SILVERDALE, Kan. (AP)— The remains of a Kansas Marine who died in World War II fighting in the Gilbert Islands have been identified.&nbsp; U.S. Marines Corps Reserve Pfc Raymond Warren was 21 when he was killed in 1943 during the Battle of Tarawa. 

After his burial site was discovered in 2015, his nephew, Warren Cooper, of San Diego, and his niece submitted mouth swabs.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced this month that his remains had been identified, in part through DNA.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582039721152.png" alt="Raymond Warren photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/1937646/marine-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-warren-r/">The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency </a>" />
 <figcaption>Raymond Warren photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/1937646/marine-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-warren-r/">The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency </a></figcaption>
 </figure>SILVERDALE, Kan. (AP)— The remains of a Kansas Marine who died in World War II fighting in the Gilbert Islands have been identified.&nbsp; U.S. Marines Corps Reserve Pfc Raymond Warren was 21 when he was killed in 1943 during the Battle of Tarawa. After his burial site was discovered in 2015, his nephew, Warren Cooper, of San Diego, and his niece submitted mouth swabs.The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced this month that his remains had been identified, in part through DNA.&nbsp;

Kansas Marine killed during island battle in WWII identified

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of arson fires and have made an arrest.

Just before 4:30 Sunday, law enforcement authorities in Barton County began receiving phone calls about hay bales on fire, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

 Three fire calls were made to 911 and two more were discovered by citizens and extinguished. All the fires occurred within 45 minutes of each other.

Citizens had reported seeing a silver Chevrolet four-door at the locations and Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies immediately began searching for the vehicle.

In at least one instance, the suspect was observed setting the fire. All of the locations were East of US 281 Highway between Ellinwood and Great Bend.

An Ellinwood city police officer observed a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle’s description eastbound on NE. 10th Rd. traveling towards the City of Ellinwood at a high rate of speed. 

Sheriff’s deputies were able to intercept the vehicle and stopped it in Ellinwood. Accelerants and a fireplace lighter were observed in the vehicle.

Deputies arrested Gunner Mayhugh, 18 of Great Bend, at the scene on requested charges that include five counts of arson. Mayhugh is being held on a $100,000 bond on each count, according to Bellendir.

Sheriff’s detectives are investigating Mayhugh’s motive and suspect he may have been attempting to divert law enforcement’s attention to prevent the arrest of another person.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office was contacted, and a dog trained to detect accelerants was brought to the various locations.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582044917543.jpeg" alt="Mayhugh photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Mayhugh photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of arson fires and have made an arrest.Just before 4:30 Sunday, law enforcement authorities in Barton County began receiving phone calls about hay bales on fire, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. Three fire calls were made to 911 and two more were discovered by citizens and extinguished. All the fires occurred within 45 minutes of each other.Citizens had reported seeing a silver Chevrolet four-door at the locations and Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies immediately began searching for the vehicle.In at least one instance, the suspect was observed setting the fire. All of the locations were East of US 281 Highway between Ellinwood and Great Bend.An Ellinwood city police officer observed a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle’s description eastbound on NE. 10th Rd. traveling towards the City of Ellinwood at a high rate of speed. Sheriff’s deputies were able to intercept the vehicle and stopped it in Ellinwood. Accelerants and a fireplace lighter were observed in the vehicle.Deputies arrested Gunner Mayhugh, 18 of Great Bend, at the scene on requested charges that include five counts of arson. Mayhugh is being held on a $100,000 bond on each count, according to Bellendir.Sheriff’s detectives are investigating Mayhugh’s motive and suspect he may have been attempting to divert law enforcement’s attention to prevent the arrest of another person.The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office was contacted, and a dog trained to detect accelerants was brought to the various locations.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Kan. teen held on $500K bond for series of arson fires

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged child abuse in Manhattan and have made an arrest.

Just after 3a.m. Monday, police filed a report for aggravated child endangerment, child abuse, and domestic battery in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Officers listed a 33-year-old man and an infant as the victims.

Police arrested Tiffany Dawn Ryals, 28, Manhattan, on requested charges of abuse of a child; torture or cruelly beating child, aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation to child, domestic battery; knowing or reckless bodily  harm to family/person in dating relationship, according to the RCPD arrest report. She is being held on a $10,000 bond.

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged child abuse in Manhattan and have made an arrest.Just after 3a.m. Monday, police filed a report for aggravated child endangerment, child abuse, and domestic battery in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Officers listed a 33-year-old man and an infant as the victims.Police arrested Tiffany Dawn Ryals, 28, Manhattan, on requested charges of abuse of a child; torture or cruelly beating child, aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation to child, domestic battery; knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship, according to the RCPD arrest report. She is being held on a $10,000 bond.

Kansas woman accused of child abuse, domestic battery

SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have determined that a shooting at a suburban Kansas City store that sells e-cigarettes was accidental. Police in Shawnee, Kansas, said in a news release that officers responded to the scene around 8:30 p.m. Monday. 

The release says officers determined there was an accidental discharge of a firearm and that the victim was struck by the stray round. Police say there wasn't an altercation before the gun went off. 

The victim was taken to a hospital to be treated for a non-life threatening injury. The victim's name and age weren't immediately released. The release also didn't indicate whether the shooting happened in or near the store.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582031934112.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo <a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/shawnee-police-investigate-shooting-at-vape-shop/30973012">courtesy KMBC TV</a>" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo <a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/shawnee-police-investigate-shooting-at-vape-shop/30973012">courtesy KMBC TV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have determined that a shooting at a suburban Kansas City store that sells e-cigarettes was accidental. Police in Shawnee, Kansas, said in a news release that officers responded to the scene around 8:30 p.m. Monday. The release says officers determined there was an accidental discharge of a firearm and that the victim was struck by the stray round. Police say there wasn't an altercation before the gun went off. The victim was taken to a hospital to be treated for a non-life threatening injury. The victim's name and age weren't immediately released. The release also didn't indicate whether the shooting happened in or near the store.&nbsp;

Police: Shooting at Kansas vape store was accidental

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - Barraged by hundreds of sex-abuse lawsuits, the Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday in hopes of working out a potentially mammoth victim compensation plan that will allow the hallowed, 110-year-old organization to carry on.

The Chapter 11 filing in federal bankruptcy court in Wilmington, Delaware, sets in motion what could be one of the biggest, most complex bankruptcies ever seen. Scores of lawyers are seeking settlements on behalf of several thousand men who say they were molested as scouts by scoutmasters or other leaders decades ago but are only now eligible to sue because of recent changes in their states’ statute-of-limitations laws.

By going to bankruptcy court, the Scouts can put those lawsuits on hold for now. But ultimately they could be forced to sell off some of their vast property holdings, including campgrounds and hiking trails, to raise money for a compensation trust fund that could surpass a billion dollars.

The bankruptcy petition listed the Boy Scouts’ assets as between $1 billion and $10 billion, and its liabilities at $500 million to $1 billion.

“Scouting programs will continue throughout this process and for many years to come,” the Boy Scouts said in a statement. ”Local councils are not filing for bankruptcy because they are legally separate and distinct organizations.”

The Boy Scouts are just the latest major American institution to face a heavy price over sexual abuse. Roman Catholic dioceses across the country and schools such as Penn State and Michigan State have paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years.

The bankruptcy represents a painful turn for an organization that has been a pillar of American civic life for generations and a training ground for future leaders. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout has long been a proud accomplishment that politicians, business leaders, astronauts and others put on their resumes and in their official biographies.

The Boy Scouts’ finances have been strained in recent years by declining membership and sex-abuse settlements.

The number of youths taking part in scouting has dropped below 2 million, down from more than 4 million in peak years of the 1970s. The organization has tried to counter the decline by admitting girls, but its membership rolls took a big hit Jan. 1 when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — for decades a major sponsor of Boy Scout units — cut ties and withdrew more than 400,000 scouts in favor of programs of its own.

The financial outlook had worsened last year after New York, Arizona, New Jersey and California passed laws making it easier for victims of long-ago abuse to file claims. Teams of lawyers across the U.S. have been signing up clients by the hundreds to sue the Boy Scouts.

Most of the newly surfacing cases date to the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s; the organization says there were only five known abuse victims in 2018. The Boy Scouts credit the change to an array of prevention policies adopted since the mid-1980s, including mandatory criminal background checks and abuse-prevention training for all staff and volunteers, and a rule that two or more adult leaders be present during all activities.

In many ways, the crisis parallels the one facing the Catholic Church in the U.S. Both institutions boast of major progress over recent decades in combating abuse. whether by priests or scout leaders, but both face many lawsuits alleging negligence and cover-ups, mostly decades ago.

“We are outraged that there have been times when individuals took advantage of our programs to harm innocent children,” said Roger Mosby, the BSA’s president and CEO. “While we know nothing can undo the tragic abuse that victims suffered, we believe the Chapter 11 process, with the proposed trust structure, will provide equitable compensation to all victims while maintaining the BSA’s important mission.”

The BSA said it is encouraging all victims to come forward to file a claim in the case. A deadline for filing claims has not yet been set by the bankruptcy court, but the BSA said that would likely happen later this year.

Among other matters to be addressed in bankruptcy court: the fate of the Boy Scouts’ assets; the extent to which the organization’s insurance will help cover compensation; and whether assets of the Scouts’ 261 local councils will be added to the fund.

“There are a lot of very angry, resentful men out there who will not allow the Boy Scouts to get away without saying what all their assets are,” said lawyer Paul Mones, who represents numerous clients suing the BSA. “They want no stone unturned.”

Amid the crush of lawsuits, the Scouts recently mortgaged the major properties owned by the national leadership, including the headquarters in Irving, Texas, and the 140,000-acre Philmont Ranch in New Mexico, to help secure a line of credit.

Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts have kept confidential files since the 1920s listing staff and volunteers implicated in sexual abuse, for the avowed purpose of keeping predators away from youth. According to a court deposition, the files as of January listed 7,819 suspected abusers and 12,254 victims.

Until last spring, the organization had insisted it never knowingly allowed a predator to work with youths. But in May, The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/031cb84ae53549e49c3fce05e942cf62">Associated Press reported</a>&nbsp;that attorneys for abuse victims had identified multiple cases in which known predators were allowed to return to leadership posts. The next day, Boy Scouts chief executive Mike Surbaugh wrote to a congressional committee, acknowledging the group’s previous claim was untrue.

James Kretschmer of Houston, among the many men suing for alleged abuse, says he was molested by a Scout leader over several months in the mid-1970s in the Spokane, Washington, area. Regarding the bankruptcy, he said, “It is a shame because at its core and what it was supposed to be, the Boy Scouts is a beautiful organization.”

“But you know, anything can be corrupted,” he added. “And if they’re not going to protect the people that they’ve entrusted with the children, then shut it down and move on.”

Ahead of the Chapter 11 filing, lawyers said that because of the organization’s 50-state presence, as well as its ties to churches and civic groups that sponsor scout troops, a bankruptcy by the Boy Scouts would be unprecedented in its complexity. It would be national in scope, unlike the various Catholic Church bankruptcy cases, which have unfolded diocese by diocese.

“A Boy Scout bankruptcy would be bigger in scale than any other child abuse bankruptcy we’ve ever seen,” said Seattle-based attorney Mike Pfau, whose firm is representing scores of men nationwide alleging they were abused as Boy Scouts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582026338805.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - Barraged by hundreds of sex-abuse lawsuits, the Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday in hopes of working out a potentially mammoth victim compensation plan that will allow the hallowed, 110-year-old organization to carry on.The Chapter 11 filing in federal bankruptcy court in Wilmington, Delaware, sets in motion what could be one of the biggest, most complex bankruptcies ever seen. Scores of lawyers are seeking settlements on behalf of several thousand men who say they were molested as scouts by scoutmasters or other leaders decades ago but are only now eligible to sue because of recent changes in their states’ statute-of-limitations laws.By going to bankruptcy court, the Scouts can put those lawsuits on hold for now. But ultimately they could be forced to sell off some of their vast property holdings, including campgrounds and hiking trails, to raise money for a compensation trust fund that could surpass a billion dollars.The bankruptcy petition listed the Boy Scouts’ assets as between $1 billion and $10 billion, and its liabilities at $500 million to $1 billion.“Scouting programs will continue throughout this process and for many years to come,” the Boy Scouts said in a statement. ”Local councils are not filing for bankruptcy because they are legally separate and distinct organizations.”The Boy Scouts are just the latest major American institution to face a heavy price over sexual abuse. Roman Catholic dioceses across the country and schools such as Penn State and Michigan State have paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years.The bankruptcy represents a painful turn for an organization that has been a pillar of American civic life for generations and a training ground for future leaders. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout has long been a proud accomplishment that politicians, business leaders, astronauts and others put on their resumes and in their official biographies.The Boy Scouts’ finances have been strained in recent years by declining membership and sex-abuse settlements.The number of youths taking part in scouting has dropped below 2 million, down from more than 4 million in peak years of the 1970s. The organization has tried to counter the decline by admitting girls, but its membership rolls took a big hit Jan. 1 when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — for decades a major sponsor of Boy Scout units — cut ties and withdrew more than 400,000 scouts in favor of programs of its own.The financial outlook had worsened last year after New York, Arizona, New Jersey and California passed laws making it easier for victims of long-ago abuse to file claims. Teams of lawyers across the U.S. have been signing up clients by the hundreds to sue the Boy Scouts.Most of the newly surfacing cases date to the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s; the organization says there were only five known abuse victims in 2018. The Boy Scouts credit the change to an array of prevention policies adopted since the mid-1980s, including mandatory criminal background checks and abuse-prevention training for all staff and volunteers, and a rule that two or more adult leaders be present during all activities.In many ways, the crisis parallels the one facing the Catholic Church in the U.S. Both institutions boast of major progress over recent decades in combating abuse. whether by priests or scout leaders, but both face many lawsuits alleging negligence and cover-ups, mostly decades ago.“We are outraged that there have been times when individuals took advantage of our programs to harm innocent children,” said Roger Mosby, the BSA’s president and CEO. “While we know nothing can undo the tragic abuse that victims suffered, we believe the Chapter 11 process, with the proposed trust structure, will provide equitable compensation to all victims while maintaining the BSA’s important mission.”The BSA said it is encouraging all victims to come forward to file a claim in the case. A deadline for filing claims has not yet been set by the bankruptcy court, but the BSA said that would likely happen later this year.Among other matters to be addressed in bankruptcy court: the fate of the Boy Scouts’ assets; the extent to which the organization’s insurance will help cover compensation; and whether assets of the Scouts’ 261 local councils will be added to the fund.“There are a lot of very angry, resentful men out there who will not allow the Boy Scouts to get away without saying what all their assets are,” said lawyer Paul Mones, who represents numerous clients suing the BSA. “They want no stone unturned.”Amid the crush of lawsuits, the Scouts recently mortgaged the major properties owned by the national leadership, including the headquarters in Irving, Texas, and the 140,000-acre Philmont Ranch in New Mexico, to help secure a line of credit.Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts have kept confidential files since the 1920s listing staff and volunteers implicated in sexual abuse, for the avowed purpose of keeping predators away from youth. According to a court deposition, the files as of January listed 7,819 suspected abusers and 12,254 victims.Until last spring, the organization had insisted it never knowingly allowed a predator to work with youths. But in May, The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/031cb84ae53549e49c3fce05e942cf62">Associated Press reported</a>&nbsp;that attorneys for abuse victims had identified multiple cases in which known predators were allowed to return to leadership posts. The next day, Boy Scouts chief executive Mike Surbaugh wrote to a congressional committee, acknowledging the group’s previous claim was untrue.James Kretschmer of Houston, among the many men suing for alleged abuse, says he was molested by a Scout leader over several months in the mid-1970s in the Spokane, Washington, area. Regarding the bankruptcy, he said, “It is a shame because at its core and what it was supposed to be, the Boy Scouts is a beautiful organization.”“But you know, anything can be corrupted,” he added. “And if they’re not going to protect the people that they’ve entrusted with the children, then shut it down and move on.”Ahead of the Chapter 11 filing, lawyers said that because of the organization’s 50-state presence, as well as its ties to churches and civic groups that sponsor scout troops, a bankruptcy by the Boy Scouts would be unprecedented in its complexity. It would be national in scope, unlike the various Catholic Church bankruptcy cases, which have unfolded diocese by diocese.“A Boy Scout bankruptcy would be bigger in scale than any other child abuse bankruptcy we’ve ever seen,” said Seattle-based attorney Mike Pfau, whose firm is representing scores of men nationwide alleging they were abused as Boy Scouts.___

The Latest: Boy Scouts' future uncertain after bankruptcy filing

Lancaster County, NE&nbsp; — State Troopers arrested two men after finding 100 pounds of marijuana and one half pound of methamphetamine while attempting a motorist assist on February 14 in Lincoln.

Just after 4:00 p.m. on Valentine's Day, a trooper observed a recreational vehicle having difficulty maintaining its lane while traveling eastbound in Interstate 80 near Lincoln, according to a media release.

 The vehicle exited I-80 at mile marker 399 in Lincoln. The trooper contacted the driver of the RV at a gas station to offer assistance. The trooper then discovered that the driver was driving with a suspended license.

During the stop, an NSP K9 detected the presence of a controlled substance in the vehicle. Troopers searched the vehicle and found 100 pounds of marijuana and one half pound of methamphetamine.

The driver, Jason Wolff, 43, of Sacramento, California, and passenger, Michael Wernecke, 48, of Madison, Wisconsin, were arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to deliver. Both were lodged in Lancaster County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581989279312.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>Lancaster County, NE&nbsp; — State Troopers arrested two men after finding 100 pounds of marijuana and one half pound of methamphetamine while attempting a motorist assist on February 14 in Lincoln.Just after 4:00 p.m. on Valentine's Day, a trooper observed a recreational vehicle having difficulty maintaining its lane while traveling eastbound in Interstate 80 near Lincoln, according to a media release. The vehicle exited I-80 at mile marker 399 in Lincoln. The trooper contacted the driver of the RV at a gas station to offer assistance. The trooper then discovered that the driver was driving with a suspended license.During the stop, an NSP K9 detected the presence of a controlled substance in the vehicle. Troopers searched the vehicle and found 100 pounds of marijuana and one half pound of methamphetamine.The driver, Jason Wolff, 43, of Sacramento, California, and passenger, Michael Wernecke, 48, of Madison, Wisconsin, were arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to deliver. Both were lodged in Lancaster County Jail.

Troopers find 100 pounds of pot, meth while offering driver assistance

By JIM MCLEAN, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-gov-kelly-says-her-highway-plan-restores-states-roads-without-tax-hike#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s transportation plan isn’t as bold as those that came before it.

Since
 the 1990s, Kansas has spent tens of billions of dollars on three 
successive 10-year programs. Each required a tax increase and launched 
with a commitment to complete a long list of new building projects.

But
 Kelly, a Democrat who won election on a promise to restore the state’s 
finances, isn’t proposing a bunch of new projects. And she isn’t seeking
 a tax increase to help pay for her plan.

Instead, she’s pledging
 to stop taking money from the Kansas Department of Transportation — and
 asking lawmakers to do the same — so that the agency can rebuild roads 
and bridges suffering from years of lax maintenance. She’s also 
promising to complete all but one of the 21 projects abandoned during a 
budget crisis that followed tax cuts passed under Republican Sam 
Brownback when he was governor.

Half of the $10 billion Kelly proposes spending over the next 10 years is earmarked for maintenance work.

“We
 must close the ‘Bank of KDOT’ and make sure that funding for 
transportation is spent on transportation,” Kelly said last when 
announcing the program.

That means no more raids on the pool of money earmarked for transportation.

Those
 raids were commonplace during the Brownback administration. With tax 
revenues plummeting, Brownback and lawmakers diverted about $2 billion 
to plug gaping holes in the state budget.

Kelly has slowed the transfers and pledged to end them by 2023.

Breaking
 with precedent, Kelly isn’t committing to a set list of highway 
projects. Instead, said KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz, a handful of 
projects will be selected every two years based on what the agency 
concludes are the most urgent needs.

Doing that, she said, will 
give the agency the flexibility it needs to respond to emerging issues 
and “make good investments that stand the test of time.”

At the 
moment, Lorenz said, nothing is more urgent than expanding a section of 
U.S. 69 that cuts through the Johnson County community of Overland Park.
 It’s the busiest stretch of four-lane highway in the state. More than 
80,000 daily commuters regularly transform it into a virtual parking lot
 during the morning and evening rush hours.

“In terms of 
congestion on a four-lane highway, it’s the worst in the state,” Lorenz 
said. “It gets a grade of ‘F’ today and it gets worse in the future if 
we don’t do something about it.”

Engineering a solution isn’t a problem, finding a way to pay for it is, said Carl Gerlach, the mayor of Overland Park.

Adding
 express lanes that motorists would have to pay to use is likely the 
only way to get the proposed $300 million project done quickly, he said.

“If
 we don’t do something unique and different like tolling, we may have to
 wait ten,13,14 years before we get U.S. 69 expanded,” Gerlach said. 
“Can we do that? I don’t think so.”

The express lanes would 
likely be built in between the existing northbound and southbound lanes.
 Drivers would use electronic gadgets like those that automatically 
record their tolls on the Kansas Turnpike.

Express lanes have a 
mixed record. Still, research done by the Institute of Transportation 
Studies at the University of California-Los Angeles found that toll 
lanes can be a cost-effective way to reduce traffic congestion. They’re 
more effective than simply adding more “free” lanes to existing roads or
 expanding mass transit.

“Pricing reduces congestion,” ITS researchers said in a <a href="http://www.its.ucla.edu/for-the-press/traffic-congestion/" target="_blank">recent report</a>. “Nothing else does.”

Under Kansas law, you can’t charge tolls on existing highways. Just new ones.

To
 add express lanes on U.S. 69, state and local officials would have to 
produce a study that they would both ease congestion and partially pay 
for themselves.

Lorenz thinks the project can be finished more 
quickly by putting it on a regulatory and logistical fast-track. So, she
 wants to start construction while engineers are still working on the 
design, rather than waiting until all the blueprints get drafted and 
approved.

KDOT used that process for the first time on a massive 
interchange in Johnson County finished in 2017. It connects Interstates 
35 and 435 with Kansas 10.

“We shaved a year off that schedule and we got 12% more project … for the dollars,” she said.

Using the faster process to deliver the U.S. 69 project, Lorenz said, would save more than money.

“For every year that we delay in building your project, folks sit in traffic five million hours,” she said.

While
 many of the state’s most pressing transportation needs are in urban and
 suburban centers, Lorenz said there’s also money in the plan for road 
projects in rural Kansas. But, she said, not enough to satisfy the 
desire for four-lane highways everywhere local officials are clamoring 
for them.

Southwest Kansas is a case in point. Residents there 
say heavy truck traffic to massive meatpacking facilities in Garden 
City, Dodge City and Liberal have made existing roads unsafe.

“If
 you travel on Highway 83, you … would not believe all the trucks,” said
 Beth Tedrow, a Garden City Community College trustee, at a <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/rural-kansans-ask-lawmakers-fix-slow-internet-bad-highways-are-holding-them-back" target="_blank">meeting with state lawmakers</a> from the region just prior to the state of the 2020 legislative session.

Officials
 in the region can make a case for a four-lane highway, Lorenz said, but
 the state simply doesn’t have the money to build one unless communities
 in the region can cover a substantial portion of the cost.

“So, I’m working hard to sell passing lanes,” Lorenz said.

In addition to being cheaper to build and maintain, she said, passing lanes “provide an enormous safety benefit.”

A
 recent KDOT study that evaluated the effectiveness of the passing lanes
 along a section of U.S. 400 in southeast Kansas showed they reduced 
crashes by 32%.

If a community that wants a four-lane is willing 
to accept passing lanes as an intermediate step, that increases the 
chances for state funding, Lorenz said.

“We will give them bonus points, if you will, additional consideration,” she said.

Jim
 McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service is a 
collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public 
Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy. You can reach him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a>&nbsp;or email jim@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581949850709.jpeg" alt=" U.S. 69 in Overland Park at dawn, as traffic quickly fills up a highway that clogs nearly every rush hour. Scott Canon / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> U.S. 69 in Overland Park at dawn, as traffic quickly fills up a highway that clogs nearly every rush hour. Scott Canon / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM MCLEAN, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-gov-kelly-says-her-highway-plan-restores-states-roads-without-tax-hike#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s transportation plan isn’t as bold as those that came before it.Since
 the 1990s, Kansas has spent tens of billions of dollars on three 
successive 10-year programs. Each required a tax increase and launched 
with a commitment to complete a long list of new building projects.But
 Kelly, a Democrat who won election on a promise to restore the state’s 
finances, isn’t proposing a bunch of new projects. And she isn’t seeking
 a tax increase to help pay for her plan.Instead, she’s pledging
 to stop taking money from the Kansas Department of Transportation — and
 asking lawmakers to do the same — so that the agency can rebuild roads 
and bridges suffering from years of lax maintenance. She’s also 
promising to complete all but one of the 21 projects abandoned during a 
budget crisis that followed tax cuts passed under Republican Sam 
Brownback when he was governor.Half of the $10 billion Kelly proposes spending over the next 10 years is earmarked for maintenance work.“We
 must close the ‘Bank of KDOT’ and make sure that funding for 
transportation is spent on transportation,” Kelly said last when 
announcing the program.That means no more raids on the pool of money earmarked for transportation.Those
 raids were commonplace during the Brownback administration. With tax 
revenues plummeting, Brownback and lawmakers diverted about $2 billion 
to plug gaping holes in the state budget.Kelly has slowed the transfers and pledged to end them by 2023.<h2>Limited money for big projects</h2>Breaking
 with precedent, Kelly isn’t committing to a set list of highway 
projects. Instead, said KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz, a handful of 
projects will be selected every two years based on what the agency 
concludes are the most urgent needs.Doing that, she said, will 
give the agency the flexibility it needs to respond to emerging issues 
and “make good investments that stand the test of time.”At the 
moment, Lorenz said, nothing is more urgent than expanding a section of 
U.S. 69 that cuts through the Johnson County community of Overland Park.
 It’s the busiest stretch of four-lane highway in the state. More than 
80,000 daily commuters regularly transform it into a virtual parking lot
 during the morning and evening rush hours.“In terms of 
congestion on a four-lane highway, it’s the worst in the state,” Lorenz 
said. “It gets a grade of ‘F’ today and it gets worse in the future if 
we don’t do something about it.”Engineering a solution isn’t a problem, finding a way to pay for it is, said Carl Gerlach, the mayor of Overland Park.Adding
 express lanes that motorists would have to pay to use is likely the 
only way to get the proposed $300 million project done quickly, he said.“If
 we don’t do something unique and different like tolling, we may have to
 wait ten,13,14 years before we get U.S. 69 expanded,” Gerlach said. 
“Can we do that? I don’t think so.”The express lanes would 
likely be built in between the existing northbound and southbound lanes.
 Drivers would use electronic gadgets like those that automatically 
record their tolls on the Kansas Turnpike.Express lanes have a 
mixed record. Still, research done by the Institute of Transportation 
Studies at the University of California-Los Angeles found that toll 
lanes can be a cost-effective way to reduce traffic congestion. They’re 
more effective than simply adding more “free” lanes to existing roads or
 expanding mass transit.“Pricing reduces congestion,” ITS researchers said in a <a href="http://www.its.ucla.edu/for-the-press/traffic-congestion/" target="_blank">recent report</a>. “Nothing else does.”Under Kansas law, you can’t charge tolls on existing highways. Just new ones.To
 add express lanes on U.S. 69, state and local officials would have to 
produce a study that they would both ease congestion and partially pay 
for themselves.Lorenz thinks the project can be finished more 
quickly by putting it on a regulatory and logistical fast-track. So, she
 wants to start construction while engineers are still working on the 
design, rather than waiting until all the blueprints get drafted and 
approved.KDOT used that process for the first time on a massive 
interchange in Johnson County finished in 2017. It connects Interstates 
35 and 435 with Kansas 10.“We shaved a year off that schedule and we got 12% more project … for the dollars,” she said.Using the faster process to deliver the U.S. 69 project, Lorenz said, would save more than money.“For every year that we delay in building your project, folks sit in traffic five million hours,” she said.<h2>Balancing urban and rural needs</h2>While
 many of the state’s most pressing transportation needs are in urban and
 suburban centers, Lorenz said there’s also money in the plan for road 
projects in rural Kansas. But, she said, not enough to satisfy the 
desire for four-lane highways everywhere local officials are clamoring 
for them.Southwest Kansas is a case in point. Residents there 
say heavy truck traffic to massive meatpacking facilities in Garden 
City, Dodge City and Liberal have made existing roads unsafe.“If
 you travel on Highway 83, you … would not believe all the trucks,” said
 Beth Tedrow, a Garden City Community College trustee, at a <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/rural-kansans-ask-lawmakers-fix-slow-internet-bad-highways-are-holding-them-back" target="_blank">meeting with state lawmakers</a> from the region just prior to the state of the 2020 legislative session.Officials
 in the region can make a case for a four-lane highway, Lorenz said, but
 the state simply doesn’t have the money to build one unless communities
 in the region can cover a substantial portion of the cost.“So, I’m working hard to sell passing lanes,” Lorenz said.In addition to being cheaper to build and maintain, she said, passing lanes “provide an enormous safety benefit.”A
 recent KDOT study that evaluated the effectiveness of the passing lanes
 along a section of U.S. 400 in southeast Kansas showed they reduced 
crashes by 32%.If a community that wants a four-lane is willing 
to accept passing lanes as an intermediate step, that increases the 
chances for state funding, Lorenz said.“We will give them bonus points, if you will, additional consideration,” she said.Jim
 McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service is a 
collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public 
Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy. You can reach him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a>&nbsp;or email jim@kcur.org.

Kansas gov. says her plan restores state's roads without a tax hike 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A trial will be delayed for the suspect in the shooting death of a former Washburn University football player and the wounding of another player who went on to play for the New York Giants.

Francisco Alejandro Mendez was scheduled to go to trial Tuesday in the April 2019 death of Dwane Simmons and the wounding of Corey Ballentine, who played for the New York Giants this year.

Instead, Mendez will undergo testing to determine if he is competent to stand trial, a Shawnee County District Court judge ruled last week. The competency hearing is scheduled for Feb. 27. A new trial date has not been set.

Mendez, 18, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/af0cc4b4864a49528e57392d302ddd54">charged</a>&nbsp;with first-degree murder and attempted murder after the April 28 shooting in Topeka. Authorities said the shooting occurred just hours after Ballentine was drafted, while he and his friends were celebrating.

Mendez faces three more counts of attempted murder for allegedly shooting at three other Washburn players, who weren't hit, and seven other counts for unrelated crimes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569579773491.png" alt="Mendez photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Mendez photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A trial will be delayed for the suspect in the shooting death of a former Washburn University football player and the wounding of another player who went on to play for the New York Giants.Francisco Alejandro Mendez was scheduled to go to trial Tuesday in the April 2019 death of Dwane Simmons and the wounding of Corey Ballentine, who played for the New York Giants this year.Instead, Mendez will undergo testing to determine if he is competent to stand trial, a Shawnee County District Court judge ruled last week. The competency hearing is scheduled for Feb. 27. A new trial date has not been set.Mendez, 18, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/af0cc4b4864a49528e57392d302ddd54">charged</a>&nbsp;with first-degree murder and attempted murder after the April 28 shooting in Topeka. Authorities said the shooting occurred just hours after Ballentine was drafted, while he and his friends were celebrating.Mendez faces three more counts of attempted murder for allegedly shooting at three other Washburn players, who weren't hit, and seven other counts for unrelated crimes.

Trial delayed in Washburn football player's fatal shooting

TUSCUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A former seventh-grade science teacher at School of the Osage has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after he provided academic help to female students in exchange for being allowed to have sexual contact with them.

Mark Edwards, 46, of Eldon was originally charged with four counts of inappropriate sexual behavior with a student but pleaded guilty in November to to one count of statutory sodomy. He was sentenced Friday, The Jefferson City News-Tribune&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newstribune.com/news/local/story/2020/feb/14/former-school-osage-teacher-gets-20-years-sodomy/816650/">reported.</a>

As part of the plea, a charge of child molestation was dropped and two counts of sexual contact with a student were sent to an associate court for later action.

Edwards was accused of providing female students with answers to tests and assignments in exchange for being allowed to look down their shirts and touch them, or to make sexually explicit or suggestive comments and sexually abuse and assault them, prosecutors said.

Edwards also is subject to lifetime supervision as a sexual predator.

A student and the student's family are suing Edwards, the school district and district officials. The case is scheduled to go to a jury trail in October, according to federal court records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581979556110.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Edwards photo Miller County SheriffTUSCUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A former seventh-grade science teacher at School of the Osage has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after he provided academic help to female students in exchange for being allowed to have sexual contact with them.Mark Edwards, 46, of Eldon was originally charged with four counts of inappropriate sexual behavior with a student but pleaded guilty in November to to one count of statutory sodomy. He was sentenced Friday, The Jefferson City News-Tribune&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newstribune.com/news/local/story/2020/feb/14/former-school-osage-teacher-gets-20-years-sodomy/816650/">reported.</a>As part of the plea, a charge of child molestation was dropped and two counts of sexual contact with a student were sent to an associate court for later action.Edwards was accused of providing female students with answers to tests and assignments in exchange for being allowed to look down their shirts and touch them, or to make sexually explicit or suggestive comments and sexually abuse and assault them, prosecutors said.Edwards also is subject to lifetime supervision as a sexual predator.A student and the student's family are suing Edwards, the school district and district officials. The case is scheduled to go to a jury trail in October, according to federal court records.

Former teacher sentenced for trading test answers for sex 

OMAHA (AP) — Officials at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha said Monday they have received 13 people from a cruise ship in Japan who were part of a larger group of American citizens brought back to the U.S.

Chris Kratochvil, an executive director of the Global Center for Health Security at the medical center, said 12 of the people are in quarantine. They currently have no symptoms of the coronavirus.

One man is in a biocontainment unit to receive a higher level of care because he had a cough and other symptoms in addition to another chronic illness that places him at higher risk for complications.

All the travelers will remain at the university hospital for at least 14 days. The new patients came as 57 US evacuees continued to be quarantined at a Nebraska National Guard training base just southwest of Omaha.

In the latest case, the hospital received a call from federal officials at 2 a.m. Monday indicating they would be receiving patients, many of whom had initially tested positive for the coronavirus. The Omaha facility has a contract with the federal government to provide quarantine facilities for disease outbreaks. The 13 patients have been retested and results should be known in a matter of hours.

Hospital officials said although all were tired from lengthy travel, the patients were in good spirits upon arrival.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581978968362.png" alt="Inside bio-containment unit -image courtesy Nebraska Medical Center Omaha" />
 <figcaption>Inside bio-containment unit -image courtesy Nebraska Medical Center Omaha</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA (AP) — Officials at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha said Monday they have received 13 people from a cruise ship in Japan who were part of a larger group of American citizens brought back to the U.S.Chris Kratochvil, an executive director of the Global Center for Health Security at the medical center, said 12 of the people are in quarantine. They currently have no symptoms of the coronavirus.One man is in a biocontainment unit to receive a higher level of care because he had a cough and other symptoms in addition to another chronic illness that places him at higher risk for complications.All the travelers will remain at the university hospital for at least 14 days. The new patients came as 57 US evacuees continued to be quarantined at a Nebraska National Guard training base just southwest of Omaha.In the latest case, the hospital received a call from federal officials at 2 a.m. Monday indicating they would be receiving patients, many of whom had initially tested positive for the coronavirus. The Omaha facility has a contract with the federal government to provide quarantine facilities for disease outbreaks. The 13 patients have been retested and results should be known in a matter of hours.Hospital officials said although all were tired from lengthy travel, the patients were in good spirits upon arrival.

13 cruise passengers exposed to coronavirus arrive in Nebraska

SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident that sent a victim to a hospital.

Just after 1a.m. Sunday, Shawnee County deputies responded to an injury accident after a 911 call. The caller reported they were transporting a victim in a personal vehicle to a local hospital, according to Deputy Scott Wanamaker.

Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and victim on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital.

The witness reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in one man being drug by a vehicle causing the life-threatening injuries. Late Monday, the victim remained hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the altercation, the vehicle also struck two others resulting in minor injuries, according to the witness.

Authorities have identified all the subjects involved, according to Christian.&nbsp; &nbsp;Authorities have not reported an arrest.

Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and victim on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The witness reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in one man being drug by a vehicle causing the life-threatening injuries. During the altercation, the vehicle also struck two others resulting in minor injuries, according to the witness. The vehicle described as a red, or dark colored 4-door Jeep wrangler sped away westbound on 4th street, according to Wanamaker.&nbsp;

Deputies asked the public for assistance locating Tyler Moore and Zachary Osborne for questioning in connection with the incident.&nbsp;

Later Sunday, deputies reported they were no longer searching for Osborne and continue to search for Moore and the vehicle.

SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident that sent a victim to a hospital.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, Shawnee County deputies responded to an injury accident after a 911 call. The caller reported they were transporting a victim in a personal vehicle to a local hospital, according to Deputy Scott Wanamaker.Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and victim on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital.The witness reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in one man being drug by a vehicle causing the life-threatening injuries. Late Monday, the victim remained hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the altercation, the vehicle also struck two others resulting in minor injuries, according to the witness.Authorities have identified all the subjects involved, according to Christian.&nbsp; &nbsp;Authorities have not reported an arrest.------------SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident that sent a victim to a hospital.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, Shawnee County deputies responded to an injury accident after a 911 call. The caller reported they were transporting a victim in a personal vehicle to a local hospital, according to Deputy Scott Wanamaker.Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and victim on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital with life-threatening injuries.The witness reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in one man being drug by a vehicle causing the life-threatening injuries. During the altercation, the vehicle also struck two others resulting in minor injuries, according to the witness. The vehicle described as a red, or dark colored 4-door Jeep wrangler sped away westbound on 4th street, according to Wanamaker.&nbsp;Deputies asked the public for assistance locating Tyler Moore and Zachary Osborne for questioning in connection with the incident.&nbsp;Later Sunday, deputies reported they were no longer searching for Osborne and continue to search for Moore and the vehicle.

Update: Kan. man hospitalized after dragged by jeep during altercation

SHAWNEE COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) made an arrest Monday following an eight-month-long investigation into suspected human trafficking.

On Feb. 17, at approximately 6:30 a.m., KBI agents arrested 54-year-old Michael A. Anderson, of Topeka. Anderson was arrested without incident at 620 SW 9th&nbsp;St. in Topeka, according to a media release from the agency.

He was arrested for rape, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated battery. Anderson was then booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Formal charges are pending.

After the arrest, KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team served a search warrant at the residence. The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted in securing the scene.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

The investigation is ongoing. Additional arrests are anticipated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581971967288.png" alt="Michael Anderson photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Michael Anderson photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) made an arrest Monday following an eight-month-long investigation into suspected human trafficking.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581974137921.png" alt="Authorities block of streets near Monday's arrest- photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Authorities block of streets near Monday's arrest- photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>On Feb. 17, at approximately 6:30 a.m., KBI agents arrested 54-year-old Michael A. Anderson, of Topeka. Anderson was arrested without incident at 620 SW 9th&nbsp;St. in Topeka, according to a media release from the agency.He was arrested for rape, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated battery. Anderson was then booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Formal charges are pending.After the arrest, KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team served a search warrant at the residence. The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted in securing the scene.Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.The investigation is ongoing. Additional arrests are anticipated.

KBI: Suspect jailed after 8-month human trafficking investigation

OTTAWA COUNTY — A small earthquake shook part of Ottawa County early Sunday afternoon.

According
 to the Kansas Geological Survey, a 2.6 magnitude quake struck 
northeast of Bennington at 12:01 p.m. Sunday. The temblor was centered 
along the north side of Granite Road, between 210th Road and 220th Road,
 the KGS information noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581977839674.jpeg" alt="Map courtesy KGS" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy KGS</figcaption>
 </figure>OTTAWA COUNTY — A small earthquake shook part of Ottawa County early Sunday afternoon.According
 to the Kansas Geological Survey, a 2.6 magnitude quake struck 
northeast of Bennington at 12:01 p.m. Sunday. The temblor was centered 
along the north side of Granite Road, between 210th Road and 220th Road,
 the KGS information noted.

Small earthquake rattles part of Ottawa Co. on Sunday

FINNEY COUNTY — One person died in an accident Sunday in Garden City.

The Garden City Police Department reported a Ford LTD was eastbound in the 2600 Block of East Mary Street in Garden City.&nbsp;The driver allegedly ran a stop light.

A Ford F150 driven by Carlos Cano-Casillas, 20,&nbsp;Garden City,&nbsp; was southbound from the exit ramp of the bypass, reportedly had a green light, continued through the intersection and struck the LTD, according to police.

First responders located four occupants in the LTD including Matthew Rome, 24, Garden City; Michael Barnes, 28,&nbsp; Leoti; Cassey Dale, 31, and Alisha Dugan, 31, Garden City.

EMS transported Rome to St. Catherine's Hospital where he died.&nbsp; EMS transported Barnes, Dale and Dugan to a hospital in Wichita. Cano-Casillas was treated at St. Catherine's Hospital and released.

Police are investigating whether alcohol was a possible factor in the accident.&nbsp; Police did not release the time of the crash other additional information.

FINNEY COUNTY — One person died in an accident Sunday in Garden City.The Garden City Police Department reported a Ford LTD was eastbound in the 2600 Block of East Mary Street in Garden City.&nbsp;The driver allegedly ran a stop light.A Ford F150 driven by Carlos Cano-Casillas, 20,&nbsp;Garden City,&nbsp; was southbound from the exit ramp of the bypass, reportedly had a green light, continued through the intersection and struck the LTD, according to police.First responders located four occupants in the LTD including Matthew Rome, 24, Garden City; Michael Barnes, 28,&nbsp; Leoti; Cassey Dale, 31, and Alisha Dugan, 31, Garden City.EMS transported Rome to St. Catherine's Hospital where he died.&nbsp; EMS transported Barnes, Dale and Dugan to a hospital in Wichita. Cano-Casillas was treated at St. Catherine's Hospital and released.Police are investigating whether alcohol was a possible factor in the accident.&nbsp; Police did not release the time of the crash other additional information.

Police: Alcohol a possible factor in fatal SW Kan. crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ elections chief is pushing to make the state’s central voter registration database more secure by changing how counties tap into it, but some officials are nervous about what they see as a big project in a busy election year.

Secretary of State Scott Schwab has told county election officials that he wants them to use dedicated tablets, laptops or computers not linked to their counties’ networks to access the state’s voter registration database. He says Kansas is getting $8 million in federal election security funds that could be used to cover the costs.

Schwab, a Republican and former Kansas House member from the Kansas City area who became the state’s top elections official last year, contends such a setup will decrease the likelihood of foreign nationals, foreign governments or domestic hackers gaining access to voter registration records. His idea has bipartisan support.

In September 2017, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cb8a753a9b0948589cc372a3c037a567/Federal-government-notifies-21-states-of-election-hacking">told officials in 21 states</a>&nbsp;that their election systems had been targeted by hackers before the 2016 presidential election. Kansas wasn’t on the list, but Schwab said in an interview last week that “every area of government gets pinged thousands of times.”

Still, even some county election officials who agree that Schwab’s initiative would make voter registration records more secure see it as a huge undertaking, incorporating the different computer and voting systems of 105 counties.

“We’d have to rewire our entire office,” said Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew, a Democrat who has held his elected post in northeast Kansas since 2005. “There’s serious logistical challenges.”

Schwab told about two-dozen lawmakers during a recent Statehouse lunch that he does not think his initiative will be difficult to fulfill. He predicted that they would be required only to plug in a dedicated device and isolate it from the normal county network.

“Right now, counties maintain that list on a county computer that can, maybe, be touched by the appraiser’s office, where some young intern clicks on an email that says, ‘Click here for a free X-Box,’” Schwab said. “This is probably the best way that we can defend our database.”

Kansas Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, a Topeka Democrat, said the move is “probably a good idea,” and the secretary of state’s proposal has drawn support from his predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/618684029df54c9f8705a6b8ea08cbc5">conservative Republican firebrand</a>&nbsp;Kris Kobach, who said it would be “an additional level of security.”

Kobach successfully pushed for some of the nation’s toughest voter ID laws, including a now-on-hold&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4bc02a1dd9c74487aaa9dbdba5e686ac">proof-of-citizenship requirement</a>&nbsp;for new voters, making Kansas a magnet for lawsuits.

Schwab’s initiative raises eyebrows because he’s facing criticism on another front from Democrats and some officials of both parties in Sedgwick County, which is home to the state’s largest city, Wichita. Schwab has said it will take another year to implement&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/sb130_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">a 2019 law</a>&nbsp;that will permit counties to allow voters to cast their ballots at any polling place on Election Day.

The Kansas Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f2a54cca806f33f3b745b2485b34c744">sued Schwab on Friday in state district court</a>&nbsp;in Topeka, arguing that Schwab is “in dereliction of his clear legal duties.”

Some Wichita-area officials wonder how Schwab can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/917894d3ab1dc09d3309b4581901b048">declare that the state isn’t ready</a>&nbsp;for a “vote anywhere” system after they’ve prepared for it while also pushing counties to install new equipment with a different link to the state’s voter registration database.

Hensley suggested that Schwab is being “kind of inconsistent.”

“If we can do it for one situation, why not the other?” said state Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, a Wichita Democrat and leading supporter of the “vote anywhere” law. “If we’ve got money and if we’ve got all the ways to implement it, I keep saying what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”

Schwab’s initiative is a one reason Sedgwick County Election Commissioner Tabitha Lehman opposed and effectively killed a bipartisan bill this year to require her county to let voters cast their ballots at any polling place in this year’s elections. She said in an interview that her office is already going to have to change its operations because of Schwab’s security plans.

“We’re running out of power outlets in our building,” Lehman, a Kobach appointee, added. “We’re in the bottom floor of a historic building built in the 1800s.”

Schwab said counties shouldn’t need new work stations or staff, but his office is still in the early stages of planning, so county officials said they don’t have much information about what will be required.

In Ellis County in western Kansas, the elected county clerk, Donna Maskus, a Republican, called stand-alone computers “a good option but added, “It’s just getting all of that set up.”

“You’re talking every county clerk in the state, and to me, that is a big project,” she said.

CORRECTED, Tuesday 9:30 a.m.: To reflect, the correct party affiliation for Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577361281644.png" alt="Secretary of State Scott Schwab" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of State Scott Schwab</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ elections chief is pushing to make the state’s central voter registration database more secure by changing how counties tap into it, but some officials are nervous about what they see as a big project in a busy election year.Secretary of State Scott Schwab has told county election officials that he wants them to use dedicated tablets, laptops or computers not linked to their counties’ networks to access the state’s voter registration database. He says Kansas is getting $8 million in federal election security funds that could be used to cover the costs.Schwab, a Republican and former Kansas House member from the Kansas City area who became the state’s top elections official last year, contends such a setup will decrease the likelihood of foreign nationals, foreign governments or domestic hackers gaining access to voter registration records. His idea has bipartisan support.In September 2017, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cb8a753a9b0948589cc372a3c037a567/Federal-government-notifies-21-states-of-election-hacking">told officials in 21 states</a>&nbsp;that their election systems had been targeted by hackers before the 2016 presidential election. Kansas wasn’t on the list, but Schwab said in an interview last week that “every area of government gets pinged thousands of times.”Still, even some county election officials who agree that Schwab’s initiative would make voter registration records more secure see it as a huge undertaking, incorporating the different computer and voting systems of 105 counties.“We’d have to rewire our entire office,” said Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew, a Democrat who has held his elected post in northeast Kansas since 2005. “There’s serious logistical challenges.”Schwab told about two-dozen lawmakers during a recent Statehouse lunch that he does not think his initiative will be difficult to fulfill. He predicted that they would be required only to plug in a dedicated device and isolate it from the normal county network.“Right now, counties maintain that list on a county computer that can, maybe, be touched by the appraiser’s office, where some young intern clicks on an email that says, ‘Click here for a free X-Box,’” Schwab said. “This is probably the best way that we can defend our database.”Kansas Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, a Topeka Democrat, said the move is “probably a good idea,” and the secretary of state’s proposal has drawn support from his predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/618684029df54c9f8705a6b8ea08cbc5">conservative Republican firebrand</a>&nbsp;Kris Kobach, who said it would be “an additional level of security.”Kobach successfully pushed for some of the nation’s toughest voter ID laws, including a now-on-hold&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4bc02a1dd9c74487aaa9dbdba5e686ac">proof-of-citizenship requirement</a>&nbsp;for new voters, making Kansas a magnet for lawsuits.Schwab’s initiative raises eyebrows because he’s facing criticism on another front from Democrats and some officials of both parties in Sedgwick County, which is home to the state’s largest city, Wichita. Schwab has said it will take another year to implement&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/sb130_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">a 2019 law</a>&nbsp;that will permit counties to allow voters to cast their ballots at any polling place on Election Day.The Kansas Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f2a54cca806f33f3b745b2485b34c744">sued Schwab on Friday in state district court</a>&nbsp;in Topeka, arguing that Schwab is “in dereliction of his clear legal duties.”Some Wichita-area officials wonder how Schwab can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/917894d3ab1dc09d3309b4581901b048">declare that the state isn’t ready</a>&nbsp;for a “vote anywhere” system after they’ve prepared for it while also pushing counties to install new equipment with a different link to the state’s voter registration database.Hensley suggested that Schwab is being “kind of inconsistent.”“If we can do it for one situation, why not the other?” said state Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, a Wichita Democrat and leading supporter of the “vote anywhere” law. “If we’ve got money and if we’ve got all the ways to implement it, I keep saying what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”Schwab’s initiative is a one reason Sedgwick County Election Commissioner Tabitha Lehman opposed and effectively killed a bipartisan bill this year to require her county to let voters cast their ballots at any polling place in this year’s elections. She said in an interview that her office is already going to have to change its operations because of Schwab’s security plans.“We’re running out of power outlets in our building,” Lehman, a Kobach appointee, added. “We’re in the bottom floor of a historic building built in the 1800s.”Schwab said counties shouldn’t need new work stations or staff, but his office is still in the early stages of planning, so county officials said they don’t have much information about what will be required.In Ellis County in western Kansas, the elected county clerk, Donna Maskus, a Republican, called stand-alone computers “a good option but added, “It’s just getting all of that set up.”“You’re talking every county clerk in the state, and to me, that is a big project,” she said.CORRECTED, Tuesday 9:30 a.m.: To reflect, the correct party affiliation for Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus.

Kansas elections chief's security plan causes local unease

Scene of the fatal 2017 crash photo courtesy&nbsp; KSHB

Kansas City (AP) — A man who killed a friend by crashing a car into a house has been given 15 years in prison.

&nbsp;Jacob Mustoe was sentenced last week in Clay County Circuit Court in Liberty. He'd pleaded guilty in October to voluntary manslaughter for the June 25, 2017, death of Jake Wehmeyer. Both were 17 at the time, authorities have said.

The two got into a fight among teenagers that broke out during a party at Wehmeyer's home. Mustoe told police later that he was high on psilocybin mushrooms when he left, got into his car and started it and then drove it toward Wehmeyer's house and ran into a neighbor's yard.

That's when he saw Wehmeyer standing in the neighbor’s yard trying to get him to slow down and stop, Mustoe said. Mustoe's car hit Wehmeyer and crashed into a garage door.

Arriving officers found Wehmeyer lying partially under the car in the driveway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581940733234.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Scene of the fatal 2017 crash photo courtesy&nbsp; KSHBKansas City (AP) — A man who killed a friend by crashing a car into a house has been given 15 years in prison.&nbsp;Jacob Mustoe was sentenced last week in Clay County Circuit Court in Liberty. He'd pleaded guilty in October to voluntary manslaughter for the June 25, 2017, death of Jake Wehmeyer. Both were 17 at the time, authorities have said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581941010664.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mustoe photo Clay Co.The two got into a fight among teenagers that broke out during a party at Wehmeyer's home. Mustoe told police later that he was high on psilocybin mushrooms when he left, got into his car and started it and then drove it toward Wehmeyer's house and ran into a neighbor's yard.That's when he saw Wehmeyer standing in the neighbor’s yard trying to get him to slow down and stop, Mustoe said. Mustoe's car hit Wehmeyer and crashed into a garage door.Arriving officers found Wehmeyer lying partially under the car in the driveway.

KC-area man sentenced for crash into house that killed friend

At the invitation of&nbsp;President Trump, I attended a ceremony at&nbsp;the White House&nbsp; for the signing of S. 153, the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act.


This bill will promote veteran involvement in STEM education, computer science, and scientific research through better integration of veterans issues within existing National Science Foundation programs and improved
 program coordination across multiple federal agencies.

I'm grateful and honored to have been invited to join the President and I look forward to continuing to work with this Administration to make sure that our veterans have access to resources and opportunities to
 help them thrive as they transition back to civilian life.&nbsp;

FRC Action&nbsp;President&nbsp;Tony Perkins&nbsp;presented me with the “True Blue” award for my 100% voting record on conservative, pro-life, and pro-family legislation. I came to Congress to represent traditional Kansas values and I will forever remain rock solid in the fight to protect life and uphold faith, family, and freedom. As a Christian
 father of four children and two grandchildren, who’s delivered over 5,000 babies, these issues are deeply personal to me. It is an honor to receive the True Blue Award from Family Research Council in recognition of my advocacy for conservative family values.

Farmers and ranchers face stress unlike in any other industry. Natural disasters, commodity prices that often do not cover operating costs, long-term debt and hazardous work conditions
 weigh heavy on our Kansas producers. Suicide rates among farmers and ranchers have increased dramatically in recent years, calling to attention the lack of mental health resources in rural America. 

The conversation is changing, and I was honored to be part of the Hope in the Heartland Mental Health Summit in Hays last weekend.

The Farm Bill includes several Rural Development
 provisions to improve medical facilities and provide access to telehealth services in order to address the mental health and addiction crises.Additionally, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) provides funding for grants that establish behavioral health resources, such as telephone helplines and websites,
 mental health training, and support groups. These resources will help producers learn to manage their stressors and know when to seek help for themselves or those around them.

Protecting Our Intellectual Property&nbsp;

Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier, Director of&nbsp;The White House&nbsp;Office of Technology Policy, provided an update on efforts by the Trump Administration to secure American science
 and technology research and intellectual property.American academic institutions are the best in the world, and provide innovative and collaborative environments for federal research and development. However, these institutions
 are often targeted by foreign adversaries wishing to access the sensitive and valuable information.Protecting the intellectual property of U.S. academic institutions is vital to ensuring America’s continued leadership in science and technology policy. I appreciated Dr. Droegemeier
 taking the time to meet with Members of the Science Committee and discuss ways that we can continue working together toward this goal.

Thank you to members of the current Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program members for taking time to speak with me about leadership, civility, and the
 needs of our rural communities across the state. It is always great to meet with folks who are working to make their communities and the state of Kansas a better place for the next generation.

I announced the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Pet Caucus, which will focus on health and nutritional well-being of companion animals, common sense legislation
 supporting pet ownership, and science-based and transparent regulations. Like so many Americans, my family and I cherish our pets - my wife and I have two labs, Razor and Choco, and a Yorkie, Pepper - and recognize the benefits companion animals have
 for Americans of all ages. Through the Congressional Pet Caucus, we will promote sensible legislation, communicate the benefits of the human-animal bond and share resources with caucus members related to
 pet health and ownership.

Weather impacts us all, and is vitally important to the work that producers are doing across the state of Kansas.&nbsp;Accurate weather
 data, forecasting, and warnings are important in protecting life and property across the country, and the National Weather Service works hard every day to keep Americans safe and informed about the weather. Last weekend, the National Weather Service celebrated its 150th Anniversary, and I was proud to introduce H. Res. 839 honoring their service and legacy. I also had the privilege
 to stop by the National Weather Service’s forecasting office in Topeka, which provides weather forecasting information for communities from Concordia to Emporia. It was great to learn more about the tools they use to model and predict severe weather events,
 and to thank them for the around-the-clock service they provide to Kansans.

Members of Congress have the unique opportunity to give tours of the Capitol&nbsp; to visitors after the building has closed to the general public. It is a great opportunity to spend more time with Kansans out of the
 office and share what I have learned about the great history of our nation's Capitol.&nbsp;

Last week, the Agricultural Retailers Association, members from Hutchinson Community College, and the Kansas Medical Society were among a group of over 20 Kansans able to join me. I had a great time getting
 to know everyone a little better and look forward to seeing them when I am back home in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1575044847505.jpeg" alt="Rep. Roger Marshall (R-KS, Great Bend" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Roger Marshall (R-KS, Great Bend</figcaption>
 </figure>Friends, At the invitation of&nbsp;President Trump, I attended a ceremony at&nbsp;the White House&nbsp; for the signing of S. 153, the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act.
This bill will promote veteran involvement in STEM education, computer science, and scientific research through better integration of veterans issues within existing National Science Foundation programs and improved
 program coordination across multiple federal agencies.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581959092661.jpeg" alt="STEM Careers Act" />
 <figcaption>STEM Careers Act</figcaption>
 </figure>I'm grateful and honored to have been invited to join the President and I look forward to continuing to work with this Administration to make sure that our veterans have access to resources and opportunities to
 help them thrive as they transition back to civilian life.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581958953887.jpeg" alt="FRC Action President Tony Perkins" />
 <figcaption>FRC Action President Tony Perkins</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>True Blue Award</h2>FRC Action&nbsp;President&nbsp;Tony Perkins&nbsp;presented me with the “True Blue” award for my 100% voting record on conservative, pro-life, and pro-family legislation. I came to Congress to represent traditional Kansas values and I will forever remain rock solid in the fight to protect life and uphold faith, family, and freedom. As a Christian
 father of four children and two grandchildren, who’s delivered over 5,000 babies, these issues are deeply personal to me. It is an honor to receive the True Blue Award from Family Research Council in recognition of my advocacy for conservative family values.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581958887014.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Helping Farmer Stress</h2>Farmers and ranchers face stress unlike in any other industry. Natural disasters, commodity prices that often do not cover operating costs, long-term debt and hazardous work conditions
 weigh heavy on our Kansas producers. Suicide rates among farmers and ranchers have increased dramatically in recent years, calling to attention the lack of mental health resources in rural America. The conversation is changing, and I was honored to be part of the Hope in the Heartland Mental Health Summit in Hays last weekend. The Farm Bill includes several Rural Development
 provisions to improve medical facilities and provide access to telehealth services in order to address the mental health and addiction crises.Additionally, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) provides funding for grants that establish behavioral health resources, such as telephone helplines and websites,
 mental health training, and support groups. These resources will help producers learn to manage their stressors and know when to seek help for themselves or those around them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581958827361.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Protecting Our Intellectual Property&nbsp;</h2>Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier, Director of&nbsp;The White House&nbsp;Office of Technology Policy, provided an update on efforts by the Trump Administration to secure American science
 and technology research and intellectual property.American academic institutions are the best in the world, and provide innovative and collaborative environments for federal research and development. However, these institutions
 are often targeted by foreign adversaries wishing to access the sensitive and valuable information.Protecting the intellectual property of U.S. academic institutions is vital to ensuring America’s continued leadership in science and technology policy. I appreciated Dr. Droegemeier
 taking the time to meet with Members of the Science Committee and discuss ways that we can continue working together toward this goal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581958786905.jpeg" alt="KARL leaders" />
 <figcaption>KARL leaders</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>KARL Program Leaders in DC</h2>Thank you to members of the current Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program members for taking time to speak with me about leadership, civility, and the
 needs of our rural communities across the state. It is always great to meet with folks who are working to make their communities and the state of Kansas a better place for the next generation.<h2>Congressional Pet Caucus</h2>I announced the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Pet Caucus, which will focus on health and nutritional well-being of companion animals, common sense legislation
 supporting pet ownership, and science-based and transparent regulations. Like so many Americans, my family and I cherish our pets - my wife and I have two labs, Razor and Choco, and a Yorkie, Pepper - and recognize the benefits companion animals have
 for Americans of all ages. Through the Congressional Pet Caucus, we will promote sensible legislation, communicate the benefits of the human-animal bond and share resources with caucus members related to
 pet health and ownership.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581958692839.jpeg" alt="National Weather Service, Topeka" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Weather Forecasting</h2>Weather impacts us all, and is vitally important to the work that producers are doing across the state of Kansas.&nbsp;Accurate weather
 data, forecasting, and warnings are important in protecting life and property across the country, and the National Weather Service works hard every day to keep Americans safe and informed about the weather. Last weekend, the National Weather Service celebrated its 150th Anniversary, and I was proud to introduce H. Res. 839 honoring their service and legacy. I also had the privilege
 to stop by the National Weather Service’s forecasting office in Topeka, which provides weather forecasting information for communities from Concordia to Emporia. It was great to learn more about the tools they use to model and predict severe weather events,
 and to thank them for the around-the-clock service they provide to Kansans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581958656592.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Night Tour of the Capitol</h2>Members of Congress have the unique opportunity to give tours of the Capitol&nbsp; to visitors after the building has closed to the general public. It is a great opportunity to spend more time with Kansans out of the
 office and share what I have learned about the great history of our nation's Capitol.&nbsp;Last week, the Agricultural Retailers Association, members from Hutchinson Community College, and the Kansas Medical Society were among a group of over 20 Kansans able to join me. I had a great time getting
 to know everyone a little better and look forward to seeing them when I am back home in Kansas.