new CDC vaccine safety 
program that uses text messaging and web surveys to alert the CDC if 
someone has side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccination. 500 
pregnant women have signed up to be a part of the program the first week
 of V-Safe’s launch.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you are currently breastfeeding and 
are wondering about the safety of the COVID vaccination, Ault said that 
while there isn’t data on the safety of the vaccine in lactating women, 
mRNA vaccines are not considered to be a risk to a breastfeeding 
infant.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s hard to imagine a mechanism where a vaccine goes
 into an arm and causes harm to a newborn. There are RNA breakdown 
enzymes in the arm and then the maternal circulation, the breast and 
then the child’s stomach. So, I’m not that worried about breastfeeding 
mothers. The only thing would be is if you get a fever or another 
reaction, your breastmilk supply might be down for a day or two. But 
that group, I’m not that worried about.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ault said that while 
there has been an increase in COVID-19 positive moms giving birth, 
pregnant women generally do “just fine” since most of them are young and
 healthy.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609943387438.jpeg" alt="Pixabay photo" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By AMY RICKER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — As states 
continue vaccinating front-line workers and nursing home residents, 
another dilemma faces millions of women. Should you get the COVID-19 
vaccination if you are pregnant? What if you are breastfeeding?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During
 The University of Kansas Healthcare morning media update, OB/GYN and 
member of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Kevin 
Ault said when it comes to expectant mothers, there isn’t a lot of 
data.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“We had a few women get pregnant during the trials of 
the two vaccines that are available for emergency use authorization, so 
we are very handicapped as far as what to tell people. There’s not a 
prior reason to think that a vaccine that's not a live virus would cause
 problems during pregnancy. So, what the ACIP and the American College 
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have recommended is to recognize 
there isn’t much data. So, talk to your obstetrician, try to evaluate 
what’s going on in your community, and see what your own exposure is so 
there are several factors that go into that decision,” explained 
Ault.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ault said more data may be on the way rather quickly due 
to a new program called V-Safe. V-Safe is a new CDC vaccine safety 
program that uses text messaging and web surveys to alert the CDC if 
someone has side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccination. 500 
pregnant women have signed up to be a part of the program the first week
 of V-Safe’s launch.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are currently breastfeeding and 
are wondering about the safety of the COVID vaccination, Ault said that 
while there isn’t data on the safety of the vaccine in lactating women, 
mRNA vaccines are not considered to be a risk to a breastfeeding 
infant.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s hard to imagine a mechanism where a vaccine goes
 into an arm and causes harm to a newborn. There are RNA breakdown 
enzymes in the arm and then the maternal circulation, the breast and 
then the child’s stomach. So, I’m not that worried about breastfeeding 
mothers. The only thing would be is if you get a fever or another 
reaction, your breastmilk supply might be down for a day or two. But 
that group, I’m not that worried about.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Ault said that while 
there has been an increase in COVID-19 positive moms giving birth, 
pregnant women generally do “just fine” since most of them are young and
 healthy.&nbsp;

Should expectant or breastfeeding moms get the COVID vaccine? 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been sentenced to two years in prison for a 2018 traffic collision that killed a 24-year-old woman. Sedgwick County District Judge Stephen Ternes imposed the punishment Tuesday. 

According to police, 25-year-old Dylan T. Lynn of Wichita was driving under the influence of drugs when he lost control of a 2000 Ford Contour and crashed into a tree. 

His front-seat passenger, Tiana T. Thomas, died of her injuries at a Wichita hospital. Another passenger had non-life-threatening injuries. Court records show Lynn pleaded guilty on Oct. 8 to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence and other charge

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609899892247.png" alt="Lynn photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Lynn photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been sentenced to two years in prison for a 2018 traffic collision that killed a 24-year-old woman. Sedgwick County District Judge Stephen Ternes imposed the punishment Tuesday. According to police, 25-year-old Dylan T. Lynn of Wichita was driving under the influence of drugs when he lost control of a 2000 Ford Contour and crashed into a tree. His front-seat passenger, Tiana T. Thomas, died of her injuries at a Wichita hospital. Another passenger had non-life-threatening injuries. Court records show Lynn pleaded guilty on Oct. 8 to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence and other charge

Kan. man was on drugs in crash that killed woman

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-electoral-college-0409d7d753461377ff2c5bb91ac4050c">Congress’ confirmation of Joe Biden as winner</a>&nbsp;of the presidential election (all times local):

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer is calling on President Donald Trump’s Cabinet to remove him from office following Wednesday’s violent assault on the Capitol by the president’s supporters.

Kansas 3rd District congresswoman Sharice Davids used her social media account to also ask the Cabinet to act.

In a statement Thursday, Schumer said the attack on the Capitol “was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president.” He added, “This president should not hold office one day longer.”

Schumer said Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment and immediately remove Trump from office. He added, “If the vice president and the Cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610038234095.png" alt="Photo courtesy Rep. Sharice Davids" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Rep. Sharice Davids</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-electoral-college-0409d7d753461377ff2c5bb91ac4050c">Congress’ confirmation of Joe Biden as winner</a>&nbsp;of the presidential election (all times local):Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer is calling on President Donald Trump’s Cabinet to remove him from office following Wednesday’s violent assault on the Capitol by the president’s supporters.Kansas 3rd District congresswoman Sharice Davids used her social media account to also ask the Cabinet to act.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">For the first time in history we have a President who should be impeached twice but because of the time constraints and inaction of Senate Republicans, I urge the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment now.&mdash; Rep. Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDavids/status/1347042811493888000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a statement Thursday, Schumer said the attack on the Capitol “was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president.” He added, “This president should not hold office one day longer.”Schumer said Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment and immediately remove Trump from office. He added, “If the vice president and the Cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president.”

Kan. congresswoman, others urge Cabinet to oust Trump

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities  investigating a fatal shooting in the 3900 Block of West Fairhaven in Wichita on December 29 have made an arrest.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, deputies with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office located and arrested 34-year-old Joshua Dean Halstead&nbsp; and 28-year-old Jacquellyn Michelle Arthur in the 4300 block of west St. Louis Street in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

Just after 8p.m. Dec. 29, officers responded to a shooting in the 3900 Block of W. Fairhaven in Wichita. They found&nbsp;43-year-old Bradley Michael Reece and 22-year-old Kayla Schmidt both of Wichita.

Reece died at the scene. EMS transported Schmidt to a local hospital. She died on New Year's Eve, according to Blick.

Both Halstead and Arthur have been booked at the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on requested charges of first degree murder and aggravated robbery.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a fatal shooting in the 3900 Block of West Fairhaven in Wichita on December 29 have identified the victims as 43-year-old Bradley Michael Reece and 22-year-old Kayla Schmidt both of Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

Police continue to ask the&nbsp; the public for help to locate two suspects.

Deputies are looking for 34-year-old Joshua Dean Halstead and 28-year-old Jacquellyn Michelle Arthur in connection with the incident. If you&nbsp; know where they are or have any additional details on the suspects, call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610023320599.png" alt="Halstead has a previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated weapons and for drug possession and distribution, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections He was reported as an absconder in August-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Halstead has a previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated weapons and for drug possession and distribution, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections He was reported as an absconder in August-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in the 3900 Block of West Fairhaven in Wichita on December 29 have made an arrest.&nbsp;On Wednesday, deputies with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office located and arrested 34-year-old Joshua Dean Halstead&nbsp; and 28-year-old Jacquellyn Michelle Arthur in the 4300 block of west St. Louis Street in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610023377783.png" alt="Arthur -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Arthur -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 8p.m. Dec. 29, officers responded to a shooting in the 3900 Block of W. Fairhaven in Wichita. They found&nbsp;43-year-old Bradley Michael Reece and 22-year-old Kayla Schmidt both of Wichita.Reece died at the scene. EMS transported Schmidt to a local hospital. She died on New Year's Eve, according to Blick.Both Halstead and Arthur have been booked at the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on requested charges of first degree murder and aggravated robbery.------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a fatal shooting in the 3900 Block of West Fairhaven in Wichita on December 29 have identified the victims as 43-year-old Bradley Michael Reece and 22-year-old Kayla Schmidt both of Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609375270250.png" alt="Halstead has a previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated weapons and for drug possession and distribution, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections He was reported as an absconder in August-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Halstead has a previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated weapons and for drug possession and distribution, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections He was reported as an absconder in August-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Reece died at the scene. EMS transported Schmidt to a local hospital. She died on New Year's Eve, according to Blick.Police continue to ask the&nbsp; the public for help to locate two suspects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609375240647.png" alt="Arthur-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Arthur-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies are looking for 34-year-old Joshua Dean Halstead and 28-year-old Jacquellyn Michelle Arthur in connection with the incident. If you&nbsp; know where they are or have any additional details on the suspects, call 911.---------

Deputies track down 2 Kansas murder suspects 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner early Thursday after a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in a stunning attempt to overturn America’s presidential election, undercut the nation’s democracy and keep Trump in the White House.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/?507698/senate-debates-objection-counting-electoral-college-votes&amp;live">Click here to watch</a>

Lawmakers were resolved to complete the Electoral College tally in a display to the country, and the world, of the nation’s enduring commitment to uphold the will of the voters and the peaceful transfer of power. They pushed through the night with tensions high and the nation’s capital on alert.

Before dawn Thursday, lawmakers finished their work, confirming Biden won the election.

Vice President Mike Pence, presiding over the joint session, announced the tally, 306-232.

Trump, who had repeatedly refused to concede the election, said in a statement immediately after the vote that there will be a smooth transition of power on Inauguration Day.

“Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th,” Trump said in a statement posted to Twitter by an aide.

The Capitol was under siege Wednesday, as the nation’s elected representatives&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-capitol-lockdown-2f56a611445df15fb9640893bb9f7a93">scrambled to crouch under desks and don gas masks</a>&nbsp;while police futilely tried to barricade the building, one of the most jarring scenes ever to unfold in a seat of American political power. A woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol, and Washington’s mayor instituted an evening curfew in an attempt to contain the violence.

The rioters were egged on by Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-fact-check-donald-trump-a98d72c0ccde16fa900e6053a4599cab">who has spent weeks falsely attacking the integrity of the election&nbsp;</a>and had urged his supporters to descend on Washington to protest Congress’ formal approval of Biden’s victory. Some Republican lawmakers were in the midst of raising objections to the results on his behalf when the proceedings were abruptly halted by the mob.

Together, the protests and the GOP election objections amounted to an almost unthinkable challenge to American democracy and exposed the depths of the divisions that have coursed through the country during Trump’s four years in office. Though the efforts to block Biden from being sworn in on Jan. 20 were sure to fail, the support Trump has received for his efforts to overturn the election results have badly strained the nation’s democratic guardrails.

Congress reconvened in the evening, with lawmakers decrying the protests that defaced the Capitol and vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College vote for Biden’s election, even if it took all night.

Pence reopened the Senate and directly addressed the demonstrators: “You did not win.”

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the “failed insurrection” underscored lawmakers’ duty to finish the count. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Congress would show the world “what America is made of” with the outcome.

The president gave his supporters a boost into action Wednesday morning at a rally outside the White House, where he urged them to march to the Capitol. He spent much of the afternoon in his private dining room off the Oval Office watching scenes of the violence on television. At the urging of his staff, he reluctantly issued a pair of tweets and a taped video telling his supporters it was time to “go home in peace” — yet he still said he backed their cause.

Hours later, Twitter for the first time time locked Trump’s account, demanded that he remove tweets excusing violence and threatened “permanent suspension.”

A somber&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-capitol-c68378d16055c53e3942da66e968ea6b">President-elect Biden, two weeks away from being inaugurated, said American democracy was “under unprecedented assault,</a>&nbsp;” a sentiment echoed by many in Congress, including some Republicans. Former President George W. Bush said he watched the events in “disbelief and dismay.”

The domed Capitol building has for centuries been the scene of protests and occasional violence. But Wednesday’s events were particularly astounding both because they unfolded at least initially with the implicit blessing of the president and because of the underlying goal of overturning the results of a free and fair presidential election.

Tensions were already running high when lawmakers gathered early Wednesday afternoon for the constitutionally mandated counting of the Electoral College results, in which Biden defeated Trump, 306-232. Despite pleas from McConnell, more than 150 GOP lawmakers planned to support objections to some of the results, though lacking evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Trump spent the lead-up to the proceedings publicly hectoring Pence, who had a largely ceremonial role, to aid the effort to throw out the results. He tweeted, “Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage!”

But Pence, in a statement shortly before presiding, defied Trump, saying he could not claim “unilateral authority” to reject the electoral votes that make Biden president.

In the aftermath of the siege, several Republicans announced they would drop their objections to the election, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/Georgia-election-results-4b82ba7ee3cc74d33e68daadaee2cbf3">Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who lost her bid for reelection Tuesday</a>.

Earlier, protesters had fought past police and breached the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags as they marched through the halls, many without masks during the COVID-19 crisis. Lawmakers were told to duck under their seats for cover and put on gas masks after tear gas was used in the Capitol Rotunda. Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., told reporters he was in the House chamber when rioters began storming it. Security officers “made us all get down, you could see that they were fending off some sort of assault.”

He said they had a piece of furniture up against the door. “And they had guns pulled,” Peters said. Glass panes to a House door were shattered.

The woman who was killed was part of a crowd that was breaking down the doors to a barricaded room where armed officers stood on the other side, police said. She was shot in the chest by Capitol Police and taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. City police said three other people died from medical emergencies during the long protest on and around the Capitol grounds.

Staff members grabbed boxes of Electoral College votes as the evacuation took place. Otherwise, said Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., the ballots likely would have been destroyed by the protesters.

The mob’s storming of Congress prompted outrage, mostly from Democrats but from Republicans as well, as lawmakers accused Trump of fomenting the violence with his relentless falsehoods about election fraud.

“Count me out,” said Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. “Enough is enough.”

Several suggested that Trump be prosecuted for a crime or even removed under the Constitution’s 25th Amendment, which seemed unlikely two weeks from when his term expires.

“I think Donald Trump probably should be brought up on treason for something like this,” Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., told reporters. “This is how a coup is started. And this is how democracy dies.”

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., who has at times clashed with Trump, issued a statement saying: “Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the President’s addiction to constantly stoking division.”

Despite Trump’s repeated claims of voter fraud, election officials and his own former attorney general have said there were no problems on a scale that would change the outcome. All the states have certified their results as fair and accurate, by Republican and Democratic officials alike.

Punctuating their resolve, both the House and Senate soundly rejected an objection to election results from Arizona, which had been raised by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., and another from Pennsylvania brought by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa. Still, most House Republicans supported the objections. Other objections to results from Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin fizzled.

The Pentagon said about 1,100 District of Columbia National Guard members were being mobilized to help support law enforcement at the Capitol. Dozens of people were arrested.

WASHINGTON (AP) –The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Biden’s presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.

Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the day’s violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the day’s debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress will resume the Electoral College proceedings once the Capitol is cleared of pro-Donald Trump protesters and safe for use.

Pelosi said she made the decision Wednesday in consultation with the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the vice president, who will preside.

She noted the day would always be “part of history,” but now it would be “as such a shameful picture of our country was put out into the world.”

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress’ formal approval of President-elect Joe Biden’s win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to “get rid of the weak Congress people” and saying, “get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.”

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress’ tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

Dozens of pro-Trump protesters remain on the streets of the nation’s capital in defiance of the curfew imposed after rioters stormed the Capitol.

The mostly maskless crowd was forcibly removed from the Capitol on Wednesday after breaking into the building and halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s win. They were pushed out of the immediate area and moved down the hill, where they taunted law enforcement and moved barricades.

Police said anyone found on the streets after the 6 p.m. curfew would be arrested. Officers in full riot gear with shields lined the streets near the U.S. Capitol.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said their debate on affirming Biden’s victory would continue after the Capitol was secured.

A West Virginia lawmaker took video of himself and other supporters of President Donald Trump rushing into the U.S. Capitol after they breached the security perimeter.

In the video by Republican Del. Derrick Evans, later deleted from his social media page, he is shown wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

“We’re in! Keep it moving, baby!” he said in a packed doorway amid Trump followers holding flags and complaining of being pepper sprayed. Once inside, Evans could be seen on video milling around the Capitol Rotunda, where historical paintings depict the republic’s founding, and yelled, “No vandalizing!"

State House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw said Evans will need to “answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today.”

He said he has not spoken to Evans yet about his involvement.

The delegate from Wayne County said in a statement later on Facebook that he was heading back to West Virginia and “was simply there as an independent member of the media to film history.”

A woman who was shot inside the U.S. Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died.

That’s according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Biden’s presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Hours later, police had declared the Capitol was secured.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Violent protesters loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday and forced lawmakers into hiding, in a stunning attempt to overturn America’s presidential election, undercut the nation’s democracy and keep Democrat Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507773-1/protesters-breach-us-capitol&amp;live">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the coverage of the protest&nbsp;

The National Guard and state and federal police were called in for control, and the mayor of Washington imposed a rare evening curfew. One person was reported to have been shot.

The protesters were egged on by Trump and his false attacks on the integrity of the November presidential election. While rallying his supporters outside the White House Wednesday morning, he urged them to march to the Capitol. But later — hours after they fought police and breached the building — he told them that although they were “very special people” and he backed their cause, they should “go home in peace.”

President-elect Biden, two weeks away from being inaugurated, had declared in Wilmington, Delaware: “I call on President Trump to go on national television now to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege,”

Biden said that democracy was ’“under unprecedented assault,” a sentiment echoed by many in Congress, including some Republicans.

The chaotic protests halted Congress’ constitutionally mandated counting of the Electoral College results, in which Biden defeated Trump, 306-232.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had tried to steer Congress away from Wednesday’s formal protest of those results, and he said at the start of proceedings that Trump had clearly lost.

Wednesday’s ordinarily mundane procedure of Congress certifying a new president was always going to be extraordinary, with Republican supporters of Trump vowing to protest election results that have been certified by the states. But even the unusual deliberations, which included Vice President Mike Pence and Senate Majority Leader McConnell defying Trump’s demands, were quickly overtaken by the chaos.

In a raucous, out-of-control scene, protesters fought past police and breached the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags as they marched through the halls. One person was reported shot at the Capitol, according to a person familiar with the situation. That person’s condition was unknown. At least one explosive device was found that was detonated.

The protesters abruptly interrupted the congressional proceedings in an eerie scene that featured official warnings directing people to duck under their seats for cover and put on gas masks after tear gas was used in the Capitol Rotunda.

Senators were being evacuated. Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

The Pentagon said about 1,100 District of Columbia National Guard members were being mobilized to help support law enforcement at the Capitol.

Pence was closely watched as he stepped onto the dais to preside over the joint session in the House chamber.

Pence had a largely ceremonial role, opening the sealed envelopes from the states after they are carried in mahogany boxes used for the occasion, and reading the results aloud. But he was under growing pressure from Trump to overturn the will of the voters and tip the results in the president’s favor, despite having no legal power to affect the outcome.

“Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage!” Trump tweeted Wednesday.

Arizona was the first of several states facing objections from the Republicans as Congress took an alphabetical reading of the election results. Then the chaos erupted.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on Congress’ tally of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-electoral-college-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">Electoral College vote</a>&nbsp; (all times local):

The Washington, D.C., police chief says at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far in pro-Trump protests.

The mostly maskless crowd stormed the Capitol earlier Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s win. One person was shot; their condition is unknown.

Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack a riot.

As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible.

Police were in full riot gear. They moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.

Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6 p.m. curfew.

The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol.

🎥  Biden wins confirmed after protesters storm US Capitol

President Donald Trump now says there “will be an orderly transition on January 20th” after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s victory and after a day of violence when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Trump says in a statement tweeted by his social media director Dan Scavino, “Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.”

He adds: “I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it’s only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.”

Trump’s account is currently locked by Twitter.

Trump has spent the last two months refusing to concede the election and making baseless allegations of mass voter fraud that have been rejected by dozens of courts and Republican officials, including his former attorney general.

Vice President Mike Pence presided over the formal session that ended early Thursday morning tallying the electoral college vote.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on Congress’ tally of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-electoral-college-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">Electoral College vote</a>&nbsp;won by Joe Biden (all times local):President Donald Trump now says there “will be an orderly transition on January 20th” after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s victory and after a day of violence when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.Trump says in a statement tweeted by his social media director Dan Scavino, “Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.”He adds: “I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it’s only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.”Trump’s account is currently locked by Twitter.Trump has spent the last two months refusing to concede the election and making baseless allegations of mass voter fraud that have been rejected by dozens of courts and Republican officials, including his former attorney general.Vice President Mike Pence presided over the formal session that ended early Thursday morning tallying the electoral college vote.__

President Trump promises 'orderly transition' on Jan. 20

WASHINGTON — Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar says the government will begin allowing more drugstores to start giving shots to speed coronavirus vaccinations.

Pharmacies from 19 chains had been on standby until vaccine supplies increased. Azar says allowing them to help with vaccinations would ease pressure on hospitals that have been the main vaccine providers.

Pharmacies would need to follow state plans for who gets in line first, and governors would decide how to divide supplies between the drugstores and other vaccination sites.

Azar says if health workers aren’t lining up fast enough, it’s OK to mix in other priority groups, and urged governors to make that clear.

The drugstore program is in addition to work by CVS and Walgreens to vaccinate nursing home residents and staff. Azar says eventually more than 40,000 pharmacy locations will be involved

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609958275919.png" alt="HHS Secretary received a dose of the two-shot&nbsp; Moderna vaccine December 22, 2020 image courtesy National Institute of Health" />
 <figcaption>HHS Secretary received a dose of the two-shot&nbsp; Moderna vaccine December 22, 2020 image courtesy National Institute of Health</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar says the government will begin allowing more drugstores to start giving shots to speed coronavirus vaccinations.Pharmacies from 19 chains had been on standby until vaccine supplies increased. Azar says allowing them to help with vaccinations would ease pressure on hospitals that have been the main vaccine providers.Pharmacies would need to follow state plans for who gets in line first, and governors would decide how to divide supplies between the drugstores and other vaccination sites.Azar says if health workers aren’t lining up fast enough, it’s OK to mix in other priority groups, and urged governors to make that clear.The drugstore program is in addition to work by CVS and Walgreens to vaccinate nursing home residents and staff. Azar says eventually more than 40,000 pharmacy locations will be involved

Drugstores given OK to give coronavirus shots

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect on drug distribution allegations.

On Friday, the Garden City/Finney County Joint Drug Task Force (JDTF) completed an investigation and obtained a search warrant for 301 N. 12th Street in Garden City, according to Sgt. Lana Urteaga.

At 7a.m., the Garden City/Finney County S.W.A.T. team served the warrant and located Carlos Gonzalez-Rivera, 22, of Garden City, in the backyard and Victor Irigoyen, 23, of Garden City, hiding inside the residence and took both into custody without incident.

During a search of the residence, the JDTF seized approximately 567 grams of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 2 grams of suspected marijuana, scales, and several pieces of drug paraphernalia indicative of distribution of controlled substances

Gonzalez-Rivera was booked into the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia and Possession of Paraphernalia.

Irigoyen was booked into jail on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of Paraphernalia and Possession of Marijuana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609965413145.png" alt="Irigoyen-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Irigoyen-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect on drug distribution allegations.On Friday, the Garden City/Finney County Joint Drug Task Force (JDTF) completed an investigation and obtained a search warrant for 301 N. 12th Street in Garden City, according to Sgt. Lana Urteaga.At 7a.m., the Garden City/Finney County S.W.A.T. team served the warrant and located Carlos Gonzalez-Rivera, 22, of Garden City, in the backyard and Victor Irigoyen, 23, of Garden City, hiding inside the residence and took both into custody without incident.During a search of the residence, the JDTF seized approximately 567 grams of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 2 grams of suspected marijuana, scales, and several pieces of drug paraphernalia indicative of distribution of controlled substancesGonzalez-Rivera was booked into the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia and Possession of Paraphernalia.Irigoyen was booked into jail on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of Paraphernalia and Possession of Marijuana.

Task force busts SW Kan. drug distribution ring

NEWTON —The Harvey County Health Department, in conjunction with the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, has confirmed a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the Sheriff’s Office facility.

The cluster includes five employees. Two additional test results are pending. The individuals confirmed to have COVID-19 are in isolation. The Health Department will regularly monitor the health of the individuals. Those identified as close contacts have been notified.

“Public safety is always our priority, and for some of our staff right now, that means being at home,” said Harvey County Sheriff Chad Gay. “We have excellent law enforcement agencies throughout Harvey County that help us ensure the same level of response will be maintained for our communities. I hope our staff has a safe and healthy recovery.”

The isolations are not anticipated to disrupt law enforcement services in the county. All individuals confirmed to have COVID-19 or identified as close contacts remain at home, away from interaction with the public.

“COVID-19 continues to challenge our communities, and that can include our health care professionals, first responders and other emergency services,” said Harvey County Health

Department Director Lynnette Redington. “It’s essential everyone takes appropriate precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

The cluster will be considered active until there are 28 consecutive days – two incubation periods – without positive cases.

NEWTON —The Harvey County Health Department, in conjunction with the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, has confirmed a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the Sheriff’s Office facility.The cluster includes five employees. Two additional test results are pending. The individuals confirmed to have COVID-19 are in isolation. The Health Department will regularly monitor the health of the individuals. Those identified as close contacts have been notified.“Public safety is always our priority, and for some of our staff right now, that means being at home,” said Harvey County Sheriff Chad Gay. “We have excellent law enforcement agencies throughout Harvey County that help us ensure the same level of response will be maintained for our communities. I hope our staff has a safe and healthy recovery.”The isolations are not anticipated to disrupt law enforcement services in the county. All individuals confirmed to have COVID-19 or identified as close contacts remain at home, away from interaction with the public.“COVID-19 continues to challenge our communities, and that can include our health care professionals, first responders and other emergency services,” said Harvey County HealthDepartment Director Lynnette Redington. “It’s essential everyone takes appropriate precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”The cluster will be considered active until there are 28 consecutive days – two incubation periods – without positive cases.

Harvey County confirms COVID-19 cluster at Sheriff’s Office

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Investigators are working to determine the cause of a Wednesday morning house fire in Topeka.

Just after 3a.m. Wednesday, responded to a fire at a home at 1234 SW Oakley Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison. 

Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and heavy flames coming from the two-story wood frame residential structure. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack, keeping it confined to the structure of fire origin. One adult escaped prior to the fire departments arrival. Firefighters were informed a woman was trapped inside the house.

Firefighters entered the home, located and rescued her. Firefighters initiated life saving efforts on her the until American Medical Response arrived and took over patient care.

AMR transported he woman and a man to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.

A Preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be undetermined until further investigation, according to Harrison.

The Estimated dollar loss – $60,000.00; of which $40,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $20,000.00 associated with contents loss. Working smoke detectors were not located within the home, according to Harrison

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609947318497.png" alt="Fire crews on the scene of Wednesday house fire photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Fire crews on the scene of Wednesday house fire photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Investigators are working to determine the cause of a Wednesday morning house fire in Topeka.Just after 3a.m. Wednesday, responded to a fire at a home at 1234 SW Oakley Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison. Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and heavy flames coming from the two-story wood frame residential structure. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack, keeping it confined to the structure of fire origin. One adult escaped prior to the fire departments arrival. Firefighters were informed a woman was trapped inside the house.Firefighters entered the home, located and rescued her. Firefighters initiated life saving efforts on her the until American Medical Response arrived and took over patient care.AMR transported he woman and a man to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.A Preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be undetermined until further investigation, according to Harrison.The Estimated dollar loss – $60,000.00; of which $40,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $20,000.00 associated with contents loss. Working smoke detectors were not located within the home, according to Harrison.

Firefighters rescue victim trapped in Kan. house fire

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Members of the Kansas congressional delegation condemned Wednesday’s storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump, including Republicans who objected to the certification of Trump’s election loss.

Republican Sen. Roger Marshall&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1346925989276901377" target="_blank">tweeted a statement</a>&nbsp;calling the chaos at the U.S. Capitol that interrupted Congress’ counting of electoral votes “unreasonable and unacceptable.” Marshall had joined other Republican senators in backing a longshot effort to challenge Democratic President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609961884956.png" alt="Demonstrators swarmed into the U.S. Capitol forcing Congress to abruptly halt deliberations over Republican challenges to the Electoral College vote photo courtesy WUSA-TV" />
 <figcaption>Demonstrators swarmed into the U.S. Capitol forcing Congress to abruptly halt deliberations over Republican challenges to the Electoral College vote photo courtesy WUSA-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Members of the Kansas congressional delegation condemned Wednesday’s storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump, including Republicans who objected to the certification of Trump’s election loss.Republican Sen. Roger Marshall&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1346925989276901377" target="_blank">tweeted a statement</a>&nbsp;calling the chaos at the U.S. Capitol that interrupted Congress’ counting of electoral votes “unreasonable and unacceptable.” Marshall had joined other Republican senators in backing a longshot effort to challenge Democratic President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.GOP Sen. Jerry Moran, the only Republican in the state’s congressional delegation to support certifying Biden’s victory,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1346925894003208194" target="_blank">called the violence</a>&nbsp;in Washington unacceptable and “unpatriotic.”Republican Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1346918603271106561" target="_blank">Tracey Mann</a>&nbsp;also called the storming of the Capitol unacceptable, and GOP Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1346913657121337344" target="_blank">Ron Estes</a>&nbsp;said, “Violence of any kind is unacceptable.”Republican Rep. Jake LaTurner called the violence “un-American” and said it was an “utter betrayal” of the freedom to assemble peacefully.The lone Democrat in the Kansas delegation, Rep. Sharice Davids, called Wednesday “a dark day for our country.”“It’s unacceptable that we have a President who has repeatedly condoned and even encouraged this despicable behavior,” she tweeted.In Kansas, the state Republican Party and GOP state Attorney General Derek Schmidt also condemned the violence, with Schmidt calling it “sickening” and “shameful.”