By STEPHAN BISAHA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/students-kansas-largest-school-districts-return-classrooms-during-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>

Since March, K-12 students at the state’s largest districts have been
 sent home, brought back and then told to leave their classrooms again.

Now,
 many of those students will return to school buildings again this month
 as educators and researchers redefine what it means to hold in-person 
classes safely.

Topeka Public Schools <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/education/2020/12/30/topeka-public-schools-returning-in-person-classes/4094303001/" target="_blank">reopened its doors</a> to all students last week. <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2020/12/15/usd-437-will-tentatively-start-spring-semester-with-some-in-person-learning/43270965/" target="_blank">Auburn-Washburn</a>
 brought students back, with middle and high school students using a 
hybrid model. Shawnee Heights, Olathe and Wichita Public Schools all 
welcomed students back this month.

Pushback from parents, new 
state guidelines and research suggesting schools are not superspreaders 
caused districts to bring kids back. Some teacher unions support the 
return to classrooms.

But community spread remains uncontrolled. 
The vaccine rollout has stumbled. November saw administrators pulled in 
to teach while many regular classroom teachers were stuck in quarantine.
 Teachers still worry what reopening means for their safety.

Concerns
 about student health did not shut classroom doors in November — they 
closed because districts just didn’t have the staff.

In November,
 so many teachers were quarantined that districts did not have enough 
educators to cover all their classes. Administrators were pulled from 
offices and put in classrooms to help fill the need. By the end of the 
month, 16% of the staff at Wichita Public Schools was quarantining.

“We
 were pulling in anyone in a building that we could to cover these 
classes, and they were more monitoring kids rather than teaching,” said 
Kimberly Howard, president of the United Teachers of Wichita.

Wichita
 Public Schools had planned throughout November, despite opposition from
 teachers, to let middle and high school students return for in-person 
classes.

But with so few educators available, the board reversed 
course. Instead of bringing middle and high school students back, the 
district kept them at home and also sent elementary students home as 
well for online learning. Olathe Public Schools sent students home for 
the same reason.

But <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/school-coronavirus-spread/2020/12/29/bbfac9d8-3697-11eb-a997-1f4c53d2a747_story.html" target="_blank">new research</a>
 suggests teachers and students rarely become infected in school 
buildings. Contact tracers found little evidence of infections within 
schools — most teachers became infected in their local communities 
instead.

That caused the Kansas State Department of Education to suggest schools <a href="https://www.ksde.org/Home/Quick-Links/News-Room/kansas-state-board-of-education-december-highlights-board-members-approve-change-to-school-gating-criteria-1" target="_blank">keep elementary students inside the classroom</a>, no matter how bad the local spread of the virus gets.

On
 Monday night, the Wichita school board voted to let elementary students
 return Wednesday. Middle and high school students will come back when 
the new semester starts Jan. 25. Students in any grade can still learn 
remotely if that’s what their parents prefer.

Olathe Public 
Schools said it reopened classrooms because public health indicators 
said it was safe based on the guidelines the board passed in August.

But
 Superintendent John Allison said the district is considering updating 
those guidelines because its own local data showed the same results as 
the national research — little indication of the virus spreading inside 
the schools.

“Schools have not been the superspreaders everyone was concerned about,” Allison said.

An analysis of Wichita public schools by The Wichita Eagle seems to <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/education/article248407765.html" target="_blank">contradict that national research</a>.
 In-person elementary students were three times as likely to have a 
positive coronavirus test result. Wichita Public Schools employees had 
nearly twice as many cases per capita than the community as a whole.

Researchers
 add the caveat that schools still need to keep students and staff 
masked and distanced to keep that spread low. As Olathe and other 
districts bring back middle and high school students, they’re sticking 
with a hybrid model, which includes in-person and remote learning.

Some
 Kansas teachers unions have said they support loosening guidelines 
based on medical experts — so long as those preventive measures still 
happen in the classroom. The Kansas National Education Association said 
in several Kansas school districts, masks still aren’t required for 
students and staff.

The union also wants teachers to have the 
option to stay home. If a teacher lives with someone who’s at risk for 
serious complications from contracting COVID-19, they’re often still 
required to show up when a school reopens.

Olathe Public Schools 
said that’s the same risk taken at any in-person job during the pandemic
 — even less because of the evidence suggesting little school spread. 
But that hasn’t completely assuaged the KNEA’s concerns.

“You 
have a circumstance there where you’re really being asked to roll the 
dice,” said Marcus Baltzell, the director of communications for KNEA.

Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/stevebisaha?lang=en" target="_blank">@SteveBisaha</a> or email him at bisaha@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610471213382.png" alt="Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHAN BISAHA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/students-kansas-largest-school-districts-return-classrooms-during-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>Since March, K-12 students at the state’s largest districts have been
 sent home, brought back and then told to leave their classrooms again.Now,
 many of those students will return to school buildings again this month
 as educators and researchers redefine what it means to hold in-person 
classes safely.Topeka Public Schools <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/education/2020/12/30/topeka-public-schools-returning-in-person-classes/4094303001/" target="_blank">reopened its doors</a> to all students last week. <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2020/12/15/usd-437-will-tentatively-start-spring-semester-with-some-in-person-learning/43270965/" target="_blank">Auburn-Washburn</a>
 brought students back, with middle and high school students using a 
hybrid model. Shawnee Heights, Olathe and Wichita Public Schools all 
welcomed students back this month.Pushback from parents, new 
state guidelines and research suggesting schools are not superspreaders 
caused districts to bring kids back. Some teacher unions support the 
return to classrooms.But community spread remains uncontrolled. 
The vaccine rollout has stumbled. November saw administrators pulled in 
to teach while many regular classroom teachers were stuck in quarantine.
 Teachers still worry what reopening means for their safety.<h2>Back in session</h2>Concerns
 about student health did not shut classroom doors in November — they 
closed because districts just didn’t have the staff.In November,
 so many teachers were quarantined that districts did not have enough 
educators to cover all their classes. Administrators were pulled from 
offices and put in classrooms to help fill the need. By the end of the 
month, 16% of the staff at Wichita Public Schools was quarantining.“We
 were pulling in anyone in a building that we could to cover these 
classes, and they were more monitoring kids rather than teaching,” said 
Kimberly Howard, president of the United Teachers of Wichita.Wichita
 Public Schools had planned throughout November, despite opposition from
 teachers, to let middle and high school students return for in-person 
classes.But with so few educators available, the board reversed 
course. Instead of bringing middle and high school students back, the 
district kept them at home and also sent elementary students home as 
well for online learning. Olathe Public Schools sent students home for 
the same reason.But <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/school-coronavirus-spread/2020/12/29/bbfac9d8-3697-11eb-a997-1f4c53d2a747_story.html" target="_blank">new research</a>
 suggests teachers and students rarely become infected in school 
buildings. Contact tracers found little evidence of infections within 
schools — most teachers became infected in their local communities 
instead.That caused the Kansas State Department of Education to suggest schools <a href="https://www.ksde.org/Home/Quick-Links/News-Room/kansas-state-board-of-education-december-highlights-board-members-approve-change-to-school-gating-criteria-1" target="_blank">keep elementary students inside the classroom</a>, no matter how bad the local spread of the virus gets.On
 Monday night, the Wichita school board voted to let elementary students
 return Wednesday. Middle and high school students will come back when 
the new semester starts Jan. 25. Students in any grade can still learn 
remotely if that’s what their parents prefer.Olathe Public 
Schools said it reopened classrooms because public health indicators 
said it was safe based on the guidelines the board passed in August.But
 Superintendent John Allison said the district is considering updating 
those guidelines because its own local data showed the same results as 
the national research — little indication of the virus spreading inside 
the schools.“Schools have not been the superspreaders everyone was concerned about,” Allison said.An analysis of Wichita public schools by The Wichita Eagle seems to <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/education/article248407765.html" target="_blank">contradict that national research</a>.
 In-person elementary students were three times as likely to have a 
positive coronavirus test result. Wichita Public Schools employees had 
nearly twice as many cases per capita than the community as a whole.<h2>Worried return</h2>Researchers
 add the caveat that schools still need to keep students and staff 
masked and distanced to keep that spread low. As Olathe and other 
districts bring back middle and high school students, they’re sticking 
with a hybrid model, which includes in-person and remote learning.Some
 Kansas teachers unions have said they support loosening guidelines 
based on medical experts — so long as those preventive measures still 
happen in the classroom. The Kansas National Education Association said 
in several Kansas school districts, masks still aren’t required for 
students and staff.The union also wants teachers to have the 
option to stay home. If a teacher lives with someone who’s at risk for 
serious complications from contracting COVID-19, they’re often still 
required to show up when a school reopens.Olathe Public Schools 
said that’s the same risk taken at any in-person job during the pandemic
 — even less because of the evidence suggesting little school spread. 
But that hasn’t completely assuaged the KNEA’s concerns.“You 
have a circumstance there where you’re really being asked to roll the 
dice,” said Marcus Baltzell, the director of communications for KNEA.Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/stevebisaha?lang=en" target="_blank">@SteveBisaha</a> or email him at bisaha@kmuw.org.

Students in Kan. largest districts returning to classrooms

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas House Democrats started the process Tuesday to oust a newly elected lawmaker over multiple issues that include the 20-year-old’s rhetoric on Twitter and allegations of harassing and threatening girls and young women.

A formal compliant filed in the House about State Rep. Aaron Coleman will kick off a bipartisan investigation that will culminate in a recommendation and vote about his future in the Legislature. A two-thirds majority would be necessary to oust Coleman, of Kansas City, Kansas, who was sworn in on Monday.

“He is a danger to women,” said Minority Leader Tom Sawyer in a statement. “His removal is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of legislators and Capitol staff.”

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has said Coleman is unfit to serve in the House.

Coleman, who was elected as a Democrat,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1349019093354086402/photo/1" target="_blank">tweeted&nbsp;</a>Tuesday that he was unaffiliating with the party. He wrote that Democratic leaders in the House have “done everything possible” to deny the people of his district the right to representation in the Legislature.

“I am ready to get to work for the people of Kansas,” he said, adding that he is being stymied. While the censure inquiry is underway, he won’t be assigned to any committees or given an office.

He didn’t immediately respond to a text message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Coleman ran on a progressive platform that included providing universal health coverage, ending college tuition and legalizing marijuana. He won his primary race even after admitting on social media that he had circulated revenge porn as a “sick and troubled” middle school-aged boy.

He faced only write-in candidates in the general election, even as at least two other cases in which he was accused of threatening or abusing girls or young women came to light.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-state-courts-legislature-kansas-city-lawsuits-fa6cd16ccb10518f157e4796522d214b">Last week, he reached a legal agreement&nbsp;</a>with Brandie Armstrong, the campaign manager for the veteran lawmaker Coleman narrowly defeated in the Democratic primary in August. The order ended an anti-stalking court order against him.

Armstrong said in her request for the court order that Coleman repeatedly sent harassing texts and personal messages to her during the campaign, came to her home in June and October and attempted to file “false and bogus” complaints against her landlord to try to get her evicted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610477940395.png" alt="Photo courtesy Rep. Aaron Coleman&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Rep. Aaron Coleman&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas House Democrats started the process Tuesday to oust a newly elected lawmaker over multiple issues that include the 20-year-old’s rhetoric on Twitter and allegations of harassing and threatening girls and young women.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Complaint Filed Against Rep. Aaron Coleman <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/7dAl3xHgpR">pic.twitter.com/7dAl3xHgpR</a>&mdash; Kansas House Dems (@KSHouseDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSHouseDems/status/1349050518979665923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A formal compliant filed in the House about State Rep. Aaron Coleman will kick off a bipartisan investigation that will culminate in a recommendation and vote about his future in the Legislature. A two-thirds majority would be necessary to oust Coleman, of Kansas City, Kansas, who was sworn in on Monday.“He is a danger to women,” said Minority Leader Tom Sawyer in a statement. “His removal is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of legislators and Capitol staff.”Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has said Coleman is unfit to serve in the House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 01-12-2021 Statement from House District 37 Representative Aaron Coleman on Unaffiliating with Democratic Leadership and Registering as an Independent. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UsNotMe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UsNotMe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YangGang?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YangGang</a> <a href="https://t.co/OXFbNxrMVA">pic.twitter.com/OXFbNxrMVA</a>&mdash; Rep. Aaron Coleman 🌹✡️ (@Aaron4KS37) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1349019093354086402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Coleman, who was elected as a Democrat,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1349019093354086402/photo/1" target="_blank">tweeted&nbsp;</a>Tuesday that he was unaffiliating with the party. He wrote that Democratic leaders in the House have “done everything possible” to deny the people of his district the right to representation in the Legislature.“I am ready to get to work for the people of Kansas,” he said, adding that he is being stymied. While the censure inquiry is underway, he won’t be assigned to any committees or given an office.He didn’t immediately respond to a text message from The Associated Press seeking comment.Coleman ran on a progressive platform that included providing universal health coverage, ending college tuition and legalizing marijuana. He won his primary race even after admitting on social media that he had circulated revenge porn as a “sick and troubled” middle school-aged boy.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My seat and view when we are in session! :) <a href="https://t.co/OJ2ucd39Y2">pic.twitter.com/OJ2ucd39Y2</a>&mdash; Rep. Aaron Coleman 🌹✡️ (@Aaron4KS37) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1348749586534424582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He faced only write-in candidates in the general election, even as at least two other cases in which he was accused of threatening or abusing girls or young women came to light.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-state-courts-legislature-kansas-city-lawsuits-fa6cd16ccb10518f157e4796522d214b">Last week, he reached a legal agreement&nbsp;</a>with Brandie Armstrong, the campaign manager for the veteran lawmaker Coleman narrowly defeated in the Democratic primary in August. The order ended an anti-stalking court order against him.Armstrong said in her request for the court order that Coleman repeatedly sent harassing texts and personal messages to her during the campaign, came to her home in June and October and attempted to file “false and bogus” complaints against her landlord to try to get her evicted.

Kan. House Dems move to oust member over issues with women

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects in connection with the burglary of police equipment from an off-duty officer's vehicle in rural Saline County and several other burglaries in the county.

Between 8:30 p.m. Dec. 29 and 3:20 a.m. Dec. 30, someone entered the unlocked personal vehicle of the officer in the unincorporated Saline County Community of Kipp, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan.

The suspect took&nbsp; the officers's badge, ballistic vest, a taser, a body camera, a Kenwood portable radio, a Glock 9mm hand gun, flashlight, 52 rounds of 9mm ammunition, OC spray (pepper spray), an ASP expandable baton,&nbsp; emergency tourniquet belt holder,&nbsp;&nbsp;black duty belt, a black and blue knife, a handcuff pouch and a magazine pouch The total loss was estimated at $5,036, according to Soldan.

On Dec. 31, deputies executed a search warrant in the case at 110 Raleigh Street in Salina, according to Soldan.&nbsp;

As the warrant was being executed, Byron Neef, 23, of Salina, attempted to flee and a magazine believed to be from the Glock stolen in Kipp fell out of his pocket, according to the sheriff. When Neef was stopped, the Glock and part of a magazine for the Glock were located in his vehicle.

During the search of the residence, deputies found the officer's badge, radio and mic, part of the vest carrier, the knife, methamphetamine, and marijuana, according to Soldan.

&nbsp;Deputies also found a victim's wallet from a burglary in the 7200 block of East Farrelly Road and checks from two other burglaries.

A suspect in the case, 25-year-old Jeremy Cullen of Salina, who law enforcement hoped to find during the search was not at the residence, according to Soldan.

On Jan. 3, deputies executed another search warrant at 1844 North Fifth Street in Salina. Investigators found part of the officer's vest carrier, a third magazine for the Glock, the taser holster, and a double magazine ammunition holder.

Deputies also found a rifle reported stolen in a burglary in the 6900 block of Thorstenberg Road.

During the search, deputies arrested 52-year-old Richard Blevins who lives at the North Fifth Street address.

On January. 6, police located Cullen at a Wichita motel and arrested him on multiple active warrants out of Saline County, according to Soldan. Cullen was also booked on requested charges&nbsp;burglary, theft, possession of stolen property,&nbsp;&nbsp;theft of a firearm,&nbsp;distribution of a firearm to a felon, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Attempted unlawful use of a financial card

Salina police arrested Neef on Dec. 31, according to Soldan. He was booked on requested charges that include Possession of a stolen firearm, Possession of stolen property, Felon in possession of a firearm, Possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, Possession of drug paraphernalia, No tax stamp, Unlawful drug proceeds, Interference with a law enforcement officer, Driving while suspended

&nbsp;Blevins was booked on requested of charges of Felon in possession of a firearm, Possession of a stolen firearm, Possession of stolen property, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

SALINE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating the burglary of a vehicle that belonged to a Salina police officer.

Between 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and 3:20 a.m. Wednesday, someone entered the unlocked personal vehicle of a Salina police officer in the unincorporated Saline County Community Kipp, according to Sheriff Roger Solday.

The suspect took a the officers's badge, ballistic vest, a taser, a body camera, a Kenwood portable radio, a Glock 9mm hand gun, flashlight, 52 rounds of 9mm ammunition, OC spray (pepper spray), an ASP expandable baton,&nbsp; emergency tourniquet belt holder,&nbsp;&nbsp;black duty belt, a black and blue knife, a handcuff pouch and a magazine pouch

The total loss was estimated at $5,036, according to Soldan.

"We obviously take the theft of police equipment, to include a department issued handgun, extremely seriously. An Internal Affairs investigation will take place," Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson told Salina Post Wednesday.

Saline County deputies were also busy Wednesday taking two other vehicle burglary reports in Kipp and a third report near there, according to Soldan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609515247267.jpeg" alt="Byron Neef photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Byron Neef photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects in connection with the burglary of police equipment from an off-duty officer's vehicle in rural Saline County and several other burglaries in the county.Between 8:30 p.m. Dec. 29 and 3:20 a.m. Dec. 30, someone entered the unlocked personal vehicle of the officer in the unincorporated Saline County Community of Kipp, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan.The suspect took&nbsp; the officers's badge, ballistic vest, a taser, a body camera, a Kenwood portable radio, a Glock 9mm hand gun, flashlight, 52 rounds of 9mm ammunition, OC spray (pepper spray), an ASP expandable baton,&nbsp; emergency tourniquet belt holder,&nbsp;&nbsp;black duty belt, a black and blue knife, a handcuff pouch and a magazine pouch The total loss was estimated at $5,036, according to Soldan.On Dec. 31, deputies executed a search warrant in the case at 110 Raleigh Street in Salina, according to Soldan.&nbsp;As the warrant was being executed, Byron Neef, 23, of Salina, attempted to flee and a magazine believed to be from the Glock stolen in Kipp fell out of his pocket, according to the sheriff. When Neef was stopped, the Glock and part of a magazine for the Glock were located in his vehicle.During the search of the residence, deputies found the officer's badge, radio and mic, part of the vest carrier, the knife, methamphetamine, and marijuana, according to Soldan.&nbsp;Deputies also found a victim's wallet from a burglary in the 7200 block of East Farrelly Road and checks from two other burglaries.A suspect in the case, 25-year-old Jeremy Cullen of Salina, who law enforcement hoped to find during the search was not at the residence, according to Soldan.On Jan. 3, deputies executed another search warrant at 1844 North Fifth Street in Salina. Investigators found part of the officer's vest carrier, a third magazine for the Glock, the taser holster, and a double magazine ammunition holder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609944154195.jpeg" alt="Blevins photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Blevins photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies also found a rifle reported stolen in a burglary in the 6900 block of Thorstenberg Road.During the search, deputies arrested 52-year-old Richard Blevins who lives at the North Fifth Street address.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610473097101.png" alt="Cullen photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Cullen photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On January. 6, police located Cullen at a Wichita motel and arrested him on multiple active warrants out of Saline County, according to Soldan. Cullen was also booked on requested charges&nbsp;burglary, theft, possession of stolen property,&nbsp;&nbsp;theft of a firearm,&nbsp;distribution of a firearm to a felon, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Attempted unlawful use of a financial cardSalina police arrested Neef on Dec. 31, according to Soldan. He was booked on requested charges that include Possession of a stolen firearm, Possession of stolen property, Felon in possession of a firearm, Possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, Possession of drug paraphernalia, No tax stamp, Unlawful drug proceeds, Interference with a law enforcement officer, Driving while suspended&nbsp;Blevins was booked on requested of charges of Felon in possession of a firearm, Possession of a stolen firearm, Possession of stolen property, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia.--------SALINE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating the burglary of a vehicle that belonged to a Salina police officer.Between 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and 3:20 a.m. Wednesday, someone entered the unlocked personal vehicle of a Salina police officer in the unincorporated Saline County Community Kipp, according to Sheriff Roger Solday.The suspect took a the officers's badge, ballistic vest, a taser, a body camera, a Kenwood portable radio, a Glock 9mm hand gun, flashlight, 52 rounds of 9mm ammunition, OC spray (pepper spray), an ASP expandable baton,&nbsp; emergency tourniquet belt holder,&nbsp;&nbsp;black duty belt, a black and blue knife, a handcuff pouch and a magazine pouchThe total loss was estimated at $5,036, according to Soldan."We obviously take the theft of police equipment, to include a department issued handgun, extremely seriously. An Internal Affairs investigation will take place," Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson told Salina Post Wednesday.Saline County deputies were also busy Wednesday taking two other vehicle burglary reports in Kipp and a third report near there, according to Soldan.

3 jailed for burglary of police equipment from Kan. officer's car

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Laura Kelly plans to try a second time to reorganize Kansas’ social services after the Republican-controlled Legislature blocked the move last year.

Kelly announced Monday that she will issue an order next week creating a single Department of Human Services to administer programs for children, families, the disabled and older Kansas residents. It also would run the state’s hospitals for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled.

The governor’s plan would combine the Department for Children and Families with the Department for Aging and Disability Services.

Kelly said a single department would provide “easier access” to services,” and Laura Howard, who is the head of both department, said it would reduce bureaucracy and allow the state to modernize its programs.

But Republicans have been skeptical that such a merger would have benefits, and under the state constitution, lawmakers can block the reorganization by voting it down in one chamber. The House&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/measures/documents/hr6032_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">did that</a>&nbsp;last year,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/measures/vote_view/je_20200318110212_881666/" target="_blank">largely along party lines.</a>

House health committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, said the groups served by the two agencies are too different for the departments to be merged.

The new, merged department would have a $3.1 billion budget and nearly 5,200 employees.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Laura Kelly plans to try a second time to reorganize Kansas’ social services after the Republican-controlled Legislature blocked the move last year.Kelly announced Monday that she will issue an order next week creating a single Department of Human Services to administer programs for children, families, the disabled and older Kansas residents. It also would run the state’s hospitals for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled.The governor’s plan would combine the Department for Children and Families with the Department for Aging and Disability Services.Kelly said a single department would provide “easier access” to services,” and Laura Howard, who is the head of both department, said it would reduce bureaucracy and allow the state to modernize its programs.But Republicans have been skeptical that such a merger would have benefits, and under the state constitution, lawmakers can block the reorganization by voting it down in one chamber. The House&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/measures/documents/hr6032_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">did that</a>&nbsp;last year,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/measures/vote_view/je_20200318110212_881666/" target="_blank">largely along party lines.</a>House health committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, said the groups served by the two agencies are too different for the departments to be merged.The new, merged department would have a $3.1 billion budget and nearly 5,200 employees.___

Kan. governor to try again to reorganize social services

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is taking no responsibility for his part in fomenting a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol last week, despite his comments encouraging supporters to march on the Capitol and praise for them while they were still carrying out the assault.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507913-1/president-trump-impeachment-causing-tremendous-anger">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the President's comments

Trump says, “People thought that what I said was totally appropriate.”

On impeachment, Trump said it's “a really terrible thing that they're doing." But he said, “We want no violence. Never violence.”

He made the comments Tuesday during his first appearance in public since the Capitol siege, which came as lawmakers were tallying Electoral College votes affirming President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. He was heading to Texas to trumpet his campaign against illegal immigration in an attempt to burnish his legacy with eight days remaining in his term.

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;(AP) — Impeachment ahead, the House on Tuesday will first try to convince the vice president and Cabinet to act even more quickly to remove President Donald Trump from office, warning he is a threat to democracy in the remaining days of his presidency.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507913-1/president-trump-impeachment-causing-tremendous-anger">Click here to watch</a> the President's comments

House lawmakers are reconvening at the Capitol for the first time since the deadly pro-Trump riot to approve a resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to declare the president unable to serve. Pence is not expected to take any such action. The House would next move swiftly to impeach Trump.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507913-1/president-trump-impeachment-causing-tremendous-anger">Trump told reporters</a> at the White House the prospect of impeachment is causing “tremendous anger" in the nation. But he said he wants “no violence.”

The president spoke as he left for Texas to survey the border wall with Mexico. His remarks were his first to reporters since the Capitol attack. He took no questions.

Trump faces a single charge — "incitement of insurrection" — in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7347691-Articles-of-impeachment-against-President-Trump.html">impeachment resolution</a>&nbsp;that the House will begin debating Wednesday, a week before Democrat Joe Biden is set to be inaugurated, Jan. 20.

The unprecedented events, only the first U.S. president to be twice impeached, are unfolding in a nation bracing for more unrest. The FBI has&nbsp;<a>warned ominously of potential armed protests</a>&nbsp;in Washington and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-capitols-security-e9fd42d72e7c0a150fd2dca9347be87d">many states&nbsp;</a>by Trump loyalists ahead of Biden's inauguration. In a dark foreshadowing, the Washington Monument was closed to the public and the inauguration ceremony on the west steps of the Capitol will be off limits to the public.

It all added up to stunning final moments for Trump’s presidency as Democrats and a growing number of Republicans declare he is unfit for office and could do more damage after inciting a mob that violently ransacked the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday.

A Capitol police officer died from injuries suffered in the riot, and police shot a woman during the violence. Three others died in what authorities said were medical emergencies.

“We have to be very tough and very strong right now in defending the Constitution and democracy,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., an author of both pieces of legislation, in an interview.

Late Monday, the entire Congressional Hispanic Caucus, all 34 members, unanimously agreed to support impeachment, calling for Trump's immediate removal.

“It is clear that every moment Trump remains in office, America is at risk,” said a statement from the caucus, led by Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Ca. It said Trump "must be held accountable” for his actions.

Democrats aren't the only ones who say Trump needs to go.

Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., encouraged House GOP colleagues late Monday to “vote your conscience,” according to a person granted anonymity to discuss the private call. She has spoken critically of Trump's actions but has not said publicly how she will vote.

Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania joined GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska over the weekend in calling for Trump to “go away as soon as possible.”

Pence and Trump met late Monday for the first time since the Capitol attack, and had a “good conversation” pledging to continue working for the remainder of their terms, said a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meeting.

Pence has given no indication he would proceed with invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. No member of the Cabinet has publicly called for Trump to be removed from office through the 25th Amendment process.

As security tightened, Biden said Monday he was “not afraid” of taking the oath of office outside at the Capitol.

As for the rioters, Biden said, “It is critically important that there’ll be a real serious focus on holding those folks who engaged in sedition and threatening the lives, defacing public property, caused great damage -- that they be held accountable.”

Biden said he’s had conversations with senators ahead of a possible impeachment trial, which some have worried would cloud the opening days of his administration.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer was exploring ways to immediately convene the Senate for the trial as soon as the House acts, though Republican leader Mitch McConnell would need to agree. The president-elect suggested splitting the Senate's time, perhaps “go a half day on dealing with impeachment, a half day on getting my people nominated and confirmed in the Senate, as well as moving on the package" for more COVID relief.

As Congress resumes, an uneasiness swept government. Another lawmaker, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., announced Tuesday she had tested positive for COVID-19 after sheltering during the siege.

Many lawmakers may choose to vote by proxy rather than come to Washington, a process that was put in place last year to limit the health risks of travel.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy has discouraged GOP lawmakers from using the proxy option. But during a call with them he loosened his strict opposition for this week's votes, according to a Republican granted anonymity to discuss the private call.

Among Trump's closest allies in Congress, McCarthy said in a letter to colleagues that “impeachment at this time would have the opposite effect of bringing our country together.”

He said he would review possible censure of the president. But House Republicans are split and a few may vote to impeach.

Democrats say they have the votes for impeachment. The impeachment bill from Reps. David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Ted Lieu of California, Raskin of Maryland and Jerrold Nadler of New York draws from Trump's own false statements about his election defeat to Biden.

Judges across the country, including some nominated by Trump, have repeatedly dismissed cases challenging the election results, and former Attorney General William Barr, a Trump ally, has said there was no sign of widespread fraud.

The impeachment legislation also details Trump's pressure on state officials in Georgia to “find” him more votes, as well as his White House rally ahead of the Capitol siege, in which he encouraged thousands of supporters last Wednesday to “fight like hell” and march to the building.

The mob overpowered police, broke through security lines and windows and rampaged through the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to scatter as they were finalizing Biden’s victory over Trump in the Electoral College.

While some have questioned impeaching the president so close to the end of his term, Democrats and others argue he must be prevented from holding future public office.

There is precedent for pursuing impeachment after an official leaves office. In 1876, during the Ulysses Grant administration, War Secretary William Belknap was impeached by the House the day he resigned, and the Senate convened a trial months later. He was acquitted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610466880160.png" alt="President Trump spoke to the media Tuesday for the first since the violence at the U.S. Capitol- photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump spoke to the media Tuesday for the first since the violence at the U.S. Capitol- photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is taking no responsibility for his part in fomenting a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol last week, despite his comments encouraging supporters to march on the Capitol and praise for them while they were still carrying out the assault.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507913-1/president-trump-impeachment-causing-tremendous-anger">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the President's commentsTrump says, “People thought that what I said was totally appropriate.”On impeachment, Trump said it's “a really terrible thing that they're doing." But he said, “We want no violence. Never violence.”He made the comments Tuesday during his first appearance in public since the Capitol siege, which came as lawmakers were tallying Electoral College votes affirming President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. He was heading to Texas to trumpet his campaign against illegal immigration in an attempt to burnish his legacy with eight days remaining in his term.---------WASHINGTON —&nbsp;(AP) — Impeachment ahead, the House on Tuesday will first try to convince the vice president and Cabinet to act even more quickly to remove President Donald Trump from office, warning he is a threat to democracy in the remaining days of his presidency.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507913-1/president-trump-impeachment-causing-tremendous-anger">Click here to watch</a> the President's commentsHouse lawmakers are reconvening at the Capitol for the first time since the deadly pro-Trump riot to approve a resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to declare the president unable to serve. Pence is not expected to take any such action. The House would next move swiftly to impeach Trump.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507913-1/president-trump-impeachment-causing-tremendous-anger">Trump told reporters</a> at the White House the prospect of impeachment is causing “tremendous anger" in the nation. But he said he wants “no violence.”The president spoke as he left for Texas to survey the border wall with Mexico. His remarks were his first to reporters since the Capitol attack. He took no questions.On impeachment, Trump said it's “a really terrible thing that they're doing." But he said, “We want no violence. Never violence.”Trump faces a single charge — "incitement of insurrection" — in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7347691-Articles-of-impeachment-against-President-Trump.html">impeachment resolution</a>&nbsp;that the House will begin debating Wednesday, a week before Democrat Joe Biden is set to be inaugurated, Jan. 20.The unprecedented events, only the first U.S. president to be twice impeached, are unfolding in a nation bracing for more unrest. The FBI has&nbsp;<a>warned ominously of potential armed protests</a>&nbsp;in Washington and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-capitols-security-e9fd42d72e7c0a150fd2dca9347be87d">many states&nbsp;</a>by Trump loyalists ahead of Biden's inauguration. In a dark foreshadowing, the Washington Monument was closed to the public and the inauguration ceremony on the west steps of the Capitol will be off limits to the public.It all added up to stunning final moments for Trump’s presidency as Democrats and a growing number of Republicans declare he is unfit for office and could do more damage after inciting a mob that violently ransacked the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday.A Capitol police officer died from injuries suffered in the riot, and police shot a woman during the violence. Three others died in what authorities said were medical emergencies.“We have to be very tough and very strong right now in defending the Constitution and democracy,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., an author of both pieces of legislation, in an interview.Late Monday, the entire Congressional Hispanic Caucus, all 34 members, unanimously agreed to support impeachment, calling for Trump's immediate removal.“It is clear that every moment Trump remains in office, America is at risk,” said a statement from the caucus, led by Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Ca. It said Trump "must be held accountable” for his actions.Democrats aren't the only ones who say Trump needs to go.Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., encouraged House GOP colleagues late Monday to “vote your conscience,” according to a person granted anonymity to discuss the private call. She has spoken critically of Trump's actions but has not said publicly how she will vote.Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania joined GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska over the weekend in calling for Trump to “go away as soon as possible.”Pence and Trump met late Monday for the first time since the Capitol attack, and had a “good conversation” pledging to continue working for the remainder of their terms, said a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meeting.Pence has given no indication he would proceed with invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. No member of the Cabinet has publicly called for Trump to be removed from office through the 25th Amendment process.As security tightened, Biden said Monday he was “not afraid” of taking the oath of office outside at the Capitol.As for the rioters, Biden said, “It is critically important that there’ll be a real serious focus on holding those folks who engaged in sedition and threatening the lives, defacing public property, caused great damage -- that they be held accountable.”Biden said he’s had conversations with senators ahead of a possible impeachment trial, which some have worried would cloud the opening days of his administration.Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer was exploring ways to immediately convene the Senate for the trial as soon as the House acts, though Republican leader Mitch McConnell would need to agree. The president-elect suggested splitting the Senate's time, perhaps “go a half day on dealing with impeachment, a half day on getting my people nominated and confirmed in the Senate, as well as moving on the package" for more COVID relief.As Congress resumes, an uneasiness swept government. Another lawmaker, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., announced Tuesday she had tested positive for COVID-19 after sheltering during the siege.Many lawmakers may choose to vote by proxy rather than come to Washington, a process that was put in place last year to limit the health risks of travel.House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy has discouraged GOP lawmakers from using the proxy option. But during a call with them he loosened his strict opposition for this week's votes, according to a Republican granted anonymity to discuss the private call.Among Trump's closest allies in Congress, McCarthy said in a letter to colleagues that “impeachment at this time would have the opposite effect of bringing our country together.”He said he would review possible censure of the president. But House Republicans are split and a few may vote to impeach.Democrats say they have the votes for impeachment. The impeachment bill from Reps. David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Ted Lieu of California, Raskin of Maryland and Jerrold Nadler of New York draws from Trump's own false statements about his election defeat to Biden.Judges across the country, including some nominated by Trump, have repeatedly dismissed cases challenging the election results, and former Attorney General William Barr, a Trump ally, has said there was no sign of widespread fraud.The impeachment legislation also details Trump's pressure on state officials in Georgia to “find” him more votes, as well as his White House rally ahead of the Capitol siege, in which he encouraged thousands of supporters last Wednesday to “fight like hell” and march to the building.The mob overpowered police, broke through security lines and windows and rampaged through the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to scatter as they were finalizing Biden’s victory over Trump in the Electoral College.While some have questioned impeaching the president so close to the end of his term, Democrats and others argue he must be prevented from holding future public office.There is precedent for pursuing impeachment after an official leaves office. In 1876, during the Ulysses Grant administration, War Secretary William Belknap was impeached by the House the day he resigned, and the Senate convened a trial months later. He was acquitted.

🎥 Pres. Trump takes no responsibility for riot, wants no violence

KANSAS CITY – A Kansas City-area man pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to illegally possessing a firearm following a police chase in a stolen pickup truck.

John D. Seger, 28, Independence, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.

By pleading guilty,&nbsp; Seger admitted that he was in possession of a Phoenix handgun while driving a stolen pickup truck on Jan. 18, 2017. 

Police officers saw Seger run a red light. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but Seger fled from police and stopped only after the vehicle wrecked and became inoperable. 

Seger fled on foot before being apprehended by police. Officers then found the handgun inside the pickup truck.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Seger has a prior felony conviction for voluntary manslaughter, two prior felony convictions for burglary, two prior convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle, and a prior felony conviction for resisting arrest.

Under federal statutes, Seger is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610213490431.png" alt="Seger-photo MODC" />
 <figcaption>Seger-photo MODC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – A Kansas City-area man pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to illegally possessing a firearm following a police chase in a stolen pickup truck.John D. Seger, 28, Independence, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.By pleading guilty,&nbsp; Seger admitted that he was in possession of a Phoenix handgun while driving a stolen pickup truck on Jan. 18, 2017. Police officers saw Seger run a red light. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but Seger fled from police and stopped only after the vehicle wrecked and became inoperable. Seger fled on foot before being apprehended by police. Officers then found the handgun inside the pickup truck.Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Seger has a prior felony conviction for voluntary manslaughter, two prior felony convictions for burglary, two prior convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle, and a prior felony conviction for resisting arrest.Under federal statutes, Seger is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

KC-area man admits to illegal firearm during chase in stolen truck

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Legislators are reviewing Kansas’ distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, though U.S. government data showed Monday that the state’s inoculation rate no longer lagged behind most other states.

Top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature were unhappy with what they considered a rocky vaccination rollout, in part because a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report at the end of December showed Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-f1fea14bf20ca445eeb7f06d7fd765e6">ranking last</a>&nbsp;among states for its inoculation rate. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and officials in her administration said repeatedly that the state’s low ranking was because of slow reporting by vaccine providers.

The House and Senate health committees planned to have separate hearings Tuesday on the state’s vaccine distribution, only a day after the Legislature opened its annual 90-day session. A state Department of Health and Environment official was set to testify at both, and the House planned to hear from representatives of the Kansas Medical Society and a state association representing long-term care homes.

“Why is Kansas so far behind everybody else in getting things up and running?” asked Senate health committee Chair Richard Hilderbrand, a Galena Republican.

<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">The CDC report Monday</a>&nbsp;said about 35% of the 25.4 million doses distributed across the U.S. have been administered. In Kansas, the CDC’s figure is about 40%, with 77,217 vaccines given out of 192,200 doses distributed.

As of Dec. 31, Kansas had the lowest vaccination rate among states. The CDC said Monday that the state is now up to 2,650 shots per 100,000 residents and that 25 states have lower vaccination rates, including Missouri, where the rate is 2,445 per 100,000 residents.

Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department, said that as of last week, about 90,000 vaccinations probably had been given in Kansas. He and Kelly said providers have been concentrating on giving the shots first and reporting the data later. They’ve also said some providers were not fully trained on the system the state uses to provide data to the CDC.

“We need to keep politics out of the pandemic recovery,” said freshman state Sen. Ethan Corson, a Prairie Village Democrat. “It’s fair to have some oversight, but I don’t think that we want to politicize this and try to use this as an opportunity — as a cudgel — against the governor.”

Kansas had an average of 2,312 new confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases and 51 additional deaths a day for the seven days ending Monday, the state health department reported.

The state added 5,180 cases since Friday making its tally 247,502 since the start of the pandemic, or one for every 12 of the state’s 2.9 million residents. It reported another 107 deaths since Friday, making the total 3,255, or one for every 895 residents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609851067615.png" alt="Vaccine delivery in SW Kansas photo courtesy Western Plains Medical Center" />
 <figcaption>Vaccine delivery in SW Kansas photo courtesy Western Plains Medical Center</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Legislators are reviewing Kansas’ distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, though U.S. government data showed Monday that the state’s inoculation rate no longer lagged behind most other states.Top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature were unhappy with what they considered a rocky vaccination rollout, in part because a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report at the end of December showed Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-f1fea14bf20ca445eeb7f06d7fd765e6">ranking last</a>&nbsp;among states for its inoculation rate. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and officials in her administration said repeatedly that the state’s low ranking was because of slow reporting by vaccine providers.The House and Senate health committees planned to have separate hearings Tuesday on the state’s vaccine distribution, only a day after the Legislature opened its annual 90-day session. A state Department of Health and Environment official was set to testify at both, and the House planned to hear from representatives of the Kansas Medical Society and a state association representing long-term care homes.“Why is Kansas so far behind everybody else in getting things up and running?” asked Senate health committee Chair Richard Hilderbrand, a Galena Republican.<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">The CDC report Monday</a>&nbsp;said about 35% of the 25.4 million doses distributed across the U.S. have been administered. In Kansas, the CDC’s figure is about 40%, with 77,217 vaccines given out of 192,200 doses distributed.As of Dec. 31, Kansas had the lowest vaccination rate among states. The CDC said Monday that the state is now up to 2,650 shots per 100,000 residents and that 25 states have lower vaccination rates, including Missouri, where the rate is 2,445 per 100,000 residents.Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department, said that as of last week, about 90,000 vaccinations probably had been given in Kansas. He and Kelly said providers have been concentrating on giving the shots first and reporting the data later. They’ve also said some providers were not fully trained on the system the state uses to provide data to the CDC.“We need to keep politics out of the pandemic recovery,” said freshman state Sen. Ethan Corson, a Prairie Village Democrat. “It’s fair to have some oversight, but I don’t think that we want to politicize this and try to use this as an opportunity — as a cudgel — against the governor.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610389824432.png" alt="Monday Jan. 11, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday Jan. 11, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas had an average of 2,312 new confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases and 51 additional deaths a day for the seven days ending Monday, the state health department reported.The state added 5,180 cases since Friday making its tally 247,502 since the start of the pandemic, or one for every 12 of the state’s 2.9 million residents. It reported another 107 deaths since Friday, making the total 3,255, or one for every 895 residents.

Kansas lawmakers review state’s lagging vaccine distribution

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators opened their annual session Monday with new leaders in the Senate, new lawmakers in a quarter of the seats and a top Republican acknowledging that he’s asked for extra security.

The 90-day session began amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in one confirmed or probable case for one in every 12 of the state’s 2.9 million residents and killed 3,255 over the past 10 months. But the GOP-controlled Legislature also started its work for the year under the shadow of last week’s mob violence in Washington in which extremist supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol to prevent Congress from certifying his election loss.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/575a4070cbef5441d61fb7e4a497f9b7">The FBI warned</a>&nbsp;Monday of potential armed protests in Washington and many states by Trump loyalists ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, Jan. 20. Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, said he has asked for extra security from the Kansas Highway Patrol, which oversees the Kansas Capitol Police.

“We’re hopeful that things, people, remain calm and the democratic process can continue,” Ryckman said.

While the pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington in a failed insurrection that left five people dead,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-kansas-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-1d62ac6c2ee8ea226b8fbbc1cdd20939">about 200 Trump supporters rallied&nbsp;</a>at the Kansas Statehouse. But their event Wednesday in Topeka was peaceful, and when they entered the Statehouse afterward, they came through its security checkpoint. No damage or arrests were reported.

Several legislators said they have confidence in the Capitol Police’s ability to prevent a serious incident at the Statehouse. The Highway Patrol is under the control of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

“Our office is aware of the heightened risks being reported, and we are taking all threats seriously,” said Kelly spokesperson Lauren Fitzgerald.

The Legislature’s business Monday included ratifying Republican lawmakers’ selection of the House speaker and speaker pro tem and the Senate president and vice president. Because those positions are mentioned in the Kansas Constitution, the full chamber must vote on them, but by tradition, approval of the majority party’s choice is a formality.

The new Senate president and majority leader are Wichita-area Republicans Ty Masterson and Gene Suellentrop. They replace GOP leaders who did not seek re-election last year.

The new minority leader is Lenexa Democrat Dinah Sykes. She replaces the longest-serving legislator in state history, former Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, a Topeka Democrat who unexpectedly lost his seat last year.

Twenty-eight of the House’s 125 members are new. Fourteen of 40 senators are new, though seven previously served in the House.

But the House’s top leaders all returned from last year. Ryckman became the first speaker in history elected to a third consecutive two-year term.

This year’s 90-day session will be marked by COVID-19 precautions. About half of the House’s 165 members will be seated in its galleries to allow for social distancing, while senators will take over space on the floor of their chamber normally reserved for visitors and reporters.

The Legislature spent $3 million to upgrade its technology for live video and audio streaming of its meetings and so that people could participate remotely.

“We have an added duty this session, a duty to keep each other safe,” Ryckman told his colleagues.

In the Senate, most GOP members were seen without masks throughout the chamber’s session. Democratic senators wore masks throughout.

Masterson didn’t wear a mask during the session, nor did his family seated at the front of the chamber. As a family, he said later, they didn’t need to be socially distanced from each other under federal health guidelines, and he remained 6 feet from others.

The new Senate president had COVID-19 in the fall, one of at least seven lawmakers who were infected, also including Ryckman.

“(To) those who are no longer with us, to those in our very chamber today who have recently lost someone close to them, please know we are thinking about you and praying for you,” Masterson said in a speech to fellow senators.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610403793215.png" alt="Kansas lawmakers at work on Monday afternoon." />
 <figcaption>Kansas lawmakers at work on Monday afternoon.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators opened their annual session Monday with new leaders in the Senate, new lawmakers in a quarter of the seats and a top Republican acknowledging that he’s asked for extra security.The 90-day session began amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in one confirmed or probable case for one in every 12 of the state’s 2.9 million residents and killed 3,255 over the past 10 months. But the GOP-controlled Legislature also started its work for the year under the shadow of last week’s mob violence in Washington in which extremist supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol to prevent Congress from certifying his election loss.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/575a4070cbef5441d61fb7e4a497f9b7">The FBI warned</a>&nbsp;Monday of potential armed protests in Washington and many states by Trump loyalists ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, Jan. 20. Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, said he has asked for extra security from the Kansas Highway Patrol, which oversees the Kansas Capitol Police.“We’re hopeful that things, people, remain calm and the democratic process can continue,” Ryckman said.While the pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington in a failed insurrection that left five people dead,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-kansas-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-1d62ac6c2ee8ea226b8fbbc1cdd20939">about 200 Trump supporters rallied&nbsp;</a>at the Kansas Statehouse. But their event Wednesday in Topeka was peaceful, and when they entered the Statehouse afterward, they came through its security checkpoint. No damage or arrests were reported.Several legislators said they have confidence in the Capitol Police’s ability to prevent a serious incident at the Statehouse. The Highway Patrol is under the control of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.“Our office is aware of the heightened risks being reported, and we are taking all threats seriously,” said Kelly spokesperson Lauren Fitzgerald.The Legislature’s business Monday included ratifying Republican lawmakers’ selection of the House speaker and speaker pro tem and the Senate president and vice president. Because those positions are mentioned in the Kansas Constitution, the full chamber must vote on them, but by tradition, approval of the majority party’s choice is a formality.The new Senate president and majority leader are Wichita-area Republicans Ty Masterson and Gene Suellentrop. They replace GOP leaders who did not seek re-election last year.The new minority leader is Lenexa Democrat Dinah Sykes. She replaces the longest-serving legislator in state history, former Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, a Topeka Democrat who unexpectedly lost his seat last year.Twenty-eight of the House’s 125 members are new. Fourteen of 40 senators are new, though seven previously served in the House.But the House’s top leaders all returned from last year. Ryckman became the first speaker in history elected to a third consecutive two-year term.This year’s 90-day session will be marked by COVID-19 precautions. About half of the House’s 165 members will be seated in its galleries to allow for social distancing, while senators will take over space on the floor of their chamber normally reserved for visitors and reporters.The Legislature spent $3 million to upgrade its technology for live video and audio streaming of its meetings and so that people could participate remotely.“We have an added duty this session, a duty to keep each other safe,” Ryckman told his colleagues.In the Senate, most GOP members were seen without masks throughout the chamber’s session. Democratic senators wore masks throughout.Masterson didn’t wear a mask during the session, nor did his family seated at the front of the chamber. As a family, he said later, they didn’t need to be socially distanced from each other under federal health guidelines, and he remained 6 feet from others.The new Senate president had COVID-19 in the fall, one of at least seven lawmakers who were infected, also including Ryckman.“(To) those who are no longer with us, to those in our very chamber today who have recently lost someone close to them, please know we are thinking about you and praying for you,” Masterson said in a speech to fellow senators.____

Kan. lawmakers open session clouded by COVID, DC violence

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an exchange of gunfire and continue to ask the community’s assistance locating a suspect..

On Friday, January 8, 2021, shortly before 8:30 p.m., deputies responded to the area of NW Beecher Road and NW Netherland Drive on a report of gunfire exchanged between two individuals, according to deputy Abigail Christian.

When deputies arrived, it was reported that 27-year-old&nbsp; Zachery R. Nelson arrived at a private residence and after a brief argument, fired multiple rounds at another individual. 

The victim also returned gunfire. At this time, no injuries have been reported.

Information was received that Nelson was possibly located at a residence in the 3700 block of SW 12th Street, in Topeka. Deputies attempted to locate Nelson at the residence but didn't find him.

Nelson is described as a white male, 5-feet-11 inches tall, 165 pounds, with blonde hair and green eyes. He was last seen driving a dark blue 2011 GMC Canyon pickup truck.

Authorities asked citizens to not approach Nelson, but call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610223630844.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation WIBW" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation WIBW</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an exchange of gunfire and continue to ask the community’s assistance locating a suspect..On Friday, January 8, 2021, shortly before 8:30 p.m., deputies responded to the area of NW Beecher Road and NW Netherland Drive on a report of gunfire exchanged between two individuals, according to deputy Abigail Christian.When deputies arrived, it was reported that 27-year-old&nbsp; Zachery R. Nelson arrived at a private residence and after a brief argument, fired multiple rounds at another individual. The victim also returned gunfire. At this time, no injuries have been reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610223695886.png" alt="Nelson has a previous burglary conviction. This photo from 2013, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Nelson has a previous burglary conviction. This photo from 2013, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>Information was received that Nelson was possibly located at a residence in the 3700 block of SW 12th Street, in Topeka. Deputies attempted to locate Nelson at the residence but didn't find him.Nelson is described as a white male, 5-feet-11 inches tall, 165 pounds, with blonde hair and green eyes. He was last seen driving a dark blue 2011 GMC Canyon pickup truck.Authorities asked citizens to not approach Nelson, but call 911.

Sheriff: Search continues for Kan. gunfight suspect

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

GREAT BEND — USD 428 
continues to discuss the potential for creating a small virtual school 
option for Great Bend stendents grades 6-12 for families who may want to
 continue that option for the 2021-2022 school year.&nbsp;

Director of 
Teaching and Learning Tricia Reiser has been working with the Virtual 
Learning Committee to see if a virtual school option for next fall is a 
viable one. Reiser says while the number of remote students continues to
 go down in the elementary, middle, and high schools, the numbers are 
still showing that continued research is necessary.&nbsp;

"I think that
 is a sign that parents are becoming more comfortable with the way we 
operate in school. I think parents are also realizing that virtual 
school or Great Bend Remote is not easy. But, the numbers still say that
 there is a need for it," explained Reiser.&nbsp;

USD 428&nbsp; Board Member
 Deanna Essmiller explained she's been doing some research on virtual 
learning and schools and there isn't any clear-cut data on either side.&nbsp;

"I
 have concerns about the unknown. Is virtual what works best for kids or
 is it not? We are also getting information that the screen time with 
the remote learning for school is high and then they are always on their
 screens outside of school. There is also the lack of social interaction
 and what we are finding out right now is that kids need social 
interaction," says Essmiller.&nbsp;

Reiser echoed Essmiller's thoughts, saying that the high school administration has the same concerns.&nbsp;

"The
 beauty of the virtual program, as opposed to Great Bend Remote, is that
 we can put our own parameters in. If they aren't making progress, then 
let's cancel them back in. Are they having social or emotional issues? 
Then let's cancel them back in. I think we can really put some check and
 balances in there to make sure that we've got the best place for them."

Assistant
 Superintendent John Popp said that every year the school receives phone
 calls asking what the virtual options are and that they had to tell 
everyone that there were none. The school's belief is that the best 
place for the child was in school. He said there are parents who have 
absolutely no interest in sending their child to a school building. The 
only thing they could do at that point was to refer them to another 
virtual online school.&nbsp;

Popp says the need will continue to be there.&nbsp;

"There's
 just a certain percentage of the population that has decided that they 
will be virtual. For health reasons or because the traditional brick and
 mortar school does not work for their student. The teachers and 
administration believe that kids being in the classroom with the teacher
 is the best way for the student to learn. But, if they're set on not 
coming into the classroom, then we want to have another option for 
them," explained Popp.&nbsp;

The virtual school option is just at the 
application stage and Popp said that if there are too many hurdles to 
jump through as they learn more about creating a virtual school for 
district students in grades 6-12, the process can simply be stopped.&nbsp;

The school board voted to continue in the process to move forward with the virtual school application process.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594999694209.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By AMY RICKER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — USD 428 
continues to discuss the potential for creating a small virtual school 
option for Great Bend stendents grades 6-12 for families who may want to
 continue that option for the 2021-2022 school year.&nbsp;Director of 
Teaching and Learning Tricia Reiser has been working with the Virtual 
Learning Committee to see if a virtual school option for next fall is a 
viable one. Reiser says while the number of remote students continues to
 go down in the elementary, middle, and high schools, the numbers are 
still showing that continued research is necessary.&nbsp;"I think that
 is a sign that parents are becoming more comfortable with the way we 
operate in school. I think parents are also realizing that virtual 
school or Great Bend Remote is not easy. But, the numbers still say that
 there is a need for it," explained Reiser.&nbsp;USD 428&nbsp; Board Member
 Deanna Essmiller explained she's been doing some research on virtual 
learning and schools and there isn't any clear-cut data on either side.&nbsp;"I
 have concerns about the unknown. Is virtual what works best for kids or
 is it not? We are also getting information that the screen time with 
the remote learning for school is high and then they are always on their
 screens outside of school. There is also the lack of social interaction
 and what we are finding out right now is that kids need social 
interaction," says Essmiller.&nbsp;Reiser echoed Essmiller's thoughts, saying that the high school administration has the same concerns.&nbsp;"The
 beauty of the virtual program, as opposed to Great Bend Remote, is that
 we can put our own parameters in. If they aren't making progress, then 
let's cancel them back in. Are they having social or emotional issues? 
Then let's cancel them back in. I think we can really put some check and
 balances in there to make sure that we've got the best place for them."Assistant
 Superintendent John Popp said that every year the school receives phone
 calls asking what the virtual options are and that they had to tell 
everyone that there were none. The school's belief is that the best 
place for the child was in school. He said there are parents who have 
absolutely no interest in sending their child to a school building. The 
only thing they could do at that point was to refer them to another 
virtual online school.&nbsp;Popp says the need will continue to be there.&nbsp;"There's
 just a certain percentage of the population that has decided that they 
will be virtual. For health reasons or because the traditional brick and
 mortar school does not work for their student. The teachers and 
administration believe that kids being in the classroom with the teacher
 is the best way for the student to learn. But, if they're set on not 
coming into the classroom, then we want to have another option for 
them," explained Popp.&nbsp;The virtual school option is just at the 
application stage and Popp said that if there are too many hurdles to 
jump through as they learn more about creating a virtual school for 
district students in grades 6-12, the process can simply be stopped.&nbsp;The school board voted to continue in the process to move forward with the virtual school application process.&nbsp;

Great Bend schools explore virtual school option for 2021-22

Keely Connolly thought she would be safe once the ambulance arrived at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center in Kansas.

She
 was having difficulty breathing because she’d had to miss a kidney 
dialysis treatment a few days earlier for lack of child care. Her 
potassium was dangerously high, putting her at risk of a heart attack. 
But she trusted she would be fine once she was admitted and dialysis was
 begun.

She panicked when a nurse told her that no beds were 
available and that she would have to be transferred — possibly more than
 450 miles away to Denver. She had heard a rumor about a dialysis 
patient who died waiting for a bed at a hospital in Wichita, about an 
hour down the road.

“‘I don’t want to die in the ER,’” Connolly, 
32, recalled thinking. “I just wanted them to fix me, but then the woman
 came in and said, ‘There are no beds.’ I got really scared and I didn’t
 know if they had time to get me anywhere else.”

When a bed was 
finally located 65 miles away in Salina, Connolly, who has kidney 
failure, was relieved but worried: How long would she be gone? Who would
 care for her young daughter? How would she get home? What would it all 
cost?

Connolly was caught in a situation experts have warned about
 since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic: Covid-19 patients are 
overwhelming hospitals, squeezing space and staff needed to treat 
emergencies like Connolly’s.

While it has happened in pockets 
throughout the country since the spring, the pressure on hospitals is 
widespread now — reaching into both urban and rural communities at an 
alarming pace, even as local officials and citizens continue to <a href="https://khn.org/news/article/pandemic-backlash-jeopardizes-public-health-powers-leaders/" target="_blank">slam public health departments and pandemic guidelines</a>. Traveling nurses are hard to come by as their services are in high demand nationwide and <a href="https://khn.org/news/highly-paid-traveling-nurses-fill-staffing-shortages-during-covid-pandemic/" target="_blank">their pay has escalated beyond the reach of some smaller hospitals</a>.

“This
 is the first time since I have been here that we’ve had a scenario 
where multiple hospitals, for longer periods of time, are experiencing 
some kind of shortages,” said <a href="https://www.kha-net.org/AboutKHA/KHAStaffListing/KHAStaff/" target="_blank">Cindy Samuelson</a>, a senior vice president of the Kansas Hospital Association.

And
 it got worse after Connolly’s emergency in mid-November. The 14-day 
rolling average positive test rate in Reno County, where Hutchinson is 
the county seat, reached 46% on Dec. 22, though it has since come down 
to 24% as of Jan. 4, said D.J. Gering, data analyst for the <a href="https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19" target="_blank">Reno County Health Department</a>. The results did not include inmates from the Hutchinson Correctional Center, the local state prison.

By
 Oct. 1, four covid deaths had been recorded in the county of about 
62,000. By Jan. 4, the death toll since the pandemic began had jumped to
 105. For comparison, Gering said, Reno County had 19 deaths attributed 
to pneumonia and influenza combined in all of 2019.

Hospitalizations
 at the 190-licensed-bed Hutchinson Regional Medical Center increased 
800% from mid-October to mid-December then started to temper at the end 
of the month, said <a href="http://www.hutchregional.com/about-us/hrhs-administration" target="_blank">Chuck Welch</a>, vice president of Hutchinson Regional Medical System.

“I
 hate to be overly optimistic until we are well past the possible 
holiday surge from Christmas and New Year’s,” he said in an email.

Operating
 between 90% and 95% capacity, the hospital is providing care to 
patients with a multitude of needs and still has room to expand. The 
problem, Welch said, has been staffing.

<a href="https://khn.org/news/highly-paid-traveling-nurses-fill-staffing-shortages-during-covid-pandemic/" target="_blank">Competing for traveling nurses and specialists</a>
 against larger hospitals to backfill positions open from sick or 
quarantining staffers has been challenging. When the hospital has been 
faced with increasing numbers of covid patients seeking emergency care, 
handling “normal” emergencies like Connolly’s has been much more 
difficult, Welch said.

While staffers work to transfer patients as
 close to home as possible, with so many hospitals in Kansas beyond 
capacity, it has become more common than before to transfer as far away 
as Colorado and Nebraska. Such transfers require medical flights, which 
are typically not covered by insurance and can cost patients upward of 
$50,000, Welch said.

“It is collateral damage,” he said. “It is 
something that has sort of been lost out of the narrative of these folks
 where everybody is relieved when we find them a bed. Everybody forgets 
about the downstream impact of the cost of those transports.”

Connolly
 recovered after three days in the Salina hospital. But the question 
still looms about the costs for her emergency care. Connolly had left 
her job as a corrections officer at the prison in September because 
coronavirus cases began to spike inside. Without her employer-sponsored 
health insurance, Connolly now relies on Medicaid and Medicare Part A, 
which means she is responsible for more out-of-pocket costs for things 
like pharmaceuticals and ambulance services.

Connolly worries so 
much about her finances that she’s been too scared to look at her recent
 ambulance bills. Being a single parent, living with kidney failure and 
undergoing dialysis during a pandemic are her primary concerns.

As with many underlying conditions, covid-19 appears to pose an extra
 risk for people with kidney failure and patients undergoing dialysis, 
said Dr. <a href="https://www.asn-online.org/about/bio.aspx?ID=42512" target="_blank">Alan Kliger</a>, a nephrologist at Yale University and co-chair of the American Society of Nephrology’s COVID-19 Response Team.

Data
 from New York and Europe early in the pandemic showed that about 1 in 5
 dialysis patients who acquired covid died, he said. However, the 
complication and mortality rates have fallen in recent months, according
 to unpublished survey data from members of the nephrology society, 
Kliger said.

For 
Connolly, the pandemic has also complicated her three-times-a-week 
3½-hour dialysis schedule. For example, when her daughter’s kindergarten
 class was told to quarantine for 14 days after an in-class exposure to 
the virus, she had to scramble to find babysitters so she could attend 
dialysis.

“I don’t want too many people to watch her because of 
covid,” Connolly said of her daughter, adding that she is lucky the 
girl’s father is supportive. But he can’t always step in, which means if
 Connolly can’t find a sitter, she may have to skip or reschedule 
dialysis.

Connolly wants to get another job. But living in a 
county where so many refuse to wear masks and some elected leaders 
accuse the health department of providing false information about covid 
testing rates and statistics makes her afraid to be in public more than 
necessary.

“I want to work,” she said. “I had a good job. I served
 my community. The reality of knowing how bad it is at the hospital — I 
have seen it firsthand. And now I am out and seeing people without masks
 and I am thinking, ‘If I get this and I have to go back, I may not 
leave the hospital next time.’”

The reality, said Kliger, Welch 
and others, is that while the virus runs rampant, hospitals will 
struggle to keep up, which potentially endangers medical staffers and 
anyone needing hospital care — and the virus will continue to spread as 
long as people refuse to wear masks and disregard scientifically sound 
guidelines.

Connolly said she would love to see more empathy for 
people who have underlying health concerns like her from those resisting
 safety measures such as masks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610389428307.png" alt="After missing a dialysis appointment, Keely Connolly needed emergency care at a Hutchinson, Kansas, hospital. But all beds were filled, so she was transferred to Salina — 65 miles away from her home and young daughter. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>After missing a dialysis appointment, Keely Connolly needed emergency care at a Hutchinson, Kansas, hospital. But all beds were filled, so she was transferred to Salina — 65 miles away from her home and young daughter. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kaiser Health NewsKeely Connolly thought she would be safe once the ambulance arrived at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center in Kansas.She
 was having difficulty breathing because she’d had to miss a kidney 
dialysis treatment a few days earlier for lack of child care. Her 
potassium was dangerously high, putting her at risk of a heart attack. 
But she trusted she would be fine once she was admitted and dialysis was
 begun.She panicked when a nurse told her that no beds were 
available and that she would have to be transferred — possibly more than
 450 miles away to Denver. She had heard a rumor about a dialysis 
patient who died waiting for a bed at a hospital in Wichita, about an 
hour down the road.“‘I don’t want to die in the ER,’” Connolly, 
32, recalled thinking. “I just wanted them to fix me, but then the woman
 came in and said, ‘There are no beds.’ I got really scared and I didn’t
 know if they had time to get me anywhere else.”When a bed was 
finally located 65 miles away in Salina, Connolly, who has kidney 
failure, was relieved but worried: How long would she be gone? Who would
 care for her young daughter? How would she get home? What would it all 
cost?Connolly was caught in a situation experts have warned about
 since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic: Covid-19 patients are 
overwhelming hospitals, squeezing space and staff needed to treat 
emergencies like Connolly’s.While it has happened in pockets 
throughout the country since the spring, the pressure on hospitals is 
widespread now — reaching into both urban and rural communities at an 
alarming pace, even as local officials and citizens continue to <a href="https://khn.org/news/article/pandemic-backlash-jeopardizes-public-health-powers-leaders/" target="_blank">slam public health departments and pandemic guidelines</a>. Traveling nurses are hard to come by as their services are in high demand nationwide and <a href="https://khn.org/news/highly-paid-traveling-nurses-fill-staffing-shortages-during-covid-pandemic/" target="_blank">their pay has escalated beyond the reach of some smaller hospitals</a>.“This
 is the first time since I have been here that we’ve had a scenario 
where multiple hospitals, for longer periods of time, are experiencing 
some kind of shortages,” said <a href="https://www.kha-net.org/AboutKHA/KHAStaffListing/KHAStaff/" target="_blank">Cindy Samuelson</a>, a senior vice president of the Kansas Hospital Association.And
 it got worse after Connolly’s emergency in mid-November. The 14-day 
rolling average positive test rate in Reno County, where Hutchinson is 
the county seat, reached 46% on Dec. 22, though it has since come down 
to 24% as of Jan. 4, said D.J. Gering, data analyst for the <a href="https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19" target="_blank">Reno County Health Department</a>. The results did not include inmates from the Hutchinson Correctional Center, the local state prison.By
 Oct. 1, four covid deaths had been recorded in the county of about 
62,000. By Jan. 4, the death toll since the pandemic began had jumped to
 105. For comparison, Gering said, Reno County had 19 deaths attributed 
to pneumonia and influenza combined in all of 2019.Hospitalizations
 at the 190-licensed-bed Hutchinson Regional Medical Center increased 
800% from mid-October to mid-December then started to temper at the end 
of the month, said <a href="http://www.hutchregional.com/about-us/hrhs-administration" target="_blank">Chuck Welch</a>, vice president of Hutchinson Regional Medical System.“I
 hate to be overly optimistic until we are well past the possible 
holiday surge from Christmas and New Year’s,” he said in an email.Operating
 between 90% and 95% capacity, the hospital is providing care to 
patients with a multitude of needs and still has room to expand. The 
problem, Welch said, has been staffing.<a href="https://khn.org/news/highly-paid-traveling-nurses-fill-staffing-shortages-during-covid-pandemic/" target="_blank">Competing for traveling nurses and specialists</a>
 against larger hospitals to backfill positions open from sick or 
quarantining staffers has been challenging. When the hospital has been 
faced with increasing numbers of covid patients seeking emergency care, 
handling “normal” emergencies like Connolly’s has been much more 
difficult, Welch said.While staffers work to transfer patients as
 close to home as possible, with so many hospitals in Kansas beyond 
capacity, it has become more common than before to transfer as far away 
as Colorado and Nebraska. Such transfers require medical flights, which 
are typically not covered by insurance and can cost patients upward of 
$50,000, Welch said.“It is collateral damage,” he said. “It is 
something that has sort of been lost out of the narrative of these folks
 where everybody is relieved when we find them a bed. Everybody forgets 
about the downstream impact of the cost of those transports.”Connolly
 recovered after three days in the Salina hospital. But the question 
still looms about the costs for her emergency care. Connolly had left 
her job as a corrections officer at the prison in September because 
coronavirus cases began to spike inside. Without her employer-sponsored 
health insurance, Connolly now relies on Medicaid and Medicare Part A, 
which means she is responsible for more out-of-pocket costs for things 
like pharmaceuticals and ambulance services.Connolly worries so 
much about her finances that she’s been too scared to look at her recent
 ambulance bills. Being a single parent, living with kidney failure and 
undergoing dialysis during a pandemic are her primary concerns.As with many underlying conditions, covid-19 appears to pose an extra
 risk for people with kidney failure and patients undergoing dialysis, 
said Dr. <a href="https://www.asn-online.org/about/bio.aspx?ID=42512" target="_blank">Alan Kliger</a>, a nephrologist at Yale University and co-chair of the American Society of Nephrology’s COVID-19 Response Team.Data
 from New York and Europe early in the pandemic showed that about 1 in 5
 dialysis patients who acquired covid died, he said. However, the 
complication and mortality rates have fallen in recent months, according
 to unpublished survey data from members of the nephrology society, 
Kliger said.“It’s still a high risk,” he said.For 
Connolly, the pandemic has also complicated her three-times-a-week 
3½-hour dialysis schedule. For example, when her daughter’s kindergarten
 class was told to quarantine for 14 days after an in-class exposure to 
the virus, she had to scramble to find babysitters so she could attend 
dialysis.“I don’t want too many people to watch her because of 
covid,” Connolly said of her daughter, adding that she is lucky the 
girl’s father is supportive. But he can’t always step in, which means if
 Connolly can’t find a sitter, she may have to skip or reschedule 
dialysis.Connolly wants to get another job. But living in a 
county where so many refuse to wear masks and some elected leaders 
accuse the health department of providing false information about covid 
testing rates and statistics makes her afraid to be in public more than 
necessary.“I want to work,” she said. “I had a good job. I served
 my community. The reality of knowing how bad it is at the hospital — I 
have seen it firsthand. And now I am out and seeing people without masks
 and I am thinking, ‘If I get this and I have to go back, I may not 
leave the hospital next time.’”The reality, said Kliger, Welch 
and others, is that while the virus runs rampant, hospitals will 
struggle to keep up, which potentially endangers medical staffers and 
anyone needing hospital care — and the virus will continue to spread as 
long as people refuse to wear masks and disregard scientifically sound 
guidelines.Connolly said she would love to see more empathy for 
people who have underlying health concerns like her from those resisting
 safety measures such as masks.“Even if they think that it 
doesn’t work, what if it does? What if it could? I don’t really 
understand how wearing a mask is going to take so much out of your day, 
compared to someone who is immunocompromised and gets sick,” said 
Connolly. “Or you lose your grandma, or your parent. That’s going to 
affect your life a lot longer than wearing a mask for a little while.”