WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita set a record for homicides last year with 59, eclipsing the city’s 1993 record of 57 homicides.

Wichita joined a number of cities nationwide in setting records for homicides and violent crime during 2020.

Police Chief Gordon Ramsay has said that stressed related to the coronavirus pandemic may have been factors in the increase in homicides last year. Those include record high unemployment, closed schools and businesses, increasing domestic violence and the halting of court proceedings.

Throughout the year, Wichita recorded a homicide roughly once every 6 days on average. Police reported that investigations into 37 of the 52 criminal homicides during the year were closed, which is about a 71% clearance rate. Seven of the homicides were labeled either justified, accidental or police shootings.

Thirty-two was the average age of the victims, and 11 of the 59 people killed were female. The youngest victim was a 2-month-old boy allegedly killed by his father. and the oldest victim was a 68-year-old man who was allegedly killed by his brother.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita set a record for homicides last year with 59, eclipsing the city’s 1993 record of 57 homicides.Wichita joined a number of cities nationwide in setting records for homicides and violent crime during 2020.Police Chief Gordon Ramsay has said that stressed related to the coronavirus pandemic may have been factors in the increase in homicides last year. Those include record high unemployment, closed schools and businesses, increasing domestic violence and the halting of court proceedings.Throughout the year, Wichita recorded a homicide roughly once every 6 days on average. Police reported that investigations into 37 of the 52 criminal homicides during the year were closed, which is about a 71% clearance rate. Seven of the homicides were labeled either justified, accidental or police shootings.Thirty-two was the average age of the victims, and 11 of the 59 people killed were female. The youngest victim was a 2-month-old boy allegedly killed by his father. and the oldest victim was a 68-year-old man who was allegedly killed by his brother.

Wichita sets record for homicides in 2020 with 59

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature is set to convene its annual session Monday with GOP leaders seeking to wrest control of policy from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly amid their ongoing disputes over how to handle the COVID-19 pandemic.

The session’s 90 days will come amid early and mostly behind-the-scenes political jockeying for the 2022 governor’s race, with Republicans already testing campaign themes for their push to oust Kelly. Republican leaders believe they have a mandate to govern after voters preserved the party’s legislative supermajorities and elected more conservatives in last year’s elections.

“The voters of Kansas, last primary and general, were heard, and the Senate is decidedly more conservative,” said incoming Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop of Wichita, adding that the House also had moved to the right.

Top Republicans have outlined priorities that include cutting income taxes and limiting local government taxing power, both moves that Kelly has previously vetoed.

They also want to make relatively quick work of putting a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution opposed by Kelly on the ballot for voters to consider in 2022. They’re also hoping for a constitutional amendment to end the governor’s power to make state Supreme Court appointments without a Senate vote.

The governor has promised to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-topeka-kansas-medicaid-wichita-84ee115f5ecd92c1e9342fdcf8f3d2b0">push again</a>&nbsp;for an expansion of the state’s Medicaid program, but Republican leaders dismiss it, making it unlikely to get much attention.

And, with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging and altering how lawmakers will do their day-to-day business at the Statehouse, a partisan battle is looming over whether the governor or local officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-laws-11d4ab2aa30ffe24690564e05683ed7b">control the state’s response</a>&nbsp;to it and future emergencies.

“We’re also reacting to the voters,” said House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican. “The Legislature the voters just sent matches our agenda and rejected hers.”

Democrats in the House are planning to try to oust one of their own,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-state-courts-legislature-kansas-city-lawsuits-fa6cd16ccb10518f157e4796522d214b">Rep.-elect Aaron Coleman</a>&nbsp;of Kansas City, Kansas, over multiple issues that include the 20-year-old’s rhetoric on Twitter and past allegations of harassing or threatening girls or young women.

Legislators saw last year’s session shortened by the coronavirus pandemic, which arrived in Kansas in early March and has left the state with one confirmed or probable case for every 12 of the state’s 2.9 million residents and more than 3,100 deaths.

The pandemic will be visible in the Statehouse with less frequent House and Senate debates, lawmakers socially distanced on the floor and in the House galleries and committee rooms reconfigured for more distance and video streaming. At least seven lawmakers, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-virus-outbreak-health-kansas-topeka-e9197aeed6ae76b393acb96ea31c736b">Ryckman&nbsp;</a>and incoming Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, have had COVID-19.

Lawmakers expect to renew debates that were put on hold because of the pandemic, particularly on taxes and abortion.

Republicans have tried and failed since federal tax cuts championed by departing President Donald Trump were enacted in 2017 to prevent or reverse the higher state income taxes that resulted for some individuals and businesses. GOP leaders argue that what they’re doing is akin to returning a lost wallet found on the street, while Democrats see it as a give-away for the wealthy and big corporations.

Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/02d4aa92788e4ef09d187211d949e2be">vetoed two GOP tax-cutting bills</a>&nbsp;in 2019, plus&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/measures/documents/hb2702_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">a measure last year</a>&nbsp;that would have required cities and counties to hold public hearings before voting to spend new property tax revenues. Suellentrop said Republicans are leaning toward passing similar versions this year and then trying to override the expected Kelly vetoes, something that’s more likely in a more conservative Legislature.

Tax cuts would come in the context of a tight budget and softening economy. A fiscal forecast issued by state officials and legislative researchers in November was more optimistic than the previous ones, and tax collections through December still were&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/SGF/FY2021/FY2021-SGF06-July-December.pdf" target="_blank">1.7% higher</a>&nbsp;than expected. That for now has all but eliminated a projected shortfall for the budget year beginning July 1, but the state’s employment picture also worsened in December.

Meanwhile, abortion opponents hope to quickly pass a proposed constitutional amendment that failed last year because a few moderate Republicans in the House — now retired or defeated in primaries —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/a48dc1842047ec21ceb6e71f67886493">resisted putting it on the August primary ballot.&nbsp;</a>The measure would overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">a Kansas Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;in 2019 that declared access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state constitution. Kelly, a strong abortion rights supporter, has said the proposed amendment would return Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/22946ef8ed04d62a3360a7af4b635868">“to the Dark Ages.”</a>

If Republicans remain united, they can put the amendment on the ballot without Democratic votes, just as they can override Kelly vetoes on policy.

“The numbers are not in our favor,” said incoming Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat. “We all know that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587570641350.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature is set to convene its annual session Monday with GOP leaders seeking to wrest control of policy from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly amid their ongoing disputes over how to handle the COVID-19 pandemic.The session’s 90 days will come amid early and mostly behind-the-scenes political jockeying for the 2022 governor’s race, with Republicans already testing campaign themes for their push to oust Kelly. Republican leaders believe they have a mandate to govern after voters preserved the party’s legislative supermajorities and elected more conservatives in last year’s elections.“The voters of Kansas, last primary and general, were heard, and the Senate is decidedly more conservative,” said incoming Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop of Wichita, adding that the House also had moved to the right.Top Republicans have outlined priorities that include cutting income taxes and limiting local government taxing power, both moves that Kelly has previously vetoed.They also want to make relatively quick work of putting a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution opposed by Kelly on the ballot for voters to consider in 2022. They’re also hoping for a constitutional amendment to end the governor’s power to make state Supreme Court appointments without a Senate vote.The governor has promised to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-topeka-kansas-medicaid-wichita-84ee115f5ecd92c1e9342fdcf8f3d2b0">push again</a>&nbsp;for an expansion of the state’s Medicaid program, but Republican leaders dismiss it, making it unlikely to get much attention.And, with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging and altering how lawmakers will do their day-to-day business at the Statehouse, a partisan battle is looming over whether the governor or local officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-laws-11d4ab2aa30ffe24690564e05683ed7b">control the state’s response</a>&nbsp;to it and future emergencies.“We’re also reacting to the voters,” said House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican. “The Legislature the voters just sent matches our agenda and rejected hers.”Democrats in the House are planning to try to oust one of their own,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-state-courts-legislature-kansas-city-lawsuits-fa6cd16ccb10518f157e4796522d214b">Rep.-elect Aaron Coleman</a>&nbsp;of Kansas City, Kansas, over multiple issues that include the 20-year-old’s rhetoric on Twitter and past allegations of harassing or threatening girls or young women.Legislators saw last year’s session shortened by the coronavirus pandemic, which arrived in Kansas in early March and has left the state with one confirmed or probable case for every 12 of the state’s 2.9 million residents and more than 3,100 deaths.The pandemic will be visible in the Statehouse with less frequent House and Senate debates, lawmakers socially distanced on the floor and in the House galleries and committee rooms reconfigured for more distance and video streaming. At least seven lawmakers, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-virus-outbreak-health-kansas-topeka-e9197aeed6ae76b393acb96ea31c736b">Ryckman&nbsp;</a>and incoming Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, have had COVID-19.Lawmakers expect to renew debates that were put on hold because of the pandemic, particularly on taxes and abortion.Republicans have tried and failed since federal tax cuts championed by departing President Donald Trump were enacted in 2017 to prevent or reverse the higher state income taxes that resulted for some individuals and businesses. GOP leaders argue that what they’re doing is akin to returning a lost wallet found on the street, while Democrats see it as a give-away for the wealthy and big corporations.Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/02d4aa92788e4ef09d187211d949e2be">vetoed two GOP tax-cutting bills</a>&nbsp;in 2019, plus&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/measures/documents/hb2702_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">a measure last year</a>&nbsp;that would have required cities and counties to hold public hearings before voting to spend new property tax revenues. Suellentrop said Republicans are leaning toward passing similar versions this year and then trying to override the expected Kelly vetoes, something that’s more likely in a more conservative Legislature.Tax cuts would come in the context of a tight budget and softening economy. A fiscal forecast issued by state officials and legislative researchers in November was more optimistic than the previous ones, and tax collections through December still were&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/SGF/FY2021/FY2021-SGF06-July-December.pdf" target="_blank">1.7% higher</a>&nbsp;than expected. That for now has all but eliminated a projected shortfall for the budget year beginning July 1, but the state’s employment picture also worsened in December.Meanwhile, abortion opponents hope to quickly pass a proposed constitutional amendment that failed last year because a few moderate Republicans in the House — now retired or defeated in primaries —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/a48dc1842047ec21ceb6e71f67886493">resisted putting it on the August primary ballot.&nbsp;</a>The measure would overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">a Kansas Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;in 2019 that declared access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state constitution. Kelly, a strong abortion rights supporter, has said the proposed amendment would return Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/22946ef8ed04d62a3360a7af4b635868">“to the Dark Ages.”</a>If Republicans remain united, they can put the amendment on the ballot without Democratic votes, just as they can override Kelly vetoes on policy.“The numbers are not in our favor,” said incoming Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat. “We all know that.”___

GOP seeks to push Kansas to right over governor's objections

TOPEKA, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Monday in Topeka.

Just after 11:30 p.m. Sunday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call about a domestic threat involving a 49-year-old Topeka man, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Preliminary information indicates that Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the suspect later identified as 49-year-old Joseph W. Howell of Topeka inside a vehicle near US Highway 24 and N Kansas Avenue.

Deputies performed a car stop on the vehicle in the 3000 block of U.S. Highway 24 and attempted to make contact with Howell.&nbsp; Multiple attempts were made by law enforcement officers to negotiate with Howell.

Howell then displayed a firearm and fired at least two shots before initiating a brief vehicle pursuit with deputies.&nbsp; The deputies performed a tactical vehicle intervention that ended at NW 24 Highway Road and NW Stover Road. 

Just after 12:30 a.m. Monday, gunfire was exchanged. Medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the Howell deceased, according to Spiker.&nbsp;

No law enforcement officers were injured in this incident.

Topeka police will complete a thorough and independent investigation into this incident, according to Spiker. Once completed, the findings will be turned over to the Shawnee County District Attorney for review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610384279617.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal officer shooting -photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal officer shooting -photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Monday in Topeka.Just after 11:30 p.m. Sunday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call about a domestic threat involving a 49-year-old Topeka man, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Preliminary information indicates that Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the suspect later identified as 49-year-old Joseph W. Howell of Topeka inside a vehicle near US Highway 24 and N Kansas Avenue.Deputies performed a car stop on the vehicle in the 3000 block of U.S. Highway 24 and attempted to make contact with Howell.&nbsp; Multiple attempts were made by law enforcement officers to negotiate with Howell.Howell then displayed a firearm and fired at least two shots before initiating a brief vehicle pursuit with deputies.&nbsp; The deputies performed a tactical vehicle intervention that ended at NW 24 Highway Road and NW Stover Road. Just after 12:30 a.m. Monday, gunfire was exchanged. Medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the Howell deceased, according to Spiker.&nbsp;No law enforcement officers were injured in this incident.Topeka police will complete a thorough and independent investigation into this incident, according to Spiker. Once completed, the findings will be turned over to the Shawnee County District Attorney for review.

Suspect dies in Kansas officer-involved shooting

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reckless aggravated battery incident that injured a 3-year-old boy.

Just before 7:00 p.m., on Saturday, police responded to a shooting at a residence in the 4900 block of East Harry in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

 Upon their arrival, police learned a private vehicle had transported a 3-year-old boy to a local hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed a 15-year-old suspect was inside the residence handling a handgun when it went off, striking his leg and the 3-year-old boy. No one else was injured.

The case remains under investigation and will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reckless aggravated battery incident that injured a 3-year-old boy.Just before 7:00 p.m., on Saturday, police responded to a shooting at a residence in the 4900 block of East Harry in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon their arrival, police learned a private vehicle had transported a 3-year-old boy to a local hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.The investigation revealed a 15-year-old suspect was inside the residence handling a handgun when it went off, striking his leg and the 3-year-old boy. No one else was injured.The case remains under investigation and will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Kansas  teen handling gun injures 3-year-old boy

SALINA —The Salina Police Department announced Sunday evening the death of one of its K-9 officers.&nbsp;

"It is with sadness that we have to announce the passing of one of our K-9’s to kidney disease, according to the department's facebook page. 

"Karma served an 8+ year career providing services to the citizens of Salina. She worked with K-9 Officers Gary Hanus, Kyle Tonniges and most recently Austin Baker. Karma began her service in 2012."

&nbsp;"Karma participated in hundreds of police activities yearly, including patrol enforcement, narcotics detection, community events, school and community demonstrations, tracking wanted and missing persons, and protecting the safety of others. In her career, she took 18-illegal guns off of the street and conducted over 15-successful tracks. She was also responsible for the seizure of over 200-pounds of marijuana, 9-pounds of methamphetamine, over 270-illegal prescription-narcotics, and over $420,000 in drug-related currency."

"Her mere presence de-escalated numerous offenders from potential assaultive behavior against officers and citizens alike. Like many K-9 partners, she assured the safety of her handler-partners on a daily basis."

In the words of her longest and most recent handler, Officer Austin Baker, “Hardest day of my career today. I had to say goodbye to my K9 partner Karma. We recently found out Karma had kidney disease and was in kidney failure. Some may think she was just a dog, but I’ve spent thousands of hours with “just a dog.” I’ve spent more time with Karma in the last several years than I have with my family. I loved working with Karma and it will be a difficult transition for me to work without her!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610331754811.jpeg" alt="Karma photo Salina Police" />
 <figcaption>Karma photo Salina Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA —The Salina Police Department announced Sunday evening the death of one of its K-9 officers.&nbsp;"It is with sadness that we have to announce the passing of one of our K-9’s to kidney disease, according to the department's facebook page. "Karma served an 8+ year career providing services to the citizens of Salina. She worked with K-9 Officers Gary Hanus, Kyle Tonniges and most recently Austin Baker. Karma began her service in 2012."&nbsp;"Karma participated in hundreds of police activities yearly, including patrol enforcement, narcotics detection, community events, school and community demonstrations, tracking wanted and missing persons, and protecting the safety of others. In her career, she took 18-illegal guns off of the street and conducted over 15-successful tracks. She was also responsible for the seizure of over 200-pounds of marijuana, 9-pounds of methamphetamine, over 270-illegal prescription-narcotics, and over $420,000 in drug-related currency.""Her mere presence de-escalated numerous offenders from potential assaultive behavior against officers and citizens alike. Like many K-9 partners, she assured the safety of her handler-partners on a daily basis."In the words of her longest and most recent handler, Officer Austin Baker, “Hardest day of my career today. I had to say goodbye to my K9 partner Karma. We recently found out Karma had kidney disease and was in kidney failure. Some may think she was just a dog, but I’ve spent thousands of hours with “just a dog.” I’ve spent more time with Karma in the last several years than I have with my family. I loved working with Karma and it will be a difficult transition for me to work without her!”

Police in Salina mourn the death of K9 officer

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been charged with second-degree murder in the traffic crash death of a 17-year-old girl.

Prosecutors on Thursday charged Eric Hoedl, 42, of Olathe, in the Aug. 2, 2020 death of 17-year-old Jade Burkhart.

Police have said Hoedl was driving a pickup truck that collided with the teen’s car at the intersection of South Hedge Lane and West Larkspur Street in Olathe.

<a href="https://www.porterfuneralhome.com/ObituaryDetails.aspx?id=60196">Burkhart</a>&nbsp;was about to enter her senior year of high school at the time of the crash, officials said. No other details of the crash have been released

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610120848464.png" alt="Hoedl-photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Hoedl-photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been charged with second-degree murder in the traffic crash death of a 17-year-old girl.Prosecutors on Thursday charged Eric Hoedl, 42, of Olathe, in the Aug. 2, 2020 death of 17-year-old Jade Burkhart.Police have said Hoedl was driving a pickup truck that collided with the teen’s car at the intersection of South Hedge Lane and West Larkspur Street in Olathe.<a href="https://www.porterfuneralhome.com/ObituaryDetails.aspx?id=60196">Burkhart</a>&nbsp;was about to enter her senior year of high school at the time of the crash, officials said. No other details of the crash have been released

Kan. man charged in crash that killed 17-year-old girl

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City has agreed to a $725,000 settlement of an excessive force complaint filed after a police officer allegedly forced his knee onto the neck of a teenager who prosecutors said was not resisting arrest.

The settlement arises from a confrontation in a fast-food restaurant in November 2019. The teenager was in a car that sped away from officers but eventually stopped. The teenager and a man inside got out, put their hands in the air and got on their knees, according to court documents.

Although the teen was not resisting, Police Sgt. Matthew Neal put a knee on his neck, causing him to have difficultly breathing, prosecutors said. He was treated for cuts, bruises and broken teeth. He was not charged with any crime arising from the confrontation.

Neal was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2fc4cb62eb753619386c5c0a12f80e08">charged</a>&nbsp;in August with third-degree assault in the case. He has pleaded not guilty. He has been suspended with pay since the charge was filed. Another officer who was on the scene, Dylan Pifer, was not criminally charged and remains on active duty.

The settlement was approved on Nov. 17. The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article248308200.html">reported</a>&nbsp;the amount Friday after filing an open records request.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603220400802.png" alt="Several of the teen’s teeth were broken and he required stitches. Photo courtesy Jackson Co. Prosecutor's office" />
 <figcaption>Several of the teen’s teeth were broken and he required stitches. Photo courtesy Jackson Co. Prosecutor's office</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City has agreed to a $725,000 settlement of an excessive force complaint filed after a police officer allegedly forced his knee onto the neck of a teenager who prosecutors said was not resisting arrest.The settlement arises from a confrontation in a fast-food restaurant in November 2019. The teenager was in a car that sped away from officers but eventually stopped. The teenager and a man inside got out, put their hands in the air and got on their knees, according to court documents.Although the teen was not resisting, Police Sgt. Matthew Neal put a knee on his neck, causing him to have difficultly breathing, prosecutors said. He was treated for cuts, bruises and broken teeth. He was not charged with any crime arising from the confrontation.Neal was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2fc4cb62eb753619386c5c0a12f80e08">charged</a>&nbsp;in August with third-degree assault in the case. He has pleaded not guilty. He has been suspended with pay since the charge was filed. Another officer who was on the scene, Dylan Pifer, was not criminally charged and remains on active duty.The settlement was approved on Nov. 17. The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article248308200.html">reported</a>&nbsp;the amount Friday after filing an open records request.

Kansas City police pay $725,000 excessive force settlement

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 10p.m. January 6, a deputy sheriff conducted a traffic stop on a silver Dodge Dakota in the 2600 block of NW Rochester Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. 

During the investigation, a K9 unit was deployed and narcotics were located inside the vehicle.&nbsp; 

The deputy arrested Mark A. Anguish, 61, of Topeka was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, no insurance and expired tag.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610137633400.png" alt="Anguish photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Anguish photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just before 10p.m. January 6, a deputy sheriff conducted a traffic stop on a silver Dodge Dakota in the 2600 block of NW Rochester Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, a K9 unit was deployed and narcotics were located inside the vehicle.&nbsp; The deputy arrested Mark A. Anguish, 61, of Topeka was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, no insurance and expired tag.

Kan. sheriff's K9 unit assists in arrest during traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) — House lawmakers may have been exposed to someone testing positive for COVID-19 while they sheltered at an undisclosed location during the Capitol siege by a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump.

The Capitol's attending physician notified all lawmakers Sunday of the virus exposure and urged them to be tested. The infected individual was not named.

Dr. Brian Moynihan wrote that “many members of the House community were in protective isolation in the large room — some for several hours” on Wednesday. He said “individuals may have been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection.”

Dozens of lawmakers were whisked to the secure location after pro-Trump insurrectionists stormed the Capitol that day, breaking through barricades to roam the halls and offices and ransacking the building.

Some members of Congress huddled for hours in the large room, while others were there for a shorter period.

No further details were provided on which person has tested positive for the virus.

Some lawmakers and staff were furious after video surfaced of Republican lawmakers not wearing their masks in the room during lockdown.

Newly elected Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a presidential ally aligned with a pro-Trump conspiracy group, was among those Republicans not wearing masks.

Trump is now facing impeachment after having incited supporters who were rallying near the White House before they marched to the Capitol. The House could vote on impeachment in a matter of days, less than two weeks before Democratic President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20.

A Capitol Police officer died after he was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher as rioters descended on the building and many other officers were injured. A woman from California was shot to death by Capitol Police and three other people died after medical emergencies during the chaos.

Authorities on Sunday announced the death of a 51-year-old Capitol Police officer. Two people familiar with the matter said the officer’s death was an apparent suicide. Officer Howard Liebengood had been assigned to the Senate Division and was with the department since 2005. He is the son of a former Senate sergeant-at-arms.

It was not clear whether his death was connected to Wednesday's events.

The officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610304982003.png" alt="Late Wednesday, Kansas 2nd District Rep. Jake&nbsp;LaTurner received a positive test result for COVID-19&nbsp; Photo of the congressman's family courtesy Rep. LaTurner" />
 <figcaption>Late Wednesday, Kansas 2nd District Rep. Jake&nbsp;LaTurner received a positive test result for COVID-19&nbsp; Photo of the congressman's family courtesy Rep. LaTurner</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House lawmakers may have been exposed to someone testing positive for COVID-19 while they sheltered at an undisclosed location during the Capitol siege by a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump.The Capitol's attending physician notified all lawmakers Sunday of the virus exposure and urged them to be tested. The infected individual was not named.Dr. Brian Moynihan wrote that “many members of the House community were in protective isolation in the large room — some for several hours” on Wednesday. He said “individuals may have been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection.”Dozens of lawmakers were whisked to the secure location after pro-Trump insurrectionists stormed the Capitol that day, breaking through barricades to roam the halls and offices and ransacking the building.Some members of Congress huddled for hours in the large room, while others were there for a shorter period.No further details were provided on which person has tested positive for the virus.Some lawmakers and staff were furious after video surfaced of Republican lawmakers not wearing their masks in the room during lockdown.Newly elected Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a presidential ally aligned with a pro-Trump conspiracy group, was among those Republicans not wearing masks.Trump is now facing impeachment after having incited supporters who were rallying near the White House before they marched to the Capitol. The House could vote on impeachment in a matter of days, less than two weeks before Democratic President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20.A Capitol Police officer died after he was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher as rioters descended on the building and many other officers were injured. A woman from California was shot to death by Capitol Police and three other people died after medical emergencies during the chaos.Authorities on Sunday announced the death of a 51-year-old Capitol Police officer. Two people familiar with the matter said the officer’s death was an apparent suicide. Officer Howard Liebengood had been assigned to the Senate Division and was with the department since 2005. He is the son of a former Senate sergeant-at-arms.It was not clear whether his death was connected to Wednesday's events.The officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.___

Possible virus exposure for lawmakers sheltering during riot

BRANSON, Mo. (AP) — A new company said it is planning to bring tours featuring “unsinkable” amphibious boats back to a Missouri lake where 17 people drowned when a duck boat sank in 2018.

The owners of Branson Duck Tours LLC said they hope to begin the tours on Table Rock Lake near Branson late this spring.

The duck boat tours were a longtime popular attraction in the tourist town but had not returned to the lake since the tragedy.

To date, the city hasn’t received a business license application from the new company, which has not contacted any city departments, spokeswoman Melody Pettit said.

Boats used in the new venture will not resemble the World War II-era amphibious boats that were in use when a&nbsp;<a href="https://hosted.ap.org/semissourian/article/a954b95962657c82f4ed43b1e52c15ce/f584e91ff0896296ac07bb011303c555">boat sank</a>&nbsp;in July 2018 during a storm, said Jaredan Braal, of Memphis, Tennessee, co-owner of the new venture.

The new boat tours would use Hydra-Terra amphibious vessels, which include foam-filled compartments in the hull for buoyancy. The company said on its website that the boat's “design has been proven to be UNSINKABLE.”

“This is a completely different vehicle with greatly improved safety. ... The similarities are it is an amphibious tour.” Braal said.

Ripley Entertainment, which owned the duck boat that sank,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/420785b69c8f264a7f0048e580bee3bf">settled</a>&nbsp;31 lawsuits related to the tragedy. Criminal charges filed against three Ripley employees&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/branson-michael-brown-a424e3b6697a538067ae9daa5e09eac3">were dismissed</a>&nbsp;in December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573695624494.png" alt="Photo courtesy NTSB" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy NTSB</figcaption>
 </figure>BRANSON, Mo. (AP) — A new company said it is planning to bring tours featuring “unsinkable” amphibious boats back to a Missouri lake where 17 people drowned when a duck boat sank in 2018.The owners of Branson Duck Tours LLC said they hope to begin the tours on Table Rock Lake near Branson late this spring.The duck boat tours were a longtime popular attraction in the tourist town but had not returned to the lake since the tragedy.To date, the city hasn’t received a business license application from the new company, which has not contacted any city departments, spokeswoman Melody Pettit said.Boats used in the new venture will not resemble the World War II-era amphibious boats that were in use when a&nbsp;<a href="https://hosted.ap.org/semissourian/article/a954b95962657c82f4ed43b1e52c15ce/f584e91ff0896296ac07bb011303c555">boat sank</a>&nbsp;in July 2018 during a storm, said Jaredan Braal, of Memphis, Tennessee, co-owner of the new venture.The new boat tours would use Hydra-Terra amphibious vessels, which include foam-filled compartments in the hull for buoyancy. The company said on its website that the boat's “design has been proven to be UNSINKABLE.”“This is a completely different vehicle with greatly improved safety. ... The similarities are it is an amphibious tour.” Braal said.Ripley Entertainment, which owned the duck boat that sank,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/420785b69c8f264a7f0048e580bee3bf">settled</a>&nbsp;31 lawsuits related to the tragedy. Criminal charges filed against three Ripley employees&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/branson-michael-brown-a424e3b6697a538067ae9daa5e09eac3">were dismissed</a>&nbsp;in December.

Missouri lake where 17 drowned could get new duck boat tours

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The desperately awaited vaccination drive against the coronavirus in the U.S. is running into resistance from an unlikely quarter: Surprising numbers of health care workers who have seen firsthand the death and misery inflicted by COVID-19 are refusing shots.

It is happening in nursing homes and, to a lesser degree, in hospitals, with employees expressing what experts say are unfounded fears of side effects from vaccines that were developed at record speed. More than three weeks into the campaign, some places are seeing as much as 80% of the staff holding back.

“I don’t think anyone wants to be a guinea pig,” said Dr. Stephen Noble, a 42-year-old cardiothoracic surgeon in Portland, Oregon, who is postponing getting vaccinated. “At the end of the day, as a man of science, I just want to see what the data show. And give me the full data.”

Alarmed by the phenomenon, some administrators have dangled everything from free breakfasts at Waffle House to a raffle for a car to get employees to roll up their sleeves. Some states have threatened to let other people cut ahead of health care workers in the line for shots.

“It’s far too low. It’s alarmingly low,” said Neil Pruitt, CEO of PruittHealth, which runs about 100 long-term care homes in the South, where fewer than 3 in 10 workers offered the vaccine so far have accepted it.

Many medical facilities from Florida to Washington state have boasted of near-universal acceptance of the shots, and workers have proudly plastered pictures of themselves on social media receiving the vaccine. Elsewhere, though, the drive has stumbled.

While the federal government has released no data on how many people offered the vaccines have taken them, glimpses of resistance have emerged around the country.

Dr. Lee Norman, head of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said those that have refused the shot are in the minority.

Norman said this group, which he estimated made up about 20% of the health care workforce, typically forego the vaccine either because they want to wait longer to see that the vaccine is safe or because they’ve already had COVID-19 and “feel that they are immune and that they would rather have it go their colleagues.”

In Illinois, a big divide has opened at state-run veterans homes between residents and staff. The discrepancy was worst at the veterans home in Manteno, where 90% of residents were vaccinated but only 18% of the staff members.

In rural Ashland, Alabama, about 90 of some 200 workers at Clay County Hospital have yet to agree to get vaccinated, even with the place so overrun with COVID-19 patients that oxygen is running low and beds have been added to the intensive care unit, divided by plastic sheeting.

The pushback comes amid the most lethal phase in the outbreak yet, with the death toll at more than 350,000, and it could hinder the government’s effort to vaccinate somewhere between 70% and 85% of the U.S. population to achieve “herd immunity.”

Administrators and public health officials have expressed hope that more health workers will opt to be vaccinated as they see their colleagues take the shots without problems.

Oregon doctor Noble said he will wait until April or May to get the shots. He said it is vital for public health authorities not to overstate what they know about the vaccines. That is particularly important, he said, for Black people like him who are distrustful of government medical guidance because of past failures and abuses, such as the infamous Tuskegee experiment.

Medical journals have published extensive data on the vaccines, and the Food and Drug Administration has made its analysis public. But misinformation about the shots has spread wildly online, including falsehoods that they cause fertility problems.

Stormy Tatom, 30, a hospital ICU nurse in Beaumont, Texas, said she decided against getting vaccinated for now “because of the unknown long-term side effects.”

“I would say at least half of my coworkers feel the same way,” Tatom said.

There have been no signs of widespread severe side effects from the vaccines, and scientists say the drugs have been rigorously tested on tens of thousands and vetted by independent experts.

States have begun turning up the pressure. South Carolina’s governor gave health care workers until Jan. 15 to get a shot or “move to the back of the line.” Georgia’s top health official has allowed some vaccines to be diverted to other front-line workers, including firefighters and police, out of frustration with the slow uptake.

“There’s vaccine available but it’s literally sitting in freezers,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey. “That’s unacceptable. We have lives to save.”

Nursing homes were among the institutions given priority for the shots because the virus has cut a terrible swath through them. Long-term care residents and staff account for about 38% of the nation’s COVID-19 fatalities.

In West Virginia, only about 55% of nursing home workers agreed to the shots when they were first offered last month, according to Martin Wright, who leads the West Virginia Health Care Association.

“It’s a race against social media,” Wright said of battling falsehoods about the vaccines.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said only 40% of the state’s nursing home workers have gotten shots. North Carolina’s top public health official estimated more than half were refusing the vaccine there.

SavaSeniorCare has offered cash to the 169 long-term care homes in its 20-state network to pay for gift cards, socially distanced parties or other incentives. But so far, data from about a third of its homes shows that 55% of workers have refused the vaccine.

CVS and Walgreens, which have been contracted by a majority of U.S. nursing homes to administer COVID-19 vaccinations, have not released specifics on the acceptance rate. CVS said that residents have agreed to be immunized at an “encouragingly high” rate but that “initial uptake among staff is low,” partly because of efforts to stagger when employees receive their shots.

Some facilities have vaccinated workers in stages so that the staff is not sidelined all at once if they suffer minor side effects, which can include fever and aches.

The hesitation isn’t surprising, given the mixed message from political leaders and misinformation online, said Dr. Wilbur Chen, a professor at the University of Maryland who specializes in the science of vaccines.

He noted that health care workers represent a broad range of jobs and backgrounds and said they are not necessarily more informed than the general public.

“They don’t know what to believe either,” Chen said. But he said he expects the hesitancy to subside as more people are vaccinated and public health officials get their message across.

Some places have already seen turnarounds, such as Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“The biggest thing that helped us to gain confidence in our staff was watching other staff members get vaccinated, be OK, walk out of the room, you know, not grow a third ear, and so that really is like an avalanche,” said Dr. Catherine O’Neal, chief medical officer. “The first few hundred that we had created another 300 that wanted the vaccine.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610104544544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —The desperately awaited vaccination drive against the coronavirus in the U.S. is running into resistance from an unlikely quarter: Surprising numbers of health care workers who have seen firsthand the death and misery inflicted by COVID-19 are refusing shots.It is happening in nursing homes and, to a lesser degree, in hospitals, with employees expressing what experts say are unfounded fears of side effects from vaccines that were developed at record speed. More than three weeks into the campaign, some places are seeing as much as 80% of the staff holding back.“I don’t think anyone wants to be a guinea pig,” said Dr. Stephen Noble, a 42-year-old cardiothoracic surgeon in Portland, Oregon, who is postponing getting vaccinated. “At the end of the day, as a man of science, I just want to see what the data show. And give me the full data.”Alarmed by the phenomenon, some administrators have dangled everything from free breakfasts at Waffle House to a raffle for a car to get employees to roll up their sleeves. Some states have threatened to let other people cut ahead of health care workers in the line for shots.“It’s far too low. It’s alarmingly low,” said Neil Pruitt, CEO of PruittHealth, which runs about 100 long-term care homes in the South, where fewer than 3 in 10 workers offered the vaccine so far have accepted it.Many medical facilities from Florida to Washington state have boasted of near-universal acceptance of the shots, and workers have proudly plastered pictures of themselves on social media receiving the vaccine. Elsewhere, though, the drive has stumbled.While the federal government has released no data on how many people offered the vaccines have taken them, glimpses of resistance have emerged around the country.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607605686018.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Lee Norman, head of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said those that have refused the shot are in the minority.Norman said this group, which he estimated made up about 20% of the health care workforce, typically forego the vaccine either because they want to wait longer to see that the vaccine is safe or because they’ve already had COVID-19 and “feel that they are immune and that they would rather have it go their colleagues.”In Illinois, a big divide has opened at state-run veterans homes between residents and staff. The discrepancy was worst at the veterans home in Manteno, where 90% of residents were vaccinated but only 18% of the staff members.In rural Ashland, Alabama, about 90 of some 200 workers at Clay County Hospital have yet to agree to get vaccinated, even with the place so overrun with COVID-19 patients that oxygen is running low and beds have been added to the intensive care unit, divided by plastic sheeting.The pushback comes amid the most lethal phase in the outbreak yet, with the death toll at more than 350,000, and it could hinder the government’s effort to vaccinate somewhere between 70% and 85% of the U.S. population to achieve “herd immunity.”Administrators and public health officials have expressed hope that more health workers will opt to be vaccinated as they see their colleagues take the shots without problems.Oregon doctor Noble said he will wait until April or May to get the shots. He said it is vital for public health authorities not to overstate what they know about the vaccines. That is particularly important, he said, for Black people like him who are distrustful of government medical guidance because of past failures and abuses, such as the infamous Tuskegee experiment.Medical journals have published extensive data on the vaccines, and the Food and Drug Administration has made its analysis public. But misinformation about the shots has spread wildly online, including falsehoods that they cause fertility problems.Stormy Tatom, 30, a hospital ICU nurse in Beaumont, Texas, said she decided against getting vaccinated for now “because of the unknown long-term side effects.”“I would say at least half of my coworkers feel the same way,” Tatom said.There have been no signs of widespread severe side effects from the vaccines, and scientists say the drugs have been rigorously tested on tens of thousands and vetted by independent experts.States have begun turning up the pressure. South Carolina’s governor gave health care workers until Jan. 15 to get a shot or “move to the back of the line.” Georgia’s top health official has allowed some vaccines to be diverted to other front-line workers, including firefighters and police, out of frustration with the slow uptake.“There’s vaccine available but it’s literally sitting in freezers,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey. “That’s unacceptable. We have lives to save.”Nursing homes were among the institutions given priority for the shots because the virus has cut a terrible swath through them. Long-term care residents and staff account for about 38% of the nation’s COVID-19 fatalities.In West Virginia, only about 55% of nursing home workers agreed to the shots when they were first offered last month, according to Martin Wright, who leads the West Virginia Health Care Association.“It’s a race against social media,” Wright said of battling falsehoods about the vaccines.Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said only 40% of the state’s nursing home workers have gotten shots. North Carolina’s top public health official estimated more than half were refusing the vaccine there.SavaSeniorCare has offered cash to the 169 long-term care homes in its 20-state network to pay for gift cards, socially distanced parties or other incentives. But so far, data from about a third of its homes shows that 55% of workers have refused the vaccine.CVS and Walgreens, which have been contracted by a majority of U.S. nursing homes to administer COVID-19 vaccinations, have not released specifics on the acceptance rate. CVS said that residents have agreed to be immunized at an “encouragingly high” rate but that “initial uptake among staff is low,” partly because of efforts to stagger when employees receive their shots.Some facilities have vaccinated workers in stages so that the staff is not sidelined all at once if they suffer minor side effects, which can include fever and aches.The hesitation isn’t surprising, given the mixed message from political leaders and misinformation online, said Dr. Wilbur Chen, a professor at the University of Maryland who specializes in the science of vaccines.He noted that health care workers represent a broad range of jobs and backgrounds and said they are not necessarily more informed than the general public.“They don’t know what to believe either,” Chen said. But he said he expects the hesitancy to subside as more people are vaccinated and public health officials get their message across.Some places have already seen turnarounds, such as Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.“The biggest thing that helped us to gain confidence in our staff was watching other staff members get vaccinated, be OK, walk out of the room, you know, not grow a third ear, and so that really is like an avalanche,” said Dr. Catherine O’Neal, chief medical officer. “The first few hundred that we had created another 300 that wanted the vaccine.”___

Vaccine rollout hits snag as health workers balk at shots

FREMONT, Neb. (AP) -Authorities have arrested a man in the stabbing death of a 4-month-old baby in Nebraska.

Police in Fremont said 19-year-old Alexander Hernandez was taken into custody around 9:30 p.m. Friday after officers were called to a home about an unconscious child. He is jailed on suspicion of first-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony and committing child abuse intentionally resulting in death. It wasn't immediately known whether he had an attorney.

Police said a witness in the home reported seeing him stab the child several times and then grappled with him over the knife. The child was pronounced dead at a hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610247200753.png" alt="Alexander Hernandez photo Dodge County" />
 <figcaption>Alexander Hernandez photo Dodge County</figcaption>
 </figure>FREMONT, Neb. (AP) -Authorities have arrested a man in the stabbing death of a 4-month-old baby in Nebraska.Police in Fremont said 19-year-old Alexander Hernandez was taken into custody around 9:30 p.m. Friday after officers were called to a home about an unconscious child. He is jailed on suspicion of first-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony and committing child abuse intentionally resulting in death. It wasn't immediately known whether he had an attorney.Police said a witness in the home reported seeing him stab the child several times and then grappled with him over the knife. The child was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Police: Teen arrested in stabbing death of 4-month-old 

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY — A Kansas man is going to prison for&nbsp;intentionally hitting a man with his pickup truck.

Stephen Wayne Cox, 38, Leavenworth, was sentenced to just over 13 years in prison, according to the Leavenworth County District Attorney's office.

In May of 2016, Cox saw his ex-girlfriend inside of a car with another man near South Broadway and Spruce Streets in Leavenworth.

Cox followed the car to 20th and Spruce and threw a metal object at the vehicle. When the man in the car got out, Cox hit him with his pickup truck. The victim suffered several broken ribs and a broken leg.

At sentencing, Cox asked the judge for probation or a lesser sentence, but that request was denied. He remains in the Leavenworth County jail, according to online records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610129456482.png" alt="Stephen Cox-photo Leavenworth Co." />
 <figcaption>Stephen Cox-photo Leavenworth Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY — A Kansas man is going to prison for&nbsp;intentionally hitting a man with his pickup truck.Stephen Wayne Cox, 38, Leavenworth, was sentenced to just over 13 years in prison, according to the Leavenworth County District Attorney's office.In May of 2016, Cox saw his ex-girlfriend inside of a car with another man near South Broadway and Spruce Streets in Leavenworth.Cox followed the car to 20th and Spruce and threw a metal object at the vehicle. When the man in the car got out, Cox hit him with his pickup truck. The victim suffered several broken ribs and a broken leg.At sentencing, Cox asked the judge for probation or a lesser sentence, but that request was denied. He remains in the Leavenworth County jail, according to online records.

Kan. man sentenced for crash involving ex-girlfriend

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Saturday morning accident have identified the victim as 44-year-old John Eyster of Wichita.

Just after 12:20 a.m. Saturday, officers contacted the suspect who was driving erratically in the 100 block of South Woodlawn Court, according to officer Paul Cruz.

Upon arrival, they discovered the driver, a 28-year-old female, struck Eyster with her 2006 Nissan Maxima at the intersection of Ridgewood Drive and Douglas. EMS arrived on scene and pronounced Eyster dead at the scene.

The investigation revealed the 28-year-old suspect was traveling on Douglas when she struck Eyster as she crossed the intersection of Ridgewood and Douglas. The suspect continued driving and was contacted by officers in the area. Alcohol is believed to be a factor.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Saturday morning accident have identified the victim as 44-year-old John Eyster of Wichita.Just after 12:20 a.m. Saturday, officers contacted the suspect who was driving erratically in the 100 block of South Woodlawn Court, according to officer Paul Cruz.Upon arrival, they discovered the driver, a 28-year-old female, struck Eyster with her 2006 Nissan Maxima at the intersection of Ridgewood Drive and Douglas. EMS arrived on scene and pronounced Eyster dead at the scene.The investigation revealed the 28-year-old suspect was traveling on Douglas when she struck Eyster as she crossed the intersection of Ridgewood and Douglas. The suspect continued driving and was contacted by officers in the area. Alcohol is believed to be a factor.

Police: Alcohol a factor in crash that killed Kan. man

By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/kansas-coyote-killing-competition-so-serious-youll-have-pass-lie-detector-test-win">Kansas News Service</a>

The art of calling and killing coyotes is competitive stuff.&nbsp;

Sometimes people cheat — bagging kills before a contest and then trying to pass them off as fresh at the final check-in.&nbsp;

So
 this year for the first time, when contestants gather in Kismet, 
Kansas, the three teams with the most coyote kills will each send one of
 their members to sit down for a lie detector test.&nbsp; “We’ve
 never done that in the past,” said Bryan Garrison, who founded the 
Southwest Kansas Coyote Calling Contest five years ago. “I want 
everybody to be on the same page and it to be as fair as you can get 
it.”

The polygraph examiner will drive five-plus hours
 to give the tests on Sunday evening when all contestants present their 
coyotes at the Kismet Community Pavilion to be counted, weighed and 
inspected.

But Garrison says he understands that lie detector tests aren’t foolproof.&nbsp; “It’s
 a little bit nerve-wracking,” Garrison said. “If you sat me down and 
started drilling me with questions, I think I’d fail.”

So
 any team that believes the polygraph misread its member’s honesty can 
pay $200 to have a second member tested and get a shot at redemption.

Coyote
 calling contests stem from the common practice of ranchers hiring local
 hunters to kill coyotes to protect their livestock.&nbsp; &nbsp;

A
 2015 report from the USDA says coyotes accounted for 40.5% of cattle 
deaths due to predators nationwide. There are conflicting opinions among
 wildlife experts, however, as to whether killing coyotes actually 
protects livestock or just leads to larger coyote populations in the 
long run.

But Garrison said coyotes are largely viewed
 as pests by the farmers and ranchers he knows. When his neighbors in 
southwestern Kansas have coyote problems on their property, they call 
Garrison.

“I’ve been out three times this week,” he 
said. “The other night, a guy said, ‘I’ve got 50 coyotes in my yard at 3
 a.m., and we can’t even sleep.’ And I said, ‘I’ll be out tomorrow.’”

The
 groups at Garrison’s contest have two days to find and shoot as many 
coyotes as they can. They use calls that mimic the sound of distressed 
rabbits, squeaking rodents and other coyotes to draw the animals within 
firing range. The team that brings the most coyotes back to Kismet wins,
 with total weight serving as a tie-breaker.

But 
keeping a coyote calling contest fair is a challenge. Even before he 
called the polygraph examiner, Garrison already added a number of rules 
over the years to crack down on the cheaters.&nbsp;

First,
 each contestant needs to write the time of a kill on a wooden block and
 zip-tie the dead coyote’s mouth shut around it. This gives Garrison a 
better idea of when rigor mortis set in, so he can work out the actual 
time of death.

“That’s how you know that somebody 
didn’t go shoot coyotes last week,” Garrison said. “If it’s new, you got
 to really want to get it out of there. It’s that tight.” Rigor mortis 
eventually passes, and the jaws loosen up after a few days.

Temperature
 core readings offer another safeguard against cheating. Garrison 
determines the temperature of each coyote brought to check-in and 
compares it to the kill time written on the block in its mouth.

“If
 I shoot a coyote at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday,” Garrison said, “that coyote
 should be way cooler than the coyote I shot on Sunday at 2.”

As
 long as they follow the rules, the contestants are free to chart their 
own path. They can use whichever type of coyote call they want. Garrison
 says electronic calls have gained popularity in recent years, but he 
still prefers a hand or mouth call because it requires a finer touch and
 allows him more flexibility to tweak the sounds he creates.

Callers
 can also hunt wherever they choose, as long as they have permission. 
Garrison says some contestants travel in from out of state for 
registration Friday night and then drive back home to hunt before 
returning on Sunday.

The winning team gets a cash 
prize that grows as more groups join and pay the $200 entry fee. But 
it’s not easy money, based on the serious hunters Garrison has seen in 
past years.

“If you couldn’t put up 10, 15, 20 coyotes
 in a weekend, you wouldn’t even think about winning,” Garrison said, 
“or even being in the top three.”

Even though coyote calling takes place outdoors, COVID-19 
has still had an impact on this year’s season. One of the region’s 
largest coyote contests, presented by outdoors retailer Cabela’s in 
Oklahoma City, hasn’t announced a date for this year.&nbsp; &nbsp;At
 the Kansas contest, which has drawn hunters from as far as Wyoming and 
New Mexico,&nbsp; Garrison will encourage face coverings and sanitize shared 
areas where the group gathers for registration and a shared meal Friday 
night.

Garrison said the contest’s registration 
numbers trail the previous year’s. That may be partly because of the 
pandemic. But he also said the lie detector may have kept away some 
serious hunters who don’t want to risk the stain of a false-negative 
test result on their reputation.

“I have some pros that I don’t have this year,” Garrison said. “And I think the lie detector kind of scared them off.”

But
 Garrison said the group that shows up this weekend will not only be 
part of the fairest contest he’s hosted yet, but also have the chance to
 connect with a growing community of coyote callers.

“The
 first year, nobody knew anybody. But now they come in, and we’ve all 
known each other for five years,” Garrison said. “My true goal with this
 contest was getting people out together to teach them something new.”

David
 Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the 
Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter @davidcondos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610144486227.png" alt="U.S. Fish &amp; Wildlife Service" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Fish &amp; Wildlife Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/kansas-coyote-killing-competition-so-serious-youll-have-pass-lie-detector-test-win">Kansas News Service</a>The art of calling and killing coyotes is competitive stuff.&nbsp;Sometimes people cheat — bagging kills before a contest and then trying to pass them off as fresh at the final check-in.&nbsp;So
 this year for the first time, when contestants gather in Kismet, 
Kansas, the three teams with the most coyote kills will each send one of
 their members to sit down for a lie detector test.&nbsp; “We’ve
 never done that in the past,” said Bryan Garrison, who founded the 
Southwest Kansas Coyote Calling Contest five years ago. “I want 
everybody to be on the same page and it to be as fair as you can get 
it.”The polygraph examiner will drive five-plus hours
 to give the tests on Sunday evening when all contestants present their 
coyotes at the Kismet Community Pavilion to be counted, weighed and 
inspected.But Garrison says he understands that lie detector tests aren’t foolproof.&nbsp; “It’s
 a little bit nerve-wracking,” Garrison said. “If you sat me down and 
started drilling me with questions, I think I’d fail.”So
 any team that believes the polygraph misread its member’s honesty can 
pay $200 to have a second member tested and get a shot at redemption.Coyote
 calling contests stem from the common practice of ranchers hiring local
 hunters to kill coyotes to protect their livestock.&nbsp; &nbsp;A
 2015 report from the USDA says coyotes accounted for 40.5% of cattle 
deaths due to predators nationwide. There are conflicting opinions among
 wildlife experts, however, as to whether killing coyotes actually 
protects livestock or just leads to larger coyote populations in the 
long run.But Garrison said coyotes are largely viewed
 as pests by the farmers and ranchers he knows. When his neighbors in 
southwestern Kansas have coyote problems on their property, they call 
Garrison.“I’ve been out three times this week,” he 
said. “The other night, a guy said, ‘I’ve got 50 coyotes in my yard at 3
 a.m., and we can’t even sleep.’ And I said, ‘I’ll be out tomorrow.’”The
 groups at Garrison’s contest have two days to find and shoot as many 
coyotes as they can. They use calls that mimic the sound of distressed 
rabbits, squeaking rodents and other coyotes to draw the animals within 
firing range. The team that brings the most coyotes back to Kismet wins,
 with total weight serving as a tie-breaker.But 
keeping a coyote calling contest fair is a challenge. Even before he 
called the polygraph examiner, Garrison already added a number of rules 
over the years to crack down on the cheaters.&nbsp; First,
 each contestant needs to write the time of a kill on a wooden block and
 zip-tie the dead coyote’s mouth shut around it. This gives Garrison a 
better idea of when rigor mortis set in, so he can work out the actual 
time of death.“That’s how you know that somebody 
didn’t go shoot coyotes last week,” Garrison said. “If it’s new, you got
 to really want to get it out of there. It’s that tight.” Rigor mortis 
eventually passes, and the jaws loosen up after a few days.Temperature
 core readings offer another safeguard against cheating. Garrison 
determines the temperature of each coyote brought to check-in and 
compares it to the kill time written on the block in its mouth.“If
 I shoot a coyote at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday,” Garrison said, “that coyote
 should be way cooler than the coyote I shot on Sunday at 2.”As
 long as they follow the rules, the contestants are free to chart their 
own path. They can use whichever type of coyote call they want. Garrison
 says electronic calls have gained popularity in recent years, but he 
still prefers a hand or mouth call because it requires a finer touch and
 allows him more flexibility to tweak the sounds he creates.Callers
 can also hunt wherever they choose, as long as they have permission. 
Garrison says some contestants travel in from out of state for 
registration Friday night and then drive back home to hunt before 
returning on Sunday.The winning team gets a cash 
prize that grows as more groups join and pay the $200 entry fee. But 
it’s not easy money, based on the serious hunters Garrison has seen in 
past years.“If you couldn’t put up 10, 15, 20 coyotes
 in a weekend, you wouldn’t even think about winning,” Garrison said, 
“or even being in the top three.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610144556887.jpeg" alt=" Hunters surround 103 coyotes at the 2019 contest. Credit Bryan Garrison" />
 <figcaption> Hunters surround 103 coyotes at the 2019 contest. Credit Bryan Garrison</figcaption>
 </figure>Even though coyote calling takes place outdoors, COVID-19 
has still had an impact on this year’s season. One of the region’s 
largest coyote contests, presented by outdoors retailer Cabela’s in 
Oklahoma City, hasn’t announced a date for this year.&nbsp; &nbsp;At
 the Kansas contest, which has drawn hunters from as far as Wyoming and 
New Mexico,&nbsp; Garrison will encourage face coverings and sanitize shared 
areas where the group gathers for registration and a shared meal Friday 
night.Garrison said the contest’s registration 
numbers trail the previous year’s. That may be partly because of the 
pandemic. But he also said the lie detector may have kept away some 
serious hunters who don’t want to risk the stain of a false-negative 
test result on their reputation.“I have some pros that I don’t have this year,” Garrison said. “And I think the lie detector kind of scared them off.”But
 Garrison said the group that shows up this weekend will not only be 
part of the fairest contest he’s hosted yet, but also have the chance to
 connect with a growing community of coyote callers.“The
 first year, nobody knew anybody. But now they come in, and we’ve all 
known each other for five years,” Garrison said. “My true goal with this
 contest was getting people out together to teach them something new.”David
 Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the 
Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter @davidcondos.

Kan. coyote-killing competition: You have to pass lie detector to win

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The insurrection by supporters of President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol this week has prompted governors and lawmakers in several states to heighten security at their own capitol buildings as they gather amid a pandemic for legislative sessions and inaugural ceremonies.

Like the U.S. Capitol, statehouses are regular targets for demonstrations. Many already have armed security personnel and metal detectors that screen visitors.

But if the U.S. Capitol — a shining symbol of democracy with a dedicated police force— can be overrun by a violent mob, could state capitols be next?

This week's events were “a wakeup call for everybody, both in D.C. and in state capitals all across the country,” said Washington state Rep. J.T. Wilcox, the chamber's Republican leader.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-coronavirus-pandemic-oregon-elections-idaho-688fc8894f44992487bb6ee45e9abd77">series of smaller-scale flare-ups&nbsp;</a>occurred last year at state capitols. Last spring, armed protesters entered the Michigan Capitol to object to pandemic-related lockdowns. Some were blocked by police while demanding entry onto the House floor, while others shouted down from the Senate gallery.

In Ohio, people upset about the death of George Floyd in Minnesota smashed 28 windows at the statehouse.

Protesters in Idaho temporarily derailed a special legislative session last August. And just a few weeks ago, crowds in Oregon forced their way into the Capitol to protest its closure to the public during a special legislative session on coronavirus measures.

On Friday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced he was activating up to 750 National Guard troops to join state police in patrolling the capitol in Olympia on Monday, when lawmakers return to session. He said an area will be set aside for demonstrators to hold rallies.

“But in light of the most recent insurrection activity, the state cannot tolerate any actions that could result in harm, mayhem or interruption of function of democratic institutions,” he said in a statement. “Any illegal intrusion of the Capitol, state buildings or restricted areas will not be tolerated and strictly enforced.”

A right-wing militia had encouraged its members to occupy the Capitol when lawmakers meet, and that intention was echoed by several people who broke down a gate outside the governor’s mansion on Wednesday, the day Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

An organizer of the planned occupation said in a later Facebook post that the event was canceled, although it's not clear whether others who share right-wing views plan to show up, anyway.

In neighboring Idaho, where lawmakers also are scheduled to meet Monday, State Police Col. Kedrick Wills said there will be an increased presence of uniformed state troopers at the statehouse. Anxieties are high for some lawmakers.

“We are being forced into one of the most dangerous workplaces in the state,” said Democratic House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, noting a lack of COVID-19 protection efforts. “Now, layered onto that, we’re at a point where emotions are at their absolute peak and armed conspiracy theorists are ready to burn it all down.”

The vast majority of state legislatures are convening this month. Though some are allowing remote participation because of coronavirus precautions, others are proceeding with regular in-person committee hearings and floor debates.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, said security has been increased around the statehouse in advance of the legislative session that begins next Wednesday. In Massachusetts, which started its legislative session this week, Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and Democratic legislative leaders issued a joint statement saying they were assessing the Capitol's security in light of events in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere.

In Oregon, where Trump supporters burned a life-size puppet of Democratic Gov. Kate Brown on Wednesday, lawmakers have pledged to review Capitol safety rules and potentially increase security for the session that begins Jan. 19.

State police that oversee the New Mexico statehouse have taken steps to coordinate security with local law enforcement agencies in case "gatherings become other than peaceful,” said state police spokesman Lt. Mark Soriano.

Some state officials are rethinking their Capitol gun policies. In Michigan, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey said Thursday that he would support a ban on the open carrying of firearms in the Capitol. Minority party Democratic lawmakers want to prohibit all guns in the building.

By contrast, some Texas lawmakers are talking of bringing more guns into the Capitol to protect themselves. Licensed handgun owners already can carry firearms into the Capitol, and some lawmakers have been known to wear guns in the chamber.

“Pretty sure more #txlege members are going to start carrying inside the Capitol,” Republican state Rep. Briscoe Cain tweeted Thursday, a day after the Capitol grounds were abruptly shuttered as hundreds of Trump supporters demonstrated outside without any reported incidents.

The Republican Party of Texas was to hold another long-planned rally at the Capitol on Saturday to draw attention to legislative priorities.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is planning for more than a thousand guests to gather Monday on the lawn of the state Capitol for his inaugural ceremony. Department of Public Safety spokesman Mike O'Connell said plans have been in the works for months to provide “extensive security and crowd-control."

As a mob stormed the nation's capitol Wednesday, supporters and opponents of Trump also clashed outside the Ohio statehouse. Video footage showed multiple people in a street fight. Another violent altercation involving several people broke out later on the statehouse grounds, until law enforcement officers moved to separate the groups.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, said he could not promise that the statehouse wouldn't be breached like the U.S. Capitol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609967102759.png" alt="Dozens of Trump’s supporters entered the Kansas Statehouse peacefully on Wednesday- photo courtesy WIBW-TV" />
 <figcaption>Dozens of Trump’s supporters entered the Kansas Statehouse peacefully on Wednesday- photo courtesy WIBW-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The insurrection by supporters of President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol this week has prompted governors and lawmakers in several states to heighten security at their own capitol buildings as they gather amid a pandemic for legislative sessions and inaugural ceremonies.Like the U.S. Capitol, statehouses are regular targets for demonstrations. Many already have armed security personnel and metal detectors that screen visitors.But if the U.S. Capitol — a shining symbol of democracy with a dedicated police force— can be overrun by a violent mob, could state capitols be next?This week's events were “a wakeup call for everybody, both in D.C. and in state capitals all across the country,” said Washington state Rep. J.T. Wilcox, the chamber's Republican leader.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-coronavirus-pandemic-oregon-elections-idaho-688fc8894f44992487bb6ee45e9abd77">series of smaller-scale flare-ups&nbsp;</a>occurred last year at state capitols. Last spring, armed protesters entered the Michigan Capitol to object to pandemic-related lockdowns. Some were blocked by police while demanding entry onto the House floor, while others shouted down from the Senate gallery.In Ohio, people upset about the death of George Floyd in Minnesota smashed 28 windows at the statehouse.Protesters in Idaho temporarily derailed a special legislative session last August. And just a few weeks ago, crowds in Oregon forced their way into the Capitol to protest its closure to the public during a special legislative session on coronavirus measures.On Friday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced he was activating up to 750 National Guard troops to join state police in patrolling the capitol in Olympia on Monday, when lawmakers return to session. He said an area will be set aside for demonstrators to hold rallies.“But in light of the most recent insurrection activity, the state cannot tolerate any actions that could result in harm, mayhem or interruption of function of democratic institutions,” he said in a statement. “Any illegal intrusion of the Capitol, state buildings or restricted areas will not be tolerated and strictly enforced.”A right-wing militia had encouraged its members to occupy the Capitol when lawmakers meet, and that intention was echoed by several people who broke down a gate outside the governor’s mansion on Wednesday, the day Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.An organizer of the planned occupation said in a later Facebook post that the event was canceled, although it's not clear whether others who share right-wing views plan to show up, anyway.In neighboring Idaho, where lawmakers also are scheduled to meet Monday, State Police Col. Kedrick Wills said there will be an increased presence of uniformed state troopers at the statehouse. Anxieties are high for some lawmakers.“We are being forced into one of the most dangerous workplaces in the state,” said Democratic House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, noting a lack of COVID-19 protection efforts. “Now, layered onto that, we’re at a point where emotions are at their absolute peak and armed conspiracy theorists are ready to burn it all down.”The vast majority of state legislatures are convening this month. Though some are allowing remote participation because of coronavirus precautions, others are proceeding with regular in-person committee hearings and floor debates.Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, said security has been increased around the statehouse in advance of the legislative session that begins next Wednesday. In Massachusetts, which started its legislative session this week, Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and Democratic legislative leaders issued a joint statement saying they were assessing the Capitol's security in light of events in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere.In Oregon, where Trump supporters burned a life-size puppet of Democratic Gov. Kate Brown on Wednesday, lawmakers have pledged to review Capitol safety rules and potentially increase security for the session that begins Jan. 19.State police that oversee the New Mexico statehouse have taken steps to coordinate security with local law enforcement agencies in case "gatherings become other than peaceful,” said state police spokesman Lt. Mark Soriano.Some state officials are rethinking their Capitol gun policies. In Michigan, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey said Thursday that he would support a ban on the open carrying of firearms in the Capitol. Minority party Democratic lawmakers want to prohibit all guns in the building.By contrast, some Texas lawmakers are talking of bringing more guns into the Capitol to protect themselves. Licensed handgun owners already can carry firearms into the Capitol, and some lawmakers have been known to wear guns in the chamber.“Pretty sure more #txlege members are going to start carrying inside the Capitol,” Republican state Rep. Briscoe Cain tweeted Thursday, a day after the Capitol grounds were abruptly shuttered as hundreds of Trump supporters demonstrated outside without any reported incidents.The Republican Party of Texas was to hold another long-planned rally at the Capitol on Saturday to draw attention to legislative priorities.Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is planning for more than a thousand guests to gather Monday on the lawn of the state Capitol for his inaugural ceremony. Department of Public Safety spokesman Mike O'Connell said plans have been in the works for months to provide “extensive security and crowd-control."As a mob stormed the nation's capitol Wednesday, supporters and opponents of Trump also clashed outside the Ohio statehouse. Video footage showed multiple people in a street fight. Another violent altercation involving several people broke out later on the statehouse grounds, until law enforcement officers moved to separate the groups.Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, said he could not promise that the statehouse wouldn't be breached like the U.S. Capitol.“No one can say they’re confident,” DeWine said, adding: “We’re certainly aware that something could happen.”Some states already had stepped up security before the violence in the nation's capital.A fence remains at the Minnesota Capitol after being erected last summer amid the unrest over Floyd's killing. It was in place Wednesday when around 500 Trump supporters held what was billed as a “Storm the Capitol” rally — a noisy but peaceful gathering with no arrests. State Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said increased security staffing will continue for the immediate future.Colorado's Capitol also remains encircled by fencing, with concrete barriers to block vehicles and its ground floor windows boarded up after vandals damaged it following Floyd's death. Officials already planned to install stronger fencing, more security cameras and bullet-resistant glass for windows. Legislative leaders are focusing on any needed additional measures after the events in Washington, said Bella Combest, spokeswoman for the Senate Democratic leadership.Police at the Mississippi Capitol are moving forward with a previously planned purchase of more security cameras and new machines to scan bags. The New Jersey statehouse is in the midst of a multi-year, $300 million renovation, with security listed as a top reason.After the U.S. Capitol siege, New Jersey state Assemblyman Jon Bramnick, leader of the chamber's minority Republicans, raised concerns about security in public buildings.“It is very difficult to understand how protestors were able to gain access to the Chamber in the Capitol," Bramnick said in a tweet. “This is a very dangerous scenario that may encourage others to violate the law.”