WICHITA, KAN.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A Kansas woman was sentenced today to more than 11 years (135 months) in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

April Lunsford, 39, Paola, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The case began when the Kansas Bureau of Investigation started looking into a trafficking organization that was distributing methamphetamine in the Kansas City, Kan., area. Lunsford sold methamphetamine four times to buyers working undercover for law enforcement.

During the investigation, Lunsford was arrested and charged in Miami County District Court in connection with the death of 23-year-old Heather Briggs. Lunsford pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 98 months in state prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607103888113.png" alt="Lunsford photo Miami Co." />
 <figcaption>Lunsford photo Miami Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A Kansas woman was sentenced today to more than 11 years (135 months) in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.April Lunsford, 39, Paola, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The case began when the Kansas Bureau of Investigation started looking into a trafficking organization that was distributing methamphetamine in the Kansas City, Kan., area. Lunsford sold methamphetamine four times to buyers working undercover for law enforcement.During the investigation, Lunsford was arrested and charged in Miami County District Court in connection with the death of 23-year-old Heather Briggs. Lunsford pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 98 months in state prison.

Kansas woman sentenced for drug deal death

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Former Kansas Highway Patrol officers are suing after taking a stand against alleged sexual harassment and then being pushed out of the agency.

Former majors Scott Harrington and Josh Kellerman sued in federal court, the Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20201205/fired-kansas-highway-patrol-majors-allege-lsquohostile-work-environmentrsquo-retaliation-in-federal-suit" target="_blank">reported</a>. They allege they faced retaliation for helping female staffers file sexual harassment complaints against top Highway Patrol officers.

Harrington resigned under pressure this year. Kellerman was demoted and then fired.

A Kansas Highway Patrol spokesperson declined to comment, citing the pending lawsuit.

A spokesperson for Gov. Laura Kelly told the newspaper that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-1a599c097994a0ac217372433dd055b7">an investigation</a>&nbsp;ordered by her office found that the sexual harassment allegations were unsubstantiated and that the governor stands by Highway Patrol leaders.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Former Kansas Highway Patrol officers are suing after taking a stand against alleged sexual harassment and then being pushed out of the agency.Former majors Scott Harrington and Josh Kellerman sued in federal court, the Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20201205/fired-kansas-highway-patrol-majors-allege-lsquohostile-work-environmentrsquo-retaliation-in-federal-suit" target="_blank">reported</a>. They allege they faced retaliation for helping female staffers file sexual harassment complaints against top Highway Patrol officers.Harrington resigned under pressure this year. Kellerman was demoted and then fired.A Kansas Highway Patrol spokesperson declined to comment, citing the pending lawsuit.A spokesperson for Gov. Laura Kelly told the newspaper that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-1a599c097994a0ac217372433dd055b7">an investigation</a>&nbsp;ordered by her office found that the sexual harassment allegations were unsubstantiated and that the governor stands by Highway Patrol leaders.

Former Kansas Highway Patrol officers sue over firing

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery and have made an arrest.

Just after 5p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;responded to a report of a robbery of a pizza delivery driver, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.

The 32-year-old male delivery driver reported he attempted to deliver pizza to an address in the 600 block of SE Lake in Topeka when an adult male suspect armed with a gun robbed him of food. 

Police were able to locate the suspect identified as&nbsp;28-year-old Simeon D. Perdue and take him into custody without incident.

Perdue was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of aggravated robbery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607091242744.png" alt="Perdue-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Perdue-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery and have made an arrest.Just after 5p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;responded to a report of a robbery of a pizza delivery driver, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.The 32-year-old male delivery driver reported he attempted to deliver pizza to an address in the 600 block of SE Lake in Topeka when an adult male suspect armed with a gun robbed him of food. Police were able to locate the suspect identified as&nbsp;28-year-old Simeon D. Perdue and take him into custody without incident.Perdue was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of aggravated robbery.

Kan. man took pizza at gunpoint from delivery driver 

KANSAS CITY – Nineteen defendants, primarily from the&nbsp; Kansas City and Columbia, Missouri areas have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $1.2 million insurance fraud conspiracy that involved false claims of injuries suffered in car accidents, according to the United State Attorney's office.

Lawrence Courtney Lawhorn, 32, and Latoya Marie Brown, 35, who resided in Columbia and in the Kansas City area; Lauren Courtney Luque, 34, Michael Jadon Carter, 30, Tiera Rachell Wallace, 38, Lanay Deshawn Wallace, 26, Dylan James Danielsson, 26, Larell Montez Banks, 27, Kathy Davvy Kimhang, 29, Michael Lee Gene Stapleton, 34, and Cedrick Shawndale Goldman, 44, all of Columbia; Matthew Stephen Akins, 32, who resided in Columbia and Fulton, Mo.; Michael Stuart Smith, 34, Taron Donte Ford, 35, Dontay Laray Campbell, 31, and Eriona Tyjaez Fleeks, 28, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Cornelius Deshawn Phelps, 35, who resided in Kansas City and Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Tara Colleen Jackson, 57, of Independence, Mo.; and Maurice Frank Penny, 37, of St. Louis, Mo., were charged in a 69-count superseding indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Nov. 18, 2020.&nbsp;

The superseding indictment was unsealed and made public Wednesday upon the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants. The superseding indictment replaces an indictment returned on Aug. 19, 2020, which originally charged only Lawhorn and Luque with eight counts related to the fraud conspiracy.

The federal indictment charges all 19 defendants with participating in a conspiracy that defrauded six insurance companies of a total of $1,234,581 from June 2017 to July 2020. Conspirators allegedly submitted false claims that they had suffered bodily injuries and that they would be personally liable for any medical bills related to insurance claims. 

Conspirators, some of whom were involved in multiple incidents, received thousands of dollars, and in some cases tens of thousands of dollars, based on these false claims. According to the indictment, however, none of the conspirators made any payments to medical providers and instead used the funds for their personal expenses.

Lawhorn was directly involved in two incidents in which he received separate payments of $1,500 and $17,350 from insurance companies, the indictment says. In eight additional incidents, Lawhorn allegedly sent emails to insurance companies, made telephone calls to insurance companies, directed others what to tell insurance companies, reviewed insurance policies prior to incidents, witnessed release agreements, and assumed the identity of parties to the incidents or people related to parties to these incidents in communication with insurance companies.

Luque (with whom Lawhorn was in a romantic relationship), Jackson (who is Lawhorn’s mother), Carter, Banks, and Stapleton each received fraudulent insurance payments of $50,000 or more, according to the indictment. Lawhorn also was in romantic relationships with Kimhang and Brown, who has a child in common with Lawhorn. Brown was involved in three incidents, the indictment says, and received a total of $44,269 in insurance payments. Kimhang received a fraudulent insurance payment of $18,429, according to the indictment.

In addition to the wire fraud conspiracy, most of the defendants are charged with participating in a mail fraud conspiracy. Lawhorn and Carter are also charged together in a money-laundering conspiracy. The indictment also charges various defendants in 38 counts of wire fraud, six counts of attempted wire fraud, and 20 counts of mail fraud. Lawhorn is also charged with one count of aggravated identity theft. Lawhorn and Luque are also charged together in one count of aggravated identity theft.

KANSAS CITY – Nineteen defendants, primarily from the&nbsp; Kansas City and Columbia, Missouri areas have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $1.2 million insurance fraud conspiracy that involved false claims of injuries suffered in car accidents, according to the United State Attorney's office.Lawrence Courtney Lawhorn, 32, and Latoya Marie Brown, 35, who resided in Columbia and in the Kansas City area; Lauren Courtney Luque, 34, Michael Jadon Carter, 30, Tiera Rachell Wallace, 38, Lanay Deshawn Wallace, 26, Dylan James Danielsson, 26, Larell Montez Banks, 27, Kathy Davvy Kimhang, 29, Michael Lee Gene Stapleton, 34, and Cedrick Shawndale Goldman, 44, all of Columbia; Matthew Stephen Akins, 32, who resided in Columbia and Fulton, Mo.; Michael Stuart Smith, 34, Taron Donte Ford, 35, Dontay Laray Campbell, 31, and Eriona Tyjaez Fleeks, 28, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Cornelius Deshawn Phelps, 35, who resided in Kansas City and Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Tara Colleen Jackson, 57, of Independence, Mo.; and Maurice Frank Penny, 37, of St. Louis, Mo., were charged in a 69-count superseding indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Nov. 18, 2020.&nbsp;The superseding indictment was unsealed and made public Wednesday upon the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants. The superseding indictment replaces an indictment returned on Aug. 19, 2020, which originally charged only Lawhorn and Luque with eight counts related to the fraud conspiracy.The federal indictment charges all 19 defendants with participating in a conspiracy that defrauded six insurance companies of a total of $1,234,581 from June 2017 to July 2020. Conspirators allegedly submitted false claims that they had suffered bodily injuries and that they would be personally liable for any medical bills related to insurance claims. Conspirators, some of whom were involved in multiple incidents, received thousands of dollars, and in some cases tens of thousands of dollars, based on these false claims. According to the indictment, however, none of the conspirators made any payments to medical providers and instead used the funds for their personal expenses.Lawhorn was directly involved in two incidents in which he received separate payments of $1,500 and $17,350 from insurance companies, the indictment says. In eight additional incidents, Lawhorn allegedly sent emails to insurance companies, made telephone calls to insurance companies, directed others what to tell insurance companies, reviewed insurance policies prior to incidents, witnessed release agreements, and assumed the identity of parties to the incidents or people related to parties to these incidents in communication with insurance companies.Luque (with whom Lawhorn was in a romantic relationship), Jackson (who is Lawhorn’s mother), Carter, Banks, and Stapleton each received fraudulent insurance payments of $50,000 or more, according to the indictment. Lawhorn also was in romantic relationships with Kimhang and Brown, who has a child in common with Lawhorn. Brown was involved in three incidents, the indictment says, and received a total of $44,269 in insurance payments. Kimhang received a fraudulent insurance payment of $18,429, according to the indictment.In addition to the wire fraud conspiracy, most of the defendants are charged with participating in a mail fraud conspiracy. Lawhorn and Carter are also charged together in a money-laundering conspiracy. The indictment also charges various defendants in 38 counts of wire fraud, six counts of attempted wire fraud, and 20 counts of mail fraud. Lawhorn is also charged with one count of aggravated identity theft. Lawhorn and Luque are also charged together in one count of aggravated identity theft.

19 indicted for $1.2 Million insurance fraud conspiracy

By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-12-04/lenexa-business-loses-bid-to-recover-coronavirus-related-losses-from-insurer">Kansas News Service</a>

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a family-owned Lenexa 
business seeking to recover coronavirus-related financial losses from 
its insurance company.

U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson ruled 
that Sportsman Cap &amp; Bag’s “all-risk” policy covering direct losses 
to its property only covers “material changes” or “intrusions” onto the 
property that render it unusable.

The ruling by Robinson, a 
federal judge in Kansas City, Kansas, runs counter to two recent 
decisions by a federal judge in Kansas City, Missouri, in similar cases 
against the defendant, The Cincinnati Insurance Co.

In August, U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough denied Cincinnati’s motions to dismiss a case brought by <a href="https://studio417salon.com/" target="_blank">Studio 417</a>, an operator of hair salons in Springfield, Missouri, and in a separate case brought by <a href="https://kchopps.com/" target="_blank">K.C. Hopps</a>, a Kansas City restaurant group.

Bough found that both Studio 417 and K.C. Hopps had adequately stated claims of physical loss.

Bough’s
 rulings represented some of the first favorable outcomes for 
policyholders among more than 1,000 business interruption lawsuits that 
have been filed by businesses against their insurers throughout the 
country.

In other cases, judges have found in favor of the 
insurance companies, ruling like Robinson that coronavirus-related 
losses do not count as damage to property and therefore are not 
triggered by all-risk policies covering “direct loss.”

Insurers 
contend such policies were never intended to cover financial losses 
related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Being forced to pay out such claims, 
they say, could ruin the industry.

Patrick Stueve, who represents 
Sportsman Cap &amp; Bag, said he is reviewing options following 
Robinson’s dismissal of the case, including a possible appeal.

Stueve
 also represents the hair salons and restaurants in the cases before 
Bough, which are now scheduled to go to trial in mid-2022.

Sportsman Cap &amp; Bag <a href="https://www.kcur.org/economy/2020-04-27/family-owned-lenexa-business-bought-all-risk-insurance-policy-and-is-now-suing-to-get-its-payout-from-covid-19-pandemic" target="_blank">alleged in its suit</a>
 against Cincinnati that stay-at-home orders aimed at curbing the spread
 of the coronavirus had a “devastating effect” on its business. Before 
the pandemic struck, the company said it was on track to gross more than
 $100 million this year.

It said the stay-at-home orders issued by
 government authorities earlier this year prevented employees from 
showing up to work, causing a loss of nearly 95% of its sales.

Sportsman’s
 predecessor company, Pioneer Cap Company, was founded by Abe Yeddis, 
who sold it in 1970 and started Promotional Headwear Inc. a few years 
later. The company operates under the name Sportsman Cap &amp; Bag and 
sells custom promotional hats, bags and other marketing merchandise.

Dan Margolies is senior reporter and editor at KCUR. He can be reached by email at dan@kcur.org or on Twitter @DanMargolies.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607187418731.png" alt="Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sportsman Cap &amp; Bag, a family-owned company since 1937, had projected $100 million in sales this year. Dan Margolies&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sportsman Cap &amp; Bag, a family-owned company since 1937, had projected $100 million in sales this year. Dan Margolies&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-12-04/lenexa-business-loses-bid-to-recover-coronavirus-related-losses-from-insurer">Kansas News Service</a>A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a family-owned Lenexa 
business seeking to recover coronavirus-related financial losses from 
its insurance company.U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson ruled 
that Sportsman Cap &amp; Bag’s “all-risk” policy covering direct losses 
to its property only covers “material changes” or “intrusions” onto the 
property that render it unusable.The ruling by Robinson, a 
federal judge in Kansas City, Kansas, runs counter to two recent 
decisions by a federal judge in Kansas City, Missouri, in similar cases 
against the defendant, The Cincinnati Insurance Co.In August, U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough denied Cincinnati’s motions to dismiss a case brought by <a href="https://studio417salon.com/" target="_blank">Studio 417</a>, an operator of hair salons in Springfield, Missouri, and in a separate case brought by <a href="https://kchopps.com/" target="_blank">K.C. Hopps</a>, a Kansas City restaurant group.Bough found that both Studio 417 and K.C. Hopps had adequately stated claims of physical loss.Bough’s
 rulings represented some of the first favorable outcomes for 
policyholders among more than 1,000 business interruption lawsuits that 
have been filed by businesses against their insurers throughout the 
country.In other cases, judges have found in favor of the 
insurance companies, ruling like Robinson that coronavirus-related 
losses do not count as damage to property and therefore are not 
triggered by all-risk policies covering “direct loss.”Insurers 
contend such policies were never intended to cover financial losses 
related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Being forced to pay out such claims, 
they say, could ruin the industry.Patrick Stueve, who represents 
Sportsman Cap &amp; Bag, said he is reviewing options following 
Robinson’s dismissal of the case, including a possible appeal.Stueve
 also represents the hair salons and restaurants in the cases before 
Bough, which are now scheduled to go to trial in mid-2022.Sportsman Cap &amp; Bag <a href="https://www.kcur.org/economy/2020-04-27/family-owned-lenexa-business-bought-all-risk-insurance-policy-and-is-now-suing-to-get-its-payout-from-covid-19-pandemic" target="_blank">alleged in its suit</a>
 against Cincinnati that stay-at-home orders aimed at curbing the spread
 of the coronavirus had a “devastating effect” on its business. Before 
the pandemic struck, the company said it was on track to gross more than
 $100 million this year.It said the stay-at-home orders issued by
 government authorities earlier this year prevented employees from 
showing up to work, causing a loss of nearly 95% of its sales.Sportsman’s
 predecessor company, Pioneer Cap Company, was founded by Abe Yeddis, 
who sold it in 1970 and started Promotional Headwear Inc. a few years 
later. The company operates under the name Sportsman Cap &amp; Bag and 
sells custom promotional hats, bags and other marketing merchandise.Dan Margolies is senior reporter and editor at KCUR. He can be reached by email at dan@kcur.org or on Twitter @DanMargolies.&nbsp;

Kan. business loses bid to recover virus-related losses from insurer 

HOLT'S SUMMIT, Mo. (AP) — Four juveniles have been arrested in the vandalism of an historic Black church in central Missouri, officials said Thursday.

Callaway County Sheriff Clay Chism said the suspects, aged 14 to 16, were arrested Wednesday and are being detained at a juvenile center in Columbia. They are charged in vandalism at the The Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church in Holt's Summit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-jefferson-city-21682bfedf22159dbff81f42008700db">last week.</a>

He said the four male teens, from Holts Summit and Jefferson City, are being detained on felony charges of property damage and burglary but more charges could be added, KRCG&nbsp;<a href="https://krcgtv.com/news/local/four-teens-arrested-for-vandalizing-holts-summit-church">reported</a>. Investigators also continue to work to determine if more people were involved.

Evidence currently doesn't support a hate crime charge but that could change, Chism said. The FBI has been notified and is prepared to join the investigation if new evidence suggests the vandalism was a hate crime.

“Churches have been prone to burglary and theft I can definitely attest that this church has had more reports than what we see with other churches across the county,” he said.

Mt. Vernon was established by slaves in the early 1800s and later rebuilt in 1869. Both the historic church building and wone completed in the early 2000 were vandalized.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606594791592.png" alt="Photo sof the vandalism courtesy Callaway Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo sof the vandalism courtesy Callaway Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>HOLT'S SUMMIT, Mo. (AP) — Four juveniles have been arrested in the vandalism of an historic Black church in central Missouri, officials said Thursday.Callaway County Sheriff Clay Chism said the suspects, aged 14 to 16, were arrested Wednesday and are being detained at a juvenile center in Columbia. They are charged in vandalism at the The Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church in Holt's Summit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-jefferson-city-21682bfedf22159dbff81f42008700db">last week.</a>He said the four male teens, from Holts Summit and Jefferson City, are being detained on felony charges of property damage and burglary but more charges could be added, KRCG&nbsp;<a href="https://krcgtv.com/news/local/four-teens-arrested-for-vandalizing-holts-summit-church">reported</a>. Investigators also continue to work to determine if more people were involved.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606594815770.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Evidence currently doesn't support a hate crime charge but that could change, Chism said. The FBI has been notified and is prepared to join the investigation if new evidence suggests the vandalism was a hate crime.“Churches have been prone to burglary and theft I can definitely attest that this church has had more reports than what we see with other churches across the county,” he said.Mt. Vernon was established by slaves in the early 1800s and later rebuilt in 1869. Both the historic church building and wone completed in the early 2000 were vandalized.

4 suspects arrested in historic Black church vandalism

BOSTON (AP) — IBM security researchers say they have detected a cyberespionage effort using targeted phishing emails to try to collect vital information on the World Health Organization’s initiative for distributing COVID-19 vaccine to developing countries.

The researchers said they could not be sure who was behind the campaign, which began in September, or if it was successful. But the precision targeting and careful efforts to leave no tracks bore “the potential hallmarks of nation-state tradecraft,” they said in&nbsp;<a href="http://securityintelligence.com/posts/ibm-uncovers-global-phishing-covid-19-vaccine-cold-chain" target="_blank">a blog post</a>&nbsp;Thursday.

The campaign’s targets, in countries including Germany, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan, are likely associated with the development of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-burkina-faso-immunizations-united-nations-7f5526f46ce5e15ba8bb51fe62569ee6">“cold chain”&nbsp;</a>needed to ensure coronavirus vaccines get the nonstop sterile refrigeration they need to be effective for the nearly 3 billion people who live where temperature-controlled storage is insufficient, IBM said.

“Think of it as the bloodline that will be supplying the most vital vaccines globally,” said Claire Zaboeva, an IBM analyst involved in the detection.

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency later&nbsp;<a href="https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/current-activity/2020/12/03/ibm-releases-report-cyber-actors-targeting-covid-19-vaccine-supply" target="_blank">issued an advisory&nbsp;</a>encouraging Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration’s vaccine program, and other organizations involved in vaccine storage and transport, to review IBM’s findings.

Whoever is behind the operation could be motivated by a desire to learn how the vaccines are best able to be shipped and stored — the entire refrigeration process — in order to copy it, said Nick Rossmann, the IBM team’s global threat intelligence lead. Or they might want to be able to undermine a vaccine’s legitimacy or launch a disruptive or destructive attack, he added.

In the ploy, executives with groups likely associated with the initiative known as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/initiatives/act-accelerator/covax" target="_blank">Covax&nbsp;</a>— created by the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization and other U.N. agencies — were sent spoofed emails appearing to come from an executive of Haier Biomedical, a Chinese company considered the world’s main cold-chain supplier, the analyst said.

The phishing emails posed as requests for price quotations and bore malicious attachments that prompted recipients to enter credentials that could have been used to harvest sensitive information about partners vital to the vaccine-delivery platform.

Targets included the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union and companies that make solar panels for powering portable vaccine refrigerators. Other targets were petrochemical companies, likely because they produce dry ice, which is used in the cold chain, Zaboeva said.

The EU agency has been busy revising new import and export regimes for coronavirus vaccines and would be a gold mine for hackers seeking stepping stones into partnering organizations, she said.

Covax has struggled to raise enough money to compete for vaccine contracts against the world’s wealthiest nations in the race to secure doses as fast as they can be produced. But the UN and Gavi have invested millions in cold-chain equipment across Africa and Asia. The investment, in the works well before the pandemic, was accelerated to prepare for an eventual global rollout of coronavirus vaccines.

Whoever was behind the phishing operation likely sought “advanced insight into the purchase and movement of a vaccine that can impact life and the global economy,” the blog post said. Coronavirus vaccines will be one of the world’s most sought-after products as they are distributed, so theft may also be a danger.

In the U.S., the FBI has been working with other federal agencies and private industry to protect vaccine development and delivery, Tonya Ugoretz, the agency’s deputy assistant director for cyber readiness and intelligence, said Thursday at the online Aspen Cyber Summit.

The aim is to ward off not just cyberthreats but also more traditional human-centric espionage by adversaries who may seek to steal intellectual property for financial gain, to benefit another country or to “undermine confidence in U.S. efforts to provide an effective vaccine,” she said.

On the same panel, Marene Allison, the chief information security officer (CISO) at Johnson &amp; Johnson, said that while she was confident that major pharmaceutical companies like hers developing coronavirus vaccines have strong defenses in place against hackers, some third parties involved in the process may not.

There have been reports that Johnson &amp; Johnson has been targeted by North Korean hackers, but Allison said that doesn’t mean the attempts have been successful.

“I and all CISOs in health care are seeing attempted penetrations by nation-state actors, not just North Korea, every single minute of every single day,” she said.

Last month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/microsoft-russia-north-korea-vaccines-efc925638332b4a42d06d36066802d33">Microsoft said&nbsp;</a>it had detected mostly unsuccessful attempts by state-backed Russian and North Korean hackers to steal data from leading pharmaceutical companies and vaccine researchers. It gave no information on how many succeeded or how serious those breaches were. Chinese state-backed hackers have also targeted vaccine makers, the U.S. government said in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-international-news-general-news-indictments-politics-7aa7a893d0dc15da21a5920ab7d9f221">announcing criminal charges in July.</a>

Microsoft said most of the targets — located in Canada, France, India, South Korea and the United States — were researching vaccines and COVID-19 treatments. It did not name the targets.

On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-authorizes-vaccine-emergency-use-ea0170c978eb281a905866e5bd78bbdf">Britain became the first to country&nbsp;</a>to authorize a rigorously tested COVID-19 vaccine, the one developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech.

Other countries aren’t far behind: Regulators not only in the U.S. but in the European Union and Canada also are vetting the Pfizer vaccine along with a shot made by Moderna Inc. British and Canadian regulators are also considering a vaccine made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University.

The logistical challenges of distributing vaccines globally are huge. The Pfizer-BioNTech one must be stored and shipped at ultra-cold temperatures of around minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit).

Unlike the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines, Johnson &amp; Johnson’s requires refrigeration but does not need to be frozen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600861747887.png" alt="Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — IBM security researchers say they have detected a cyberespionage effort using targeted phishing emails to try to collect vital information on the World Health Organization’s initiative for distributing COVID-19 vaccine to developing countries.The researchers said they could not be sure who was behind the campaign, which began in September, or if it was successful. But the precision targeting and careful efforts to leave no tracks bore “the potential hallmarks of nation-state tradecraft,” they said in&nbsp;<a href="http://securityintelligence.com/posts/ibm-uncovers-global-phishing-covid-19-vaccine-cold-chain" target="_blank">a blog post</a>&nbsp;Thursday.The campaign’s targets, in countries including Germany, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan, are likely associated with the development of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-burkina-faso-immunizations-united-nations-7f5526f46ce5e15ba8bb51fe62569ee6">“cold chain”&nbsp;</a>needed to ensure coronavirus vaccines get the nonstop sterile refrigeration they need to be effective for the nearly 3 billion people who live where temperature-controlled storage is insufficient, IBM said.“Think of it as the bloodline that will be supplying the most vital vaccines globally,” said Claire Zaboeva, an IBM analyst involved in the detection.The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency later&nbsp;<a href="https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/current-activity/2020/12/03/ibm-releases-report-cyber-actors-targeting-covid-19-vaccine-supply" target="_blank">issued an advisory&nbsp;</a>encouraging Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration’s vaccine program, and other organizations involved in vaccine storage and transport, to review IBM’s findings.Whoever is behind the operation could be motivated by a desire to learn how the vaccines are best able to be shipped and stored — the entire refrigeration process — in order to copy it, said Nick Rossmann, the IBM team’s global threat intelligence lead. Or they might want to be able to undermine a vaccine’s legitimacy or launch a disruptive or destructive attack, he added.In the ploy, executives with groups likely associated with the initiative known as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/initiatives/act-accelerator/covax" target="_blank">Covax&nbsp;</a>— created by the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization and other U.N. agencies — were sent spoofed emails appearing to come from an executive of Haier Biomedical, a Chinese company considered the world’s main cold-chain supplier, the analyst said.The phishing emails posed as requests for price quotations and bore malicious attachments that prompted recipients to enter credentials that could have been used to harvest sensitive information about partners vital to the vaccine-delivery platform.Targets included the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union and companies that make solar panels for powering portable vaccine refrigerators. Other targets were petrochemical companies, likely because they produce dry ice, which is used in the cold chain, Zaboeva said.The EU agency has been busy revising new import and export regimes for coronavirus vaccines and would be a gold mine for hackers seeking stepping stones into partnering organizations, she said.Covax has struggled to raise enough money to compete for vaccine contracts against the world’s wealthiest nations in the race to secure doses as fast as they can be produced. But the UN and Gavi have invested millions in cold-chain equipment across Africa and Asia. The investment, in the works well before the pandemic, was accelerated to prepare for an eventual global rollout of coronavirus vaccines.Whoever was behind the phishing operation likely sought “advanced insight into the purchase and movement of a vaccine that can impact life and the global economy,” the blog post said. Coronavirus vaccines will be one of the world’s most sought-after products as they are distributed, so theft may also be a danger.In the U.S., the FBI has been working with other federal agencies and private industry to protect vaccine development and delivery, Tonya Ugoretz, the agency’s deputy assistant director for cyber readiness and intelligence, said Thursday at the online Aspen Cyber Summit.The aim is to ward off not just cyberthreats but also more traditional human-centric espionage by adversaries who may seek to steal intellectual property for financial gain, to benefit another country or to “undermine confidence in U.S. efforts to provide an effective vaccine,” she said.On the same panel, Marene Allison, the chief information security officer (CISO) at Johnson &amp; Johnson, said that while she was confident that major pharmaceutical companies like hers developing coronavirus vaccines have strong defenses in place against hackers, some third parties involved in the process may not.There have been reports that Johnson &amp; Johnson has been targeted by North Korean hackers, but Allison said that doesn’t mean the attempts have been successful.“I and all CISOs in health care are seeing attempted penetrations by nation-state actors, not just North Korea, every single minute of every single day,” she said.Last month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/microsoft-russia-north-korea-vaccines-efc925638332b4a42d06d36066802d33">Microsoft said&nbsp;</a>it had detected mostly unsuccessful attempts by state-backed Russian and North Korean hackers to steal data from leading pharmaceutical companies and vaccine researchers. It gave no information on how many succeeded or how serious those breaches were. Chinese state-backed hackers have also targeted vaccine makers, the U.S. government said in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-international-news-general-news-indictments-politics-7aa7a893d0dc15da21a5920ab7d9f221">announcing criminal charges in July.</a>Microsoft said most of the targets — located in Canada, France, India, South Korea and the United States — were researching vaccines and COVID-19 treatments. It did not name the targets.On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-authorizes-vaccine-emergency-use-ea0170c978eb281a905866e5bd78bbdf">Britain became the first to country&nbsp;</a>to authorize a rigorously tested COVID-19 vaccine, the one developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech.Other countries aren’t far behind: Regulators not only in the U.S. but in the European Union and Canada also are vetting the Pfizer vaccine along with a shot made by Moderna Inc. British and Canadian regulators are also considering a vaccine made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University.The logistical challenges of distributing vaccines globally are huge. The Pfizer-BioNTech one must be stored and shipped at ultra-cold temperatures of around minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit).Unlike the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines, Johnson &amp; Johnson’s requires refrigeration but does not need to be frozen.___

COVID-19 vaccine distribution effort hit by cyberespionage

TOPEKA &nbsp;– The Kansas
Insurance Department (KID), under the leadership of Insurance Commissioner Vicki
Schmidt and in partnership with Pearson Vue, has announced Kansas will begin
offering online proctored insurance producer examinations on December 15.

“When COVID hit, Kansas was the first
Department in the nation to get our producer licensing exam facilities reopened
and assist Kansans in getting back to work,” Insurance Commissioner Vicki
Schmidt said. 
“Adding an online option for exams is the next step in continuing to modernize
the services of the Kansas Insurance Department and ensuring that anyone who
has an interest in a career in insurance has access to the licensing exam.”

“Hiring and on-boarding new staff continues to be a challenge for the insurance
industry,” said Dave Hulcher, executive director of the Kansas Association of
Insurance Agents.

“Getting staff licensed is a critical component of the new
hiring process and the Kansas Insurance Department has worked hard to expand
the accessibility of testing alternative locations within Kansas. Providing an
online testing solution is another step forward in streamlining of producer
licensing process. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, this also provides an important
additional option to allow potential licensees to safely and efficiently take
their exam. We thank the department for their leadership in the area of agent
licensing.”

On-site testing facilities will remain an important option for candidates, the
Pearson OnVUE program expands the choices to accommodate the testing needs of
any potential Kansas licensee. Consumer protection is the highest priority for
the Kansas Insurance Department and the same rigorous standards will continue
to apply to exams and applicants. &nbsp;For more information about OnVUE, visit <a href="https://home.pearsonvue.com/">pearsonvue.com</a>. 
If you have questions about producer licensing in Kansas, please contact
kid.licensing@ks.gov or 785-296-7862.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600101760737.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KIDTOPEKA &nbsp;– The Kansas
Insurance Department (KID), under the leadership of Insurance Commissioner Vicki
Schmidt and in partnership with Pearson Vue, has announced Kansas will begin
offering online proctored insurance producer examinations on December 15. “When COVID hit, Kansas was the first
Department in the nation to get our producer licensing exam facilities reopened
and assist Kansans in getting back to work,” Insurance Commissioner Vicki
Schmidt said. 
“Adding an online option for exams is the next step in continuing to modernize
the services of the Kansas Insurance Department and ensuring that anyone who
has an interest in a career in insurance has access to the licensing exam.”“Hiring and on-boarding new staff continues to be a challenge for the insurance
industry,” said Dave Hulcher, executive director of the Kansas Association of
Insurance Agents. “Getting staff licensed is a critical component of the new
hiring process and the Kansas Insurance Department has worked hard to expand
the accessibility of testing alternative locations within Kansas. Providing an
online testing solution is another step forward in streamlining of producer
licensing process. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, this also provides an important
additional option to allow potential licensees to safely and efficiently take
their exam. We thank the department for their leadership in the area of agent
licensing.”On-site testing facilities will remain an important option for candidates, the
Pearson OnVUE program expands the choices to accommodate the testing needs of
any potential Kansas licensee. Consumer protection is the highest priority for
the Kansas Insurance Department and the same rigorous standards will continue
to apply to exams and applicants. &nbsp;For more information about OnVUE, visit <a href="https://home.pearsonvue.com/">pearsonvue.com</a>. 
If you have questions about producer licensing in Kansas, please contact
kid.licensing@ks.gov or 785-296-7862.

Kansas to offer insurance licensing exams online beginning Dec. 15 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident that left a 63-year-old man dead.

Just before 6p.m. on Friday, a police officer drove up on an injury accident at Pawnee and McLean involving a Chevy Prizm and a Harley Davidson motorcycle, according to officer Charley Davidson. 

The 63-year-old motorcyclist was found in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries on the scene.&nbsp; The driver of the Prizm sustained minor injuries.

The investigation revealed the Chevy was southbound on McLean and was turning to go East on Pawnee.&nbsp; The motorcyclist was traveling northbound on McLean.&nbsp; The vehicles collided in the intersection.

It is not believed that speed, alcohol, or drugs were a factor in this accident.

Police released no additional details early Saturday.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident that left a 63-year-old man dead.Just before 6p.m. on Friday, a police officer drove up on an injury accident at Pawnee and McLean involving a Chevy Prizm and a Harley Davidson motorcycle, according to officer Charley Davidson. The 63-year-old motorcyclist was found in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries on the scene.&nbsp; The driver of the Prizm sustained minor injuries.The investigation revealed the Chevy was southbound on McLean and was turning to go East on Pawnee.&nbsp; The motorcyclist was traveling northbound on McLean.&nbsp; The vehicles collided in the intersection.It is not believed that speed, alcohol, or drugs were a factor in this accident.Police released no additional details early Saturday.

63-year-old Kan. man dies after motorcycle, car crash

KANSAS CITY —States faced a deadline on Friday to place orders for the coronavirus vaccine as many reported record infections, hospitalizations and deaths, while hospitals were pushed to the breaking point — with the worst feared yet to come.

The number of Americans hospitalized with COVID-19 hit an all-time high in the U.S. on Thursday at 100,667, according to the COVID Tracking Project. That figure has more than doubled over the past month, while new daily cases are averaging 210,000 and deaths are averaging 1,800 per day, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Gov. Laura Kelly says Kansas considers meatpacking plant workers and grocery store employees essential workers, putting them just behind health care workers and nursing home residents for coronavirus vaccines. 

The Democratic governor also Friday that said members of the Republican-controlled Legislature won’t get any special treatment. Kelly said Kansas’ vaccine plan calls for the first shots to go to front-line health care workers with a high risk of coronavirus exposure, including workers in nursing homes, as well as nursing home residents. 

She said the second phase will focus on vaccinating essential workers, including first responders but also grocery store and meatpacking plant workers.

Arizona on Friday reported more than 5,000 new COVID-19 cases for the second straight day as the number of available intensive care unit beds fell below 10% statewide. Hospital officials have said the outbreak will exceed hospital capacity this month.

Nevada reported 48 new deaths from the coronavirus on Thursday, marking the deadliest day since the onset of the pandemic as case and death totals continued to rise more than a week after new restrictions were implemented on businesses. One hospital was so full it was treating patients in an auxiliary unit in the parking garage.

North Carolina reported a record 5,600 new confirmed cases Thursday and 2,100 hospitalizations, as it awaited nearly 85,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, perhaps as early as Dec. 15.

Health officials fear the situation will get worse before it gets better because of delayed effects from Thanksgiving, when millions of Americans disregarded warnings to stay home and celebrate only with members of their household.

At the same time, hospitals — and their workers — were stretched to the limit.

In Pennsylvania, almost half of all hospitals in the south-central region and a third of those in the southwest anticipated staffing shortages within a week, according to the state Department of Health.

The state’s top health official, Dr. Rachel Levine, said Thursday that 85% of the state’s intensive care beds were occupied and modeling shows they’ll be full this month. Meanwhile, nurses in the Philadelphia area said the overwhelming number of COVID-19 patients was affecting the quality of care they can provide.

“I see that as a significant concern that we need to work to avoid,” Levine said. “I hear from physicians and from hospital leadership all the time about how strained the hospitals are.”

Officials also expressed concern that Americans will let down their guard once states begin administering vaccines.

It will take weeks to months before many of the nation’s most vulnerable residents can be immunized, White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said Thursday. Until then, she said, Americans must not hold indoor gatherings with outsiders or take off their masks at any time when they’re outdoors — and continue to keep their distance from others and wash their hands.

“I think everyone can see that this current surge that we’re experiencing is much faster and broader across the United States and is lasting longer,” Birx said after attending a meeting at United Nations headquarters in New York.

An influential modeling group at the University of Washington said Friday the expected vaccine rollout in the United States will mean 9,000 fewer deaths by April 1. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation predicts that warmer temperatures and then rising vaccination rates will lead to steady declines in the daily death toll starting in February.

But even with a vaccine, if states do not act to bring current surges under control, the death toll could reach 770,000 by April 1, the group said.

Nationwide, the coronavirus is blamed for almost 277,000 deaths and 14 million confirmed infections.

As states prepared to vaccinate residents, most appeared to be heeding nonbinding guidelines adopted this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to put health care workers and nursing home patients first.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said nursing home residents, along with front-line health care workers, will get the first doses.

“These are the folks most likely to suffer complications. These are the older folks who most likely suffer fatalities. And these are the folks most likely to go into the hospital,” Lamont told reporters Thursday. Connecticut expects to receive its first shipment of 31,000 doses of vaccine from Pfizer on Dec. 14 and its first shipment of 61,000 from Moderna on Dec. 21.

But states also were balancing concerns about the economy and protecting essential workers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606948274105.png" alt="Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said the state’s vaccine plan calls for the first shots to go to front-line health care workers with a high risk of coronavirus exposure, including workers in nursing homes, as well as nursing home residents. Meatpacking plant workers and grocery store employees will be next in line, along with first responders." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said the state’s vaccine plan calls for the first shots to go to front-line health care workers with a high risk of coronavirus exposure, including workers in nursing homes, as well as nursing home residents. Meatpacking plant workers and grocery store employees will be next in line, along with first responders.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —States faced a deadline on Friday to place orders for the coronavirus vaccine as many reported record infections, hospitalizations and deaths, while hospitals were pushed to the breaking point — with the worst feared yet to come.The number of Americans hospitalized with COVID-19 hit an all-time high in the U.S. on Thursday at 100,667, according to the COVID Tracking Project. That figure has more than doubled over the past month, while new daily cases are averaging 210,000 and deaths are averaging 1,800 per day, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.Gov. Laura Kelly says Kansas considers meatpacking plant workers and grocery store employees essential workers, putting them just behind health care workers and nursing home residents for coronavirus vaccines. The Democratic governor also Friday that said members of the Republican-controlled Legislature won’t get any special treatment. Kelly said Kansas’ vaccine plan calls for the first shots to go to front-line health care workers with a high risk of coronavirus exposure, including workers in nursing homes, as well as nursing home residents. She said the second phase will focus on vaccinating essential workers, including first responders but also grocery store and meatpacking plant workers.Arizona on Friday reported more than 5,000 new COVID-19 cases for the second straight day as the number of available intensive care unit beds fell below 10% statewide. Hospital officials have said the outbreak will exceed hospital capacity this month.Nevada reported 48 new deaths from the coronavirus on Thursday, marking the deadliest day since the onset of the pandemic as case and death totals continued to rise more than a week after new restrictions were implemented on businesses. One hospital was so full it was treating patients in an auxiliary unit in the parking garage.North Carolina reported a record 5,600 new confirmed cases Thursday and 2,100 hospitalizations, as it awaited nearly 85,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, perhaps as early as Dec. 15.Health officials fear the situation will get worse before it gets better because of delayed effects from Thanksgiving, when millions of Americans disregarded warnings to stay home and celebrate only with members of their household.At the same time, hospitals — and their workers — were stretched to the limit.In Pennsylvania, almost half of all hospitals in the south-central region and a third of those in the southwest anticipated staffing shortages within a week, according to the state Department of Health.The state’s top health official, Dr. Rachel Levine, said Thursday that 85% of the state’s intensive care beds were occupied and modeling shows they’ll be full this month. Meanwhile, nurses in the Philadelphia area said the overwhelming number of COVID-19 patients was affecting the quality of care they can provide.“I see that as a significant concern that we need to work to avoid,” Levine said. “I hear from physicians and from hospital leadership all the time about how strained the hospitals are.”Officials also expressed concern that Americans will let down their guard once states begin administering vaccines.It will take weeks to months before many of the nation’s most vulnerable residents can be immunized, White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said Thursday. Until then, she said, Americans must not hold indoor gatherings with outsiders or take off their masks at any time when they’re outdoors — and continue to keep their distance from others and wash their hands.“I think everyone can see that this current surge that we’re experiencing is much faster and broader across the United States and is lasting longer,” Birx said after attending a meeting at United Nations headquarters in New York.An influential modeling group at the University of Washington said Friday the expected vaccine rollout in the United States will mean 9,000 fewer deaths by April 1. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation predicts that warmer temperatures and then rising vaccination rates will lead to steady declines in the daily death toll starting in February.But even with a vaccine, if states do not act to bring current surges under control, the death toll could reach 770,000 by April 1, the group said.Nationwide, the coronavirus is blamed for almost 277,000 deaths and 14 million confirmed infections.As states prepared to vaccinate residents, most appeared to be heeding nonbinding guidelines adopted this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to put health care workers and nursing home patients first.Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said nursing home residents, along with front-line health care workers, will get the first doses.“These are the folks most likely to suffer complications. These are the older folks who most likely suffer fatalities. And these are the folks most likely to go into the hospital,” Lamont told reporters Thursday. Connecticut expects to receive its first shipment of 31,000 doses of vaccine from Pfizer on Dec. 14 and its first shipment of 61,000 from Moderna on Dec. 21.But states also were balancing concerns about the economy and protecting essential workers.___

States submit vaccine orders as coronavirus death toll grows

WILSON COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Friday in Wilson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Nissan passenger vehicle driven by Sean D. Blaine-Ritz, 42, Fredonia, was eastbound on 1700 Road five miles north of Fredonia.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve and struck an embankment in north ditch.

Blaine-Ritz was transported to Fredonia Regional Medical Center where he died. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

WILSON COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Friday in Wilson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Nissan passenger vehicle driven by Sean D. Blaine-Ritz, 42, Fredonia, was eastbound on 1700 Road five miles north of Fredonia.The driver failed to negotiate a curve and struck an embankment in north ditch.Blaine-Ritz was transported to Fredonia Regional Medical Center where he died. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kan. man dies after vehicle strikes embankment in ditch

MANHATTAN — The National Science Foundation has awarded a $7.12 million grant renewal to Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://kpbs.konza.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Konza Prairie Biological Station</a>&nbsp;to support the next six years of long-term ecological research. The grant is the eighth consecutive NSF grant renewal for Konza Prairie and marks more than 40 years of the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research, or LTER, program. Since 1980, the Konza Prairie LTER program has supported a comprehensive ecological research, education and outreach program.&nbsp;

The program centers on one of the most productive, yet endangered grasslands in North America — the tallgrass prairie. &nbsp;

With the recent NSF grant renewal, Konza Prairie has received a total of nearly $40 million in LTER funding and leveraged an additional $60 million of federally funded research. South of Manhattan, Konza Prairie, an 8,600-acre native tallgrass prairie research station in the Flint Hills of northeastern Kansas, is co-owned by the Kansas State University Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. Faculty in the K-State&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/biology/" target="_blank">Division of Biology</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Arts and Sciences</a>&nbsp;manage Konza Prairie as a world-class platform for education and scientific investigation of grassland ecology. "The Konza Prairie Biological Station is an amazing and critical resource for K-State," said Chris Culbertson, associate dean for research in the College of Arts and Sciences. "The recent renewal of the NSF LTER grant for an unprecedented eighth time will allow the critical long-term research underway there to continue and will allow for several new research directions to be pursued." More than four decades of research at the Konza Prairie LTER site have produced a rich and detailed understanding of how environmental change and land management affect the structure and function of grasslands and associated groundwater and streams.

Research over the next six years will build on this foundation of long-term experiments and measurements to understand causes and consequences of ecological change in tallgrass prairie. This will contribute to the sustainable management, conservation and restoration of terrestrial and aquatic resources in tallgrass prairies and other grasslands globally. Konza Prairie was one of the original six sites of the LTER network when it began in 1980 and is one of only four original sites that are still active. There are currently 27 active LTER sites with locations around the world. NSF renews LTER programs based on a rigorous review of past productivity and the potential impact of proposed new research. The principal investigator for the Konza Prairie LTER grant renewal is Jesse Nippert, professor of biology. Co-principal investigators include Keith Gido, university distinguished professor of biology, and Lydia Zeglin, associate professor of biology. Other co-principal investigators include Sara Baer, director of the Kansas Biological Station at the University of Kansas and Kansas State University's 2014 College of Arts and Sciences Young Alumni Award recipient, and Melinda Smith, professor of biology at Colorado State University. Konza Prairie has more than 100 active registered research projects by K-State scientists in five colleges and 14 departments as well as more than 75 visiting scientists and students from other research institutions across the U.S. and world.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606921855349.jpeg" alt="Ryan Donnelly, junior in biology, gathers measurements for research on Kansas State University's Konza Prairie Biological Station. The Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research program has received a $7.12 million National Science Foundation grant renewal." />
 <figcaption>Ryan Donnelly, junior in biology, gathers measurements for research on Kansas State University's Konza Prairie Biological Station. The Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research program has received a $7.12 million National Science Foundation grant renewal.</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State News ServiceMANHATTAN — The National Science Foundation has awarded a $7.12 million grant renewal to Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://kpbs.konza.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Konza Prairie Biological Station</a>&nbsp;to support the next six years of long-term ecological research. The grant is the eighth consecutive NSF grant renewal for Konza Prairie and marks more than 40 years of the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research, or LTER, program. Since 1980, the Konza Prairie LTER program has supported a comprehensive ecological research, education and outreach program.&nbsp;The program centers on one of the most productive, yet endangered grasslands in North America — the tallgrass prairie. &nbsp;With the recent NSF grant renewal, Konza Prairie has received a total of nearly $40 million in LTER funding and leveraged an additional $60 million of federally funded research. South of Manhattan, Konza Prairie, an 8,600-acre native tallgrass prairie research station in the Flint Hills of northeastern Kansas, is co-owned by the Kansas State University Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. Faculty in the K-State&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/biology/" target="_blank">Division of Biology</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Arts and Sciences</a>&nbsp;manage Konza Prairie as a world-class platform for education and scientific investigation of grassland ecology. "The Konza Prairie Biological Station is an amazing and critical resource for K-State," said Chris Culbertson, associate dean for research in the College of Arts and Sciences. "The recent renewal of the NSF LTER grant for an unprecedented eighth time will allow the critical long-term research underway there to continue and will allow for several new research directions to be pursued." More than four decades of research at the Konza Prairie LTER site have produced a rich and detailed understanding of how environmental change and land management affect the structure and function of grasslands and associated groundwater and streams. Research over the next six years will build on this foundation of long-term experiments and measurements to understand causes and consequences of ecological change in tallgrass prairie. This will contribute to the sustainable management, conservation and restoration of terrestrial and aquatic resources in tallgrass prairies and other grasslands globally. Konza Prairie was one of the original six sites of the LTER network when it began in 1980 and is one of only four original sites that are still active. There are currently 27 active LTER sites with locations around the world. NSF renews LTER programs based on a rigorous review of past productivity and the potential impact of proposed new research. The principal investigator for the Konza Prairie LTER grant renewal is Jesse Nippert, professor of biology. Co-principal investigators include Keith Gido, university distinguished professor of biology, and Lydia Zeglin, associate professor of biology. Other co-principal investigators include Sara Baer, director of the Kansas Biological Station at the University of Kansas and Kansas State University's 2014 College of Arts and Sciences Young Alumni Award recipient, and Melinda Smith, professor of biology at Colorado State University. Konza Prairie has more than 100 active registered research projects by K-State scientists in five colleges and 14 departments as well as more than 75 visiting scientists and students from other research institutions across the U.S. and world.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Konza Prairie continues decades of research success with NSF grant renewal

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty this week in connection with a series of armed robberies, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

&nbsp;Brelen Vonfange, 28, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery. 

In his plea, VonFange admitted doing a robbery at a Kwik Shop at 3601 E. 47th&nbsp;South, as well as brandishing a firearm during another robbery at a QuikTrip at K-15 and 31st&nbsp;South.

&nbsp;In addition, VonFange admitted committing other robberies that will be considered during sentencing. Those include robberies at a Kwik Shop at 710 W. 29th and a Kwik Shop at 3959 S. Hydraulic.

In September, co-defendant&nbsp;Shaiquille Harris, 26, Wichita, Kan., was sentenced to 115 months in federal prison. Harris admitted driving Vonfange to the robberies.

Sentencing for Vonfange is set for Feb. 17. He could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the robbery charge, as well as a penalty of not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of brandishing a firearm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578950590882.png" alt="VonFange is being held in Harvey County" />
 <figcaption>VonFange is being held in Harvey County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty this week in connection with a series of armed robberies, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.&nbsp;Brelen Vonfange, 28, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery. In his plea, VonFange admitted doing a robbery at a Kwik Shop at 3601 E. 47th&nbsp;South, as well as brandishing a firearm during another robbery at a QuikTrip at K-15 and 31st&nbsp;South.&nbsp;In addition, VonFange admitted committing other robberies that will be considered during sentencing. Those include robberies at a Kwik Shop at 710 W. 29th and a Kwik Shop at 3959 S. Hydraulic.In September, co-defendant&nbsp;Shaiquille Harris, 26, Wichita, Kan., was sentenced to 115 months in federal prison. Harris admitted driving Vonfange to the robberies.Sentencing for Vonfange is set for Feb. 17. He could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the robbery charge, as well as a penalty of not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of brandishing a firearm.

Kansas man admits to role in series of armed robberies

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating drugs smuggled into a Kansas county jail and various state prisons.

The investigation of the synthetic drug K2 being introduced into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility started in September, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter.

A liquified version of the substance has come coated on mail sent to inmates at the jail. Sedgwick County officials learned that Kansas Department of Corrections officials have seen similar issues at state prisons for some time, according to Easter.

Investigators identified a group of inmates receiving letters sprayed with the liquified K2 and intercepted over 70 pieces of the mail. 

Inmates were also controlling the sale of K2 inside the jail and charging $10 for a small square of the K2 laced paper and up to $500 for a full sheet, according to Easter. Inmates would light the paper on fire and smoke it.

In conjunction with the Kansas Department of Corrections, authorities identified the same organization sending the K2 laced paper to state prisons and the Sedgwick County Detention Facility.

&nbsp;December 2, was the first medical call inside the facility where Sedgwick County had an inmate, "overdosed, but you can’t really overdose on K-2" but was having adverse reactions due to smoking K-2,” Easter said during a Friday news conference.

Over a period of 24 hours, the jail had seven inmates that had smoked K2 and had adversed reactions. One was transported to a local hospital.

At 4p.m. Thursday, investigators conducted a large scale operation inside the jail. Deputies found K2 on various sheets of paper in one particular jail pod and evidence of distribution of the drug, according to Easter.&nbsp; Investigators also located K2 in other pods at the facility.

The KDOC identified two primary suspects who are responsible for sending K2 into the facilities. Sedgwick County deputies were able to locate the suspects at a hotel the west side of Wichita and made an arrest. During the arrest, deputies located what they thought was dynamite and summoned Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms authorities to the scene. Officials were still working the scene late Friday afternoon, according to Easter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595499501642.png" alt="Sedgwick County Detention Facility" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County Detention Facility</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating drugs smuggled into a Kansas county jail and various state prisons.The investigation of the synthetic drug K2 being introduced into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility started in September, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter.A liquified version of the substance has come coated on mail sent to inmates at the jail. Sedgwick County officials learned that Kansas Department of Corrections officials have seen similar issues at state prisons for some time, according to Easter.Investigators identified a group of inmates receiving letters sprayed with the liquified K2 and intercepted over 70 pieces of the mail. Inmates were also controlling the sale of K2 inside the jail and charging $10 for a small square of the K2 laced paper and up to $500 for a full sheet, according to Easter. Inmates would light the paper on fire and smoke it.In conjunction with the Kansas Department of Corrections, authorities identified the same organization sending the K2 laced paper to state prisons and the Sedgwick County Detention Facility.&nbsp;December 2, was the first medical call inside the facility where Sedgwick County had an inmate, "overdosed, but you can’t really overdose on K-2" but was having adverse reactions due to smoking K-2,” Easter said during a Friday news conference.Over a period of 24 hours, the jail had seven inmates that had smoked K2 and had adversed reactions. One was transported to a local hospital.At 4p.m. Thursday, investigators conducted a large scale operation inside the jail. Deputies found K2 on various sheets of paper in one particular jail pod and evidence of distribution of the drug, according to Easter.&nbsp; Investigators also located K2 in other pods at the facility.The KDOC identified two primary suspects who are responsible for sending K2 into the facilities. Sedgwick County deputies were able to locate the suspects at a hotel the west side of Wichita and made an arrest. During the arrest, deputies located what they thought was dynamite and summoned Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms authorities to the scene. Officials were still working the scene late Friday afternoon, according to Easter.

Suspects arrested after drugs were mailed to Kansas jails

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Democratic-controlled House on Friday approved a bill to decriminalize and tax marijuana at the federal level. The bill would reverse what supporters called a failed policy of criminalization of pot use and take steps to address racial disparities in enforcement of federal drug laws.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?506855-1/us-house-passes-federal-decriminalization-marijuana-228-164&amp;live&amp;vod">Click here to watch </a>a replay of the debate and vote.

Opponents, mostly Republicans, called the bill a hollow political gesture and mocked Democrats for bringing it up at a time when thousands of Americans are dying from the coronavirus pandemic.

Supporters say it would help reverse adverse effects of the decades-long “war on drugs” by removing marijuana, or cannabis, from the list of federally controlled substances while allowing states to set their own rules on pot. The bill also would use money from an excise tax on marijuana to address the needs of groups and communities harmed by the drug war and provide for the expungement of federal marijuana convictions and arrests.

“For far too long, we have treated marijuana as a criminal justice problem instead of as a matter of personal choice and public health,'' said Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a key sponsor of the bill. "Whatever one’s views are on the use of marijuana for recreational or medicinal use, the policy of arrests, prosecution and incarceration at the federal level has proven unwise and unjust.''

The vote comes at a time when most Americans live in states where marijuana is legal in some form, and lawmakers from both parties agreed that national cannabis policy has lagged woefully behind changes at the state level. That divide has created a host of problems — loans and other banking services, for example, are hard to get for many marijuana companies because pot remains illegal at the federal level.

The bill also would open up more opportunities for marijuana businesses, including access to Small Business Administration loans to help ensure that minorities can take part in an industry dominated by white famers and growers.

The bill, which passed 228-164, now goes to the Republican-controlled Senate, where it is unlikely to advance. A related bill that would give pot businesses access to traditional banking services has languished in the Senate after being approved by the House last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607109294204.png" alt="Democrat Representatives speaking on behalf of the bill Friday morning in the U.S. House of Representatives-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Democrat Representatives speaking on behalf of the bill Friday morning in the U.S. House of Representatives-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Democratic-controlled House on Friday approved a bill to decriminalize and tax marijuana at the federal level. The bill would reverse what supporters called a failed policy of criminalization of pot use and take steps to address racial disparities in enforcement of federal drug laws.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?506855-1/us-house-passes-federal-decriminalization-marijuana-228-164&amp;live&amp;vod">Click here to watch </a>a replay of the debate and vote.Opponents, mostly Republicans, called the bill a hollow political gesture and mocked Democrats for bringing it up at a time when thousands of Americans are dying from the coronavirus pandemic.Supporters say it would help reverse adverse effects of the decades-long “war on drugs” by removing marijuana, or cannabis, from the list of federally controlled substances while allowing states to set their own rules on pot. The bill also would use money from an excise tax on marijuana to address the needs of groups and communities harmed by the drug war and provide for the expungement of federal marijuana convictions and arrests.“For far too long, we have treated marijuana as a criminal justice problem instead of as a matter of personal choice and public health,'' said Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a key sponsor of the bill. "Whatever one’s views are on the use of marijuana for recreational or medicinal use, the policy of arrests, prosecution and incarceration at the federal level has proven unwise and unjust.''The vote comes at a time when most Americans live in states where marijuana is legal in some form, and lawmakers from both parties agreed that national cannabis policy has lagged woefully behind changes at the state level. That divide has created a host of problems — loans and other banking services, for example, are hard to get for many marijuana companies because pot remains illegal at the federal level.The bill also would open up more opportunities for marijuana businesses, including access to Small Business Administration loans to help ensure that minorities can take part in an industry dominated by white famers and growers.The bill, which passed 228-164, now goes to the Republican-controlled Senate, where it is unlikely to advance. A related bill that would give pot businesses access to traditional banking services has languished in the Senate after being approved by the House last year.

🎥 House passes landmark bill decriminalizing marijuana 

MANHATTAN – Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged case of child sexual assault and have made a second arrest this week.

On November 24, officers filed a report for rape and aggravated criminal sodomy in Manhattan involving a 12-year-old girl as the victim and a 19-year-old male known to her as the suspect, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Just after 11:35 a.m. Friday, police arrested Zelond Benymon, 19, of Ft. Riley was arrested in connection on requested charges that included 3 counts of rape and two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy.&nbsp;

Benymon&nbsp;was issued a total bond of $350,000.00 and is confined in the Riley County Jail.

On Monday afternoon, police arrested  Tavian Garrett, 23, of Manhattan on on requested charges that include five counts of rape and five counts of aggravated criminal sodomy.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged case of child sexual assault and have made a second arrest this week.On November 24, officers filed a report for rape and aggravated criminal sodomy in Manhattan involving a 12-year-old girl as the victim and a 19-year-old male known to her as the suspect, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Just after 11:35 a.m. Friday, police arrested Zelond Benymon, 19, of Ft. Riley was arrested in connection on requested charges that included 3 counts of rape and two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy.&nbsp;Benymon&nbsp;was issued a total bond of $350,000.00 and is confined in the Riley County Jail.On Monday afternoon, police arrested Tavian Garrett, 23, of Manhattan on on requested charges that include five counts of rape and five counts of aggravated criminal sodomy.&nbsp;Police released no additional details.

2nd arrest this week for alleged rape of 12-year-old in Manhattan

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City Episcopal church has joined other civil rights organizations in seeking changes in the city's police department, including the firing or resignation of Police Chief Rick Smith.

St. Mary's Episcopal Church said in a statement sent to to city leaders and police officials that the department needed to make changes to “eliminate the systemic racism" in the department, which it said causes crime and racial discrimination in the city.

Civil rights advocates and some churches have pushed for months to have Smith terminated, citing shootings or beatings of Black residents by officers. The effort grew after racial injustice protests this summer.

John Simpson, chairman of the church’s social justice ministry, said Thursday that he hoped other churches and predominantly white organizations would join the effort.

The Kansas City Police Department said Smith “understands that some people are pleased with his performance and some are not.”

"He looks forward to leading us through these challenging times,” said police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina. “We remain committed to serving the citizens of Kansas City, included in that service is protecting all citizens fundamental rights- to include first amendment rights to free speech.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591275596951.png" alt="Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith spoke to reporters during June protests-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith spoke to reporters during June protests-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City Episcopal church has joined other civil rights organizations in seeking changes in the city's police department, including the firing or resignation of Police Chief Rick Smith.St. Mary's Episcopal Church said in a statement sent to to city leaders and police officials that the department needed to make changes to “eliminate the systemic racism" in the department, which it said causes crime and racial discrimination in the city.Civil rights advocates and some churches have pushed for months to have Smith terminated, citing shootings or beatings of Black residents by officers. The effort grew after racial injustice protests this summer.John Simpson, chairman of the church’s social justice ministry, said Thursday that he hoped other churches and predominantly white organizations would join the effort.The Kansas City Police Department said Smith “understands that some people are pleased with his performance and some are not.”"He looks forward to leading us through these challenging times,” said police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina. “We remain committed to serving the citizens of Kansas City, included in that service is protecting all citizens fundamental rights- to include first amendment rights to free speech.”

Episcopal Church pushes for KC Police Chief's termination

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/04/bipartisan-group-of-60-plus-kansas-legislators-issue-call-to-action-against-covid-19/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A group of more 
than 60 Kansas legislators signed a joint letter declaring the state at a
 tipping point in the battle against COVID-19 and urging people to 
intensify their response to the pandemic.

Members of the House and 
Senate, representing the Republican and Democratic parties, added their 
names to the letter making a case that widespread community transmission
 of coronavirus was jeopardizing the ability of hospitals across the 
state to care for the sick.

“It
 has been a long and hard 2020 and COVID-19 has affected all of us,” the
 letter says. “As we approach the New Year there is great hope. But we 
are still months away from turning the corner on this pandemic. We&nbsp; all 
need to find the will and discipline to finish this fight.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We
 the undersigned commit to promoting and practicing the pillars of 
infection control and doing our&nbsp; part to slow and eventually stop the 
spread of the virus. We respectfully request you to join us in this 
fight.”

The letter issued Thursday
 included a photograph of more than three dozen legislators wearing 
masks and wrapped around text of the core message: “It’s not a COVID 
crisis … it’s a health crisis.”

The Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment reported Wednesday testing confirmed 162,446 
cases of COVID-19 in Kansas as well as 1,679 fatalities linked to the 
pandemic since March. The state had hospitalized 5,290 people with the 
coronavirus, which has infected Kansans ranging in age from newborn to 
107 years. In Kansas, at least 83,000 women and 76,000 men have 
contracted the virus. New statistics are to be released Friday.

Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore, a 
Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, and Rep. Susan Concannon, a 
Republican from Beloit, were among instigators of the campaign to 
convince Kansans to collectively change their behavior and act quickly 
to curb spread of the virus “because our status quo is not working and 
the implications are dire.”

The legislators’ pleaded 
for people to follow basic tenets of public safety in a pandemic: wear a
 face covering, wash hands frequently, stay home if possible, avoid 
large gatherings, try to be socially distanced from others. It 
identified masking as a “critical step forward,” a reference to reality 
that many Kansans defy county or state recommendations on face 
coverings.

The letter raised the 
prospect of vaccines giving people legitimate hope about turning the 
COVID-19 corner in 2021, but warned steps had to be taken now to bend 
the infection curve to limit community spread and keep hospitals from 
being overwhelmed.

“It
 is critical we reignite a sense of duty and ownership to do all we can 
to slow the spread of this virus&nbsp; to protect the health and safety of 
individuals and their loved ones,” the letter says. “While we cannot 
change the&nbsp; hearts and minds of everyone, we each can take personal 
responsibility to make changes that will&nbsp; ultimately be lifesaving.”

Meanwhile, Gov. Laura 
Kelly said a public awareness campaign, “Stop the Spread. It’s Up to US,
 Kansas,” was initiated to spread information about the importance of 
COVID-19 testing, wearing masks and taking other health precautions 
through the holiday season. The state’s campaign is financed with 
federal CARES Act funding and led to a partnership with the Kansas 
Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Farm Bureau, 
the Kansas Leadership Center and other stakeholders.

“This campaign aims to 
reach every corner of our state with critical public health messages 
infused with some humor and holiday spirit to bring a smile and rally 
our strength,” Kelly said.

It’s part of a strategy to
 rapidly increase the state’s ability to provide COVID-19 diagnostic and
 screening tests to Kansans free of charge, she said. The overall goal 
is to double the amount of testing in Kansas by the end of the year. To 
date, about 812,000 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in Kansas.

Testing numbers have grown
 dramatically since early in the pandemic when only those with symptoms 
or at risk of exposure were tested. The message evolved to the point 
that Kansas officials say everyone ought to get tested so public health 
officials can better track the virus.

There’s also a new Kansas 
website — GoGetTested.com/Kansas — that identifies free testing 
locations in the state. Seven sites are listed and the state expects to 
add more locations to mirror community needs.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607095387036.png" alt="More than 60 members of the Kansas Legislature , both Republicans and Democrats, signed a letter urging more Kansans to respond to the COVID-19 health crisis by wearing a mask and adhering to other public safety recommendations. (Submitted/Kansas Reflector) " />
 <figcaption>More than 60 members of the Kansas Legislature , both Republicans and Democrats, signed a letter urging more Kansans to respond to the COVID-19 health crisis by wearing a mask and adhering to other public safety recommendations. (Submitted/Kansas Reflector) </figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/04/bipartisan-group-of-60-plus-kansas-legislators-issue-call-to-action-against-covid-19/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A group of more 
than 60 Kansas legislators signed a joint letter declaring the state at a
 tipping point in the battle against COVID-19 and urging people to 
intensify their response to the pandemic.Members of the House and 
Senate, representing the Republican and Democratic parties, added their 
names to the letter making a case that widespread community transmission
 of coronavirus was jeopardizing the ability of hospitals across the 
state to care for the sick.“It
 has been a long and hard 2020 and COVID-19 has affected all of us,” the
 letter says. “As we approach the New Year there is great hope. But we 
are still months away from turning the corner on this pandemic. We&nbsp; all 
need to find the will and discipline to finish this fight.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“We
 the undersigned commit to promoting and practicing the pillars of 
infection control and doing our&nbsp; part to slow and eventually stop the 
spread of the virus. We respectfully request you to join us in this 
fight.”The letter issued Thursday
 included a photograph of more than three dozen legislators wearing 
masks and wrapped around text of the core message: “It’s not a COVID 
crisis … it’s a health crisis.”The Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment reported Wednesday testing confirmed 162,446 
cases of COVID-19 in Kansas as well as 1,679 fatalities linked to the 
pandemic since March. The state had hospitalized 5,290 people with the 
coronavirus, which has infected Kansans ranging in age from newborn to 
107 years. In Kansas, at least 83,000 women and 76,000 men have 
contracted the virus. New statistics are to be released Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607095442657.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly says a new statewide campaign developed through a public-private partnership is underway to convince more Kansans to take basic steps to deter spread of COVID-19 and to take advantage of opportunities to be tested for the virus. (Submitted/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly says a new statewide campaign developed through a public-private partnership is underway to convince more Kansans to take basic steps to deter spread of COVID-19 and to take advantage of opportunities to be tested for the virus. (Submitted/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore, a 
Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, and Rep. Susan Concannon, a 
Republican from Beloit, were among instigators of the campaign to 
convince Kansans to collectively change their behavior and act quickly 
to curb spread of the virus “because our status quo is not working and 
the implications are dire.”The legislators’ pleaded 
for people to follow basic tenets of public safety in a pandemic: wear a
 face covering, wash hands frequently, stay home if possible, avoid 
large gatherings, try to be socially distanced from others. It 
identified masking as a “critical step forward,” a reference to reality 
that many Kansans defy county or state recommendations on face 
coverings.The letter raised the 
prospect of vaccines giving people legitimate hope about turning the 
COVID-19 corner in 2021, but warned steps had to be taken now to bend 
the infection curve to limit community spread and keep hospitals from 
being overwhelmed.“It
 is critical we reignite a sense of duty and ownership to do all we can 
to slow the spread of this virus&nbsp; to protect the health and safety of 
individuals and their loved ones,” the letter says. “While we cannot 
change the&nbsp; hearts and minds of everyone, we each can take personal 
responsibility to make changes that will&nbsp; ultimately be lifesaving.”Meanwhile, Gov. Laura 
Kelly said a public awareness campaign, “Stop the Spread. It’s Up to US,
 Kansas,” was initiated to spread information about the importance of 
COVID-19 testing, wearing masks and taking other health precautions 
through the holiday season. The state’s campaign is financed with 
federal CARES Act funding and led to a partnership with the Kansas 
Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Farm Bureau, 
the Kansas Leadership Center and other stakeholders.“This campaign aims to 
reach every corner of our state with critical public health messages 
infused with some humor and holiday spirit to bring a smile and rally 
our strength,” Kelly said.It’s part of a strategy to
 rapidly increase the state’s ability to provide COVID-19 diagnostic and
 screening tests to Kansans free of charge, she said. The overall goal 
is to double the amount of testing in Kansas by the end of the year. To 
date, about 812,000 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in Kansas.Testing numbers have grown
 dramatically since early in the pandemic when only those with symptoms 
or at risk of exposure were tested. The message evolved to the point 
that Kansas officials say everyone ought to get tested so public health 
officials can better track the virus.There’s also a new Kansas 
website — GoGetTested.com/Kansas — that identifies free testing 
locations in the state. Seven sites are listed and the state expects to 
add more locations to mirror community needs.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

Kan. legislators issue ‘call to action’ against COVID-19

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 6,234 to a total of 168,295 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,786 an increase of 107.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 6,234 to a total of 168,295 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,786 an increase of 107.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607105155093.png" alt="Friday Dec. 4, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday Dec. 4, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

HUTCHINSON — The Kansas Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of a Kansas man who burned down the family home killing his mother and sister when he was 14-years-old, according to a media release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603572045433.png" alt="The Vonahen home at 4 E. 19th Avenue in Hutchinson following the deadly fire" />
 <figcaption>The Vonahen home at 4 E. 19th Avenue in Hutchinson following the deadly fire</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — The Kansas Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of a Kansas man who burned down the family home killing his mother and sister when he was 14-years-old, according to a media release.Samuel Vonachen, of Hutchinson, who is now 21 years old, was tried as an adult and convicted of two counts of first-degree murder. Vonachen was convicted&nbsp; of setting fire to the family home in September of 2013. While his father got out of the home, his mother and sister were trapped upstairs.&nbsp;Police found Vonachen walking toward the house, smelling of gasoline. After interrogation, he admitted to burning down the house. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of aggravated arson.The defense motion before the Supreme Court stated that Vonachen's rights were violated due to the state's abolishment of the insanity defense. The motion also states that Vonachen's admission to police should have been suppressed and that admission of the defendant's private writings in the trial should not have been allowed.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607101736463.jpeg" alt="Vonachen is being held at the Lansing Correctional Facility, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Vonachen is being held at the Lansing Correctional Facility, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>The court said it reviewed the videotape of the interrogation and that Vonachen was advised of his rights and signed a written waiver. While the interrogation occurred in the evening of the same day of the early morning fire, defendant did not appear to be groggy or ill. Defendant's father was present at the interrogation until defendant asked him to leave. The defendant was 14-years-old and was able to communicate fluently. The interrogation did not exceed a reasonable length of time. The officers did not employ unfair or coercive tactics in conducting the interview.A large part of the trial centered around Vonachen’s &nbsp;mental &nbsp;state. The defendant went through numerous mental evaluations and the defense continuously brought up the defendant’s mental state during the trial and on appeal. The jury rejected numerous claims of mental disease or defect and convicted him on all counts.He is not eligible for parole until 2039.