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.

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.

<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.

Kan. firefighter struck by car while working crash is out of hospital

FINNEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

According to Garden City Police, just after 12:30a.m. Saturday, 39-year-old Joel Chanez of Shallow Water, Kansas, allegedly stabbed a 35-year-old victim during a verbal altercation at Gol Latino, 1524 North Taylor Plaza in Garden City.

Chanez fled the scene before police arrived. He was last seen wearing a red plaid shirt with black vest, blue jeans, and cowboy boots. Chanez is approximately 5-foot-8, 220 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on Chanez, is asked call the Garden City Police Department at (620) 276-1300. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at (620) 275-7807, or text your tip to Garden City PD, text GCTIP and your tip to Tip411 (847411). ***Never attempt to apprehend a fugitive yourself**

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673717276805.png" alt="Chanez-photo Garden City Police" />
 <figcaption>Chanez-photo Garden City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.According to Garden City Police, just after 12:30a.m. Saturday, 39-year-old Joel Chanez of Shallow Water, Kansas, allegedly stabbed a 35-year-old victim during a verbal altercation at Gol Latino, 1524 North Taylor Plaza in Garden City.Chanez fled the scene before police arrived. He was last seen wearing a red plaid shirt with black vest, blue jeans, and cowboy boots. Chanez is approximately 5-foot-8, 220 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.Anyone with information on Chanez, is asked call the Garden City Police Department at (620) 276-1300. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at (620) 275-7807, or text your tip to Garden City PD, text GCTIP and your tip to Tip411 (847411). ***Never attempt to apprehend a fugitive yourself**

Police ask for help to locate alleged SW Kan. stabbing suspect

GRADY COUNTY, OK—A suspect in the disappearance of 4-year-old Athena Brownfield is facing a murder count in Oklahoma, according to a media release from the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation.

 Ivon Adams, 36, is awaiting extradition to Oklahoma on one count of Murder in the First Degree and one count of Child Neglect. He was taken into custody on Friday in Arizona and is currently in the Maricopa County Jail.

Alysia Adams, 31, was also arrested Thursday and remains in the Caddo County Jail facing a count of Child Neglect.&nbsp; Alysia and Ivon Adams were Athena's caretakers when she disappeared. Athena's five-year-old sister was also in their care. She was located Tuesday near the Adams' home at 225 W. Nebraska in Cyril. A postal carrier found the child and notified local police that she was unattended. The five-year-old is in protective custody.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) continues efforts to locate Athena.&nbsp; Agents were following up on tips coming from Oklahoma and other states.

The city of Cyril has also suspended trash service as investigators search for clues.

Anyone with any information should contact the OSBI at (800) 522-8017 or email&nbsp;tips@osbi.ok.gov.&nbsp;You can remain anonymous.&nbsp;

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Two people have now been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Athena Brownfield, a 4-year-old Oklahoma girl whose 5-year-old sister was discovered wandering alone outside by a postal worker, state investigators said Friday.

Arizona authorities arrested 36-year-old Ivon Adams on Thursday, and he is being held in the Maricopa County jail in Phoenix pending extradition to Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said in a news release.

Authorities earlier arrested Alysia Adams, 31, on two counts of child neglect, the bureau&nbsp;<a href="https://nixle.us/E7FY5">said in a statement late Thursday</a>. Alysia Adams remained jailed in Oklahoma's Caddo County on Friday.

The bureau released no further details about the arrests or what the suspects' relationship is. It was not known if either Adams had an attorney to comment on their behalf.

A bureau spokesperson did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Friday.

The arrests are related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-city-1b331093878a39b70fccfdc6ba2e47dc">the search for Athena</a>, who was reported missing Tuesday in Cyril, about 70 miles&nbsp; southwest of Oklahoma City, the bureau said.

The postal carrier found Athena’s sister wandering alone outside Adams' home Monday afternoon and alerted Cyril police. Authorities then determined that Athena was missing.

The girls had been in the care of Adams and her husband, and Athena's sister was taken into protective custody, the bureau said Wednesday.

Authorities said they believe Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design when she disappeared.

The bureau said it was working with other law enforcement agencies and volunteers in the search, which included a helicopter, boats, all-terrain vehicles, a specially trained ground team, and a review of surveillance video from around Cyril.

The bureau said agents were following up on tips coming from Oklahoma and other states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673636085787.png" alt="Adams-photo Maricopa Co." />
 <figcaption>Adams-photo Maricopa Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GRADY COUNTY, OK—A suspect in the disappearance of 4-year-old Athena Brownfield is facing a murder count in Oklahoma, according to a media release from the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation. Ivon Adams, 36, is awaiting extradition to Oklahoma on one count of Murder in the First Degree and one count of Child Neglect. He was taken into custody on Friday in Arizona and is currently in the Maricopa County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673617381405.png" alt="Adams-photo Caddo&nbsp; County, Oklahoma" />
 <figcaption>Adams-photo Caddo&nbsp; County, Oklahoma</figcaption>
 </figure>Alysia Adams, 31, was also arrested Thursday and remains in the Caddo County Jail facing a count of Child Neglect.&nbsp; Alysia and Ivon Adams were Athena's caretakers when she disappeared. Athena's five-year-old sister was also in their care. She was located Tuesday near the Adams' home at 225 W. Nebraska in Cyril. A postal carrier found the child and notified local police that she was unattended. The five-year-old is in protective custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673643845430.png" alt="-Authorities said they believe Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design when she disappeared." />
 <figcaption>-Authorities said they believe Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design when she disappeared.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) continues efforts to locate Athena.&nbsp; Agents were following up on tips coming from Oklahoma and other states.The city of Cyril has also suspended trash service as investigators search for clues.Anyone with any information should contact the OSBI at (800) 522-8017 or email&nbsp;tips@osbi.ok.gov.&nbsp;You can remain anonymous.&nbsp;--------------OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Two people have now been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Athena Brownfield, a 4-year-old Oklahoma girl whose 5-year-old sister was discovered wandering alone outside by a postal worker, state investigators said Friday.Arizona authorities arrested 36-year-old Ivon Adams on Thursday, and he is being held in the Maricopa County jail in Phoenix pending extradition to Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said in a news release.Authorities earlier arrested Alysia Adams, 31, on two counts of child neglect, the bureau&nbsp;<a href="https://nixle.us/E7FY5">said in a statement late Thursday</a>. Alysia Adams remained jailed in Oklahoma's Caddo County on Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673636085787.png" alt="Adams photo Maricopa County" />
 <figcaption>Adams photo Maricopa County</figcaption>
 </figure>The bureau released no further details about the arrests or what the suspects' relationship is. It was not known if either Adams had an attorney to comment on their behalf.A bureau spokesperson did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Friday.The arrests are related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-city-1b331093878a39b70fccfdc6ba2e47dc">the search for Athena</a>, who was reported missing Tuesday in Cyril, about 70 miles&nbsp; southwest of Oklahoma City, the bureau said.The postal carrier found Athena’s sister wandering alone outside Adams' home Monday afternoon and alerted Cyril police. Authorities then determined that Athena was missing.The girls had been in the care of Adams and her husband, and Athena's sister was taken into protective custody, the bureau said Wednesday.Authorities said they believe Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design when she disappeared.The bureau said it was working with other law enforcement agencies and volunteers in the search, which included a helicopter, boats, all-terrain vehicles, a specially trained ground team, and a review of surveillance video from around Cyril.The city of Cyril has also suspended trash service as investigators search for clues.The bureau said agents were following up on tips coming from Oklahoma and other states.

Man faces murder charge; search for missing 4-year-old continues

By TRISHA AHMED Associated Press/Report for America

The U.S. Department of the Interior&nbsp;has given new names to five places that previously included a racist term for a Native American woman.

The renamed sites are in California, North Dakota, Tennessee and Texas, completing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/native-americans-climate-and-environment-government-politics-004fa29f3967ae7ab74958a61fda02d2">a yearlong process to remove the historically offensive word</a>&nbsp;“squaw” from geographic names across the country.

“Words matter, particularly in our work to ensure our nation’s public lands and waters are accessible and welcoming to people of all backgrounds,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement. She called the word “harmful.”

Haaland, who took office in 2021, is the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency.

In September, the Interior Department announced its final vote on proposals to change the names of nearly 650 sites that contained the word. The agency conducted an additional review of seven locations, all of which were considered unincorporated populated places. Five of those were changed in Thursday's announcement.

In western North Dakota, the new name Homesteaders Gap was selected by members of a small community as a nod to their local history.

Mark Fox, tribal chairman of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, welcomed the change, telling&nbsp;<a href="https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/tribal-news/feds-ok-new-name-for-western-north-dakota-community-with-native-slur-in-name/article_c81653b4-9292-11ed-9a95-cfdd3d0c8756.html?utm_source=bismarcktribune.com&amp;utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletter-templates%2Fnews-alert&amp;utm_medium=PostUp&amp;lctg=7294450&amp;tn_email_eh1=e2b34e6d53524ec765564a7a8ea47bc64bdb5b4a">The Bismarck Tribune</a>&nbsp;that the slur “really causes serious and strong emotions and resistance to that term.” In a statement to The Associated Press, he said it was long overdue, and “we are pleased that the racially insensitive and offensive name has been removed.”

But Joel Brown, a member of the McKenzie County Board of Commissioners, said many residents in the area “felt very strongly” in opposition to the switch. Brown, who is white, said he and others prefer as little interference from the federal government as possible because “generally we find they’re disconnected from what the culture and economy are out here.”

Two other newly named places are the California Central Valley communities of Loybas Hill, which translates to “Young Lady,” proposed by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians; and Yokuts Valley.

The others are Partridgeberry, Tennessee, and Lynn Creek, Texas.

The decision has long precedent. The Interior Department ordered the renaming of places with derogatory terms for Black and Japanese people in 1962 and 1974, respectively.

Last year alone, authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-lakes-native-americans-green-bay-climate-and-environment-e5cdca67d2edb79f9eaf6ec6ae5c413a">renamed 28 Wisconsin sites</a>&nbsp;to remove a racist word, a panel recommended the name change of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mountains-colorado-race-and-ethnicity-jared-polis-denver-de400f09bb5fefbb6667c2383708651c">Colorado mountain tied to a massacre,</a>&nbsp;and the federal government renamed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/native-americans-climate-and-environment-government-politics-004fa29f3967ae7ab74958a61fda02d2">hundreds of peaks, lakes, streams and other geographical features</a>&nbsp;with racist and misogynistic terms.

Trisha Ahmed is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reportforamerica.org/">Report for America</a>&nbsp;is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow her on Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TrishaAhmed15">@TrishaAhmed15</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673616594464.png" alt="“Words matter, particularly in our work to ensure our nation’s public lands and waters are accessible and welcoming to people of all backgrounds,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement. -photo U.S. Dept. of Interior" />
 <figcaption>“Words matter, particularly in our work to ensure our nation’s public lands and waters are accessible and welcoming to people of all backgrounds,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement. -photo U.S. Dept. of Interior</figcaption>
 </figure>By TRISHA AHMED Associated Press/Report for AmericaThe U.S. Department of the Interior&nbsp;has given new names to five places that previously included a racist term for a Native American woman.The renamed sites are in California, North Dakota, Tennessee and Texas, completing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/native-americans-climate-and-environment-government-politics-004fa29f3967ae7ab74958a61fda02d2">a yearlong process to remove the historically offensive word</a>&nbsp;“squaw” from geographic names across the country.“Words matter, particularly in our work to ensure our nation’s public lands and waters are accessible and welcoming to people of all backgrounds,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement. She called the word “harmful.”Haaland, who took office in 2021, is the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency.In September, the Interior Department announced its final vote on proposals to change the names of nearly 650 sites that contained the word. The agency conducted an additional review of seven locations, all of which were considered unincorporated populated places. Five of those were changed in Thursday's announcement.In western North Dakota, the new name Homesteaders Gap was selected by members of a small community as a nod to their local history.Mark Fox, tribal chairman of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, welcomed the change, telling&nbsp;<a href="https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/tribal-news/feds-ok-new-name-for-western-north-dakota-community-with-native-slur-in-name/article_c81653b4-9292-11ed-9a95-cfdd3d0c8756.html?utm_source=bismarcktribune.com&amp;utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletter-templates%2Fnews-alert&amp;utm_medium=PostUp&amp;lctg=7294450&amp;tn_email_eh1=e2b34e6d53524ec765564a7a8ea47bc64bdb5b4a">The Bismarck Tribune</a>&nbsp;that the slur “really causes serious and strong emotions and resistance to that term.” In a statement to The Associated Press, he said it was long overdue, and “we are pleased that the racially insensitive and offensive name has been removed.”But Joel Brown, a member of the McKenzie County Board of Commissioners, said many residents in the area “felt very strongly” in opposition to the switch. Brown, who is white, said he and others prefer as little interference from the federal government as possible because “generally we find they’re disconnected from what the culture and economy are out here.”Two other newly named places are the California Central Valley communities of Loybas Hill, which translates to “Young Lady,” proposed by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians; and Yokuts Valley.The others are Partridgeberry, Tennessee, and Lynn Creek, Texas.The decision has long precedent. The Interior Department ordered the renaming of places with derogatory terms for Black and Japanese people in 1962 and 1974, respectively.Last year alone, authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-lakes-native-americans-green-bay-climate-and-environment-e5cdca67d2edb79f9eaf6ec6ae5c413a">renamed 28 Wisconsin sites</a>&nbsp;to remove a racist word, a panel recommended the name change of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mountains-colorado-race-and-ethnicity-jared-polis-denver-de400f09bb5fefbb6667c2383708651c">Colorado mountain tied to a massacre,</a>&nbsp;and the federal government renamed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/native-americans-climate-and-environment-government-politics-004fa29f3967ae7ab74958a61fda02d2">hundreds of peaks, lakes, streams and other geographical features</a>&nbsp;with racist and misogynistic terms.___Trisha Ahmed is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reportforamerica.org/">Report for America</a>&nbsp;is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow her on Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TrishaAhmed15">@TrishaAhmed15</a>

US renames 5 places that used racist slur for a Native woman

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Six dogs died in a fire on Friday night in rural Sedgwick County.

The fire occurred in a barn on Oxford Road, according to Mulvane Fire&nbsp; and Rescue. One person received minor burns.  Derby Fire and Rescue and SU Fire 9 also assisted.

Officials did not released cause of the fire or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673723503155.png" alt="Photo courtesy Mulvane Fire and Rescue" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Mulvane Fire and Rescue</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Six dogs died in a fire on Friday night in rural Sedgwick County.The fire occurred in a barn on Oxford Road, according to Mulvane Fire&nbsp; and Rescue. One person received minor burns. Derby Fire and Rescue and SU Fire 9 also assisted.Officials did not released cause of the fire or additional details.

Six dogs dead in Kansas barn fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawyers for President Joe Biden found more classified documents at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, than previously known, the White House acknowledged Saturday.

White House lawyer Richard Sauber said in a statement that a total of six pages of classified documents were found during a search of Biden’s private library. The White House had said previously that only a single page was found there.

The latest disclosure is in addition to the discovery of documents found in December in Biden’s garage and in November at his former offices at the Penn Biden Center in Washington, from his time as vice president. The apparent mishandling of classified documents and official records from the Obama administration are under investigation by a former U.S. attorney, Robert Hur, who was appointed as a special counsel on Thursday by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Sauber said in a statement Saturday that Biden’s personal lawyers, who did not have security clearances, stopped their search after finding the first page on Wednesday evening. Sauber found the remaining material Thursday, as he was facilitating their retrieval by the Department of Justice.

“While I was transferring it to the DOJ officials who accompanied me, five additional pages with classification markings were discovered among the material with it, for a total of six pages,” Sauber said. “The DOJ officials with me immediately took possession of them.”

Sauber has previously said that the White House was “confident that a thorough review will show that these documents were inadvertently misplaced, and the president and his lawyers acted promptly upon discovery of this mistake.”

He reiterated Saturday that the White House would cooperate with Hur’s investigation.

The Justice Department historically imposes a high legal bar before bringing criminal charges in cases involving the mishandling of classified information, with a requirement that someone intended to break the law as opposed to being merely careless or negligent in doing so. The primary statute governing the illegal removal and retention of classified documents makes it a crime to “knowingly” remove classified documents and store them in an unauthorized way.

The circumstances involving Biden, at least as so far known, differ from a separate investigation into the mishandling of classified documents at former President Donald Trump’s private club and residence in Florida.

In Trump’s case, special counsel Jack Smith is investigating whether anyone sought to obstruct their investigation into the retention of classified records at the Palm Beach estate. Justice Department officials have said Trump’s representatives failed to fully comply with a subpoena that sought the return of classified records, prompting agents to return to the home with a search warrant so they could collect additional materials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673546739694.png" alt="Biden backing his Corvette into the garage next to stacks of boxes where classified documents were found-image from a 2020 Biden for President campaign ad " />
 <figcaption>Biden backing his Corvette into the garage next to stacks of boxes where classified documents were found-image from a 2020 Biden for President campaign ad </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawyers for President Joe Biden found more classified documents at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, than previously known, the White House acknowledged Saturday.White House lawyer Richard Sauber said in a statement that a total of six pages of classified documents were found during a search of Biden’s private library. The White House had said previously that only a single page was found there.The latest disclosure is in addition to the discovery of documents found in December in Biden’s garage and in November at his former offices at the Penn Biden Center in Washington, from his time as vice president. The apparent mishandling of classified documents and official records from the Obama administration are under investigation by a former U.S. attorney, Robert Hur, who was appointed as a special counsel on Thursday by Attorney General Merrick Garland.Sauber said in a statement Saturday that Biden’s personal lawyers, who did not have security clearances, stopped their search after finding the first page on Wednesday evening. Sauber found the remaining material Thursday, as he was facilitating their retrieval by the Department of Justice.“While I was transferring it to the DOJ officials who accompanied me, five additional pages with classification markings were discovered among the material with it, for a total of six pages,” Sauber said. “The DOJ officials with me immediately took possession of them.”Sauber has previously said that the White House was “confident that a thorough review will show that these documents were inadvertently misplaced, and the president and his lawyers acted promptly upon discovery of this mistake.”He reiterated Saturday that the White House would cooperate with Hur’s investigation.The Justice Department historically imposes a high legal bar before bringing criminal charges in cases involving the mishandling of classified information, with a requirement that someone intended to break the law as opposed to being merely careless or negligent in doing so. The primary statute governing the illegal removal and retention of classified documents makes it a crime to “knowingly” remove classified documents and store them in an unauthorized way.The circumstances involving Biden, at least as so far known, differ from a separate investigation into the mishandling of classified documents at former President Donald Trump’s private club and residence in Florida.In Trump’s case, special counsel Jack Smith is investigating whether anyone sought to obstruct their investigation into the retention of classified records at the Palm Beach estate. Justice Department officials have said Trump’s representatives failed to fully comply with a subpoena that sought the return of classified records, prompting agents to return to the home with a search warrant so they could collect additional materials.

White House: More classified docs found at Biden’s home

Over three years after his murder, the family of Ernie Ortiz and the Garden City/Finney County Crime Stoppers have increased the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) in this case, bringing the total amount of the reward to $21,500.

In September 2019, Ortiz was found shot outside of his family restaurant and later died at the hospital. It is believed Ortiz was shot during a robbery after he closed the business for the night.

The Garden City Police Department is requesting assistance from the community. If you witnessed this incident, or have information related to this incident, please call the Garden City Police Department at (620) 276-1300. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at (620) 275-7807, or text your tip to Garden City PD, text GCTIP and your tip to Tip411 (847411).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673628423977.png" alt="Ernie Ortiz-photo Garden City Police" />
 <figcaption>Ernie Ortiz-photo Garden City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTYOver three years after his murder, the family of Ernie Ortiz and the Garden City/Finney County Crime Stoppers have increased the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) in this case, bringing the total amount of the reward to $21,500.In September 2019, Ortiz was found shot outside of his family restaurant and later died at the hospital. It is believed Ortiz was shot during a robbery after he closed the business for the night.The Garden City Police Department is requesting assistance from the community. If you witnessed this incident, or have information related to this incident, please call the Garden City Police Department at (620) 276-1300. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at (620) 275-7807, or text your tip to Garden City PD, text GCTIP and your tip to Tip411 (847411).

Reward increased in unsolved SW Kansas murder 

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/12/gov-laura-kelly-announces-plan-to-fully-fund-kansas-special-education-for-the-first-time-in-years/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — After years of school districts shouldering the burden for 
special education costs, the governor announced&nbsp;a five-year plan to 
fully fund special education across the state.

Adam Proffitt, Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget director, explained the <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/12/kellys-budget-spikes-food-sales-tax-expands-medicaid-and-offers-5-raise-to-workers/">particulars of her plans for fiscal year</a> 2024 during a Thursday meeting.

Under the plan, $72.4 million will be
 added every year for the next five years to special education funding, 
with the goal of meeting funding requirements by financial year 2028. 
Kansas law requires the state to provide 92% of the extra costs of 
special education, but the Legislature hasn’t met the requirement since 
2011.&nbsp;

The current level of funding sits 
around 71% statewide, according to the Kansas Association of School 
Boards, and districts have had to divert funds from general education 
programs to pay for special education costs.&nbsp;

Advocates have been pushing for the extra funding for years, holding a <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/11/kansas-school-leaders-urge-lawmakers-to-fully-fund-special-education-services/">November news conference</a> urging the Legislature to fund more services.&nbsp;

Proffitt said one benefit of the five-year plan was that it would allow the state to use federal money.

“It also allows us time to work with the federal government to try to
 increase their share of special education costs,” Proffitt said during 
the meeting.

Leah Fliter, KASB assistant executive director of advocacy, said the organization is&nbsp;glad Kelly addressed the funding issue.&nbsp;

“We’re very pleased with that 
proposal,” Fliter said. “Some people would love to have all of it right 
now, because the need is so great, but there’s a recognition that 
phasing it in over five years is easier on the state and probably more 
palatable to the state legislature.”&nbsp;

Some lawmakers expressed reservations about the plan, including 
Republican Rep. Kristey Williams of Augusta and Sen. Renee Erickson, 
R-Wichita, both of whom questioned Proffitt on potentially unequal 
funding costs in school districts and other sources of special education
 funding.

Erickson said she wanted Kansas 
students to have access to all&nbsp; the resources they needed, but felt more
 research needed to be done on the issue.&nbsp;

“I’m just trying to make sure we are 
maximizing the dollars, not just putting more money into a system that 
maybe doesn’t have some guidelines that we can really understand how 
this is being used, and are we meeting the 92% or not,” Erickson said in
 an interview after the meeting.&nbsp;

K-12 education makes up about $6.4 
billion of the state’s roughly $22 billion budget. Top GOP lawmakers 
have expressed reluctance to fund public education in the past, saying 
the federal government in particular should step up in terms of special 
education funding.&nbsp;

The budget plan also provides money for higher education institutions,
 investing almost $110 million for universities to provide more 
financial aid, lower student tuition, and fund medical tools with the 
goal of preventing fatal opioid overdoses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673623244745.png" alt="Special education funding advocate Leah Fliter said she was optimistic about the governor’s funding plan. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Special education funding advocate Leah Fliter said she was optimistic about the governor’s funding plan. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/12/gov-laura-kelly-announces-plan-to-fully-fund-kansas-special-education-for-the-first-time-in-years/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — After years of school districts shouldering the burden for 
special education costs, the governor announced&nbsp;a five-year plan to 
fully fund special education across the state.Adam Proffitt, Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget director, explained the <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/12/kellys-budget-spikes-food-sales-tax-expands-medicaid-and-offers-5-raise-to-workers/">particulars of her plans for fiscal year</a> 2024 during a Thursday meeting.Under the plan, $72.4 million will be
 added every year for the next five years to special education funding, 
with the goal of meeting funding requirements by financial year 2028. 
Kansas law requires the state to provide 92% of the extra costs of 
special education, but the Legislature hasn’t met the requirement since 
2011.&nbsp;The current level of funding sits 
around 71% statewide, according to the Kansas Association of School 
Boards, and districts have had to divert funds from general education 
programs to pay for special education costs.&nbsp;Advocates have been pushing for the extra funding for years, holding a <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/11/kansas-school-leaders-urge-lawmakers-to-fully-fund-special-education-services/">November news conference</a> urging the Legislature to fund more services.&nbsp;Proffitt said one benefit of the five-year plan was that it would allow the state to use federal money.“It also allows us time to work with the federal government to try to
 increase their share of special education costs,” Proffitt said during 
the meeting.Leah Fliter, KASB assistant executive director of advocacy, said the organization is&nbsp;glad Kelly addressed the funding issue.&nbsp;“We’re very pleased with that 
proposal,” Fliter said. “Some people would love to have all of it right 
now, because the need is so great, but there’s a recognition that 
phasing it in over five years is easier on the state and probably more 
palatable to the state legislature.”&nbsp;Some lawmakers expressed reservations about the plan, including 
Republican Rep. Kristey Williams of Augusta and Sen. Renee Erickson, 
R-Wichita, both of whom questioned Proffitt on potentially unequal 
funding costs in school districts and other sources of special education
 funding.Erickson said she wanted Kansas 
students to have access to all&nbsp; the resources they needed, but felt more
 research needed to be done on the issue.&nbsp;“I’m just trying to make sure we are 
maximizing the dollars, not just putting more money into a system that 
maybe doesn’t have some guidelines that we can really understand how 
this is being used, and are we meeting the 92% or not,” Erickson said in
 an interview after the meeting.&nbsp;K-12 education makes up about $6.4 
billion of the state’s roughly $22 billion budget. Top GOP lawmakers 
have expressed reluctance to fund public education in the past, saying 
the federal government in particular should step up in terms of special 
education funding.&nbsp;The budget plan also provides money for higher education institutions,
 investing almost $110 million for universities to provide more 
financial aid, lower student tuition, and fund medical tools with the 
goal of preventing fatal opioid overdoses.

Governor's plan would fully fund Kan. special-ed for first time in years

WASHINGTON —Weeks after announcing that the U.S. would send a Patriot air defense battery and associated munitions to Ukraine, a Pentagon official confirmed Ukrainian soldiers will come to the U.S. to train on the Patriot system so they'll be ready to use it when it's delivered, according to a media release from the Department of Defense.

"Training for Ukrainian forces on the Patriot air defense system will begin as soon as next week at Fort Sill, Oklahoma," Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said. "The training will prepare approximately 90 to 100 Ukrainian soldiers to operate, maintain and sustain the defensive system over a training course expected to last several months."&nbsp;

In the past few months, the Russians have increased their aerial bombardment of Ukraine, Ryder said, and the Patriot will help the Ukrainians stand up to that assault.&nbsp;

"The Patriot will contribute to the air defense capabilities that Ukraine already has," he said. "It's something that will enable them to take down ... ballistic missiles, adversary aircraft; [it's] really up to them on how they employ it. But this is part of a broader effort by the United States and the international community to provide Ukraine with the air defense capabilities that it needs to defend its population and its armed forces."&nbsp;

Fort Sill is home to the schoolhouse where the Army trains its soldiers and service members from allied and partner nations on using the Patriot system. Now, Ukrainian soldiers will train there, as well.

Ryder said training for those Ukrainian soldiers will include classroom work, hands-on training with the Patriot systems, as well as a simulation lab. It will also focus on what the Ukrainians will need once they are back home.&nbsp;

"The training will be tailored to provide relevant tactics, techniques and procedures based on the battlefield conditions in Ukraine to enable them to employ that to maximum effect once they are back in Ukraine," Ryder said.&nbsp;

Since Russia's invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the United States has provided Ukraine with more than $24.2 billion in security assistance. That assistance has included ammunition, vehicles, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, radar systems, small arms, artillery, air defense systems, anti-aircraft and anti-armor systems.&nbsp;

Next week, Ryder said, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley will travel to Germany to host another meeting of the Ukraine contact group of international defense chiefs. Ryder said the group has helped identify, synchronize and ensure delivery of the capabilities the Ukrainians have needed to defend against Russian aggression.

"The secretary looks forward to meeting with defense leaders from the approximately 50 nations [comprising] this important group dedicated to Ukraine self-defense," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673396256887.png" alt="Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder speaks during a press conference at the Pentagon, Jan. 10, 2023. photo courtesy Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder speaks during a press conference at the Pentagon, Jan. 10, 2023. photo courtesy Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Weeks after announcing that the U.S. would send a Patriot air defense battery and associated munitions to Ukraine, a Pentagon official confirmed Ukrainian soldiers will come to the U.S. to train on the Patriot system so they'll be ready to use it when it's delivered, according to a media release from the Department of Defense."Training for Ukrainian forces on the Patriot air defense system will begin as soon as next week at Fort Sill, Oklahoma," Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said. "The training will prepare approximately 90 to 100 Ukrainian soldiers to operate, maintain and sustain the defensive system over a training course expected to last several months."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673396092973.png" alt="A Patriot launcher is staged at Fort Sill, Okla., Oct. 25, 2019. Last month, the U.S. committed to sending a Patriot air defense battery and associated munitions to Ukraine. Ukrainian soldiers will train to use the system at Fort Sill Photo courtesy U.S. Defense Department" />
 <figcaption>A Patriot launcher is staged at Fort Sill, Okla., Oct. 25, 2019. Last month, the U.S. committed to sending a Patriot air defense battery and associated munitions to Ukraine. Ukrainian soldiers will train to use the system at Fort Sill Photo courtesy U.S. Defense Department</figcaption>
 </figure>In the past few months, the Russians have increased their aerial bombardment of Ukraine, Ryder said, and the Patriot will help the Ukrainians stand up to that assault.&nbsp;"The Patriot will contribute to the air defense capabilities that Ukraine already has," he said. "It's something that will enable them to take down ... ballistic missiles, adversary aircraft; [it's] really up to them on how they employ it. But this is part of a broader effort by the United States and the international community to provide Ukraine with the air defense capabilities that it needs to defend its population and its armed forces."&nbsp;Fort Sill is home to the schoolhouse where the Army trains its soldiers and service members from allied and partner nations on using the Patriot system. Now, Ukrainian soldiers will train there, as well.Ryder said training for those Ukrainian soldiers will include classroom work, hands-on training with the Patriot systems, as well as a simulation lab. It will also focus on what the Ukrainians will need once they are back home.&nbsp;"The training will be tailored to provide relevant tactics, techniques and procedures based on the battlefield conditions in Ukraine to enable them to employ that to maximum effect once they are back in Ukraine," Ryder said.&nbsp;Since Russia's invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the United States has provided Ukraine with more than $24.2 billion in security assistance. That assistance has included ammunition, vehicles, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, radar systems, small arms, artillery, air defense systems, anti-aircraft and anti-armor systems.&nbsp;Next week, Ryder said, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley will travel to Germany to host another meeting of the Ukraine contact group of international defense chiefs. Ryder said the group has helped identify, synchronize and ensure delivery of the capabilities the Ukrainians have needed to defend against Russian aggression."The secretary looks forward to meeting with defense leaders from the approximately 50 nations [comprising] this important group dedicated to Ukraine self-defense," he said.

US will begin training Ukrainian soldiers in Oklahoma next week 

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Maine scored its first Mega Millions jackpot — and someone beat the ill fortune of Friday the 13th — when a ticket purchased in the state matched the winning numbers for the lottery's estimated $1.35 billion grand prize.

The lucky combination of numbers drawn late Friday night were: 30, 43, 45, 46, 61 and gold Mega Ball 14.

The winner, whose name is not yet known, overcame steep odds of 1 in 302.6 million, which led to three months of drawings without a claim on the jackpot.

“Congratulations to the Maine State Lottery, which has just won its first-ever Mega Millions jackpot," Pat McDonald, Ohio lottery director and lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, said in a statement early Saturday.

The jackpot was the second largest in Mega Millions history and the fourth time the game has had a billion-dollar win. The largest Mega Millions jackpot in October 2018 was $1.53 billion claimed by a single ticket holder in South Carolina.

Friday’s prosperous drawing also marked the seventh time there was a grand prize winner on Friday the 13th, a date superstitiously considered unlucky.

To claim the full $1.35 billion, the winner would need to take the money in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99?utm_source=Connatix&amp;utm_medium=HomePage">an annuity</a>&nbsp;with annual payments over 29 years. Most jackpot recipients prefer the reduced but quicker cash option, which for Friday night’s drawing was an estimated $724.6 million.

The next grand prize drawing on Tuesday will drop to an estimated $20 million and a cash option of $10.7 million.

Until Friday night, there had been 25 straight drawings without a jackpot winner.

There were more than 7 million winning tickets across nine prize tiers Friday. Beyond Maine's jackpot, 14 tickets matched five white balls to claim the second-tier prize of $1 million. Four were sold in New York, two in California and one each in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas, Mega Millions said.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Maine scored its first Mega Millions jackpot — and someone beat the ill fortune of Friday the 13th — when a ticket purchased in the state matched the winning numbers for the lottery's estimated $1.35 billion grand prize.The lucky combination of numbers drawn late Friday night were: 30, 43, 45, 46, 61 and gold Mega Ball 14.The winner, whose name is not yet known, overcame steep odds of 1 in 302.6 million, which led to three months of drawings without a claim on the jackpot.“Congratulations to the Maine State Lottery, which has just won its first-ever Mega Millions jackpot," Pat McDonald, Ohio lottery director and lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, said in a statement early Saturday.The jackpot was the second largest in Mega Millions history and the fourth time the game has had a billion-dollar win. The largest Mega Millions jackpot in October 2018 was $1.53 billion claimed by a single ticket holder in South Carolina.Friday’s prosperous drawing also marked the seventh time there was a grand prize winner on Friday the 13th, a date superstitiously considered unlucky.To claim the full $1.35 billion, the winner would need to take the money in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99?utm_source=Connatix&amp;utm_medium=HomePage">an annuity</a>&nbsp;with annual payments over 29 years. Most jackpot recipients prefer the reduced but quicker cash option, which for Friday night’s drawing was an estimated $724.6 million.The next grand prize drawing on Tuesday will drop to an estimated $20 million and a cash option of $10.7 million.Until Friday night, there had been 25 straight drawings without a jackpot winner.There were more than 7 million winning tickets across nine prize tiers Friday. Beyond Maine's jackpot, 14 tickets matched five white balls to claim the second-tier prize of $1 million. Four were sold in New York, two in California and one each in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas, Mega Millions said.Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Winner: Mega Millions $1.35B grand prize ticket sold Friday the 13th

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a sexual assault in the victim's residence in Grandview on Monday afternoon, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Deonte' T. Watson, 31, faces charges of Rape or Attempted Rape 1st Degree and Sodomy or Attempted Sodomy 1st Degree.

According to court records, the victim was in a Grandview residence on Monday afternoon when Watson sexually assaulted the victim. The victim and Watson had known each other for years and he was at that residence to pick up some equipment that the victim had borrowed from him. 

Watson told the victim he had been planning the assault for months. A surveillance video showed the defendant leaving the area of the residence just before police were dispatched on a reported rape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673522913915.png" alt="Watson-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Watson-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a sexual assault in the victim's residence in Grandview on Monday afternoon, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Deonte' T. Watson, 31, faces charges of Rape or Attempted Rape 1st Degree and Sodomy or Attempted Sodomy 1st Degree.According to court records, the victim was in a Grandview residence on Monday afternoon when Watson sexually assaulted the victim. The victim and Watson had known each other for years and he was at that residence to pick up some equipment that the victim had borrowed from him. Watson told the victim he had been planning the assault for months. A surveillance video showed the defendant leaving the area of the residence just before police were dispatched on a reported rape.

Court docs: KC man told victim he planned rape for months

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673617381405.png" alt="Adams-photo Caddo&nbsp; County, Oklahoma" />
 <figcaption>Adams-photo Caddo&nbsp; County, Oklahoma</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Two people have now been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Athena Brownfield, a 4-year-old Oklahoma girl whose 5-year-old sister was discovered wandering alone outside by a postal worker, state investigators said Friday.Arizona authorities arrested 36-year-old Ivon Adams on Thursday, and he is being held in the Maricopa County jail in Phoenix pending extradition to Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said in a news release.Authorities earlier arrested Alysia Adams, 31, on two counts of child neglect, the bureau&nbsp;<a href="https://nixle.us/E7FY5">said in a statement late Thursday</a>. Alysia Adams remained jailed in Oklahoma's Caddo County on Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673636085787.png" alt="Adams photo Maricopa County" />
 <figcaption>Adams photo Maricopa County</figcaption>
 </figure>The bureau released no further details about the arrests or what the suspects' relationship is. It was not known if either Adams had an attorney to comment on their behalf.A bureau spokesperson did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Friday.The arrests are related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-city-1b331093878a39b70fccfdc6ba2e47dc">the search for Athena</a>, who was reported missing Tuesday in Cyril, about 70 miles&nbsp; southwest of Oklahoma City, the bureau said.The postal carrier found Athena’s sister wandering alone outside Adams' home Monday afternoon and alerted Cyril police. Authorities then determined that Athena was missing.The girls had been in the care of Adams and her husband, and Athena's sister was taken into protective custody, the bureau said Wednesday.Authorities said they believe Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design when she disappeared.The bureau said it was working with other law enforcement agencies and volunteers in the search, which included a helicopter, boats, all-terrain vehicles, a specially trained ground team, and a review of surveillance video from around Cyril.The city of Cyril has also suspended trash service as investigators search for clues.The bureau said agents were following up on tips coming from Oklahoma and other states.

2nd arrest in case of missing 4-year-old; search continues

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a couple after an accidental shooting in their home.

Just after 11:30a.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting in the 1200 block of North Lorraine in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

 While Officers were en route to the scene, on suspect identified as 25-year-old Marlon Jones fled on foot to a residence in the 3000 block of East 11th Street. As Officers arrived, they saw Jones walking back from the area of that residence.

Officers then located 22-year-old Kianna Nweji inside her residence on North Lorraine with a gunshot wound to her foot. EMS transported her&nbsp; to a local hospital for treatment.

The investigation revealed that Nweji and Jones were both lying in bed when their 2-year-old child found a gun and accidentally shot Nweji. Jones took the gun to the 11th Street address where an acquaintance of his lives, according to Ditch. Investigators located the gun and found an AR-15 that belonged to nobody in the residence and the individuals in the house did not know how it got there.

Police arrested Nweji and Jones on requested charges of Aggravated Endangering of a child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673627717579.png" alt="Jones-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a couple after an accidental shooting in their home.Just after 11:30a.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting in the 1200 block of North Lorraine in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. While Officers were en route to the scene, on suspect identified as 25-year-old Marlon Jones fled on foot to a residence in the 3000 block of East 11th Street. As Officers arrived, they saw Jones walking back from the area of that residence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673627653047.png" alt="Nweji photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Nweji photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers then located 22-year-old Kianna Nweji inside her residence on North Lorraine with a gunshot wound to her foot. EMS transported her&nbsp; to a local hospital for treatment.The investigation revealed that Nweji and Jones were both lying in bed when their 2-year-old child found a gun and accidentally shot Nweji. Jones took the gun to the 11th Street address where an acquaintance of his lives, according to Ditch. Investigators located the gun and found an AR-15 that belonged to nobody in the residence and the individuals in the house did not know how it got there.Police arrested Nweji and Jones on requested charges of Aggravated Endangering of a child.

Police: 2-year-old shot mother in the foot at Kansas home

The jackpot for the upcoming Mega Millions drawing has climbed to $1.35 billion with a cash option of $707.9 million,
 making it the second-highest Mega Millions jackpot of all time. The 
next Mega Millions drawing is Friday, with cutoff for entry
 at 8:59 p.m. central time.&nbsp;

Mega Millions was last hit on October 14 in both Florida and 
California. It has been rolling for 25 consecutive draws, and has seen 
68 winning tickets of $1 million or higher sold in that time, including 
one $1 million winner in Kansas.&nbsp;

In the Tuesday, Jan. 10, Mega Millions drawing, one ticket in 
Kansas matched all five numbers but not the Mega Ball to win $1 million.
 The ticket was sold in Southeast Kansas and remains unclaimed at this 
time. The winning numbers in that drawing were 7 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 18 Mega Ball 9.&nbsp;

The Southeast Kansas region includes the following counties: Chase, 
Lyon (southern half), Coffey, Anderson, Linn, Greenwood, Woodson, Allen,
 Bourbon, Elk, Wilson, Neosho, Crawford, Chautauqua, Montgomery, 
Labette, and Cherokee.&nbsp;

Mega Millions draws every Tuesday and Friday, with tickets starting 
at $2 per play.&nbsp;

Kansas LotteryThe jackpot for the upcoming Mega Millions drawing has climbed to $1.35 billion with a cash option of $707.9 million,
 making it the second-highest Mega Millions jackpot of all time. The 
next Mega Millions drawing is Friday, with cutoff for entry
 at 8:59 p.m. central time.&nbsp;Mega Millions was last hit on October 14 in both Florida and 
California. It has been rolling for 25 consecutive draws, and has seen 
68 winning tickets of $1 million or higher sold in that time, including 
one $1 million winner in Kansas.&nbsp;In the Tuesday, Jan. 10, Mega Millions drawing, one ticket in 
Kansas matched all five numbers but not the Mega Ball to win $1 million.
 The ticket was sold in Southeast Kansas and remains unclaimed at this 
time. The winning numbers in that drawing were 7 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 18 Mega Ball 9.&nbsp;The Southeast Kansas region includes the following counties: Chase, 
Lyon (southern half), Coffey, Anderson, Linn, Greenwood, Woodson, Allen,
 Bourbon, Elk, Wilson, Neosho, Crawford, Chautauqua, Montgomery, 
Labette, and Cherokee.&nbsp;Mega Millions draws every Tuesday and Friday, with tickets starting 
at $2 per play.&nbsp;

Million-dollar lottery ticket sold in Kansas remains unclaimed

JEWELL COUNTY —A fifth-grade student died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Friday in Jewell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 USD 107-Rock Hills Chevy Suburban driven by&nbsp;Audra Wilburn, 43, Portsmouth, Virginia, was northbound on 250th Road eight and one half miles north of the city of Randall

The SUV entered the east ditch, traveled through the ditch, reentered the roadway and overturned.&nbsp; The SUV came to rest on its top in the west ditch.&nbsp;The fifth grader died. EMS transported Wilburn to the hospital in Mankato for treatment of minor injuries. Four other children in the SUV were not injured.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a USD 107-Rock Hills SUV with a driver and 5-students were involved in a rollover crash on Randall Road a mile south of U.S. 36 near Mankato.

The fifth grader died. The KHP reported there were no other injuries.

The KHP Critical Highway Accident Response Team (CHART) responded to assist in diagramming the scene.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

JEWELL COUNTY —A fifth-grade student died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Friday in Jewell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 USD 107-Rock Hills Chevy Suburban driven by&nbsp;Audra Wilburn, 43, Portsmouth, Virginia, was northbound on 250th Road eight and one half miles north of the city of RandallThe SUV entered the east ditch, traveled through the ditch, reentered the roadway and overturned.&nbsp; The SUV came to rest on its top in the west ditch.&nbsp;The fifth grader died. EMS transported Wilburn to the hospital in Mankato for treatment of minor injuries. Four other children in the SUV were not injured.---------JEWELL COUNTY —A fifth-grade student died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Friday in Jewell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a USD 107-Rock Hills SUV with a driver and 5-students were involved in a rollover crash on Randall Road a mile south of U.S. 36 near Mankato.The fifth grader died. The KHP reported there were no other injuries.The KHP Critical Highway Accident Response Team (CHART) responded to assist in diagramming the scene.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

UPDATE KHP: 5th grade student dies after SUV rollover crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature are headed toward big fights over spending on special education programs, pay raises for government workers and how much the cash-flush state should sock away for worse economic times.

Kelly released budget proposals Thursday that include depositing $500 million into the state's rainy day fund, giving state workers a 5% pay increase across the board and phasing in a 61% increase in spending on programs in K-12 public schools for children with special needs.

Top Republican lawmakers want Kansas to set aside at least $1 billion of its current surplus as a hedge against future budget shortfalls. The GOP chairs of the House and Senate budget committees had strong misgivings Thursday about giving an across-the-board pay raise to state workers, and the chair of a House committee on education spending questioned whether the extra money for special education is necessary.

The governor's budget director, Adam Proffitt, told the House and Senate budget committees that Kelly is “looking across the horizon” to ensure that both tax cuts and government programs can be sustained into the future. Kansas endured persistent budget shortfalls during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e4f794cd96cb488cb04ab1cd48b1458d">a 2012-2017 Republican experiment</a>&nbsp;in slashing income taxes.

“We’re building a better Kansas for working families and retirees -- all while maintaining a balanced budget," Kelly said in a statement.

Kelly, who won a second term in November, already was headed toward a clash with Republican legislators over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-kansas-us-republican-party-05b571d0069ae9adc73f0a9a57e2d57e">how best to cut taxes</a>. The state is projecting $3.2 billion in surplus cash in its treasury at the end of June 2024 and nearly $1 billion more already in the rainy day fund. The Legislature is set to remain in session until early May.

Kelly's biggest tax proposal is eliminating the state's 4% sales tax on groceries, while GOP leaders want to create a “flat” income tax, rather than having multiple tax brackets for filers.

Putting a larger amount of the current projected surplus into the rainy day fund for future use limits lawmakers’ options for tax cuts or new spending.

Kelly proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/FY2024_GBR-Vol1-01.12.2023.pdf">a $24.1 billion spending blueprint</a>&nbsp;for state government for the 2024 budget year, which begins July 1. That's $1.2 billion, or 5.3%, more than the current&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/FY-2023_Comparison_Report-07.14.2022.pdf">$22.9 billion budget approved by lawmakers last year.</a>

Proffitt expressed confidence that the state's revenue projections will hold up through June 2024.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/december-2022-inflation-report-72bb938a443ab0500bd72d23f62214ad">Inflation has eased</a>&nbsp;over the past six months from decades-high levels, but the head of the Legislature's research staff, J.G. Scott, told the budget committees Thursday that eventually, it and the U.S. Federal Reserve's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-business-jerome-powell-government-and-politics-875599570f2b3bfc132963010a404f09">increases in interest rates</a>&nbsp;to contain it will cause “a lot of cooling in the economy.”

“We keep hearing the word ‘uncertainty,’” said Democratic state Sen. Jeff Pittman, of Leavenworth.

Proffitt argued that setting aside another $500 million — to build the rainy day fund up to a total of $1.5 billion — would be enough to cover even the worst year's decline in revenues.

But several Republicans said they want the state to have $2 billion on hand, enough to plug $1 billion a year into the budget for two years. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, told reporters this week that he wants Kansas ready for economic problems as bad as or worse than those of the Great Recession of 2007-08.

“I don’t want us to take that hit like we did last time,” Masterson said.

Kelly's proposed pay increases for government workers would help short-staffed agencies recruit and retain employees, Proffitt said. But Republicans said they want to concentrate first on boosting the pay of workers whose salaries are at least 5% below those of people holding similar jobs with private companies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673627321881.png" alt="The governor's budget director, Adam Proffitt, told the House and Senate budget committees that Kelly is “looking across the horizon” to ensure that both tax cuts and government programs can be sustained into the future" />
 <figcaption>The governor's budget director, Adam Proffitt, told the House and Senate budget committees that Kelly is “looking across the horizon” to ensure that both tax cuts and government programs can be sustained into the future</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature are headed toward big fights over spending on special education programs, pay raises for government workers and how much the cash-flush state should sock away for worse economic times.Kelly released budget proposals Thursday that include depositing $500 million into the state's rainy day fund, giving state workers a 5% pay increase across the board and phasing in a 61% increase in spending on programs in K-12 public schools for children with special needs.Top Republican lawmakers want Kansas to set aside at least $1 billion of its current surplus as a hedge against future budget shortfalls. The GOP chairs of the House and Senate budget committees had strong misgivings Thursday about giving an across-the-board pay raise to state workers, and the chair of a House committee on education spending questioned whether the extra money for special education is necessary.The governor's budget director, Adam Proffitt, told the House and Senate budget committees that Kelly is “looking across the horizon” to ensure that both tax cuts and government programs can be sustained into the future. Kansas endured persistent budget shortfalls during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e4f794cd96cb488cb04ab1cd48b1458d">a 2012-2017 Republican experiment</a>&nbsp;in slashing income taxes.“We’re building a better Kansas for working families and retirees -- all while maintaining a balanced budget," Kelly said in a statement.Kelly, who won a second term in November, already was headed toward a clash with Republican legislators over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-kansas-us-republican-party-05b571d0069ae9adc73f0a9a57e2d57e">how best to cut taxes</a>. The state is projecting $3.2 billion in surplus cash in its treasury at the end of June 2024 and nearly $1 billion more already in the rainy day fund. The Legislature is set to remain in session until early May.Kelly's biggest tax proposal is eliminating the state's 4% sales tax on groceries, while GOP leaders want to create a “flat” income tax, rather than having multiple tax brackets for filers.Putting a larger amount of the current projected surplus into the rainy day fund for future use limits lawmakers’ options for tax cuts or new spending.Kelly proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/FY2024_GBR-Vol1-01.12.2023.pdf">a $24.1 billion spending blueprint</a>&nbsp;for state government for the 2024 budget year, which begins July 1. That's $1.2 billion, or 5.3%, more than the current&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/FY-2023_Comparison_Report-07.14.2022.pdf">$22.9 billion budget approved by lawmakers last year.</a>Proffitt expressed confidence that the state's revenue projections will hold up through June 2024.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/december-2022-inflation-report-72bb938a443ab0500bd72d23f62214ad">Inflation has eased</a>&nbsp;over the past six months from decades-high levels, but the head of the Legislature's research staff, J.G. Scott, told the budget committees Thursday that eventually, it and the U.S. Federal Reserve's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-business-jerome-powell-government-and-politics-875599570f2b3bfc132963010a404f09">increases in interest rates</a>&nbsp;to contain it will cause “a lot of cooling in the economy.”“We keep hearing the word ‘uncertainty,’” said Democratic state Sen. Jeff Pittman, of Leavenworth.Proffitt argued that setting aside another $500 million — to build the rainy day fund up to a total of $1.5 billion — would be enough to cover even the worst year's decline in revenues.But several Republicans said they want the state to have $2 billion on hand, enough to plug $1 billion a year into the budget for two years. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, told reporters this week that he wants Kansas ready for economic problems as bad as or worse than those of the Great Recession of 2007-08.“I don’t want us to take that hit like we did last time,” Masterson said.Kelly's proposed pay increases for government workers would help short-staffed agencies recruit and retain employees, Proffitt said. But Republicans said they want to concentrate first on boosting the pay of workers whose salaries are at least 5% below those of people holding similar jobs with private companies.Meanwhile, educators are focusing on boosting spending on special education programs after years of increases in the state's general aid to local school districts. Kansas law sets a target of having the state cover 92% of the additional costs tied to special education, but the current spending of $546 million covers only 76%.With special education costs typically rising each year, Kelly's plan would boost the state's spending by $336 million over five years, bringing it to $882 million for the 2028 budget year.But state Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican who chairs the House's committee on K-12 spending, has repeatedly questioned how the state calculates excess special education costs and the dollars available to cover them.And she said Thursday, “Money's not always the answer to every problem.”