By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY- A Kansas woman was injured when her vehicle was rear-ended on Interstate 135 near Assaria Monday evening.

According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan,&nbsp; a 2015 Nissan Altima driven by Jayden Norwood, 18, of Salina, was southbound on Interstate 135 near the Assaria exit, when he looked down to pick up a water bottle. 

When he looked up, his vehicle was quickly bearing down on a 2021 Toyota RAV4 ahead of him. Soldan said that at the time, Norwood was using the car's cruise control and was not able to stop before rear-ending the RAV4.

The accident occurred at 7 p.m. Monday near milepost 82 on I-135.

Anita Neilson, 61, of Lindsborg, the driver of the RAV4, complained of general pain and was transported to Salina Regional Health Center.

Norwood was cited for following too closely, Soldan said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644941410553.jpeg" alt="The Altima sustained major front-end damage in the wreck. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The Altima sustained major front-end damage in the wreck. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY- A Kansas woman was injured when her vehicle was rear-ended on Interstate 135 near Assaria Monday evening.According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan,&nbsp; a 2015 Nissan Altima driven by Jayden Norwood, 18, of Salina, was southbound on Interstate 135 near the Assaria exit, when he looked down to pick up a water bottle. When he looked up, his vehicle was quickly bearing down on a 2021 Toyota RAV4 ahead of him. Soldan said that at the time, Norwood was using the car's cruise control and was not able to stop before rear-ending the RAV4.The accident occurred at 7 p.m. Monday near milepost 82 on I-135.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644941502157.png" alt="Damage to the RAV4." />
 <figcaption>Damage to the RAV4.</figcaption>
 </figure>Anita Neilson, 61, of Lindsborg, the driver of the RAV4, complained of general pain and was transported to Salina Regional Health Center.Norwood was cited for following too closely, Soldan said.

Sheriff: Kan. teen reached for water just before rear-end crash

I’ve been seeing lots of ads lately for debt consolidation companies, debt settlement companies and the HELOC. Are any of these methods for reducing debt a good idea?

No. These are all bad ideas when it comes to getting out of debt. There’s a lot of buzz these days surrounding all the “quick” and “easy” ways to clean up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-to-income-ratio-calculator">debt</a>and get control of your finances. But the truth is neither one is ever easy. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Debt consolidation is basically a&nbsp;loan that combines all your debts&nbsp;into one single payment. Sounds like a great idea at first, right? But then you find out the lifespan of your loans increase, and that means you’ll stay in debt even longer than before. The low interest rate that looks so appealing in the beginning usually goes up over time, too. Stretching out the amount of time you’re paying off debt, plus adding interest, is just dumb.

Debt settlement companies are awful. These crummy outfits will charge you a fee, then promise to negotiate with your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/the-truth-about-bankruptcy">creditors</a>&nbsp;to reduce what you owe. In most cases, they take your money up front, do a bad job “negotiating” your debt and leave you responsible for what’s left.

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is also a bad idea.&nbsp;With a HELOC, you’re borrowing against your home. On top of that, you risk losing your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/mortgage-calculator">house</a>&nbsp;if you can’t pay it back on time. All these plans are really just gimmicks that only treat the symptoms of your money problems. They never help you address the root issue of why you landed there in the first place. Personal finance is always 80% behavior, and 20% head knowledge. You have to change your behavior if you want to make a lasting, positive impact on your finances!

<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/">Dave Ramsey&nbsp;</a>is a seven-time #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635524005597.png" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,I’ve been seeing lots of ads lately for debt consolidation companies, debt settlement companies and the HELOC. Are any of these methods for reducing debt a good idea?BrentDear Brent,No. These are all bad ideas when it comes to getting out of debt. There’s a lot of buzz these days surrounding all the “quick” and “easy” ways to clean up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-to-income-ratio-calculator">debt</a>and get control of your finances. But the truth is neither one is ever easy. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.Debt consolidation is basically a&nbsp;loan that combines all your debts&nbsp;into one single payment. Sounds like a great idea at first, right? But then you find out the lifespan of your loans increase, and that means you’ll stay in debt even longer than before. The low interest rate that looks so appealing in the beginning usually goes up over time, too. Stretching out the amount of time you’re paying off debt, plus adding interest, is just dumb.Debt settlement companies are awful. These crummy outfits will charge you a fee, then promise to negotiate with your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/the-truth-about-bankruptcy">creditors</a>&nbsp;to reduce what you owe. In most cases, they take your money up front, do a bad job “negotiating” your debt and leave you responsible for what’s left.A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is also a bad idea.&nbsp;With a HELOC, you’re borrowing against your home. On top of that, you risk losing your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/mortgage-calculator">house</a>&nbsp;if you can’t pay it back on time. All these plans are really just gimmicks that only treat the symptoms of your money problems. They never help you address the root issue of why you landed there in the first place. Personal finance is always 80% behavior, and 20% head knowledge. You have to change your behavior if you want to make a lasting, positive impact on your finances!— Dave<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/">Dave Ramsey&nbsp;</a>is a seven-time #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

DAVE SAYS: These debt reduction strategies are bad ideas

SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — The father of an infant killed in a house fire in suburban Kansas City, Kansas, has been charged with first-degree murder and other counts in the case. 

The fire was reported around 1 a.m. Sunday in Shawnee, and firefighters battling the flames found the body of the infant inside home. Television station WDAF reports that police later arrested 28-year-old Nicholas Adam Ecker. 

Ecker was charged Monday in Johnson County Court Monday with first-degree murder and aggravated arson. Ecker is also charged with felony stalking, domestic aggravated assault and illegal possession of a firearm. He is being held on $1 million bond.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the&nbsp; a&nbsp; Sunday morning house fire that left a child dead have made an arrest, according to Major Jim Baker with the Shawnee, Kansas police department.

Just before 1a.m. Sunday, fire crews responded to the fire in a home at 10502 west 69th Terrace in Shawnee. When crews arrived, the home was fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters located an infant boy inside the home who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Deputy Fire Chief Corey Sands.

On Monday, Police arrested 28-year-old Nicholas Ecker on requested charges of first-degree murder, stalking and aggravated domestic battery, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644924205485.png" alt="Ecker-photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Ecker-photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — The father of an infant killed in a house fire in suburban Kansas City, Kansas, has been charged with first-degree murder and other counts in the case. The fire was reported around 1 a.m. Sunday in Shawnee, and firefighters battling the flames found the body of the infant inside home. Television station WDAF reports that police later arrested 28-year-old Nicholas Adam Ecker. Ecker was charged Monday in Johnson County Court Monday with first-degree murder and aggravated arson. Ecker is also charged with felony stalking, domestic aggravated assault and illegal possession of a firearm. He is being held on $1 million bond.--------JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the&nbsp; a&nbsp; Sunday morning house fire that left a child dead have made an arrest, according to Major Jim Baker with the Shawnee, Kansas police department.Just before 1a.m. Sunday, fire crews responded to the fire in a home at 10502 west 69th Terrace in Shawnee. When crews arrived, the home was fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters located an infant boy inside the home who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Deputy Fire Chief Corey Sands.On Monday, Police arrested 28-year-old Nicholas Ecker on requested charges of first-degree murder, stalking and aggravated domestic battery, according to online jail records.

Father charged with murder after infant found dead in fire

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

GREAT BEND — A member of 
the Great Bend School Board expressed concern at Monday night's school 
board meeting about the physical safety of students. Chris Umphres 
raised the issue without citing a specific case. &nbsp;

“I’ve got some 
questions, concerns,” Umphres said. “I’ve got some parents that have had
 some things happen over the last couple of weeks and just wanted to get
 some stuff out in the open, I guess. Obviously, really, really general,
 but just some questions about how things are reported, how things get 
to the levels they’re supposed to get to, and the separate channels 
where they’re supposed to be.

"So we’ve had some instances at 
some of the schools not only with battery but some threats that are 
pretty serious. And they’re getting reported, but how do we as parents 
know that they get to the channels they’re supposed to get to? So, a 
couple of examples: Student A assaults Student B.&nbsp; Student B talks about
 it, goes to the channels that we’re supposed to go through. Nothing 
happens. Within five weeks, Student B&nbsp;gets assaulted again.”&nbsp;

Umphres explained why he brought the matter up during an open session of the school board.&nbsp;

“I
 think parents want to know that things are safe and things are getting 
taken care of,” Umphres noted. “I know in one of these examples that 
some of the kids are pulled out of class, asked for witness statements, 
and then these same kids then get blamed for it later on when they 
entrusted upper administration and SROs and all that. So, you know 
without going into great detail, how do you ever trust the process if 
kids are then being blamed for the process that they’re giving their 
witness statement to?”&nbsp;

Umphres spoke during a period set aside for board member comments.&nbsp;

"One
 thing, video, video is out there,” Umphres commented. “I’ve heard 
videos, hundreds and hundreds of video cameras out in the district, but 
yet when it’s needed, it’s either deleted, hasn’t been looked at, the 
video wasn’t&nbsp;working that day. How do we do that? How do we trust the 
process?”&nbsp;

Umphres finished his remarks by telling the other board
 members that the questions he asked needed to be answered. Board member
 Deanna Essmiller made a short comment after Umphres finished.&nbsp;

“What do we do as a board to make sure that things are being done?”&nbsp;

There
 was no further discussion in the school board's open meeting or 
suggestion that Umphres' concerns be placed on a future agenda.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644939463375.jpeg" alt="USD 428 School Board Member Chris Umphres" />
 <figcaption>USD 428 School Board Member Chris Umphres</figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — A member of 
the Great Bend School Board expressed concern at Monday night's school 
board meeting about the physical safety of students. Chris Umphres 
raised the issue without citing a specific case. &nbsp;“I’ve got some 
questions, concerns,” Umphres said. “I’ve got some parents that have had
 some things happen over the last couple of weeks and just wanted to get
 some stuff out in the open, I guess. Obviously, really, really general,
 but just some questions about how things are reported, how things get 
to the levels they’re supposed to get to, and the separate channels 
where they’re supposed to be."So we’ve had some instances at 
some of the schools not only with battery but some threats that are 
pretty serious. And they’re getting reported, but how do we as parents 
know that they get to the channels they’re supposed to get to? So, a 
couple of examples: Student A assaults Student B.&nbsp; Student B talks about
 it, goes to the channels that we’re supposed to go through. Nothing 
happens. Within five weeks, Student B&nbsp;gets assaulted again.”&nbsp;Umphres explained why he brought the matter up during an open session of the school board.&nbsp;“I
 think parents want to know that things are safe and things are getting 
taken care of,” Umphres noted. “I know in one of these examples that 
some of the kids are pulled out of class, asked for witness statements, 
and then these same kids then get blamed for it later on when they 
entrusted upper administration and SROs and all that. So, you know 
without going into great detail, how do you ever trust the process if 
kids are then being blamed for the process that they’re giving their 
witness statement to?”&nbsp;Umphres spoke during a period set aside for board member comments.&nbsp;"One
 thing, video, video is out there,” Umphres commented. “I’ve heard 
videos, hundreds and hundreds of video cameras out in the district, but 
yet when it’s needed, it’s either deleted, hasn’t been looked at, the 
video wasn’t&nbsp;working that day. How do we do that? How do we trust the 
process?”&nbsp;Umphres finished his remarks by telling the other board
 members that the questions he asked needed to be answered. Board member
 Deanna Essmiller made a short comment after Umphres finished.&nbsp;“What do we do as a board to make sure that things are being done?”&nbsp;There
 was no further discussion in the school board's open meeting or 
suggestion that Umphres' concerns be placed on a future agenda.&nbsp;

Great Bend school board member raises safety issues 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man accused of indiscriminately firing a gun in the middle of a Kansas City street was shot and injured by police early Tuesday morning, officials there said.

The shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in a residential area in the Ivanhoe Northeast neighborhood. Officers who arrived on the scene for reports of a shooting found a man in the street firing a handgun into the air, television&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/kcpd-mshp-on-scene-of-officer-involved-shooting">station KSHB reported</a>.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said officers first fired bean bag rounds at the man, but were unable to subdue him, even after he had been hit by the less-than-lethal rounds.

“That is a pretty substantial hit to take and still continue doing what you’re doing,” patrol Sgt. Bill Lowe said.

The man continued to threaten officers with the gun, and at least one officer shot him, Lowe said. The man was taken to a hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening, police said. Officials have not released the man's name.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating the shooting by police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644938198074.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man accused of indiscriminately firing a gun in the middle of a Kansas City street was shot and injured by police early Tuesday morning, officials there said.The shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in a residential area in the Ivanhoe Northeast neighborhood. Officers who arrived on the scene for reports of a shooting found a man in the street firing a handgun into the air, television&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/kcpd-mshp-on-scene-of-officer-involved-shooting">station KSHB reported</a>.The Missouri State Highway Patrol said officers first fired bean bag rounds at the man, but were unable to subdue him, even after he had been hit by the less-than-lethal rounds.“That is a pretty substantial hit to take and still continue doing what you’re doing,” patrol Sgt. Bill Lowe said.The man continued to threaten officers with the gun, and at least one officer shot him, Lowe said. The man was taken to a hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening, police said. Officials have not released the man's name.No one else was injured in the shooting.The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating the shooting by police.

Man reportedly firing gun in air shot by Kansas City police

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH, Associated Press

When nurse Julia Buffo was told by her Montana hospital that she had to be vaccinated against COVID-19, she responded by filling out paperwork declaring that the shots run afoul of her religious beliefs.

She cited various Old and New Testament verses including a passage from Revelation that vaccine opponents often quote to liken the shots to the “Mark of the Beast.” She told her managers that God is the “ultimate guardian of health” and that accepting the vaccine would make her “complicit with evil.”

Religious exemptions like the one Buffo obtained are increasingly becoming a workaround for unvaccinated hospital and nursing home workers who want to keep their jobs in the face of federal mandates that are going into effect nationwide this week.

In some institutions, religious exemptions are being invoked by staff and approved by managers in large numbers. It’s a tricky issue for hospital administrators, who are struggling to maintain adequate staff levels and are often reticent to question the legitimacy of the requests.

“We’re not going to have a Spanish inquisition with Torquemada deciding if your religious exemption is granted or not by the Grand Inquisitor,” said Dr. Randy Tobler, CEO of Scotland County Hospital in Missouri, where about 25% of the 145 employees remain unvaccinated and 30 of them have been granted exemptions.

Tobler, who is vaccinated, said some employees threatened to quit if they were required to get the shot.

“For people that want to judge what we’re doing in rural America, I’d love them to come and walk in our shoes for a little while, just come and sit in the desk and try to staff the place,” Tobler said.

At Cody Regional Health in Wyoming, about 200 of the 620 staffers have asked for religious exemptions and most have been granted. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte pledged his support last week to “defending Montanans against discrimination based on their vaccination status" in an open letter to medical workers and urged the unvaccinated to consider seeking exemptions. And West Virginia lawmakers have advanced a proposal with health care workers in mind that would let those who quit because their exemption was denied collect unemployment.

As of Monday health care workers in 24 states — all but three of which went for then-President Donald Trump in the 2020 election — will be required to have received their first vaccine dose or an exemption. The mandate already took effect late last month in jurisdictions that didn’t challenge the requirement in court, although enforcement actions won’t begin immediately.

It affects a wide swath of the industry, covering doctors, nurses, technicians, aides, hospital volunteers, nursing homes, home-health agencies and other providers that participate in the federal Medicare or Medicaid programs.

Beyond the federal mandate, some hospitals and cities have imposed their own requirements. One of the most sweeping is in New York City, where public workers faced termination if they weren't vaccinated by Friday. The military branches have their own vaccine mandates, but commanders have been loath to grant religious exemptions.

While reasons given for seeking exemptions vary, the vaccines’ remote link to fetuses aborted decades ago is often cited — lab-grown cell lines descended from those fetuses were used in testing and manufacturing processes. The vaccines do not contain fetal cells, however, and workers generally are seeking the exemptions without the backing of major denominations and prominent religious leaders.

But as the health care mandate takes effect, hospital leaders acknowledge that they see the exemptions as a way to retain staff at a time when resources are already stretched thin.

“Our position has been we would we want we want everyone vaccinated,” said Brock Slabach, chief operations officer for the National Rural Health Association. “But we also think that access to care is incredibly important."

Similar stories abound across the country.

At the 25-bed Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska, in the southwestern part of the state, about 20% of the 320 employees have not been vaccinated. About 35 applied for exemptions, and others are still deciding what to do. The hospital has rejected some requests that relied on specious religious reasoning.

“If it’s a complete, like, essay on the science behind why this shouldn’t be allowed, or a complete essay on why a certain political party or political figure is an idiot, which we’ve seen, we don’t go with that because that’s not religious at all,” hospital president and CEO Troy Buntz said. “We do push back on those, but I don’t know if other people are even reading the exemptions as much as they probably should be.”

In Mississippi, some hospitals have nearly all their employees vaccinated while others are closer to the 50% to 70% range, according to Richard Roberson, the state hospital association’s general counsel. Since the mandate was announced, he has received dozens of calls inquiring about how the exemptions work.

“I don’t know how many there will be, but we’re in the heart of the Bible belt. And so that is something that is very near and dear to everyone’s heart,” Roberson said.

And at the 14-bed Holton Community Hospital in rural northeastern Kansas, 28 out of 193 employees have gotten religious exemptions and one got a medical exemption. The mandate helped nudge the staff vaccination rate from around 75% to nearly 87%, but some younger nurses remain hesitant because of disproven concerns that the vaccine could hurt their fertility, CEO Carrie Saia said.

Saia questioned vaccine resistance among medical workers since they see every day that those in their care with the most severe COVID-19 consequences are overwhelmingly unvaccinated. But “unfortunately, with the COVID 19 pandemic, everything has gotten so political or polarized,” she said.

Buffo, the Montana nurse, said she was in a “state of terror” when the mandate was announced, fearing that it might threaten her career. She asked herself how much she was willing to sacrifice for her values, she added, and turning to the Bible strengthened her resolve to resist what she called the “insidious evil behind the vaccine campaign.”

But Marcella Dahl, a primary care clinic nurse in Sidney, Montana, said she feels like some people are abusing the exemptions and it's alarming that some religious leaders are encouraging the practice.

“Half of the people saying this don’t even go to church,” Dahl said. “I think it puts everybody at risk.”

Faith-based opposition to immunizations in the country historically has been limited to just a relatively few small denominations such as the End Time Ministries and the Church of the First Born. But during the pandemic, some more mainstream preachers have spoken out against the vaccines from the pulpit.

“That’s new, and that’s a problem,” said Dr. Chris Beyrer, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “If you are not going to be vaccinated and you’re going to be caring for the frail, the elderly, you should get out of health care."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637097035278.png" alt="Healthcare workers in Wichita protest mandatory vaccinations -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Healthcare workers in Wichita protest mandatory vaccinations -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH, Associated PressWhen nurse Julia Buffo was told by her Montana hospital that she had to be vaccinated against COVID-19, she responded by filling out paperwork declaring that the shots run afoul of her religious beliefs.She cited various Old and New Testament verses including a passage from Revelation that vaccine opponents often quote to liken the shots to the “Mark of the Beast.” She told her managers that God is the “ultimate guardian of health” and that accepting the vaccine would make her “complicit with evil.”Religious exemptions like the one Buffo obtained are increasingly becoming a workaround for unvaccinated hospital and nursing home workers who want to keep their jobs in the face of federal mandates that are going into effect nationwide this week.In some institutions, religious exemptions are being invoked by staff and approved by managers in large numbers. It’s a tricky issue for hospital administrators, who are struggling to maintain adequate staff levels and are often reticent to question the legitimacy of the requests.“We’re not going to have a Spanish inquisition with Torquemada deciding if your religious exemption is granted or not by the Grand Inquisitor,” said Dr. Randy Tobler, CEO of Scotland County Hospital in Missouri, where about 25% of the 145 employees remain unvaccinated and 30 of them have been granted exemptions.Tobler, who is vaccinated, said some employees threatened to quit if they were required to get the shot.“For people that want to judge what we’re doing in rural America, I’d love them to come and walk in our shoes for a little while, just come and sit in the desk and try to staff the place,” Tobler said.At Cody Regional Health in Wyoming, about 200 of the 620 staffers have asked for religious exemptions and most have been granted. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte pledged his support last week to “defending Montanans against discrimination based on their vaccination status" in an open letter to medical workers and urged the unvaccinated to consider seeking exemptions. And West Virginia lawmakers have advanced a proposal with health care workers in mind that would let those who quit because their exemption was denied collect unemployment.As of Monday health care workers in 24 states — all but three of which went for then-President Donald Trump in the 2020 election — will be required to have received their first vaccine dose or an exemption. The mandate already took effect late last month in jurisdictions that didn’t challenge the requirement in court, although enforcement actions won’t begin immediately.It affects a wide swath of the industry, covering doctors, nurses, technicians, aides, hospital volunteers, nursing homes, home-health agencies and other providers that participate in the federal Medicare or Medicaid programs.Beyond the federal mandate, some hospitals and cities have imposed their own requirements. One of the most sweeping is in New York City, where public workers faced termination if they weren't vaccinated by Friday. The military branches have their own vaccine mandates, but commanders have been loath to grant religious exemptions.While reasons given for seeking exemptions vary, the vaccines’ remote link to fetuses aborted decades ago is often cited — lab-grown cell lines descended from those fetuses were used in testing and manufacturing processes. The vaccines do not contain fetal cells, however, and workers generally are seeking the exemptions without the backing of major denominations and prominent religious leaders.But as the health care mandate takes effect, hospital leaders acknowledge that they see the exemptions as a way to retain staff at a time when resources are already stretched thin.“Our position has been we would we want we want everyone vaccinated,” said Brock Slabach, chief operations officer for the National Rural Health Association. “But we also think that access to care is incredibly important."Similar stories abound across the country.At the 25-bed Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska, in the southwestern part of the state, about 20% of the 320 employees have not been vaccinated. About 35 applied for exemptions, and others are still deciding what to do. The hospital has rejected some requests that relied on specious religious reasoning.“If it’s a complete, like, essay on the science behind why this shouldn’t be allowed, or a complete essay on why a certain political party or political figure is an idiot, which we’ve seen, we don’t go with that because that’s not religious at all,” hospital president and CEO Troy Buntz said. “We do push back on those, but I don’t know if other people are even reading the exemptions as much as they probably should be.”In Mississippi, some hospitals have nearly all their employees vaccinated while others are closer to the 50% to 70% range, according to Richard Roberson, the state hospital association’s general counsel. Since the mandate was announced, he has received dozens of calls inquiring about how the exemptions work.“I don’t know how many there will be, but we’re in the heart of the Bible belt. And so that is something that is very near and dear to everyone’s heart,” Roberson said.And at the 14-bed Holton Community Hospital in rural northeastern Kansas, 28 out of 193 employees have gotten religious exemptions and one got a medical exemption. The mandate helped nudge the staff vaccination rate from around 75% to nearly 87%, but some younger nurses remain hesitant because of disproven concerns that the vaccine could hurt their fertility, CEO Carrie Saia said.Saia questioned vaccine resistance among medical workers since they see every day that those in their care with the most severe COVID-19 consequences are overwhelmingly unvaccinated. But “unfortunately, with the COVID 19 pandemic, everything has gotten so political or polarized,” she said.Buffo, the Montana nurse, said she was in a “state of terror” when the mandate was announced, fearing that it might threaten her career. She asked herself how much she was willing to sacrifice for her values, she added, and turning to the Bible strengthened her resolve to resist what she called the “insidious evil behind the vaccine campaign.”But Marcella Dahl, a primary care clinic nurse in Sidney, Montana, said she feels like some people are abusing the exemptions and it's alarming that some religious leaders are encouraging the practice.“Half of the people saying this don’t even go to church,” Dahl said. “I think it puts everybody at risk.”Faith-based opposition to immunizations in the country historically has been limited to just a relatively few small denominations such as the End Time Ministries and the Church of the First Born. But during the pandemic, some more mainstream preachers have spoken out against the vaccines from the pulpit.“That’s new, and that’s a problem,” said Dr. Chris Beyrer, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “If you are not going to be vaccinated and you’re going to be caring for the frail, the elderly, you should get out of health care."

Unvaccinated medical workers turn to religious exemptions

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a violent weekend crime.

Just after 4:30p.m. Feb. 12, police received a service call from the Shawnee County Emergency Communication Center of a disturbance resulting in a possible stabbing in 100 Block SE Willow Way, in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

 Officers located an adult victim suffering from minor injuries as a result of the incident. The suspect identified as 20-year-old&nbsp; Brian Weixelman Jr., was located at the scene and taken into custody without incident. 

Officers determined through the investigation the two are known to each other.

As a result, Weixelman was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Battery and Felony Theft, according to Monasmith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644761201548.png" alt="Weixelman-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Weixelman-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a violent weekend crime.Just after 4:30p.m. Feb. 12, police received a service call from the Shawnee County Emergency Communication Center of a disturbance resulting in a possible stabbing in 100 Block SE Willow Way, in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. Officers located an adult victim suffering from minor injuries as a result of the incident. The suspect identified as 20-year-old&nbsp; Brian Weixelman Jr., was located at the scene and taken into custody without incident. Officers determined through the investigation the two are known to each other.As a result, Weixelman was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Battery and Felony Theft, according to Monasmith.

Police: Kansas man accused of knife attack during robbery

WASHINGTON — On Monday, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced more than 10 million households have enrolled in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, the nation’s largest broadband affordability program.  Thanks to funding support in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, millions of families who previously could not get online or struggled to pay for this modern-day necessity are now connected.  Low-income households can receive a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service and up to $75 per month for eligible households on Tribal lands.  Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

“No family should have to choose between paying for gas or groceries and their monthly internet bill, especially when a connection is essential for work, school, health care and more. But for far too many, the cost of internet service makes the connections we need for everyday life, out of reach,” said Rosenworcel. “Now with more than 10 million households enrolled, we’ve proven the need for this program, and we are continuing our efforts to ensure no community, no household, no one is left offline.” 

The FCC is joining with ACP outreach partners to host ten local enrollment events in different areas of the country over the next month. These events will build program awareness and train grassroots navigators on ACP eligibility and the enrollment process. Event times and locations will be announced in the coming days. You can find more information about the Affordable Connectivity Program at www.fcc.gov/ACP.   

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

· Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;

· Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;

· Eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision;

· Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or

· Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider's existing low-income internet program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — On Monday, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced more than 10 million households have enrolled in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, the nation’s largest broadband affordability program. Thanks to funding support in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, millions of families who previously could not get online or struggled to pay for this modern-day necessity are now connected. Low-income households can receive a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service and up to $75 per month for eligible households on Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.“No family should have to choose between paying for gas or groceries and their monthly internet bill, especially when a connection is essential for work, school, health care and more. But for far too many, the cost of internet service makes the connections we need for everyday life, out of reach,” said Rosenworcel. “Now with more than 10 million households enrolled, we’ve proven the need for this program, and we are continuing our efforts to ensure no community, no household, no one is left offline.” The FCC is joining with ACP outreach partners to host ten local enrollment events in different areas of the country over the next month. These events will build program awareness and train grassroots navigators on ACP eligibility and the enrollment process. Event times and locations will be announced in the coming days. You can find more information about the Affordable Connectivity Program at www.fcc.gov/ACP. A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:· Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;· Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;· Eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision;· Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or· Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider's existing low-income internet program.

Over 10M homes enrolled in federal broadband program

This year’s housing market is <a href="https://www.realtor.com/research/january-2022-data" target="_blank">set to be just as competitive as in 2021</a>. Home listings are down 60% compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. With fewer homes for sale and <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2022/02/05/interest-rates-may-have-to-rise-sharply-to-fight-inflation" target="_blank">rumors of rising interest rates</a>, houses are selling faster than ever.

If you are looking to buy a new home, you need to be prepared. Prospective buyers can make their offer more competitive by <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/09/homes-are-selling-faster-than-ever-before.html" target="_blank">getting preapproved for financing</a>
 before even bidding on a house. This lets sellers know that a buyer is 
serious and provides reassurance that the sale will close without 
issues.

That means many prospective home buyers are shopping for a mortgage 
lender before finding the right home. To get the best deal, be sure to 
compare all the costs and understand how mortgages work. Fortunately, 
shopping around, comparing prices, and negotiating deals can save you 
thousands of dollars.

Whether you are buying a home,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/24233-bbb-tip-should-you-refinance-your-home-for-a-lower-mortgage-interest-rate" target="_blank">refinancing your home</a>, or taking out a home equity loan, follow these tips to help make your search for a mortgage lender a success.

See <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/your-home-hq" target="_blank">BBB's Home HQ</a> for information on buying, selling, building and where to find help for improving the inside and outside of your home.&nbsp;

Visit the <a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/mortgages/" target="_blank">Consumer Finance Protection Bureau’s mortgage page</a> to learn more about how mortgages work. Learn about reverse mortgages by reading the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23105-bbb-tip-reverse-mortgages" target="_blank">BBB Tip: Understanding Reverse Mortgages</a>.

When shopping for a lender, always look for businesses that follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/bbb-accreditation-standards" target="_blank">BBB Accreditation Standards</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/standards-for-trust" target="_blank">BBB Standards for Trust</a>.

Search for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/near-me/mortgage-lenders" target="_blank">reputable mortgage lender</a>&nbsp;near you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBThis year’s housing market is <a href="https://www.realtor.com/research/january-2022-data" target="_blank">set to be just as competitive as in 2021</a>. Home listings are down 60% compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. With fewer homes for sale and <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2022/02/05/interest-rates-may-have-to-rise-sharply-to-fight-inflation" target="_blank">rumors of rising interest rates</a>, houses are selling faster than ever.If you are looking to buy a new home, you need to be prepared. Prospective buyers can make their offer more competitive by <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/09/homes-are-selling-faster-than-ever-before.html" target="_blank">getting preapproved for financing</a>
 before even bidding on a house. This lets sellers know that a buyer is 
serious and provides reassurance that the sale will close without 
issues.That means many prospective home buyers are shopping for a mortgage 
lender before finding the right home. To get the best deal, be sure to 
compare all the costs and understand how mortgages work. Fortunately, 
shopping around, comparing prices, and negotiating deals can save you 
thousands of dollars.Whether you are buying a home,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/24233-bbb-tip-should-you-refinance-your-home-for-a-lower-mortgage-interest-rate" target="_blank">refinancing your home</a>, or taking out a home equity loan, follow these tips to help make your search for a mortgage lender a success.<h2>How to Shop for a Mortgage Lender </h2><ul>
 <li>Know how much you can spend upfront. Before you ask
 for information from a lender, it’s a good idea to know how much you 
can spend on a loan and the maximum monthly payment you can afford. This
 information will be a key part of your negotiations, so review your 
budget ahead of time. </li><li>Get to know your loan options. <a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/loan-options/" target="_blank">Loan options</a>
 include loan terms, interest rate type, and the loan type. The loan 
term refers to the length of the loan, which may be 15 or 30 years. 
Shorter loans usually have higher monthly payments with lower interest 
rates. Interest rate types may be fixed or adjustable. Fixed rate loans 
are lower risk but carry higher interest rates. Adjustable rate 
mortgages (ARMs) have lower interest rates to start, but the rates can 
change over time.&nbsp; Loan types may be conventional or part of a 
government program. Understanding the options will help you choose the 
best loan for your situation. </li><li>Understand the difference between a broker and a lender. According to <a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-the-difference-between-a-mortgage-broker-and-a-mortgage-lender-en-130/" target="_blank">ConsumerFinance.gov</a>,
 a lender is a bank or other financial institution that loans money 
directly to you. A broker acts a middleman, comparing loan options on 
your behalf. The <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0189-shopping-mortgage" target="_blank">Federal Trade Commission</a>
 adds, “Whether you are dealing with a lender or a broker may not always
 be clear. Some financial institutions operate as both lenders and 
brokers. And most brokers’ advertisements do not use the word ‘broker.’ 
Therefore, be sure to ask whether a broker is involved.” You’ll want to 
know, since brokers are usually paid a service fee separate from the 
lender’s fees. </li><li>Get information from multiple lenders and brokers before making a decision. Get
 as much information from each lender as you can. Keep your options open
 to begin with, since different lenders may offer different rates, <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0189-shopping-mortgage#best" target="_blank">advises the FTC</a>.
 Make sure you ask about interest rates, loan types, annual percentage 
rates, points, down payments, mortgage insurance, and all other fees. 
This will help you get a clear view of the actual cost of the mortgage. </li><li>Understand whether you should pay points. Your mortgage lender will likely give you the <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/discount-points" target="_blank">option of paying for discount points</a>.
 Mortgage points are fees you pay a lender to reduce the interest rate 
on a mortgage. Typically, one discount point is equally to 1% of the 
mortgage amount and will reduce your interest rate by .25%. Depending on
 how long you plan to keep your home and your mortgage, this extra cost 
may or may not make sense. This <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/should-i-buy-points-mortgage-calculator" target="_blank">calculator will help you figure that out</a>. </li><li>Working with a broker? Make sure they find you the best deal. If
 you prefer to hire a broker to do the shopping for you, know that while
 brokers have access to several lenders, they aren’t obligated to find 
the best deal for you unless they sign a contract to act as your agent. </li><li>Be prepared to negotiate the best deal. Loan 
officers and brokers are allowed to keep some or all of the overages 
(the difference between the lowest available price and any higher price 
you agree to pay) of a loan as extra compensation. This means you may be
 able to negotiate a price lower than what they initially offer you. The
 best way to negotiate is to have the broker or lender <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-0104-mortgage-shopping-worksheet.pdf" target="_blank">give you a written list</a>
 of all of the costs and fees included in the loan. Then, ask if they 
will reduce or waive completely one or more of the fees. You can also 
show them a competitor’s offer to see if they will give you a better 
deal. </li><li>Watch out for scams.
 Shopping around for a mortgage lender will help you get a general idea 
of how much a loan costs, which will help you spot and avoid any offers 
that seem too good to be true. Be wary of unsolicited calls and emails 
offering you great rates on a mortgage or “no-cost” loans. Never give in
 to high pressure sales tactics. <a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/mortgage-closing-scams-how-protect-yourself-and-your-closing-funds/" target="_blank">ConsumerFinance.gov warns about a phishing scam</a>
 where con artists attempt to divert your closing costs and down payment
 by suggesting, right before your loan closes, that you wire the money 
into a fraudulent account.&nbsp; </li>
 </ul><h2>For More Information</h2>See <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/your-home-hq" target="_blank">BBB's Home HQ</a> for information on buying, selling, building and where to find help for improving the inside and outside of your home.&nbsp;Visit the <a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/mortgages/" target="_blank">Consumer Finance Protection Bureau’s mortgage page</a> to learn more about how mortgages work. Learn about reverse mortgages by reading the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23105-bbb-tip-reverse-mortgages" target="_blank">BBB Tip: Understanding Reverse Mortgages</a>.When shopping for a lender, always look for businesses that follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/bbb-accreditation-standards" target="_blank">BBB Accreditation Standards</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/standards-for-trust" target="_blank">BBB Standards for Trust</a>.Search for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/near-me/mortgage-lenders" target="_blank">reputable mortgage lender</a>&nbsp;near you.

BBB Tip: Choosing a mortgage lender in today's market

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly Monday directed affected state agencies to apply Kansas law when complying with the United States Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rule requiring staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a statement from her office.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.uIEbuflf_UWAEfS3L9BOaUjo56JI0uIVYY7NTQ_3sYU/s/1303160919/br/126612324325-l" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to find the full directive&nbsp;

The directive requires agencies complying with the CMS rule to follow Kansas state laws regarding medical and religious exemptions, documentation, and self-attestation regarding vaccination status.

“I’ve consistently opposed federal COVID-19 vaccine requirements because the responsibility was given to the states from the beginning to make these decisions,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“However, in order to protect the millions of dollars in funding Kansas receives and to prevent Kansans’ tax dollars from going to other states, we must comply with the federal vaccine requirement.&nbsp;

“It’s absolutely critical that any policy implemented in response to the federal ruling must follow our state laws which protect medical and religious exemptions, and prevent intrusive requests from employers,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.

In January 2022, the United States Supreme Court upheld the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) COVID-19 vaccine requirement. For nearly all Kansas state employees, there will be no vaccine requirement. 11.2% of state employees work in the state’s six CMS-funded facilities that are subject to the United States Supreme Court ruling.

The Governor’s directive requires that any agency policy implementing the CMS rule should not conflict with provisions of Kansas state law, including but not limited to the 2021 Special Session House Bill 2001 and 2021 Regular Session Senate Bill 159.

The directive requires the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, the Kansas Commission on Veteran Affairs Office, and any other state agency impacted by the CMS Interim Final rule to affirm state laws when complying with the federal CMS guidance, including but not limited to:

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly Monday directed affected state agencies to apply Kansas law when complying with the United States Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rule requiring staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a statement from her office.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.uIEbuflf_UWAEfS3L9BOaUjo56JI0uIVYY7NTQ_3sYU/s/1303160919/br/126612324325-l" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to find the full directive&nbsp;The directive requires agencies complying with the CMS rule to follow Kansas state laws regarding medical and religious exemptions, documentation, and self-attestation regarding vaccination status.“I’ve consistently opposed federal COVID-19 vaccine requirements because the responsibility was given to the states from the beginning to make these decisions,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“However, in order to protect the millions of dollars in funding Kansas receives and to prevent Kansans’ tax dollars from going to other states, we must comply with the federal vaccine requirement.&nbsp;“It’s absolutely critical that any policy implemented in response to the federal ruling must follow our state laws which protect medical and religious exemptions, and prevent intrusive requests from employers,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.In January 2022, the United States Supreme Court upheld the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) COVID-19 vaccine requirement. For nearly all Kansas state employees, there will be no vaccine requirement. 11.2% of state employees work in the state’s six CMS-funded facilities that are subject to the United States Supreme Court ruling.The Governor’s directive requires that any agency policy implementing the CMS rule should not conflict with provisions of Kansas state law, including but not limited to the 2021 Special Session House Bill 2001 and 2021 Regular Session Senate Bill 159.The directive requires the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, the Kansas Commission on Veteran Affairs Office, and any other state agency impacted by the CMS Interim Final rule to affirm state laws when complying with the federal CMS guidance, including but not limited to:<ul>
 <li>Medical exemptions:&nbsp;Facilities must grant an exemption to the federal COVID-19 vaccine requirement if the employee submits a written waiver request stating that complying with the condition would endanger the life or health of the employee or an individual who resides with the employee, as evidenced by an accompanying written statement signed by a physician.</li><li>Religious exemptions:&nbsp;Facilities must grant an exemption to the federal COVID-19 vaccine requirement if the employee submits a written waiver request stating that complying with the requirement would violate the religious beliefs of the employee. Facilities can’t inquire into the sincerity of the request.</li><li>Documentation:&nbsp;Facilities must not require employees to provide documentation of their COVID-19 vaccination status. Facilities may request such documentation but must make it clear that providing documentation is not a condition of employment and that no adverse action will be taken if the employee does not provide it.</li><li>Self-Attestation: Facilities can implement a verbal self-attestation of COVID-19 vaccination status policy from any employee who does not provide documentation and does not request an exemption from the vaccination requirement. The facility, not the individual, will be responsible for documenting the individual’s self-attested vaccination status.</li>
 </ul>

Gov.: Kan. must comply with the fed. vaccine mandate for health workers

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today updated its 
frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Higher Education Emergency Grants.

This updated FAQ adds questions 8 and 9 in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2022-11.pdf">FS-2022-11</a>&nbsp;PDF.

In IR-2021-70, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/emergency-aid-granted-to-students-due-to-covid-is-not-taxable">Emergency aid granted to students due to COVID is not taxable</a>,
 the IRS issued FAQs on how students and higher education institutions 
should report pandemic-related emergency financial aid grants. These 
FAQs were subsequently updated on May 18, 2021.

These updated FAQs are being issued to provide general information to
 taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today updated its 
frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Higher Education Emergency Grants.This updated FAQ adds questions 8 and 9 in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2022-11.pdf">FS-2022-11</a>&nbsp;PDF.In IR-2021-70, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/emergency-aid-granted-to-students-due-to-covid-is-not-taxable">Emergency aid granted to students due to COVID is not taxable</a>,
 the IRS issued FAQs on how students and higher education institutions 
should report pandemic-related emergency financial aid grants. These 
FAQs were subsequently updated on May 18, 2021.These updated FAQs are being issued to provide general information to
 taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.

IRS updates FAQs for Higher Education Emergency Grants

HASKELL COUNTY—A Kansas man injured in an accident February 3 in Haskell County has died.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Polaris ATV driven by&nbsp; Claudy R.&nbsp;Reynolds, 88, Sublette, was eastbound in the 900 Block Edelle Avenue in Sublette.

 The ATV became unstable, crossed the center line, entered the north ditch and overturned.

EMS transported&nbsp;Reynolds and a passenger James H Barton, 69, Sublette, to Satanta District Hospital. Both were later flown to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita where Reynolds died, according to an updated report from the KHP.

HASKELL COUNTY—A Kansas man injured in an accident February 3 in Haskell County has died.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Polaris ATV driven by&nbsp; Claudy R.&nbsp;Reynolds, 88, Sublette, was eastbound in the 900 Block Edelle Avenue in Sublette. The ATV became unstable, crossed the center line, entered the north ditch and overturned.EMS transported&nbsp;Reynolds and a passenger James H Barton, 69, Sublette, to Satanta District Hospital. Both were later flown to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita where Reynolds died, according to an updated report from the KHP.-------------

88-year-old Kansas man injured in ATV accident died

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14457.pdf">Form 14457, Voluntary Disclosure Practice Preclearance Request and Application</a>&nbsp;PDF,
 has been revised, including expanding a section on reporting virtual 
currency. Form 14457 permits taxpayers who may face criminal prosecution
 for willful violation of tax law to voluntarily disclose information to
 the IRS that they failed to previously disclose.

Updates and additions to this form include:

The updates reflect input from practitioners and stakeholders 
and take into account trends in the type of financial asset that 
taxpayers hold.

"This is an important form and process for people who recognize it's 
better to step forward and address their tax situations head-on, before 
facing IRS enforcement action," said Doug O'Donnell, Deputy Commissioner
 Services and Enforcement. "The revised form includes a number of 
updates, and we encourage people to review the guidelines and consult a 
trusted tax professional."

Thousands of taxpayers have used the Voluntary Disclosure Practice 
since its inception. It serves as a compliance option for taxpayers who 
have potential criminal exposure and wish to come into compliance with 
the tax laws. Those making such disclosure are still subject to civil 
examination and the payment of all applicable taxes, interest and 
penalties.

Taxpayers who did not commit any tax or tax-related crimes and wish 
to correct mistakes or file delinquent returns should consider other 
options available to comply with their tax and reporting obligations. 
The IRS encourages taxpayers to consult with professional tax or legal 
advisors in determining which option is the most appropriate.

A taxpayer's voluntary disclosure must be timely, accurate and 
complete. The taxpayer must also cooperate with the IRS in determining 
the correct tax liability, and make full payment of the tax, interest 
and any applicable penalties.

Cooperation includes full payment of all tax, interest and penalties.
 A taxpayer who is unable to make full payment may request that the IRS 
consider other payment arrangements. If a taxpayer anticipates they 
cannot pay the total amount of tax, interest and penalties required, 
they must disclose this and submit a proposed payment arrangement and a 
completed, and executed, Collection Information Statement (Form 433-A). 
The burden is on the taxpayer to establish inability to pay, to the 
satisfaction of the IRS, based on full disclosure of all assets and 
income, domestic and foreign, under the taxpayer's control.

For more information on the Voluntary Disclosure Practice, as well as
 other options to come into compliance with the law please visit:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14457.pdf">Form 14457, Voluntary Disclosure Practice Preclearance Request and Application</a>&nbsp;PDF,
 has been revised, including expanding a section on reporting virtual 
currency. Form 14457 permits taxpayers who may face criminal prosecution
 for willful violation of tax law to voluntarily disclose information to
 the IRS that they failed to previously disclose.Updates and additions to this form include:<ul>
 <li>IRS Criminal Investigation now accepts photocopies, facsimiles 
and scans of taxpayer signatures. Taxpayers can send this form via eFax 
to 844-253-5613 to reduce mailing and processing times. Previously, Part
 II of this form had to be mailed.</li><li>An expanded section for reporting virtual currency.</li><li>A penalty structure for employment tax and estate and gift issues.</li><li>A check-box for inability to pay in full.</li>
 </ul>The updates reflect input from practitioners and stakeholders 
and take into account trends in the type of financial asset that 
taxpayers hold."This is an important form and process for people who recognize it's 
better to step forward and address their tax situations head-on, before 
facing IRS enforcement action," said Doug O'Donnell, Deputy Commissioner
 Services and Enforcement. "The revised form includes a number of 
updates, and we encourage people to review the guidelines and consult a 
trusted tax professional."Thousands of taxpayers have used the Voluntary Disclosure Practice 
since its inception. It serves as a compliance option for taxpayers who 
have potential criminal exposure and wish to come into compliance with 
the tax laws. Those making such disclosure are still subject to civil 
examination and the payment of all applicable taxes, interest and 
penalties.Taxpayers who did not commit any tax or tax-related crimes and wish 
to correct mistakes or file delinquent returns should consider other 
options available to comply with their tax and reporting obligations. 
The IRS encourages taxpayers to consult with professional tax or legal 
advisors in determining which option is the most appropriate.A taxpayer's voluntary disclosure must be timely, accurate and 
complete. The taxpayer must also cooperate with the IRS in determining 
the correct tax liability, and make full payment of the tax, interest 
and any applicable penalties.Cooperation includes full payment of all tax, interest and penalties.
 A taxpayer who is unable to make full payment may request that the IRS 
consider other payment arrangements. If a taxpayer anticipates they 
cannot pay the total amount of tax, interest and penalties required, 
they must disclose this and submit a proposed payment arrangement and a 
completed, and executed, Collection Information Statement (Form 433-A). 
The burden is on the taxpayer to establish inability to pay, to the 
satisfaction of the IRS, based on full disclosure of all assets and 
income, domestic and foreign, under the taxpayer's control.For more information on the Voluntary Disclosure Practice, as well as
 other options to come into compliance with the law please visit:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/compliance/criminal-investigation/irs-criminal-investigation-voluntary-disclosure-practice">IRS Criminal Investigation Voluntary Disclosure Practice</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/irm/part9/irm_09-005-011">IRM 9.5.11, Investigative Process – Other Investigations</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/irm/part4/irm_04-063-003r">IRM
 4.63.3, Withholding and International Individual Compliance – Offshore 
Voluntary Disclosure Program, Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures 
and Voluntary Disclosure Practice</a></li>
 </ul>

IRS expands section on reporting cryptocurrency, other disclosures

KANSAS CITY, KAN.– Five people have now been sentenced to prison terms in connection with an armed robbery at a Kansas City, Kansas cell phone store in which victims were bound, according to the United State's Attorney.

• Mario Lambert, 39, of Rockford, Ill. was sentenced to 61 months;

• Sir Love, 36, of Knoxville, Tenn. was sentenced to 35 months;

• Domonique Walker, 30, of Rockford, Ill. was sentenced to 145 months;

• Sharod Pitts, 40, of Chicago, Ill. was sentenced to 100 months;

• and Terry Curtis, 38, of Rockford, Ill. received a sentence of 72 months.

According to court documents, in September 2016, Lambert, Love, Walker, and Pitts entered a Verizon store on Village West Parkway. They pulled out handguns, and announced it was a robbery.

The men locked the doors and forced the employees and customers to the back of the store at gunpoint. The assailants made the victims lie face down on the floor and bound their hands behind their back with zip ties. Then they untied one employee, put a gun to his face and demanded he open the store safe. Lambert, Love, Walker, and Pitts stole cash and merchandise before fleeing the scene with Curtis who was waiting outside as the getaway driver.

Walker, Curtis, Lambert, and Love each pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. Pitts pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Lambert, Love, and Walker were indicted and sentenced in Tennessee and Illinois on related charges.

The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644760450362.png" alt="Walker photo Illinois Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Walker photo Illinois Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN.– Five people have now been sentenced to prison terms in connection with an armed robbery at a Kansas City, Kansas cell phone store in which victims were bound, according to the United State's Attorney.• Mario Lambert, 39, of Rockford, Ill. was sentenced to 61 months;• Sir Love, 36, of Knoxville, Tenn. was sentenced to 35 months;• Domonique Walker, 30, of Rockford, Ill. was sentenced to 145 months;• Sharod Pitts, 40, of Chicago, Ill. was sentenced to 100 months;• and Terry Curtis, 38, of Rockford, Ill. received a sentence of 72 months.According to court documents, in September 2016, Lambert, Love, Walker, and Pitts entered a Verizon store on Village West Parkway. They pulled out handguns, and announced it was a robbery.The men locked the doors and forced the employees and customers to the back of the store at gunpoint. The assailants made the victims lie face down on the floor and bound their hands behind their back with zip ties. Then they untied one employee, put a gun to his face and demanded he open the store safe. Lambert, Love, Walker, and Pitts stole cash and merchandise before fleeing the scene with Curtis who was waiting outside as the getaway driver.Walker, Curtis, Lambert, and Love each pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. Pitts pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Lambert, Love, and Walker were indicted and sentenced in Tennessee and Illinois on related charges.The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.

5 sentenced for violent Kansas cell phone store armed robbery

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged drug distribution.

Just before 9p.m. Saturday, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 35 and the Kansas 31 exit for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

 During the stop, deputies found illegal narcotics.

The driver of the vehicle, Demarcus M. Richards, 25, of Atchison, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, no drug tax stamp, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644853671925.png" alt="Richards-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Richards-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged drug distribution.Just before 9p.m. Saturday, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 35 and the Kansas 31 exit for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, deputies found illegal narcotics.The driver of the vehicle, Demarcus M. Richards, 25, of Atchison, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, no drug tax stamp, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kansas man jailed for alleged cocaine distribution

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have two suspects in custody.

Just before 10:30 a.m. Sunday police&nbsp;were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 800 block of N. 5th Street in Garden City, according to a media release.

Officers located Jesus Hector Flores, 36, of&nbsp; Garden City, KS, who had been shot. EMS transported Flores to St. Catherine Hospital where he later died.

Through the investigation police identified 18-year-old Alexander Goetting and 28-year-old Dalton Pister both of Garden City, KS, as being involved in the shooting.

Police located Goetting and took him into custody. Pister was located and arrested in Scott City, with the assistance of the Scott City Police Department and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department. 

Goetting is being held on requested charges of of First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery, and weapons violations. Pister is being held on requested charges of First-Degree Murder and Aggravated Robbery.

Updated 8:20 a.m. Tuesday to correct photo.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644866390586.png" alt="Goetting-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Goetting-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have two suspects in custody.Just before 10:30 a.m. Sunday police&nbsp;were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 800 block of N. 5th Street in Garden City, according to a media release.Officers located Jesus Hector Flores, 36, of&nbsp; Garden City, KS, who had been shot. EMS transported Flores to St. Catherine Hospital where he later died.Through the investigation police identified 18-year-old Alexander Goetting and 28-year-old Dalton Pister both of Garden City, KS, as being involved in the shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644934626650.png" alt="Dalton Pister-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Dalton Pister-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police located Goetting and took him into custody. Pister was located and arrested in Scott City, with the assistance of the Scott City Police Department and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department. Goetting is being held on requested charges of of First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery, and weapons violations. Pister is being held on requested charges of First-Degree Murder and Aggravated Robbery.Updated 8:20 a.m. Tuesday to correct photo.&nbsp;

Police: 2 accused of murder during SW Kansas robbery

RICE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas felon on new charges after a weekend chase in Rice County.&nbsp;

Just after 4:30p.m. Saturday, police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the city of Lyons, according to Sheriff Bryant Evans. The driver, identified as 39-year-old Bradley Wicks, wanted on multiple warrants, fled in his car.&nbsp; 

Police and Rice County deputies chased Wicks to a rural home where a 2-hour standoff began.&nbsp; Wicks had been living at that home. The homeowner was not there and no one else was inside. 

Wicks eventually left the home peacefully. Officers arrested and booked him into the Rice County Jail. Officials are still working to determine charges, according to Evans.&nbsp; There were no injuries. Sterling police and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the investigation, according to&nbsp; Evans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644838855940.png" alt="Wicks has previous convictions for burglary, theft, drugs and aggravated failure to appear, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections.- photo Rice County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Wicks has previous convictions for burglary, theft, drugs and aggravated failure to appear, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections.- photo Rice County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>RICE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas felon on new charges after a weekend chase in Rice County.&nbsp;Just after 4:30p.m. Saturday, police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the city of Lyons, according to Sheriff Bryant Evans. The driver, identified as 39-year-old Bradley Wicks, wanted on multiple warrants, fled in his car.&nbsp; Police and Rice County deputies chased Wicks to a rural home where a 2-hour standoff began.&nbsp; Wicks had been living at that home. The homeowner was not there and no one else was inside. Wicks eventually left the home peacefully. Officers arrested and booked him into the Rice County Jail. Officials are still working to determine charges, according to Evans.&nbsp; There were no injuries. Sterling police and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the investigation, according to&nbsp; Evans.

Sheriff: Kansas felon jailed after chase, 2-hour standoff

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in Wichita.

Just after 3:30 p.m.&nbsp; Sunday, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 2100 block of South Erie in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located two victims, a 38-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man who had been shot.&nbsp; Both were pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed a resident of the home found the victims shot and called the police.&nbsp;

This was not a random incident and is believed to involve illegal and dangerous drugs.&nbsp; The victims were known to frequent the home. Police have not released the names of the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644862888477.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal shooting -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal shooting -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in Wichita.Just after 3:30 p.m.&nbsp; Sunday, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 2100 block of South Erie in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located two victims, a 38-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man who had been shot.&nbsp; Both were pronounced deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed a resident of the home found the victims shot and called the police.&nbsp;This was not a random incident and is believed to involve illegal and dangerous drugs.&nbsp; The victims were known to frequent the home. Police have not released the names of the victims.

Double murder: Man, woman found dead in Kansas home

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/14/kansas-panel-balances-transparency-costs-in-open-records-act-update/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Kansas Senate panel 
considered Monday how best to proceed with amending the state’s open 
records act to increase transparency without triggering unintended 
consequences and placing an undue burden on municipalities.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb386/">Senate Bill 386</a>
 would limit fees for copying and providing records, including the cost 
of staff time, under the Kansas Open Records Act to the lowest hourly 
rate of the person qualified to provide the records. The bill would also
 ensure no fee is charged if a search determines the record does not 
exist.

It would also give the record custodian the discretion to waive any fee should it be in the public interest to do so.

Emily Bradbury, executive director of the Kansas Press Association, 
pointed to a 2020 incident following a series of personnel firings in 
Frontenac where the city attorney wanted to charge $3,500 for records 
without explanation of how he arrived at that figure.

“While a majority of KORA requests from journalists are handled well,
 with efficiency and grace from government entities, there are many 
instances where this is not the case,” Bradbury said. “Because there are
 no real statutory guidelines for what can be charged, newspaper 
reporters and private citizens have had to deal with exorbitant costs 
for gaining access to public records.”

A 2020 Northwestern University Law review labeled Kansas as a 
“transparency desert.” In 2015, the Center for Public Integrity gave 
Kansas an F grade for transparency, placing the state 43rd overall.

An investigation conducted by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office 
found the city government of Frontenac to have violated its own policies
 by charging unreasonable rates. Caleb Smith, campaign director for 
Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, pointed to additional 
instances, such KAKE receiving a bill totaling more than $40,000 when 
pursuing records about fraudulent unemployment claims.

“This bill puts in place best practices for limiting the fee barrier 
to transparency,” Smith said. “It limits the charging of staff time to 
the lowest rate of a person qualified to fulfill the request, prevents 
fees from being charged just to determine if a record exists and 
provides for the discretionary waiver of fees if requested records are 
in the public interest.”

However, opponents of the bill say existing law already addresses rare cases, such as Frontenac.

Michael Koss, an attorney for the City of Overland Park, said most 
concerning was that by changing wording regarding furnishing copies, the
 bill could require local taxpayers to subsidize the costs of redacting 
public records. He used a recent request of more than 15,000 emails 
related to multiple lawsuits to illustrate the potential issue.

“Many of those emails contained information about juvenile victims 
and were subject to attorney-client privilege, so staff had to review 
and redact such information from the emails,” Koss said. “That change 
arguably removes the basis for local governments to recoup the cost of 
staff time to redact records, thus creating an expensive unfunded 
mandate on local taxpayers who have to assume that cost.”

If passed, the law would go into effect July 1.

Sen. Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican, also noted the laborious 
nature of the redaction process, from her firsthand experience as an 
attorney participating in significant litigation.

“Is there a balance we can bring to the need to keep private 
information private, to allow our responding agencies and departments to
 do the research and to the need for being transparent to the public?” 
Warren said.

Erik Sartorius, executive director for the Kansas League of 
Municipalities, said his organization had already been engaging in 
dialogue with the Kansas Press Association to close these gaps. One area
 he said could easily be bridged was the provision requiring the lowest 
hourly rate of the person qualified to provide the records.

While he accepted the concept, he pushed for a better definition to be applied.

“The person who works the check-in desk at the rec center may have 
the capacity to get a record, but if the record is housed at City Hall” 
it could cause a problem, he said. “If it’s not a workable situation, 
just because that is the lowest possible wage that could conceivably do 
the work, then that’s an area where it seems a little murky.”

Disclosure: Hays Post is a member of the Kansas Press Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644868167712.png" alt="While most KORA requests from journalists are handled well, said Emily Bradbury, executive director of the Kansas Press Association, Senate Bill 386 would target excessive fees and increase transparency (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature YouTube.)" />
 <figcaption>While most KORA requests from journalists are handled well, said Emily Bradbury, executive director of the Kansas Press Association, Senate Bill 386 would target excessive fees and increase transparency (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature YouTube.)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/14/kansas-panel-balances-transparency-costs-in-open-records-act-update/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A Kansas Senate panel 
considered Monday how best to proceed with amending the state’s open 
records act to increase transparency without triggering unintended 
consequences and placing an undue burden on municipalities.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb386/">Senate Bill 386</a>
 would limit fees for copying and providing records, including the cost 
of staff time, under the Kansas Open Records Act to the lowest hourly 
rate of the person qualified to provide the records. The bill would also
 ensure no fee is charged if a search determines the record does not 
exist.It would also give the record custodian the discretion to waive any fee should it be in the public interest to do so.Emily Bradbury, executive director of the Kansas Press Association, 
pointed to a 2020 incident following a series of personnel firings in 
Frontenac where the city attorney wanted to charge $3,500 for records 
without explanation of how he arrived at that figure.“While a majority of KORA requests from journalists are handled well,
 with efficiency and grace from government entities, there are many 
instances where this is not the case,” Bradbury said. “Because there are
 no real statutory guidelines for what can be charged, newspaper 
reporters and private citizens have had to deal with exorbitant costs 
for gaining access to public records.”A 2020 Northwestern University Law review labeled Kansas as a 
“transparency desert.” In 2015, the Center for Public Integrity gave 
Kansas an F grade for transparency, placing the state 43rd overall.An investigation conducted by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office 
found the city government of Frontenac to have violated its own policies
 by charging unreasonable rates. Caleb Smith, campaign director for 
Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, pointed to additional 
instances, such KAKE receiving a bill totaling more than $40,000 when 
pursuing records about fraudulent unemployment claims.“This bill puts in place best practices for limiting the fee barrier 
to transparency,” Smith said. “It limits the charging of staff time to 
the lowest rate of a person qualified to fulfill the request, prevents 
fees from being charged just to determine if a record exists and 
provides for the discretionary waiver of fees if requested records are 
in the public interest.”However, opponents of the bill say existing law already addresses rare cases, such as Frontenac.Michael Koss, an attorney for the City of Overland Park, said most 
concerning was that by changing wording regarding furnishing copies, the
 bill could require local taxpayers to subsidize the costs of redacting 
public records. He used a recent request of more than 15,000 emails 
related to multiple lawsuits to illustrate the potential issue.“Many of those emails contained information about juvenile victims 
and were subject to attorney-client privilege, so staff had to review 
and redact such information from the emails,” Koss said. “That change 
arguably removes the basis for local governments to recoup the cost of 
staff time to redact records, thus creating an expensive unfunded 
mandate on local taxpayers who have to assume that cost.”If passed, the law would go into effect July 1.Sen. Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican, also noted the laborious 
nature of the redaction process, from her firsthand experience as an 
attorney participating in significant litigation.“Is there a balance we can bring to the need to keep private 
information private, to allow our responding agencies and departments to
 do the research and to the need for being transparent to the public?” 
Warren said.Erik Sartorius, executive director for the Kansas League of 
Municipalities, said his organization had already been engaging in 
dialogue with the Kansas Press Association to close these gaps. One area
 he said could easily be bridged was the provision requiring the lowest 
hourly rate of the person qualified to provide the records.While he accepted the concept, he pushed for a better definition to be applied.“The person who works the check-in desk at the rec center may have 
the capacity to get a record, but if the record is housed at City Hall” 
it could cause a problem, he said. “If it’s not a workable situation, 
just because that is the lowest possible wage that could conceivably do 
the work, then that’s an area where it seems a little murky.”Disclosure: Hays Post is a member of the Kansas Press Association.

Kan. panel balances transparency, costs in open records act update

Law enforcement authorities arrested a Salina man Sunday after his pickup left the interstate, struck a fence and started a grass fire northeast of Salina.

Just after 3 a.m., emergency personnel were sent just east of Niles Road on eastbound Interstate 70 for the report of a vehicle that had left the roadway, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan.

When they arrived, they found a 1998 Chevrolet S10 pickup up against the fence that runs along the interstate.. Both the pickup and nearby grass were burning.

The driver, identified as Aaron Powers, 24, of Salina, was eastbound in the pickup when he lost control of the vehicle and it traveled off the highway. Powers sustained only minor injuries and refused treatment.

An estimate $500 in damage was done to the fence and the grass, Soldan said. The fire burned approximately 50 acres of grassland before it was extinguished by rural fire department personnel. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644857056701.jpeg" alt="A grass fire caused by the crash backlights the scene of the single-vehicle wreck along Interstate 70 early Sunday morning. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>A grass fire caused by the crash backlights the scene of the single-vehicle wreck along Interstate 70 early Sunday morning. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostLaw enforcement authorities arrested a Salina man Sunday after his pickup left the interstate, struck a fence and started a grass fire northeast of Salina.Just after 3 a.m., emergency personnel were sent just east of Niles Road on eastbound Interstate 70 for the report of a vehicle that had left the roadway, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan.When they arrived, they found a 1998 Chevrolet S10 pickup up against the fence that runs along the interstate.. Both the pickup and nearby grass were burning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644763005553.jpeg" alt="Aaron Powers-photo&nbsp;Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Aaron Powers-photo&nbsp;Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, identified as Aaron Powers, 24, of Salina, was eastbound in the pickup when he lost control of the vehicle and it traveled off the highway. Powers sustained only minor injuries and refused treatment.An estimate $500 in damage was done to the fence and the grass, Soldan said. The fire burned approximately 50 acres of grassland before it was extinguished by rural fire department personnel. Powers was arrested on the following requested charges of Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and Not wearing a seatbelt.