TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Fifteen-year-olds in Kansas will be able to drive by themselves to and from worship services and other religious activities, starting in July. 

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday signed into law a bill approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature to expand driving privileges for holders of restricted licenses. The law already allows 15-year-olds to drive by themselves to and from work. 

The change will allow them to drive to and from religious activities from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. A restricted license also already allows 15-year-olds to drive anywhere at any time if an adult with a valid license is sitting in the front passenger’s seat.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Fifteen-year-olds in Kansas will be able to drive by themselves to and from worship services and other religious activities, starting in July. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday signed into law a bill approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature to expand driving privileges for holders of restricted licenses. The law already allows 15-year-olds to drive by themselves to and from work. The change will allow them to drive to and from religious activities from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. A restricted license also already allows 15-year-olds to drive anywhere at any time if an adult with a valid license is sitting in the front passenger’s seat.

Kansas to let 15-year-olds drive alone to religious events

WICHITA COUNTY—An evacuation order has been lifted following a fire at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Plant, 505 North 4th Street in Leoti, according to the Sheriff's Office.

A fire just after 3:30p.m Tuesday at the fertilizer company prompted evacuation because hazardous materials were involved.

LEOTI, Kan. (AP) — Officials say a fire at a fertilizer company in western Kansas has prompted evacuations Tuesday afternoon because hazardous materials were involved. 

Wichita County Clerk Lynda Goodrich says the Ford County Regional Hazardous Materials Team deployed to Leoti for the fire Tuesday afternoon and was fighting the blaze and removing hazardous material. 

The fire began around 3:30 p.m. at a Nutrien Ag Solutions plant in Leoti. A company spokeswoman says no injuries were immediately reported. Wichita County officials requested people to avoid the area. The number of people evacuated isn’t clear.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650450825815.png" alt="The Community Building on Main Street was opened as a temporary shelter. Authorities have not released details on the number of those who were evacuated or what caused the fire-google image" />
 <figcaption>The Community Building on Main Street was opened as a temporary shelter. Authorities have not released details on the number of those who were evacuated or what caused the fire-google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA COUNTY—An evacuation order has been lifted following a fire at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Plant, 505 North 4th Street in Leoti, according to the Sheriff's Office.A fire just after 3:30p.m Tuesday at the fertilizer company prompted evacuation because hazardous materials were involved.There are no reports of injuries.----------LEOTI, Kan. (AP) — Officials say a fire at a fertilizer company in western Kansas has prompted evacuations Tuesday afternoon because hazardous materials were involved. Wichita County Clerk Lynda Goodrich says the Ford County Regional Hazardous Materials Team deployed to Leoti for the fire Tuesday afternoon and was fighting the blaze and removing hazardous material. The fire began around 3:30 p.m. at a Nutrien Ag Solutions plant in Leoti. A company spokeswoman says no injuries were immediately reported. Wichita County officials requested people to avoid the area. The number of people evacuated isn’t clear.

Evacuation order lifted after fertilizer plant fire in western Kansas

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a high-speed chase.

Just before 11 p.m. Monday, sheriff's deputies stopped a 2003 GMC Yukon at U.S. Highway 75 and 150th Road for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Upon contact with the occupants, the female passenger was identified, but the male passenger allegedly used false name to identify himself. 

After believing the driver was giving false information he was asked to step out of the vehicle. The driver then attempted to put the vehicle into drive and flee as deputies were at the vehicle. 

The driver then fled from law enforcement driving back north on U.S. 75 at high rate of speed and evading tire deflation devices at just north of 214th Road, according to Morse.

 The vehicle entered Holton City limits and attempted to evade the tire deflation device deployed by the Holton Police Department but was unsuccessful. 

At U.S. 75 and 246th,&nbsp; the driver lost the front driver side tire of the vehicle due to the spike strip. The SUV then traveled down into the ditch.

At this time deputies could see the passenger with her hands out the window and opening the door to trying to exit the vehicle. 

The vehicle came to a stop as as the driver tried to get back onto the highway at 262nd Road. 

The driver later identified&nbsp;Liberto Rey Rodriguez Jr. of Kansas City, Kansas, exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. 

He is being held on requested charges of Fleeing or attempting to Elude Law enforcement, avoiding tire deflation devices, reckless driving, felony Interference with Law enforcement, criminal restraint, driving while suspended, possession of stolen property, no proof of insurance, expired registration. Rodriquez was also wanted by the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation warrant for aggravated robbery. The female passenger was not arrested.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650378773560.png" alt="Liberto Rey Rodriguez Jr.-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Liberto Rey Rodriguez Jr.-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a high-speed chase.Just before 11 p.m. Monday, sheriff's deputies stopped a 2003 GMC Yukon at U.S. Highway 75 and 150th Road for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Upon contact with the occupants, the female passenger was identified, but the male passenger allegedly used false name to identify himself. After believing the driver was giving false information he was asked to step out of the vehicle. The driver then attempted to put the vehicle into drive and flee as deputies were at the vehicle. The driver then fled from law enforcement driving back north on U.S. 75 at high rate of speed and evading tire deflation devices at just north of 214th Road, according to Morse. The vehicle entered Holton City limits and attempted to evade the tire deflation device deployed by the Holton Police Department but was unsuccessful. At U.S. 75 and 246th,&nbsp; the driver lost the front driver side tire of the vehicle due to the spike strip. The SUV then traveled down into the ditch.At this time deputies could see the passenger with her hands out the window and opening the door to trying to exit the vehicle. The vehicle came to a stop as as the driver tried to get back onto the highway at 262nd Road. The driver later identified&nbsp;Liberto Rey Rodriguez Jr. of Kansas City, Kansas, exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. He is being held on requested charges of Fleeing or attempting to Elude Law enforcement, avoiding tire deflation devices, reckless driving, felony Interference with Law enforcement, criminal restraint, driving while suspended, possession of stolen property, no proof of insurance, expired registration. Rodriquez was also wanted by the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation warrant for aggravated robbery. The female passenger was not arrested.&nbsp;

Wanted Kan. robbery suspect jailed following high-speed chase

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A 19-year-old from Kansas City has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a 16-year-old in Johnson County earlier this month, according to court records.

Robert Lewis Jones is charged in a shooting that occurred April 10 at an apartment building in Mission, Kansas, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article260533217.html#storylink=cpy">reported.</a>

A 13-year-old girl was also shot but was expected to recover, police said.

Police have not released the names of the victims. Mission Police Chief Dan Madden said Monday authorities are withholding the identities because of security concerns surrounding the case.

Madden said the investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650383788952.png" alt="Jones-photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A 19-year-old from Kansas City has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a 16-year-old in Johnson County earlier this month, according to court records.Robert Lewis Jones is charged in a shooting that occurred April 10 at an apartment building in Mission, Kansas, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article260533217.html#storylink=cpy">reported.</a>A 13-year-old girl was also shot but was expected to recover, police said.Police have not released the names of the victims. Mission Police Chief Dan Madden said Monday authorities are withholding the identities because of security concerns surrounding the case.Madden said the investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected.

Suspect charged in killing of 16-year-old Kansas boy

SAN FRANCISCO&nbsp; (AP) — Netflix’s video streaming service suffered the first loss in worldwide subscribers in its history, leading to a massive sell-off of its shares. The company’s customer base fell by 200,000 subscribers during the January-March period, according to a quarterly report released Tuesday; its stock dropped over 25% in after-market trading.

The subscription figure was far worse than company management’s forecast for a conservative gain of 2.5 million subscribers. The news deepens troubles at the streaming service that have been mounting since a surge of signups from a captive audience during the pandemic began to slow.

It marks the first time Netflix’s worldwide subscribers have contracted, although the service previously saw a decline in U..S. subscribers in 2019. Now Netflix is bracing for things to get even worse with a projected loss of another 2 million subscribers during the April-June period.

The disappointing performance caused Netflix’s stock price to plunge 26% in extended trading. Investors had already been bailing out of the company's once high-flying stock amid a dramatic slowdown in subscriber growth. If the shares behave similarly in Wednesday’s regular trading session, Netflix’s stock will have lost more than its value so far this year.

It marks the fourth time in the last five quarters that Netflix’s subscriber growth has fallen below the gains of the previous year, raising investor fears that its streaming service is mired in a malaise that has been magnified by stiffening competition from well-funded rivals such as Apple and Walt Disney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615571482496.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO&nbsp; (AP) — Netflix’s video streaming service suffered the first loss in worldwide subscribers in its history, leading to a massive sell-off of its shares. The company’s customer base fell by 200,000 subscribers during the January-March period, according to a quarterly report released Tuesday; its stock dropped over 25% in after-market trading.The subscription figure was far worse than company management’s forecast for a conservative gain of 2.5 million subscribers. The news deepens troubles at the streaming service that have been mounting since a surge of signups from a captive audience during the pandemic began to slow.It marks the first time Netflix’s worldwide subscribers have contracted, although the service previously saw a decline in U..S. subscribers in 2019. Now Netflix is bracing for things to get even worse with a projected loss of another 2 million subscribers during the April-June period.The disappointing performance caused Netflix’s stock price to plunge 26% in extended trading. Investors had already been bailing out of the company's once high-flying stock amid a dramatic slowdown in subscriber growth. If the shares behave similarly in Wednesday’s regular trading session, Netflix’s stock will have lost more than its value so far this year.It marks the fourth time in the last five quarters that Netflix’s subscriber growth has fallen below the gains of the previous year, raising investor fears that its streaming service is mired in a malaise that has been magnified by stiffening competition from well-funded rivals such as Apple and Walt Disney.

Netflix suffers first loss in worldwide subscribers in its history

WICHITA—Bombardier, a global leader in aviation, has designated Wichita as the home of its U.S. headquarters, according to a statement on the <a href="https://bombardier.com/en/media/news/bombardier-begins-new-era-wichita?page=0">company web site.</a>

Bombardier’s footprint in Wichita includes an expanding service centre that supports Bombardier’s entire family of&nbsp;Learjet,&nbsp;Challenger&nbsp;and&nbsp;Global&nbsp;business jets. 

The site also continues to operate one of the world’s leading flight test centers that performs testing and certification of aircraft upgrades on all new Bombardier aircraft programs, including the ongoing certification campaign for the&nbsp;Challenger 3500&nbsp;jet.

Wichita is also home to the newly renamed Bombardier Defense, reflecting the company’s strategic expansion of its existing Specialized Aircraft division. The expanding defense market is a key area of growth for the company. With the reinvented Bombardier Defense, led by Steve Patrick – Vice President Bombardier Defense, the company will leverage Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) design, manufacturing and certification expertise to provide agile, innovative solutions hosted on Bombardier’s class leading aircraft platforms. This centre of excellence for defense applications, technology and innovation fully leverages the Wichita workforce and local industry.

Bombardier Defense Tuesday also confirmed additional firm orders for modified versions of its&nbsp;Global 6000&nbsp;aircraft, as part of a potential $465 million USD order from the United States Air Force (USAF)&nbsp;in support of the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program. Last year, Bombardier was awarded the sole-source engineering and modification Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract from the USAF to modify up to six&nbsp;Global 6000&nbsp;business jets to become E11-A BACN platforms. Bombardier Defense will continue to leverage Wichita’s highly reputed expertise to provide in-service support and upgrades to the USAF’s expanding BACN fleet, underscoring Bombardier’s status as a key U.S. aerospace employer.

“Wichita was the obvious choice as the home of&nbsp;Bombardier’s new U.S. Headquarters and Bombardier Defense,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “For more than 60 years, the established skills and expertise from the Air Capital of the World is second to none, and this latest confirmation from the United States Air Force is a testament to the confidence they have in our aircraft and importantly, in the strength of our people in Wichita.”

With the announcement of Wichita as the company’s U.S. Headquarters, Bombardier also announced that Tonya Sudduth, former Vice President of Operations, Wichita site, has accepted the newly created role of Head of U.S. Strategy. Based in Wichita, Tonya Sudduth will lead Bombardier’s U.S. strategy, leveraging her extensive knowledge and rich aerospace experience to build strong relationships with key stakeholders in the community, government and industry to further strengthen and grow Bombardier’s presence across all its sites in the U.S.

Bombardier continues to grow its footprint in the U.S. and in Wichita. The company has harnessed the high-level know-how of the teams in Wichita and doubled the size of its service center workforce to meet existing and anticipated demand. From three hangars just four years ago, Bombardier’s Wichita service centre has expanded to include seven hangars today, offering&nbsp;Learjet,&nbsp;Challenger&nbsp;and&nbsp;Global&nbsp;aircraft operators exceptional original equipment manufacturer (OEM) value and customer experience. Bombardier Defense also benefits from dedicated hangars to meet growing demand.

<a>Between Bombardier’s service centre, flight test center and Bombardier Defense, the company is actively recruiting to immediately fill more than 180 jobs in Wichita and close to 500 jobs across the U.S.&nbsp;</a>To that end, Bombardier’s U.S Headquarters will host an open house on April 23, 2022 for employees and invited guests to showcase the site’s expansive facilities and for job applicants to meet with recruiters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613065911364.png" alt="Learjet photo courtesy Bombardier" />
 <figcaption>Learjet photo courtesy Bombardier</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA—Bombardier, a global leader in aviation, has designated Wichita as the home of its U.S. headquarters, according to a statement on the <a href="https://bombardier.com/en/media/news/bombardier-begins-new-era-wichita?page=0">company web site.</a>Bombardier’s footprint in Wichita includes an expanding service centre that supports Bombardier’s entire family of&nbsp;Learjet,&nbsp;Challenger&nbsp;and&nbsp;Global&nbsp;business jets. The site also continues to operate one of the world’s leading flight test centers that performs testing and certification of aircraft upgrades on all new Bombardier aircraft programs, including the ongoing certification campaign for the&nbsp;Challenger 3500&nbsp;jet.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650400581380.png" alt="Kansas congressman Ron Estes(third from left) and Governor Laura Kelly during Tuesday's announcement- photo courtesy Bombardier&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kansas congressman Ron Estes(third from left) and Governor Laura Kelly during Tuesday's announcement- photo courtesy Bombardier&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita is also home to the newly renamed Bombardier Defense, reflecting the company’s strategic expansion of its existing Specialized Aircraft division. The expanding defense market is a key area of growth for the company. With the reinvented Bombardier Defense, led by Steve Patrick – Vice President Bombardier Defense, the company will leverage Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) design, manufacturing and certification expertise to provide agile, innovative solutions hosted on Bombardier’s class leading aircraft platforms. This centre of excellence for defense applications, technology and innovation fully leverages the Wichita workforce and local industry.Bombardier Defense Tuesday also confirmed additional firm orders for modified versions of its&nbsp;Global 6000&nbsp;aircraft, as part of a potential $465 million USD order from the United States Air Force (USAF)&nbsp;in support of the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program. Last year, Bombardier was awarded the sole-source engineering and modification Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract from the USAF to modify up to six&nbsp;Global 6000&nbsp;business jets to become E11-A BACN platforms. Bombardier Defense will continue to leverage Wichita’s highly reputed expertise to provide in-service support and upgrades to the USAF’s expanding BACN fleet, underscoring Bombardier’s status as a key U.S. aerospace employer.“Wichita was the obvious choice as the home of&nbsp;Bombardier’s new U.S. Headquarters and Bombardier Defense,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “For more than 60 years, the established skills and expertise from the Air Capital of the World is second to none, and this latest confirmation from the United States Air Force is a testament to the confidence they have in our aircraft and importantly, in the strength of our people in Wichita.”With the announcement of Wichita as the company’s U.S. Headquarters, Bombardier also announced that Tonya Sudduth, former Vice President of Operations, Wichita site, has accepted the newly created role of Head of U.S. Strategy. Based in Wichita, Tonya Sudduth will lead Bombardier’s U.S. strategy, leveraging her extensive knowledge and rich aerospace experience to build strong relationships with key stakeholders in the community, government and industry to further strengthen and grow Bombardier’s presence across all its sites in the U.S.Bombardier continues to grow its footprint in the U.S. and in Wichita. The company has harnessed the high-level know-how of the teams in Wichita and doubled the size of its service center workforce to meet existing and anticipated demand. From three hangars just four years ago, Bombardier’s Wichita service centre has expanded to include seven hangars today, offering&nbsp;Learjet,&nbsp;Challenger&nbsp;and&nbsp;Global&nbsp;aircraft operators exceptional original equipment manufacturer (OEM) value and customer experience. Bombardier Defense also benefits from dedicated hangars to meet growing demand.<a>Between Bombardier’s service centre, flight test center and Bombardier Defense, the company is actively recruiting to immediately fill more than 180 jobs in Wichita and close to 500 jobs across the U.S.&nbsp;</a>To that end, Bombardier’s U.S Headquarters will host an open house on April 23, 2022 for employees and invited guests to showcase the site’s expansive facilities and for job applicants to meet with recruiters.

Jobs: Wichita is the new home of Bombardier U.S. headquarters

HAVEN, Kan. (AP) — Investigators have labeled the cause of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-kansas-wichita-evacuations-explosions-5ca21f23468b25388dfac5b2dff156ee">fire and explosions</a>&nbsp;at a Haven gas plant as undetermined, the Kansas Fire Marshal’s office said.

However, no foul play is suspected in the fire and explosions at the Haven Midstream Gas Plant, said Jill Bronaugh, spokeswoman for the state fire marshal,

The explosions and fire at the plant near Haven last Thursday injured two people, who suffered minor injuries, officials said.

Officials also evacuated people living within 1.5 miles of the plant for a few hours.

Fire and emergency crews spent more than 24 hours at the scene until returning the plant to company officials Friday afternoon, KSNW-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/local/cause-of-haven-explosion-is-undetermined/" target="_blank">reported.</a>

Bronaugh said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives helped with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649962850269.jpeg" alt="Explosion at the gas plant April 14, in Haven Kansas -Photo courtesy of Ana Woodburn" />
 <figcaption>Explosion at the gas plant April 14, in Haven Kansas -Photo courtesy of Ana Woodburn</figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. (AP) — Investigators have labeled the cause of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-kansas-wichita-evacuations-explosions-5ca21f23468b25388dfac5b2dff156ee">fire and explosions</a>&nbsp;at a Haven gas plant as undetermined, the Kansas Fire Marshal’s office said.However, no foul play is suspected in the fire and explosions at the Haven Midstream Gas Plant, said Jill Bronaugh, spokeswoman for the state fire marshal,The explosions and fire at the plant near Haven last Thursday injured two people, who suffered minor injuries, officials said.Officials also evacuated people living within 1.5 miles of the plant for a few hours.Fire and emergency crews spent more than 24 hours at the scene until returning the plant to company officials Friday afternoon, KSNW-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/local/cause-of-haven-explosion-is-undetermined/" target="_blank">reported.</a>Bronaugh said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives helped with the investigation.

Fire Marshal: Cause of explosion at Kansas gas plant 'undetermined'

GEARY COUNTY — Stormont Vail Health has&nbsp; agreed through a Letter of Intent to negotiate a contract with the Geary County Commission and the Geary Community Hospital along with its Board of Trustees that could result in Stormont Vail providing hospital and clinic services in Junction City and Geary County, according to a statement from the Topeka-based regional health care system

The non-binding Letter of Intent was approved by the Geary Community Hospital Board of Trustees and the Geary County Commission Monday.

Robert Kenagy, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Stormont Vail Health explained, “Our intent is that we together will create a healthcare system that delivers high quality care close to home and is financially sustaining. Together we support a regional effort that will not only enhance healthcare access and delivery, but strengthen our region’s economic vitality and quality of life.”

Margaret Grismer, Interim CEO, Geary Community Hospital, said the team at Geary Community is excited by the prospect of working with Stormont Vail as a partner in providing residents of Geary County and surrounding counties with high quality, safe care. She credited the work of the Geary Community Hospital Transition Task Force, agreed to by the Geary County Commission, with developing strategies and collective vision for the delivery of healthcare now and in the future. “The Geary County commissioners are also to be commended for their support to ensure hospital and healthcare services continue to be available long-term,” she said.

The non-binding Letter of Intent provides that Stormont Vail is willing to negotiate and potentially enter into a contract to provide hospital and clinic services in Junction City and Geary County. If a contract is reached and closed, Geary County would own the hospital building and lease it to Stormont Vail. Contract closing would be subject to certain conditions being met, including all required licenses, permits and governmental approvals.

The Letter of Intent comes at a time when Geary Community Hospital is facing a financial crisis. The hospital announced in January it would be closing its 6-bed intensive care unit.

Geary Community Hospital continues to provide emergency, inpatient, outpatient and surgical services as well as services through its primary care and specialty care clinics.

Like Stormont Vail, Geary Community Hospital has been in operation for more than 100 years, starting when local physicians set up the hospital to take care of residents in their communities. Geary Community Hospital became a city hospital for about 40 years before it moved to county jurisdiction in 1963.

Stormont Vail Health is an integrated healthcare system serving a large region in eastern Kansas. The organization employs more than 5,400 team members, including more than 500 providers.

Through its Cotton O’Neil Clinic, a multi-specialty physician group, the organization provides access to care through primary care and subspecialty care clinics and centers: Cotton O’Neil Heart Center, Cancer Center, Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, Digestive Health Center, Pediatrics Clinics and Behavioral Health Center. It also operates Express

Care urgent care clinics and two outpatient surgical centers. Stormont Vail also has a growing presence in Manhattan – with two dozen primary and specialty providers. The organization is constructing a large medical facility near the Kansas State University campus that will house all of the Manhattan Stormont Vail medical groups when it opens in summer 2023.

Stormont Vail Hospital, an acute care hospital in Topeka, serves patients from across the region. The hospital has the region’s only Level II Trauma Center and only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643716602310.png" alt="Geary Community Hospital in Junction City" />
 <figcaption>Geary Community Hospital in Junction City</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY — Stormont Vail Health has&nbsp; agreed through a Letter of Intent to negotiate a contract with the Geary County Commission and the Geary Community Hospital along with its Board of Trustees that could result in Stormont Vail providing hospital and clinic services in Junction City and Geary County, according to a statement from the Topeka-based regional health care systemThe non-binding Letter of Intent was approved by the Geary Community Hospital Board of Trustees and the Geary County Commission Monday.Robert Kenagy, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Stormont Vail Health explained, “Our intent is that we together will create a healthcare system that delivers high quality care close to home and is financially sustaining. Together we support a regional effort that will not only enhance healthcare access and delivery, but strengthen our region’s economic vitality and quality of life.”Margaret Grismer, Interim CEO, Geary Community Hospital, said the team at Geary Community is excited by the prospect of working with Stormont Vail as a partner in providing residents of Geary County and surrounding counties with high quality, safe care. She credited the work of the Geary Community Hospital Transition Task Force, agreed to by the Geary County Commission, with developing strategies and collective vision for the delivery of healthcare now and in the future. “The Geary County commissioners are also to be commended for their support to ensure hospital and healthcare services continue to be available long-term,” she said.The non-binding Letter of Intent provides that Stormont Vail is willing to negotiate and potentially enter into a contract to provide hospital and clinic services in Junction City and Geary County. If a contract is reached and closed, Geary County would own the hospital building and lease it to Stormont Vail. Contract closing would be subject to certain conditions being met, including all required licenses, permits and governmental approvals.The Letter of Intent comes at a time when Geary Community Hospital is facing a financial crisis. The hospital announced in January it would be closing its 6-bed intensive care unit.Geary Community Hospital continues to provide emergency, inpatient, outpatient and surgical services as well as services through its primary care and specialty care clinics.Like Stormont Vail, Geary Community Hospital has been in operation for more than 100 years, starting when local physicians set up the hospital to take care of residents in their communities. Geary Community Hospital became a city hospital for about 40 years before it moved to county jurisdiction in 1963.Stormont Vail Health is an integrated healthcare system serving a large region in eastern Kansas. The organization employs more than 5,400 team members, including more than 500 providers.Through its Cotton O’Neil Clinic, a multi-specialty physician group, the organization provides access to care through primary care and subspecialty care clinics and centers: Cotton O’Neil Heart Center, Cancer Center, Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, Digestive Health Center, Pediatrics Clinics and Behavioral Health Center. It also operates ExpressCare urgent care clinics and two outpatient surgical centers. Stormont Vail also has a growing presence in Manhattan – with two dozen primary and specialty providers. The organization is constructing a large medical facility near the Kansas State University campus that will house all of the Manhattan Stormont Vail medical groups when it opens in summer 2023.Stormont Vail Hospital, an acute care hospital in Topeka, serves patients from across the region. The hospital has the region’s only Level II Trauma Center and only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Facing financial crisis, hospital considers offer from Stormont Vail

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-04-18/suburban-school-officials-predict-chaos-if-kansas-lets-out-of-district-students-transfer-freely">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — Kansas stands on the verge of letting students attend any public school — regardless of where they live.

Conservatives
 love the plan. They say it would give poor families stuck in failing 
school districts a chance at a life-changing escape.

But school 
administrators running well-heeled suburban districts already are taking
 measures to demonstrate their classrooms are full — the one exception 
the proposed change would allow from barring students who want to 
transfer into a district they don’t live in.

They say they have 
little choice if they’re going to protect their taxpayers from the cost 
of teaching a flood of students they’re not prepared for and who come 
with needs they can’t afford to accommodate.

“We believe in 
neighborhood schools,” said Brett White, superintendent of Andover 
schools east of Wichita. “The open borders would just throw into chaos 
what's an established policy.”

Open enrollment proposals passed in both <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20220323102801_716700/" target="_blank">the Kansas House</a> and <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb455/" target="_blank">Senate</a> before lawmakers left for their spring break this month. They echo measures in more than two dozen other states where <a href="https://schoolchoiceweek.com/public-school-transfer/" target="_blank">public school transfers are seen as a hallmark of school choice</a>.

If a compromise bill is approved, here’s how it likely would work:

By
 January 2023, every Kansas school district would be required to 
establish enrollment capacity limits by grade level and school building.
 By May 1, districts would determine the number of open seats at each 
grade level and would publish them by June 1.

Students could apply
 to districts outside their residential area — if the other district has
 space. If there are more requests than open seats, districts would use a
 random lottery to fill them. In October, the process would begin again 
for the spring semester.

That allows school districts to determine
 their own enrollment and capacity levels — and to go on record saying 
they can’t take in more students.

“They would determine if there 
was any room at the inn,” said Republican Sen. Molly Baumgardner, chair 
of the Senate Education Committee.

Districts wouldn’t have to 
accept students with histories of absenteeism, suspensions or 
expulsions. But they could not deny students based on a disability or 
special-education status.

The state’s portion of education funding would follow the student to the new district.

Republican
 Rep. Sean Tarwater, a member of the House K-12 Budget Committee who 
supports open enrollment, said boundaries based on a student’s address 
create academic segregation.

“One of the things that we hear is … 
‘Why doesn’t the student just move into a better district if they want a
 better school?’ Unfortunately, homes or apartments in some of the 
better districts are unattainable for most of the families that live in 
the districts that might be failing,” Tarwater said. “This bill simply 
allows those children to have a choice and a chance.”

Supporters point to <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-11-23/test-scores-show-kansas-students-fell-further-behind-during-pandemic" target="_blank">declining test scores</a> as evidence of struggling districts — and the nearby schools they might flee to.

In Kansas City, Kansas, for instance, <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0500&amp;rptType=2" target="_blank">more than two-thirds of students scored below grade level in math</a> last spring. In nearby Blue Valley, <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0229&amp;rptType=2" target="_blank">only 16% scored below grade level</a> — half the state average.

At Heights High School in northeast Wichita, <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0259&amp;bldg_no=1846&amp;rptType=1" target="_blank">more than 72% of students scored below grade level</a> in math. At Andover Central High School, about 15 miles away in a different district, only <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0385&amp;bldg_no=5186&amp;rptType=1" target="_blank">22% scored below grade level</a>.

But
 the open enrollment proposal doesn’t require districts to provide 
transportation for transfer students. So opponents say only wealthier 
parents will take advantage of the option, snagging any available spots 
in high-achieving districts because they can afford to drive their kids 
to school.

That could leave struggling urban districts in even 
worse shape, critics say, with a greater percentage of high-need 
students and less state funding.

“This bill creates two tiers,” 
said Sen. Cindy Holsher, a Democrat from Overland Park. “We have 
children (whose) parents have the means to get them maybe an hour away 
to another school. But there are a number of children in districts who 
don’t have that advantage.”

Many suburban superintendents oppose 
open enrollment in part because they say local taxpayers shouldn’t have 
to subsidize out-of-district students.

“Blue Valley is among the 
highest-performing districts in Kansas — indeed competing nationally — 
and, as such, would find our districts overwhelmed with requests from 
non-residents,” Blue Valley Superintendent Tonya Merrigan said in <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_s_ed_1/documents/testimony/20220308_09.pdf" target="_blank">written testimony to the Senate Education Committee</a>.

“Without
 intending to sound elitist, it is nonetheless true that housing costs 
in our districts often provide a check on resident student growth.”

In
 Andover, some residents complained on social media that an influx of 
outside students would increase traffic and pollution and deteriorate 
the district’s sense of community.

Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, called those arguments elitist.

“Based
 on what the superintendents said, I think it’s very clear,” Erickson 
said. “‘We want our high socioeconomic status to remain. We’re born on 
third and think we hit a triple, and we don’t want anyone interfering 
with that.’”

Under the House bill, districts would get to define 
the term “capacity” and set their own capacity limits. The Kansas State 
Board of Education would audit only one district each year to determine 
whether they complied with the law.

About 20,000 Kansas students 
currently attend schools outside their district. More than 90% of 
districts reported accepting at least some out-of-district students. 
Andover, for example, allows children of full-time district employees to
 enroll in Andover schools regardless of where they live.

White, 
the Andover superintendent, said open enrollment would be a logistical 
nightmare. He said it’s hard enough to predict enrollment trends within 
his district, which has grown steadily for the past decade.

Setting
 new capacity guidelines, handling applications and then readjusting for
 latecomers — possibly having to hire additional teachers just before 
school starts — would be an unnecessary burden, White said.

“We have a system that works,” he said. “Why would Topeka want to create a whole new bureaucracy for us at the local level?”

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/2022/4/1650376535786.png" alt="Substitute teacher Serle McNeil leads an algebra class at Andover High School. Andover leaders say opening enrollment to out-of-district students would strain the district's resources. Suzanne Perez / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>Substitute teacher Serle McNeil leads an algebra class at Andover High School. Andover leaders say opening enrollment to out-of-district students would strain the district's resources. Suzanne Perez / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-04-18/suburban-school-officials-predict-chaos-if-kansas-lets-out-of-district-students-transfer-freely">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — Kansas stands on the verge of letting students attend any public school — regardless of where they live.Conservatives
 love the plan. They say it would give poor families stuck in failing 
school districts a chance at a life-changing escape.But school 
administrators running well-heeled suburban districts already are taking
 measures to demonstrate their classrooms are full — the one exception 
the proposed change would allow from barring students who want to 
transfer into a district they don’t live in.They say they have 
little choice if they’re going to protect their taxpayers from the cost 
of teaching a flood of students they’re not prepared for and who come 
with needs they can’t afford to accommodate.“We believe in 
neighborhood schools,” said Brett White, superintendent of Andover 
schools east of Wichita. “The open borders would just throw into chaos 
what's an established policy.”Open enrollment proposals passed in both <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20220323102801_716700/" target="_blank">the Kansas House</a> and <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb455/" target="_blank">Senate</a> before lawmakers left for their spring break this month. They echo measures in more than two dozen other states where <a href="https://schoolchoiceweek.com/public-school-transfer/" target="_blank">public school transfers are seen as a hallmark of school choice</a>.If a compromise bill is approved, here’s how it likely would work:By
 January 2023, every Kansas school district would be required to 
establish enrollment capacity limits by grade level and school building.
 By May 1, districts would determine the number of open seats at each 
grade level and would publish them by June 1.Students could apply
 to districts outside their residential area — if the other district has
 space. If there are more requests than open seats, districts would use a
 random lottery to fill them. In October, the process would begin again 
for the spring semester.That allows school districts to determine
 their own enrollment and capacity levels — and to go on record saying 
they can’t take in more students.“They would determine if there 
was any room at the inn,” said Republican Sen. Molly Baumgardner, chair 
of the Senate Education Committee.Districts wouldn’t have to 
accept students with histories of absenteeism, suspensions or 
expulsions. But they could not deny students based on a disability or 
special-education status.The state’s portion of education funding would follow the student to the new district.Republican
 Rep. Sean Tarwater, a member of the House K-12 Budget Committee who 
supports open enrollment, said boundaries based on a student’s address 
create academic segregation.“One of the things that we hear is … 
‘Why doesn’t the student just move into a better district if they want a
 better school?’ Unfortunately, homes or apartments in some of the 
better districts are unattainable for most of the families that live in 
the districts that might be failing,” Tarwater said. “This bill simply 
allows those children to have a choice and a chance.”Supporters point to <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-11-23/test-scores-show-kansas-students-fell-further-behind-during-pandemic" target="_blank">declining test scores</a> as evidence of struggling districts — and the nearby schools they might flee to.In Kansas City, Kansas, for instance, <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0500&amp;rptType=2" target="_blank">more than two-thirds of students scored below grade level in math</a> last spring. In nearby Blue Valley, <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0229&amp;rptType=2" target="_blank">only 16% scored below grade level</a> — half the state average.At Heights High School in northeast Wichita, <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0259&amp;bldg_no=1846&amp;rptType=1" target="_blank">more than 72% of students scored below grade level</a> in math. At Andover Central High School, about 15 miles away in a different district, only <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0385&amp;bldg_no=5186&amp;rptType=1" target="_blank">22% scored below grade level</a>.But
 the open enrollment proposal doesn’t require districts to provide 
transportation for transfer students. So opponents say only wealthier 
parents will take advantage of the option, snagging any available spots 
in high-achieving districts because they can afford to drive their kids 
to school.That could leave struggling urban districts in even 
worse shape, critics say, with a greater percentage of high-need 
students and less state funding.“This bill creates two tiers,” 
said Sen. Cindy Holsher, a Democrat from Overland Park. “We have 
children (whose) parents have the means to get them maybe an hour away 
to another school. But there are a number of children in districts who 
don’t have that advantage.”Many suburban superintendents oppose 
open enrollment in part because they say local taxpayers shouldn’t have 
to subsidize out-of-district students.“Blue Valley is among the 
highest-performing districts in Kansas — indeed competing nationally — 
and, as such, would find our districts overwhelmed with requests from 
non-residents,” Blue Valley Superintendent Tonya Merrigan said in <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_s_ed_1/documents/testimony/20220308_09.pdf" target="_blank">written testimony to the Senate Education Committee</a>.“Without
 intending to sound elitist, it is nonetheless true that housing costs 
in our districts often provide a check on resident student growth.”In
 Andover, some residents complained on social media that an influx of 
outside students would increase traffic and pollution and deteriorate 
the district’s sense of community.Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, called those arguments elitist.“Based
 on what the superintendents said, I think it’s very clear,” Erickson 
said. “‘We want our high socioeconomic status to remain. We’re born on 
third and think we hit a triple, and we don’t want anyone interfering 
with that.’”Under the House bill, districts would get to define 
the term “capacity” and set their own capacity limits. The Kansas State 
Board of Education would audit only one district each year to determine 
whether they complied with the law.About 20,000 Kansas students 
currently attend schools outside their district. More than 90% of 
districts reported accepting at least some out-of-district students. 
Andover, for example, allows children of full-time district employees to
 enroll in Andover schools regardless of where they live.White, 
the Andover superintendent, said open enrollment would be a logistical 
nightmare. He said it’s hard enough to predict enrollment trends within 
his district, which has grown steadily for the past decade.Setting
 new capacity guidelines, handling applications and then readjusting for
 latecomers — possibly having to hire additional teachers just before 
school starts — would be an unnecessary burden, White said.“We have a system that works,” he said. “Why would Topeka want to create a whole new bureaucracy for us at the local level?”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

School officials: 'Chaos’ if Kansas lets students transfer freely

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Law enforcement arrested a Kansas felon after he allegedly led police on a chase through central Salina on Easter Sunday. That arrest led to the capture of a wanted Kansas felon.

Just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday, an officer observed a Ford Expedition driving southbound on S. Fourth Street near the intersection with E. Mulberry Street. The driver allegedly turned his head so as not to be identified by the officer, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The officer also noticed that the back window of the SUV was broken out.

The officer began following the SUV. As they neared the intersection of S. Fourth Street and E. South Street, the officer observed that the temporary tag on the SUV seemed to be fabricated as the print on the tag was too small to read, Forrester said. The officer attempted to stop the SUV, but it took off.

Forrester said the pursuit went all over central and west-central Salina, sometimes at up to 60 mph.

At one point, the SUV was traveling eastbound through a utility access road between Kiowa Avenue and Cheyenne Avenue in west Salina. The SUV went through several fences and a clothesline and became disabled when it hit a tree in the backyard of 1426 Kiowa Avenue, Forrester said.

The driver of the SUV then fled on foot, leaving a 36-year-old woman passenger behind. Forrester said the woman told police that she had repeatedly asked the driver to stop and let her out, but he had refused.

A short time later, a panic alarm sent officers to a nearby residence in the 1300 block of Cheyenne Avenue. While they were talking with the female resident at the front door, the SUV driver, identified as Joshua Quested, 34, of Salina, fled out the rear of the residence, where officers were waiting to arrest him, Forrester said. When Quested was arrested, he allegedly was in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

Police arrested Quested on requested charges that include Felony flee and elude, Kidnapping, Felony obstruction, Criminal restraint, Aggravated burglary, Damage to property, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, No tax stamp and Numerous traffic violations.

While police were clearing the residence in the 1300 block of Cheyenne Avenue, they found Zachariah Humphreys, 35, of Salina, allegedly hiding in the residence. Humphreys was wanted on multiple requested charges. He is being held on requested charges that include Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Driving While Suspended, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant , Reckless Driving and Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650288305519.png" alt="Joshua Quested has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -Photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Joshua Quested has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -Photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostLaw enforcement arrested a Kansas felon after he allegedly led police on a chase through central Salina on Easter Sunday. That arrest led to the capture of a wanted Kansas felon.Just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday, an officer observed a Ford Expedition driving southbound on S. Fourth Street near the intersection with E. Mulberry Street. The driver allegedly turned his head so as not to be identified by the officer, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The officer also noticed that the back window of the SUV was broken out.The officer began following the SUV. As they neared the intersection of S. Fourth Street and E. South Street, the officer observed that the temporary tag on the SUV seemed to be fabricated as the print on the tag was too small to read, Forrester said. The officer attempted to stop the SUV, but it took off.Forrester said the pursuit went all over central and west-central Salina, sometimes at up to 60 mph.At one point, the SUV was traveling eastbound through a utility access road between Kiowa Avenue and Cheyenne Avenue in west Salina. The SUV went through several fences and a clothesline and became disabled when it hit a tree in the backyard of 1426 Kiowa Avenue, Forrester said.The driver of the SUV then fled on foot, leaving a 36-year-old woman passenger behind. Forrester said the woman told police that she had repeatedly asked the driver to stop and let her out, but he had refused.A short time later, a panic alarm sent officers to a nearby residence in the 1300 block of Cheyenne Avenue. While they were talking with the female resident at the front door, the SUV driver, identified as Joshua Quested, 34, of Salina, fled out the rear of the residence, where officers were waiting to arrest him, Forrester said. When Quested was arrested, he allegedly was in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.Police arrested Quested on requested charges that include Felony flee and elude, Kidnapping, Felony obstruction, Criminal restraint, Aggravated burglary, Damage to property, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, No tax stamp and Numerous traffic violations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650287836594.png" alt="Zachariah Humphreys has previous convictions for theft, making false writing, obstruction, aggravated failure to appear and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Zachariah Humphreys has previous convictions for theft, making false writing, obstruction, aggravated failure to appear and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>While police were clearing the residence in the 1300 block of Cheyenne Avenue, they found Zachariah Humphreys, 35, of Salina, allegedly hiding in the residence. Humphreys was wanted on multiple requested charges. He is being held on requested charges that include Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Driving While Suspended, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant , Reckless Driving and Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance, according to online jail records.

Police jail two Kansas felons after Easter Sunday chase

SUMNER COUNTY– A&nbsp; Kansas man has been convicted of voluntary manslaughter in connection with the disappearance and death of a Sedgwick County woman in April 2020, according to Kansas Attorney General&nbsp;Derek Schmidt.

Robert Bruce Mans Jr., 50, of Wichita, entered a no contest plea in Marion County District Court to one count of voluntary manslaughter and one count of aggravated battery. Senior Judge Mark S. Braun accepted the plea and scheduled Mans to be sentenced on May 23.

Mans was convicted for the death of Shalan Niccole Gannon, 27, of Wichita. Authorities allege Gannon was killed on or about April 8, 2020. She was reported missing on April 11, and her body was found in June 2020 in the Ninnescah River in rural Sumner County. Mans was formally charged in October 2020.

The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Wichita Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591985077348.png" alt="Shalan Niccole Gannon photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Shalan Niccole Gannon photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY– A&nbsp; Kansas man has been convicted of voluntary manslaughter in connection with the disappearance and death of a Sedgwick County woman in April 2020, according to Kansas Attorney General&nbsp;Derek Schmidt.Robert Bruce Mans Jr., 50, of Wichita, entered a no contest plea in Marion County District Court to one count of voluntary manslaughter and one count of aggravated battery. Senior Judge Mark S. Braun accepted the plea and scheduled Mans to be sentenced on May 23.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604005781596.png" alt="Mans has previous convictions for burglary, theft and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He is being held in the Marion County, Kansas jail." />
 <figcaption>Mans has previous convictions for burglary, theft and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He is being held in the Marion County, Kansas jail.</figcaption>
 </figure>Mans was convicted for the death of Shalan Niccole Gannon, 27, of Wichita. Authorities allege Gannon was killed on or about April 8, 2020. She was reported missing on April 11, and her body was found in June 2020 in the Ninnescah River in rural Sumner County. Mans was formally charged in October 2020.The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Wichita Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.

Man guilty in death of Kan. woman whose body was found in river

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/18/washburn-university-president-jerry-farley-to-retire-in-september-after-25-years/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — After 25 years at the helm of Washburn University, Jerry Farley says he will retire effective Sept. 30.

Farley, the longest-tenured Washburn University president, has led 
the school since 1997. He said Monday he will transition to the role of 
president emeritus with a focus on fundraising and international student
 recruitment following his retirement.

“For several years, I have worked with the Washburn University Board 
of Regents and talked with them about the succession planning that needs
 to occur if we’re going to have a smooth easy transfer of authority,” 
said Farley, who will turn 76 just over a week before his retirement. 
“My wife and I had some free time for ourselves in this last week and 
decided this is the time.”

During his tenure, Farley aimed to move the campus away from being a 
commuter school, transitioning to a more traditional college experience.
 He also brought the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Forensic Center to 
the university.

He also touted the addition of Washburn Tech from USD 501 in 2008.

An Oklahoma native, Farley arrived at Washburn after spending the 
previous 25 years in Oklahoma’s higher education system. He served on 
multiple local boards and was a co-founder of Go Topeka, a community 
development arm of the Greater Topeka Partnership.

“Washburn is better than when I came, I think,” Farley said.
 “That’s what I hope (to tell my successor), that we have structured 
things so that it will work for students and help them achieve what they
 want to do.”

Farley is the latest university administrator to announce their departure. JuliAnn Mazachek is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/education/2022/03/07/washburn-university-juliann-mazachek-midwestern-state-president/9412713002/">taking on the role of president at Midwestern State University</a>&nbsp;in Texas, School of Law Dean Carla Pratt is leaving to be the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/education/2022/03/18/washburn-university-law-dean-carla-pratt-leaving-school/7090956001/">endowed chair at the University of Oklahoma College of Law</a>, and Washburn Tech dean Gary Bayens <a target="_blank" href="https://wualumni.org/bayens">retired after 25 years</a>.

The decision about who will lead the institution next falls to the 
Washburn University Board of Regents, which will start the search 
process in the next few days. Board chairman Terry Beck said the goal is
 to hire someone before Farley’s retirement in September.

Beck told the small crowd gathered for the retirement announcement 
they were hopeful Washburn would be lucky enough to have another 
president who sticks around for 25 years.

“It’s going to be hard to replace a giant,” Beck said. “You see his 
fingerprints all over the school. It has grown so much, and he has been 
such a positive force, so we congratulate him on a job well done.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650376723710.png" alt="Washburn University President Jerry Farley will retire Sept. 30 as the longest-tenured individual to hold the position. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Washburn University President Jerry Farley will retire Sept. 30 as the longest-tenured individual to hold the position. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/18/washburn-university-president-jerry-farley-to-retire-in-september-after-25-years/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — After 25 years at the helm of Washburn University, Jerry Farley says he will retire effective Sept. 30.Farley, the longest-tenured Washburn University president, has led 
the school since 1997. He said Monday he will transition to the role of 
president emeritus with a focus on fundraising and international student
 recruitment following his retirement.“For several years, I have worked with the Washburn University Board 
of Regents and talked with them about the succession planning that needs
 to occur if we’re going to have a smooth easy transfer of authority,” 
said Farley, who will turn 76 just over a week before his retirement. 
“My wife and I had some free time for ourselves in this last week and 
decided this is the time.”During his tenure, Farley aimed to move the campus away from being a 
commuter school, transitioning to a more traditional college experience.
 He also brought the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Forensic Center to 
the university.He also touted the addition of Washburn Tech from USD 501 in 2008.An Oklahoma native, Farley arrived at Washburn after spending the 
previous 25 years in Oklahoma’s higher education system. He served on 
multiple local boards and was a co-founder of Go Topeka, a community 
development arm of the Greater Topeka Partnership.“Washburn is better than when I came, I think,” Farley said.
 “That’s what I hope (to tell my successor), that we have structured 
things so that it will work for students and help them achieve what they
 want to do.”Farley is the latest university administrator to announce their departure. JuliAnn Mazachek is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/education/2022/03/07/washburn-university-juliann-mazachek-midwestern-state-president/9412713002/">taking on the role of president at Midwestern State University</a>&nbsp;in Texas, School of Law Dean Carla Pratt is leaving to be the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/education/2022/03/18/washburn-university-law-dean-carla-pratt-leaving-school/7090956001/">endowed chair at the University of Oklahoma College of Law</a>, and Washburn Tech dean Gary Bayens <a target="_blank" href="https://wualumni.org/bayens">retired after 25 years</a>.The decision about who will lead the institution next falls to the 
Washburn University Board of Regents, which will start the search 
process in the next few days. Board chairman Terry Beck said the goal is
 to hire someone before Farley’s retirement in September.Beck told the small crowd gathered for the retirement announcement 
they were hopeful Washburn would be lucky enough to have another 
president who sticks around for 25 years.“It’s going to be hard to replace a giant,” Beck said. “You see his 
fingerprints all over the school. It has grown so much, and he has been 
such a positive force, so we congratulate him on a job well done.”

Washburn president to retire after 25 years

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend shooting&nbsp;

Just after 5a.m. Saturday, police were called to the 3800 block of East Roseberry in Wichita, according to a media release. They found 31-year-old Javari Jones with several gunshot wounds. EMS transported Jones to a local hospital where he died.

Investigators learned Jones went into a home and confronted a 40-year-old man about a relationship with a woman.&nbsp; 

An argument broke out and Jones fired several shots from a handgun, striking the other man in the upper chest.&nbsp; &nbsp;The 40-year-old man fired several shots that struck Jones.&nbsp; The 40-year-old drove himself to a hospital where he was treated for serious injuries.

Police will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650313793554.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend shooting&nbsp;Just after 5a.m. Saturday, police were called to the 3800 block of East Roseberry in Wichita, according to a media release. They found 31-year-old Javari Jones with several gunshot wounds. EMS transported Jones to a local hospital where he died.Investigators learned Jones went into a home and confronted a 40-year-old man about a relationship with a woman.&nbsp; An argument broke out and Jones fired several shots from a handgun, striking the other man in the upper chest.&nbsp; &nbsp;The 40-year-old man fired several shots that struck Jones.&nbsp; The 40-year-old drove himself to a hospital where he was treated for serious injuries.Police will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Police: Kansas killing involved dispute over a woman

WASHINGTON (AP) —A decision by a federal judge in Florida to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-business-travel-tampa-3408cc825582126fbda5fbedd3a49dd3">throw out a national mask mandate for public transportation across the U.S.</a>&nbsp;created a confusing patchwork of rules for passengers as they navigate airports and transit systems.

The ruling gives airports, mass transit systems, airlines and ride-hailing services the option to keep mask rules or ditch them entirely, resulting in rules that vary by city and mode of transportation.

Passengers on an United Airlines flight from Houston to Kennedy Airport, for instance, could ditch their masks at their departing airport and on the plane, but have to put them back on once they land in New York or take a subway.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-e603a9dfc361ad095733bc868ebeba74">extended the mandate until May 3</a>&nbsp;to allow more time to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus now responsible for the vast majority of U.S. cases. But the court decision put the mandate on hold.

Here’s a look at how U.S. transportation centers and providers are responding:

Major airlines were some of the first to update their rules after the court decision. United, Southwest, American, Alaska, Delta and JetBlue announced that, effective immediately, masks would no longer be required on domestic flights.

“While this means that our employees are no longer required to wear a mask – and no longer have to enforce a mask requirement for most of the flying public – they will be able to wear masks if they choose to do so, as the CDC continues to strongly recommend wearing a mask on public transit,” United Airlines said.

The Association of Flight Attendants, the nation’s largest union of cabin crews, has recently taken a neutral position on the mask rule because its members are divided about the issue. On Monday, the union’s president appealed for calm on planes and in airports.

Alaska Airlines said some passengers who were banned for violating the mask policy will remain banned.

Airports weren’t as fast to do away with masks, with several expressing uncertainty about the ruling and taking a wait-and-see approach.

But others, including the two main airports in Houston, did away with mask requirements soon after the Transportation Security Administration said it would no longer enforce the mask mandate. Los Angeles International and Phoenix Sky Harbor also eliminated their mask requirements. San Francisco International Airport said it was waiting for further guidance from TSA.

The New York City airports appeared to keep the mandate intact.

The rules for train and bus passengers vary by city and transit agency.

In New York, Metropolitan Transportation Authority communications director Tim Minton said the system was keeping the mask mandate, meaning face coverings are still required on the subway, buses and commuter rail lines, as they have since early in the pandemic.

But the regional train system serving the Washington, D.C., area said Monday that masks will be now optional for its customers and employees going forward.

“Our mask mandate has been based on federal guidance,” said Paul J. Wiedefeld, general manager and CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. “We will continue to monitor this situation as it unfolds, but masks will be optional on Metro property until further notice.”

Amtrak also said it was making masks optional.

WASHINGTON —Due to Monday's court ruling, effective immediately,&nbsp; the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs, according to a statement from the agency.

A federal judge in Florida on Monday&nbsp; voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials. 

&nbsp;The Justice Department declined to comment when asked if it would seek an emergency stay to block the judge’s order.

TSA will also rescind the new Security Directives that were scheduled to take effect Tuesday. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632163961062.png" alt="photo courtesy transportation security administration" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy transportation security administration</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —A decision by a federal judge in Florida to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-business-travel-tampa-3408cc825582126fbda5fbedd3a49dd3">throw out a national mask mandate for public transportation across the U.S.</a>&nbsp;created a confusing patchwork of rules for passengers as they navigate airports and transit systems.The ruling gives airports, mass transit systems, airlines and ride-hailing services the option to keep mask rules or ditch them entirely, resulting in rules that vary by city and mode of transportation.Passengers on an United Airlines flight from Houston to Kennedy Airport, for instance, could ditch their masks at their departing airport and on the plane, but have to put them back on once they land in New York or take a subway.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-e603a9dfc361ad095733bc868ebeba74">extended the mandate until May 3</a>&nbsp;to allow more time to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus now responsible for the vast majority of U.S. cases. But the court decision put the mandate on hold.Here’s a look at how U.S. transportation centers and providers are responding:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618925544398.png" alt="Photo Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>AIRLINESMajor airlines were some of the first to update their rules after the court decision. United, Southwest, American, Alaska, Delta and JetBlue announced that, effective immediately, masks would no longer be required on domestic flights.“While this means that our employees are no longer required to wear a mask – and no longer have to enforce a mask requirement for most of the flying public – they will be able to wear masks if they choose to do so, as the CDC continues to strongly recommend wearing a mask on public transit,” United Airlines said.The Association of Flight Attendants, the nation’s largest union of cabin crews, has recently taken a neutral position on the mask rule because its members are divided about the issue. On Monday, the union’s president appealed for calm on planes and in airports.Alaska Airlines said some passengers who were banned for violating the mask policy will remain banned.AIRPORTSAirports weren’t as fast to do away with masks, with several expressing uncertainty about the ruling and taking a wait-and-see approach.But others, including the two main airports in Houston, did away with mask requirements soon after the Transportation Security Administration said it would no longer enforce the mask mandate. Los Angeles International and Phoenix Sky Harbor also eliminated their mask requirements. San Francisco International Airport said it was waiting for further guidance from TSA.The New York City airports appeared to keep the mandate intact.TRAINS AND BUSESThe rules for train and bus passengers vary by city and transit agency.In New York, Metropolitan Transportation Authority communications director Tim Minton said the system was keeping the mask mandate, meaning face coverings are still required on the subway, buses and commuter rail lines, as they have since early in the pandemic.But the regional train system serving the Washington, D.C., area said Monday that masks will be now optional for its customers and employees going forward.“Our mask mandate has been based on federal guidance,” said Paul J. Wiedefeld, general manager and CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. “We will continue to monitor this situation as it unfolds, but masks will be optional on Metro property until further notice.”Amtrak also said it was making masks optional.--------WASHINGTON —Due to Monday's court ruling, effective immediately,&nbsp; the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs, according to a statement from the agency.A federal judge in Florida on Monday&nbsp; voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials. &nbsp;The Justice Department declined to comment when asked if it would seek an emergency stay to block the judge’s order.TSA will also rescind the new Security Directives that were scheduled to take effect Tuesday. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time.

Court ruling creates mishmash of transportation mask rules

MORRIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a child was injured when a juvenile was participating in a social media challenge.

Just after 8p.m. Saturday, police were dispatch to an initial report of a drive-by shooting in the&nbsp; area of Donnon and 11th Street in Council Grove, according to a media release.

Investigators determined that a juvenile had shot multiple Orbeez rounds at a home. One round struck a child. Orbeez guns are toys that rapidly fire gel bullets, according to the release.

Police took the boy into custody. They also asked parents to talk with their kids if they own one of these guns. The guns can cause injury if fired at unsuspecting people. "The Orbeez Challenge has been trending on social media so make your children are aware of the dangers."

MORRIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a child was injured when a juvenile was participating in a social media challenge.Just after 8p.m. Saturday, police were dispatch to an initial report of a drive-by shooting in the&nbsp; area of Donnon and 11th Street in Council Grove, according to a media release.Investigators determined that a juvenile had shot multiple Orbeez rounds at a home. One round struck a child. Orbeez guns are toys that rapidly fire gel bullets, according to the release.Police took the boy into custody. They also asked parents to talk with their kids if they own one of these guns. The guns can cause injury if fired at unsuspecting people. "The Orbeez Challenge has been trending on social media so make your children are aware of the dangers."

Social media challenge: Kan. juvenile arrested, another injured 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for a home invasion burglary.

Just after 9:00 a.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a burglary in progress at a residence in the 1200 Block of SW Pembroke in Topeka, according to Police Sgt. Steven Block.

 The homeowner was reporting hearing noises in the home and believed an intruder was inside. Officers arrived and discovered the home had been broken into while occupied, and numerous items were stolen.

A neighborhood canvas led to a suspect vehicle being identified, and a stolen electronic item was able to be tracked by GPS to a residence in the 2300 Block of SE Bellview Avenue in Topeka. 

Officers conducted a knock and talk at this residence and were able to take two suspects into custody.

These suspects were brought to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with detectives about this case.

After a search warrant was completed at the address where the suspects were located, Lakendrick Hunter, 24, and Joseph Hines, 25 were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Burglary, Felony Theft and Felony Criminal Damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650325171503.png" alt="Hines-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hines-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for a home invasion burglary.Just after 9:00 a.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a burglary in progress at a residence in the 1200 Block of SW Pembroke in Topeka, according to Police Sgt. Steven Block. The homeowner was reporting hearing noises in the home and believed an intruder was inside. Officers arrived and discovered the home had been broken into while occupied, and numerous items were stolen.A neighborhood canvas led to a suspect vehicle being identified, and a stolen electronic item was able to be tracked by GPS to a residence in the 2300 Block of SE Bellview Avenue in Topeka. Officers conducted a knock and talk at this residence and were able to take two suspects into custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650325130588.png" alt="Hunter-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hunter-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>These suspects were brought to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with detectives about this case.After a search warrant was completed at the address where the suspects were located, Lakendrick Hunter, 24, and Joseph Hines, 25 were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Burglary, Felony Theft and Felony Criminal Damage.

2 suspects accused in Kansas home invasion burglary

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Monday signed a large alcohol policy bill that allows for the consumption of beer, wine or other alcoholic liquor on the Kansas state fairgrounds in areas to be set by the State Fair Board.

"This would allow people to walk around the fairgrounds during fair time with their favorite beverage, beer or wine," State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said last month. "We would be able to control that by setting boundaries."

The Fair Board would have to issue permits that clearly outline the area.

"During fair time, that might be a little difficult because of the full size of the grounds," Schulz said. "During other events on the grounds, we would be able to set up a parameter. Say, if we were to have a big car show up there, we could set up fencing and say it has to stay within this area and proper security would have to be taken with that."

Now that the bill is signed, the board can take up the issue. The next State Fair Board meeting is May 10 at 10 a.m.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — New Kansas laws will make the state fair home to drinkers who roam.

 Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday signed bills on beer and wine sales at the state fair. 

At the state fair, patrons 21 and older already can consume beer and wine in designated buildings and areas, but the new law will allow them to walk outside those areas with their drinks within boundaries marked off with a barrier.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1568929115476.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Monday signed a large alcohol policy bill that allows for the consumption of beer, wine or other alcoholic liquor on the Kansas state fairgrounds in areas to be set by the State Fair Board."This would allow people to walk around the fairgrounds during fair time with their favorite beverage, beer or wine," State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said last month. "We would be able to control that by setting boundaries."The Fair Board would have to issue permits that clearly outline the area."During fair time, that might be a little difficult because of the full size of the grounds," Schulz said. "During other events on the grounds, we would be able to set up a parameter. Say, if we were to have a big car show up there, we could set up fencing and say it has to stay within this area and proper security would have to be taken with that."Now that the bill is signed, the board can take up the issue. The next State Fair Board meeting is May 10 at 10 a.m.---------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — New Kansas laws will make the state fair home to drinkers who roam. Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday signed bills on beer and wine sales at the state fair. At the state fair, patrons 21 and older already can consume beer and wine in designated buildings and areas, but the new law will allow them to walk outside those areas with their drinks within boundaries marked off with a barrier.

Kansas to let drinkers roam at the State Fair

By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/trump-to-stump-for-herbster-on-april-29-in-greenwood-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA
 — Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster is getting the 
Nebraska visit he sought for months from former President Donald Trump 
late in a tightening GOP race.

Trump’s
 team announced Tuesday that Trump would appear at an April 29 rally at 
I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Nebraska, less than two weeks before the May
 10 primary election.

The invitation to the Trump rally lists Herbster as Trump’s special guest speaker.

Herbster
 had been the clear favorite in the Republican governor’s primary for 
months since securing Trump’s endorsement in October. Polling in recent 
months <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/04/18/new-poll-shows-dead-heat-in-nebraskas-gop-governors-race/">shows a tightening three-way race</a> between Herbster, University of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen and State Sen. Brett Lindstrom.

Gov.
 Pete Ricketts has backed Pillen, and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert has 
endorsed Lindstrom. Former State Sen. Theresa Thibodeau is also among 
those running.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650390541438.png" alt="Thousands of Nebraskans wait for then-President Donald Trump to speak during an Oct. 27, 2020, rally in Omaha. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Thousands of Nebraskans wait for then-President Donald Trump to speak during an Oct. 27, 2020, rally in Omaha. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/trump-to-stump-for-herbster-on-april-29-in-greenwood-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA
 — Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster is getting the 
Nebraska visit he sought for months from former President Donald Trump 
late in a tightening GOP race.Trump’s
 team announced Tuesday that Trump would appear at an April 29 rally at 
I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Nebraska, less than two weeks before the May
 10 primary election.The invitation to the Trump rally lists Herbster as Trump’s special guest speaker.Herbster
 had been the clear favorite in the Republican governor’s primary for 
months since securing Trump’s endorsement in October. Polling in recent 
months <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/04/18/new-poll-shows-dead-heat-in-nebraskas-gop-governors-race/">shows a tightening three-way race</a> between Herbster, University of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen and State Sen. Brett Lindstrom.Gov.
 Pete Ricketts has backed Pillen, and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert has 
endorsed Lindstrom. Former State Sen. Theresa Thibodeau is also among 
those running.This
 will be Trump’s first political rally in Nebraska since Oct. 27, 2020, 
when the president said he had rallied more than 29,000 people on the 
private side of Eppley Airfield in Omaha.Trump
 won Nebraska’s statewide vote in 2020, but he lost an Electoral College
 vote to President Joe Biden in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional 
District.&nbsp;