TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly honored fallen law enforcement officers from across the state at the annual Law Enforcement Memorial reception and ceremony on Friday, according to a statement from her office.

 Kelly recognized the families of the honored fallen officers and thanked the law enforcement officers in attendance for their dedication to keeping Kansas communities safe.

"Law enforcement officers across the state take heroic risks every day to protect and serve Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"Your admirable bravery warrants our sincerest appreciation, especially to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.”

Governor Kelly has ordered flags statewide remain at half-staff through sundown on May 6, 2022, to pay tribute to Kansas law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Below is the list of fallen officers who were honored at today’s ceremony and added to the Kansas Law Enforcement Monument:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651864393002.png" alt="Governor Kelly and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt during Friday's ceremony-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt during Friday's ceremony-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly honored fallen law enforcement officers from across the state at the annual Law Enforcement Memorial reception and ceremony on Friday, according to a statement from her office. Kelly recognized the families of the honored fallen officers and thanked the law enforcement officers in attendance for their dedication to keeping Kansas communities safe.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/j6JQLlEL2H">pic.twitter.com/j6JQLlEL2H</a>&mdash; KS Capitol Police-Officer Jose (@KSCapitolPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSCapitolPolice/status/1522637912348794881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Law enforcement officers across the state take heroic risks every day to protect and serve Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"Your admirable bravery warrants our sincerest appreciation, especially to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.”Governor Kelly has ordered flags statewide remain at half-staff through sundown on May 6, 2022, to pay tribute to Kansas law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.Below is the list of fallen officers who were honored at today’s ceremony and added to the Kansas Law Enforcement Monument:<ul>
 <li>Officer Freddie Joe Castro, Overland Park Police Department</li><li>Officer Kerry Dean Dick, Rossville Police Department</li><li>Deputy Stephen Mark Evans, Butler County Sheriff’s Office</li><li>Officer Theodore James Ohlemeier, Colwich Police Department</li><li>Deputy Stacy Annette Murrow, Linn County Sheriff’s Office</li><li>Special Agent James Lee David, Special Agent with the Missouri Pacific Railroad</li>
 </ul>

Governor, Attorney Gen. honor Kansas law enforcement officers

WASHINGTON (AP) — John Roberts is heading a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/biographies.aspx" target="_blank">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;in crisis.

The chief justice has already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-07439f9fc4542f1500ab78dfd34036b1">ordered an investigation of the leak this week of a draft opinion</a>&nbsp;suggesting the court could be poised to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-roe-v-wade-33c08858dc8b0aa5f0450858b51a648a">Roe v. Wade</a>, the 1973 case legalizing abortion nationwide. What comes next could further test Roberts’ leadership of a court where his vote already appears less crucial in determining the outcome in contentious cases.

“This is a time when the court is under siege, both externally and internally now,” said Roanoke College professor Todd Peppers, who writes about the court. “I just don’t think the spotlight has ever been brighter on the court in recent history.”

Speaking Thursday at a judicial conference in Atlanta, Roberts called the leak “appalling,” according to CNN.

Roberts’ court was facing challenges even before the leak, which the chief&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/publicinfo/press/pressreleases/pr_05-03-22" target="_blank">called a “betrayal of the confidences of the Court.”</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-amy-coney-barrett-courts-us-supreme-court-judiciary-208d93c503545713964fe8f171a2679a">Polling has shown a notable decline in the public’s approval of the court</a>. And there have been recent calls for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-judiciary-term-limits-congress-f5362dc896887a9ed7b09e7450863ada">term limits for the justices</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-legislation-judiciary-us-supreme-court-courts-3d8bbbdcd2d682190c4b0ae9d1333a37">for increasing the number of justices</a>&nbsp;as well as for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-elections-donald-trump-clarence-thomas-f3adf2919f789fcd03b9da6271a62501">code of ethics</a>, particularly following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-donald-trump-presidential-elections-election-2020-mark-meadows-8f12a158eb25fe6ed96528da76a867d7">reports that Justice Clarence Thomas’ wife, Virginia</a>, implored Donald Trump’s White House chief of staff to act to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-supreme-court-confirmation-f39263cdbb0c59c8a20a48edf9b6786e">Confirmation hearings</a>&nbsp;for the court’s newest justices have been contentious.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-donald-trump-health-coronavirus-pandemic-religion-b90d5cb87d303c183c7d8986ca89db3e">The addition of three conservative justices during Trump’s presidency</a>&nbsp;also means there are now five conservative justices to Roberts’ right who no longer need his vote, and perhaps his moderating influence, to prevail in a case. The abortion decision could be another example of that, with the court’s other conservatives prepared to go further than Roberts.

Roberts, 67, has noted the limits of his position in the past.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?451977-1/chief-justice-roberts-stresses-supreme-courts-independence-contentious-kavanaugh-hearings" target="_blank">Asked during a 2018 appearance&nbsp;</a>how it’s different to be chief, Roberts responded: “In many ways it’s different. In the most important it’s not. I have one vote. I participate in the decision-making of the court like any of the associate justices.”

Still, there’s a reason that the chief is called the “first among equals” and that historians refer to time periods at the court using the chief justice’s name: the Marshall Court, the Rehnquist Court, the Roberts Court. The chief is the first to speak when the justices discuss cases at their private conference and guides that discussion. The chief decides who writes the opinion of the court when the chief is in the majority.

Roberts, an appointee of President George W. Bush, has faced other challenging times in his 16 years as chief. He’s led the court through contentious cases on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">gay marriage</a>, on President Barack Obama’s health law and on Trump-era policies including building a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-mexico-international-news-stephen-breyer-elections-7327131928dbcd2e9e36ca34b0c38809">U.S.-Mexico border wall</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-courts-3a20abe305bd4c989116f82bf535393b">travel ban</a>.

In 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-trials-us-supreme-court-impeachments-trump-impeachment-38e230d0d42dd5b313b7077c38db6a63">Roberts was in the spotlight presiding over Trump’s first impeachment trial</a>, though his role was modest. At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, he led the court through a period where it decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/664c5973c9d1cabea58fc33a1d50035a">postpone arguments for the first time in more than 100 years</a>&nbsp;and then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-massachusetts-courts-cdb3f841aab23ee654ca5dc7f50f5d2e">to conduct them by telephone for more than a year and a half</a>.

Early in his tenure, in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?192685-1/georgetown-university-law-center-commencement-address" target="_blank">a speech at Georgetown’s law school graduation</a>&nbsp;and elsewhere, Roberts explained his philosophy in guiding the court and his preference for decisions where there could be broad agreement on narrow grounds.

“There are clear benefits to a greater degree of consensus on the court. Unanimity or near unanimity promote clarity and guidance for the lawyers and for the lower courts trying to figure out what the Supreme Court meant,” he said in 2006. He added: “The rule of law is strengthened when there’s greater coherence and agreement about what the law is.”

Artemus Ward, a professor at Northern Illinois University who is one of the editors of a book of scholarly research on chief justices, said Roberts has been “trying to achieve consensus, trying to rule narrowly.” But following the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ruth-bader-ginsburg-voting-rights-politics-joe-biden-elections-bf6704fa6e900967a705054c801a5495">death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>, a liberal, and her replacement by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-82a02a618343c98b80ca2b6bf9eafe07">conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett</a>, “Roberts’ vote is less powerful” because there are five conservative votes even without him, Ward said.

There’s been some evidence of the impact of that already.

Before Ginsburg’s death, Roberts joined with the court’s four liberals to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-virus-outbreak-ap-top-news-courts-supreme-courts-aeddc22cfa28882d28c573c1e991f929">reject a challenge to attendance limits California imposed on religious services</a>&nbsp;because of the coronavirus pandemic. But about a month after Barrett joined the court, the justices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-john-roberts-d0de27dbb3e16f49d1e73718bd56448d">ruled 5-4 the other way in a case about similar limits in New York</a>, with Roberts and the liberals in dissent.

In September of last year, the court decided 5-4&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-us-supreme-court-32ee7ae7eeec9bdfd1471a848c163321">not to block a new Texas law banning most abortions in the state.&nbsp;</a>The dissenters were once again Roberts and the three liberal justices.

It was the same lineup in February when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-alabama-elections-house-elections-john-roberts-ec7de9d81ce904d6a660ab98be12b845">Supreme Court put on hold</a>&nbsp;a lower court ruling that Alabama must draw new congressional districts before the 2022 elections to increase Black voting power. And in April when the court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-business-john-roberts-environment-environment-7f67b6cc73750e3363582335fe80c181">reinstated a Trump-era water rule</a>.

“Roberts Has Lost Control of the Supreme Court,” was the title of an article written that month by professor Stephen I. Vladeck of the University of Texas School of Law.

It remains to be seen how divided and how sweeping the court will be in other decisions,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-new-york-los-angeles-gun-politics-d7481cb9fd55626abec33e50f1b1a639">including a major gun ruling</a>, that are still to be released before the court breaks for summer.

Unknown too is how closely the final opinion in the abortion case will mirror the leaked draft, which was written by Justice Samuel Alito and distributed to other members of the court in February. Politico reported that Alito had the votes of four other conservatives to overturn Roe v. Wade and a later decision that reaffirmed a constitutional right to abortion services, Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The three liberals planned to dissent, Politico said, while Roberts’ ultimate vote was unclear.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651591949777.png" alt="Chief Justice John Roberts-photo courtesy U.S. Supreme Court" />
 <figcaption>Chief Justice John Roberts-photo courtesy U.S. Supreme Court</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — John Roberts is heading a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/biographies.aspx" target="_blank">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;in crisis.The chief justice has already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-07439f9fc4542f1500ab78dfd34036b1">ordered an investigation of the leak this week of a draft opinion</a>&nbsp;suggesting the court could be poised to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-roe-v-wade-33c08858dc8b0aa5f0450858b51a648a">Roe v. Wade</a>, the 1973 case legalizing abortion nationwide. What comes next could further test Roberts’ leadership of a court where his vote already appears less crucial in determining the outcome in contentious cases.“This is a time when the court is under siege, both externally and internally now,” said Roanoke College professor Todd Peppers, who writes about the court. “I just don’t think the spotlight has ever been brighter on the court in recent history.”Speaking Thursday at a judicial conference in Atlanta, Roberts called the leak “appalling,” according to CNN.Roberts’ court was facing challenges even before the leak, which the chief&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/publicinfo/press/pressreleases/pr_05-03-22" target="_blank">called a “betrayal of the confidences of the Court.”</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-amy-coney-barrett-courts-us-supreme-court-judiciary-208d93c503545713964fe8f171a2679a">Polling has shown a notable decline in the public’s approval of the court</a>. And there have been recent calls for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-judiciary-term-limits-congress-f5362dc896887a9ed7b09e7450863ada">term limits for the justices</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-legislation-judiciary-us-supreme-court-courts-3d8bbbdcd2d682190c4b0ae9d1333a37">for increasing the number of justices</a>&nbsp;as well as for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-elections-donald-trump-clarence-thomas-f3adf2919f789fcd03b9da6271a62501">code of ethics</a>, particularly following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-donald-trump-presidential-elections-election-2020-mark-meadows-8f12a158eb25fe6ed96528da76a867d7">reports that Justice Clarence Thomas’ wife, Virginia</a>, implored Donald Trump’s White House chief of staff to act to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-supreme-court-confirmation-f39263cdbb0c59c8a20a48edf9b6786e">Confirmation hearings</a>&nbsp;for the court’s newest justices have been contentious.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651754402764.jpeg" alt="Security fence placed around the Supreme Court this week-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Security fence placed around the Supreme Court this week-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-donald-trump-health-coronavirus-pandemic-religion-b90d5cb87d303c183c7d8986ca89db3e">The addition of three conservative justices during Trump’s presidency</a>&nbsp;also means there are now five conservative justices to Roberts’ right who no longer need his vote, and perhaps his moderating influence, to prevail in a case. The abortion decision could be another example of that, with the court’s other conservatives prepared to go further than Roberts.Roberts, 67, has noted the limits of his position in the past.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?451977-1/chief-justice-roberts-stresses-supreme-courts-independence-contentious-kavanaugh-hearings" target="_blank">Asked during a 2018 appearance&nbsp;</a>how it’s different to be chief, Roberts responded: “In many ways it’s different. In the most important it’s not. I have one vote. I participate in the decision-making of the court like any of the associate justices.”Still, there’s a reason that the chief is called the “first among equals” and that historians refer to time periods at the court using the chief justice’s name: the Marshall Court, the Rehnquist Court, the Roberts Court. The chief is the first to speak when the justices discuss cases at their private conference and guides that discussion. The chief decides who writes the opinion of the court when the chief is in the majority.Roberts, an appointee of President George W. Bush, has faced other challenging times in his 16 years as chief. He’s led the court through contentious cases on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">gay marriage</a>, on President Barack Obama’s health law and on Trump-era policies including building a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-mexico-international-news-stephen-breyer-elections-7327131928dbcd2e9e36ca34b0c38809">U.S.-Mexico border wall</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-courts-3a20abe305bd4c989116f82bf535393b">travel ban</a>.In 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-trials-us-supreme-court-impeachments-trump-impeachment-38e230d0d42dd5b313b7077c38db6a63">Roberts was in the spotlight presiding over Trump’s first impeachment trial</a>, though his role was modest. At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, he led the court through a period where it decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/664c5973c9d1cabea58fc33a1d50035a">postpone arguments for the first time in more than 100 years</a>&nbsp;and then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-massachusetts-courts-cdb3f841aab23ee654ca5dc7f50f5d2e">to conduct them by telephone for more than a year and a half</a>.Early in his tenure, in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?192685-1/georgetown-university-law-center-commencement-address" target="_blank">a speech at Georgetown’s law school graduation</a>&nbsp;and elsewhere, Roberts explained his philosophy in guiding the court and his preference for decisions where there could be broad agreement on narrow grounds.“There are clear benefits to a greater degree of consensus on the court. Unanimity or near unanimity promote clarity and guidance for the lawyers and for the lower courts trying to figure out what the Supreme Court meant,” he said in 2006. He added: “The rule of law is strengthened when there’s greater coherence and agreement about what the law is.”Artemus Ward, a professor at Northern Illinois University who is one of the editors of a book of scholarly research on chief justices, said Roberts has been “trying to achieve consensus, trying to rule narrowly.” But following the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ruth-bader-ginsburg-voting-rights-politics-joe-biden-elections-bf6704fa6e900967a705054c801a5495">death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>, a liberal, and her replacement by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-82a02a618343c98b80ca2b6bf9eafe07">conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett</a>, “Roberts’ vote is less powerful” because there are five conservative votes even without him, Ward said.There’s been some evidence of the impact of that already.Before Ginsburg’s death, Roberts joined with the court’s four liberals to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-virus-outbreak-ap-top-news-courts-supreme-courts-aeddc22cfa28882d28c573c1e991f929">reject a challenge to attendance limits California imposed on religious services</a>&nbsp;because of the coronavirus pandemic. But about a month after Barrett joined the court, the justices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-john-roberts-d0de27dbb3e16f49d1e73718bd56448d">ruled 5-4 the other way in a case about similar limits in New York</a>, with Roberts and the liberals in dissent.In September of last year, the court decided 5-4&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-us-supreme-court-32ee7ae7eeec9bdfd1471a848c163321">not to block a new Texas law banning most abortions in the state.&nbsp;</a>The dissenters were once again Roberts and the three liberal justices.It was the same lineup in February when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-alabama-elections-house-elections-john-roberts-ec7de9d81ce904d6a660ab98be12b845">Supreme Court put on hold</a>&nbsp;a lower court ruling that Alabama must draw new congressional districts before the 2022 elections to increase Black voting power. And in April when the court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-business-john-roberts-environment-environment-7f67b6cc73750e3363582335fe80c181">reinstated a Trump-era water rule</a>.“Roberts Has Lost Control of the Supreme Court,” was the title of an article written that month by professor Stephen I. Vladeck of the University of Texas School of Law.It remains to be seen how divided and how sweeping the court will be in other decisions,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-new-york-los-angeles-gun-politics-d7481cb9fd55626abec33e50f1b1a639">including a major gun ruling</a>, that are still to be released before the court breaks for summer.Unknown too is how closely the final opinion in the abortion case will mirror the leaked draft, which was written by Justice Samuel Alito and distributed to other members of the court in February. Politico reported that Alito had the votes of four other conservatives to overturn Roe v. Wade and a later decision that reaffirmed a constitutional right to abortion services, Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The three liberals planned to dissent, Politico said, while Roberts’ ultimate vote was unclear.

It’s Chief Justice Roberts' Court, but does he still lead?

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-05-04/public-defenders-in-kansas-got-more-pay-but-still-have-the-same-crushing-workloads">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — In the best times, public defenders deal with high stress and long hours. The pandemic did not help.

Maban
 Wright, the chief public defender in Topeka, said case backlogs from 
when courts closed have piled up, and a few employees left during the 
Great Resignation.

“It’s very difficult to attract and retain talented people to work this job,” she said. “There’s simply too much work.”

But
 changes are coming. Legal services for low-income Kansas got more tax 
dollars from the Legislature this spring. But key initiatives — like 
more staff — remain unfunded. Wright said funding was approved by the 
Legislature last year to hire more staff, yet her office remains 
“grossly understaffed by any measure.”

The state approved $3.9 
million in raises for public defenders attorneys to equal wages 
prosecutors may earn. Both positions were paid around the same starting 
wage, but prosecutors got raises faster and the resulting disparity 
creates higher turnover among public defense attorneys. Public defenders
 also got $315,000 in infrastructure upgrades, which could be used to 
improve a legal research program.

“(Infrastructure investments) are not the most exciting developments,
 but they’re vitally important to our ability to move cases along,” said
 Heather Cessna, executive director of the Kansas State Board of 
Indigents’ Defense Services.

The state also approved $3.6 million 
in raises to hourly fees for attorneys who contract with the Board of 
Indigent Defense Services. Public defenders can refuse a case, but the 
state has to provide legal defense to low-income Kansans. Those cases 
are then given to private lawyers. Some parts of the state also don’t 
have a public defender office, so they rely on private attorneys to step
 in.

The state Legislature is also considering a 5% pay increase 
for state employees, which could include public defenders. Those changes
 are still pending.

Cessna said the additional money will help 
retain staff and reduce turnover. She said even if the agency filled all
 current vacancies and had zero turnover, public defenders would need “a
 substantial number of additional positions in order to deal with the 
number of cases that we have coming into our system.”

Public 
defenders averaged 205 cases in 2020, that number dropped to 163 in 2021
 because more private attorneys were contracted for work to create a 
healthier caseload for public defenders. Even with the lower caseload, 
Cessna said it is still above the national standard of 150 cases per 
attorney per year.

“We”re still above what the 1973 
pretty-outdated national standards are,” she said. “Because 150 
probation violations may be doable, 150 murder cases would not be.”

Public
 defenders across the country have long complained of excessive 
workloads. Studies by the American Bar Association in January found that
 New Mexico was short 602 attorneys while Oregon was 1,296 people short.
 Similar studies don’t exist for Kansas.

Cessna said the solutions to this problem won’t come overnight.

“This
 is definitely going to be an ongoing thing,” she said. “The 
Legislature, while they have not fully funded all of our requests …, 
have made a substantial investment in moving forward in improving our 
public defense system.”

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/2022/5/1651682660498.png" alt="Photo credit Celia Llopis-Jepsen / The Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo credit Celia Llopis-Jepsen / The Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-05-04/public-defenders-in-kansas-got-more-pay-but-still-have-the-same-crushing-workloads">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA, Kansas — In the best times, public defenders deal with high stress and long hours. The pandemic did not help.Maban
 Wright, the chief public defender in Topeka, said case backlogs from 
when courts closed have piled up, and a few employees left during the 
Great Resignation.“It’s very difficult to attract and retain talented people to work this job,” she said. “There’s simply too much work.”But
 changes are coming. Legal services for low-income Kansas got more tax 
dollars from the Legislature this spring. But key initiatives — like 
more staff — remain unfunded. Wright said funding was approved by the 
Legislature last year to hire more staff, yet her office remains 
“grossly understaffed by any measure.”The state approved $3.9 
million in raises for public defenders attorneys to equal wages 
prosecutors may earn. Both positions were paid around the same starting 
wage, but prosecutors got raises faster and the resulting disparity 
creates higher turnover among public defense attorneys. Public defenders
 also got $315,000 in infrastructure upgrades, which could be used to 
improve a legal research program.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651682726174.png" alt="The Board of Indigents’ Defense Services got around $7 million in additional funding from the state Legislature. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>The Board of Indigents’ Defense Services got around $7 million in additional funding from the state Legislature. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>“(Infrastructure investments) are not the most exciting developments,
 but they’re vitally important to our ability to move cases along,” said
 Heather Cessna, executive director of the Kansas State Board of 
Indigents’ Defense Services.The state also approved $3.6 million 
in raises to hourly fees for attorneys who contract with the Board of 
Indigent Defense Services. Public defenders can refuse a case, but the 
state has to provide legal defense to low-income Kansans. Those cases 
are then given to private lawyers. Some parts of the state also don’t 
have a public defender office, so they rely on private attorneys to step
 in.The state Legislature is also considering a 5% pay increase 
for state employees, which could include public defenders. Those changes
 are still pending.Cessna said the additional money will help 
retain staff and reduce turnover. She said even if the agency filled all
 current vacancies and had zero turnover, public defenders would need “a
 substantial number of additional positions in order to deal with the 
number of cases that we have coming into our system.”Public 
defenders averaged 205 cases in 2020, that number dropped to 163 in 2021
 because more private attorneys were contracted for work to create a 
healthier caseload for public defenders. Even with the lower caseload, 
Cessna said it is still above the national standard of 150 cases per 
attorney per year.“We”re still above what the 1973 
pretty-outdated national standards are,” she said. “Because 150 
probation violations may be doable, 150 murder cases would not be.”Public
 defenders across the country have long complained of excessive 
workloads. Studies by the American Bar Association in January found that
 New Mexico was short 602 attorneys while Oregon was 1,296 people short.
 Similar studies don’t exist for Kansas.Cessna said the solutions to this problem won’t come overnight.“This
 is definitely going to be an ongoing thing,” she said. “The 
Legislature, while they have not fully funded all of our requests …, 
have made a substantial investment in moving forward in improving our 
public defense system.”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. public defenders got more pay, but have crushing workloads

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;2,232 new coronavirus cases in Kansas since Friday, April 29, for a total of 778,045 cases.

The state reported 56 additional COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,691.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.

The state will continue to support access to free COVID-19 testing, work to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”

The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Friday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;2,232 new coronavirus cases in Kansas since Friday, April 29, for a total of 778,045 cases.The state reported 56 additional COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,691.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651855001564.png" alt="KDHE image Friday May 6, 2022" />
 <figcaption>KDHE image Friday May 6, 2022</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.The state will continue to support access to free COVID-19 testing, work to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Friday.

KDHE: 56 additional COVID deaths, 2,232 new cases

HARVEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a disturbance involving gunshots reported Thursday night in Newton.

Just after 9 p.m. Thursday, officers were dispatched for an active disturbance&nbsp;in the area of East 12th and Magnolia in Newton, according to a social media report from police.

While they were en route, several 911 calls reported multiple gunshots in the area. Officers arrived at a chaotic scene but were quickly able to determine no one was injured. Police searched two residences and found no victims or suspects.

After interviewing witnesses, officers identified two people involved in the disturbance and recovered a handgun and several spent casings. No arrests have been made.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578590750272.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a disturbance involving gunshots reported Thursday night in Newton.Just after 9 p.m. Thursday, officers were dispatched for an active disturbance&nbsp;in the area of East 12th and Magnolia in Newton, according to a social media report from police.While they were en route, several 911 calls reported multiple gunshots in the area. Officers arrived at a chaotic scene but were quickly able to determine no one was injured. Police searched two residences and found no victims or suspects.After interviewing witnesses, officers identified two people involved in the disturbance and recovered a handgun and several spent casings. No arrests have been made.

Police: Disturbance in Newton involved gunshots

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Economist Michael Austin believes there may be some future issues found in what on the surface seems like a positive sales tax report for the state.

"Even though we saw tax day had a better than expected gain, Kansas consumption, I saw, decelerated massively, suggesting that massive inflation might have blunted consumer confidence here in the free state."

Austin agrees with other conservative economists that the Fed raising rates is the right thing to do, but it may be too much and too late.

"The Federal Reserve needs to, of course, raise rates in a way that it discourages bad investments, but maintains productivity within consumers and businesses," Austin said. "Historically, that has been very hard to do. It is likely that we'll see another recession within the next one to two years."

The point of Austin's question is that Kansans are not buying like they used to even a few months ago.

"Year over year growth for Kansas purchases of sales taxable items was 18.4%," Austin said. "That included a roughly 8.5% inflation hike. Now, in this April report, sales are down to 4.8% growth. Not only is that a quarter of March's growth, but it's even smaller than March inflation. It means Kansans can't keep up with rising prices and now they're pulling back."

That also could mean times for tax policy in coming months and years won't be as flush as we have seen recently.

NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Economist Michael Austin believes there may be some future issues found in what on the surface seems like a positive sales tax report for the state."Even though we saw tax day had a better than expected gain, Kansas consumption, I saw, decelerated massively, suggesting that massive inflation might have blunted consumer confidence here in the free state."Austin agrees with other conservative economists that the Fed raising rates is the right thing to do, but it may be too much and too late."The Federal Reserve needs to, of course, raise rates in a way that it discourages bad investments, but maintains productivity within consumers and businesses," Austin said. "Historically, that has been very hard to do. It is likely that we'll see another recession within the next one to two years."The point of Austin's question is that Kansans are not buying like they used to even a few months ago."Year over year growth for Kansas purchases of sales taxable items was 18.4%," Austin said. "That included a roughly 8.5% inflation hike. Now, in this April report, sales are down to 4.8% growth. Not only is that a quarter of March's growth, but it's even smaller than March inflation. It means Kansans can't keep up with rising prices and now they're pulling back."That also could mean times for tax policy in coming months and years won't be as flush as we have seen recently.

Economist: Kansans buying less, recession could be coming

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a suspicious death and have identified the victim as 74-year-old Harvey Baker of Topeka and have made an arrest.

Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to 1900 NW Lyman Road on a call for service reference, checking the welfare of an individual, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

Early Friday, police reported the arrest of 61-year-old Vicki Shelton of Topeka on a requested charge of first-degree murder.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspicious death.

Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to 1900 NW Lyman Road in Topeka on a call for service reference, checking the welfare of an individual, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

Officers located an unresponsive adult, who was found to be deceased by medical personnel, at the scene. Police released no additional details Thursday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651832047726.png" alt="Shelton photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Shelton photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a suspicious death and have identified the victim as 74-year-old Harvey Baker of Topeka and have made an arrest.Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to 1900 NW Lyman Road on a call for service reference, checking the welfare of an individual, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.Early Friday, police reported the arrest of 61-year-old Vicki Shelton of Topeka on a requested charge of first-degree murder.--------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspicious death.Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to 1900 NW Lyman Road in Topeka on a call for service reference, checking the welfare of an individual, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.Officers located an unresponsive adult, who was found to be deceased by medical personnel, at the scene. Police released no additional details Thursday evening.

Police: Kansas woman accused of 74-year-old man's murder

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2022-05-05/the-pandemic-shrunk-kansas-public-school-enrollment-and-that-means-cuts-in-education-budgets">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — Kansas public schools feel the pinch of 
enrollment losses that came with the COVID-19 pandemic — and it could 
mean fewer teachers, bigger classes and widespread budget cuts.

The
 number of students enrolled in Kansas public schools dropped by more 
than 15,000 since the start of the pandemic, according to state data. 
Some of those students may have moved out of state, but many likely 
turned to homeschooling or online education.

Federal COVID relief 
money helped districts cover shortfalls at the start. But longer-term 
student losses will mean less state funding.

“We will have to 
start to reduce the budget footprint, because the student footprint is 
down,” said Susan Willis, chief financial officer for the state’s 
largest district, in Wichita. “And it appears to be more permanently 
down, and not just a one-year COVID anomaly.”

Wichita’s enrollment
 has dropped by more than 7% over the past six years. Some of that came 
from declining birth rates and shifting housing patterns. But COVID 
worsened the problem, especially in <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-09-13/3-000-kansas-kindergartners-and-untold-preschoolers-skipped-last-year-now-theyre-behind" target="_blank">preschool and kindergarten</a>.

Kansas
 gives schools some leeway to account for abnormal years and to protect 
them from sudden swings in enrollment. Districts can use the higher 
enrollment figure from the preceding two school years to set their 
budgets.

But two years into the pandemic, students aren’t 
returning to public school in droves. So districts are starting budget 
talks with pared-down enrollment numbers and tightened belts.

“Declining
 … enrollment prevents us from waiting any longer,” said John Hutchison,
 deputy superintendent of Olathe public schools, during a public meeting
 to answer questions about budget cuts. “More money from growth isn’t 
really going to be coming.”

The Olathe district is looking to cut 
more than $28 million next school year. Officials plan to close the 
district’s virtual school, cut kindergarten aides and eliminate library 
clerks at middle schools and high schools.

In Lawrence, early budget plans included a proposal to close several schools, but that was scrapped after a <a href="https://lawrencekstimes.com/2022/02/14/usd497bd-no-closures/" target="_blank">public outcry</a>. The district does plan to eliminate dozens of elementary teaching positions by <a href="https://www2.ljworld.com/news/2022/mar/28/lawrence-school-board-approves-5-8m-in-budget-cuts-asks-for-less-severe-cuts-to-school-libraries/" target="_blank">combining grades in some classrooms</a>.

Meanwhile, costs are going up for food, fuel and other supplies.

Kansas
 lawmakers approved a bill last week that would allow students to 
transfer to any public school district with the room to take them. If 
approved by Gov. Laura Kelly, the <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-04-18/suburban-school-officials-predict-chaos-if-kansas-lets-out-of-district-students-transfer-freely" target="_blank">open enrollment measure</a>
 would go into effect for the 2024-25 school year. State per-pupil 
funding would follow a child to whichever district they attend.

Lawmakers
 rejected a proposal for an additional $30 million in funding for 
special education. Supporters of that measure said districts have to 
cover excess special-education costs by shifting money from other areas 
of the budget.

Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651771908005.png" alt="Some Kansas school districts plan to eliminate elementary teaching positions by combining grades in some classrooms. Suzanne Perez / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Some Kansas school districts plan to eliminate elementary teaching positions by combining grades in some classrooms. Suzanne Perez / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2022-05-05/the-pandemic-shrunk-kansas-public-school-enrollment-and-that-means-cuts-in-education-budgets">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — Kansas public schools feel the pinch of 
enrollment losses that came with the COVID-19 pandemic — and it could 
mean fewer teachers, bigger classes and widespread budget cuts.The
 number of students enrolled in Kansas public schools dropped by more 
than 15,000 since the start of the pandemic, according to state data. 
Some of those students may have moved out of state, but many likely 
turned to homeschooling or online education.Federal COVID relief 
money helped districts cover shortfalls at the start. But longer-term 
student losses will mean less state funding.“We will have to 
start to reduce the budget footprint, because the student footprint is 
down,” said Susan Willis, chief financial officer for the state’s 
largest district, in Wichita. “And it appears to be more permanently 
down, and not just a one-year COVID anomaly.”Wichita’s enrollment
 has dropped by more than 7% over the past six years. Some of that came 
from declining birth rates and shifting housing patterns. But COVID 
worsened the problem, especially in <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-09-13/3-000-kansas-kindergartners-and-untold-preschoolers-skipped-last-year-now-theyre-behind" target="_blank">preschool and kindergarten</a>.Kansas
 gives schools some leeway to account for abnormal years and to protect 
them from sudden swings in enrollment. Districts can use the higher 
enrollment figure from the preceding two school years to set their 
budgets.But two years into the pandemic, students aren’t 
returning to public school in droves. So districts are starting budget 
talks with pared-down enrollment numbers and tightened belts.“Declining
 … enrollment prevents us from waiting any longer,” said John Hutchison,
 deputy superintendent of Olathe public schools, during a public meeting
 to answer questions about budget cuts. “More money from growth isn’t 
really going to be coming.”The Olathe district is looking to cut 
more than $28 million next school year. Officials plan to close the 
district’s virtual school, cut kindergarten aides and eliminate library 
clerks at middle schools and high schools.In Lawrence, early budget plans included a proposal to close several schools, but that was scrapped after a <a href="https://lawrencekstimes.com/2022/02/14/usd497bd-no-closures/" target="_blank">public outcry</a>. The district does plan to eliminate dozens of elementary teaching positions by <a href="https://www2.ljworld.com/news/2022/mar/28/lawrence-school-board-approves-5-8m-in-budget-cuts-asks-for-less-severe-cuts-to-school-libraries/" target="_blank">combining grades in some classrooms</a>.Meanwhile, costs are going up for food, fuel and other supplies.Kansas
 lawmakers approved a bill last week that would allow students to 
transfer to any public school district with the room to take them. If 
approved by Gov. Laura Kelly, the <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-04-18/suburban-school-officials-predict-chaos-if-kansas-lets-out-of-district-students-transfer-freely" target="_blank">open enrollment measure</a>
 would go into effect for the 2024-25 school year. State per-pupil 
funding would follow a child to whichever district they attend.Lawmakers
 rejected a proposal for an additional $30 million in funding for 
special education. Supporters of that measure said districts have to 
cover excess special-education costs by shifting money from other areas 
of the budget.Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

Pandemic shrunk Kan. school enrollment, leading to budget cuts

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged crimes involving teens as part of a scavenger hunt.

Just before 8:30 p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a call of a 26-year-old woman reporting a battery, according to a media release from Dodge City Police.

She told officers that she had been on a run in the 400 block of Morgan Blvd. in Dodge City when a red truck pulled over to the side of the road. 

She said she continued running past the truck when she felt an impact to her head and back. She turned around to see two males running back to the truck. 

When the truck pulled away she noticed 4-5 other males in the truck and took down the license plate number. Police determined that the suspects threw eggs at the victim. 

Officers were able to use the information she provided to locate the driver of the truck. The driver was identified as a 17-year-old boy. A case will be filled with the Ford County Attorney's Office for the charges of battery and disorderly conduct. The investigation is still open and active as police track down the other individuals involved in this crime.

Police have received information that some high school students are participating in a scavenger hunt style event where some of the activities involve committing crimes. 

Police asked parents to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, speak with your children about having respect for others and their property to avoid any further crimes and potential charges for those who still have a bright future ahead of them.

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged crimes involving teens as part of a scavenger hunt.Just before 8:30 p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a call of a 26-year-old woman reporting a battery, according to a media release from Dodge City Police.She told officers that she had been on a run in the 400 block of Morgan Blvd. in Dodge City when a red truck pulled over to the side of the road. She said she continued running past the truck when she felt an impact to her head and back. She turned around to see two males running back to the truck. When the truck pulled away she noticed 4-5 other males in the truck and took down the license plate number. Police determined that the suspects threw eggs at the victim. Officers were able to use the information she provided to locate the driver of the truck. The driver was identified as a 17-year-old boy. A case will be filled with the Ford County Attorney's Office for the charges of battery and disorderly conduct. The investigation is still open and active as police track down the other individuals involved in this crime.Police have received information that some high school students are participating in a scavenger hunt style event where some of the activities involve committing crimes. Police asked parents to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, speak with your children about having respect for others and their property to avoid any further crimes and potential charges for those who still have a bright future ahead of them.

Police alert parents to scavenger hunt crime activity in SW Kan.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide have identified the victim as 48-year-old Fransisco Garcia-Aguirre of Kansas City, Kansas.

On May 2, police responded to the 1900 Block of North 73rd Terrace in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

As they arrived on the scene, officer found Garcia-Aguirre outside the complex deceased from a gunshot wound.

Police have not reported an arrest or released details on a suspect. They asked the public for help with information on the case.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide have identified the victim as 48-year-old Fransisco Garcia-Aguirre of Kansas City, Kansas.On May 2, police responded to the 1900 Block of North 73rd Terrace in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.As they arrived on the scene, officer found Garcia-Aguirre outside the complex deceased from a gunshot wound.Police have not reported an arrest or released details on a suspect. They asked the public for help with information on the case.

Homicide: Police ID 48-year-old Kansas shooting victim

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly Thursday signed House Bill 2237 to help address the state’s housing shortage by investing in and incentivizing residential development – especially in rural areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA1MDUuNTc0NjE1OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtzbGVnaXNsYXR1cmUub3JnL2xpL2IyMDIxXzIyL21lYXN1cmVzL2hiMjIzNy8ifQ.vGnXoVrd5d9Iqr7V9ydPmC0-0vl2iugn2aQ3SsO2keY/s/1303160919/br/130867869944-l" target="_blank">Click here for more information about HB 2237&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;

“By expanding access to quality, affordable housing, communities and businesses can better recruit and retain workers, families, and entrepreneurs in rural Kansas,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“This bill gives our rural communities more tools to spur economic growth vital to the economy.”&nbsp;

When Governor Kelly took office, she created the Office of Rural Prosperity to address the needs of rural Kansas communities. That included conducting the first statewide housing needs assessment completed in nearly 30 years which highlighted the need for the expansion of affordable housing, especially in rural communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Living in Montgomery County, I know how important it is for rural communities to have available the tools needed to redevelop their historic main streets and provide new and renovated housing options for their workforce, seniors, and young families,”&nbsp;Representative Jim Kelly, Chair of the House Committee on Financial Institutions and Rural Development, said.&nbsp;“I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of a team with so many engaged and dedicated leaders who contributed to this bill. With this Mega Housing Package, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, and the new housing investments made in this year’s budget, a huge step forward has been taken to improve the lives of Kansans for many years to come.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The Wichita Area Builders Association, in conjunction with the Kansas Building Industry Association, appreciate the leadership shown by Governor Kelly and the Office of Rural Prosperity in choosing to undertake a statewide housing study last year,”&nbsp;Wess Galyon, President &amp; CEO of the Wichita Area Builders Association, said.&nbsp;“That study identified a host of changes necessary to jumpstart the development of workforce housing that is so critical to the continued economic development of our state. We were excited to work with other stakeholders, the Legislature, and the governor to craft a housing package that eliminates barriers and creates immediate growth opportunities. When combined with targeted housing funding provided by state leaders, HB 2237 provides an opportunity for Kansas communities, large and small, urban, and rural, to attract new businesses by incentivizing the housing opportunities necessary to meet the needs of its citizens.”&nbsp;

Beyond that, the bill also expands eligibility for the Child Day Care Services Assistance Tax Credit so even more Kansas businesses can assist employees with child care services.&nbsp;

“One of the major barriers to entry in the workforce is the incredibly high cost of child care,”&nbsp;Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes said.&nbsp;“The expanded child care tax credit provides incentives for employers from C corps to mom-and-pop operations to ensure employees don’t have to choose between having a career and having a family. Policies like these are crucial to ensuring that all Kansans – and particularly Kansas women – have the opportunity to participate fully in our society and economy.”   &nbsp;

“By taking advantage of these opportunities, investors, developers, and businesses across the state will play an important role in helping Kansas communities thrive,”&nbsp;Senator Rob Olson, Chair of the Senate Committee on Federal &amp; State Affairs, said.&nbsp;“I am proud to be part of the bipartisanship effort to help our rural communities grow.”&nbsp;

“We’ve consistently heard from the business community that access to childcare is a challenge for their employees. We applaud the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly for enacting HB 2237 and providing another tool to help employers secure the staffing they need to resume full operational capacity,”&nbsp;Kevin Walker, Senior Vice President of Public Policy for the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, said.&nbsp;

“The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce strongly believes a robust and quality childcare and early childhood education infrastructure is not only vital to ensuring folks can find and retain work, but is also critical for our future workforce,”&nbsp;Joe Reardon,&nbsp;President &amp; CEO, The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, said.&nbsp;“HB2337 will allow more employers to offer childcare for their employees which will help hardworking families stay employed and help drive innovative solutions to the childcare-shortage crisis facing our communities.  It's also a sound economic investment:  studies show that, for every dollar spent, there is a return on investment of $13.00."  &nbsp;&nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly Thursday signed House Bill 2237 to help address the state’s housing shortage by investing in and incentivizing residential development – especially in rural areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA1MDUuNTc0NjE1OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtzbGVnaXNsYXR1cmUub3JnL2xpL2IyMDIxXzIyL21lYXN1cmVzL2hiMjIzNy8ifQ.vGnXoVrd5d9Iqr7V9ydPmC0-0vl2iugn2aQ3SsO2keY/s/1303160919/br/130867869944-l" target="_blank">Click here for more information about HB 2237&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;“By expanding access to quality, affordable housing, communities and businesses can better recruit and retain workers, families, and entrepreneurs in rural Kansas,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“This bill gives our rural communities more tools to spur economic growth vital to the economy.”&nbsp;When Governor Kelly took office, she created the Office of Rural Prosperity to address the needs of rural Kansas communities. That included conducting the first statewide housing needs assessment completed in nearly 30 years which highlighted the need for the expansion of affordable housing, especially in rural communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Living in Montgomery County, I know how important it is for rural communities to have available the tools needed to redevelop their historic main streets and provide new and renovated housing options for their workforce, seniors, and young families,”&nbsp;Representative Jim Kelly, Chair of the House Committee on Financial Institutions and Rural Development, said.&nbsp;“I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of a team with so many engaged and dedicated leaders who contributed to this bill. With this Mega Housing Package, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, and the new housing investments made in this year’s budget, a huge step forward has been taken to improve the lives of Kansans for many years to come.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“The Wichita Area Builders Association, in conjunction with the Kansas Building Industry Association, appreciate the leadership shown by Governor Kelly and the Office of Rural Prosperity in choosing to undertake a statewide housing study last year,”&nbsp;Wess Galyon, President &amp; CEO of the Wichita Area Builders Association, said.&nbsp;“That study identified a host of changes necessary to jumpstart the development of workforce housing that is so critical to the continued economic development of our state. We were excited to work with other stakeholders, the Legislature, and the governor to craft a housing package that eliminates barriers and creates immediate growth opportunities. When combined with targeted housing funding provided by state leaders, HB 2237 provides an opportunity for Kansas communities, large and small, urban, and rural, to attract new businesses by incentivizing the housing opportunities necessary to meet the needs of its citizens.”&nbsp;Beyond that, the bill also expands eligibility for the Child Day Care Services Assistance Tax Credit so even more Kansas businesses can assist employees with child care services.&nbsp;“One of the major barriers to entry in the workforce is the incredibly high cost of child care,”&nbsp;Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes said.&nbsp;“The expanded child care tax credit provides incentives for employers from C corps to mom-and-pop operations to ensure employees don’t have to choose between having a career and having a family. Policies like these are crucial to ensuring that all Kansans – and particularly Kansas women – have the opportunity to participate fully in our society and economy.”   &nbsp;“By taking advantage of these opportunities, investors, developers, and businesses across the state will play an important role in helping Kansas communities thrive,”&nbsp;Senator Rob Olson, Chair of the Senate Committee on Federal &amp; State Affairs, said.&nbsp;“I am proud to be part of the bipartisanship effort to help our rural communities grow.”&nbsp;“We’ve consistently heard from the business community that access to childcare is a challenge for their employees. We applaud the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly for enacting HB 2237 and providing another tool to help employers secure the staffing they need to resume full operational capacity,”&nbsp;Kevin Walker, Senior Vice President of Public Policy for the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, said.&nbsp;“The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce strongly believes a robust and quality childcare and early childhood education infrastructure is not only vital to ensuring folks can find and retain work, but is also critical for our future workforce,”&nbsp;Joe Reardon,&nbsp;President &amp; CEO, The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, said.&nbsp;“HB2337 will allow more employers to offer childcare for their employees which will help hardworking families stay employed and help drive innovative solutions to the childcare-shortage crisis facing our communities.  It's also a sound economic investment:  studies show that, for every dollar spent, there is a return on investment of $13.00."  &nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. governor signs bill to address housing shortage in rural areas

GRAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal fire at a home in Gray County.

According to the Gray County Sheriff’s Office, an adult was found deceased inside a residence.

Deputies are working in coordination with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, The State Fire Marshall’s Office and Cimarron Fire and EMS.

Authorities released no additional details late Thursday.

GRAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal fire at a home in Gray County.According to the Gray County Sheriff’s Office, an adult was found deceased inside a residence.Deputies are working in coordination with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, The State Fire Marshall’s Office and Cimarron Fire and EMS.Authorities released no additional details late Thursday.

Sheriff: Fatal SW Kansas house fire under investigation

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged assault.

Just after 3:30a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communication Center (Dispatch) received information about two individuals wearing dark clothing walking on Interstate 70, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 Deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office arrived in the area near SW Valencia Road and located two individuals.&nbsp; During the investigation, one individual later identified as 47-year-old Eric J. Amundsen, of St. Louis, struck a deputy with his fist.&nbsp; Deputies quickly placed him into custody. Amundsen was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of battery against a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement and disobeying official traffic-control devices.

The other individual, a 17-year-old boy was transported to the Kansas Children’s Service League, according to Christian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651760417484.png" alt="Amundsen-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Amundsen-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged assault.Just after 3:30a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communication Center (Dispatch) received information about two individuals wearing dark clothing walking on Interstate 70, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office arrived in the area near SW Valencia Road and located two individuals.&nbsp; During the investigation, one individual later identified as 47-year-old Eric J. Amundsen, of St. Louis, struck a deputy with his fist.&nbsp; Deputies quickly placed him into custody. Amundsen was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of battery against a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement and disobeying official traffic-control devices.The other individual, a 17-year-old boy was transported to the Kansas Children’s Service League, according to Christian.

Man allegedly punched Kan. deputy during dispute on I-70 

SEDGWICK COUNTY (AP) —Some residents in rural Sedgwick County did not hear sirens going off before an EF-3 tornado struck the Wichita area. While most attention after Friday's tornado centered on the heavily populated Wichita suburb of Andover, rural areas also suffered significant damage. 

Several homes were damaged and two people were injured in a rural neighborhood called Gypsum Township less than a mile outside Wichita city limits. Sedgwick County officials acknowledge many residents in rural areas might not have heard tornado sirens that are often miles away. 

They say several factors go into where the sirens are placed and it is not realistic to expect that all rural areas will be covered by tornado sirens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651760459335.png" alt="Tornado image courtesy city of Andover security camera" />
 <figcaption>Tornado image courtesy city of Andover security camera</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY (AP) —Some residents in rural Sedgwick County did not hear sirens going off before an EF-3 tornado struck the Wichita area. While most attention after Friday's tornado centered on the heavily populated Wichita suburb of Andover, rural areas also suffered significant damage. Several homes were damaged and two people were injured in a rural neighborhood called Gypsum Township less than a mile outside Wichita city limits. Sedgwick County officials acknowledge many residents in rural areas might not have heard tornado sirens that are often miles away. They say several factors go into where the sirens are placed and it is not realistic to expect that all rural areas will be covered by tornado sirens.

Some rural areas near Kansas tornado had no siren coverage

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas police officer accused of shooting a man to death five years ago while on duty will face a new trial next month after his first trial ended in mistrial.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said Wednesday that Matthew Harrington’s new trial on an involuntary manslaughter charge will begin June 6,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article261085597.html#subtopper" target="_blank">the Kansas City Star reported</a>.

Last month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-crime-police-shootings-kansas-bcd076b4edc2f6245a592961ad4e7d76">a mistrial was declared in Harrington’s first trial</a>&nbsp;after a jury in Leavenworth could not reach a unanimous verdict. Harrington is charged in the July 2017 shooting of 47-year-old Antonio Garcia Jr. as Garcia sat inside a vehicle in Leavenworth.

The shooting occurred when Harrington responded to a domestic dispute at a Leavenworth home, police said. Garcia left, but later returned and was sitting in his vehicle when Harrington approached.

Prosecutors said Garcia had a knife but didn’t threaten Harrington, who fired several times into the vehicle after the two men struggled, according to video from Harrington’s body camera.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1572909716608.png" alt=" Matthew Harrington-photo Leavenworth Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption> Matthew Harrington-photo Leavenworth Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas police officer accused of shooting a man to death five years ago while on duty will face a new trial next month after his first trial ended in mistrial.Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said Wednesday that Matthew Harrington’s new trial on an involuntary manslaughter charge will begin June 6,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article261085597.html#subtopper" target="_blank">the Kansas City Star reported</a>.Last month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-crime-police-shootings-kansas-bcd076b4edc2f6245a592961ad4e7d76">a mistrial was declared in Harrington’s first trial</a>&nbsp;after a jury in Leavenworth could not reach a unanimous verdict. Harrington is charged in the July 2017 shooting of 47-year-old Antonio Garcia Jr. as Garcia sat inside a vehicle in Leavenworth.The shooting occurred when Harrington responded to a domestic dispute at a Leavenworth home, police said. Garcia left, but later returned and was sitting in his vehicle when Harrington approached.Prosecutors said Garcia had a knife but didn’t threaten Harrington, who fired several times into the vehicle after the two men struggled, according to video from Harrington’s body camera.

Ex-Kansas police officer to face new manslaughter trial

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Thursday strictly limited who can receive Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine due to the ongoing risk of rare but serious blood clots.

The Food and Drug Administration said the shot should only be given to adults who cannot receive a different vaccine or specifically request J&amp;J’s vaccine. U.S. authorities for months have recommended that Americans starting their COVID-19 vaccinations use the Pfizer or Moderna shots instead.

FDA officials said in a statement that they decided to restrict J&amp;J’s vaccine after taking another look at data on the risk of life-threatening blood clots within two weeks of vaccination.

J&amp;J’s vaccine was initially considered an important tool in fighting the pandemic because it required only one shot. But the single-dose option proved less effective than two doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

In December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended prioritizing Moderna and Pfizer shots over J&amp;J’s because of its safety issues. Previously, U.S. officials had treated all three vaccines similarly because they’d each been shown to offer strong protection.

But follow-up studies have consistently shown lower effectiveness for J&amp;J’s vaccine. And while the blood clots seen with J&amp;J’s shot are rare, officials say they’re still occurring.

Federal scientists identified 60 cases, including nine that were fatal, as of mid-March. That amounts to one blood clot case per 3.23 million J&amp;J shots administered, the FDA said Thursday. The vaccine will carry a starker warning about potential “long-term and debilitating health consequences” of the side effect.

Under the new FDA instructions, J&amp;J’s vaccine could still be given to people who had a severe allergic reaction to one of the other vaccines and can’t receive an additional dose. J&amp;J’s shot could also be an option for people who refuse to receive the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, and therefore would otherwise remain unvaccinated, the agency said.

A J&amp;J spokesman said in an emailed statement: “Data continue to support a favorable benefit-risk profile for the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in adults, when compared with no vaccine.”

Despite the restriction, FDA’s vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks said J&amp;J’s vaccine “still has a role in the current pandemic response in the United States and across the global community.”

The FDA based its decision on “our safety surveillance systems and our commitment to ensuring that science and data guide our decisions.”

The clotting problems first came up last spring, with the J&amp;J shot in the U.S. and with a similar vaccine made by AstraZeneca that is used in other countries. At that time, U.S. regulators decided the benefits of J&amp;J’s one-and-done vaccine outweighed what was considered a very rare risk — as long as recipients were warned.

COVID-19 causes deadly blood clots, too. But the vaccine-linked kind is different, believed to form because of a rogue immune reaction to the J&amp;J and AstraZeneca vaccines because of how they’re made. It forms in unusual places, such as veins that drain blood from the brain, and in patients who also develop abnormally low levels of the platelets that form clots. Symptoms of the unusual clots include severe headaches a week or two after the J&amp;J vaccination — not right away — as well as abdominal pain and nausea.

The New Brunswick, New Jersey-based company announced last month that it didn’t expect a profit from the vaccine this year and was suspending sales projections.

The rollout of the company’s vaccine was hurt by a series of troubles, including manufacturing problems at a Baltimore factory that forced J&amp;J to import millions of doses from overseas.

Additionally, regulators added warnings about the blood clots and a rare neurological reaction called Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Pfizer and Moderna have provided the vast majority of COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. More than 200 million Americans have been fully vaccinated with the companies’ two-dose shots while less than 17 million Americans got the J&amp;J shot.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Thursday strictly limited who can receive Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine due to the ongoing risk of rare but serious blood clots.The Food and Drug Administration said the shot should only be given to adults who cannot receive a different vaccine or specifically request J&amp;J’s vaccine. U.S. authorities for months have recommended that Americans starting their COVID-19 vaccinations use the Pfizer or Moderna shots instead.FDA officials said in a statement that they decided to restrict J&amp;J’s vaccine after taking another look at data on the risk of life-threatening blood clots within two weeks of vaccination.J&amp;J’s vaccine was initially considered an important tool in fighting the pandemic because it required only one shot. But the single-dose option proved less effective than two doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.In December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended prioritizing Moderna and Pfizer shots over J&amp;J’s because of its safety issues. Previously, U.S. officials had treated all three vaccines similarly because they’d each been shown to offer strong protection.But follow-up studies have consistently shown lower effectiveness for J&amp;J’s vaccine. And while the blood clots seen with J&amp;J’s shot are rare, officials say they’re still occurring.Federal scientists identified 60 cases, including nine that were fatal, as of mid-March. That amounts to one blood clot case per 3.23 million J&amp;J shots administered, the FDA said Thursday. The vaccine will carry a starker warning about potential “long-term and debilitating health consequences” of the side effect.Under the new FDA instructions, J&amp;J’s vaccine could still be given to people who had a severe allergic reaction to one of the other vaccines and can’t receive an additional dose. J&amp;J’s shot could also be an option for people who refuse to receive the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, and therefore would otherwise remain unvaccinated, the agency said.A J&amp;J spokesman said in an emailed statement: “Data continue to support a favorable benefit-risk profile for the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in adults, when compared with no vaccine.”Despite the restriction, FDA’s vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks said J&amp;J’s vaccine “still has a role in the current pandemic response in the United States and across the global community.”The FDA based its decision on “our safety surveillance systems and our commitment to ensuring that science and data guide our decisions.”The clotting problems first came up last spring, with the J&amp;J shot in the U.S. and with a similar vaccine made by AstraZeneca that is used in other countries. At that time, U.S. regulators decided the benefits of J&amp;J’s one-and-done vaccine outweighed what was considered a very rare risk — as long as recipients were warned.COVID-19 causes deadly blood clots, too. But the vaccine-linked kind is different, believed to form because of a rogue immune reaction to the J&amp;J and AstraZeneca vaccines because of how they’re made. It forms in unusual places, such as veins that drain blood from the brain, and in patients who also develop abnormally low levels of the platelets that form clots. Symptoms of the unusual clots include severe headaches a week or two after the J&amp;J vaccination — not right away — as well as abdominal pain and nausea.The New Brunswick, New Jersey-based company announced last month that it didn’t expect a profit from the vaccine this year and was suspending sales projections.The rollout of the company’s vaccine was hurt by a series of troubles, including manufacturing problems at a Baltimore factory that forced J&amp;J to import millions of doses from overseas.Additionally, regulators added warnings about the blood clots and a rare neurological reaction called Guillain-Barré syndrome.Pfizer and Moderna have provided the vast majority of COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. More than 200 million Americans have been fully vaccinated with the companies’ two-dose shots while less than 17 million Americans got the J&amp;J shot.___

FDA restricts J&J's COVID-19 vaccine due to blood clot risk

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-05-05/a-15-year-old-runaway-foster-child-was-found-dead-in-kansas-city-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — A foster child was found dead last month in 
an empty lot in Kansas City, Kansas, days after running away from foster
 care, The Kansas City Star reported.

The child, 15-year-old Ace 
Scott, ran from a Cornerstones of Care Office in mid-April. The cause of
 death was not determined, but The Kansas City Star <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article261119202.html" target="_blank">reported Ace had medical problems</a>.

Ace
 had run away from placement in March. After being found, the child was 
admitted to a hospital for “concerns related to a known medical 
condition,” the Kansas Department for Children and Families told the 
Star.

Multiple records requests the Kansas News Service filed in 
recent weeks about Ace were denied because the investigation into the 
death is still ongoing.

“Ace was well known as a leader amongst 
their friends and was very social,” said an obituary for the child. “Ace
 cared greatly for their sister, their best friends, and their pet rat 
Moon.”

Ace, a transgender youth, had they/them pronouns in <a href="https://www.thatcherfuneralhome.com/obituary/Annika-Scott" target="_blank">their obituary</a>. The Star described the child as a transgender male. The Star reported state employees had conducted searches for the child.

On Thursday, state officials made their first public statement about the death.

“Know,
 too, that DCF is taking all actions at our disposal to better 
understand the circumstances of this case and to identify the types of 
services or supports that might prevent a tragedy like this from 
happening in the future,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said in a 
statement.

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/2022/5/1651778759924.png" alt="Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-05-05/a-15-year-old-runaway-foster-child-was-found-dead-in-kansas-city-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — A foster child was found dead last month in 
an empty lot in Kansas City, Kansas, days after running away from foster
 care, The Kansas City Star reported.The child, 15-year-old Ace 
Scott, ran from a Cornerstones of Care Office in mid-April. The cause of
 death was not determined, but The Kansas City Star <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article261119202.html" target="_blank">reported Ace had medical problems</a>.Ace
 had run away from placement in March. After being found, the child was 
admitted to a hospital for “concerns related to a known medical 
condition,” the Kansas Department for Children and Families told the 
Star.Multiple records requests the Kansas News Service filed in 
recent weeks about Ace were denied because the investigation into the 
death is still ongoing.“Ace was well known as a leader amongst 
their friends and was very social,” said an obituary for the child. “Ace
 cared greatly for their sister, their best friends, and their pet rat 
Moon.”Ace, a transgender youth, had they/them pronouns in <a href="https://www.thatcherfuneralhome.com/obituary/Annika-Scott" target="_blank">their obituary</a>. The Star described the child as a transgender male. The Star reported state employees had conducted searches for the child.On Thursday, state officials made their first public statement about the death.“Know,
 too, that DCF is taking all actions at our disposal to better 
understand the circumstances of this case and to identify the types of 
services or supports that might prevent a tragedy like this from 
happening in the future,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said in a 
statement.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.

15-year-old runaway foster child found dead in Kansas City 

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/moran-elizabeth-dole-pay-tribute-to-250000th-honor-flight-to-d-c-memorials/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of
 Kansas paid tribute to the 250,000 veterans who have taken an Honor 
Flight to the nation’s capital to visit memorials created in their 
honor.

“This place is special,” Moran said 
during a service at the World War II Memorial. “This place is important 
to our veterans, but it’s important to Americans. Today, we honor the 
Honor Flight Network – its creators, its founders, its inventors, its 
volunteers, its workforce – for making it possible for WWII veterans and
 now every other veteran to see the nation’s capital and to see the 
country that they served pay them the respect they deserve.”

He recalled a walk several days before the ribbon cutting event for 
the World War II Memorial in 2004, which was built with donations 
generated in part due to persistence of the late U.S. Sen. Robert Dole, 
also of Kansas.

Moran said he stepped around a security fence to get a look at the 
near-completed memorial. He located the Kansas marker before stepping 
away to telephone his father, Ray, in Plainville. His call went to voice
 mail rather than directly to the 90-plus-year-old World War II veteran 
of battlefields in the North Africa, Sicily and Italy.

Moran recalled: “I said to the answering machine — it was so useful 
that the answering machine picked up because these are things that kids 
don’t easily say to their moms or dads — but I said, ‘Dad, I’m at the 
WWII memorial. It was built in your honor. I hope someday you can see 
it. And Dad, I want you to know that I respect you, I thank you for your
 service, and Dad, I love you.'”

Four years later, the elder Moran took part in an Honor Flight Network flight to see the World War II Memorial.

Former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, wife of Robert Dole, said her 
husband was proud to serve as co-chair of the World War II Memorial 
campaign. He spend many Saturdays meeting veterans who were on Honor 
Flights to Washington.

“I hope you take pride in seeing how your country has consecrated 
these precious grounds with memorials build in your honor,” she said. 
“This memorial is especially meaningful to me.”

She said the Honor Flight Network’s delivery of 250,000 veterans to 
Washington during the past 17 years was a testament to what American 
could be. Originally, the focus was on World War II veterans. It was 
later broadened to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars as well as 
others.

“The story of Honor Flight is a wonderful reminder of what America is
 still capable of accomplishing when we rise to our best,” Dole said. 
“Recently, it has seemed like our nation has needed these reminders.”

Moran, who said his father had since passed away, said he made a 
habit of walking on the Mall when frustrated by serving in Congress. He 
searches for a different perspective by taking in the Lincoln Memorial, 
World War II Memorial, Vietnam Wall and Korean War Memorial.

“In each of those settings, I am reminded that we honor those who for
 no partisan, Republican or Democrat reason, served their country,” 
Moran said. “It’s a reminder to those of us who serve in Congress, and 
us as American citizens, there is a much higher calling than Republican 
this or Democrat that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651771774074.png" alt="Former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, wife of the late U.S. Sen. Robert Dole, and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran spoke during a celebration of the 250,000th veteran to participate in an Honor Flight Network trip to Washington, D.C. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Honor Flight Network)" />
 <figcaption>Former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, wife of the late U.S. Sen. Robert Dole, and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran spoke during a celebration of the 250,000th veteran to participate in an Honor Flight Network trip to Washington, D.C. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Honor Flight Network)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/moran-elizabeth-dole-pay-tribute-to-250000th-honor-flight-to-d-c-memorials/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of
 Kansas paid tribute to the 250,000 veterans who have taken an Honor 
Flight to the nation’s capital to visit memorials created in their 
honor.“This place is special,” Moran said 
during a service at the World War II Memorial. “This place is important 
to our veterans, but it’s important to Americans. Today, we honor the 
Honor Flight Network – its creators, its founders, its inventors, its 
volunteers, its workforce – for making it possible for WWII veterans and
 now every other veteran to see the nation’s capital and to see the 
country that they served pay them the respect they deserve.”He recalled a walk several days before the ribbon cutting event for 
the World War II Memorial in 2004, which was built with donations 
generated in part due to persistence of the late U.S. Sen. Robert Dole, 
also of Kansas.Moran said he stepped around a security fence to get a look at the 
near-completed memorial. He located the Kansas marker before stepping 
away to telephone his father, Ray, in Plainville. His call went to voice
 mail rather than directly to the 90-plus-year-old World War II veteran 
of battlefields in the North Africa, Sicily and Italy.Moran recalled: “I said to the answering machine — it was so useful 
that the answering machine picked up because these are things that kids 
don’t easily say to their moms or dads — but I said, ‘Dad, I’m at the 
WWII memorial. It was built in your honor. I hope someday you can see 
it. And Dad, I want you to know that I respect you, I thank you for your
 service, and Dad, I love you.'”Four years later, the elder Moran took part in an Honor Flight Network flight to see the World War II Memorial.Former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, wife of Robert Dole, said her 
husband was proud to serve as co-chair of the World War II Memorial 
campaign. He spend many Saturdays meeting veterans who were on Honor 
Flights to Washington.“I hope you take pride in seeing how your country has consecrated 
these precious grounds with memorials build in your honor,” she said. 
“This memorial is especially meaningful to me.”She said the Honor Flight Network’s delivery of 250,000 veterans to 
Washington during the past 17 years was a testament to what American 
could be. Originally, the focus was on World War II veterans. It was 
later broadened to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars as well as 
others.“The story of Honor Flight is a wonderful reminder of what America is
 still capable of accomplishing when we rise to our best,” Dole said. 
“Recently, it has seemed like our nation has needed these reminders.”Moran, who said his father had since passed away, said he made a 
habit of walking on the Mall when frustrated by serving in Congress. He 
searches for a different perspective by taking in the Lincoln Memorial, 
World War II Memorial, Vietnam Wall and Korean War Memorial.“In each of those settings, I am reminded that we honor those who for
 no partisan, Republican or Democrat reason, served their country,” 
Moran said. “It’s a reminder to those of us who serve in Congress, and 
us as American citizens, there is a much higher calling than Republican 
this or Democrat that.”

Moran, Dole pay tribute to 250,000th honor flight to D.C. memorials

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/05/late-night-deal-rewrites-kansas-public-health-laws-on-masks-vaccines-and-quarantines/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — In the waning hours of the veto session, the Kansas 
Legislature approved a rewrite of the state’s public health laws, 
disregarding bipartisan concerns the bill was too restrictive.

After weeks of conversation and modifications to proposed legislation, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb34/">Senate Bill 34</a>
 came together shortly before the House and Senate debated the bill. The
 response to government actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic 
targets mask mandates, quarantine orders and vaccination requirements.

For example, no governmental body or public official can mandate face
 masks to prevent the spread of any infectious disease. Certain health 
care professionals, like surgeons, would be exempt from this 
restriction, but nursing home employees could not be required to wear a 
mask.

While bill backers argued the bill 
was a must after what they felt was drastic government overreach during 
the pandemic, the bill’s application to infectious diseases beyond just 
COVID-19 alarmed some lawmakers. Legislators on both sides of the aisle 
pointed to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=184">tuberculosis outbreak in Wyandotte County</a> and potential impacts on the Department of Corrections during an outbreak as blind spots in the bill.

“You didn’t want to wear a mask and 
you didn’t want to get a vaccine,” said Rep. Boog Highberger, 
D-Lawrence. “Neither did I. I also didn’t want my fellow citizens to die
 from an infectious disease.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651771608327.png" alt="Rep. Boog Highberger, D-Lawrence, says he didn’t want to wear a mask or get a vaccine, but “I also didn’t want my fellow citizens to die from an infectious disease.” (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Boog Highberger, D-Lawrence, says he didn’t want to wear a mask or get a vaccine, but “I also didn’t want my fellow citizens to die from an infectious disease.” (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/05/late-night-deal-rewrites-kansas-public-health-laws-on-masks-vaccines-and-quarantines/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — In the waning hours of the veto session, the Kansas 
Legislature approved a rewrite of the state’s public health laws, 
disregarding bipartisan concerns the bill was too restrictive.After weeks of conversation and modifications to proposed legislation, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb34/">Senate Bill 34</a>
 came together shortly before the House and Senate debated the bill. The
 response to government actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic 
targets mask mandates, quarantine orders and vaccination requirements.For example, no governmental body or public official can mandate face
 masks to prevent the spread of any infectious disease. Certain health 
care professionals, like surgeons, would be exempt from this 
restriction, but nursing home employees could not be required to wear a 
mask.While bill backers argued the bill 
was a must after what they felt was drastic government overreach during 
the pandemic, the bill’s application to infectious diseases beyond just 
COVID-19 alarmed some lawmakers. Legislators on both sides of the aisle 
pointed to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=184">tuberculosis outbreak in Wyandotte County</a> and potential impacts on the Department of Corrections during an outbreak as blind spots in the bill.“You didn’t want to wear a mask and 
you didn’t want to get a vaccine,” said Rep. Boog Highberger, 
D-Lawrence. “Neither did I. I also didn’t want my fellow citizens to die
 from an infectious disease.”The bill passed the House by a 64-53 margin, with just one more vote 
than needed to pass. The Senate passed the bill on a 23-17 vote. Gov. 
Laura Kelly will now have the chance to weigh in on the bill, knowing 
the support feel well short of the two-thirds support needed to override
 a veto.“We went over this bill and it just didn’t feel like it was ready,” 
said Rep. Chuck Smith, R-Pittsburg. “I hate masks personally but in some
 events they need to be used.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651771677773.png" alt="While Rep. Chuck Smith said he does not like masks, he could see situations in which a bill blocking government entities and public officials from issuing mask mandates could be problematic. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>While Rep. Chuck Smith said he does not like masks, he could see situations in which a bill blocking government entities and public officials from issuing mask mandates could be problematic. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Sen. Kellie Warren, R-Leawood, said this was a bill Kansans wanted to
 see passed during the hearings for the 2021 Special Committee on 
Government Overreach and the Impact of COVID-19 mandates, which held a 
series of hearings in advance of the special session in November.“We heard for days from Kansans across this state about the impact on
 their daily lives, on their families and on their jobs,” Warren said. 
“What we heard was not pretty.”Other legislators argued even with the best intentions, the bill protects Kansans from government overreach.“The way future historians are going to look at how we as a nation 
surrendered our rights because we were afraid is not going to be a 
bright spot in our history,” said Rep. Pat Proctor, R-Fort Leavenworth. 
“I want these measures in place, if for no other reason than to speak to
 those future historians that we did something to repair the damage.”Removed from the bill was a provision that would have allowed 
off-label prescriptions of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, a 
sought-after provision for some Sen. Mark Steffen and other GOP 
lawmakers.Steffen, a Hutchinson Republican and anesthesiologist, admitted to 
prescribing ivermectin to COVID-19 patients and being investigated by 
the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.If the bill should become law, government entities, except medical 
facilities, would not be allowed to require a vaccine passport or to 
discriminate based on vaccination status. In addition, the Kansas 
Department of Health and Environment would only be able to add a vaccine
 to the list of immunizations needed for school if it has full FDA 
approval.All vaccines currently on the list received approval from the FDA. 
The COVID-19 vaccines are currently under emergency use authorization in
 younger children and are only fully approved for adults.Another provision would strip the health officer’s authority to 
require law enforcement to assist with quarantine enforcement. Sen. 
Richard Hildebrand, R-Baxter Springs, said this had yet to occur in 
Kansas but that law enforcement groups had told him they were not 
comfortable with the possibility.Hilderbrand said this would prevent the state from a lockdown like those in other countries.“I do not think our state of Kansas should have the ability to do the
 same thing that’s happening to those poor people in Shanghai, and this 
would do that,” Hilderbrand said.Some senators balked at this comparison.“What has been going on in China has been totally different than 
what’s been going on in Kansas in the last two years,” said Sen. Pat 
Pettey, D-Kansas City.