By MIKE COURSON <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

GREAT BEND — The
 first legal sports wager in Kansas is in the books. Last Thursday, the 
same day the state legalized sports betting, Governor Laura Kelly put 
$15 on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl on a bet made at 
Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.

Thursday's event at noon was 
just a soft opening for legalized sports betting, which will go full 
tilt on Sept. 8. With the passage of Senate Bill 84, all state-operated 
casinos in Kansas will be able to offer in-person and mobile sports 
betting. 

Per the bill, the first $750,000 generated from wagering
 must be transferred from the Kansas Lottery to the White Collar Crime 
Fund. Eighty percent of the remaining money must be transferred to the 
Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund. The 10 percent tax on 
sports betting in Kansas is minimal compared to other states that charge
 between 15 and 51 percent, but is still expected to generate $1.8 
million next year and $6 million in 2024.

But with gambling 
sometimes comes addiction. As of July 1, 2023, two percent of remaining 
tax dollars raised from betting must be transferred to the Problem 
Gambling and Addictions Grant Fund to help offset some expected 
treatment costs.

"It seems pretty wide open that you can bet on 
not just the game outcome but whether somebody is wearing red socks or 
white socks that day," said Dr. Patrick Stang, psychiatrist with the 
Center for Counseling in Great Bend. "You can bet on all kinds of 
aspects of it. It's so available and they're pushing it pretty hard. You
 see ads on TV every five minutes about how great this is going to be."

Stang said treating gambling addiction can be tough as those who seek treatment often present with other issues.

"I
 think it's not always at the top of your list to ask about because 
people usually don't come in for that," he said. "A lot of times they 
come in for depression or anxiety or something else. They don't always 
mention their gambling problem until maybe you get to know them better."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662056609748.png" alt="On Sept. 1, Governor Laura Kelly placed Kansas’ first legal sports wager at the Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas." />
 <figcaption>On Sept. 1, Governor Laura Kelly placed Kansas’ first legal sports wager at the Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — The
 first legal sports wager in Kansas is in the books. Last Thursday, the 
same day the state legalized sports betting, Governor Laura Kelly put 
$15 on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl on a bet made at 
Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.Thursday's event at noon was 
just a soft opening for legalized sports betting, which will go full 
tilt on Sept. 8. With the passage of Senate Bill 84, all state-operated 
casinos in Kansas will be able to offer in-person and mobile sports 
betting. Per the bill, the first $750,000 generated from wagering
 must be transferred from the Kansas Lottery to the White Collar Crime 
Fund. Eighty percent of the remaining money must be transferred to the 
Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund. The 10 percent tax on 
sports betting in Kansas is minimal compared to other states that charge
 between 15 and 51 percent, but is still expected to generate $1.8 
million next year and $6 million in 2024.But with gambling 
sometimes comes addiction. As of July 1, 2023, two percent of remaining 
tax dollars raised from betting must be transferred to the Problem 
Gambling and Addictions Grant Fund to help offset some expected 
treatment costs."It seems pretty wide open that you can bet on 
not just the game outcome but whether somebody is wearing red socks or 
white socks that day," said Dr. Patrick Stang, psychiatrist with the 
Center for Counseling in Great Bend. "You can bet on all kinds of 
aspects of it. It's so available and they're pushing it pretty hard. You
 see ads on TV every five minutes about how great this is going to be."Stang said treating gambling addiction can be tough as those who seek treatment often present with other issues."I
 think it's not always at the top of your list to ask about because 
people usually don't come in for that," he said. "A lot of times they 
come in for depression or anxiety or something else. They don't always 
mention their gambling problem until maybe you get to know them better."

Psychiatrist: Legalized gambling in Kan. could have unintended costs

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-09-06/more-than-30-000-kansans-with-suspended-licenses-could-have-kept-driving-legally-last-year">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas wants to give some people with 
suspended driver's licenses at least some of their driving privileges 
back. But over 30,000 people miss out.

People who had their 
license suspended because they didn’t pay a ticket can apply for a 
restricted driver's license. But in 2021, only 1,800 of the 39,000 
Kansans who qualified for that help got it. A suspended license doesn’t 
let someone drive at all. A restricted license allows for some errands, 
like commuting to work, school, day care or picking up groceries.

“It's
 not just an annoyance,” said Wesley McKain, policy and development 
manager at the Wyandotte County Public Health Department. “Someone not 
having a driver's license has a lot of impacts on their ability to get 
to the doctor, their ability to get to their job, their ability to get 
to education.”

Kansas says it has simplified the application process, but drivers still struggle through it.

Kansas
 Legal Services hosts license restoration events to help people apply 
for a restricted license. Those events help people fill out paperwork 
and offer lawyers to answer questions so people can get a restricted 
license. But, Marilyn Harp, the group’s executive director, says half 
the people they help fail to get approved.

“There’s lots of pieces to it,” she said.

The
 low acceptance rate could be because not many apply or a lot are 
rejected, though it isn’t clear. Data from the Kansas Department of 
Revenue shows that 1,600 people applied in 2021 and 1,800 were accepted.
 Those numbers don’t match because the agency only tracks online 
requests and not paper applications.

In 2019, Kansas suspended the
 sixth most driver's licenses per capita in the country, and Harp says 
Kansas still has thousands of drivers with suspended licenses.

Lacey
 Black, solutions manager in the Division of Vehicles at the Kansas 
Department of Revenue, said KDOR is making the process easier to 
navigate. Fees have been removed and letters informing drivers of their 
suspension tell them how to apply. But that’s assuming someone’s address
 is updated properly.

Black said people commonly have an outdated 
address on their license, meaning important information is mailed to the
 wrong place. Updating their address is one of the most important things
 drivers can do, she added.

She said her agency has worked with 
the Legislature to remove barriers to the process. But some still worry 
this traps people in a cycle of poverty by making it hard, for instance,
 to get to work.

McKain, the Wyandotte County official, said transportation and well-being are linked.

“So many things impact health,” McKain said. “Income is very much tied to health outcomes in our country.”

The
 health department began working on license suspension reform, but that 
has mostly shifted to the courts now. Administrative Judge Brandelyn 
Nichols-Brajkovic said too many drivers licenses are suspended because 
judges lack discretion in the process.

Someone’s license is 
automatically suspended if they don’t pay their tickets. The Legislature
 considered taking away the state’s power to suspend licenses over 
non-payment of fines and fees, but the bill stalled in a Statehouse 
committee.

“It eliminates an important tool used to ensure 
compliance with traffic code,” said John Goodyear, staff attorney for 
the League of Kansas Municipalities, back in 2020. “Without the prospect
 of a suspension for the non-payment of fines, there is nothing to keep 
an offender from refusing to pay the fines for traffic citations and 
continuing to drive.”

People should pay costs, but 
Nichols-Brajkovic said suspending someone’s license for mistakes — like 
not having insurance — isn’t productive. Some judges said a restricted 
license is a more appropriate punishment.

Nichols-Brajkovic wants the Legislature to update statutes to give judges more discretion.

Kansas
 has passed reforms to the program in recent years. A 2021 law lets 
drivers ask judges to reduce or waive fines and fees that impose a 
significant financial hardship. It also removed a 90-day waiting period 
for someone to get their license back.

“Most (judges) aren’t here 
to destroy lives although it can definitely feel that way if you are in 
the suspended license cycle,” Nichols-Brajkovic said.

Blaise Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the 
Kansas News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter 
@Blaise_Mesa or email him at blaise@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662467214134.png" alt="Drivers with a suspended license can apply for a restricted license, but few are approved. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>Drivers with a suspended license can apply for a restricted license, but few are approved. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-09-06/more-than-30-000-kansans-with-suspended-licenses-could-have-kept-driving-legally-last-year">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — Kansas wants to give some people with 
suspended driver's licenses at least some of their driving privileges 
back. But over 30,000 people miss out.People who had their 
license suspended because they didn’t pay a ticket can apply for a 
restricted driver's license. But in 2021, only 1,800 of the 39,000 
Kansans who qualified for that help got it. A suspended license doesn’t 
let someone drive at all. A restricted license allows for some errands, 
like commuting to work, school, day care or picking up groceries.“It's
 not just an annoyance,” said Wesley McKain, policy and development 
manager at the Wyandotte County Public Health Department. “Someone not 
having a driver's license has a lot of impacts on their ability to get 
to the doctor, their ability to get to their job, their ability to get 
to education.”Kansas says it has simplified the application process, but drivers still struggle through it.Kansas
 Legal Services hosts license restoration events to help people apply 
for a restricted license. Those events help people fill out paperwork 
and offer lawyers to answer questions so people can get a restricted 
license. But, Marilyn Harp, the group’s executive director, says half 
the people they help fail to get approved.“There’s lots of pieces to it,” she said.The
 low acceptance rate could be because not many apply or a lot are 
rejected, though it isn’t clear. Data from the Kansas Department of 
Revenue shows that 1,600 people applied in 2021 and 1,800 were accepted.
 Those numbers don’t match because the agency only tracks online 
requests and not paper applications.In 2019, Kansas suspended the
 sixth most driver's licenses per capita in the country, and Harp says 
Kansas still has thousands of drivers with suspended licenses.Lacey
 Black, solutions manager in the Division of Vehicles at the Kansas 
Department of Revenue, said KDOR is making the process easier to 
navigate. Fees have been removed and letters informing drivers of their 
suspension tell them how to apply. But that’s assuming someone’s address
 is updated properly.Black said people commonly have an outdated 
address on their license, meaning important information is mailed to the
 wrong place. Updating their address is one of the most important things
 drivers can do, she added.She said her agency has worked with 
the Legislature to remove barriers to the process. But some still worry 
this traps people in a cycle of poverty by making it hard, for instance,
 to get to work.McKain, the Wyandotte County official, said transportation and well-being are linked.“So many things impact health,” McKain said. “Income is very much tied to health outcomes in our country.”The
 health department began working on license suspension reform, but that 
has mostly shifted to the courts now. Administrative Judge Brandelyn 
Nichols-Brajkovic said too many drivers licenses are suspended because 
judges lack discretion in the process.Someone’s license is 
automatically suspended if they don’t pay their tickets. The Legislature
 considered taking away the state’s power to suspend licenses over 
non-payment of fines and fees, but the bill stalled in a Statehouse 
committee.“It eliminates an important tool used to ensure 
compliance with traffic code,” said John Goodyear, staff attorney for 
the League of Kansas Municipalities, back in 2020. “Without the prospect
 of a suspension for the non-payment of fines, there is nothing to keep 
an offender from refusing to pay the fines for traffic citations and 
continuing to drive.”People should pay costs, but 
Nichols-Brajkovic said suspending someone’s license for mistakes — like 
not having insurance — isn’t productive. Some judges said a restricted 
license is a more appropriate punishment.Nichols-Brajkovic wants the Legislature to update statutes to give judges more discretion.Kansas
 has passed reforms to the program in recent years. A 2021 law lets 
drivers ask judges to reduce or waive fines and fees that impose a 
significant financial hardship. It also removed a 90-day waiting period 
for someone to get their license back.“Most (judges) aren’t here 
to destroy lives although it can definitely feel that way if you are in 
the suspended license cycle,” Nichols-Brajkovic said.Blaise Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the 
Kansas News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter 
@Blaise_Mesa or email him at blaise@kcur.org.

Kan. tries to make it easier to get restricted license, but many miss out

My wife and I just bought a new home, and we only need one or two more things to furnish the living room. Over the weekend, we found a couch and love seat set we both like for $3,000. The owner of the store said he would take 15% off the price if we get a store credit card and pay for it that way. We are in pretty good financial shape, and can afford to pay cash for the furniture, but what do you think about the idea of taking advantage of the 15% off offer, then paying off the card immediately and closing the account?

Playing with snakes is always a bad idea. Sooner or later, you’re going to get bitten.

Everyone thinks they’re the exception to the rule, or they’re somehow winning or getting rich by doing stuff like this. It doesn’t work that way. So, stop playing around with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/average-american-debt">debt</a>&nbsp;products. This guy’s just trying to hook you and make more money.

Your idea might sound good on the surface to a lot of folks, but the problem is the vast majority of those same people don’t have the discipline to follow through on a plan like this. Having that store account, even for a short period of time, would be too much of a temptation. Another issue is many places like this hit you with a fee when you pay off the card. They’ll fee you to death on other things, too, if you’re not careful, until you end up wishing you’d never even seen the place.

If it were me, I’d just talk to the owner again and let him know I’m taking my business elsewhere unless he discounts the furniture 15% on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/cash-vs-credit-card">cash</a>&nbsp;purchase. There’s no way I’d take out a stupid credit card for a place like that whether I had the cash on hand or not!

<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/">Dave Ramsey&nbsp;</a>is an eight-time national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648177011035.png" alt="Dave Ramsey&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,My wife and I just bought a new home, and we only need one or two more things to furnish the living room. Over the weekend, we found a couch and love seat set we both like for $3,000. The owner of the store said he would take 15% off the price if we get a store credit card and pay for it that way. We are in pretty good financial shape, and can afford to pay cash for the furniture, but what do you think about the idea of taking advantage of the 15% off offer, then paying off the card immediately and closing the account?JacksonDear Jackson,Playing with snakes is always a bad idea. Sooner or later, you’re going to get bitten.Everyone thinks they’re the exception to the rule, or they’re somehow winning or getting rich by doing stuff like this. It doesn’t work that way. So, stop playing around with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/average-american-debt">debt</a>&nbsp;products. This guy’s just trying to hook you and make more money.Your idea might sound good on the surface to a lot of folks, but the problem is the vast majority of those same people don’t have the discipline to follow through on a plan like this. Having that store account, even for a short period of time, would be too much of a temptation. Another issue is many places like this hit you with a fee when you pay off the card. They’ll fee you to death on other things, too, if you’re not careful, until you end up wishing you’d never even seen the place.If it were me, I’d just talk to the owner again and let him know I’m taking my business elsewhere unless he discounts the furniture 15% on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/cash-vs-credit-card">cash</a>&nbsp;purchase. There’s no way I’d take out a stupid credit card for a place like that whether I had the cash on hand or not!— Dave<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/">Dave Ramsey&nbsp;</a>is an eight-time national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

DAVE SAYS: Don’t let them hook you

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX,—Law enforcement authorities found massive quantities of fentanyl coming into the United State over the Labor Day weekend.

On Sunday, Custom and Border Protection Officers at the Nogales Port of entry seized over&nbsp;47,000 rainbow-colored fentanyl pills, according to a social media report from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

In addition, agents seized 186,000 blue fentanyl pills, and 6.5 pounds of meth. The drugs were hidden in a floor compartment of a vehicle.

Later that day, officers seized 84 pounds of meth concealed in the gas tank of a vehicle.

On Saturday, officers at the same port of entry seized 35,000 fentanyl pills that were found in the air intake of a motorcycle. They later located 2,300 multi-color fentanyl pills, 15,000 dark blue fentanyl pills, 12,000 traditional blue fentanyl pills and 87.50 pounds of meth in a pickup, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Police urged the public not to buy and take pills from unknown sources because the chances it contains fentanyl is very high.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662482404271.png" alt="Photo U.S. Customs and Border Protection" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Customs and Border Protection</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX,—Law enforcement authorities found massive quantities of fentanyl coming into the United State over the Labor Day weekend.On Sunday, Custom and Border Protection Officers at the Nogales Port of entry seized over&nbsp;47,000 rainbow-colored fentanyl pills, according to a social media report from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In addition, agents seized 186,000 blue fentanyl pills, and 6.5 pounds of meth. The drugs were hidden in a floor compartment of a vehicle.Later that day, officers seized 84 pounds of meth concealed in the gas tank of a vehicle.On Saturday, officers at the same port of entry seized 35,000 fentanyl pills that were found in the air intake of a motorcycle. They later located 2,300 multi-color fentanyl pills, 15,000 dark blue fentanyl pills, 12,000 traditional blue fentanyl pills and 87.50 pounds of meth in a pickup, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.Police urged the public not to buy and take pills from unknown sources because the chances it contains fentanyl is very high.

Officials warn against rainbow fentanyl pills targeting young people

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Crimestoppers tip led police to a Salina man with multiple active warrants Friday evening.

Just before 7:30p.m. Sept. 2, officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of N. Seventh Street in Salina, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.&nbsp; A Crimestoppers tip had reported that Corry Barnes, 20, of Salina, who was on the Saline County Most Wanted List, was there and loading items into a vehicle.

When officers arrived in the area, they observed a white and green Buick Century known to belong to Barnes' girlfriend pull into Rod's No. 2, 1339 N. Ninth Street, and observed Barnes inside the vehicle, Forrester said. An officer initiated a traffic stop and Barnes ran from the car, leading police on a foot chase for several blocks. Officer caught Barnes in the 1200 block of N. 10th Street.

He is being held on the warrants and for flee and elude, Saline County District Court; Theft, Saline County District Court; Failure to appear, Salina Municipal Court; Failure to appear Dickinson County District Court

Additionally, Barnes was arrested on a requested charge of felony interference with a law enforcement officer, Forrester said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662208195305.jpeg" alt="Barnes photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Barnes photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Crimestoppers tip led police to a Salina man with multiple active warrants Friday evening.Just before 7:30p.m. Sept. 2, officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of N. Seventh Street in Salina, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.&nbsp; A Crimestoppers tip had reported that Corry Barnes, 20, of Salina, who was on the Saline County Most Wanted List, was there and loading items into a vehicle.When officers arrived in the area, they observed a white and green Buick Century known to belong to Barnes' girlfriend pull into Rod's No. 2, 1339 N. Ninth Street, and observed Barnes inside the vehicle, Forrester said. An officer initiated a traffic stop and Barnes ran from the car, leading police on a foot chase for several blocks. Officer caught Barnes in the 1200 block of N. 10th Street.He is being held on the warrants and for flee and elude, Saline County District Court; Theft, Saline County District Court; Failure to appear, Salina Municipal Court; Failure to appear Dickinson County District CourtAdditionally, Barnes was arrested on a requested charge of felony interference with a law enforcement officer, Forrester said.

Tip to police led to arrest of wanted Kansas man

FINNEY COUNTY —USD 457/Garden City Public Schools has worked over the summer to hire teachers to fill the open positions around the district. However, the district continues to face multiple teacher vacancies, many are being filled by long-term substitutes, according to a statement from the school district.

To help address this challenge, Western State Bank in Garden City announced a substitute teaching program that will benefit its employees and Garden City Public Schools.&nbsp;

“Generally, educators don’t want to have to take time off,” USD 457 Superintendent Dr. Mike Dominguez said. “But life happens, and we hope to support our teachers by putting this in place. We are very, very humbled that Western State Bank would approach us with this possibility. We’re excited, and we know it’s going to work. We hope other businesses choose to get involved.”

Through the program, Western State Bank will pay for employees to become certified as substitute teachers. It will award the staff with additional paid-time-off (PTO) days allowing employees to participate in the program without cutting into their existing PTO.

“Our children and our future workforce are directly affected by the staffing shortage,” Western State Bank President Tyler Whitham said. “The district is working hard to find creative solutions. If we can assist by simply ensuring there are additional responsible, caring adults present to help educate these children and to allow teachers to take much-needed time off, then that’s what we’d like to do.”

More than half of Western State Bank’s 120 employees work at the bank’s headquarters in Garden City. Many are in non-customer-facing office positions, allowing for more flexibility with work schedules.

“We see this as a benefit to both the school district and our employees,” Western State Bank Human Resources Manager Allie Medina said. “We already have a generous PTO allowance and multiple bank holidays when school is still in session. Now employees have the chance to bring in additional income on their days off, and spend more time with their children if they choose to sub in their classrooms.” For more information on substitute teaching certification, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gardencity.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=988">here</a>&nbsp;or contact the Personnel Office at 620-805-77020 or email Lisa Sander at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lsander@gckschools.com">lsander@gckschools.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661471771510.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —USD 457/Garden City Public Schools has worked over the summer to hire teachers to fill the open positions around the district. However, the district continues to face multiple teacher vacancies, many are being filled by long-term substitutes, according to a statement from the school district.To help address this challenge, Western State Bank in Garden City announced a substitute teaching program that will benefit its employees and Garden City Public Schools.&nbsp;“Generally, educators don’t want to have to take time off,” USD 457 Superintendent Dr. Mike Dominguez said. “But life happens, and we hope to support our teachers by putting this in place. We are very, very humbled that Western State Bank would approach us with this possibility. We’re excited, and we know it’s going to work. We hope other businesses choose to get involved.”Through the program, Western State Bank will pay for employees to become certified as substitute teachers. It will award the staff with additional paid-time-off (PTO) days allowing employees to participate in the program without cutting into their existing PTO.“Our children and our future workforce are directly affected by the staffing shortage,” Western State Bank President Tyler Whitham said. “The district is working hard to find creative solutions. If we can assist by simply ensuring there are additional responsible, caring adults present to help educate these children and to allow teachers to take much-needed time off, then that’s what we’d like to do.”More than half of Western State Bank’s 120 employees work at the bank’s headquarters in Garden City. Many are in non-customer-facing office positions, allowing for more flexibility with work schedules.“We see this as a benefit to both the school district and our employees,” Western State Bank Human Resources Manager Allie Medina said. “We already have a generous PTO allowance and multiple bank holidays when school is still in session. Now employees have the chance to bring in additional income on their days off, and spend more time with their children if they choose to sub in their classrooms.” For more information on substitute teaching certification, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gardencity.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=988">here</a>&nbsp;or contact the Personnel Office at 620-805-77020 or email Lisa Sander at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lsander@gckschools.com">lsander@gckschools.com</a>.

SW Kansas bank begins new substitute teaching program

GREENWOOD COUNTY—Law enforcement and USD 386 authorities are investigating an alleged school threat.

On Sunday, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a threat against a school, posted on social media which included a photograph of a firearm, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. The investigation, in conjunction with the FBI, revealed a 15-year-old suspect in Madison. 

A search warrant was executed at the home of the juvenile by the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office and a pellet gun, believed to be the same gun posted on social media, was recovered. 

Deputies arrested the juvenile on requested charges of criminal threat. They also arrested two adult residents of the home on unrelated requested drug distribution charges. There is no ongoing threat to the school or the public, according to the sheriff's office.

GREENWOOD COUNTY—Law enforcement and USD 386 authorities are investigating an alleged school threat.On Sunday, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a threat against a school, posted on social media which included a photograph of a firearm, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. The investigation, in conjunction with the FBI, revealed a 15-year-old suspect in Madison. A search warrant was executed at the home of the juvenile by the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office and a pellet gun, believed to be the same gun posted on social media, was recovered. Deputies arrested the juvenile on requested charges of criminal threat. They also arrested two adult residents of the home on unrelated requested drug distribution charges. There is no ongoing threat to the school or the public, according to the sheriff's office.

15-year-old in custody for alleged Kan. school social media threat 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly wasted little time after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisive victory in Kansas</a>&nbsp;for abortion rights before sending out a national fundraising email warning that access to the procedure would be “on the chopping block” if her party did not win in the November elections.

But her message to voters at large as she heads into the fall campaign is dramatically different, even as Democrats in other states stress abortion access as an issue.

A few days after her abortion-related fundraising email, Kelly's team suggested she would be focusing her reelection campaign on the state's now-healthy finances, robust funding for public schools and high-profile promises by businesses to create jobs.

Democrats are split over whether it's the best strategy in a tough race against Republican Derek Schmidt, the three-term state attorney general. Kelly still has to win over some independents and moderate Republicans in her solidly red state, and although abortion access can attract centrist voters and drive turnout, it's the economy — and the pinch at the grocery store from inflation — that remains a big concern for them.

“She needs to pull people from all kinds of areas,” said Joan Wagnon, a former Topeka mayor, state lawmaker and Kansas Democratic Party chair. While Kelly can use abortion as an issue to her advantage, Wagnon said, “I don’t think it’s the centerpiece of her campaign.”

Voters on Aug. 2 overwhelmingly rejected a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would have removed protections for abortion rights. It was the first state referendum on abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in June.

Kelly's approach heading into the general election contrasts with how Democratic Govs. Tony Evers in Wisconsin and Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan have made support for abortion rights central to their reelection campaigns. In Ohio, Democratic nominee Nan Whaley is stressing the issue in her race against anti-abortion Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.

Some Democrats think Kelly is missing an opportunity if she doesn't follow suit.

“The only way you inspire young voters, which is who Laura Kelly needs, is to make them feel like you understand the issues that they care about right now,” said Christopher Reeves, a suburban Kansas City activist, consultant and former Democratic National Committee member. “And the issue that they care about, especially young women voters, is abortion.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/80b8c1094d434fbcadcf1071cd047089">In winning her first term</a>&nbsp;in 2018 by about 5 percentage points, Kelly wooed independent and moderate Republican voters by pitching herself as a commonsense, bipartisan leader.

But she also was running in a good year for Democrats — they regained a U.S. House majority — and against conservative Kris Kobach, who advocated for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-north-america-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-84a552fa0a464c6d9dae4bc36bb7c1fb">tough immigration policies as</a>&nbsp;a major supporter of then-President Donald Trump.

Kelly’s stance on abortion rights brought Stephan Simmons, a 25-year-old higher education recruiter, firmly into her camp for November. Once a conservative Republican turned unaffiliated voter, he became a Democrat shortly before the Aug. 2 election.

He made sure he returned to Kansas City from a business trip in time to drive to his hometown of Wichita to vote in person. Along the way, he picked up a friend, Hunter Picard, so that Picard could vote in Rose Hill, southeast of Wichita. Picard, a 25-year-old chemist working in Lawrence, is unaffiliated.

Both said they thought of their sisters before voting against the proposed amendment. But Picard said he hasn’t decided how he will vote in the governor’s race in November.

Mandi Hunter, a 46-year-old real estate attorney from the Kansas City suburb of Leawood, is a self-described GOP moderate who voted against the proposed constitutional amendment. She, too, said she is undecided about her vote in November, though she noted that there will be more than just abortion on the ballot.

“They can’t ignore the other issues,” Hunter said.

Some Republicans believe voters will remain far more focused on the economy than abortion. Kelly is campaigning as if she agrees, staging a “Prosperity on the Plains” tour to promote her administration's business development efforts.

Kelly campaign spokesperson, Madison Andrus, pivoted to economic and education issues when asked for more details about the governor's position on abortion. The campaign would not say whether Kelly wants more abortion access than what is allowed now, with the state banning most abortions at the 22nd week of pregnancy and imposing other requirements such as a 24-hour waiting period.

Kelly's staff didn't make the governor available to discuss her campaign but provided a statement on her behalf to The Associated Press.

“The August 2 vote shows that Kansans want their government focused on things like the economy and schools — and not intervening in private medical decisions. Now that voters have spoken clearly, Governor Kelly will remain focused on bringing both parties together to get results — a balanced budget, cutting taxes, fully funding schools, and attracting new businesses to the state,” said campaign spokesperson Lauren Fitzgerald.

Schmidt, who backed the proposed constitutional change, said in&nbsp;<a href="https://schmidtforkansas.com/ag-schmidt-thoughts-on-last-tuesdays-vote/">a postelection statement</a>&nbsp;that he has never “advocated for a ban” on abortion. He said he supports allowing abortions to save a woman’s life, in cases of rape and incest and when a fetus has a condition “that makes it impossible to survive outside the womb.”

On Thursday, Schmidt said the outcome of the referendum has to be “respected" and that if elected governor, he would focus on enforcing abortion laws already on the books.

Some political operatives and pollsters argue for reading the Kansas vote narrowly, as opposition to a ban or a near-total ban rather than unconditional support for abortion in any circumstance.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-nancy-pelosi-womens-rights-government-and-politics-c410dbe9a8321b35a4e779b2fb226de5">An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll</a>&nbsp;in July found that while a majority of people in the United States wanted Congress to pass a law guaranteeing access to abortion nationwide, only one-third said a state generally should allow abortions at 24 weeks. A little more than half would allow abortions at 15 weeks.

Charles Franklin, director of Marquette University's Law School Poll, said Democrats should be running against severe abortion restrictions. “The challenge is,” he said, "how do you do that without seeming to be for unlimited abortion rights?”

Pat McPherron, a GOP pollster from Oklahoma City who works for U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said he expects abortion to fade as an issue.

“It’s one that voters think has been asked and answered,” he said. “Voters move on.”

Abortion rights supporters acknowledged that they're still trying to figure out how to keep their voters energized until November.

“Frankly, it’s our job to make sure they don’t move on,” said Susan Osborne, one of the leaders of Women for Kansas, a nonpartisan advocacy group that opposed the proposed amendment. “This was the beginning of the journey for us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662252126073.png" alt="On Saturday Gov. Kelly visited the oldest and largest urban farm and affordable market in Wichita, Common Ground Producers and Growers, on her Prosperity On The Plains tour. The farm provides fresh produce and addresses food insecurity." />
 <figcaption>On Saturday Gov. Kelly visited the oldest and largest urban farm and affordable market in Wichita, Common Ground Producers and Growers, on her Prosperity On The Plains tour. The farm provides fresh produce and addresses food insecurity.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly wasted little time after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisive victory in Kansas</a>&nbsp;for abortion rights before sending out a national fundraising email warning that access to the procedure would be “on the chopping block” if her party did not win in the November elections.But her message to voters at large as she heads into the fall campaign is dramatically different, even as Democrats in other states stress abortion access as an issue.A few days after her abortion-related fundraising email, Kelly's team suggested she would be focusing her reelection campaign on the state's now-healthy finances, robust funding for public schools and high-profile promises by businesses to create jobs.Democrats are split over whether it's the best strategy in a tough race against Republican Derek Schmidt, the three-term state attorney general. Kelly still has to win over some independents and moderate Republicans in her solidly red state, and although abortion access can attract centrist voters and drive turnout, it's the economy — and the pinch at the grocery store from inflation — that remains a big concern for them.“She needs to pull people from all kinds of areas,” said Joan Wagnon, a former Topeka mayor, state lawmaker and Kansas Democratic Party chair. While Kelly can use abortion as an issue to her advantage, Wagnon said, “I don’t think it’s the centerpiece of her campaign.”Voters on Aug. 2 overwhelmingly rejected a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would have removed protections for abortion rights. It was the first state referendum on abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in June.Kelly's approach heading into the general election contrasts with how Democratic Govs. Tony Evers in Wisconsin and Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan have made support for abortion rights central to their reelection campaigns. In Ohio, Democratic nominee Nan Whaley is stressing the issue in her race against anti-abortion Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.Some Democrats think Kelly is missing an opportunity if she doesn't follow suit.“The only way you inspire young voters, which is who Laura Kelly needs, is to make them feel like you understand the issues that they care about right now,” said Christopher Reeves, a suburban Kansas City activist, consultant and former Democratic National Committee member. “And the issue that they care about, especially young women voters, is abortion.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662252080126.png" alt="Governor Kelly at the urban farm on Saturday-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly at the urban farm on Saturday-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/80b8c1094d434fbcadcf1071cd047089">In winning her first term</a>&nbsp;in 2018 by about 5 percentage points, Kelly wooed independent and moderate Republican voters by pitching herself as a commonsense, bipartisan leader.But she also was running in a good year for Democrats — they regained a U.S. House majority — and against conservative Kris Kobach, who advocated for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-north-america-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-84a552fa0a464c6d9dae4bc36bb7c1fb">tough immigration policies as</a>&nbsp;a major supporter of then-President Donald Trump.Kelly’s stance on abortion rights brought Stephan Simmons, a 25-year-old higher education recruiter, firmly into her camp for November. Once a conservative Republican turned unaffiliated voter, he became a Democrat shortly before the Aug. 2 election.He made sure he returned to Kansas City from a business trip in time to drive to his hometown of Wichita to vote in person. Along the way, he picked up a friend, Hunter Picard, so that Picard could vote in Rose Hill, southeast of Wichita. Picard, a 25-year-old chemist working in Lawrence, is unaffiliated.Both said they thought of their sisters before voting against the proposed amendment. But Picard said he hasn’t decided how he will vote in the governor’s race in November.Mandi Hunter, a 46-year-old real estate attorney from the Kansas City suburb of Leawood, is a self-described GOP moderate who voted against the proposed constitutional amendment. She, too, said she is undecided about her vote in November, though she noted that there will be more than just abortion on the ballot.“They can’t ignore the other issues,” Hunter said.Some Republicans believe voters will remain far more focused on the economy than abortion. Kelly is campaigning as if she agrees, staging a “Prosperity on the Plains” tour to promote her administration's business development efforts.Kelly campaign spokesperson, Madison Andrus, pivoted to economic and education issues when asked for more details about the governor's position on abortion. The campaign would not say whether Kelly wants more abortion access than what is allowed now, with the state banning most abortions at the 22nd week of pregnancy and imposing other requirements such as a 24-hour waiting period.Kelly's staff didn't make the governor available to discuss her campaign but provided a statement on her behalf to The Associated Press.“The August 2 vote shows that Kansans want their government focused on things like the economy and schools — and not intervening in private medical decisions. Now that voters have spoken clearly, Governor Kelly will remain focused on bringing both parties together to get results — a balanced budget, cutting taxes, fully funding schools, and attracting new businesses to the state,” said campaign spokesperson Lauren Fitzgerald.Schmidt, who backed the proposed constitutional change, said in&nbsp;<a href="https://schmidtforkansas.com/ag-schmidt-thoughts-on-last-tuesdays-vote/">a postelection statement</a>&nbsp;that he has never “advocated for a ban” on abortion. He said he supports allowing abortions to save a woman’s life, in cases of rape and incest and when a fetus has a condition “that makes it impossible to survive outside the womb.”On Thursday, Schmidt said the outcome of the referendum has to be “respected" and that if elected governor, he would focus on enforcing abortion laws already on the books.Some political operatives and pollsters argue for reading the Kansas vote narrowly, as opposition to a ban or a near-total ban rather than unconditional support for abortion in any circumstance.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-nancy-pelosi-womens-rights-government-and-politics-c410dbe9a8321b35a4e779b2fb226de5">An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll</a>&nbsp;in July found that while a majority of people in the United States wanted Congress to pass a law guaranteeing access to abortion nationwide, only one-third said a state generally should allow abortions at 24 weeks. A little more than half would allow abortions at 15 weeks.Charles Franklin, director of Marquette University's Law School Poll, said Democrats should be running against severe abortion restrictions. “The challenge is,” he said, "how do you do that without seeming to be for unlimited abortion rights?”Pat McPherron, a GOP pollster from Oklahoma City who works for U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said he expects abortion to fade as an issue.“It’s one that voters think has been asked and answered,” he said. “Voters move on.”Abortion rights supporters acknowledged that they're still trying to figure out how to keep their voters energized until November.“Frankly, it’s our job to make sure they don’t move on,” said Susan Osborne, one of the leaders of Women for Kansas, a nonpartisan advocacy group that opposed the proposed amendment. “This was the beginning of the journey for us.”

Kansas governor lauds abortion vote but focuses on economy

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-farmer-ordered-to-pay-1-million-in-restitution-for-crop-insurance-fraud/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A a federal judge has 
ordered a Newman Grove farmer to pay $1 million in restitution, as well 
as a $30,000 fine, for making a fraudulent statement on a crop insurance
 claim.

Ross Nelson, 48, of Newman Grove, had provided false losses of 
soybeans and corn when he filed a claim in 2015 with an authorized 
insurance provider that was reinsured by the Federal Crop Insurance 
Corporation. He received reimbursement of $700,092 for his losses.

But because Nelson’s losses on his Holt County farmland didn’t match 
that of&nbsp; adjacent farmers, the USDA Risk Management Agency launched an 
investigation. It found that his claims were inaccurate.

Nelson was found guilty of making a false statement in connection 
with federal crop insurance. Besides repaying $1 million, he was 
sentenced to 4 years’ probation as well as 16 weekends of intermittent 
confinement.

The case was&nbsp;investigated by the Office of the Inspector General for the USDA.

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-farmer-ordered-to-pay-1-million-in-restitution-for-crop-insurance-fraud/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A a federal judge has 
ordered a Newman Grove farmer to pay $1 million in restitution, as well 
as a $30,000 fine, for making a fraudulent statement on a crop insurance
 claim.Ross Nelson, 48, of Newman Grove, had provided false losses of 
soybeans and corn when he filed a claim in 2015 with an authorized 
insurance provider that was reinsured by the Federal Crop Insurance 
Corporation. He received reimbursement of $700,092 for his losses.But because Nelson’s losses on his Holt County farmland didn’t match 
that of&nbsp; adjacent farmers, the USDA Risk Management Agency launched an 
investigation. It found that his claims were inaccurate.Nelson was found guilty of making a false statement in connection 
with federal crop insurance. Besides repaying $1 million, he was 
sentenced to 4 years’ probation as well as 16 weekends of intermittent 
confinement.The case was&nbsp;investigated by the Office of the Inspector General for the USDA.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Neb. farmer ordered to pay $1M in restitution for crop insurance fraud

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are working to locate 39-year-old Amanda Crabtree, who was reported missing by her family on August 24, according to Wichita Police.

Authorities located he Black Hyundai Sonata abandoned with her personal belongings at the Interstate 135 rest stop near McPherson later that same day. 

The Kansas Highway Patrol and the McPherson County Sheriff’s office have searched the area, but she has not yet been located.

A woman, believed to be Amanda, was seen at the rest area with her cat. She may have dyed her hair blue. She is described as 5-foot-4, 200 pounds, with blue eyes. She may be traveling with her cat. 

Authorities want to check her welfare and believe she may be in danger. If you have information about her whereabouts, please contact WPD Homicide Investigators at 316-268-4181.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662054202579.png" alt="Crabtree-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Crabtree-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are working to locate 39-year-old Amanda Crabtree, who was reported missing by her family on August 24, according to Wichita Police.Authorities located he Black Hyundai Sonata abandoned with her personal belongings at the Interstate 135 rest stop near McPherson later that same day. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the McPherson County Sheriff’s office have searched the area, but she has not yet been located.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662054343012.png" alt="Crabtree-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Crabtree-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>A woman, believed to be Amanda, was seen at the rest area with her cat. She may have dyed her hair blue. She is described as 5-foot-4, 200 pounds, with blue eyes. She may be traveling with her cat. Authorities want to check her welfare and believe she may be in danger. If you have information about her whereabouts, please contact WPD Homicide Investigators at 316-268-4181.

Police: Kan. woman's car found abandoned; she is still missing 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —After a week that saw three students taken into custody for allegedly having a gun at school and security staff at another school forced to use pepper spray to break up a disturbance in the cafeteria, USD 259 Superintendent Alicia Thompson responded with a statement on the district web site.

" You are likely aware of a rash of incidents relating to unacceptable behaviors in several of our high schools. Public attention has been drawn to fights and students gathering to video the incident, as well as incidents of students bringing a weapon to school. Thankfully there have been no threats with the weapons, and no injuries during the fights, but we take each of these incidents seriously. The actions of a small number of our students who cause commotion and fear in our schools is&nbsp;completely unacceptable, and it must stop.

The vast majority of our students come to school to learn, grow, make friends and explore opportunities for future careers. We commend our students who do the right thing, and when something doesn’t look or feel right, students should be reminded that if they “see something they should say something.”&nbsp;

Parents, regardless of the age of your child, please make sure they also know that disruptive behavior that threatens the learning environment of their school, and causes fear or disruption,&nbsp;will not be tolerated in our schools. While we know our community continues to deal with the stresses of social isolation and economic concerns, there is&nbsp;absolutely no tolerance for this behavior coming into our schools.

Additionally, at our September 12 Board of Education meeting, we will have an important presentation on WPS safety by Terri Moses, our division director of safety and environmental services. Ms. Moses will update the board on existing safety measures and share a new development that we will be excited to bring to our schools. More information will be shared after the meeting.

Overall, the school year has started out strong across our district. Students and teachers value the power of relationships and the supportive environment they find in our school communities.&nbsp; We will continue to do everything possible to earn your trust of and support for the Wichita Public Schools."

On August 29, police took a student at West High School into custody for having a gun on campus. On August 30, police took a Wichita Heights  student with a gun on campus into custody.&nbsp; On Sept. 1, a Wichita Police Department School Resource Officer was working at East High School when they were notified by school staff of a student that was possibly in possession of a firearm, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

School staff searched a 16-year-old male student and found a handgun in his possession. The gun was seized, and the 16-year-old was booked into the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center for possession of a firearm by a juvenile and possession of a firearm on school grounds.

On August 29, Security staff at Wichita Southeast High School were forced to use pepper spray during an incident in the cafeteria.

"There was an altercation at the school involving 7 or 8 students during lunch that caused a large crowd to gather," according to USD 259 media relations manager Susan Arensman.

"The school security officer used pepper spray in the area to disperse the crowd. No students were directly sprayed. No one was injured."

"When situations get where we cannot get students to comply and the learning environment is deemed unsafe we may have to resort to these measures, School principal Ben Mitchell wrote in a note sent to parents and guardians.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662415608710.png" alt="Dr. Alicia Thompson, Superintendent of USD 259-Wichita during the district board meeting August 22." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Alicia Thompson, Superintendent of USD 259-Wichita during the district board meeting August 22.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —After a week that saw three students taken into custody for allegedly having a gun at school and security staff at another school forced to use pepper spray to break up a disturbance in the cafeteria, USD 259 Superintendent Alicia Thompson responded with a statement on the district web site." You are likely aware of a rash of incidents relating to unacceptable behaviors in several of our high schools. Public attention has been drawn to fights and students gathering to video the incident, as well as incidents of students bringing a weapon to school. Thankfully there have been no threats with the weapons, and no injuries during the fights, but we take each of these incidents seriously. The actions of a small number of our students who cause commotion and fear in our schools is&nbsp;completely unacceptable, and it must stop.The vast majority of our students come to school to learn, grow, make friends and explore opportunities for future careers. We commend our students who do the right thing, and when something doesn’t look or feel right, students should be reminded that if they “see something they should say something.”&nbsp;Parents, regardless of the age of your child, please make sure they also know that disruptive behavior that threatens the learning environment of their school, and causes fear or disruption,&nbsp;will not be tolerated in our schools. While we know our community continues to deal with the stresses of social isolation and economic concerns, there is&nbsp;absolutely no tolerance for this behavior coming into our schools.Additionally, at our September 12 Board of Education meeting, we will have an important presentation on WPS safety by Terri Moses, our division director of safety and environmental services. Ms. Moses will update the board on existing safety measures and share a new development that we will be excited to bring to our schools. More information will be shared after the meeting.Overall, the school year has started out strong across our district. Students and teachers value the power of relationships and the supportive environment they find in our school communities.&nbsp; We will continue to do everything possible to earn your trust of and support for the Wichita Public Schools."On August 29, police took a student at West High School into custody for having a gun on campus. On August 30, police took a Wichita Heights student with a gun on campus into custody.&nbsp; On Sept. 1, a Wichita Police Department School Resource Officer was working at East High School when they were notified by school staff of a student that was possibly in possession of a firearm, according to Officer Trevor Macy.School staff searched a 16-year-old male student and found a handgun in his possession. The gun was seized, and the 16-year-old was booked into the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center for possession of a firearm by a juvenile and possession of a firearm on school grounds.On August 29, Security staff at Wichita Southeast High School were forced to use pepper spray during an incident in the cafeteria."There was an altercation at the school involving 7 or 8 students during lunch that caused a large crowd to gather," according to USD 259 media relations manager Susan Arensman."The school security officer used pepper spray in the area to disperse the crowd. No students were directly sprayed. No one was injured.""When situations get where we cannot get students to comply and the learning environment is deemed unsafe we may have to resort to these measures, School principal Ben Mitchell wrote in a note sent to parents and guardians.

Superintendent of state's largest school district responds to guns on campus

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after three American bullies were stolen from Midwest Animal ResQ.

Just after 5:30a.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to 10312 E 63rd Street at the Midwest Animal Resq for an alarm. Officers arrived and found the back door open from apparent forced entry, according to a media release.

The two gray dogs recently had surgery and the red dog requires medication for an infection.

The shelter’s security cameras captured the incident.

All three dogs came to the shelter on Aug. 25.&nbsp; One person tried to reclaim them but did not want to pay the associated animal control fees, according to the shelter.

Anyone with information is asked to call the shelter at 816-919-1364, TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477 and/or Raytown police at 816-737-6020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662460958569.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after three American bullies were stolen from Midwest Animal ResQ.Just after 5:30a.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to 10312 E 63rd Street at the Midwest Animal Resq for an alarm. Officers arrived and found the back door open from apparent forced entry, according to a media release.The two gray dogs recently had surgery and the red dog requires medication for an infection.The shelter’s security cameras captured the incident.All three dogs came to the shelter on Aug. 25.&nbsp; One person tried to reclaim them but did not want to pay the associated animal control fees, according to the shelter.Anyone with information is asked to call the shelter at 816-919-1364, TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477 and/or Raytown police at 816-737-6020.

Police: Dogs stolen from Kansas City-area animal shelter

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue searching for a man who took off, almost hit an officer with his car, led them on a high-speed pursuit down I-70, crashed and then ran into the woods.

Just after 3 p.m., Sunday police were called to a car wash in the 1000 Block of N. 3rd&nbsp;Street in Lawrence, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe.

 Someone called because a man was sleeping in his running car. Officers called for medical help after they noticed he was breathing but not responding. The man eventually woke up, would not cooperate with officers, and quickly hit the gas, almost hitting one of the officers. 

The suspect vehicle entered Interstate 70 eastbound where speeds reached more than 100 mph, then eventually hit spike strips positioned by a KHP Trooper. 

The driver continued on two rims until he struck a middle barrier just east of the&nbsp;Tonganoxie-Eudora exit. The car came to a stop slightly off the shoulder and the suspect fled on foot southbound into thick brush and woods.

The vehicle was reported stolen out of Overland Park, according to McCabe. A search of the vehicle revealed suspected illegal drugs to include marijuana packaged for sale, heroin, miscellaneous pills, a handgun and miscellaneous ammunition and extended magazines. Multiple K9's assisted with the search along with our Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and KHP air support.

Law enforcement agencies have identified the suspect as wanted for a parole violation out of Illinois. If you see this man or have any information, please call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662395168371.png" alt="Photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue searching for a man who took off, almost hit an officer with his car, led them on a high-speed pursuit down I-70, crashed and then ran into the woods.Just after 3 p.m., Sunday police were called to a car wash in the 1000 Block of N. 3rd&nbsp;Street in Lawrence, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe. Someone called because a man was sleeping in his running car. Officers called for medical help after they noticed he was breathing but not responding. The man eventually woke up, would not cooperate with officers, and quickly hit the gas, almost hitting one of the officers. The suspect vehicle entered Interstate 70 eastbound where speeds reached more than 100 mph, then eventually hit spike strips positioned by a KHP Trooper. The driver continued on two rims until he struck a middle barrier just east of the&nbsp;Tonganoxie-Eudora exit. The car came to a stop slightly off the shoulder and the suspect fled on foot southbound into thick brush and woods.The vehicle was reported stolen out of Overland Park, according to McCabe. A search of the vehicle revealed suspected illegal drugs to include marijuana packaged for sale, heroin, miscellaneous pills, a handgun and miscellaneous ammunition and extended magazines. Multiple K9's assisted with the search along with our Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and KHP air support.Law enforcement agencies have identified the suspect as wanted for a parole violation out of Illinois. If you see this man or have any information, please call 911.

Search continues for suspect who nearly struck Kan. officer with stolen vehicle

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a legal victory for former President Donald Trump, a federal judge on Monday granted his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-government-and-politics-1cc6c63010da10a19fb8cfc8595ffe38">request for a special master</a>&nbsp;to review documents seized by the FBI from his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-f63c018b600e1539ff3660a896a132d0">Florida home</a>&nbsp;and temporarily halted the Justice Department’s use of the records for investigative purposes.

The decision by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon authorizes an outside legal expert to review the records taken during the Aug. 8 search and to weed out from the rest of the investigation any that might be protected by claims of attorney-client privilege or executive privilege. Some of those records may ultimately be returned to Trump, but the judge put off a ruling on that question.

The order&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-fbi-search-outside-expert-e732ef9ea773f4d4eaf49069b8cec325">came despite the strenuous objections of the Justice Department,</a>&nbsp;which said a special master was not necessary in part because officials had already completed their review of potentially privileged documents. The department said Monday that it was reviewing the decision but did not indicate if and when it might appeal.

The order almost certainly slows the pace of the department’s investigation into the presence of top-secret information at Mar-a-Lago, particularly given the judge’s directive that the Justice Department may not for the moment use any of the seized materials as part of its investigation into the storage of government secrets at the Florida property. The injunction is in place until the yet-to-be-named special master completes his or her work, or until “further court order.”

“The Court is mindful that restraints on criminal prosecutions are disfavored, but finds that these unprecedented circumstances call for a brief pause to allow for neutral, third-party review to ensure a just process with adequate safeguards,” Cannon, a Trump appointee, wrote in her 24-page order.

Even so, it is not clear that the decision will present a long-term impediment to the investigation's progress or significantly affect investigative decisions or the ultimate outcome of the probe. And a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-0486be7d750ae7546c6b9175f4952857">separate assessment by the U.S. intelligence community</a>&nbsp;of the risk posed by the apparent mishandling of classified records will continue under the judge's order.

“While this is a victory for the former President, it is by no means an overwhelming win for him,” David Weinstein, a Florida criminal defense lawyer and former Justice Department prosecutor, said in an email. “While it is a setback for the government, it is also not a devastating loss for them.”

He noted, for instance, that the judge did not immediately order the seized documents returned to Trump or suppress any of the evidence.

Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said Monday that “the United States is examining the opinion and will consider appropriate next steps in the ongoing litigation.” A lawyer for Trump did not respond to a request for comment.

The department and Trump's lawyers are to submit by Friday a list of proposed special master candidates.

FBI agents in August seized roughly 11,000 documents and 1,800 other items from Mar-a-Lago as part of a criminal investigation into the retention of national defense information there, as well as into efforts to obstruct the probe. About 100 of the documents contained classification markings.

Trump’s lawyers had argued that a special master, usually an outside lawyer or former judge, was necessary to ensure an independent review of records taken during the search and so that any personal information or documents could be filtered out and returned to Trump.

In this case, the seized records “include medical documents, correspondence related to taxes, and accounting information,” the judge's order said.

Cannon said it was too soon to know whether Trump will be entitled to the return of any of the records, but “for now, the circumstances surrounding the seizure in this case and the associated need for adequate procedural safeguards are sufficiently compelling to at least get Plaintiff past the courthouse doors.”

She also said she found persuasive his lawyers' arguments that he faced potentially “irreparable injury” by being denied access to records that might be of significant personal interest to him. She said the investigative process had, so far, been “closed off” to him.

“As a function of Plaintiff’s former position as President of the United States, the stigma associated with the subject seizure is in a league of its own,” Cannon wrote. “A future indictment, based to any degree on property that ought to be returned, would result in reputational harm of a decidedly different order of magnitude.”

The Justice Department had argued against the appointment, saying it was unnecessary because it had already reviewed potentially privileged documents and identified a limited subset that could be covered by attorney-client privilege.

The department had been using a separate “privilege review team” for that work, but Cannon cited at least two instances in which members of the investigative team were “exposed” to potentially privileged material, something she said raised questions about the adequacy of the process.

The department had also said Trump was not entitled to the return of any of the presidential records that were taken since he is no longer president and the documents therefore do not belong to him. And personal items that were recovered were commingled with classified information, giving them potential evidentiary value, the department said.

Though prosecutors had argued that Trump, as a former president, had no legal basis to assert executive privilege over the documents, the judge said he was entitled to raise it as a concern and permitted the special master to look for records that might be covered by that privilege.

“The major sticking point, I think, is that the executive privilege documents were included” in the judge’s decision, said Florida criminal defense lawyer Richard Serafini, a former Justice Department prosecutor.

Cannon, who was nominated by Trump in 2020, had signaled last month that she was inclined to appoint a special master and did so again during arguments last week, asking at one point, “Ultimately, what is the harm in the appointment of a special master to sort through these issues without creating undue delay?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661990931385.png" alt="This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. (Department of Justice via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. (Department of Justice via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — In a legal victory for former President Donald Trump, a federal judge on Monday granted his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-government-and-politics-1cc6c63010da10a19fb8cfc8595ffe38">request for a special master</a>&nbsp;to review documents seized by the FBI from his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-f63c018b600e1539ff3660a896a132d0">Florida home</a>&nbsp;and temporarily halted the Justice Department’s use of the records for investigative purposes.The decision by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon authorizes an outside legal expert to review the records taken during the Aug. 8 search and to weed out from the rest of the investigation any that might be protected by claims of attorney-client privilege or executive privilege. Some of those records may ultimately be returned to Trump, but the judge put off a ruling on that question.The order&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-fbi-search-outside-expert-e732ef9ea773f4d4eaf49069b8cec325">came despite the strenuous objections of the Justice Department,</a>&nbsp;which said a special master was not necessary in part because officials had already completed their review of potentially privileged documents. The department said Monday that it was reviewing the decision but did not indicate if and when it might appeal.The order almost certainly slows the pace of the department’s investigation into the presence of top-secret information at Mar-a-Lago, particularly given the judge’s directive that the Justice Department may not for the moment use any of the seized materials as part of its investigation into the storage of government secrets at the Florida property. The injunction is in place until the yet-to-be-named special master completes his or her work, or until “further court order.”“The Court is mindful that restraints on criminal prosecutions are disfavored, but finds that these unprecedented circumstances call for a brief pause to allow for neutral, third-party review to ensure a just process with adequate safeguards,” Cannon, a Trump appointee, wrote in her 24-page order.Even so, it is not clear that the decision will present a long-term impediment to the investigation's progress or significantly affect investigative decisions or the ultimate outcome of the probe. And a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-0486be7d750ae7546c6b9175f4952857">separate assessment by the U.S. intelligence community</a>&nbsp;of the risk posed by the apparent mishandling of classified records will continue under the judge's order.“While this is a victory for the former President, it is by no means an overwhelming win for him,” David Weinstein, a Florida criminal defense lawyer and former Justice Department prosecutor, said in an email. “While it is a setback for the government, it is also not a devastating loss for them.”He noted, for instance, that the judge did not immediately order the seized documents returned to Trump or suppress any of the evidence.Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said Monday that “the United States is examining the opinion and will consider appropriate next steps in the ongoing litigation.” A lawyer for Trump did not respond to a request for comment.The department and Trump's lawyers are to submit by Friday a list of proposed special master candidates.FBI agents in August seized roughly 11,000 documents and 1,800 other items from Mar-a-Lago as part of a criminal investigation into the retention of national defense information there, as well as into efforts to obstruct the probe. About 100 of the documents contained classification markings.Trump’s lawyers had argued that a special master, usually an outside lawyer or former judge, was necessary to ensure an independent review of records taken during the search and so that any personal information or documents could be filtered out and returned to Trump.In this case, the seized records “include medical documents, correspondence related to taxes, and accounting information,” the judge's order said.Cannon said it was too soon to know whether Trump will be entitled to the return of any of the records, but “for now, the circumstances surrounding the seizure in this case and the associated need for adequate procedural safeguards are sufficiently compelling to at least get Plaintiff past the courthouse doors.”She also said she found persuasive his lawyers' arguments that he faced potentially “irreparable injury” by being denied access to records that might be of significant personal interest to him. She said the investigative process had, so far, been “closed off” to him.“As a function of Plaintiff’s former position as President of the United States, the stigma associated with the subject seizure is in a league of its own,” Cannon wrote. “A future indictment, based to any degree on property that ought to be returned, would result in reputational harm of a decidedly different order of magnitude.”The Justice Department had argued against the appointment, saying it was unnecessary because it had already reviewed potentially privileged documents and identified a limited subset that could be covered by attorney-client privilege.The department had been using a separate “privilege review team” for that work, but Cannon cited at least two instances in which members of the investigative team were “exposed” to potentially privileged material, something she said raised questions about the adequacy of the process.The department had also said Trump was not entitled to the return of any of the presidential records that were taken since he is no longer president and the documents therefore do not belong to him. And personal items that were recovered were commingled with classified information, giving them potential evidentiary value, the department said.Though prosecutors had argued that Trump, as a former president, had no legal basis to assert executive privilege over the documents, the judge said he was entitled to raise it as a concern and permitted the special master to look for records that might be covered by that privilege.“The major sticking point, I think, is that the executive privilege documents were included” in the judge’s decision, said Florida criminal defense lawyer Richard Serafini, a former Justice Department prosecutor.Cannon, who was nominated by Trump in 2020, had signaled last month that she was inclined to appoint a special master and did so again during arguments last week, asking at one point, “Ultimately, what is the harm in the appointment of a special master to sort through these issues without creating undue delay?”____

Judge grants Trump a win in battle over FBI document search

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers who pay 
estimated taxes that the deadline to submit their third quarter payment 
is September 15, 2022.

Taxpayers not subject to withholding, such as those who are self-employed, investors or retirees, may need to make <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">quarterly estimated tax payments</a>.
 Taxpayers with other income not subject to withholding, including 
interest, dividends, capital gains, alimony, cryptocurrency and rental 
income, also normally make estimated tax payments.

In most cases, taxpayers should make estimated tax payments if they expect:

Special rules apply to some groups of taxpayers, such as farmers, fishermen, casualty and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/disaster-assistance-and-emergency-relief-for-individuals-and-businesses">disaster victims</a>, those who recently became disabled, recent retirees and those who receive income unevenly during the year. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p505">Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax</a>, provides more information on estimated tax rules. The worksheet in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-es">Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals</a>, or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1120-w">Form 1120-W, Estimated Tax for Corporations</a>, has details on who must pay estimated tax.

To figure estimated tax, individuals must figure their expected 
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), taxable income, taxes, deductions and 
credits for the year.

When figuring 2022 estimated tax, it may be helpful to use income, 
deductions and credits for 2021 as a starting point. Use the 2021 
federal tax return as a guide. Taxpayers can use Form 1040-ES to figure 
their estimated tax.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 on IRS.gov offers taxpayers a clear, step-by-step method to have their 
employers withhold the right amount of tax from their paycheck. It also 
has instructions to file a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4">Form W-4</a> to give to their employer to adjust the amount withheld each payday.

Taxpayers who underpaid their taxes may have to pay a penalty. This 
applies whether they paid through withholding or through estimated tax 
payments. A penalty may also apply for late estimated tax payments even 
if someone is due a refund when they file their tax return.

To see if they owe a penalty, taxpayers should use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-2210">Form 2210, Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Individuals, Estates, and Trusts</a>. Taxpayers can also see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i2210">Form 2210 instructions</a>
 under the "Waiver of Penalty" section. The IRS may waive the penalty if
 someone underpaid because of unusual circumstances and not willful 
neglect. Examples include:

The fourth and final 2022 estimated tax payment is due January 17, 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers who pay 
estimated taxes that the deadline to submit their third quarter payment 
is September 15, 2022.Taxpayers not subject to withholding, such as those who are self-employed, investors or retirees, may need to make <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">quarterly estimated tax payments</a>.
 Taxpayers with other income not subject to withholding, including 
interest, dividends, capital gains, alimony, cryptocurrency and rental 
income, also normally make estimated tax payments.In most cases, taxpayers should make estimated tax payments if they expect:<ul>
 <li>To owe at least $1,000 in taxes for 2022 after subtracting their withholding and tax credits.</li><li>Their withholding and tax credits to be less than the smaller of:
	90% of the tax to be shown on their 2022 tax return or100% of the tax shown on their 2021 tax return. Their 2021 tax return must cover all 12 months.</li><li>90% of the tax to be shown on their 2022 tax return or</li><li>100% of the tax shown on their 2021 tax return. Their 2021 tax return must cover all 12 months.</li>
 </ul>Special rules apply to some groups of taxpayers, such as farmers, fishermen, casualty and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/disaster-assistance-and-emergency-relief-for-individuals-and-businesses">disaster victims</a>, those who recently became disabled, recent retirees and those who receive income unevenly during the year. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p505">Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax</a>, provides more information on estimated tax rules. The worksheet in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-es">Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals</a>, or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1120-w">Form 1120-W, Estimated Tax for Corporations</a>, has details on who must pay estimated tax.<h2>How to figure estimated tax</h2>To figure estimated tax, individuals must figure their expected 
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), taxable income, taxes, deductions and 
credits for the year.When figuring 2022 estimated tax, it may be helpful to use income, 
deductions and credits for 2021 as a starting point. Use the 2021 
federal tax return as a guide. Taxpayers can use Form 1040-ES to figure 
their estimated tax.The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 on IRS.gov offers taxpayers a clear, step-by-step method to have their 
employers withhold the right amount of tax from their paycheck. It also 
has instructions to file a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4">Form W-4</a> to give to their employer to adjust the amount withheld each payday.<h2>How to avoid an underpayment penalty</h2>Taxpayers who underpaid their taxes may have to pay a penalty. This 
applies whether they paid through withholding or through estimated tax 
payments. A penalty may also apply for late estimated tax payments even 
if someone is due a refund when they file their tax return.To see if they owe a penalty, taxpayers should use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-2210">Form 2210, Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Individuals, Estates, and Trusts</a>. Taxpayers can also see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i2210">Form 2210 instructions</a>
 under the "Waiver of Penalty" section. The IRS may waive the penalty if
 someone underpaid because of unusual circumstances and not willful 
neglect. Examples include:<ul>
 <li>Casualty, disaster or another unusual situation.</li><li>An individual retired after reaching age 62 during a tax year when estimated tax payments applied.</li><li>An individual became disabled during a tax year when estimated tax payments applied.</li><li>Specific written advice from an IRS agent given in response to a 
specific written request. The taxpayer must provide copies of both.</li>
 </ul>The fourth and final 2022 estimated tax payment is due January 17, 2023.

IRS: Deadline nears for third quarter estimated tax payments

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — An agricultural tax law professor from Washburn University doesn't see a whole lot of positives in the government expansion bill euphemized as the inflation reduction act.

"This is an example of government picking winners and losers,"&nbsp;said Roger McEowen, the Kansas Farm Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law. "If you're in a certain type of industry, if you're into renewables, so called green energy, you are being favored. If you're in the oil and gas industry, if you are a major manufacturer of the old style economic system of production in this country, you are disfavored."

McEowen sees the economics behind the legislation as detached from reality.

"This whole bill is based on&nbsp;Modern Monetary Theory, which, in essence, is just simply warmed over Keynesianism from 90 years ago," McEowen said. "It didn't prove true then. It won't prove true now. What that theory means is, we can spend, the government can spend as much money as it wants and has no impact on inflation. That's again, trying to redefine the laws of economics. It doesn't work."

He goes further to say that renewable energy is parasitic in nature, feeding the urban needs at the cost of rural America.

"This is cost shifting problems from the urban areas to you," McEowen said. "They don't have space to put up wind farms in urban areas. They find space out here. They use your land. They scar the aesthetics of the countryside and then they ship that electricity back to them."

The non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation also says that average tax rates will increase for nearly every income category in 2023.

According to McEowen's&nbsp;<a href="https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/agriculturallaw/2022/09/declaring-inflation-reduced-and-being-forgiving-recent-developments-in-tax-and-law.html">blog post</a>, the JCT says that taxes will rise by $16.7 billion in 2023 on those earning less than $200,000 annually and those making between $200,000 and $500,000 will pay $14.1 billion more. The JCT also concluded that 61 percent of taxpayers making between $40,000 and $50,000 will see a tax increase, and that 91 percent of taxpayers making between $100,000 and $200,000 will see higher taxes.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977157818.jpeg" alt="Roger McEowen is the Kansas Farm Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law. " />
 <figcaption>Roger McEowen is the Kansas Farm Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law. </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — An agricultural tax law professor from Washburn University doesn't see a whole lot of positives in the government expansion bill euphemized as the inflation reduction act."This is an example of government picking winners and losers,"&nbsp;said Roger McEowen, the Kansas Farm Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law. "If you're in a certain type of industry, if you're into renewables, so called green energy, you are being favored. If you're in the oil and gas industry, if you are a major manufacturer of the old style economic system of production in this country, you are disfavored."McEowen sees the economics behind the legislation as detached from reality."This whole bill is based on&nbsp;Modern Monetary Theory, which, in essence, is just simply warmed over Keynesianism from 90 years ago," McEowen said. "It didn't prove true then. It won't prove true now. What that theory means is, we can spend, the government can spend as much money as it wants and has no impact on inflation. That's again, trying to redefine the laws of economics. It doesn't work."He goes further to say that renewable energy is parasitic in nature, feeding the urban needs at the cost of rural America."This is cost shifting problems from the urban areas to you," McEowen said. "They don't have space to put up wind farms in urban areas. They find space out here. They use your land. They scar the aesthetics of the countryside and then they ship that electricity back to them."The non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation also says that average tax rates will increase for nearly every income category in 2023.According to McEowen's&nbsp;<a href="https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/agriculturallaw/2022/09/declaring-inflation-reduced-and-being-forgiving-recent-developments-in-tax-and-law.html">blog post</a>, the JCT says that taxes will rise by $16.7 billion in 2023 on those earning less than $200,000 annually and those making between $200,000 and $500,000 will pay $14.1 billion more. The JCT also concluded that 61 percent of taxpayers making between $40,000 and $50,000 will see a tax increase, and that 91 percent of taxpayers making between $100,000 and $200,000 will see higher taxes.&nbsp;

Washburn professor critical of Biden's Inflation Reduction Act 

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City woman has been charged in the fatal shooting on Wednesday of her husband who was shot in his bed, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Melanie Biggins, 40,&nbsp; faces Murder 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records filed Friday, Kansas City police were dispatched on Aug. 31. 2022, to the 1700 block of Gillespie on a reported shooting. 

Police found the Biggins performing CPR on the victim, Etienne L McEwan. He was in his bed in a pool of blood. Police confirmed that Biggins had purchased a handgun this summer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662124968427.png" alt="Biggins-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Biggins-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City woman has been charged in the fatal shooting on Wednesday of her husband who was shot in his bed, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Melanie Biggins, 40,&nbsp; faces Murder 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records filed Friday, Kansas City police were dispatched on Aug. 31. 2022, to the 1700 block of Gillespie on a reported shooting. Police found the Biggins performing CPR on the victim, Etienne L McEwan. He was in his bed in a pool of blood. Police confirmed that Biggins had purchased a handgun this summer.