BEIJING (AP) — The World Health Organization has appealed to China to keep releasing information about its wave of COVID-19 infections&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-china-beijing-covid-425a5de577126b042d4eea915c174bc0">after the government announced nearly 60,000 deaths</a>&nbsp;since early December following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-covid19-data-sharing-77a28c2fc02f4c01774db8836762b608">weeks of complaints</a>&nbsp;it was failing to tell the world what was happening.

The announcement Saturday was the first official death toll since the ruling Communist Party abruptly dropped anti-virus restrictions in December despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-china-beijing-covid-d0718b53ded7fb1a70c2db8e564ed072">a surge in infections that flooded hospitals.</a>&nbsp;That left the WHO and other governments appealing for information, while the United States, South Korea and others imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-china-business-covid-adef59403f10ba60b1a4cc9deb014a0f">controls on visitors from China.</a>

The government said 5,503 people died of respiratory failure caused by COVID-19 and there were 54,435 fatalities from cancer, heart disease and other ailments combined with COVID-19 between Dec. 8 and Jan. 12.

The announcement “allows for a better understanding of the epidemiological situation,” said a WHO statement. It said the WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, talked by phone with Health Minister Ma Xiaowei.

“WHO requested that this type of detailed information continued to be shared with us and the public,” the agency said.

The National Health Commission said only deaths in hospitals were counted, which means anyone who died at home wouldn’t be included. It gave no indication when or whether it might release updated numbers.

A health official said the “national emergency peak has passed” based on an 83% decline in the daily number of people going to fever clinics from a Dec. 23 high.

The report would more than double China’s official COVID-19 death toll to 10,775 since the disease was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019. China has counted only deaths from pneumonia or respiratory failure in its official toll, which excludes many fatalities that might be attributed to the virus in other countries.

Meanwhile, high-speed train service resumed Sunday between China's mainland and Hong Kong under restrictions that allow 5,000 passengers from each side to make the trip daily and require a negative virus test within the previous 48 hours.

The two sides are reopening travel links that were suspended under Beijing's “zero-COVID” strategy, which aimed to keep the virus out of China. Hong Kong imposed different but similarly severe restrictions that blocked most international travel.

Candice Zhong, a resident of the neighboring mainland city of Shenzhen who arrived in Hong Kong, said she planned to visit the city’s two major theme parks.

“I want to come to Hong Kong to see what it’s like now," Zhong said at the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway terminal. "I will go to Disneyland and Ocean Park.”

BEIJING (AP) — The World Health Organization has appealed to China to keep releasing information about its wave of COVID-19 infections&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-china-beijing-covid-425a5de577126b042d4eea915c174bc0">after the government announced nearly 60,000 deaths</a>&nbsp;since early December following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-covid19-data-sharing-77a28c2fc02f4c01774db8836762b608">weeks of complaints</a>&nbsp;it was failing to tell the world what was happening.The announcement Saturday was the first official death toll since the ruling Communist Party abruptly dropped anti-virus restrictions in December despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-china-beijing-covid-d0718b53ded7fb1a70c2db8e564ed072">a surge in infections that flooded hospitals.</a>&nbsp;That left the WHO and other governments appealing for information, while the United States, South Korea and others imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-china-business-covid-adef59403f10ba60b1a4cc9deb014a0f">controls on visitors from China.</a>The government said 5,503 people died of respiratory failure caused by COVID-19 and there were 54,435 fatalities from cancer, heart disease and other ailments combined with COVID-19 between Dec. 8 and Jan. 12.The announcement “allows for a better understanding of the epidemiological situation,” said a WHO statement. It said the WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, talked by phone with Health Minister Ma Xiaowei.“WHO requested that this type of detailed information continued to be shared with us and the public,” the agency said.The National Health Commission said only deaths in hospitals were counted, which means anyone who died at home wouldn’t be included. It gave no indication when or whether it might release updated numbers.A health official said the “national emergency peak has passed” based on an 83% decline in the daily number of people going to fever clinics from a Dec. 23 high.The report would more than double China’s official COVID-19 death toll to 10,775 since the disease was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019. China has counted only deaths from pneumonia or respiratory failure in its official toll, which excludes many fatalities that might be attributed to the virus in other countries.Meanwhile, high-speed train service resumed Sunday between China's mainland and Hong Kong under restrictions that allow 5,000 passengers from each side to make the trip daily and require a negative virus test within the previous 48 hours.The two sides are reopening travel links that were suspended under Beijing's “zero-COVID” strategy, which aimed to keep the virus out of China. Hong Kong imposed different but similarly severe restrictions that blocked most international travel.Candice Zhong, a resident of the neighboring mainland city of Shenzhen who arrived in Hong Kong, said she planned to visit the city’s two major theme parks.“I want to come to Hong Kong to see what it’s like now," Zhong said at the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway terminal. "I will go to Disneyland and Ocean Park.”___

WHO appeals to China to release more COVID-19 information

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a multi-vehicle crash that injured seven people including a 5-year-old and have made an arrest.

Just before 4p.m. October 23, deputies were dispatched to an injury accident at 143rd Street East and US-54 in Sedgwick County involving eight vehicles, according to Lt. Nathan Gibbs.

Upon their arrival, deputies located several individuals with varying severities of injuries. Seven citizens including a 5-year-old passenger of a vehicle driven by 27-year-old Paloma Adame&nbsp; of Wichita were transported to local hospitals. 

All were treated and released from the hospital. Through the investigation it was found the 5-year-old was not properly restrained and Adame’s vehicle had been traveling at excessive speeds, according to Gibbs.

&nbsp;On January 12, detectives arrested Adame. She <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18716433">remains in custody</a> on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree and 11 counts of Aggravated Battery, according to online jail records.

Deputies will present the case to the District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673629872866.png" alt="Adame-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Adame-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a multi-vehicle crash that injured seven people including a 5-year-old and have made an arrest.Just before 4p.m. October 23, deputies were dispatched to an injury accident at 143rd Street East and US-54 in Sedgwick County involving eight vehicles, according to Lt. Nathan Gibbs.Upon their arrival, deputies located several individuals with varying severities of injuries. Seven citizens including a 5-year-old passenger of a vehicle driven by 27-year-old Paloma Adame&nbsp; of Wichita were transported to local hospitals. All were treated and released from the hospital. Through the investigation it was found the 5-year-old was not properly restrained and Adame’s vehicle had been traveling at excessive speeds, according to Gibbs.&nbsp;On January 12, detectives arrested Adame. She <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18716433">remains in custody</a> on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree and 11 counts of Aggravated Battery, according to online jail records.Deputies will present the case to the District Attorney’s Office.

Kan. woman jailed for 8-vehicle crash that injured 5-year-old

HAMILTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Arizona men after locating approximately 50,000 suspected fentanyl pills during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Aurora, according to a media release from the Nebraska State Patrol.

Just after 8:30 a.m. Jan. 12, a trooper observed an eastbound Toyota Tacoma improperly pass a semi.&nbsp;

During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. A search of the vehicle then revealed several bags of suspected fentanyl pills located inside the tailgate of the pickup. The total number of pills was approximately 50,000, weighing more than 11 pounds. Troopers also found small amounts of suspected cocaine and methamphetamine.

The driver, Jesus Quinones, 27, and passenger, Daniel Alvillar, 44, both of Phoenix, Arizona, were arrested on requested charges of possession of controlled substances and possession with intent to deliver. Both remain in the Hamilton County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673702815746.jpeg" alt="Nebraska troopers seized 50,000 suspected fentanyl pills in a stop on I-80 photo NSP" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska troopers seized 50,000 suspected fentanyl pills in a stop on I-80 photo NSP</figcaption>
 </figure>HAMILTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Arizona men after locating approximately 50,000 suspected fentanyl pills during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Aurora, according to a media release from the Nebraska State Patrol.Just after 8:30 a.m. Jan. 12, a trooper observed an eastbound Toyota Tacoma improperly pass a semi.&nbsp;During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. A search of the vehicle then revealed several bags of suspected fentanyl pills located inside the tailgate of the pickup. The total number of pills was approximately 50,000, weighing more than 11 pounds. Troopers also found small amounts of suspected cocaine and methamphetamine.The driver, Jesus Quinones, 27, and passenger, Daniel Alvillar, 44, both of Phoenix, Arizona, were arrested on requested charges of possession of controlled substances and possession with intent to deliver. Both remain in the Hamilton County Jail.

Troopers seize 50,000 suspected fentanyl pills during traffic stop

RENO COUNTY— Two people died in a house fire on Saturday in Reno County.&nbsp;

Just before 10p.m.&nbsp; Saturday, fire crews were dispatched to a house fire in the 200 block of north Broadway Street in Arlington, according to a release from Reno County Fire Administrator Travis Vogt.

When they arrived, fire crews were told of two possible occupants that were still in the house. Firefighters encountered heavy fire with the fire venting through the roof before they got there.

Crews made entry into the home and located the two occupants and were able to remove them. Lifesaving efforts were made, however both occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The fire was brought under control around 1 a.m. Sunday with crews remaining on scene for several hours conducting overhaul.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal and ATF responded and investigated.

The fire has been classified as undetermined but is not suspicious in nature. Officials have not released he names of the two victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673838091073.png" alt="Fatal weekend house fire photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Fatal weekend house fire photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY— Two people died in a house fire on Saturday in Reno County.&nbsp;Just before 10p.m.&nbsp; Saturday, fire crews were dispatched to a house fire in the 200 block of north Broadway Street in Arlington, according to a release from Reno County Fire Administrator Travis Vogt.When they arrived, fire crews were told of two possible occupants that were still in the house. Firefighters encountered heavy fire with the fire venting through the roof before they got there.Crews made entry into the home and located the two occupants and were able to remove them. Lifesaving efforts were made, however both occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene.The fire was brought under control around 1 a.m. Sunday with crews remaining on scene for several hours conducting overhaul.The Office of the State Fire Marshal and ATF responded and investigated.The fire has been classified as undetermined but is not suspicious in nature. Officials have not released he names of the two victims.

Two dead in Kansas house fire

KANSAS CITY (AP) — When Jamieson Brill answers a crisis call from a Spanish speaker on the newly launched national 988 mental health helpline, he rarely mentions the word suicide, or “suicidio”

Brill, whose family hails from Puerto Rico, knows that just discussing the term in some Spanish-speaking cultures is so frowned upon that many callers are too scared to even admit that they’re calling for themselves.

“However strong stigma around mental health concerns is in English-speaking cultures, in Spanish-speaking cultures it is triple that,” said Brill, who helps people navigate mental health crises from a tiny brick building tucked away in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Brill works in one of more than 200 call centers fanned out around the country tasked with answering an uptick in calls day and night from people considering suicide or experiencing a mental health emergency.

With&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-mental-health-90a9d04a8c027a3abbd231d234ed0adf">bipartisan congressional support and just under $1 billion in federal funds</a>, the 988 mental health helpline has quickly expanded its reach in the six months since it launched — raking in over 2 million calls, texts and chat messages.

The number of centers answering calls in Spanish grew from three to seven last year. A pilot line dedicated to LGBTQ youth started taking calls in September. And plans are underway to keep the momentum going, with the federal government adding Spanish language chat and text options later this year and aiming to expand those services to a 24/7 operation for the LGBTQ line.

When the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mental-health-hotline-988-ac50f02b74b8b89be5592be3f3605ff5">around-the-clock phone launched last summer</a>, it built on the existing network that staffed the old national lifeline, 1-800-273-8255. The new 988 number is designed to be as easy to remember as 911.

It couldn’t have come at a more needed time:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-ca-state-wire-health-ny-state-wire-ap-top-news-208872f1d9fa3a3f3b50a4a902132124">Depression rates in U.S. adults</a>, overdose deaths and suicide rates have been on the rise.

“The call volume is, in some instances, well beyond what we anticipated,” said Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, assistant secretary for mental health and substance use in the Department of Health and Human Services. “It does let us know that people are struggling, people are having a hard time. Where I feel heartened is that people are getting connected to services and supports, as oppose to struggling on their own.”

The 988 helpline registered 154,585 more calls, texts and chat messages during November 2022 compared to the old national lifeline in November 2021, according to the latest data available.

Texting has been particularly popular, with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration noting a 1,227% increase in texts to the line during that same time.

The Veterans Crisis Line — callers can press “1” after texting or calling 988 to reach it — has fielded 450,000 calls, texts and chat messages, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. By the end of the year, the line had handled a nearly 10% increase compared to 2021.

Calls show no signs of slowing into this year, with counselors answering 3,869 calls on New Year's Eve and the first day of 2023 — a 30 percent increase compared to the previous holiday. The Spanish language line saw an increase of 3,800 calls year over year from November 2021 to November 2022.

Meanwhile, some states are considering unveiling their own lines dedicated to certain communities.

In November, Washington became the first state to launch a mental health crisis line dedicated to American Indian and Alaska Native people. Callers in Washington can reach the line by calling 988 then pressing “4” to be greeted by one of the 13 counselors — all Indigenous people — who staff the phones.

Having fellow American Indians answer those calls is crucial, because those familiar with the culture can immediately decode some terms that others cannot, said Rochelle Williams, the tribal operations manager for Volunteers of America Western Washington, which oversees the call center. For example, she said, when a caller says that a relative is “bothering me,” that sends up an immediate red flag: The person is likely signaling that they’re the victim of a sexual assault.

“Who has a better understanding of native people than native people?” Williams said. “We don’t trust in a lot of government programs. Knowing you’re talking to another Indigenous person is really important.”

Williams wants to add chat and text options next. She hopes Washington’s 988 line for Native Americans becomes a model for others. She’s already given presentations in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Montana and in Canada, which is set to launch its own national 988 this year.

States are expected to receive more money to fund the line from t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-ukraine-government-us-republican-party-health-care-costs-13f3f7bfed22bda0cbf73002d9fec273">he $1.7 trillion end-of-the year spending package</a>, which set aside another half-billion dollars for the project.

Still, long-term funding for the 988 helpline is in jeopardy in some states, which have yet to figure out a permanent funding plan for it. While the federal government has poured millions of dollars into the project, states are expected to take over the operation and funding of the 988 line — just as they do with 911 emergency call services.

So far, fewer than 20 states&nbsp;<a href="https://reimaginecrisis.org/map/">have passed legislation to permanently fund their 988 line</a>, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health Illness.

In Ohio, for example, advocates are pushing for the state legislature to sign off on a 50-cent fee that would be tacked onto cellphone bills, raising roughly $50 million to $55 million every year to operate the line, said Tony Coder of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.

“Quite frankly, lives depend on it,” Coder said. “The need for 988 services is more crucial than ever, simply because of the aftermath and the mental health issues from COVID.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — When Jamieson Brill answers a crisis call from a Spanish speaker on the newly launched national 988 mental health helpline, he rarely mentions the word suicide, or “suicidio”Brill, whose family hails from Puerto Rico, knows that just discussing the term in some Spanish-speaking cultures is so frowned upon that many callers are too scared to even admit that they’re calling for themselves.“However strong stigma around mental health concerns is in English-speaking cultures, in Spanish-speaking cultures it is triple that,” said Brill, who helps people navigate mental health crises from a tiny brick building tucked away in Hyattsville, Maryland.Brill works in one of more than 200 call centers fanned out around the country tasked with answering an uptick in calls day and night from people considering suicide or experiencing a mental health emergency.With&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-mental-health-90a9d04a8c027a3abbd231d234ed0adf">bipartisan congressional support and just under $1 billion in federal funds</a>, the 988 mental health helpline has quickly expanded its reach in the six months since it launched — raking in over 2 million calls, texts and chat messages.The number of centers answering calls in Spanish grew from three to seven last year. A pilot line dedicated to LGBTQ youth started taking calls in September. And plans are underway to keep the momentum going, with the federal government adding Spanish language chat and text options later this year and aiming to expand those services to a 24/7 operation for the LGBTQ line.When the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mental-health-hotline-988-ac50f02b74b8b89be5592be3f3605ff5">around-the-clock phone launched last summer</a>, it built on the existing network that staffed the old national lifeline, 1-800-273-8255. The new 988 number is designed to be as easy to remember as 911.It couldn’t have come at a more needed time:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-ca-state-wire-health-ny-state-wire-ap-top-news-208872f1d9fa3a3f3b50a4a902132124">Depression rates in U.S. adults</a>, overdose deaths and suicide rates have been on the rise.“The call volume is, in some instances, well beyond what we anticipated,” said Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, assistant secretary for mental health and substance use in the Department of Health and Human Services. “It does let us know that people are struggling, people are having a hard time. Where I feel heartened is that people are getting connected to services and supports, as oppose to struggling on their own.”The 988 helpline registered 154,585 more calls, texts and chat messages during November 2022 compared to the old national lifeline in November 2021, according to the latest data available.Texting has been particularly popular, with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration noting a 1,227% increase in texts to the line during that same time.The Veterans Crisis Line — callers can press “1” after texting or calling 988 to reach it — has fielded 450,000 calls, texts and chat messages, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. By the end of the year, the line had handled a nearly 10% increase compared to 2021.Calls show no signs of slowing into this year, with counselors answering 3,869 calls on New Year's Eve and the first day of 2023 — a 30 percent increase compared to the previous holiday. The Spanish language line saw an increase of 3,800 calls year over year from November 2021 to November 2022.Meanwhile, some states are considering unveiling their own lines dedicated to certain communities.In November, Washington became the first state to launch a mental health crisis line dedicated to American Indian and Alaska Native people. Callers in Washington can reach the line by calling 988 then pressing “4” to be greeted by one of the 13 counselors — all Indigenous people — who staff the phones.Having fellow American Indians answer those calls is crucial, because those familiar with the culture can immediately decode some terms that others cannot, said Rochelle Williams, the tribal operations manager for Volunteers of America Western Washington, which oversees the call center. For example, she said, when a caller says that a relative is “bothering me,” that sends up an immediate red flag: The person is likely signaling that they’re the victim of a sexual assault.“Who has a better understanding of native people than native people?” Williams said. “We don’t trust in a lot of government programs. Knowing you’re talking to another Indigenous person is really important.”Williams wants to add chat and text options next. She hopes Washington’s 988 line for Native Americans becomes a model for others. She’s already given presentations in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Montana and in Canada, which is set to launch its own national 988 this year.States are expected to receive more money to fund the line from t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-ukraine-government-us-republican-party-health-care-costs-13f3f7bfed22bda0cbf73002d9fec273">he $1.7 trillion end-of-the year spending package</a>, which set aside another half-billion dollars for the project.Still, long-term funding for the 988 helpline is in jeopardy in some states, which have yet to figure out a permanent funding plan for it. While the federal government has poured millions of dollars into the project, states are expected to take over the operation and funding of the 988 line — just as they do with 911 emergency call services.So far, fewer than 20 states&nbsp;<a href="https://reimaginecrisis.org/map/">have passed legislation to permanently fund their 988 line</a>, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health Illness.In Ohio, for example, advocates are pushing for the state legislature to sign off on a 50-cent fee that would be tacked onto cellphone bills, raising roughly $50 million to $55 million every year to operate the line, said Tony Coder of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.“Quite frankly, lives depend on it,” Coder said. “The need for 988 services is more crucial than ever, simply because of the aftermath and the mental health issues from COVID.”

Callers keep flooding 988 mental health, suicide helpline

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/11/ku-researchers-assert-fcc-map-of-high-speed-broadband-access-in-kansas-highly-inaccurate/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Federal 
Communications Commission’s state-by-state map of broadband availability
 didn’t capture the potential of 1 million Kansans living in regions 
without adequate high-speed service, University of Kansas researchers 
said.

The findings were significant because the federal government plans to
 distribute $42.5 billion in broadband expansion funding to states based
 on the FCC’s map. In November, the FCC released maps showing broadband 
was available across Kansas and more than three-fourths of the state’s 
residents had access to reliable service. The deadline for states to 
challenge the map is Friday.

“Kansans learned the hard way during the COVID-19 pandemic that broadband
 was necessary for work and education,” said Donna Ginther, a professor 
of economics and director of the Institute for Policy and Social 
Research at the University of Kansas. “Our results show that the FCC map showing that 85% of Kansans have access to reliable broadband is highly inaccurate.”

KU researchers said the current&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbroadbandmap.fcc.gov%2Fhome&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmedia1-l%40lists.ku.edu%7C78ae72eb92c64bb84c3308daf3460022%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638089779213074759%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=ZndiPg1GfIOzdX8S1i%2BiaO0QGVHQfLqCioG%2BUj82t%2F0%3D&amp;reserved=0">FCC National&nbsp;Broadband&nbsp;Map</a>
 of high-speed internet reflected a provider’s maximum advertised speed,
 which wasn’t the same as the level of service available to customers in
 a given location. Average download speeds were substantially higher for
 Kansans living within city limits compared to speeds available for 
Kansans outside city limits, the researchers said.

Researchers at KU concluded there was little reliable data on 
broadband access in Kansas and decided to create a survey with an 
embedded speed test. They interviewed constituents, residents and internet providers to develop a more complete picture of broadband issues in the state.

Internet service has become a more valuable quality-of-life tool 
among Kansans, but KU researchers indicated 44% of people responding to 
the survey reported dissatisfaction with their broadband service.

Respondents pointed to slow speeds, data caps, unreliable internet
 access and lack of options for service. Shortcomings in rural and 
frontier communities created challenges for people trying to perform 
their jobs, keep up with technological advancements and create future 
business opportunities.

Research collaborator Germaine Halegoua, a University of Michigan professor, said speed and access of internet
 connections at a particular address were important to measure, but so 
was how people experienced speed, quality of connections and cost of 
access on a daily basis.

“That’s one of the reasons our survey results are informative,” Halegoua said. “They pair reported internet
 connection with information about what it means to have that sort of 
connection — the challenges, constraints and uneven availability 
experienced across the state as well as the gratitude some rural 
communities felt toward the independent internet service providers who 
made the effort to serve their regions.”

An executive summary of the KU analysis can be viewed at <a target="_blank" href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/broadband/">the Institute for Policy and Social Research’s website</a>. Information about opportunities for the public to submit feedback on the FCC map can be found on the <a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fprogram%2Fchallenge%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmedia1-l%40lists.ku.edu%7C78ae72eb92c64bb84c3308daf3460022%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638089779213074759%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=fAqNQRtEK9xnlS9nuhT%2Bdzqhg6RSZqfJvL4YTKZMG0A%3D&amp;reserved=0">Kansas Department of Commerce’s</a>&nbsp;website.

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Democrat from the Kansas City area, said 
accurate maps of broadband service in Kansas was essential. She said the
 state could be in line for as much as $100 million in broadband 
funding.

“If we want to improve access to high-speed internet in Kansas, we 
need an accurate understanding of where the gaps are,” Davids said. 
“That’s why I’m asking all Kansans to take a couple minutes out of their
 day to participate in this mapping project.”

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, previously urged 
Kansans to submit information to the FCC regarding broadband coverage 
issues not revealed by the map. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly had agreed 
to signed a letter with 14 other governors to ask for a 60-day extension
 to time to respond to the map.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673476798899.png" alt="Donna Ginther, director of the Institute for Policy and Social Research at the University of Kansas, said the Federal Communications Commission’s map of broadband access in Kansas was inaccurate She estimated 1 million Kansans lack access to quality high-speed internet services. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>Donna Ginther, director of the Institute for Policy and Social Research at the University of Kansas, said the Federal Communications Commission’s map of broadband access in Kansas was inaccurate She estimated 1 million Kansans lack access to quality high-speed internet services. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/11/ku-researchers-assert-fcc-map-of-high-speed-broadband-access-in-kansas-highly-inaccurate/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Federal 
Communications Commission’s state-by-state map of broadband availability
 didn’t capture the potential of 1 million Kansans living in regions 
without adequate high-speed service, University of Kansas researchers 
said.The findings were significant because the federal government plans to
 distribute $42.5 billion in broadband expansion funding to states based
 on the FCC’s map. In November, the FCC released maps showing broadband 
was available across Kansas and more than three-fourths of the state’s 
residents had access to reliable service. The deadline for states to 
challenge the map is Friday.“Kansans learned the hard way during the COVID-19 pandemic that broadband
 was necessary for work and education,” said Donna Ginther, a professor 
of economics and director of the Institute for Policy and Social 
Research at the University of Kansas. “Our results show that the FCC map showing that 85% of Kansans have access to reliable broadband is highly inaccurate.”KU researchers said the current&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbroadbandmap.fcc.gov%2Fhome&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmedia1-l%40lists.ku.edu%7C78ae72eb92c64bb84c3308daf3460022%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638089779213074759%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=ZndiPg1GfIOzdX8S1i%2BiaO0QGVHQfLqCioG%2BUj82t%2F0%3D&amp;reserved=0">FCC National&nbsp;Broadband&nbsp;Map</a>
 of high-speed internet reflected a provider’s maximum advertised speed,
 which wasn’t the same as the level of service available to customers in
 a given location. Average download speeds were substantially higher for
 Kansans living within city limits compared to speeds available for 
Kansans outside city limits, the researchers said.Researchers at KU concluded there was little reliable data on 
broadband access in Kansas and decided to create a survey with an 
embedded speed test. They interviewed constituents, residents and internet providers to develop a more complete picture of broadband issues in the state.Internet service has become a more valuable quality-of-life tool 
among Kansans, but KU researchers indicated 44% of people responding to 
the survey reported dissatisfaction with their broadband service.Respondents pointed to slow speeds, data caps, unreliable internet
 access and lack of options for service. Shortcomings in rural and 
frontier communities created challenges for people trying to perform 
their jobs, keep up with technological advancements and create future 
business opportunities.Research collaborator Germaine Halegoua, a University of Michigan professor, said speed and access of internet
 connections at a particular address were important to measure, but so 
was how people experienced speed, quality of connections and cost of 
access on a daily basis.“That’s one of the reasons our survey results are informative,” Halegoua said. “They pair reported internet
 connection with information about what it means to have that sort of 
connection — the challenges, constraints and uneven availability 
experienced across the state as well as the gratitude some rural 
communities felt toward the independent internet service providers who 
made the effort to serve their regions.”An executive summary of the KU analysis can be viewed at <a target="_blank" href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/broadband/">the Institute for Policy and Social Research’s website</a>. Information about opportunities for the public to submit feedback on the FCC map can be found on the <a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fprogram%2Fchallenge%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmedia1-l%40lists.ku.edu%7C78ae72eb92c64bb84c3308daf3460022%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638089779213074759%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=fAqNQRtEK9xnlS9nuhT%2Bdzqhg6RSZqfJvL4YTKZMG0A%3D&amp;reserved=0">Kansas Department of Commerce’s</a>&nbsp;website.U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Democrat from the Kansas City area, said 
accurate maps of broadband service in Kansas was essential. She said the
 state could be in line for as much as $100 million in broadband 
funding.“If we want to improve access to high-speed internet in Kansas, we 
need an accurate understanding of where the gaps are,” Davids said. 
“That’s why I’m asking all Kansans to take a couple minutes out of their
 day to participate in this mapping project.”U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, previously urged 
Kansans to submit information to the FCC regarding broadband coverage 
issues not revealed by the map. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly had agreed 
to signed a letter with 14 other governors to ask for a 60-day extension
 to time to respond to the map.

KU: FCC map of Kan. high-speed broadband access ‘highly inaccurate’

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/13/survivors-of-sexual-abuse-plead-for-changes-in-kansas-law-that-protects-pedophiles/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Four survivors of childhood sexual abuse revealed details 
about the worst moments of their lives in a public rebuke of state law 
that protects pedophiles from criminal prosecution or civil lawsuits.

Backed by a bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers, the women 
emphasized that it can take years before a survivor accepts what 
happened and is willing to talk about it. Most people who are victimized
 as children won’t share their experiences until they are over age 50.

Kansas state law requires requires survivors to file a civil lawsuit 
by age 21. Proposed legislation would remove the statute of limitations 
for both civil and criminal cases, and open the door to retroactive 
litigation dating to 1984. The Legislature eliminated the statute of 
limitations for criminal cases in 2013, but didn’t make the law 
retroactive.

State law fell under renewed scrutiny last week when <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/06/kansas-catholic-clergy-sexual-abuse-investigation-targets-14-suspects-prosecutions-unlikely/">a Kansas Bureau of Investigation report into abuse by Catholic clergy</a>
 was made public. The four-year inquiry found 188 clergy members at four
 dioceses in Kansas were suspected of criminal acts dating to 1950.

The KBI referred 30 cases involving 14 clergy members to district 
attorneys, but no criminal charges were filed — primarily because of the
 statute of limitations.

In a news conference Thursday at the Statehouse, Rep. Bob Lewis, a 
Republican from Garden City and attorney who has worked with sexual 
abuse survivors, emphasized that the problem isn’t contained to the 
Catholic church. Lewis said childhood sexual abuse happens in every 
institution where there are children.

Kim Bergman, Tess Ramirez, Lesa Patterson-Kinsey and Joe Cheray 
shared their stories of abuse in a news conference at the Statehouse. 
Kansas Reflector doesn’t identify survivors of sexual abuse without 
their consent, and the women granted permission to use their names.

Bergman sat in her car in the parking lot of a Lawrence gym operated 
by her former coach, who had abused her at a camp when she was 12.

She was afraid he would hurt other girls. She was right.

“I wanted desperately to walk into the lobby and announce to everyone
 that David Byrd is a pedophile and should not be trusted, then froze,” 
Bergman said. “To this day, I feel horrible that I wasn’t strong enough 
to do more.”

Bergman said she had been vulnerable as a child because of 
difficulties at home, and Byrd took advantage of her. She described her 
attempt to make him stop touching her while watching TV in a hotel room.

“I was terrified,” she said. “I finally got up and sat behind him to 
try to get away. Instead, David turned and glared at me and asked in a 
way that I’ll never forget, ‘Why did you move?’ ”

He proceeded to abuse her further. She felt trapped.

When she got home, she told her best friend about her coach’s 
actions. At age 12, she said, “neither one of us could understand the 
magnitude of what happened.”

Later, her therapist reported the abuse, and she was interviewed by 
police. By the time she was strong enough to talk about what happened, 
but she was told time had run out.

“I knew there would be future victims, and that they would have to 
face David on their own because of a ridiculous rule that stated my 
abuse no longer counted,” Bergman said.

A decade after he abused Bergman, he did <a target="_blank" href="https://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/aug/29/coach_charged_molesting_teen_girl/">the same to Ramirez</a>.

Ramirez said she was in shock when she told her best friend about the
 abuse. Her friend told her, “that’s not a secret that gets to be kept.”
 If not for her, Ramirez said, “my story would have a different ending.”

Byrd pleaded guilty in 2009 to indecent liberties with a child and received a 30-month sentence.

Ramirez said the harm Byrd caused her and other girls could have been
 prevented if earlier victims had been allowed to expose his actions in 
court after they turned 21.

“A survivor has to accept what’s happened to them, be comfortable 
talking about it publicly, and have the means to file a lawsuit before 
they turn 21,” Ramirez said. “Now, it may be hard to tell because I’m 
standing in a room full of incredibly brave people, but talking about 
the worst thing that’s ever happened to you is incredibly difficult.”

Ramirez said she is 29 and only recently became comfortable talking about her abuse publicly.

As she looked up at the row of cameras pointed at her in the crowded room, she added: “And I wouldn’t say this is comfortable.”

Cheray grew up in a small, predominantly Catholic town in Kansas.

She went to live with her grandparents at age 5, and her grandfather 
began sexually abusing her at the age of 10. She tried to run away and 
twice tried to kill herself.

In a moment of despair, she turned to her priest.

“The only advice he told me was to go back home and pray that the 
situation gets better,” Cheray said. “How could anyone tell a child to 
go back to being sexually abused and pray that it gets better? I knew 
that was really code for, ‘Your grandfather is president of the altar 
guild and a significant financial contributor to the church.’ ”

Patterson-Kinsey spent her childhood trying to avoid her abusive father.

“It was extremely confusing,” she said. “I didn’t like it. He told me
 not to tell anybody, and I didn’t know who I would tell. I wanted to 
pretend like it didn’t happen.”

For years, she was reluctant to say anything because she wanted to 
protect her mother and sister, who were also victimized by her father. 
The story of her abuse “wasn’t just my story,” she said. In a small 
town, everybody would know about the family.

By the time she could talk about it, she was about 40 years old.

“My time ran out,” Patterson-Kinsey said. “My time ran out when I was in college.”

She added:&nbsp;“Passage of this bill will give other survivors time to hold their abusers accountable.”

Senate Republicans didn’t give a hearing to a similar bill that was introduced last year, <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/18/survivors-of-child-sex-abuse-call-for-elimination-of-kansas-statute-of-limitations/">despite pleading from Bergman and others</a>.

Lewis, the Republican House member, said childhood sexual assault is 
an “extraordinarily important issue that our state is finally beginning 
to take seriously.”

“There is a common element in all of their stories,” Lewis said. 
“That element is that the child sex abuse has robbed them of agency. 
It’s robbed them of their voice. They’ve been shut down and told to go 
away, ignored.”

Sen. Cindy Holscher, a Democrat from Overland Park, said there is 
more interest in the issue following the release of the KBI report on 
clergy abuse.

Holscher said some people in the past wanted to dismiss concerns 
because they thought the abuse was the result of just three or four 
priests. The implication of 188 clergy members in the KBI report “woke 
some people up,” she said.

“Phones are ringing off the hook from people out there across Kansas 
calling into the KBI, calling to us as legislators, talking about the 
situation,” Holscher said.

Passage of proposed legislation would open the door to lawsuits 
against the Catholic church and other institutions. Holscher said she 
doesn’t anticipate the state would be flooded with cases, but she 
acknowledged there could be resistance to changing the law.

“The pushback could be the fact that when people bring civil cases, we’re talking money,” Holscher said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673640794286.png" alt="Kim Bergman speaks at a Jan. 12, 2023, news conference on childhood sexual assault at the Statehouse in Topeka. Bergman and other survivors shared their stories and called on lawmakers to remove a statute of limitations on civil and criminal cases. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kim Bergman speaks at a Jan. 12, 2023, news conference on childhood sexual assault at the Statehouse in Topeka. Bergman and other survivors shared their stories and called on lawmakers to remove a statute of limitations on civil and criminal cases. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/13/survivors-of-sexual-abuse-plead-for-changes-in-kansas-law-that-protects-pedophiles/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Four survivors of childhood sexual abuse revealed details 
about the worst moments of their lives in a public rebuke of state law 
that protects pedophiles from criminal prosecution or civil lawsuits.Backed by a bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers, the women 
emphasized that it can take years before a survivor accepts what 
happened and is willing to talk about it. Most people who are victimized
 as children won’t share their experiences until they are over age 50.Kansas state law requires requires survivors to file a civil lawsuit 
by age 21. Proposed legislation would remove the statute of limitations 
for both civil and criminal cases, and open the door to retroactive 
litigation dating to 1984. The Legislature eliminated the statute of 
limitations for criminal cases in 2013, but didn’t make the law 
retroactive.State law fell under renewed scrutiny last week when <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/06/kansas-catholic-clergy-sexual-abuse-investigation-targets-14-suspects-prosecutions-unlikely/">a Kansas Bureau of Investigation report into abuse by Catholic clergy</a>
 was made public. The four-year inquiry found 188 clergy members at four
 dioceses in Kansas were suspected of criminal acts dating to 1950.The KBI referred 30 cases involving 14 clergy members to district 
attorneys, but no criminal charges were filed — primarily because of the
 statute of limitations.In a news conference Thursday at the Statehouse, Rep. Bob Lewis, a 
Republican from Garden City and attorney who has worked with sexual 
abuse survivors, emphasized that the problem isn’t contained to the 
Catholic church. Lewis said childhood sexual abuse happens in every 
institution where there are children.Kim Bergman, Tess Ramirez, Lesa Patterson-Kinsey and Joe Cheray 
shared their stories of abuse in a news conference at the Statehouse. 
Kansas Reflector doesn’t identify survivors of sexual abuse without 
their consent, and the women granted permission to use their names.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673640874573.png" alt="Tess Ramirez says it is difficult talk about the worst thing that ever happened to her. Most survivors of sexual assault disclose the abuse after the age of 50. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Tess Ramirez says it is difficult talk about the worst thing that ever happened to her. Most survivors of sexual assault disclose the abuse after the age of 50. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A ridiculous rule</h2>Bergman sat in her car in the parking lot of a Lawrence gym operated 
by her former coach, who had abused her at a camp when she was 12.She was afraid he would hurt other girls. She was right.“I wanted desperately to walk into the lobby and announce to everyone
 that David Byrd is a pedophile and should not be trusted, then froze,” 
Bergman said. “To this day, I feel horrible that I wasn’t strong enough 
to do more.”Bergman said she had been vulnerable as a child because of 
difficulties at home, and Byrd took advantage of her. She described her 
attempt to make him stop touching her while watching TV in a hotel room.“I was terrified,” she said. “I finally got up and sat behind him to 
try to get away. Instead, David turned and glared at me and asked in a 
way that I’ll never forget, ‘Why did you move?’ ”He proceeded to abuse her further. She felt trapped.When she got home, she told her best friend about her coach’s 
actions. At age 12, she said, “neither one of us could understand the 
magnitude of what happened.”Later, her therapist reported the abuse, and she was interviewed by 
police. By the time she was strong enough to talk about what happened, 
but she was told time had run out.“I knew there would be future victims, and that they would have to 
face David on their own because of a ridiculous rule that stated my 
abuse no longer counted,” Bergman said.A decade after he abused Bergman, he did <a target="_blank" href="https://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/aug/29/coach_charged_molesting_teen_girl/">the same to Ramirez</a>.Ramirez said she was in shock when she told her best friend about the
 abuse. Her friend told her, “that’s not a secret that gets to be kept.”
 If not for her, Ramirez said, “my story would have a different ending.”Byrd pleaded guilty in 2009 to indecent liberties with a child and received a 30-month sentence.Ramirez said the harm Byrd caused her and other girls could have been
 prevented if earlier victims had been allowed to expose his actions in 
court after they turned 21.“A survivor has to accept what’s happened to them, be comfortable 
talking about it publicly, and have the means to file a lawsuit before 
they turn 21,” Ramirez said. “Now, it may be hard to tell because I’m 
standing in a room full of incredibly brave people, but talking about 
the worst thing that’s ever happened to you is incredibly difficult.”Ramirez said she is 29 and only recently became comfortable talking about her abuse publicly.As she looked up at the row of cameras pointed at her in the crowded room, she added: “And I wouldn’t say this is comfortable.”<h2>Pray for relief</h2>Cheray grew up in a small, predominantly Catholic town in Kansas.She went to live with her grandparents at age 5, and her grandfather 
began sexually abusing her at the age of 10. She tried to run away and 
twice tried to kill herself.In a moment of despair, she turned to her priest.“The only advice he told me was to go back home and pray that the 
situation gets better,” Cheray said. “How could anyone tell a child to 
go back to being sexually abused and pray that it gets better? I knew 
that was really code for, ‘Your grandfather is president of the altar 
guild and a significant financial contributor to the church.’ ”Patterson-Kinsey spent her childhood trying to avoid her abusive father.“It was extremely confusing,” she said. “I didn’t like it. He told me
 not to tell anybody, and I didn’t know who I would tell. I wanted to 
pretend like it didn’t happen.”For years, she was reluctant to say anything because she wanted to 
protect her mother and sister, who were also victimized by her father. 
The story of her abuse “wasn’t just my story,” she said. In a small 
town, everybody would know about the family.By the time she could talk about it, she was about 40 years old.“My time ran out,” Patterson-Kinsey said. “My time ran out when I was in college.”She added:&nbsp;“Passage of this bill will give other survivors time to hold their abusers accountable.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673640934424.png" alt="Sen. Cindy Holscher, left, says people were surprised to learn the extent of clergy abuse in Kansas. Joe Cheray, right, says her priest told her to pray that abuse would stop. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Cindy Holscher, left, says people were surprised to learn the extent of clergy abuse in Kansas. Joe Cheray, right, says her priest told her to pray that abuse would stop. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Waking up</h2>Senate Republicans didn’t give a hearing to a similar bill that was introduced last year, <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/18/survivors-of-child-sex-abuse-call-for-elimination-of-kansas-statute-of-limitations/">despite pleading from Bergman and others</a>.Lewis, the Republican House member, said childhood sexual assault is 
an “extraordinarily important issue that our state is finally beginning 
to take seriously.”“There is a common element in all of their stories,” Lewis said. 
“That element is that the child sex abuse has robbed them of agency. 
It’s robbed them of their voice. They’ve been shut down and told to go 
away, ignored.”Sen. Cindy Holscher, a Democrat from Overland Park, said there is 
more interest in the issue following the release of the KBI report on 
clergy abuse.Holscher said some people in the past wanted to dismiss concerns 
because they thought the abuse was the result of just three or four 
priests. The implication of 188 clergy members in the KBI report “woke 
some people up,” she said.“Phones are ringing off the hook from people out there across Kansas 
calling into the KBI, calling to us as legislators, talking about the 
situation,” Holscher said.Passage of proposed legislation would open the door to lawsuits 
against the Catholic church and other institutions. Holscher said she 
doesn’t anticipate the state would be flooded with cases, but she 
acknowledged there could be resistance to changing the law.“The pushback could be the fact that when people bring civil cases, we’re talking money,” Holscher said.

Abuse survivors plead to change Kan. law that protects pedophiles

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Vaccination rates for U.S. kindergarteners dropped again last year, and federal officials are starting a new campaign to try to bring them up.

Usually, 94% to 95% of kindergarteners are vaccinated against measles, tetanus and certain other diseases. The vaccination rates dropped below 94% in the 2020-2021 school year, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7202a2.htm?s_cid=mm7202a2_w">study</a>&nbsp;released Thursday found rates dropped again in the 2021-2022 school year, to about 93%.

The pandemic disrupted vaccinations and other routine health care for children, and also taxed the ability of school administrators and nurses to track which children weren't up-to-date on shots. CDC officials said decreased confidence in vaccines is another likely contributor.

“I think it's a combination of all those things," said Dr. Georgina Peacock, director of CDC’s immunization division.

Health officials focus on kindergarten because it's when most children enter school systems. Public schools typically require vaccinations as a condition of attendance, though some exemptions are allowed.

Such exemptions were up slightly last school year, but the CDC’s Shannon Stokley said they are not the main driver of the decrease. Rather, more schools relaxed their policies to allow enrollment while giving families a grace period to get shots, she said.

The new numbers suggest that as many as 275,000 kindergartners lack full vaccine protection.

Falling vaccination rates open the door to outbreaks of diseases once thought to be in the rearview mirror, experts say. They point to a case of paralytic polio reported last year in New York, and to recent measles surges in Minnesota and Ohio.

Those outbreaks coincide with anecdotal and survey information suggesting more parents are questioning bedrock childhood vaccines long celebrated as public health success stories.

A Kaiser Family Foundation poll last month found less support among parents for school vaccine requirements vs. a 2019 survey.

“It's crazy. There's so much work to be done,” said Dr. Jason Newland, a pediatric infectious diseases doctor at St. Louis Children's Hospital and vice chair for community health at Washington University.

Other physicians have told him that more parents are being selective about which vaccines to give their kids. CDC data reflected that: The chickenpox vaccination rate fell more sharply than the rate for shots against measles, mumps and rubella.

This week, the CDC launched a campaign called “Let's RISE" — an acronym for Routine Immunizations on Schedule for Everyone. It includes new educational materials to help doctors talk to families about vaccinations, as well as information for families who have questions about the shots.

Building trust in vaccinations “is something that has to happen at the local and community level," Peacock said.

Thursday's CDC study was based on public school kindergarten vaccination reports from 49 states, and reporting on private schools from 48 states. Montana did not report data.

Rates vary across the country. CDC officials noted significant increases in a few states, including Hawaii, Maine, Maryland and Wyoming. But most states saw declines, with the largest drops in Mississippi, Georgia and Wisconsin.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7202a3.htm?s_cid=mm7202a3_w">second CDC report</a>&nbsp;on Thursday found overall vaccination rates among younger children remained high and stable, although there were declines among kids who were poor and lived in rural areas. The report was based on a 2021 national telephone survey of parents of children who were about 2 years old.

Why the difference? CDC officials said it appears doctors and parents made sure younger and more vulnerable children got initial vaccine protection during the pandemic, but there may have been a drop-off in getting booster doses and additional shots as kids got older.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Vaccination rates for U.S. kindergarteners dropped again last year, and federal officials are starting a new campaign to try to bring them up.Usually, 94% to 95% of kindergarteners are vaccinated against measles, tetanus and certain other diseases. The vaccination rates dropped below 94% in the 2020-2021 school year, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">While 9 in 10 children are getting recommended vaccines, new <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCMMWR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CDCMMWR</a> reports highlight the pandemic’s impact on childhood vaccinations. Data among kindergarteners show nearly 250,000 kindergartners are not completely protected against measles alone. <a href="https://t.co/xKaSyxM0Zv">https://t.co/xKaSyxM0Zv</a> <a href="https://t.co/pwkJ99YrFP">pic.twitter.com/pwkJ99YrFP</a>&mdash; CDC (@CDCgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCgov/status/1613616325066166275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7202a2.htm?s_cid=mm7202a2_w">study</a>&nbsp;released Thursday found rates dropped again in the 2021-2022 school year, to about 93%.The pandemic disrupted vaccinations and other routine health care for children, and also taxed the ability of school administrators and nurses to track which children weren't up-to-date on shots. CDC officials said decreased confidence in vaccines is another likely contributor.“I think it's a combination of all those things," said Dr. Georgina Peacock, director of CDC’s immunization division.Health officials focus on kindergarten because it's when most children enter school systems. Public schools typically require vaccinations as a condition of attendance, though some exemptions are allowed.Such exemptions were up slightly last school year, but the CDC’s Shannon Stokley said they are not the main driver of the decrease. Rather, more schools relaxed their policies to allow enrollment while giving families a grace period to get shots, she said.The new numbers suggest that as many as 275,000 kindergartners lack full vaccine protection.Falling vaccination rates open the door to outbreaks of diseases once thought to be in the rearview mirror, experts say. They point to a case of paralytic polio reported last year in New York, and to recent measles surges in Minnesota and Ohio.Those outbreaks coincide with anecdotal and survey information suggesting more parents are questioning bedrock childhood vaccines long celebrated as public health success stories.A Kaiser Family Foundation poll last month found less support among parents for school vaccine requirements vs. a 2019 survey.“It's crazy. There's so much work to be done,” said Dr. Jason Newland, a pediatric infectious diseases doctor at St. Louis Children's Hospital and vice chair for community health at Washington University.Other physicians have told him that more parents are being selective about which vaccines to give their kids. CDC data reflected that: The chickenpox vaccination rate fell more sharply than the rate for shots against measles, mumps and rubella.This week, the CDC launched a campaign called “Let's RISE" — an acronym for Routine Immunizations on Schedule for Everyone. It includes new educational materials to help doctors talk to families about vaccinations, as well as information for families who have questions about the shots.Building trust in vaccinations “is something that has to happen at the local and community level," Peacock said.Thursday's CDC study was based on public school kindergarten vaccination reports from 49 states, and reporting on private schools from 48 states. Montana did not report data.Rates vary across the country. CDC officials noted significant increases in a few states, including Hawaii, Maine, Maryland and Wyoming. But most states saw declines, with the largest drops in Mississippi, Georgia and Wisconsin.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7202a3.htm?s_cid=mm7202a3_w">second CDC report</a>&nbsp;on Thursday found overall vaccination rates among younger children remained high and stable, although there were declines among kids who were poor and lived in rural areas. The report was based on a 2021 national telephone survey of parents of children who were about 2 years old.Why the difference? CDC officials said it appears doctors and parents made sure younger and more vulnerable children got initial vaccine protection during the pandemic, but there may have been a drop-off in getting booster doses and additional shots as kids got older.

Report: US kindergarten vaccination rate dropped again

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jeremy Hill, Director of the Center For Economic Development And Business Research at Wichita State University is still optimistic about job growth in Kansas, even though finding workers is hard.

"The labor market is getting tighter and tighter," Hill said. "Because it's getting tighter, employers, when they go out and look, they are getting, not the preferred candidate, not their second candidate, they are dipping way down into the barrel and getting some of these people that they just don't see as qualified, or having other issues related to absenteeism, things like that. The amount of labor available is very constrained, particularly in Kansas, but that doesn't mean that's going to remain that way."

The bounce back from the pandemic caused higher growth in 2021, but even regression to the average is still decent news if you're looking for work.

"In October and at my revisions just here in January, I'm expecting it to slow down, just because of those broad issues that's going on in the global economy and the U.S. economy and those labor constraints, but both of them, I expect to grow, actually closer to our historic average. That's actually a very positive expectation."

That average is around 0.6% growth in 2023.

"There are jobs that aren't going to come back and we created new jobs," Hill said. "The labor market has really been trying to catch up to where firms want to be, where they see the demand. That takes a lot of time, for the labor market to heal. That means people have to get training and education and move to new jobs and as we slow down, there are a lot of people who left the labor market thinking the stock market is going to do well and their portfolios are doing good, that are probably going to re-enter."

Fixing health issues and childcare issues for those who didn't feel secure enough to work due to the pandemic is an important key to seeing this growth happen.

"There's other dynamics of the cost of childcare and things like that, that clearly are policy barriers that are preventing more people to enter the labor market," Hill said. "You see that in markets like Hutchinson. You even see that in more extremes in smaller and smaller communities, where the second person would like to go, but the cost is so prohibitive."

Hill will be in Hutchinson Feb. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Crystal Ballroom at The Burt for the&nbsp;2023 Kansas Economic Outlook Conference's Reno County stop.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672757461837.png" alt="Jeremy Hill, Director of the Center For Economic Development And Business Research at Wichita State University-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Hill, Director of the Center For Economic Development And Business Research at Wichita State University-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jeremy Hill, Director of the Center For Economic Development And Business Research at Wichita State University is still optimistic about job growth in Kansas, even though finding workers is hard."The labor market is getting tighter and tighter," Hill said. "Because it's getting tighter, employers, when they go out and look, they are getting, not the preferred candidate, not their second candidate, they are dipping way down into the barrel and getting some of these people that they just don't see as qualified, or having other issues related to absenteeism, things like that. The amount of labor available is very constrained, particularly in Kansas, but that doesn't mean that's going to remain that way."The bounce back from the pandemic caused higher growth in 2021, but even regression to the average is still decent news if you're looking for work."In October and at my revisions just here in January, I'm expecting it to slow down, just because of those broad issues that's going on in the global economy and the U.S. economy and those labor constraints, but both of them, I expect to grow, actually closer to our historic average. That's actually a very positive expectation."That average is around 0.6% growth in 2023."There are jobs that aren't going to come back and we created new jobs," Hill said. "The labor market has really been trying to catch up to where firms want to be, where they see the demand. That takes a lot of time, for the labor market to heal. That means people have to get training and education and move to new jobs and as we slow down, there are a lot of people who left the labor market thinking the stock market is going to do well and their portfolios are doing good, that are probably going to re-enter."Fixing health issues and childcare issues for those who didn't feel secure enough to work due to the pandemic is an important key to seeing this growth happen."There's other dynamics of the cost of childcare and things like that, that clearly are policy barriers that are preventing more people to enter the labor market," Hill said. "You see that in markets like Hutchinson. You even see that in more extremes in smaller and smaller communities, where the second person would like to go, but the cost is so prohibitive."Hill will be in Hutchinson Feb. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Crystal Ballroom at The Burt for the&nbsp;2023 Kansas Economic Outlook Conference's Reno County stop.

WSU economist: Even in tight market, there will be more jobs

EL DORADO, KAN.&nbsp;– El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) inmate Erik Lawrence DeLeon died unexpectedly Friday, according to a media release from the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

DeLeon, 42, was serving a 188-month sentence, based on convictions in Ford County, Kansas of Aggravated Robbery and Criminal Possession of a Firearm. He had previous convictions for&nbsp;aggravated assault, burglary and obstruction, according to the KDOC.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

The El Dorado Correctional Facility is an all-male facility housing all custody levels with a current population of 1832 residents.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673721736331.png" alt="DeLeon had convictions for aggravated robbery, criminal possession of a firearm, aggravated assault, burglary and obstruction.-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>DeLeon had convictions for aggravated robbery, criminal possession of a firearm, aggravated assault, burglary and obstruction.-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>EL DORADO, KAN.&nbsp;– El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) inmate Erik Lawrence DeLeon died unexpectedly Friday, according to a media release from the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.DeLeon, 42, was serving a 188-month sentence, based on convictions in Ford County, Kansas of Aggravated Robbery and Criminal Possession of a Firearm. He had previous convictions for&nbsp;aggravated assault, burglary and obstruction, according to the KDOC.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;The El Dorado Correctional Facility is an all-male facility housing all custody levels with a current population of 1832 residents.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Inmate convicted of aggravated robbery dies at Kansas prison

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-01-11/kansas-has-millions-of-dollars-to-spend-on-youth-crisis-centers-but-no-ones-using-it">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — Kansas has set aside $6 million for juvenile 
crisis centers — places that would spare kids from getting locked up by 
helping them through mental health crises — but has yet to spend a dime.

The
 money’s intended for counties and cities that would run the refuges. 
But local government officials say the fund of tax dollars is so tangled
 in red tape that it’s not worth the hassle to pursue.

So even 
though money has been piling up in the fund since 2018, none of its been
 spent and the state hasn’t added any places that might mean the 
difference between treatment or incarceration for some young people.

Johnson
 County made a formal application in 2018. Then the county waited for 
months to hammer out an agreement and still couldn’t squeeze any money 
out of the state. It dropped the project.

In an update to a 
Statehouse committee in November, Robert Sullivan, director of Johnson 
County’s Department of Corrections, said it already had a facility built
 that sits unused.

Now Johnson County is looking at a juvenile crisis center but is nowhere near anything formal.

“I
 don’t think we came close to doing anything as far as having a program 
or a project,” said Joe Connor, assistant county manager for Johnson 
County.

Connor said that the county offers crisis services for 
adults, but that it has few options for youth. Kids end up in detention 
without those alternatives. Services for adults aren’t a great fit for 
kids.

“The practitioners will tell you that it’s better to address (adults and children) separately,” Connor said.

State
 Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, pushed state officials 
in late November to shake free funds so counties could start moving 
forward. She’s frustrated that bureaucracy tied up funds that could have
 addressed the problem.

“Chronic hunger is an issue, and that 
would be like having cabinets full of food, and we’ve just locked them 
up and we’re unwilling to feed those that hunger,” she said.

Multiple
 lawmakers said they want to update the law to carve away the 
bureaucratic obstacles to jumpstart applications. One possible change: 
simplifying the application process.

A bill introduced in the 
beginning of the current legislative session slightly tweaks language in
 state law. Under existing law, juvenile crisis centers can only help 
kids with mental health needs. The change would allow those centers to 
help youth with behavioral needs.

That could mean kids without a diagnosed mental health condition could get services.

Desmond
 Bryant-White, a program manager for youth advocacy group Progeny, said 
one positive interaction when youth need help can have positive ripple 
effects for their entire lives. A negative interaction could do the 
opposite.

Community advocates say Cedric Lofton would still be 
alive had he received mental health services. Instead, the 17-year-old 
was sent to the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center in Wichita and 
died there after being restrained.

Bryant-White said teens who 
need mental health services are directed to detention more often than 
not. Rather than locking up juveniles with behavior or mental health 
episodes, he said the state should direct them to professionals who can 
guide them.

“Investing in youth is very important, because it can 
very well turn them on a different direction,” Bryant-White said. “We 
have to show youth that we’re willing to invest in them.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673458497823.png" alt="State Sen. Molly Baumgardner speaking to the media. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Molly Baumgardner speaking to the media. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-01-11/kansas-has-millions-of-dollars-to-spend-on-youth-crisis-centers-but-no-ones-using-it">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA, Kansas — Kansas has set aside $6 million for juvenile 
crisis centers — places that would spare kids from getting locked up by 
helping them through mental health crises — but has yet to spend a dime.The
 money’s intended for counties and cities that would run the refuges. 
But local government officials say the fund of tax dollars is so tangled
 in red tape that it’s not worth the hassle to pursue.So even 
though money has been piling up in the fund since 2018, none of its been
 spent and the state hasn’t added any places that might mean the 
difference between treatment or incarceration for some young people.Johnson
 County made a formal application in 2018. Then the county waited for 
months to hammer out an agreement and still couldn’t squeeze any money 
out of the state. It dropped the project.In an update to a 
Statehouse committee in November, Robert Sullivan, director of Johnson 
County’s Department of Corrections, said it already had a facility built
 that sits unused.Now Johnson County is looking at a juvenile crisis center but is nowhere near anything formal.“I
 don’t think we came close to doing anything as far as having a program 
or a project,” said Joe Connor, assistant county manager for Johnson 
County.Connor said that the county offers crisis services for 
adults, but that it has few options for youth. Kids end up in detention 
without those alternatives. Services for adults aren’t a great fit for 
kids.“The practitioners will tell you that it’s better to address (adults and children) separately,” Connor said.State
 Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, pushed state officials 
in late November to shake free funds so counties could start moving 
forward. She’s frustrated that bureaucracy tied up funds that could have
 addressed the problem.“Chronic hunger is an issue, and that 
would be like having cabinets full of food, and we’ve just locked them 
up and we’re unwilling to feed those that hunger,” she said.Multiple
 lawmakers said they want to update the law to carve away the 
bureaucratic obstacles to jumpstart applications. One possible change: 
simplifying the application process.A bill introduced in the 
beginning of the current legislative session slightly tweaks language in
 state law. Under existing law, juvenile crisis centers can only help 
kids with mental health needs. The change would allow those centers to 
help youth with behavioral needs.That could mean kids without a diagnosed mental health condition could get services.Desmond
 Bryant-White, a program manager for youth advocacy group Progeny, said 
one positive interaction when youth need help can have positive ripple 
effects for their entire lives. A negative interaction could do the 
opposite.Community advocates say Cedric Lofton would still be 
alive had he received mental health services. Instead, the 17-year-old 
was sent to the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center in Wichita and 
died there after being restrained.Bryant-White said teens who 
need mental health services are directed to detention more often than 
not. Rather than locking up juveniles with behavior or mental health 
episodes, he said the state should direct them to professionals who can 
guide them.“Investing in youth is very important, because it can 
very well turn them on a different direction,” Bryant-White said. “We 
have to show youth that we’re willing to invest in them.”

Kan. set aside millions for youth crisis centers, but no one's using it

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of an alleged abduction and are asking the public for help to find three children.

According to Junction City Police, on December 21, Jeana Foley abducted her children identified as 6-year-old Rosie Peterson, 5-year-old Camden Peterson and 3-year-old Genevieve Peterson

On Jan. 5, a felony warrant was issued for Foley's arrest. On Wednesday, Junction City police asked the public to call 911 if you have any&nbsp; information to help bring these kids home. Police released no additional details in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673546045642.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of an alleged abduction and are asking the public for help to find three children.According to Junction City Police, on December 21, Jeana Foley abducted her children identified as 6-year-old Rosie Peterson, 5-year-old Camden Peterson and 3-year-old Genevieve PetersonOn Jan. 5, a felony warrant was issued for Foley's arrest. On Wednesday, Junction City police asked the public to call 911 if you have any&nbsp; information to help bring these kids home. Police released no additional details in the case.

Search continues for 3 Kan. children abducted by their mother

KANSAS CITY—A Kansas man faces multiple felony charges in connection with the deaths of two persons killed when 30-year-old Chales T. Matthews crashed into their vehicle as he attempted to flee from police, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Matthews of Kansas City, Kansas, faces two counts of Murder 2nd Degree for killing in a vehicular collision two men while the defendant was perpetrating the crime of Restisting Arrest or, in the alternative, Involuntary Manslaughter 1st Degree, as well as Resisting A Lawful Stop and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle 1st Degree.

According to court records, on Jan. 7, police were dispatched to the 400 block of N. 18th Street in KCK on a reported armed robbery. 

Officers determined a white 2013 GMC Terrain had been stolen after the defendant allegedly threatened a teen with a knife. KCK police officers later attempted to stop the vehicle and pursued it into Kansas City, MO. The vehicle fled throughout Downtown Kansas City, then turned eastbound on Independence Avenue. 

The vehicle reached high speeds, disregarded traffic signals and, at Hardesty Avenue, crashed into a Nissan Altima after the GMC Terrain failed to stop at a red light. Gabriela K. Trejo-Garcia, dob: 12/28/1978, and Juan Avila, dob: 4/11/1996, both died of injuries sustained in the crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673562010891.png" alt="Matthews-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Matthews-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A Kansas man faces multiple felony charges in connection with the deaths of two persons killed when 30-year-old Chales T. Matthews crashed into their vehicle as he attempted to flee from police, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Matthews of Kansas City, Kansas, faces two counts of Murder 2nd Degree for killing in a vehicular collision two men while the defendant was perpetrating the crime of Restisting Arrest or, in the alternative, Involuntary Manslaughter 1st Degree, as well as Resisting A Lawful Stop and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle 1st Degree.According to court records, on Jan. 7, police were dispatched to the 400 block of N. 18th Street in KCK on a reported armed robbery. Officers determined a white 2013 GMC Terrain had been stolen after the defendant allegedly threatened a teen with a knife. KCK police officers later attempted to stop the vehicle and pursued it into Kansas City, MO. The vehicle fled throughout Downtown Kansas City, then turned eastbound on Independence Avenue. The vehicle reached high speeds, disregarded traffic signals and, at Hardesty Avenue, crashed into a Nissan Altima after the GMC Terrain failed to stop at a red light. Gabriela K. Trejo-Garcia, dob: 12/28/1978, and Juan Avila, dob: 4/11/1996, both died of injuries sustained in the crash.

Kan. man charged in double-fatal crash during chase after robbery

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Topeka firefighter who was injured after being struck by a car while working an accident on icy Interstate 470 on Thursday is out of the hospital.

According to the city of Topeka, 45-year-0ld Captain Ty Forshee, was released from the hospital Saturday afternoon.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Honda CRV driven by Robert Gary Cooper, 57, Topeka, was eastbound on Interstate 470 at Huntoon in&nbsp; lane 2.&nbsp;

The driver lost control of the SUV. It exited the roadway, rolled down the embankment and struck a first responder identified as Forshee, a 21-year veteran of the the Topeka Fire Department, according to Fire Chief Randy Phillips.&nbsp;American Medical Response transported Forshee to Stormont Vail for treatment of serious injuries. Cooper was not injured.

Captain Forshee and his family thanked fellow first responders, the community and the staff at Stormont Vail Health for the well wishes, support and care.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Topeka firefighter was injured  after being struck by a car while working an accident on icy Interstate 470 on Thursday.

The driver lost control of the SUV. It exited the roadway, rolled down the embankment and struck a first responder identified as 45-year-old Ty Colin Forshee.&nbsp; A Captain with 21-year-of service for the Topeka Fire Department, according to Fire Chief Randy Phillips.

American Medical Response transported Forshee to Stormont Vail for treatment of serious injuries. He was alert and being evaluated according to Chief Phillips.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673736551074.png" alt="photo courtesy city of Topeka" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy city of Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Topeka firefighter who was injured after being struck by a car while working an accident on icy Interstate 470 on Thursday is out of the hospital.According to the city of Topeka, 45-year-0ld Captain Ty Forshee, was released from the hospital Saturday afternoon.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Honda CRV driven by Robert Gary Cooper, 57, Topeka, was eastbound on Interstate 470 at Huntoon in&nbsp; lane 2.&nbsp;The driver lost control of the SUV. It exited the roadway, rolled down the embankment and struck a first responder identified as Forshee, a 21-year veteran of the the Topeka Fire Department, according to Fire Chief Randy Phillips.&nbsp;American Medical Response transported Forshee to Stormont Vail for treatment of serious injuries. Cooper was not injured.Captain Forshee and his family thanked fellow first responders, the community and the staff at Stormont Vail Health for the well wishes, support and care.-----------SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Topeka firefighter was injured after being struck by a car while working an accident on icy Interstate 470 on Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673536228071.png" alt="American Medical Response transported the firefighter to a local hospital-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>American Medical Response transported the firefighter to a local hospital-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Honda CRV driven by Robert Gary Cooper, 57, Topeka, was eastbound on Interstate 470 at Huntoon in&nbsp; lane 2.&nbsp;The driver lost control of the SUV. It exited the roadway, rolled down the embankment and struck a first responder identified as 45-year-old Ty Colin Forshee.&nbsp; A Captain with 21-year-of service for the Topeka Fire Department, according to Fire Chief Randy Phillips.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673536255787.png" alt="KHP is in charge of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>KHP is in charge of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>American Medical Response transported Forshee to Stormont Vail for treatment of serious injuries. He was alert and being evaluated according to Chief Phillips.Cooper was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.--------------SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Topeka firefighter was injured&nbsp; after being struck by a car while working an accident on icy Interstate 470 on Thursday.Just before 8a.m. police and fire crews responded to a non-injury accident on westbound Interstate 470 near Huntoon, according to city spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.A few minutes later, a vehicle not involved in the original accident, struck the firefighter who was working the accident. Personnel on scene provided immediate care to the firefighter. American Medical Response transported the firefighter to a local hospital with serious injuries. The firefighter is alert at the hospital, according to Spiker.The drivers involved in both accidents were treated on scene for minor injuries that did not require transport.The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating both accidents. Westbound Interstate 470 was shut down at Huntoon during the investigation. Officials did not release the name of the injured firefighter.