TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Nineteen years after a woman was raped near Topeka, a man has been convicted of the crime after authorities determined his DNA linked him to the crime.

Pernell Adam Mack Jr., was convicted Wednesday of rape, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and aggravated criminal sodomy, District Attorney Mike Kagay said in a news release.

Kagay said Mack and another person raped the woman at her home south of Topeka after robbing her and pistol-whipping her.

The investigation did not produce leads to possible suspects at the time, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585826204166.png" alt="Pernell Mack from his Shawnee Co. arrest in 2020" />
 <figcaption>Pernell Mack from his Shawnee Co. arrest in 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Nineteen years after a woman was raped near Topeka, a man has been convicted of the crime after authorities determined his DNA linked him to the crime.Pernell Adam Mack Jr., was convicted Wednesday of rape, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and aggravated criminal sodomy, District Attorney Mike Kagay said in a news release.A sentencing date hasn’t been set.Kagay said Mack and another person raped the woman at her home south of Topeka after robbing her and pistol-whipping her.The investigation did not produce leads to possible suspects at the time, he said.

Man convicted 19 years after woman's rape in Kansas.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINA —Law enforcement arrested a man&nbsp;Wednesday morning after he allegedly threw a landscape rock at a restaurant window.

Officers were dispatched at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday to McDonald's, 701 S. Broadway, for the report of damage to property, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.

Employees told police that when a man couldn't get into the lobby because it was closed, he grabbed a landscape rock and threw it at an eight-foot by five-foot window, causing $2,000 damage, Forrester said.

Police located the man, identified as Tadd Marshall, 36, of Salina, at a nearby bus stop. He was arrested on the requested charge of felony damage to property, Forrester said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652363880818.png" alt="Marshall photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Marshall photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINA —Law enforcement arrested a man&nbsp;Wednesday morning after he allegedly threw a landscape rock at a restaurant window.Officers were dispatched at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday to McDonald's, 701 S. Broadway, for the report of damage to property, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.Employees told police that when a man couldn't get into the lobby because it was closed, he grabbed a landscape rock and threw it at an eight-foot by five-foot window, causing $2,000 damage, Forrester said.Police located the man, identified as Tadd Marshall, 36, of Salina, at a nearby bus stop. He was arrested on the requested charge of felony damage to property, Forrester said.

Kan. man unhappy with restaurant threw large rock breaking window

WICHITA, KAN. – The U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas fined a recidivist violator of statutory and regulatory federal livestock laws under the Packers and Stockyards Act, according to the United State's Attorney.

The District Court also entered a lifetime ban against trader, John Rife, of Oswego, Kansas, for his violations of federal law and for breaching prior injunctive orders previously entered by the federal court.

Rife did not substantively defend allegations filed by the United States of numerous violations of federal law. The violations include:

• operating on a dealer basis of cattle transactions with a suspended registration;

• failing to maintain records and make records available to the federal inspectors; and

• violating the federal court’s prior 2012 and 2017 orders imposing penalties and injunctive relief against Rife for similar conduct

During a hearing on the matter, the United States argued that Rife’s operation as a cattle dealer and market agency without registering, bonding, or maintaining records potentially jeopardizes the financial integrity of the cattle markets. The United States also contended Rife’s failure to comply with federal law impairs the government’s ability to investigate and prevent the spread of disease.

The District Court ordered Rife to pay the United States 15% of $1,799,168.50 in new and reinstated penalties, equaling $269,875.27. The remainder is set in abatement in case of future violations. The

District Court further entered a lifetime ban against Rife, barring him from engaging in any further business within the USDA’s jurisdiction for which registration and bonding are required.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Packers and Stockyards Division investigated the case against Rife.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652370199940.png" alt="Rife -photo Cherokee County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Rife -photo Cherokee County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – The U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas fined a recidivist violator of statutory and regulatory federal livestock laws under the Packers and Stockyards Act, according to the United State's Attorney.The District Court also entered a lifetime ban against trader, John Rife, of Oswego, Kansas, for his violations of federal law and for breaching prior injunctive orders previously entered by the federal court.Rife did not substantively defend allegations filed by the United States of numerous violations of federal law. The violations include:• operating on a dealer basis of cattle transactions with a suspended registration;• operating without an adequate bond;• failing to maintain records and make records available to the federal inspectors; and• violating the federal court’s prior 2012 and 2017 orders imposing penalties and injunctive relief against Rife for similar conductDuring a hearing on the matter, the United States argued that Rife’s operation as a cattle dealer and market agency without registering, bonding, or maintaining records potentially jeopardizes the financial integrity of the cattle markets. The United States also contended Rife’s failure to comply with federal law impairs the government’s ability to investigate and prevent the spread of disease.The District Court ordered Rife to pay the United States 15% of $1,799,168.50 in new and reinstated penalties, equaling $269,875.27. The remainder is set in abatement in case of future violations. TheDistrict Court further entered a lifetime ban against Rife, barring him from engaging in any further business within the USDA’s jurisdiction for which registration and bonding are required.The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Packers and Stockyards Division investigated the case against Rife.

Kan. cattle trader fined, banned for life after repeated violations

BARBER COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 10a.m. Thursday in Barber County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Kenworth cement truck driven by Anthony R. Peek, 58, Medicine Lodge, was southbound on McAdoo Road two miles south of Elm Mills Road.

The truck's right front tire caught loose sand at the edge of the roadway as it crested a hill.

The vehicle was pulled closer to the ditch and the driver overcorrected. The truck entered the east ditch, rolled numerous times and came to rest on its wheels.

Peek was pronounced dead and was transported to&nbsp;Larrison Funeral Home in Medicine Lodge. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

BARBER COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 10a.m. Thursday in Barber County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Kenworth cement truck driven by Anthony R. Peek, 58, Medicine Lodge, was southbound on McAdoo Road two miles south of Elm Mills Road.The truck's right front tire caught loose sand at the edge of the roadway as it crested a hill.The vehicle was pulled closer to the ditch and the driver overcorrected. The truck entered the east ditch, rolled numerous times and came to rest on its wheels.Peek was pronounced dead and was transported to&nbsp;Larrison Funeral Home in Medicine Lodge. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after cement truck rollover accident

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday signed legislation that legalizes betting in Kansas on sports events, though state officials and others said it’s not clear yet how soon the wagering could begin.

The bill signed by Kelly dedicates most of the the state’s share of revenues from the new gambling to efforts to lure the Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri to the Kansas side of the metropolitan area. The measure creates a fund for attracting professional sports teams to the state, but lawmakers have said the primary challenge is the Kansas City, Missouri-based professional football franchise. The funds available would be perhaps $5 million a year.

The new law will allow people in the state to use cellphone or computer apps to bet on sporting events and to place bets at state-owned casinos or up to 50 other locations chosen by each casino.

Penn National Gaming, which operates the state-owned Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, plans to build a retail sportsbook in the Kansas City-area casino. The Pennsylvania-based company also aims to launch mobile sports betting for people in Kansas. Spokesman Jeff Morris said that he hopes that people in Kansas would be able to begin legally betting by the National Football League season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642433370143.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday signed legislation that legalizes betting in Kansas on sports events, though state officials and others said it’s not clear yet how soon the wagering could begin.The bill signed by Kelly dedicates most of the the state’s share of revenues from the new gambling to efforts to lure the Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri to the Kansas side of the metropolitan area. The measure creates a fund for attracting professional sports teams to the state, but lawmakers have said the primary challenge is the Kansas City, Missouri-based professional football franchise. The funds available would be perhaps $5 million a year.The new law will allow people in the state to use cellphone or computer apps to bet on sporting events and to place bets at state-owned casinos or up to 50 other locations chosen by each casino.Penn National Gaming, which operates the state-owned Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, plans to build a retail sportsbook in the Kansas City-area casino. The Pennsylvania-based company also aims to launch mobile sports betting for people in Kansas. Spokesman Jeff Morris said that he hopes that people in Kansas would be able to begin legally betting by the National Football League season.

Governor signs bill to legalize betting on sports in Kansas

BARTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident involving a mail delivery car just after 11a.m. Wednesday in Barton County.

According to the sheriff's office, a 1994 Jeep driven by Ronald D. Hanhardt, 71 of Otis, was northbound on NE 70th Avenue and failed to yield right-of-way to a 2001 Dodge passenger car operated by Preston L McCord, age 18 of Ellinwood, at E. Barton County Road.

The vehicles collided in the intersection continuing to the northwest, coming to rest in the ditch and field. 

Ellinwood EMS transported both drivers to Ellinwood District Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

The Hanhardt vehicle rolled onto its side pinning the driver in the vehicle for a short period of time. He was extracted by the Ellinwood Fire Department.

Hanhardt was transporting United States mail at the time of the collision. At some point during the accident, a large quantity of mail was ejected from the vehicle, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. Officials from the United States Postal Service were contacted to recover the letters and parcels.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652373723204.jpeg" alt="photos courtesy Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>photos courtesy Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident involving a mail delivery car just after 11a.m. Wednesday in Barton County.According to the sheriff's office, a 1994 Jeep driven by Ronald D. Hanhardt, 71 of Otis, was northbound on NE 70th Avenue and failed to yield right-of-way to a 2001 Dodge passenger car operated by Preston L McCord, age 18 of Ellinwood, at E. Barton County Road.The vehicles collided in the intersection continuing to the northwest, coming to rest in the ditch and field. Ellinwood EMS transported both drivers to Ellinwood District Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652373809554.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hanhardt vehicle rolled onto its side pinning the driver in the vehicle for a short period of time. He was extracted by the Ellinwood Fire Department.Hanhardt was transporting United States mail at the time of the collision. At some point during the accident, a large quantity of mail was ejected from the vehicle, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. Officials from the United States Postal Service were contacted to recover the letters and parcels.

2 Kan. men injured after car delivering mail involved in crash

Demolition of the former Junction City High School began with the Deever Building portion of complex. That structure served as the school district's administration building for many years before being incorporated into the high school operation.

David Wild, USD 475 Chief Operations Officer, said the work will continue from the south to the west on the demolition site. "Just to let the public know, we'll be salvaging some bricks from the old high school and giving them to the Geary Community Schools Foundation for resale." Wild added that there have been many requests for bricks from the old school.

Demolition of the former JCHS is projected&nbsp; to be completed in August, and possibly earlier. Ark Demolition of Tulsa, OK is handling the project. They are a subcontractor of Hutton Construction.&nbsp;

The concrete grandstand for the Al Simpler Stadium at the old JCHS site will be torn down but the turf for the football field and the adjacent running track will be left in place. The tennis courts on the west side of the complex and two small classroom buildings near the west side of the former school building will remain. Cost estimate for the demolition is $2.7 million.

The plan is to return the property to grade and then sell it to the city so a future sports complex can be developed there, along with a possible new public library.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652378076841.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostDemolition of the former Junction City High School began with the Deever Building portion of complex. That structure served as the school district's administration building for many years before being incorporated into the high school operation.David Wild, USD 475 Chief Operations Officer, said the work will continue from the south to the west on the demolition site. "Just to let the public know, we'll be salvaging some bricks from the old high school and giving them to the Geary Community Schools Foundation for resale." Wild added that there have been many requests for bricks from the old school.Demolition of the former JCHS is projected&nbsp; to be completed in August, and possibly earlier. Ark Demolition of Tulsa, OK is handling the project. They are a subcontractor of Hutton Construction.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652378787483.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The concrete grandstand for the Al Simpler Stadium at the old JCHS site will be torn down but the turf for the football field and the adjacent running track will be left in place. The tennis courts on the west side of the complex and two small classroom buildings near the west side of the former school building will remain. Cost estimate for the demolition is $2.7 million.The plan is to return the property to grade and then sell it to the city so a future sports complex can be developed there, along with a possible new public library.

$2.7M demolition underway at old Junction City High School

Salina police canceled the Silver Alert for missing 78-year-old Joyce Bair.&nbsp; Police reported Thursday afternoon she had been found in Salina and is safe.

The police reported no additional details.

The Salina Police Department has issued a statewide Silver Alert for 78-year-old Joyce Bair.

She has not been seen since Sunday and has been without her needed medications. She was last seen traveling from Junction City to Salina but never arrived. She was known to be in a black Ford Fusion Kansas License 631MBD.

She is described as 5-foot-2, 150 pounds with blue eyes and gray hair.

If located or you have information, please contact the Salina Police Department at 785-826-7210.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652282354343.jpeg" alt="Joyce Bair-photo Salina Police" />
 <figcaption>Joyce Bair-photo Salina Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina police canceled the Silver Alert for missing 78-year-old Joyce Bair.&nbsp; Police reported Thursday afternoon she had been found in Salina and is safe.The police reported no additional details.--------------The Salina Police Department has issued a statewide Silver Alert for 78-year-old Joyce Bair.She has not been seen since Sunday and has been without her needed medications. She was last seen traveling from Junction City to Salina but never arrived. She was known to be in a black Ford Fusion Kansas License 631MBD.She is described as 5-foot-2, 150 pounds with blue eyes and gray hair.If located or you have information, please contact the Salina Police Department at 785-826-7210.

Silver Alert canceled; missing Kansas woman found safe

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — At the height of the pandemic, the meat processing industry worked closely with political appointees in the Trump administration to stave off health restrictions and keep slaughterhouses open even as COVID-19 spread rapidly among workers, according to a Congressional report released Thursday.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.house.gov/sites/democrats.coronavirus.house.gov/files/2022.5.12%20-%20SSCC%20report%20on%20Meatpacking%20FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">report&nbsp;</a>by the House’s Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis said meat companies pushed to keep their plants open even though they knew workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-colorado-mexico-greeley-football-da66aaeb93f57d98e62c67575b7f5dda">were at high risk of catching the virus</a>. The lobbying led to health and labor officials watering down their recommendations for the industry and culminated in an executive order President Donald Trump issued in the spring of 2020 designating meat plants as critical infrastructure that needed to remain open.

Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn, who leads the subcommittee, said USDA officials and the industry prioritized production and profits over the health of workers and communities as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-pandemics-congress-72e766be17083ad819ea3ac26cb7fb76">at least 59,000 workers caught the virus and 269 workers died</a>.

“The shameful conduct of corporate executives pursuing profit at any cost during a crisis and government officials eager to do their bidding regardless of resulting harm to the public must never be repeated,” Clyburn said.

Former Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, who now leads the University System of Georgia, declined to comment Thursday. A spokesman for the university system said Perdue is focused on “serving the students of Georgia.”

The report is based on communications between industry executives, lobbyists and USDA officials and other documents the committee received from government agencies, Tyson Foods, Smithfield Foods, JBS, Cargill, National Beef, Hormel and other companies. Those firms control 85% of the beef market and 70% of pork production nationwide.

The North American Meat Institute trade group said the report distorts the truth and ignores the steps companies took as they spent billions of dollars to retool plants and purchase protective gear for workers.

“The House Select Committee has done the nation a disservice,” the trade group’s President and CEO Julie Anna Potts said. “The Committee could have tried to learn what the industry did to stop the spread of COVID among meat and poultry workers, reducing positive cases associated with the industry while cases were surging across the country. Instead, the Committee uses 20/20 hindsight and cherry picks data to support a narrative that is completely unrepresentative of the early days of an unprecedented national emergency.”

One of the major unions that represents workers at the processing plants condemned the way the Trump administration helped the meat industry.

“We only wish that the Trump Administration cared as much about the lives of working people as it did about meat, pork and poultry products, when we wanted poultry plants to shut down for deep cleaning and to save workers’ lives,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

The report said meat companies were slow to take measures to protect workers from the virus and pushed to make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-sd-state-wire-aa3cced1b5c5c40a4bc09db805393d80">government recommendations</a>&nbsp;to require masks to be worn, install dividers between work stations and encourage social distancing in their plants optional.

But JBS spokeswoman Nikki Richardson said the company “did everything possible to ensure the safety of our people who kept our critical food supply chain running.”

Tyson Foods spokesman Gary Mickelson echoed that sentiment and said Tyson has worked closely with both the Trump and Biden administrations, along with state and local officials, to respond to the pandemic’s challenges.

Smithfield spokesman Jim Monroe said the industry reacted quickly, and Smithfield has spent more than $900 million so far to protect workers. He said it was appropriate for meat companies to share their concerns with government officials as the pandemic unfolded.

But the report cited a message that a Koch Foods executive sent a lobbyist in the spring of 2020 that said the industry shouldn’t do more than screen employees’ temperatures at the door of plants. The lobbyist agreed and said “Now to get rid of those pesky health departments!”

To that end, the report said USDA officials — at the behest of meat companies — tried to use Trump’s executive order to stop state and local health officials from ordering plant shutdowns.

Even with those efforts, U.S. meat production still fell to about 60% of normal during the spring of 2020 because a number of major plants were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-ap-top-news-us-news-sioux-falls-south-dakota-83ef6383e6a437aae20962e3c9de8855">forced to temporarily close</a>&nbsp;for deep cleaning, widespread testing and safety upgrades or operated at slower speeds because of worker shortages. Companies took action to close plants in consultation with health officials after outbreaks were confirmed.

“Throughout the pandemic we’ve worked hard to maintain safe and consistent operations. At the same time, we have not hesitated to temporarily idle or reduce capacity at processing plants when we determined it necessary to do so,” Cargill spokesman Daniel Sullivan said.

Documents uncovered by the committee showed that meat companies pushed hard for the executive order partly because they believed it will help shield them from liability if workers got sick or died — something a federal appeals court later rejected in a lawsuit against Tyson over worker deaths at an Iowa plant. Emails show that the companies themselves submitted a draft of the executive order to the administration days before it was issued.

Early on in the pandemic, meat companies knew the virus was spreading rapidly among their workers because infection rates were much higher in the plants and their surrounding communities. The report said that in April 2020, a doctor at a hospital near a JBS plant in Cactus, Texas, told the company and government officials in an email that there was clearly a major outbreak at the plant because every COVID-19 patient at the hospital either worked at the plant or was related to a worker. “Your employees will get sick and may die if this factory remains open,” the doctor warned.

The report also highlighted the way meat companies aggressively pushed back against government safety recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. That led to the final guidance including language that effectively made the rules optional because it said the recommendations should be done “if feasible” or “where possible.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589997636847.png" alt="Photo courtesy Tyson Foods" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Tyson Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — At the height of the pandemic, the meat processing industry worked closely with political appointees in the Trump administration to stave off health restrictions and keep slaughterhouses open even as COVID-19 spread rapidly among workers, according to a Congressional report released Thursday.The&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.house.gov/sites/democrats.coronavirus.house.gov/files/2022.5.12%20-%20SSCC%20report%20on%20Meatpacking%20FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">report&nbsp;</a>by the House’s Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis said meat companies pushed to keep their plants open even though they knew workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-colorado-mexico-greeley-football-da66aaeb93f57d98e62c67575b7f5dda">were at high risk of catching the virus</a>. The lobbying led to health and labor officials watering down their recommendations for the industry and culminated in an executive order President Donald Trump issued in the spring of 2020 designating meat plants as critical infrastructure that needed to remain open.Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn, who leads the subcommittee, said USDA officials and the industry prioritized production and profits over the health of workers and communities as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-pandemics-congress-72e766be17083ad819ea3ac26cb7fb76">at least 59,000 workers caught the virus and 269 workers died</a>.“The shameful conduct of corporate executives pursuing profit at any cost during a crisis and government officials eager to do their bidding regardless of resulting harm to the public must never be repeated,” Clyburn said.Former Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, who now leads the University System of Georgia, declined to comment Thursday. A spokesman for the university system said Perdue is focused on “serving the students of Georgia.”The report is based on communications between industry executives, lobbyists and USDA officials and other documents the committee received from government agencies, Tyson Foods, Smithfield Foods, JBS, Cargill, National Beef, Hormel and other companies. Those firms control 85% of the beef market and 70% of pork production nationwide.The North American Meat Institute trade group said the report distorts the truth and ignores the steps companies took as they spent billions of dollars to retool plants and purchase protective gear for workers.“The House Select Committee has done the nation a disservice,” the trade group’s President and CEO Julie Anna Potts said. “The Committee could have tried to learn what the industry did to stop the spread of COVID among meat and poultry workers, reducing positive cases associated with the industry while cases were surging across the country. Instead, the Committee uses 20/20 hindsight and cherry picks data to support a narrative that is completely unrepresentative of the early days of an unprecedented national emergency.”One of the major unions that represents workers at the processing plants condemned the way the Trump administration helped the meat industry.“We only wish that the Trump Administration cared as much about the lives of working people as it did about meat, pork and poultry products, when we wanted poultry plants to shut down for deep cleaning and to save workers’ lives,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.The report said meat companies were slow to take measures to protect workers from the virus and pushed to make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-sd-state-wire-aa3cced1b5c5c40a4bc09db805393d80">government recommendations</a>&nbsp;to require masks to be worn, install dividers between work stations and encourage social distancing in their plants optional.But JBS spokeswoman Nikki Richardson said the company “did everything possible to ensure the safety of our people who kept our critical food supply chain running.”Tyson Foods spokesman Gary Mickelson echoed that sentiment and said Tyson has worked closely with both the Trump and Biden administrations, along with state and local officials, to respond to the pandemic’s challenges.Smithfield spokesman Jim Monroe said the industry reacted quickly, and Smithfield has spent more than $900 million so far to protect workers. He said it was appropriate for meat companies to share their concerns with government officials as the pandemic unfolded.But the report cited a message that a Koch Foods executive sent a lobbyist in the spring of 2020 that said the industry shouldn’t do more than screen employees’ temperatures at the door of plants. The lobbyist agreed and said “Now to get rid of those pesky health departments!”To that end, the report said USDA officials — at the behest of meat companies — tried to use Trump’s executive order to stop state and local health officials from ordering plant shutdowns.Even with those efforts, U.S. meat production still fell to about 60% of normal during the spring of 2020 because a number of major plants were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-ap-top-news-us-news-sioux-falls-south-dakota-83ef6383e6a437aae20962e3c9de8855">forced to temporarily close</a>&nbsp;for deep cleaning, widespread testing and safety upgrades or operated at slower speeds because of worker shortages. Companies took action to close plants in consultation with health officials after outbreaks were confirmed.“Throughout the pandemic we’ve worked hard to maintain safe and consistent operations. At the same time, we have not hesitated to temporarily idle or reduce capacity at processing plants when we determined it necessary to do so,” Cargill spokesman Daniel Sullivan said.Documents uncovered by the committee showed that meat companies pushed hard for the executive order partly because they believed it will help shield them from liability if workers got sick or died — something a federal appeals court later rejected in a lawsuit against Tyson over worker deaths at an Iowa plant. Emails show that the companies themselves submitted a draft of the executive order to the administration days before it was issued.Early on in the pandemic, meat companies knew the virus was spreading rapidly among their workers because infection rates were much higher in the plants and their surrounding communities. The report said that in April 2020, a doctor at a hospital near a JBS plant in Cactus, Texas, told the company and government officials in an email that there was clearly a major outbreak at the plant because every COVID-19 patient at the hospital either worked at the plant or was related to a worker. “Your employees will get sick and may die if this factory remains open,” the doctor warned.The report also highlighted the way meat companies aggressively pushed back against government safety recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. That led to the final guidance including language that effectively made the rules optional because it said the recommendations should be done “if feasible” or “where possible.”___

Report: Trump officials, meat companies knew workers at risk

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a high-speed chase.

Just before 10a.m. Wednesday, a Sheriff’s Detective came in contact with a 2002 Honda Civic and driver that were wanted for outstanding felony warrants and fleeing from at least two other local law enforcement agencies, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The Honda was&nbsp; northbound at the NW 50th Road and NW 10th Avenue and refused to stop for the deputy.&nbsp;The pursuit continued for 37 miles at speeds over 120 miles per hour in Barton and Rush Counties.

During the last few miles of the pursuit, the Honda Civic, blew a tire, but continued to flee. &nbsp;

The vehicle entered a pasture several miles northwest of Bison. The driver, the only occupant, exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. He was quickly captured by several officers who had been in pursuit. It was at this time officers discovered the suspect was in possession of methamphetamine.

The suspect was identified as Trenton Berens,&nbsp; 30 of Russell. Berens was transported to the Barton County Jail after his capture without incident. He was booked for two warrants, one for failure to appear with no bond from Barton County District Court, a felony “attempt to flee and elude” warrant from Reno County District Court with a $9,000 bond and requested charges of interference with law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and numerous other traffic violations, according to Bellendir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652372005097.jpeg" alt="Berens -photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Berens -photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a high-speed chase.Just before 10a.m. Wednesday, a Sheriff’s Detective came in contact with a 2002 Honda Civic and driver that were wanted for outstanding felony warrants and fleeing from at least two other local law enforcement agencies, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.The Honda was&nbsp; northbound at the NW 50th Road and NW 10th Avenue and refused to stop for the deputy.&nbsp;The pursuit continued for 37 miles at speeds over 120 miles per hour in Barton and Rush Counties.During the last few miles of the pursuit, the Honda Civic, blew a tire, but continued to flee. &nbsp;The vehicle entered a pasture several miles northwest of Bison. The driver, the only occupant, exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. He was quickly captured by several officers who had been in pursuit. It was at this time officers discovered the suspect was in possession of methamphetamine.The suspect was identified as Trenton Berens,&nbsp; 30 of Russell. Berens was transported to the Barton County Jail after his capture without incident. He was booked for two warrants, one for failure to appear with no bond from Barton County District Court, a felony “attempt to flee and elude” warrant from Reno County District Court with a $9,000 bond and requested charges of interference with law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and numerous other traffic violations, according to Bellendir.

Suspect leads Kan. deputies on 120 mph chase across 2 counties

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/10/kansas-effort-to-improve-computer-science-education-signed-into-law/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A new law signed Tuesday by Gov. Laura Kelly seeks to promote computer science education in Kansas schools.

The measure enacts the Promoting Advancement in Computing Knowledge 
Act, which requires each secondary school to offer at least one computer
 science course beginning in the 2023-24 school year. Alternatively, 
those schools operating under a school district can submit a plan to the
 State Board of Education describing how the district intends to offer a
 computer science course and when they intend to offer it.

In addition, House Bill 2466 requires the State Board to submit an 
annual report to the Legislature each January until 2025 detailing the 
success of the programs.

The legislation also creates a pilot program that covers credential 
exam costs, in addition to helping students with career and technical 
education backgrounds transition into the workforce.

“By expanding computer science education and creating this transition
 program, we can better retain the skilled workforce Kansas produces 
through our K-12 schools,” Kelly said. “In addition, it signals to 
companies looking to build or expand their business that Kansas is the 
place to do it.”

Representatives approved the computer science effort by 109-10 last month, as did senators by 29-6.

Also provided in the law are scholarships for those in rural areas 
and underrepresented socioeconomic groups to obtain educator training in
 computer science. The Computer Science Pre-service Educator Program 
allows the Kansas Board of Regents to provide scholarships of up to but 
not exceeding $1,000 for pre-service teachers working toward their 
degrees in elementary or secondary education.

HB 2466 provides scholarships for educators in rural areas and 
underrepresented socioeconomic groups to obtain computer science 
education training.

“HB2466 will bring much-needed resources and training to our 
teachers,” said Rep. Steve Huebert, R-Valley Center. “With that, more 
classes will be offered, allowing students to gain the computer science 
skills they need for today’s workforce demands.”

Kelly also signed into law House Bill 2138, a package of election law
 modifications including the requirement that all voting systems use 
paper ballots with a distinctive watermark. Advocacy groups and 
legislators opposing this bill argue the watermark is a considerable 
unfunded mandate.

The measure also creates a new reason for county election officers to
 send a confirmation of address notice when there is no election-related
 activity from a registered voter for four years. If the notice is 
returned as “undeliverable” or there is no response, the person would be
 removed from the voter roll according to Clay Barker, deputy assistant 
secretary of state.

“We don’t want to remove people just because they haven’t voted, but 
not voting combined with the card is an indication that they have likely
 moved,” Barker said during a February hearing on the bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652281680961.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly approved Tuesday a new law aimed at promoting computer science education in Kansas schools through courses and scholarships. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly approved Tuesday a new law aimed at promoting computer science education in Kansas schools through courses and scholarships. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Governor also approves election package</h2>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/10/kansas-effort-to-improve-computer-science-education-signed-into-law/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A new law signed Tuesday by Gov. Laura Kelly seeks to promote computer science education in Kansas schools.The measure enacts the Promoting Advancement in Computing Knowledge 
Act, which requires each secondary school to offer at least one computer
 science course beginning in the 2023-24 school year. Alternatively, 
those schools operating under a school district can submit a plan to the
 State Board of Education describing how the district intends to offer a
 computer science course and when they intend to offer it.In addition, House Bill 2466 requires the State Board to submit an 
annual report to the Legislature each January until 2025 detailing the 
success of the programs.The legislation also creates a pilot program that covers credential 
exam costs, in addition to helping students with career and technical 
education backgrounds transition into the workforce.“By expanding computer science education and creating this transition
 program, we can better retain the skilled workforce Kansas produces 
through our K-12 schools,” Kelly said. “In addition, it signals to 
companies looking to build or expand their business that Kansas is the 
place to do it.”Representatives approved the computer science effort by 109-10 last month, as did senators by 29-6.Also provided in the law are scholarships for those in rural areas 
and underrepresented socioeconomic groups to obtain educator training in
 computer science. The Computer Science Pre-service Educator Program 
allows the Kansas Board of Regents to provide scholarships of up to but 
not exceeding $1,000 for pre-service teachers working toward their 
degrees in elementary or secondary education.HB 2466 provides scholarships for educators in rural areas and 
underrepresented socioeconomic groups to obtain computer science 
education training.“HB2466 will bring much-needed resources and training to our 
teachers,” said Rep. Steve Huebert, R-Valley Center. “With that, more 
classes will be offered, allowing students to gain the computer science 
skills they need for today’s workforce demands.”Kelly also signed into law House Bill 2138, a package of election law
 modifications including the requirement that all voting systems use 
paper ballots with a distinctive watermark. Advocacy groups and 
legislators opposing this bill argue the watermark is a considerable 
unfunded mandate.The measure also creates a new reason for county election officers to
 send a confirmation of address notice when there is no election-related
 activity from a registered voter for four years. If the notice is 
returned as “undeliverable” or there is no response, the person would be
 removed from the voter roll according to Clay Barker, deputy assistant 
secretary of state.“We don’t want to remove people just because they haven’t voted, but 
not voting combined with the card is an indication that they have likely
 moved,” Barker said during a February hearing on the bill.

Kan. effort to improve computer science education signed into law

HUTCHINSON — The Kansas State Fair Board is going to allow much more roaming with alcohol this year, thanks to the passage of Senate Bill 2 signed by Gov. Kelly last month.&nbsp; The board made their decision Tuesday.

"The board approved us moving forward for the 2022 Kansas State Fair and the 2022 Fair Food and Tunes," Schulz said. "The parameters for both events are going to be all inside the gate areas of the Kansas State Fair."

There will be some limited building exceptions where no beverages of any kind are allowed.

"We know for sure, centennial hall 4H and then there will be a few other buildings that will be excluded," Schulz said. "There will be proper signage at the doors and the building managers will have that understanding that they do not allow any beverages inside. Like our Domestic Arts and all that kind of stuff. We try keeping food, beverages, everything out of those buildings just because of the sheer issues we would have if somebody would spill on any of that stuff."

The fair will also be addressing security concerns.

"We're going to have a little more presence," Schulz said. "We're working with the Highway Patrol to make sure that they are aware of all the stuff that is going to happen. We're actually going to have to do some additional training with our gate people to make sure that they understand, you know, that no beverages are taken out."

Everyone will be carded everywhere alcohol is sold and it will only be poured into clear plastic cups for carrying throughout the grounds and every buyer who wants to carry around will have to have a wristband and the wristbands will be different every day of the fair. The first event with the new rules is Fair Food and Tunes next month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652292095210.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON — The Kansas State Fair Board is going to allow much more roaming with alcohol this year, thanks to the passage of Senate Bill 2 signed by Gov. Kelly last month.&nbsp; The board made their decision Tuesday."The board approved us moving forward for the 2022 Kansas State Fair and the 2022 Fair Food and Tunes," Schulz said. "The parameters for both events are going to be all inside the gate areas of the Kansas State Fair."There will be some limited building exceptions where no beverages of any kind are allowed."We know for sure, centennial hall 4H and then there will be a few other buildings that will be excluded," Schulz said. "There will be proper signage at the doors and the building managers will have that understanding that they do not allow any beverages inside. Like our Domestic Arts and all that kind of stuff. We try keeping food, beverages, everything out of those buildings just because of the sheer issues we would have if somebody would spill on any of that stuff."The fair will also be addressing security concerns."We're going to have a little more presence," Schulz said. "We're working with the Highway Patrol to make sure that they are aware of all the stuff that is going to happen. We're actually going to have to do some additional training with our gate people to make sure that they understand, you know, that no beverages are taken out."Everyone will be carded everywhere alcohol is sold and it will only be poured into clear plastic cups for carrying throughout the grounds and every buyer who wants to carry around will have to have a wristband and the wristbands will be different every day of the fair. The first event with the new rules is Fair Food and Tunes next month.

Board sets boundaries for drinking at Kansas State Fair

MANHATTAN–&nbsp; Law enforcement authorities investigating an alleged kidnapping and battery in Manhattan have made an arrest.

In September of 2020, officers responded to the 500 block of N. Manhattan Ave. in Manhattan to a 44-year-old female victim who had reported a man later identified as 45-year-old Antonio Cooper forced her into a car, and hit and threatened her with a gun, according to a media release from RCPD.

On Wednesday, Cooper was arrested on a warrant after being extradited to the Riley County Jail from the United States Penitentiary Facility in Florence, Colo.

Cooper is being held on requested charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, and two counts each of criminal threat and aggravated assault

Cooper remains confined in the Riley County Jail on a total bond of $105,000, according to the RCPD.

MANHATTAN–&nbsp; Law enforcement authorities investigating an alleged kidnapping and battery in Manhattan have made an arrest.In September of 2020, officers responded to the 500 block of N. Manhattan Ave. in Manhattan to a 44-year-old female victim who had reported a man later identified as 45-year-old Antonio Cooper forced her into a car, and hit and threatened her with a gun, according to a media release from RCPD.On Wednesday, Cooper was arrested on a warrant after being extradited to the Riley County Jail from the United States Penitentiary Facility in Florence, Colo.Cooper is being held on requested charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, and two counts each of criminal threat and aggravated assaultCooper remains confined in the Riley County Jail on a total bond of $105,000, according to the RCPD.

Man in Colo. prison accused of aggravated kidnapping in Kansas

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — A jury in Texas has cleared American Airlines of responsibility for an alleged sexual assault by a celebrity chef it hired against one of its flight attendants. 

In the verdict Wednesday, jurors in the civil lawsuit concluded that an assault occurred but that Fort Worth, Texas-based American was not at fault.

Flight attendant Kimberly Goesling was seeking $25.6 million in damages. 

The chef, Mark Sargeant, has never been charged with a crime. 

He reached a confidential settlement with Goesling, who has since retired after 30 years with American.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — A jury in Texas has cleared American Airlines of responsibility for an alleged sexual assault by a celebrity chef it hired against one of its flight attendants. In the verdict Wednesday, jurors in the civil lawsuit concluded that an assault occurred but that Fort Worth, Texas-based American was not at fault.Flight attendant Kimberly Goesling was seeking $25.6 million in damages. The chef, Mark Sargeant, has never been charged with a crime. He reached a confidential settlement with Goesling, who has since retired after 30 years with American.

Jury clears American in alleged assault of flight attendant

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged threat at USD 457 in Garden City.

On Wednesday, police received a report about a possible criminal threat between students at Bernadine Sitts Intermediate Center, 3101 Belmont Street in Garden City, according to a media release.

Investigators learned that a 13-year-old student made statements that scared other students and made a specific threat toward one student. The Garden City Police Department will file an affidavit with the Finney County Attorney’s Office requesting charges of Criminal Threat on the 13-year-old student.

The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 encouraged parents to remind children to immediately report any information about any school safety-related incidents to administrators, staff and or police.

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged threat at USD 457 in Garden City.On Wednesday, police received a report about a possible criminal threat between students at Bernadine Sitts Intermediate Center, 3101 Belmont Street in Garden City, according to a media release.Investigators learned that a 13-year-old student made statements that scared other students and made a specific threat toward one student. The Garden City Police Department will file an affidavit with the Finney County Attorney’s Office requesting charges of Criminal Threat on the 13-year-old student.The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 encouraged parents to remind children to immediately report any information about any school safety-related incidents to administrators, staff and or police.

Police: 13-year-old investigated for alleged threat at Kan. school

KANKAKEE, Ill. (AP) — President Joe Biden vowed to help American farmers try to ease a global spike in food prices following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine</a>&nbsp;as he visited a family farm Wednesday and unrolled policies meant to increase harvests in ways that the administration believes could also help to reduce grocery bills at home.

(Click below to listen's to the President's comments)

“I stand here today to thank American farmers who are the breadbasket of democracy,” Biden said. “We can make sure that American agricultural exports will make up for the gap in Ukrainian supplies.”

His administration announced three policy shifts to help U.S. farmers amid the global challenges. These include doubling funding for domestic fertilizer production to $500 million, greater access to farm management tools for plant and soil needs, and efforts to increase the number of counties eligible for “double cropping” insurance so that farmers can reuse their land for planting in the same year.

Biden noted that Ukraine has 20 million metric tons of wheat and corn in storage that the U.S. and its allies are trying to help ship out of the country. This would help to address some supply issues, though challenges could persist.

The war in Ukraine has disrupted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-canada-lifestyle-middle-east-1c8918d4734f0974eefe09121d2090ed">the supply of that country’s wheat</a>&nbsp;to global markets, while also triggering higher costs for oil, natural gas and fertilizer. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said its food price index in April jumped nearly 30% from a year ago, though the index did decline slightly on a monthly basis. Americans are also bearing some pain as food prices are up 9.4% from a year ago, the largest increase in 41 years.

Biden toured the 800-acre O’Connor Farms in Illinois with its owners, Jeff and Gina O’Connor. They’re growing wheat to be harvested in July and will later use the same land for soybeans. Biden asked to drive one of their tractors, only to be told it drives itself.

Surveying the wheat, the president observed, “It looks healthy to me.”

Wednesday’s trip was an opportunity for Biden to tackle two distinct challenges that are shaping his presidency. First, his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-biden-business-congress-dca6b1eba4979bcec8bef1a80c9f0098">slumping approval rating</a>&nbsp;has been dogged by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-inflation-rate-historic-high-4ba3435cc3730198e299690a9d968038">high inflation</a>&nbsp;and his visit coincided with the release of the April consumer price index. Consumer prices rose 8.3% from a year ago, a slight decline from the 8.5% annual increase in March. The drop-off reflected in part a cooling in gasoline prices last month after the jump caused by the start of the war in Ukraine. Still, volatility remains with energy costs as gas prices have climbed in May to an average of $4.40 a gallon on Wednesday, according to AAA.

Much more broadly, Biden’s visit offered a chance to reinforce America’s distinct role in helping to alleviate the challenges caused by the war in Ukraine. The trip follows a similar pattern as Biden’s recent visit to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-kyiv-business-europe-70535a0ca1e616f387911c66451c8c51">an Alabama weapons factory</a>&nbsp;highlighted the anti-tank Javelin missiles provided by the U.S. to Ukraine.

Several House Democrats, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, met with Biden on Tuesday after having visited Ukraine. They warned that the food shortage meant the consequences of the war started by Russian President Vladimir Putin would extend well beyond Ukrainian borders to some of the world’s poorest nations.

“It’s going to result in a hunger crisis, much worse than anybody anticipated,” Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern following the White House meeting.

<a href="https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/how-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-is-affecting-global-agricultural-markets/" target="_blank">An analysis</a>&nbsp;this month for the center-right American Enterprise Institute by Joseph Glauber and David Laborde noted that countries in the Middle East and North Africa are mostly likely to suffer from the higher prices caused by grain shortages.

There are limits to how much wheat the U.S. can produce to offset any shortages. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Todays_Reports/reports/pspl0322.pdf" target="_blank">Agriculture Department</a>&nbsp;estimated in March that 47.4 million acres of wheat were planted this year, an increase of just 1% from 2021. This would be the fifth lowest amount of acres dedicated to wheat in records that go back to 1919.

Biden later went to Chicago to address a supportive crowd at the convention for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a group that was an early and pivotal backer when his 2020 presidential bid was struggling.

“You’re the reason I’m standing here today as president,” Biden said. “I’ve never forgotten, not only what you’ve done for me, but what you’ve done for America.”

The president cheered the $1 trillion, bipartisan public works legislation passed last fall, saying it will fund union-built infrastructure projects all over the country.

“We’re making ‘Buy American’ a reality, not just a slogan,” Biden said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652298181707.png" alt="President Biden delivered remarks on what he called the "Putin’s Price Hike" and his Administration’s actions to support farmers and food processors, lower their costs and lower prices for families-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden delivered remarks on what he called the "Putin’s Price Hike" and his Administration’s actions to support farmers and food processors, lower their costs and lower prices for families-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANKAKEE, Ill. (AP) — President Joe Biden vowed to help American farmers try to ease a global spike in food prices following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine</a>&nbsp;as he visited a family farm Wednesday and unrolled policies meant to increase harvests in ways that the administration believes could also help to reduce grocery bills at home.(Click below to listen's to the President's comments)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F582246879631409%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=492" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“I stand here today to thank American farmers who are the breadbasket of democracy,” Biden said. “We can make sure that American agricultural exports will make up for the gap in Ukrainian supplies.”His administration announced three policy shifts to help U.S. farmers amid the global challenges. These include doubling funding for domestic fertilizer production to $500 million, greater access to farm management tools for plant and soil needs, and efforts to increase the number of counties eligible for “double cropping” insurance so that farmers can reuse their land for planting in the same year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652305374909.png" alt="Biden said. “We can make sure that American agricultural exports will make up for the gap in Ukrainian supplies.”-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Biden said. “We can make sure that American agricultural exports will make up for the gap in Ukrainian supplies.”-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Biden noted that Ukraine has 20 million metric tons of wheat and corn in storage that the U.S. and its allies are trying to help ship out of the country. This would help to address some supply issues, though challenges could persist.The war in Ukraine has disrupted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-canada-lifestyle-middle-east-1c8918d4734f0974eefe09121d2090ed">the supply of that country’s wheat</a>&nbsp;to global markets, while also triggering higher costs for oil, natural gas and fertilizer. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said its food price index in April jumped nearly 30% from a year ago, though the index did decline slightly on a monthly basis. Americans are also bearing some pain as food prices are up 9.4% from a year ago, the largest increase in 41 years.Biden toured the 800-acre O’Connor Farms in Illinois with its owners, Jeff and Gina O’Connor. They’re growing wheat to be harvested in July and will later use the same land for soybeans. Biden asked to drive one of their tractors, only to be told it drives itself.Surveying the wheat, the president observed, “It looks healthy to me.”Wednesday’s trip was an opportunity for Biden to tackle two distinct challenges that are shaping his presidency. First, his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-biden-business-congress-dca6b1eba4979bcec8bef1a80c9f0098">slumping approval rating</a>&nbsp;has been dogged by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-inflation-rate-historic-high-4ba3435cc3730198e299690a9d968038">high inflation</a>&nbsp;and his visit coincided with the release of the April consumer price index. Consumer prices rose 8.3% from a year ago, a slight decline from the 8.5% annual increase in March. The drop-off reflected in part a cooling in gasoline prices last month after the jump caused by the start of the war in Ukraine. Still, volatility remains with energy costs as gas prices have climbed in May to an average of $4.40 a gallon on Wednesday, according to AAA.Much more broadly, Biden’s visit offered a chance to reinforce America’s distinct role in helping to alleviate the challenges caused by the war in Ukraine. The trip follows a similar pattern as Biden’s recent visit to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-kyiv-business-europe-70535a0ca1e616f387911c66451c8c51">an Alabama weapons factory</a>&nbsp;highlighted the anti-tank Javelin missiles provided by the U.S. to Ukraine.Several House Democrats, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, met with Biden on Tuesday after having visited Ukraine. They warned that the food shortage meant the consequences of the war started by Russian President Vladimir Putin would extend well beyond Ukrainian borders to some of the world’s poorest nations.“It’s going to result in a hunger crisis, much worse than anybody anticipated,” Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern following the White House meeting.<a href="https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/how-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-is-affecting-global-agricultural-markets/" target="_blank">An analysis</a>&nbsp;this month for the center-right American Enterprise Institute by Joseph Glauber and David Laborde noted that countries in the Middle East and North Africa are mostly likely to suffer from the higher prices caused by grain shortages.There are limits to how much wheat the U.S. can produce to offset any shortages. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Todays_Reports/reports/pspl0322.pdf" target="_blank">Agriculture Department</a>&nbsp;estimated in March that 47.4 million acres of wheat were planted this year, an increase of just 1% from 2021. This would be the fifth lowest amount of acres dedicated to wheat in records that go back to 1919.Biden later went to Chicago to address a supportive crowd at the convention for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a group that was an early and pivotal backer when his 2020 presidential bid was struggling.“You’re the reason I’m standing here today as president,” Biden said. “I’ve never forgotten, not only what you’ve done for me, but what you’ve done for America.”The president cheered the $1 trillion, bipartisan public works legislation passed last fall, saying it will fund union-built infrastructure projects all over the country.“We’re making ‘Buy American’ a reality, not just a slogan,” Biden said.

🎥Biden sees bigger role for US farms due to Ukraine war

MORRIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on numerous charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 11:30p.m. Monday, police conducted a traffic stop in the 200 Block of East Main Street in Council Grove, according to a media release.&nbsp;

The department K9 was deployed and made a positive alert on the vehicle. After a probably cause search, police arrested 36-year-old Kyle Eidson on requested charges of meth possession, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He is in custody in Dickinson County, according to online jail records

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652299753230.png" alt="Eidson is being held in Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Eidson is being held in Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MORRIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on numerous charges after a traffic stop.Just after 11:30p.m. Monday, police conducted a traffic stop in the 200 Block of East Main Street in Council Grove, according to a media release.&nbsp;The department K9 was deployed and made a positive alert on the vehicle. After a probably cause search, police arrested 36-year-old Kyle Eidson on requested charges of meth possession, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.He is in custody in Dickinson County, according to online jail records

Police K9 helps bust Kansas man after traffic stop

SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following an incident at USD 480 in Liberal.

Just before 1p.m. Wednesday, police were notified that the Liberal High School, 1611 West 2nd Street, had been placed in lock down, according to a media release.

While investigating the incident it was discovered that an 18-year-old man, who had been expelled earlier this week for non violent reasons, had arrived back to the school. 

The school conducted the lock down as a precaution. The former student was located in the parking lot by an LPD officer and given a trespass warning.

Police released no additional details including the student's name.

SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following an incident at USD 480 in Liberal.Just before 1p.m. Wednesday, police were notified that the Liberal High School, 1611 West 2nd Street, had been placed in lock down, according to a media release.While investigating the incident it was discovered that an 18-year-old man, who had been expelled earlier this week for non violent reasons, had arrived back to the school. The school conducted the lock down as a precaution. The former student was located in the parking lot by an LPD officer and given a trespass warning.Police released no additional details including the student's name.

Kan. school locked down after expelled student returns to school

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jen Psaki is leaving as White House press secretary on Friday after having answered reporters’ questions nearly every weekday of the almost 500 days that President Joe Biden has been in office. 

That makes her a top White House communicator and perhaps the administration’s most public face after only Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Her briefings have come to be seen as professional and typically congenial, though they could turn pointed in a hurry. 

Succeeding Psaki is her deputy, Karine Jean-Pierre. 

She'll be the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ person to be White House press secretary.

Psaki hasn't denied reports she's heading to MSBNC.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jen Psaki is leaving as White House press secretary on Friday after having answered reporters’ questions nearly every weekday of the almost 500 days that President Joe Biden has been in office. That makes her a top White House communicator and perhaps the administration’s most public face after only Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Her briefings have come to be seen as professional and typically congenial, though they could turn pointed in a hurry. Succeeding Psaki is her deputy, Karine Jean-Pierre. She'll be the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ person to be White House press secretary.Psaki hasn't denied reports she's heading to MSBNC.

‘Fiery’ Psaki ending tenure as a top White House messenger

HAYSVILLE, Kan. (AP) — A southern Kansas man has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the 2018 death of his 4-month-old daughter. 

Television station KAKE reports that 36-year-old Andrew Franklin of Haysville pleaded no contest last month to the reduced charge and a single count of child abuse in the death of Brexley Grace Franklin. 

Andrew Franklin faces years in prison when he's sentenced June 6. Police say the baby girl died on Sept. 13, 2018, five days after she was admitted to a hospital suffering from a skull fracture, retinal hemorrhages and bruises to her jaw. 

Franklin was initially charged with first-degree murder and two counts of child abuse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652281984749.png" alt="Franklin-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Franklin-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYSVILLE, Kan. (AP) — A southern Kansas man has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the 2018 death of his 4-month-old daughter. Television station KAKE reports that 36-year-old Andrew Franklin of Haysville pleaded no contest last month to the reduced charge and a single count of child abuse in the death of Brexley Grace Franklin. Andrew Franklin faces years in prison when he's sentenced June 6. Police say the baby girl died on Sept. 13, 2018, five days after she was admitted to a hospital suffering from a skull fracture, retinal hemorrhages and bruises to her jaw. Franklin was initially charged with first-degree murder and two counts of child abuse.

Kan. man guilty in abuse death of 4-month-old daughter

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A man who authorities said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-shootings-us-news-mo-state-wire-michael-brown-103f9e624e588e7b09809f97f3f3e1f1">fired at least 20 rounds at drivers stopped on a bridge</a>&nbsp;between Missouri and Kansas before a driver hit him with his vehicle entered a plea Wednesday to charges in the case.

Jason Westrem, 39, from Houston Lake, Missouri, pleaded no contest to attempted first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault using a deadly weapon, Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said.

Investigators said traffic was slowed by construction on the Centennial Bridge between Leavenworth, Kansas, and Platte County, Missouri, on May 27, 2020, when Westrem opened fire at the vehicles and construction workers, KMBC-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/leavenworth-bridge-shooter-pleads-guilty/39968903?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot">reported.</a>

Authorities have not released a possible motive for Westrem’s actions.

Master Sgt. David Royer, a soldier at Fort Leavenworth, stopped the shooting by driving into Westrem and pinning the shooter under his vehicle, investigators said.

After the shooting, Leavenworth Police Chief Patrick Kitchens credited Royer with saving “countless lives.”

One person was injured and several rounds struck vehicles, investigators said.

Thompson said the plea agreement was reached with the consent of people involved in the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590616991045.png" alt="First responders on the scene May 27, 2020- photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene May 27, 2020- photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A man who authorities said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-shootings-us-news-mo-state-wire-michael-brown-103f9e624e588e7b09809f97f3f3e1f1">fired at least 20 rounds at drivers stopped on a bridge</a>&nbsp;between Missouri and Kansas before a driver hit him with his vehicle entered a plea Wednesday to charges in the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652296274451.png" alt="Westrem photo Leavenworth Co." />
 <figcaption>Westrem photo Leavenworth Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Jason Westrem, 39, from Houston Lake, Missouri, pleaded no contest to attempted first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault using a deadly weapon, Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said.Investigators said traffic was slowed by construction on the Centennial Bridge between Leavenworth, Kansas, and Platte County, Missouri, on May 27, 2020, when Westrem opened fire at the vehicles and construction workers, KMBC-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/leavenworth-bridge-shooter-pleads-guilty/39968903?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot">reported.</a>Authorities have not released a possible motive for Westrem’s actions.Master Sgt. David Royer, a soldier at Fort Leavenworth, stopped the shooting by driving into Westrem and pinning the shooter under his vehicle, investigators said.After the shooting, Leavenworth Police Chief Patrick Kitchens credited Royer with saving “countless lives.”One person was injured and several rounds struck vehicles, investigators said.Thompson said the plea agreement was reached with the consent of people involved in the shooting.

Man enters plea for shootings on bridge between Kan., Mo.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has failed vote in an effort toward enshrining Roe v. Wade abortion access into federal law. Wednesday's 51-49 negative vote almost along party lines provided a stark display of the nation’s partisan divide over the landmark court decision and the limits of legislative action.

Kansas senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran said, " This legislation would have permitted unborn children to be terminated at any point for any reason. Additionally, this legislation would have eliminated conscience protections for health care providers who object to terminating human life and abolished state laws, such as waiting periods or requiring parental consent for minors to obtain an abortion. 

Not only is this legislation immoral, it is far outside the mainstream of American opinion and would have placed the United States alongside China and North Korea as outliers with the world’s most permissive abortion laws.”

 The afternoon roll call promised to be the first of several efforts in Congress to preserve the nearly 50-year-old court ruling. 

“This bill is the most egregious, horrific attack on the lives of unborn children and the health of moms in American history,”&nbsp;Senator Roger Marshall said.&nbsp;

"While the overturning of Roe vs Wade&nbsp;simply returns this emotional issue to the states, to the elected voice of the people, this bill would invalidate any and all state laws that protect the unborn child and the&nbsp;health and well-being of the mom," said Marshall.

President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass legislation that would guarantee the constitutional right to abortion services after the disclosure of a draft Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade. But Democrats in the split Senate lacked the votes to overcome a Republican-led filibuster.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652301407219.png" alt="Senator Roger Marshall spoke prior to the Wednesday afternoon vote-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Senator Roger Marshall spoke prior to the Wednesday afternoon vote-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has failed vote in an effort toward enshrining Roe v. Wade abortion access into federal law. Wednesday's 51-49 negative vote almost along party lines provided a stark display of the nation’s partisan divide over the landmark court decision and the limits of legislative action.Kansas senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran said, " This legislation would have permitted unborn children to be terminated at any point for any reason. Additionally, this legislation would have eliminated conscience protections for health care providers who object to terminating human life and abolished state laws, such as waiting periods or requiring parental consent for minors to obtain an abortion. Not only is this legislation immoral, it is far outside the mainstream of American opinion and would have placed the United States alongside China and North Korea as outliers with the world’s most permissive abortion laws.” The afternoon roll call promised to be the first of several efforts in Congress to preserve the nearly 50-year-old court ruling. “This bill is the most egregious, horrific attack on the lives of unborn children and the health of moms in American history,”&nbsp;Senator Roger Marshall said.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kZ1rTVDANBQ?start=2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>"While the overturning of Roe vs Wade&nbsp;simply returns this emotional issue to the states, to the elected voice of the people, this bill would invalidate any and all state laws that protect the unborn child and the&nbsp;health and well-being of the mom," said Marshall.President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass legislation that would guarantee the constitutional right to abortion services after the disclosure of a draft Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade. But Democrats in the split Senate lacked the votes to overcome a Republican-led filibuster.