KANSAS CITY (AP) — The body of a Kansas City man who was reported missing last month was found the same day 112 miles away in Kansas, authorities said Wednesday.

Authorities identified the victim as 33-year-old Derrick A. Yule.

Yule had been reported missing from an apartment in Kansas City, said Sgt. Jacob Becchina, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department. His body was found in the backyard of a home in Arcadia, Kansas.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a news release deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office in Kansas received a tip on Jan. 13 that a body could be found in the home. Deputies discovered Yule’s body in the backyard after a 37-year-old man at the home reportedly gave them permission to look around. He fled and was arrested a few days later.

Nicholas Adam Carrillo was arrested for criminal desecration of a body, possession of opiates, opium, narcotic drugs or certain stimulants, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement, according to KBI.

Police are expected to present the case file to prosecutors this week for consideration of charges in Yule’s death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611093365128.png" alt="Carrillo-photo Crawford Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Carrillo-photo Crawford Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The body of a Kansas City man who was reported missing last month was found the same day 112 miles away in Kansas, authorities said Wednesday.Authorities identified the victim as 33-year-old Derrick A. Yule.Yule had been reported missing from an apartment in Kansas City, said Sgt. Jacob Becchina, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department. His body was found in the backyard of a home in Arcadia, Kansas.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a news release deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office in Kansas received a tip on Jan. 13 that a body could be found in the home. Deputies discovered Yule’s body in the backyard after a 37-year-old man at the home reportedly gave them permission to look around. He fled and was arrested a few days later.Nicholas Adam Carrillo was arrested for criminal desecration of a body, possession of opiates, opium, narcotic drugs or certain stimulants, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement, according to KBI.Police are expected to present the case file to prosecutors this week for consideration of charges in Yule’s death.

Body of missing Missouri man found in Kansas backyard

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect accused in the death of a Kansas teen and her boyfriend made his first appearance court Tuesday.&nbsp;

Dontenize Kelly, 22 of Wichita, was charged with two counts of 1st&nbsp;degree murder.&nbsp;

On February 3, police alerted the public that 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on February 2.

As part of the the investigation police learned of Kelly's involvement and arrested him without incident late Friday, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Both teens were victims of gunshot wounds and killed in Blackmon's Ford Escape, according to Wichita Police Sgt. Dan Hardy. On Saturday, police said they had not recovered a weapon and have not determined a motive for the murders as they continue to investigate.&nbsp;

Kelly is being held on a bond of $1,000,000, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp; His next court appearance is scheduled for March 1.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement&nbsp;authorities investigating the murder of two Kansas teens have arrested of&nbsp;22-year-old Dontenize Kelly of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsey.

On Tuesday, police alerted the public that 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on Monday.

As part of the the investigation police learned of Kelly's involvement and arrested him without incident Friday evening.

Both teens were victims of gunshot wounds and killed in Blackmon's Ford Escape, according to Wichita Police Sgt. Dan Hardy. Police have not recovered a weapon and have not determined a motive as they continue to investigate.&nbsp;

Kelly is being held <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20045382">on requested charges</a> of capital murder and a probation violation, according to Ramsey. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal possession of a weapon and for attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612635307589.png" alt="Kelly-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Kelly-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect accused in the death of a Kansas teen and her boyfriend made his first appearance court Tuesday.&nbsp;Dontenize Kelly, 22 of Wichita, was charged with two counts of 1st&nbsp;degree murder.&nbsp;On February 3, police alerted the public that 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on February 2.As part of the the investigation police learned of Kelly's involvement and arrested him without incident late Friday, according to officer Charley Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612284535821.png" alt="Officer Charley Davidson reported police found her SUV early Thursday, February 4." />
 <figcaption>Officer Charley Davidson reported police found her SUV early Thursday, February 4.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both teens were victims of gunshot wounds and killed in Blackmon's Ford Escape, according to Wichita Police Sgt. Dan Hardy. On Saturday, police said they had not recovered a weapon and have not determined a motive for the murders as they continue to investigate.&nbsp;Kelly is being held on a bond of $1,000,000, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp; His next court appearance is scheduled for March 1.--------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement&nbsp;authorities investigating the murder of two Kansas teens have arrested of&nbsp;22-year-old Dontenize Kelly of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsey.On Tuesday, police alerted the public that 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on Monday.As part of the the investigation police learned of Kelly's involvement and arrested him without incident Friday evening.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612284535821.png" alt="Officer Charley Davidson reported police found her SUV early Thursday." />
 <figcaption>Officer Charley Davidson reported police found her SUV early Thursday.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both teens were victims of gunshot wounds and killed in Blackmon's Ford Escape, according to Wichita Police Sgt. Dan Hardy. Police have not recovered a weapon and have not determined a motive as they continue to investigate.&nbsp;Kelly is being held <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20045382">on requested charges</a> of capital murder and a probation violation, according to Ramsey. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal possession of a weapon and for attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.--------

Suspect charged in murder of Kan. woman, her boyfriend

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal authorities are investigating a massive counterfeit N95 mask operation in which fake 3M masks were sold in at least five states to hospitals, medical facilities and government agencies. The foreign-made knockoffs are becoming increasingly difficult to spot and could put health care workers at grave risk for the coronavirus.

These masks are giving first responders “a false sense of security,” said Steve Francis, assistant director for global trade investigations with the Homeland Security Department’s principal investigative arm. He added, “We’ve seen a lot of fraud and other illegal activity.”

Officials could not name the states or the company involved because of the active investigation.

Nearly a year into the pandemic, fraud remains a major problem as scammers seek to exploit hospitals and desperate and weary Americans. Federal investigators say they have seen an increase in phony websites purporting to sell vaccines as well as fake medicine produced overseas and scams involving personal protective equipment. The schemes deliver phony products, unlike fraud earlier in the pandemic that focused more on fleecing customers.

3M, based in Maplewood, Minnesota, is among the largest global producers of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Health-Care-Particulate-Respirator-and-Surgical-Mask-1860-N95-120-EA-Case/?N=5002385+3294795990&amp;preselect=3293786499&amp;rt=rud" target="_blank">N95 mask</a>, which has been approved by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and is considered the gold standard in protection against the coronavirus. The company delivered some 2 billion N95 masks in 2020 as the pandemic soared, but in earlier months of the pandemic, when masks were in short supply, fraudsters starting popped up.

“They’re not coming from authorized distributors,” said Kevin Rhodes, 3M’s vice president and deputy general counsel. “They’re coming from companies really just coming into existence.”

Rhodes encouraged medical facilities and even workers to look on the company’s website for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/worker-health-safety-us/covid19/covid-fraud/" target="_blank">tips on how to spot fakes</a>, namely through packaging or faulty trademarks.

“These products are not tested to see if they make the N95 standards,” he said “They’re not interested in testing them. They’re interested in making as many as they can as cheaply as possible.”

During the pandemic, Homeland Security Investigations has used its 7,000 agents in tandem with border officials, the Food and Drug Administration and the FBI to investigate scams, seize phony products and arrest hundreds of people to help stop fraud. The effort is based at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/about" target="_blank">National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center</a>, a government watchdog aimed at enforcing international trade laws and combating intellectual property theft.

There have been already more than 1,250 raids by law enforcement that resulted in the seizure of 10 million counterfeit 3M masks alone.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f6f7ca233d85ef59cc89396b1e0779ba">The company has filed more than a dozen lawsuits</a>&nbsp;over reports of fraud, counterfeiting and price gouging.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/850d9e6834fc71967af6d3dda65ad874">There are many other reports of fraudulent masks that have reached frontline workers.</a>

In the latest matter, Homeland Security investigators sent an email warning of potential fraud to certain states. The email, viewed by The Associated Press, said 3M N95 mask models 1860 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Health-Care-Particulate-Respirator-and-Surgical-Mask-1860S-Small-N95-120-EA-Case/?N=5002385+3294795977&amp;preselect=3293786499&amp;rt=rud" target="_blank">1860S</a>&nbsp;may have been provided by a company called Q2 Solutions and the masks may be fraudulent. The masks have a seal that says “Peru,” which is not used outside of Latin America. The company is based in Miami and has offices around the U.S. and globally. It did not respond to requests for comment.

Officials in Washington state examined their mask supply, which had come from a different company, and discovered that 300,000 masks they had purchased for about $1.4 million were counterfeit. Officials are investigating.

Beth Zborowski of the Washington State Hospital Association said the fraud has the potential to affect 1.9 million masks but they are mostly in stockpile now rather than general circulation.

She said the mask supplier had been vetted and the masks “passed all the physical and visual inspection test.” Zborowski said that for a time, the association could not get the masks directly from 3M, but the company now is expediting its order after learning of the fraud.

Health care workers “have plenty of anxieties on a day-to-day basis. They don’t need to also worry about whether their masks are fake,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593789172033.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal authorities are investigating a massive counterfeit N95 mask operation in which fake 3M masks were sold in at least five states to hospitals, medical facilities and government agencies. The foreign-made knockoffs are becoming increasingly difficult to spot and could put health care workers at grave risk for the coronavirus.These masks are giving first responders “a false sense of security,” said Steve Francis, assistant director for global trade investigations with the Homeland Security Department’s principal investigative arm. He added, “We’ve seen a lot of fraud and other illegal activity.”Officials could not name the states or the company involved because of the active investigation.Nearly a year into the pandemic, fraud remains a major problem as scammers seek to exploit hospitals and desperate and weary Americans. Federal investigators say they have seen an increase in phony websites purporting to sell vaccines as well as fake medicine produced overseas and scams involving personal protective equipment. The schemes deliver phony products, unlike fraud earlier in the pandemic that focused more on fleecing customers.3M, based in Maplewood, Minnesota, is among the largest global producers of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Health-Care-Particulate-Respirator-and-Surgical-Mask-1860-N95-120-EA-Case/?N=5002385+3294795990&amp;preselect=3293786499&amp;rt=rud" target="_blank">N95 mask</a>, which has been approved by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and is considered the gold standard in protection against the coronavirus. The company delivered some 2 billion N95 masks in 2020 as the pandemic soared, but in earlier months of the pandemic, when masks were in short supply, fraudsters starting popped up.“They’re not coming from authorized distributors,” said Kevin Rhodes, 3M’s vice president and deputy general counsel. “They’re coming from companies really just coming into existence.”Rhodes encouraged medical facilities and even workers to look on the company’s website for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/worker-health-safety-us/covid19/covid-fraud/" target="_blank">tips on how to spot fakes</a>, namely through packaging or faulty trademarks.“These products are not tested to see if they make the N95 standards,” he said “They’re not interested in testing them. They’re interested in making as many as they can as cheaply as possible.”During the pandemic, Homeland Security Investigations has used its 7,000 agents in tandem with border officials, the Food and Drug Administration and the FBI to investigate scams, seize phony products and arrest hundreds of people to help stop fraud. The effort is based at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/about" target="_blank">National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center</a>, a government watchdog aimed at enforcing international trade laws and combating intellectual property theft.There have been already more than 1,250 raids by law enforcement that resulted in the seizure of 10 million counterfeit 3M masks alone.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f6f7ca233d85ef59cc89396b1e0779ba">The company has filed more than a dozen lawsuits</a>&nbsp;over reports of fraud, counterfeiting and price gouging.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/850d9e6834fc71967af6d3dda65ad874">There are many other reports of fraudulent masks that have reached frontline workers.</a>In the latest matter, Homeland Security investigators sent an email warning of potential fraud to certain states. The email, viewed by The Associated Press, said 3M N95 mask models 1860 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Health-Care-Particulate-Respirator-and-Surgical-Mask-1860S-Small-N95-120-EA-Case/?N=5002385+3294795977&amp;preselect=3293786499&amp;rt=rud" target="_blank">1860S</a>&nbsp;may have been provided by a company called Q2 Solutions and the masks may be fraudulent. The masks have a seal that says “Peru,” which is not used outside of Latin America. The company is based in Miami and has offices around the U.S. and globally. It did not respond to requests for comment.Officials in Washington state examined their mask supply, which had come from a different company, and discovered that 300,000 masks they had purchased for about $1.4 million were counterfeit. Officials are investigating.Beth Zborowski of the Washington State Hospital Association said the fraud has the potential to affect 1.9 million masks but they are mostly in stockpile now rather than general circulation.She said the mask supplier had been vetted and the masks “passed all the physical and visual inspection test.” Zborowski said that for a time, the association could not get the masks directly from 3M, but the company now is expediting its order after learning of the fraud.Health care workers “have plenty of anxieties on a day-to-day basis. They don’t need to also worry about whether their masks are fake,” she said.

Government investigating massive counterfeit N95 mask scam

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly held a press conference&nbsp; Wednesday afternoon to give an update regarding COVID-19 information for the state of Kansas.

The governor reported the state is expected to receive 82,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine next week.&nbsp; That is slightly more than sent to Kansas this week.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,934 to a total of 284,894, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp; Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4,303, an increase of 106.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly held a press conference&nbsp; Wednesday afternoon to give an update regarding COVID-19 information for the state of Kansas.The governor reported the state is expected to receive 82,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine next week.&nbsp; That is slightly more than sent to Kansas this week.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F224775592686157%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 number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,934 to a total of 284,894, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp; Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4,303, an increase of 106.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612980256134.png" alt="Wednesday Feb. 10, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Feb. 10, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥  Governor on battle against COVID-19 in Kansas

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has relented on not playing the national anthem before home games this season. 

The move came shortly after the NBA reiterated its “longstanding league policy” to include the anthem. Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he intends to introduce a bill in the Texas Senate that will ensure the national anthem is played at all events that receive public funding. He says the bill has broad support.

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said Tuesday he decided before this season began not to play the national anthem before the team’s home games.

The Mavericks played their first 10 regular-season home games without fans. The club had fans for the first time in Monday’s 127-122 win over Minnesota. Dallas is allowing 1,500 vaccinated essential workers to attend games for free.

Cuban didn’t elaborate on his decision not to play the anthem, saying nobody had noticed. The Athletic first reported that Dallas had dropped the anthem.

NBA spokesman Tim Frank said, “Under the unique circumstances of this season, teams are permitted to run their pregame operations as they see fit.”

Cuban was outspoken against critics of NBA players and coaches kneeling during “The Star-Spangled Banner” when the 2019-20 season resumed in the bubble in Florida last summer.

The pregame national anthem is a staple of American sports at both the professional and collegiate level, but is far less commonplace at pro sporting events in other countries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612966901542.png" alt="Photo courtesy KTLA" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KTLA</figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has relented on not playing the national anthem before home games this season. The move came shortly after the NBA reiterated its “longstanding league policy” to include the anthem. Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he intends to introduce a bill in the Texas Senate that will ensure the national anthem is played at all events that receive public funding. He says the bill has broad support.DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said Tuesday he decided before this season began not to play the national anthem before the team’s home games.The Mavericks played their first 10 regular-season home games without fans. The club had fans for the first time in Monday’s 127-122 win over Minnesota. Dallas is allowing 1,500 vaccinated essential workers to attend games for free.Cuban didn’t elaborate on his decision not to play the anthem, saying nobody had noticed. The Athletic first reported that Dallas had dropped the anthem.NBA spokesman Tim Frank said, “Under the unique circumstances of this season, teams are permitted to run their pregame operations as they see fit.”Cuban was outspoken against critics of NBA players and coaches kneeling during “The Star-Spangled Banner” when the 2019-20 season resumed in the bubble in Florida last summer.The pregame national anthem is a staple of American sports at both the professional and collegiate level, but is far less commonplace at pro sporting events in other countries.

Team relents on anthem after NBA reiterates policy

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a suspicious death have identified the victim as 19-year-old James E. Anderson of Topeka.

Just before 12:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a call for service involving a possible shooting in the 2300 block of SE Bellview Avenue in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

On arrival, officers located a victim who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, later identified as Anderson, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Officers and Detectives are continuing the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612985492402.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 —Law enforcement authorities investigating a suspicious death have identified the victim as 19-year-old James E. Anderson of Topeka.Just before 12:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a call for service involving a possible shooting in the 2300 block of SE Bellview Avenue in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.On arrival, officers located a victim who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, later identified as Anderson, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.Officers and Detectives are continuing the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Police ID Kan. teen who died in suspicious shooting

By LUCY PETERSON <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/10/kansas-lawmakers-consider-license-plates-for-military-service-cancer-research-educators-sorority/">Kansas Reflector</a>

New,
 distinctive Kansas license plates could raise awareness, and in some 
cases money, for military service veterans, cancer research, educators 
and a historically Black sorority.

The
 Kansas House Transportation Committee heard testimony Tuesday for four 
bills that would allow for the production of the distinctive Kansas 
license plates.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2015_00_0000.pdf">One House bill</a>
 would provide license plates for current and veteran members who were 
honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force 
and Coast Guard. Individuals eligible for the license plates would be 
exempt from a $500 issuance fee for the distinctive plate.

“Many
 veterans, like my dad, feel forgotten by our government,” said Rep. 
Aaron Coleman, D-Kansas City, in testimony during the hearing. “These 
distinctive plates are a great way to show respect and let our veterans 
know that we haven’t forgotten about them.”

A similar version of the bill went through the House Veterans Committee in 2019 and was passed to the Senate, but failed.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2166_00_0000.pdf">A second bill</a>
 would create distinctive license plates in honor of Braden’s Hope for 
Childhood Cancer, an organization that raises awareness and research 
funds for studies of types of childhood cancers.&nbsp;

Anyone
 would be able to apply for a Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer license
 plate and would need to pay an additional annual fee, which will be 
established by the organization, of anywhere between $25-100.&nbsp;

Braden’s
 Hope founder Deliece Hofen said during the hearing the license plates 
would support ongoing childhood cancer research and would raise an 
estimated $12,500 each year for research and potential therapies. Hofen 
founded the organization after her son, Braden, was diagnosed with stage
 IV neuroblastoma when he was 3 years old.

“I
 see this as not just being something to honor your son or to 
acknowledge your family but as an education tool out there for other 
people to realize,” said Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence. “Also, if 
they know your story, they can have hope.”

Kansas Educators Support Foundation founder Erica Shook gave testimony for a <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2169_00_0000.pdf">bill that would establish a Proud Educator distinctive license plate</a>
 and provide funds to the Kansas Educator Support Fund. The organization
 was founded in 2019 and aims to address educator shortages, job 
satisfaction and resources available for Kansas educators.

The proceeds from the license plates will fund twice-a-year grants to first-year teachers in Kansas.

“One
 challenge for first-year teachers is simply preparing one’s first 
classroom for students with little to no budget for supplies and no hope
 of a full paycheck for a month or two after school begins,” Shook said.
 “Knowing this, I set out to find a way to alleviate any part of this 
stress in whatever manner I could.”

The
 amount of money disbursed in the grants will be based upon how many 
Proud Educator license plates are sold, Shook said. Rep. Les Mason, 
R-McPherson, worked with Shook to create a bill for a Proud Educator 
license plate twice in the past, and urged the committee to recommend 
the new bill for passage in written testimony.

Current
 and former members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority — an international
 service organization founded at Howard University in 1908 and the 
oldest Greek-letter organization established by Black college-educated 
women — provided testimony in Tuesday’s meeting in support of <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2194_00_0000.pdf">a distinctive Alpha Kappa Alpha Kansas license plate</a>.

Representatives
 from the sorority urged the committee to make Kansas one of more than 
25 states that have Alpha Kappa Alpha license plates.

“It
 is our hope that Kansas will join in with these other states and allow 
members of this well-established organization to purchase this plate and
 show their strong pride in their organization, support of its programs 
and their pride as citizens of the great state of Kansas,” said Rep. 
Gail Finney, D-Wichita.

There are nine Alpha Kappa Alpha chapters in Kansas and more than 1,500 members of the sorority, Finney said.

“I
 was born and raised in North Carolina where we are the first in 
flight,” said Dorothy Hines, a member of the sorority and an assistant 
professor in the Department of African and African-American Studies and 
the Department of Education at the University of Kansas. “Today, the 
House Transportation Committee has the opportunity to be among the first
 20 states in the nation who have passed legislation for an Alpha Kappa 
Alpha Sorority Incorporated license plate.”

Individuals who purchase the license plate would pay between $25-100 in royalties to Alpha Kappa Alpha each year.

Lucy Peterson is a junior at the University of Kansas studying journalism, political science, and French. She has worked in several roles at the University Daily Kansan, KU’s student publication. She is from Denver, Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612978404747.png" alt="Rep. Barbara Ballard praised the creation of a new license plate as an educational tool for Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer. (September 2020 photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Barbara Ballard praised the creation of a new license plate as an educational tool for Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer. (September 2020 photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By LUCY PETERSON <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/10/kansas-lawmakers-consider-license-plates-for-military-service-cancer-research-educators-sorority/">Kansas Reflector</a>New,
 distinctive Kansas license plates could raise awareness, and in some 
cases money, for military service veterans, cancer research, educators 
and a historically Black sorority.The
 Kansas House Transportation Committee heard testimony Tuesday for four 
bills that would allow for the production of the distinctive Kansas 
license plates.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2015_00_0000.pdf">One House bill</a>
 would provide license plates for current and veteran members who were 
honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force 
and Coast Guard. Individuals eligible for the license plates would be 
exempt from a $500 issuance fee for the distinctive plate.“Many
 veterans, like my dad, feel forgotten by our government,” said Rep. 
Aaron Coleman, D-Kansas City, in testimony during the hearing. “These 
distinctive plates are a great way to show respect and let our veterans 
know that we haven’t forgotten about them.”A similar version of the bill went through the House Veterans Committee in 2019 and was passed to the Senate, but failed.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2166_00_0000.pdf">A second bill</a>
 would create distinctive license plates in honor of Braden’s Hope for 
Childhood Cancer, an organization that raises awareness and research 
funds for studies of types of childhood cancers.&nbsp;Anyone
 would be able to apply for a Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer license
 plate and would need to pay an additional annual fee, which will be 
established by the organization, of anywhere between $25-100.&nbsp;Braden’s
 Hope founder Deliece Hofen said during the hearing the license plates 
would support ongoing childhood cancer research and would raise an 
estimated $12,500 each year for research and potential therapies. Hofen 
founded the organization after her son, Braden, was diagnosed with stage
 IV neuroblastoma when he was 3 years old.“I
 see this as not just being something to honor your son or to 
acknowledge your family but as an education tool out there for other 
people to realize,” said Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence. “Also, if 
they know your story, they can have hope.”Kansas Educators Support Foundation founder Erica Shook gave testimony for a <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2169_00_0000.pdf">bill that would establish a Proud Educator distinctive license plate</a>
 and provide funds to the Kansas Educator Support Fund. The organization
 was founded in 2019 and aims to address educator shortages, job 
satisfaction and resources available for Kansas educators.The proceeds from the license plates will fund twice-a-year grants to first-year teachers in Kansas.“One
 challenge for first-year teachers is simply preparing one’s first 
classroom for students with little to no budget for supplies and no hope
 of a full paycheck for a month or two after school begins,” Shook said.
 “Knowing this, I set out to find a way to alleviate any part of this 
stress in whatever manner I could.”The
 amount of money disbursed in the grants will be based upon how many 
Proud Educator license plates are sold, Shook said. Rep. Les Mason, 
R-McPherson, worked with Shook to create a bill for a Proud Educator 
license plate twice in the past, and urged the committee to recommend 
the new bill for passage in written testimony.Current
 and former members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority — an international
 service organization founded at Howard University in 1908 and the 
oldest Greek-letter organization established by Black college-educated 
women — provided testimony in Tuesday’s meeting in support of <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2194_00_0000.pdf">a distinctive Alpha Kappa Alpha Kansas license plate</a>.Representatives
 from the sorority urged the committee to make Kansas one of more than 
25 states that have Alpha Kappa Alpha license plates.“It
 is our hope that Kansas will join in with these other states and allow 
members of this well-established organization to purchase this plate and
 show their strong pride in their organization, support of its programs 
and their pride as citizens of the great state of Kansas,” said Rep. 
Gail Finney, D-Wichita.There are nine Alpha Kappa Alpha chapters in Kansas and more than 1,500 members of the sorority, Finney said.“I
 was born and raised in North Carolina where we are the first in 
flight,” said Dorothy Hines, a member of the sorority and an assistant 
professor in the Department of African and African-American Studies and 
the Department of Education at the University of Kansas. “Today, the 
House Transportation Committee has the opportunity to be among the first
 20 states in the nation who have passed legislation for an Alpha Kappa 
Alpha Sorority Incorporated license plate.”Individuals who purchase the license plate would pay between $25-100 in royalties to Alpha Kappa Alpha each year.Lucy Peterson is a junior at the University of Kansas studying journalism, political science, and French. She has worked in several roles at the University Daily Kansan, KU’s student publication. She is from Denver, Colorado.

Kan. lawmakers consider new honorary license plate styles

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

On August 8, officers filed a report for rape in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A&nbsp; 22-year-old woman reported a 26-year-old man known to her was the suspect. 

On Tuesday afternoon, police arrested Dylan Fain, 26, of Junction City in connection with the crime. Fain was issued a total bond of $50,000.00 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.

Police released no additional details on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612970249954.png" alt="Fain from an earlier arrest in Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Fain from an earlier arrest in Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a sexual assault and have made an arrest.On August 8, officers filed a report for rape in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A&nbsp; 22-year-old woman reported a 26-year-old man known to her was the suspect. On Tuesday afternoon, police arrested Dylan Fain, 26, of Junction City in connection with the crime. Fain was issued a total bond of $50,000.00 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.Police released no additional details on Wednesday.

Kansas man arrested for alleged August rape

The Kansas Senate finished a busy fourth week of session with committee meetings and bills coming forward. The Senate held floor debate on Monday and Thursday passing out 14 pieces of legislation.&nbsp;

SNAPSHOT OF THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE 2021

The Kansas Senate consists of forty Senators – twenty-nine Republicans, eleven Democrats with sixteen women and twenty-four men.&nbsp; Eleven Senators live in cities of 100,000+ population, eleven with 20,000 to 100,000, six with 5,000-20,000 and six with 2,000-5,000 and six with 0-2,000.&nbsp; The Kansas House of Representatives consists of one-hundred twenty-five members with eighty-six Republicans and thirty-nine Democrats with thirty-three women and ninety-two men.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Senate worked bills as the Committee of the Whole on February 1st and 4th&nbsp;debating bills and voting to move bills across the capitol to the House of Representatives for their consideration.&nbsp; Thirteen bills including noncontroversial bills called Consent Calendar items and two Senate Resolutions passing the Chamber.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb21/" target="_blank">SB 21</a>&nbsp;would retroactively ratify the results of a November 2020 election in Cherokee County imposing a 0.5 percent retail sales tax within the county approved by the governing body of Cherokee County.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb33/" target="_blank">SB 33</a>&nbsp;would authorize the Director of Vehicles at the Kansas Department of Revenue to issue a temporary display show license to a sponsor of a motor vehicle display show.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb47/" target="_blank">SB 47</a>&nbsp;would enact the Kansas Taxpayer Protection Act (Act) requiring on and after January 1, 2022, paid tax return preparers to sign any income tax return prepared and include the preparer’s federal preparer tax identification number on any return.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb27/" target="_blank">SB 27</a>&nbsp;would extend the sunset dates for certain funds, an advisory board, and operators’ ability to apply for funds relating to underground storage tanks (UST) by KDHE.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb28/" target="_blank">SB 28</a>&nbsp;would codify the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Credit for Reinsurance Model Regulation

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb29/" target="_blank">SB 29</a>&nbsp;would amend the effective date specified in the Insurance Code for the risk-based capital (RBC) instructions promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for property and casualty companies and for life insurance companies.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb1/" target="_blank">SB 1</a>&nbsp;would allow the State Fair Board to expend or transfer moneys from its State Fair Capital Improvements Fund in the same manner as moneys from its State Fair Fee Fund for fiscal year (FY) 2021 and FY 2022.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb16/" target="_blank">SB 16</a>&nbsp;would amend statutes to remove requirements that several reports and certifications be provided to the Legislative Division of Post Audit (LPA), the Post Auditor, or the Legislative Post Audit Committee. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb39/" target="_blank">SB 39</a>&nbsp;would change several license, bond, and permit renewal fee deadlines related to livestock and domestic animals from June 30 to September 30 of each year.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb53/" target="_blank">SB 53</a>&nbsp;establishes the membership of the Sedgwick county charter commission which, if created, will review and recommend changes regarding the structure of county government. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb38/" target="_blank">SB 38</a>&nbsp;would establish the Kansas Pesticide Waste Disposal Program (Program) that would be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture for the collection and disposal of pesticide waste.&nbsp;&nbsp; The bill would also create in the State Treasury the Kansas Pesticide Waste Disposal Fund (Disposal Fund) with the purpose of funding the Program.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb40/" target="_blank">SB 40</a>&nbsp;would add and amend law regarding the roles of the Division of Conservation within the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the State Conservation Commission.

SR 1701&nbsp;- A RESOLUTION recognizing the need for the Governor of Kansas to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to law-abiding Kansans before administering the vaccine to healthy incarcerated individuals

SB24&nbsp;would create the Energy Choice Act, which preserves the right to use natural gas throughout Kansas.

To review each bill in full including the easy-to-read supplemental note – go to&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;then Bills and Laws – you will be able to see each bill beginning from the first bill introduced to the last. &nbsp;You also will be able to search (the box to the right of the bill listing) by entering the bill number, choose the originating chamber (Senate or House) and click submit.&nbsp;&nbsp; The history of the bill, committee action and final action votes on the measure will be displayed.&nbsp;

February 5th&nbsp;recognized as National Wear Red Day

SR 1708 recognized Friday, February 5th, as National Wear Red Day to signify the importance of the ongoing fight against heart diseases and stroke among women.&nbsp; The Resolution carried by Senator Carolyn McGinn recognizes and informs the public that Cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women in the United States with one death every 80 seconds.&nbsp; Heart attacks are on the rise among women across all ages with younger women less likely than older women to be aware of the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes.&nbsp;&nbsp; Cardiovascular diseases kills 1 in 3 women, despite the fact that about 80% of cardiac events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes.&nbsp; The Resolution encourages women to move more, eat smart and manage their blood pressure to reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases.&nbsp; The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement strives to motivate women to learn about their family history and to meet with a&nbsp;healthcare provider to determine their risk for cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Many emails and calls from home are regarding Kansas unemployment.&nbsp;&nbsp; Over 700,000 fraudulent attempts were made on the Department of Labor’s new updated process of verification to the website on February 1st.&nbsp; For fraudulent 1099s received in the mail - go to the new self-service portal&nbsp;<a href="https://uiassistance.getkansasbenefits.gov/" target="_blank">https://uiassistance.getkansasbenefits.gov/</a>&nbsp;to complete a dispute due to fraudulent activity in your name.&nbsp; A police report with a number will be produced - save this number for future use if necessary.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is a simple form and takes less than a couple minutes to complete. The agency also has a specific phone line for claimants to call with questions concerning 1099s.&nbsp;The number is 785-575-1461.&nbsp;

The department also suggests using&nbsp;Safari, Internet Explorer or Firefox. Some users have experienced errors when using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. They are also recommending accessing the site on a desktop and when using a mobile device to use Safari or Firefox. Multiple claimants cannot register with the same email address so you will need to use an email unique to only you. Once you have received the verification email, do not click the button more than once and do not forward the email. Either of these actions will deem that link void. Feel free to call me in Topeka and as I have legislative liaisons in the Department of Labor to help as well.&nbsp;

As always, I’ll keep you updated on the activities of the Senate while we continue through the last few weeks before turn-around. I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website.&nbsp; Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785 296-7389</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>

Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is the 36th Kansas District senator.&nbsp;The 36th District includes&nbsp;Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington counties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580853658061.jpeg" alt="Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>February 8, 2021Senate HighlightsThe Kansas Senate finished a busy fourth week of session with committee meetings and bills coming forward. The Senate held floor debate on Monday and Thursday passing out 14 pieces of legislation.&nbsp;SNAPSHOT OF THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE 2021The Kansas Senate consists of forty Senators – twenty-nine Republicans, eleven Democrats with sixteen women and twenty-four men.&nbsp; Eleven Senators live in cities of 100,000+ population, eleven with 20,000 to 100,000, six with 5,000-20,000 and six with 2,000-5,000 and six with 0-2,000.&nbsp; The Kansas House of Representatives consists of one-hundred twenty-five members with eighty-six Republicans and thirty-nine Democrats with thirty-three women and ninety-two men.&nbsp;&nbsp;SENATE FLOOR ACTIONThe Senate worked bills as the Committee of the Whole on February 1st and 4th&nbsp;debating bills and voting to move bills across the capitol to the House of Representatives for their consideration.&nbsp; Thirteen bills including noncontroversial bills called Consent Calendar items and two Senate Resolutions passing the Chamber.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb21/" target="_blank">SB 21</a>&nbsp;would retroactively ratify the results of a November 2020 election in Cherokee County imposing a 0.5 percent retail sales tax within the county approved by the governing body of Cherokee County.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb33/" target="_blank">SB 33</a>&nbsp;would authorize the Director of Vehicles at the Kansas Department of Revenue to issue a temporary display show license to a sponsor of a motor vehicle display show. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb47/" target="_blank">SB 47</a>&nbsp;would enact the Kansas Taxpayer Protection Act (Act) requiring on and after January 1, 2022, paid tax return preparers to sign any income tax return prepared and include the preparer’s federal preparer tax identification number on any return. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb27/" target="_blank">SB 27</a>&nbsp;would extend the sunset dates for certain funds, an advisory board, and operators’ ability to apply for funds relating to underground storage tanks (UST) by KDHE.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb28/" target="_blank">SB 28</a>&nbsp;would codify the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Credit for Reinsurance Model Regulation<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb29/" target="_blank">SB 29</a>&nbsp;would amend the effective date specified in the Insurance Code for the risk-based capital (RBC) instructions promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for property and casualty companies and for life insurance companies. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb1/" target="_blank">SB 1</a>&nbsp;would allow the State Fair Board to expend or transfer moneys from its State Fair Capital Improvements Fund in the same manner as moneys from its State Fair Fee Fund for fiscal year (FY) 2021 and FY 2022.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb16/" target="_blank">SB 16</a>&nbsp;would amend statutes to remove requirements that several reports and certifications be provided to the Legislative Division of Post Audit (LPA), the Post Auditor, or the Legislative Post Audit Committee. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb39/" target="_blank">SB 39</a>&nbsp;would change several license, bond, and permit renewal fee deadlines related to livestock and domestic animals from June 30 to September 30 of each year. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb53/" target="_blank">SB 53</a>&nbsp;establishes the membership of the Sedgwick county charter commission which, if created, will review and recommend changes regarding the structure of county government. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb38/" target="_blank">SB 38</a>&nbsp;would establish the Kansas Pesticide Waste Disposal Program (Program) that would be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture for the collection and disposal of pesticide waste.&nbsp;&nbsp; The bill would also create in the State Treasury the Kansas Pesticide Waste Disposal Fund (Disposal Fund) with the purpose of funding the Program. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb40/" target="_blank">SB 40</a>&nbsp;would add and amend law regarding the roles of the Division of Conservation within the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the State Conservation Commission.SR 1701&nbsp;- A RESOLUTION recognizing the need for the Governor of Kansas to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to law-abiding Kansans before administering the vaccine to healthy incarcerated individuals SB24&nbsp;would create the Energy Choice Act, which preserves the right to use natural gas throughout Kansas.To review each bill in full including the easy-to-read supplemental note – go to&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;then Bills and Laws – you will be able to see each bill beginning from the first bill introduced to the last. &nbsp;You also will be able to search (the box to the right of the bill listing) by entering the bill number, choose the originating chamber (Senate or House) and click submit.&nbsp;&nbsp; The history of the bill, committee action and final action votes on the measure will be displayed.&nbsp;February 5th&nbsp;recognized as National Wear Red DaySR 1708 recognized Friday, February 5th, as National Wear Red Day to signify the importance of the ongoing fight against heart diseases and stroke among women.&nbsp; The Resolution carried by Senator Carolyn McGinn recognizes and informs the public that Cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women in the United States with one death every 80 seconds.&nbsp; Heart attacks are on the rise among women across all ages with younger women less likely than older women to be aware of the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes.&nbsp;&nbsp; Cardiovascular diseases kills 1 in 3 women, despite the fact that about 80% of cardiac events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes.&nbsp; The Resolution encourages women to move more, eat smart and manage their blood pressure to reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases.&nbsp; The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement strives to motivate women to learn about their family history and to meet with a&nbsp;healthcare provider to determine their risk for cardiovascular diseases and stroke.Unemployment problemsMany emails and calls from home are regarding Kansas unemployment.&nbsp;&nbsp; Over 700,000 fraudulent attempts were made on the Department of Labor’s new updated process of verification to the website on February 1st.&nbsp; For fraudulent 1099s received in the mail - go to the new self-service portal&nbsp;<a href="https://uiassistance.getkansasbenefits.gov/" target="_blank">https://uiassistance.getkansasbenefits.gov/</a>&nbsp;to complete a dispute due to fraudulent activity in your name.&nbsp; A police report with a number will be produced - save this number for future use if necessary.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is a simple form and takes less than a couple minutes to complete. The agency also has a specific phone line for claimants to call with questions concerning 1099s.&nbsp;The number is 785-575-1461.&nbsp;The department also suggests using&nbsp;Safari, Internet Explorer or Firefox. Some users have experienced errors when using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. They are also recommending accessing the site on a desktop and when using a mobile device to use Safari or Firefox. Multiple claimants cannot register with the same email address so you will need to use an email unique to only you. Once you have received the verification email, do not click the button more than once and do not forward the email. Either of these actions will deem that link void. Feel free to call me in Topeka and as I have legislative liaisons in the Department of Labor to help as well.&nbsp;As always, I’ll keep you updated on the activities of the Senate while we continue through the last few weeks before turn-around. I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website.&nbsp; Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785 296-7389</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is the 36th Kansas District senator.&nbsp;The 36th District includes&nbsp;Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington counties.

BOWERS: Senate Scene, Week 4

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,934 to a total of 284,894, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4,303, an increase of 106.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,934 to a total of 284,894, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4,303, an increase of 106.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612980256134.png" alt="Wednesday Feb. 10, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Feb. 10, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

JEWELL COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a bank robbery and continue to search for a suspect.

Just before 10a.m. Tuesday, a suspect described as a white male approximately 6-foot tall, medium build wearing all black, carrying a black rifle entered the Guaranty State Bank 121 South Main in Burr Oak, Kansas, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.

The suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash into rural Jewell County. He was driving a silver, flatbed believed to have been stolen from a Jewell County resident.

There was a multi-agency search for the suspect. He is believed to have fled the county.

Just before 5 p.m. the Jewell County Dispatch received a call about a pick up behind some cedar trees near 20 Road and Ash in North West Jewell County. This was the vehicle deputies were trying to locate from the robbery.

The KBI is processing all evidence as the search for the suspect continues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612977424382.png" alt="Guaranty State Bank in Burr Oak -google image" />
 <figcaption>Guaranty State Bank in Burr Oak -google image</figcaption>
 </figure>JEWELL COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a bank robbery and continue to search for a suspect.Just before 10a.m. Tuesday, a suspect described as a white male approximately 6-foot tall, medium build wearing all black, carrying a black rifle entered the Guaranty State Bank 121 South Main in Burr Oak, Kansas, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.The suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash into rural Jewell County. He was driving a silver, flatbed believed to have been stolen from a Jewell County resident.There was a multi-agency search for the suspect. He is believed to have fled the county.Just before 5 p.m. the Jewell County Dispatch received a call about a pick up behind some cedar trees near 20 Road and Ash in North West Jewell County. This was the vehicle deputies were trying to locate from the robbery.The KBI is processing all evidence as the search for the suspect continues.

Suspect used rifle during Kansas bank robbery

POTOSI, Mo. (AP) — Wildlife officials are seeking the public’s help in finding the person who shot and injured a bald eagle, which later had to be euthanized.

The protected raptor was reported injured Friday when the U.S. Forest Service called Conservation Agent Jaymes Hall about the bird having been spotted in Missouri's southern Washington County.

Hall said he found the injured bird and managed with help from other law enforcement to capture it and take it to the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, which specializes in rehabilitating and propagating birds of prey.

“As I approached it, I realized it wasn’t able to fly at all,” Hall said. “Most of the time, the calls I get about injured eagles, they’re actually just sitting there, eating something or hanging out in an open field uninjured. This was the first eagle I’ve ever had to handle, injured.”

A veterinarian at the sanctuary who performed surgery Saturday on the eagle to try to save it found two gunshot wounds that were inoperable and had to euthanize the bird.

Officials believe the eagle was most likely shot on Feb. 3 or Feb. 4.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612972631633.png" alt="Photo courtesy Missouri Dept. of Conservation" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Missouri Dept. of Conservation</figcaption>
 </figure>POTOSI, Mo. (AP) — Wildlife officials are seeking the public’s help in finding the person who shot and injured a bald eagle, which later had to be euthanized.The protected raptor was reported injured Friday when the U.S. Forest Service called Conservation Agent Jaymes Hall about the bird having been spotted in Missouri's southern Washington County.Hall said he found the injured bird and managed with help from other law enforcement to capture it and take it to the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, which specializes in rehabilitating and propagating birds of prey.“As I approached it, I realized it wasn’t able to fly at all,” Hall said. “Most of the time, the calls I get about injured eagles, they’re actually just sitting there, eating something or hanging out in an open field uninjured. This was the first eagle I’ve ever had to handle, injured.”A veterinarian at the sanctuary who performed surgery Saturday on the eagle to try to save it found two gunshot wounds that were inoperable and had to euthanize the bird.Officials believe the eagle was most likely shot on Feb. 3 or Feb. 4.

Wildlife officials: Someone shot bald eagle

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man who allegedly killed a Kansas teenager by dragging her several miles as he tried to steal the SUV she was in has been charged with first-degree murder.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=294355">Kevin Michael James Palmer, 34, of Wichita</a>, was also charged Tuesday with felony stealing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

<a href="https://www.ky3.com/2021/02/09/american-airlines-plane-makes-emergency-landing-in-springfield-mo/">Brianna Ibarra</a>, 13, was sitting in a running SUV Saturday waiting for her family to pick up food when Palmer jumped in and drove away, according to officer Charley Davidson.

She became tangled in a seat belt when she tried to escape as the vehicle was moving and was dragged several miles.

Police arrested Palmer after he tried to run away from the vehicle.&nbsp; First responders pronounced her dead at the scene.

Palmer is being<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=294355"> held on a $500,000 bond </a>and is scheduled for another hearing on February 18, according to the district attorney.

Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay said&nbsp; the girl's death is "one of the saddest cases I have been associated with in my over 28-years of law enforcement."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612732717380.png" alt="Palmer has nearly a dozen previous felony convictions that include theft, burglary, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, driving while suspended and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Sedgwick County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Palmer has nearly a dozen previous felony convictions that include theft, burglary, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, driving while suspended and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Sedgwick County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man who allegedly killed a Kansas teenager by dragging her several miles as he tried to steal the SUV she was in has been charged with first-degree murder.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=294355">Kevin Michael James Palmer, 34, of Wichita</a>, was also charged Tuesday with felony stealing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<a href="https://www.ky3.com/2021/02/09/american-airlines-plane-makes-emergency-landing-in-springfield-mo/">Brianna Ibarra</a>, 13, was sitting in a running SUV Saturday waiting for her family to pick up food when Palmer jumped in and drove away, according to officer Charley Davidson.She became tangled in a seat belt when she tried to escape as the vehicle was moving and was dragged several miles.Police arrested Palmer after he tried to run away from the vehicle.&nbsp; First responders pronounced her dead at the scene.Palmer is being<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=294355"> held on a $500,000 bond </a>and is scheduled for another hearing on February 18, according to the district attorney.Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay said&nbsp; the girl's death is "one of the saddest cases I have been associated with in my over 28-years of law enforcement."

Man charged in death of Kan. girl dragged by stolen SUV

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly has announced that the Historic Sites Board of Review awarded $1,168,492 for 15 historic preservation projects across the state, including two in western Kansas, as part of the 2021 round of Heritage Trust Fund grants.

HTF grants reimburse expenses for projects that preserve or restore qualifying historic properties. The funded projects represent a diverse collection of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places and/or the Register of Historic Kansas Places. All awards are contingent upon available funding.&nbsp;

“I’m pleased that so many preservation projects will receive grant funding this year, which will ensure historic properties across the state can get the upkeep and treatment they need,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Kansas has a unique and rich history, and with these awards, we can continue to celebrate and learn about that history for generations to come."

The board approved these projects listed by county:&nbsp;

For more information on the Heritage Trust Fund program contact the State Historic Preservation Office, at 785-272-8681, ext. 240;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kshs.shpo@ks.gov" target="_blank">kshs.shpo@ks.gov</a>, or visit <a href="https://www.kshs.org/p/heritage-trust-fund/14617">kshs.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612909968330.jpeg" alt="Hodson Hotel in Ashland, Kansas, circa 1929" />
 <figcaption>Hodson Hotel in Ashland, Kansas, circa 1929</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly has announced that the Historic Sites Board of Review awarded $1,168,492 for 15 historic preservation projects across the state, including two in western Kansas, as part of the 2021 round of Heritage Trust Fund grants.HTF grants reimburse expenses for projects that preserve or restore qualifying historic properties. The funded projects represent a diverse collection of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places and/or the Register of Historic Kansas Places. All awards are contingent upon available funding.&nbsp;“I’m pleased that so many preservation projects will receive grant funding this year, which will ensure historic properties across the state can get the upkeep and treatment they need,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Kansas has a unique and rich history, and with these awards, we can continue to celebrate and learn about that history for generations to come."The board approved these projects listed by county:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Butler: First Presbyterian Church of DeGraff, $62,990&nbsp;</li><li>Chase: Strong City Opera House, $90,000&nbsp;</li><li>Clark: Hodson Hotel/Hardesty House, $57,600&nbsp;</li><li>Douglas: First Methodist Episcopal Church, $90,000&nbsp;</li><li>Greenwood: Eureka Memorial Hall, $87,168&nbsp;</li><li>Hamilton: Northrup Theater, $90,000&nbsp;</li><li>Harvey: Newton Carnegie Library, $29,734&nbsp;</li><li>Jefferson: Newell-Johnson-Searle House Outbuilding, $82,900&nbsp;</li><li>Johnson: Olathe Memorial Cemetery, $90,000&nbsp;</li><li>Lincoln: Lincoln State Bank, $90,000&nbsp;</li><li>Marion: Donaldson &amp; Hosmer Building, $89,700&nbsp;</li><li>Neosho: Oak Grove School District #20, $38,400&nbsp;</li><li>Osage: Star Block, $90,000&nbsp;</li><li>Shawnee: Jayhawk Hotel, Theater &amp; Walk, $90,000&nbsp;</li><li>Shawnee: Thacher Building, $90,000&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>For more information on the Heritage Trust Fund program contact the State Historic Preservation Office, at 785-272-8681, ext. 240;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kshs.shpo@ks.gov" target="_blank">kshs.shpo@ks.gov</a>, or visit <a href="https://www.kshs.org/p/heritage-trust-fund/14617">kshs.org</a>.

Heritage Trust grants awarded to two western Kan. preservation projects

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats muscled past Republicans on portions of President Joe Biden’s pandemic plan, including a proposed $130 billion in additional relief to help the nation’s schools reopen and a gradual increase of the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Democrats on the Education and Labor Committee say schools won’t be able to reopen safely until they get an infusion of federal funding to repair building ventilation systems, buy protective equipment and take other steps recommended by federal health officials. The plan faces opposition from Republicans who want to tie new school funding to reopening.

The panel met Tuesday to craft its portion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-coronavirus-action-plan-3d8d5841bb9098a81ad9452fb2619024">a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package</a>&nbsp;that tracks with Biden’s plan for battling the pandemic and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-coronavirus-pandemic-inflation-janet-yellen-bill-clinton-6d7e097c4ea3752671822dda742d489e">reviving a still staggering economy</a>. Democrats hope to rush the bill to Biden for his signature by mid-March, using a special budget-related process allowing certain legislation to be approved by a simple majority.

Rep. Bobby Scott, chair of the Education and Labor Committee, dismissed complaints from Republicans who objected to use of the process.

“We must address the urgent needs of the people now,” said Scott, D-Va., “The multiple crises affecting our communities will grow worse every day if we do not act. We must recognize that we cannot afford to prioritize process over the urgent needs of people across this country.”

House Republicans attempted dozens of changes to the legislation at a hearing that stretched late into the evening. They proposed amendments to limit funding only to schools offering in-person instruction, or to steer aid to families if their schools continued operating online. On the wage increase, they sought to exempt small businesses or certain rural areas. It appeared all of the amendments would be defeated.

Biden has made reopening most of the nation’s K-8 schools within his first 100 days in office a key goal. The issue has become increasingly heated as some school districts face gridlock with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-teaching-coronavirus-pandemic-chicago-d51f2ebe1504cfe36eb5ea8467567389">teachers who have refused to support reopening</a>&nbsp;until their demands are met. Biden’s plan for $130 billion in school funding is in addition to more than $8 billion from previous relief packages.

In a tweak to Biden’s plan, the Democratic proposal would require schools to reserve at least 20% of the funding for efforts to address learning loss, including after-school programs and summer classes. The bill also matches Biden’s proposed $40 billion for colleges and universities but, unlike the White House plan, makes private colleges eligible for relief.

Democrats also tucked in a new limit on for-profit colleges that the party has pushed for years. The proposal would prevent for-profit colleges from accepting more than 90% of their overall funding from federal sources. An existing federal law includes that cap for some federal sources but excludes funding from the GI Bill and other veterans programs.

Republicans blasted the legislation in its entirety, saying schools have already received billions in aid and are safe to reopen. They cited data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing that social distancing and wearing a mask significantly reduce the spread of the virus in school settings.

“Students are falling behind, and mental health issues are on the rise. We know the costs of keeping schools closed are high. So why are schools still closed?” said Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., the ranking Republican on the Education and Labor Committee. “Unfortunately, this bill is full of partisan policies disguised as COVID relief measures.”

The lawmakers’ dispute reflected the complexities and frustrations of the national debate over reopening schools. Republicans proposed several variations of the same idea: to limit funding to schools that don’t reopen. Rep. Gregory Murphy, R-N.C., sought to block funding from schools unless they bring at least high-needs students back to the classroom.

“We need to stop the excuses,” Murphy said. “We need to stop all the nonsense. We need to get our kids back in school. Stop ruining their futures and stop playing games.”

Scott countered that schools can’t make changes needed to reopen safely unless they get the funding in Biden’s plan.

Republicans also signaled a fight over standardized testing, backing a proposed change to prevent relief funding from being used on academic assessments. Republicans say states should be exempt from federally required tests this spring because of the pandemic, while some Democrats say it’s necessary to identify and help students who have fallen behind.

The $350 billion portion of the bill before the committee also includes Biden’s plan to raise the minimum wage from $7.25, where is has been since 2009. The proposal calls for gradual increases that would reach $15 over five years. It faces an uphill climb, however, and even Biden has said it likely won’t survive.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters Tuesday that Democrats were trying to overcome a potential procedural obstacle that could prevent them from including the wage increase in the COVID-19 relief bill.

“We’re trying to work as well as we can with the parliamentarian to get minimum wage to happen,” Schumer said.

Under Senate rules, provisions cannot be included in the special procedure Democrats are using if the language’s impact on the budget is only secondary to its main thrust. It is up to the chamber’s nonpartisan parliamentarian to determine that, though it would be possible for Democrats to vote to ignore that ruling. The fast-track process Democrats are using would let them prevent a GOP filibuster.

The minimum wage boost faces other significant challenges, including opposition from Republicans and a wariness by some Democrats arguing it would hurt small businesses, especially during a pandemic.

Also on Tuesday, Biden met with five business leaders, including the heads of JPMorgan Chase, Walmart, Gap, Lowe’s and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Biden said the meeting was a chance to find common ground with the business community.

“We’re going to talk about the state of the economy, the recovery package. We’re going talk a little bit, God willing, about infrastructure down the road, and also about the minimum wage,” Biden said at the start of the meeting.

The president said he has been “exchanging correspondence and telephone calls with Republicans to see if we can follow up beyond where we are with members of House and Senate,” even as Congress is moving forward with a budgetary process that will enable them to pass the relief package along party lines.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612905317024.png" alt="The Democratic proposal would require schools to reserve at least 20% of the funding for efforts to address learning loss, including after-school programs and summer classes. Photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>The Democratic proposal would require schools to reserve at least 20% of the funding for efforts to address learning loss, including after-school programs and summer classes. Photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats muscled past Republicans on portions of President Joe Biden’s pandemic plan, including a proposed $130 billion in additional relief to help the nation’s schools reopen and a gradual increase of the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.Democrats on the Education and Labor Committee say schools won’t be able to reopen safely until they get an infusion of federal funding to repair building ventilation systems, buy protective equipment and take other steps recommended by federal health officials. The plan faces opposition from Republicans who want to tie new school funding to reopening.The panel met Tuesday to craft its portion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-coronavirus-action-plan-3d8d5841bb9098a81ad9452fb2619024">a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package</a>&nbsp;that tracks with Biden’s plan for battling the pandemic and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-coronavirus-pandemic-inflation-janet-yellen-bill-clinton-6d7e097c4ea3752671822dda742d489e">reviving a still staggering economy</a>. Democrats hope to rush the bill to Biden for his signature by mid-March, using a special budget-related process allowing certain legislation to be approved by a simple majority.Rep. Bobby Scott, chair of the Education and Labor Committee, dismissed complaints from Republicans who objected to use of the process.“We must address the urgent needs of the people now,” said Scott, D-Va., “The multiple crises affecting our communities will grow worse every day if we do not act. We must recognize that we cannot afford to prioritize process over the urgent needs of people across this country.”House Republicans attempted dozens of changes to the legislation at a hearing that stretched late into the evening. They proposed amendments to limit funding only to schools offering in-person instruction, or to steer aid to families if their schools continued operating online. On the wage increase, they sought to exempt small businesses or certain rural areas. It appeared all of the amendments would be defeated.Biden has made reopening most of the nation’s K-8 schools within his first 100 days in office a key goal. The issue has become increasingly heated as some school districts face gridlock with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-teaching-coronavirus-pandemic-chicago-d51f2ebe1504cfe36eb5ea8467567389">teachers who have refused to support reopening</a>&nbsp;until their demands are met. Biden’s plan for $130 billion in school funding is in addition to more than $8 billion from previous relief packages.In a tweak to Biden’s plan, the Democratic proposal would require schools to reserve at least 20% of the funding for efforts to address learning loss, including after-school programs and summer classes. The bill also matches Biden’s proposed $40 billion for colleges and universities but, unlike the White House plan, makes private colleges eligible for relief.Democrats also tucked in a new limit on for-profit colleges that the party has pushed for years. The proposal would prevent for-profit colleges from accepting more than 90% of their overall funding from federal sources. An existing federal law includes that cap for some federal sources but excludes funding from the GI Bill and other veterans programs.Republicans blasted the legislation in its entirety, saying schools have already received billions in aid and are safe to reopen. They cited data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing that social distancing and wearing a mask significantly reduce the spread of the virus in school settings.“Students are falling behind, and mental health issues are on the rise. We know the costs of keeping schools closed are high. So why are schools still closed?” said Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., the ranking Republican on the Education and Labor Committee. “Unfortunately, this bill is full of partisan policies disguised as COVID relief measures.”The lawmakers’ dispute reflected the complexities and frustrations of the national debate over reopening schools. Republicans proposed several variations of the same idea: to limit funding to schools that don’t reopen. Rep. Gregory Murphy, R-N.C., sought to block funding from schools unless they bring at least high-needs students back to the classroom.“We need to stop the excuses,” Murphy said. “We need to stop all the nonsense. We need to get our kids back in school. Stop ruining their futures and stop playing games.”Scott countered that schools can’t make changes needed to reopen safely unless they get the funding in Biden’s plan.Republicans also signaled a fight over standardized testing, backing a proposed change to prevent relief funding from being used on academic assessments. Republicans say states should be exempt from federally required tests this spring because of the pandemic, while some Democrats say it’s necessary to identify and help students who have fallen behind.The $350 billion portion of the bill before the committee also includes Biden’s plan to raise the minimum wage from $7.25, where is has been since 2009. The proposal calls for gradual increases that would reach $15 over five years. It faces an uphill climb, however, and even Biden has said it likely won’t survive.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters Tuesday that Democrats were trying to overcome a potential procedural obstacle that could prevent them from including the wage increase in the COVID-19 relief bill.“We’re trying to work as well as we can with the parliamentarian to get minimum wage to happen,” Schumer said.Under Senate rules, provisions cannot be included in the special procedure Democrats are using if the language’s impact on the budget is only secondary to its main thrust. It is up to the chamber’s nonpartisan parliamentarian to determine that, though it would be possible for Democrats to vote to ignore that ruling. The fast-track process Democrats are using would let them prevent a GOP filibuster.The minimum wage boost faces other significant challenges, including opposition from Republicans and a wariness by some Democrats arguing it would hurt small businesses, especially during a pandemic.Also on Tuesday, Biden met with five business leaders, including the heads of JPMorgan Chase, Walmart, Gap, Lowe’s and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.Biden said the meeting was a chance to find common ground with the business community.“We’re going to talk about the state of the economy, the recovery package. We’re going talk a little bit, God willing, about infrastructure down the road, and also about the minimum wage,” Biden said at the start of the meeting.The president said he has been “exchanging correspondence and telephone calls with Republicans to see if we can follow up beyond where we are with members of House and Senate,” even as Congress is moving forward with a budgetary process that will enable them to pass the relief package along party lines.___

Dems attempt to push through school funding, wage increase

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an arrest.

On February 8, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted a search warrant in the 3500 block of SW Kerry Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Officers found 45-year-old Chad D. Askins and 39-year-old Sari A. Fields both of Topeka located inside the home. They also located and seized multiple firearms, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were seized. 

Askins, a convicted felon, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to Christian.

The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit, SWAT Team, Crime Scene Unit, Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Rossville Police Department were the members of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force involved with this investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612956879586.png" alt="Askins has previous convictions for drugs for or more for DUI and&nbsp; had been out of prison since June of 2019, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. " />
 <figcaption>Askins has previous convictions for drugs for or more for DUI and&nbsp; had been out of prison since June of 2019, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. </figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an arrest.On February 8, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted a search warrant in the 3500 block of SW Kerry Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Officers found 45-year-old Chad D. Askins and 39-year-old Sari A. Fields both of Topeka located inside the home. They also located and seized multiple firearms, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were seized. Askins, a convicted felon, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to Christian.The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit, SWAT Team, Crime Scene Unit, Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Rossville Police Department were the members of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force involved with this investigation.

Swat team helps seize multiple firearms, arrest Kansas man

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs placed outside linebackers coach Britt Reid on administrative leave while an investigation continues into a crash that injured two children. 

The team has said Reid, who is head coach Andy Reid's son, was involved in a multi-vehicle crash last Thursday that injured two young children near the team’s training complex next to Arrowhead Stadium. 

A 5-year-old girl, identified by the Chiefs as Ariel Young, remained in critical condition on Tuesday. The Chiefs said the team has contacted the girl's family and is offering support and resources to them. Andy Reid said this week that Britt underwent surgery after the crash.&nbsp;

Friends have established a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/5-year-old-ariel-medical-expenses">GoFundMe</a> page to raise funds to pay the medical expenses for Ariel.

Andy Reid said Sunday night that his “heart bleeds” for those injured in the crash involving his son.

The crash occurred&nbsp; two days before the Chiefs were due to leave for the Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida. A vehicle had run out of gas on a highway entrance ramp and another vehicle had parked nearby to assist when the younger Reid’s pickup truck struck the left front of the first car before hitting the rear of the second car.

Britt Reid told police he had “two or three drinks” and had a prescription for Adderall when the accident occurred, according to a search warrant filed late Thursday night.&nbsp;

Britt Reid has been in legal trouble several times.

He was arrested in January 2007 in Pennsylvania a road-rage incident in which he pointed a gun at another driver, and he was sentenced to up to 23 months in jail and five years of probation after pleading guilty to charges of carrying an unlicensed firearm, simple assault, possession of a controlled substance and possession of an instrument of crime.

Seven months later, Reid was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to up to six months in jail.

Reid appeared to get his life on track, beginning his coaching career as an intern for his father with the Eagles in 2009. He spent the next two years as a graduate assistant at Temple, his alma mater, before joining the staff in Kansas City.

After two seasons as a defensive quality control coach, Reid was promoted to assistant defensive line coach. He then spent three seasons as the defensive line coach before shifting to outside linebackers for the past two seasons.

His father refused to say the traffic accident near Arrowhead Stadium last week had anything to do with the outcome of the Super Bowl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612570726901.png" alt="Britt Reid photo courtesy KC Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Britt Reid photo courtesy KC Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs placed outside linebackers coach Britt Reid on administrative leave while an investigation continues into a crash that injured two children. The team has said Reid, who is head coach Andy Reid's son, was involved in a multi-vehicle crash last Thursday that injured two young children near the team’s training complex next to Arrowhead Stadium. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612784011749.png" alt="Ariel Young photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Ariel Young photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>A 5-year-old girl, identified by the Chiefs as Ariel Young, remained in critical condition on Tuesday. The Chiefs said the team has contacted the girl's family and is offering support and resources to them. Andy Reid said this week that Britt underwent surgery after the crash.&nbsp;Friends have established a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/5-year-old-ariel-medical-expenses">GoFundMe</a> page to raise funds to pay the medical expenses for Ariel. Andy Reid said Sunday night that his “heart bleeds” for those injured in the crash involving his son.The crash occurred&nbsp; two days before the Chiefs were due to leave for the Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida. A vehicle had run out of gas on a highway entrance ramp and another vehicle had parked nearby to assist when the younger Reid’s pickup truck struck the left front of the first car before hitting the rear of the second car.Britt Reid told police he had “two or three drinks” and had a prescription for Adderall when the accident occurred, according to a search warrant filed late Thursday night.&nbsp;Britt Reid has been in legal trouble several times.He was arrested in January 2007 in Pennsylvania a road-rage incident in which he pointed a gun at another driver, and he was sentenced to up to 23 months in jail and five years of probation after pleading guilty to charges of carrying an unlicensed firearm, simple assault, possession of a controlled substance and possession of an instrument of crime.Seven months later, Reid was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to up to six months in jail.Reid appeared to get his life on track, beginning his coaching career as an intern for his father with the Eagles in 2009. He spent the next two years as a graduate assistant at Temple, his alma mater, before joining the staff in Kansas City.After two seasons as a defensive quality control coach, Reid was promoted to assistant defensive line coach. He then spent three seasons as the defensive line coach before shifting to outside linebackers for the past two seasons.His father refused to say the traffic accident near Arrowhead Stadium last week had anything to do with the outcome of the Super Bowl.