SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas murder suspect captured by the U.S. Border Patrol <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=158988">is in jail in</a> Kansas.

On Thursday afternoon, police booked 32-year-old Patricio Gomez into the Sedgwick County Jail on <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=158988">requested charges</a> of first-degree murder, criminal possession of a firearm and a drug charges.

On March 28, U.S. Border Patrol Agents&nbsp;in the El Paso&nbsp;Sector&nbsp;arrested Gomez who was wanted for&nbsp;murder in Wichita.

The El Paso Station&nbsp;Border Patrol Agent encountered a Gomez walking along&nbsp;the south side of the Border Barrier&nbsp;near Fonseca Drive&nbsp;and Cesar E. Chavez/Border Highway, according to a media release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

When agents questioned the Gomez as to his citizenship, he stated that he was a U.S.&nbsp;citizen and that he had&nbsp;just&nbsp;entered the United States&nbsp;from Mexico, illegally,&nbsp;by attempting to drive his truck across the Rio Grande.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Gomez, was taken into custody, for the illegal entry,&nbsp;and transported to a Border Patrol station for further investigation.&nbsp;Record checks revealed that he had an extensive criminal history&nbsp;and an&nbsp;active&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;out of&nbsp;Wichita for&nbsp;murder.

Gomez was&nbsp;remanded to the&nbsp;custody of the&nbsp;El Paso County Sheriff’s&nbsp;Office until his extradition to Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On October 1, Wichita police issued an alert in an attempt to locate Gomez.

Just before 6:30p.m. Sept. 30, 2021. officers responded to a shooting call at a hotel in the 9400 block of East Corporate Hills.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 42-year-old Michael Martinez who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed&nbsp;Patricio&nbsp;along with a woman arrived at the hotel regarding an illegal drug transaction.&nbsp; During the transaction, a disturbance ensued and&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;fired multiple shots at Martinez, striking him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;and the woman fled the scene in a black Cadillac Escalade.

Police located the Cadillac outside of a hotel in Park City.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650038792432.png" alt="Gomez-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Gomez-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas murder suspect captured by the U.S. Border Patrol <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=158988">is in jail in</a> Kansas.On Thursday afternoon, police booked 32-year-old Patricio Gomez into the Sedgwick County Jail on <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=158988">requested charges</a> of first-degree murder, criminal possession of a firearm and a drug charges.On March 28, U.S. Border Patrol Agents&nbsp;in the El Paso&nbsp;Sector&nbsp;arrested Gomez who was wanted for&nbsp;murder in Wichita.The El Paso Station&nbsp;Border Patrol Agent encountered a Gomez walking along&nbsp;the south side of the Border Barrier&nbsp;near Fonseca Drive&nbsp;and Cesar E. Chavez/Border Highway, according to a media release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.When agents questioned the Gomez as to his citizenship, he stated that he was a U.S.&nbsp;citizen and that he had&nbsp;just&nbsp;entered the United States&nbsp;from Mexico, illegally,&nbsp;by attempting to drive his truck across the Rio Grande.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gomez, was taken into custody, for the illegal entry,&nbsp;and transported to a Border Patrol station for further investigation.&nbsp;Record checks revealed that he had an extensive criminal history&nbsp;and an&nbsp;active&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;out of&nbsp;Wichita for&nbsp;murder.Gomez was&nbsp;remanded to the&nbsp;custody of the&nbsp;El Paso County Sheriff’s&nbsp;Office until his extradition to Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633117408445.png" alt="Gomez-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Gomez-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 1, Wichita police issued an alert in an attempt to locate Gomez.Just before 6:30p.m. Sept. 30, 2021. officers responded to a shooting call at a hotel in the 9400 block of East Corporate Hills.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 42-year-old Michael Martinez who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed&nbsp;Patricio&nbsp;along with a woman arrived at the hotel regarding an illegal drug transaction.&nbsp; During the transaction, a disturbance ensued and&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;fired multiple shots at Martinez, striking him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;and the woman fled the scene in a black Cadillac Escalade.Police located the Cadillac outside of a hotel in Park City.&nbsp;

Murder suspect captured at U.S. border extradited to Kansas 

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday her veto of two controversial measures including the ban on transgender athletes in women's sports and the"Parents' Bill of Rights."

On the veto of Senate Bill 160, the ban of transgender athletes in women's sports Kelly, Kelly said in a statement from her office.

"Both Republican and Democratic Governors have joined me in vetoing similar divisive bills for the same reasons: it’s harmful to students and their families and it’s bad for business.

"We all want a fair and safe place for our kids to play and compete. However, this bill didn't come from the experts at our schools, our athletes, or the Kansas State High School Activities Association. It came from politicians trying to score political points.&nbsp;

"This bill would also undoubtedly harm our ability to attract and retain businesses. It would send a signal to prospective companies that Kansas is more focused on unnecessary and divisive legislation than strategic, pro-growth lawmaking.

Republicans nationwide have pushed the issue, framing it as fairness in competition and access to scholarships to appeal to a broad swath of voters. At least 12 other states have enacted such laws, including&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;and&nbsp;Oklahoma.

In Kansas, the proposal was part of a larger agenda for conservatives who lead the Republican-controlled Legislature, with Kelly facing a tough reelection race this year. Conservatives advanced a measure to respond to concerns about what’s taught in public schools by making it easier for parents to try to remove materials from classrooms and libraries, and they also sought to tighten election laws.

On her veto of Senate Bill 58, the "<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb58/">Parents Bill of Rights,</a>" Kelly said, "Throughout the pandemic, parents had to step up and do the impossible. Go to work. Take care of their children. Teach, tutor and facilitate their children’s learning. When it comes to their children’s education, parents can and should play a vital role. We know that parental engagement in their child’s education greatly impacts the outcome.

"This bill, however, is about politics, not parents. Over one hundred Kansas parents testified against this bill. It would create more division in our schools and would be costly. Money that should be spent in the classroom would end up being spent in the courtroom.&nbsp;

"That's unacceptable, especially after our efforts to bring Democrats and Republicans together to fully fund our schools for the last four years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I look forward to working with the Legislature in a bipartisan fashion on a bill that gives parents a seat at the table without harming school funding or exacerbating the issues facing our teachers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1648900498513.png" alt="Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, the state’s first and only elected transgender lawmaker during debate on the transgender sports bill- photo by&nbsp;Aileen Berquist ACLU Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, the state’s first and only elected transgender lawmaker during debate on the transgender sports bill- photo by&nbsp;Aileen Berquist ACLU Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday her veto of two controversial measures including the ban on transgender athletes in women's sports and the"Parents' Bill of Rights." On the veto of Senate Bill 160, the ban of transgender athletes in women's sports Kelly, Kelly said in a statement from her office."Both Republican and Democratic Governors have joined me in vetoing similar divisive bills for the same reasons: it’s harmful to students and their families and it’s bad for business."We all want a fair and safe place for our kids to play and compete. However, this bill didn't come from the experts at our schools, our athletes, or the Kansas State High School Activities Association. It came from politicians trying to score political points.&nbsp;"This bill would also undoubtedly harm our ability to attract and retain businesses. It would send a signal to prospective companies that Kansas is more focused on unnecessary and divisive legislation than strategic, pro-growth lawmaking.Republicans nationwide have pushed the issue, framing it as fairness in competition and access to scholarships to appeal to a broad swath of voters. At least 12 other states have enacted such laws, including&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;and&nbsp;Oklahoma.In Kansas, the proposal was part of a larger agenda for conservatives who lead the Republican-controlled Legislature, with Kelly facing a tough reelection race this year. Conservatives advanced a measure to respond to concerns about what’s taught in public schools by making it easier for parents to try to remove materials from classrooms and libraries, and they also sought to tighten election laws.On her veto of Senate Bill 58, the "<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb58/">Parents Bill of Rights,</a>" Kelly said, "Throughout the pandemic, parents had to step up and do the impossible. Go to work. Take care of their children. Teach, tutor and facilitate their children’s learning. When it comes to their children’s education, parents can and should play a vital role. We know that parental engagement in their child’s education greatly impacts the outcome."This bill, however, is about politics, not parents. Over one hundred Kansas parents testified against this bill. It would create more division in our schools and would be costly. Money that should be spent in the classroom would end up being spent in the courtroom.&nbsp;"That's unacceptable, especially after our efforts to bring Democrats and Republicans together to fully fund our schools for the last four years.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I look forward to working with the Legislature in a bipartisan fashion on a bill that gives parents a seat at the table without harming school funding or exacerbating the issues facing our teachers.

 Kan Gov. vetoes ban on transgender athletes in women's sports, parents bill of rights

COWLEY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday in rural Cowley County. Three deputies were shot, and one woman was shot and killed during the incident, according to a media release from the KBI.

Preliminary information indicates that deputies from the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at approximately 11:45 a.m. reporting a suspicious vehicle. They began searching for the reported black Jeep Liberty, and at approximately 12:10 p.m. deputies radioed that they had located the vehicle north of Winfield, Kansas. It was parked a quarter-mile west of U.S. Highway 77 on 122nd&nbsp;Road.

The three deputies approached the SUV and made contact with the female driver. She did not comply with their commands to get out of the vehicle. When they attempted to remove her from the vehicle, the woman pulled out a handgun and gunfire was exchanged.

All three deputies were struck during the shooting. The woman was also shot during the incident. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. The woman will be identified once next of kin has been notified.

EMS responded and transported the three deputies to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Following treatment of their injuries, two of the deputies have been upgraded to good condition, and could be released later Friday. The third deputy’s injuries are more serious, but he is expected to recover.

COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Cowley County&nbsp; that sent three deputies to an area hospital, according to Kansas Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Melissa Underwood.

On Friday afternoon, KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to an investigate an officer-involved shooting involving the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp; The shooting occurred north of Winfield off of US 77 Highway and 122nd Street in Cowley County. Deputies had initially responded to the report of a suspicious vehicle.&nbsp;

Three deputies from the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office were shot during the incident and were taken to Wesley in Wichita for treatment.

The conditions of two of the deputies from the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office was reported good, according to Underwood and they may even be released from the hospital later Friday. The third deputy’s injuries are more serious, but that deputy is also expected to recover.

One female subject involved in the shooting was pronounced deceased at the scene.

COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Cowley, according to Kansas Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Melissa Underwood.

The shooting, involving the Cowley County Sheriff's office, occurred Friday afternoon north of Winfield off of U.S. 77 Highway and 122nd Street in Cowley County.

KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team are assisting with the investigation, according to Underwood.

&nbsp;Authorities have not released details related to the condition of the subjects involved. Check the Post for additional information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650056191925.png" alt="Law enforcement authorities on the scene in Cowley County -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement authorities on the scene in Cowley County -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday in rural Cowley County. Three deputies were shot, and one woman was shot and killed during the incident, according to a media release from the KBI.Preliminary information indicates that deputies from the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at approximately 11:45 a.m. reporting a suspicious vehicle. They began searching for the reported black Jeep Liberty, and at approximately 12:10 p.m. deputies radioed that they had located the vehicle north of Winfield, Kansas. It was parked a quarter-mile west of U.S. Highway 77 on 122nd&nbsp;Road.The three deputies approached the SUV and made contact with the female driver. She did not comply with their commands to get out of the vehicle. When they attempted to remove her from the vehicle, the woman pulled out a handgun and gunfire was exchanged.All three deputies were struck during the shooting. The woman was also shot during the incident. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. The woman will be identified once next of kin has been notified.EMS responded and transported the three deputies to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Following treatment of their injuries, two of the deputies have been upgraded to good condition, and could be released later Friday. The third deputy’s injuries are more serious, but he is expected to recover.---------COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Cowley County&nbsp; that sent three deputies to an area hospital, according to Kansas Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Melissa Underwood.On Friday afternoon, KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to an investigate an officer-involved shooting involving the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp; The shooting occurred north of Winfield off of US 77 Highway and 122nd Street in Cowley County. Deputies had initially responded to the report of a suspicious vehicle.&nbsp;Three deputies from the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office were shot during the incident and were taken to Wesley in Wichita for treatment.The conditions of two of the deputies from the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office was reported good, according to Underwood and they may even be released from the hospital later Friday. The third deputy’s injuries are more serious, but that deputy is also expected to recover.One female subject involved in the shooting was pronounced deceased at the scene.------COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Cowley, according to Kansas Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Melissa Underwood.The shooting, involving the Cowley County Sheriff's office, occurred Friday afternoon north of Winfield off of U.S. 77 Highway and 122nd Street in Cowley County.KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team are assisting with the investigation, according to Underwood.&nbsp;Authorities have not released details related to the condition of the subjects involved. Check the Post for additional information as it becomes available.

Update: Female suspect dead, 3 Kan. deputies injured in gunfight

After months of drought, wind and dry grass continue to fuel extreme wildfire conditions

By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-04-15/kanas-wildfire-responders-brace-as-a-dangerously-dry-windy-season-drags-on">Kansas News Service</a>

This state knows something about dry spells, high winds and the out-of-control fires that can follow.

So it might be easy for recent alerts that have warned Kansans about dangerous wildfire conditions to fade into the background.

But
 Chip Redmond, a volunteer fire captain in rural Pottawatomie County, 
said the ferocity of the wildfires he’s seeing in northeast Kansas this 
spring make this season feel different.

“It’s burning more aggressively. It’s burning hotter,” he said. “It’s harder to put out.”

Kansas
 has seen short snapshots of similar dry, volatile fire conditions in 
recent years. But this winter and spring, those snapshots have been 
strung together into a months-long horror show.

It’s getting 
harder to prevent the statewide tinderbox from igniting. And with 
drought conditions expected to drag on into the summer, there’s little 
relief on the horizon for the state’s wildfire responders.

Redmond, who’s also a meteorologist with the statewide monitoring system <a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas Mesonet</a>, issued a <a href="https://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/fuels_fire-danger/Fuels_Fire_Behavior_Advisory_RM_KS-NE_20220411.pdf" target="_blank">fuels and fire behavior advisory</a>
 this week warning of a “volatile landscape for extreme fire” in Kansas 
through late April. It’s the first time this type of advisory has been 
issued in the state since 2018.

Fire teams he’s talked with recently have told him the strategies 
they’ve used to suppress wildfires in past years aren’t working as well 
now. And even if they can get a blaze under control, the smoldering 
embers have been more likely to reignite.

That means firefighters 
have to pour more time — and water — into each fire to make sure the 
flames don’t flare up again a day or two later. His crew responded to 13
 fires in the past week, including some calls that turned into day-long 
battles to beat back long lines of burning grass.

That comes on 
top of a long-standing problem: Volunteer fire departments across the 
country are strained as rural populations drop. Since 1984, the number 
of volunteer firefighters nationwide has <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/02/01/1077371659/volunteer-fire-departments-that-the-u-s-relies-on-are-stretched-dangerously-thin" target="_blank">fallen 17%</a>, while calls for their help have tripled.

Redmond
 said the number of volunteers in his rural department isn’t what it was
 even 10 years ago. And for the remaining firefighters who have already 
faced months of dangerous conditions dating back to the <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-12-22/kansas-ranchers-face-a-long-road-to-recovery-after-devastating-wildfires" target="_blank">widespread fires</a> last December, the ongoing inferno leaves them frustrated and exhausted.

“We are worn out. Equipment has been breaking because it’s just been used excessively,” Redmond said. “It’s running us ragged.”

So what makes this spring an especially treacherous time for wildfires?

It may be hard to believe, but one of the big factors fueling the current danger is too much rain — last year.

Before
 the drought set in, the state got some timely precipitation that 
spurred extra grassland growth. For example, last year brought Wichita’s
 <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/Mar2021Climate" target="_blank">fifth wettest</a> March on record.

All
 that rain was great news for cool season grasses, which grew taller and
 more abundantly than usual. But by the time winter arrived, those 
grasses were dead.

And now, they’ve turned into tall piles of dry kindling that blanket much of the state.

Mark
 Neely, fire management officer with the Kansas Forest Service, said 
drought-prone places like western and central Kansas have to straddle a 
fine line between too much or too little rain.

“If it’s a dry 
year, we want rain to mitigate the hazard,” Neely said. “But then when 
we do get the rain, all we do is say, ‘Well, crap. Now it’s gonna be 
more grass for next year when it’s dry again.’”

That’s where 
Kansas sits now — left with an extraordinarily high fuel load in the 
form of dry grass that could potentially burn in a fire.

Then there’s the drought that has gripped much of Kansas for months since the state's <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/17/december-2021-was-the-warmest-on-record-in-kansas-and-missouri-by-a-long-shot/" target="_blank">warmest December</a> on record.

Persistently
 dry air masses covering Kansas evaporate what little moisture ends up 
on the ground before it can do much to counteract the drought. In these 
conditions, Redmond said, it only takes about an hour for wet grass to 
dry out enough to burn extremely efficiently.

It’s been windier 
than normal too. Redmond said statewide wind speeds in March were nearly
 two miles per hour faster than average.

And the relief that usually comes with spring hasn’t arrived yet.

Normally
 by this point of the year, new green grass begins to overtake the dead 
grass left from the previous year. That’s a big help for firefighters 
because the new grass isn’t as combustible as dead grass — it holds more
 moisture — and therefore keeps fires from becoming so large and 
destructive.

“The 
green grass that’s coming up now is so small in proportion,” Redmond 
said, “It’s not slowing fire down because there’s so much dead grass 
above it.”

Neely, the forest service official, said when an area’s
 burning index — a measurement of the destructive power of a fire based 
on the available fuel — is consistently above the 90th percentile, 
that’s a trigger point for the state to increase firefighting resources.
 And he’s been seeing those types of extreme levels across the state for
 weeks.

It’s especially dire in north-central and northeast 
Kansas, where wildfire danger indicators have been at or near record 
levels for more than a month.

“We are at some critical stages in 
our fuels,” Neely said. “Wind and temperature is just going to 
exasperate that unless we get that good green-up and some more 
moisture.”

But the Kansas fire season — which would normally begin wrapping up around this time of year — may be long from over.

Redmond
 said weather projections indicate that above-normal temperatures and 
below-normal precipitation could continue to push fire conditions to 
dangerous levels for the rest of this spring and into the summer.

“Everything is (pointing) the wrong way right now,” Redmond said.

In
 western Kansas, Scott County emergency management director Tim 
Stoecklein said he has felt a heightened sense of alert this week, as 
the region inches closer to its <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2022/04/11/drought-plains-fire-us/" target="_blank">most significant drought</a> in a decade.

“There’s been a lot of comparisons to 2012,” Stoecklein said. “This feels like one of those years.”

Each
 day, he goes through a mental checklist to make sure he’s prepared for 
whatever comes. Talking with his fire department to check that the water
 tankers are ready. Asking neighboring counties if they need any help. 
Checking with the local National Weather Service office about the 
forecast.

Here’s how the wildfire response process generally 
works. When someone sees a fire, they call 911 and the local fire 
department responds. Usually, the local squads can handle things.

This
 week, a task force from Johnson County helped fight fires in Ottawa 
County. State aircraft dropped water on fires in northeast Kansas. 
Vehicles and a team leader on loan from a neighboring state assisted 
local firefighters with a blaze in southwest Kansas’ Ford County.

And wildfire preparedness isn’t just about responding after an emergency happens. This week in Scott City, a forest service <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottCoEM/status/1513720033435959297" target="_blank">training event</a> proactively removed downed trees and other debris that could kindle fire at a nearby state park.

Stoecklein said homeowners can mount their own <a href="https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/home-builder-guide-construction-defensible-space.pdf" target="_blank">defenses</a> by storing firewood at least 30 feet from a house, trimming back trees, clearing out gutters and leaf piles.

It’s also vital to have an <a href="https://www.ready.gov/wildfires#prepare" target="_blank">evacuation plan</a>
 if your home lands in the path of a fire. So have a bag packed with 
everything you need for a few days and know where to turn for fire 
updates if an emergency arises, such as alerts from the regional <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ddc/" target="_blank">National Weather Service</a> office or the local emergency management department.

“I want folks to not be surprised,” Stoecklein said. “It’s better to be prepared than scared.”

David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank"> @davidcondos</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650031859614.png" alt="Fire crews battle a Pottawatomie County grassfire in the early morning hours of April 12. It was one of several fire calls that local departments responded to in the area this week. Chip Redmond / Courtesy Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Fire crews battle a Pottawatomie County grassfire in the early morning hours of April 12. It was one of several fire calls that local departments responded to in the area this week. Chip Redmond / Courtesy Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>After months of drought, wind and dry grass continue to fuel extreme wildfire conditions</h2>By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-04-15/kanas-wildfire-responders-brace-as-a-dangerously-dry-windy-season-drags-on">Kansas News Service</a>This state knows something about dry spells, high winds and the out-of-control fires that can follow.So it might be easy for recent alerts that have warned Kansans about dangerous wildfire conditions to fade into the background.But
 Chip Redmond, a volunteer fire captain in rural Pottawatomie County, 
said the ferocity of the wildfires he’s seeing in northeast Kansas this 
spring make this season feel different.“It’s burning more aggressively. It’s burning hotter,” he said. “It’s harder to put out.”Kansas
 has seen short snapshots of similar dry, volatile fire conditions in 
recent years. But this winter and spring, those snapshots have been 
strung together into a months-long horror show.It’s getting 
harder to prevent the statewide tinderbox from igniting. And with 
drought conditions expected to drag on into the summer, there’s little 
relief on the horizon for the state’s wildfire responders.Redmond, who’s also a meteorologist with the statewide monitoring system <a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas Mesonet</a>, issued a <a href="https://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/fuels_fire-danger/Fuels_Fire_Behavior_Advisory_RM_KS-NE_20220411.pdf" target="_blank">fuels and fire behavior advisory</a>
 this week warning of a “volatile landscape for extreme fire” in Kansas 
through late April. It’s the first time this type of advisory has been 
issued in the state since 2018.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650031959772.png" alt="The green area on this map shows where the fuels and fire behavior advisory is in effect for Kansas and Nebraska through April 25th.&nbsp;US Drought Monitor" />
 <figcaption>The green area on this map shows where the fuels and fire behavior advisory is in effect for Kansas and Nebraska through April 25th.&nbsp;US Drought Monitor</figcaption>
 </figure>Fire teams he’s talked with recently have told him the strategies 
they’ve used to suppress wildfires in past years aren’t working as well 
now. And even if they can get a blaze under control, the smoldering 
embers have been more likely to reignite.That means firefighters 
have to pour more time — and water — into each fire to make sure the 
flames don’t flare up again a day or two later. His crew responded to 13
 fires in the past week, including some calls that turned into day-long 
battles to beat back long lines of burning grass.That comes on 
top of a long-standing problem: Volunteer fire departments across the 
country are strained as rural populations drop. Since 1984, the number 
of volunteer firefighters nationwide has <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/02/01/1077371659/volunteer-fire-departments-that-the-u-s-relies-on-are-stretched-dangerously-thin" target="_blank">fallen 17%</a>, while calls for their help have tripled.Redmond
 said the number of volunteers in his rural department isn’t what it was
 even 10 years ago. And for the remaining firefighters who have already 
faced months of dangerous conditions dating back to the <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-12-22/kansas-ranchers-face-a-long-road-to-recovery-after-devastating-wildfires" target="_blank">widespread fires</a> last December, the ongoing inferno leaves them frustrated and exhausted.“We are worn out. Equipment has been breaking because it’s just been used excessively,” Redmond said. “It’s running us ragged.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ugh. Enough. <a href="https://t.co/4yxQTTJelx">pic.twitter.com/4yxQTTJelx</a>&mdash; Chip Redmond (@wx_chip) <a href="https://twitter.com/wx_chip/status/1514013523696832513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><h2>Blame it on the rain</h2>So what makes this spring an especially treacherous time for wildfires?It may be hard to believe, but one of the big factors fueling the current danger is too much rain — last year.Before
 the drought set in, the state got some timely precipitation that 
spurred extra grassland growth. For example, last year brought Wichita’s
 <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/Mar2021Climate" target="_blank">fifth wettest</a> March on record.All
 that rain was great news for cool season grasses, which grew taller and
 more abundantly than usual. But by the time winter arrived, those 
grasses were dead.And now, they’ve turned into tall piles of dry kindling that blanket much of the state.Mark
 Neely, fire management officer with the Kansas Forest Service, said 
drought-prone places like western and central Kansas have to straddle a 
fine line between too much or too little rain.“If it’s a dry 
year, we want rain to mitigate the hazard,” Neely said. “But then when 
we do get the rain, all we do is say, ‘Well, crap. Now it’s gonna be 
more grass for next year when it’s dry again.’”That’s where 
Kansas sits now — left with an extraordinarily high fuel load in the 
form of dry grass that could potentially burn in a fire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650032053375.png" alt="Crews from Riley County Fire District 1, Blue Township Fire and Saint George PT Consolidated District battle a grassfire in Pottawatomie County in the early morning hours of April 12, 2022. Chip Redmond / Courtesy Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Crews from Riley County Fire District 1, Blue Township Fire and Saint George PT Consolidated District battle a grassfire in Pottawatomie County in the early morning hours of April 12, 2022. Chip Redmond / Courtesy Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Then there’s the drought that has gripped much of Kansas for months since the state's <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/17/december-2021-was-the-warmest-on-record-in-kansas-and-missouri-by-a-long-shot/" target="_blank">warmest December</a> on record.Persistently
 dry air masses covering Kansas evaporate what little moisture ends up 
on the ground before it can do much to counteract the drought. In these 
conditions, Redmond said, it only takes about an hour for wet grass to 
dry out enough to burn extremely efficiently.It’s been windier 
than normal too. Redmond said statewide wind speeds in March were nearly
 two miles per hour faster than average.And the relief that usually comes with spring hasn’t arrived yet.Normally
 by this point of the year, new green grass begins to overtake the dead 
grass left from the previous year. That’s a big help for firefighters 
because the new grass isn’t as combustible as dead grass — it holds more
 moisture — and therefore keeps fires from becoming so large and 
destructive.But the drought has stunted its growth.“The 
green grass that’s coming up now is so small in proportion,” Redmond 
said, “It’s not slowing fire down because there’s so much dead grass 
above it.”Neely, the forest service official, said when an area’s
 burning index — a measurement of the destructive power of a fire based 
on the available fuel — is consistently above the 90th percentile, 
that’s a trigger point for the state to increase firefighting resources.
 And he’s been seeing those types of extreme levels across the state for
 weeks.It’s especially dire in north-central and northeast 
Kansas, where wildfire danger indicators have been at or near record 
levels for more than a month.“We are at some critical stages in 
our fuels,” Neely said. “Wind and temperature is just going to 
exasperate that unless we get that good green-up and some more 
moisture.”But the Kansas fire season — which would normally begin wrapping up around this time of year — may be long from over.Redmond
 said weather projections indicate that above-normal temperatures and 
below-normal precipitation could continue to push fire conditions to 
dangerous levels for the rest of this spring and into the summer.“Everything is (pointing) the wrong way right now,” Redmond said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wildfire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wildfire</a> season has been off to a busy start for the high plains and southwest. <a href="https://twitter.com/NIFC_Fire?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NIFC_Fire</a> recently updated their outlooks pointing to the active season across those regions potentially continuing through <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/July?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#July</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Drought?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Drought</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FireWx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FireWx</a> <a href="https://t.co/ur9nDMf6Vu">pic.twitter.com/ur9nDMf6Vu</a>&mdash; Dr. Stephen Bieda III (@DrWildcatWx) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrWildcatWx/status/1512812451213029384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><h2>‘One of those years’</h2>In
 western Kansas, Scott County emergency management director Tim 
Stoecklein said he has felt a heightened sense of alert this week, as 
the region inches closer to its <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2022/04/11/drought-plains-fire-us/" target="_blank">most significant drought</a> in a decade.“There’s been a lot of comparisons to 2012,” Stoecklein said. “This feels like one of those years.”Each
 day, he goes through a mental checklist to make sure he’s prepared for 
whatever comes. Talking with his fire department to check that the water
 tankers are ready. Asking neighboring counties if they need any help. 
Checking with the local National Weather Service office about the 
forecast.Here’s how the wildfire response process generally 
works. When someone sees a fire, they call 911 and the local fire 
department responds. Usually, the local squads can handle things.But not always.This
 week, a task force from Johnson County helped fight fires in Ottawa 
County. State aircraft dropped water on fires in northeast Kansas. 
Vehicles and a team leader on loan from a neighboring state assisted 
local firefighters with a blaze in southwest Kansas’ Ford County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650032133479.png" alt="Kansas Forest Service personnel work to control the Four County Fire north of Hays in December of 2021. Chris Hanson / Kansas Forest Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Forest Service personnel work to control the Four County Fire north of Hays in December of 2021. Chris Hanson / Kansas Forest Service</figcaption>
 </figure>And wildfire preparedness isn’t just about responding after an emergency happens. This week in Scott City, a forest service <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottCoEM/status/1513720033435959297" target="_blank">training event</a> proactively removed downed trees and other debris that could kindle fire at a nearby state park.Stoecklein said homeowners can mount their own <a href="https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/home-builder-guide-construction-defensible-space.pdf" target="_blank">defenses</a> by storing firewood at least 30 feet from a house, trimming back trees, clearing out gutters and leaf piles.“That’s all fuel,” he said.It’s also vital to have an <a href="https://www.ready.gov/wildfires#prepare" target="_blank">evacuation plan</a>
 if your home lands in the path of a fire. So have a bag packed with 
everything you need for a few days and know where to turn for fire 
updates if an emergency arises, such as alerts from the regional <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ddc/" target="_blank">National Weather Service</a> office or the local emergency management department.“I want folks to not be surprised,” Stoecklein said. “It’s better to be prepared than scared.”David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank"> @davidcondos</a>.

Kan. wildfire responders brace as a dangerously dry, windy season drags on 

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly was in Salina Thursday afternoon to announce the addition of three cities - including Salina - to the state's Kansas Main Street program.

In addition to Salina, Great Bend and Hays are rejoining the Kansas Main Street program, Kelly said.

"Salina, along with Great Bend and Hays, recognize the value of having the support and guidance from the state and Main Street America programs," Kelly said. "Because of these communities' strong leadership and commitment, they've returned to this program that, without a doubt, is proving to be a winning approach to economic development."

Kelly said that when she took office, she "quickly re-established the Community Development Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce and we brought back the proven Kansas Main Street program."

"This program gives our communities access to key technical services, networking, and training opportunities. It also allows local officials to prioritize restoring and preserving unique, historic downtown business districts," Kelly said. "It supports community development and projects that draw in new businesses, that improve quality of life, and encourage our young folks to stay and raise families in their own home communities."

Kelly said the state has made significant progress in economic development, something of which everyone should be proud.

"There is more economic opportunity in Kansas today then at any time in Kansas history. My administration has created more than 600 new economic development projects. We've brought more than $8.6 billion in new capital investment to the state. We've created or retained more than 42,000 jobs. Many of those jobs and much of that capital investment have been right here in Salina, Kansas," she said.

With the addition of Great Bend, Hays, and Salina, the Kansas Main Street program now has 35 designated communities "working to make substantial improvements and significant quality of life enhancements in those communities," Kelly added.

Salina Downtown, Inc., Executive Director Leslie Bishop said downtown Salina is thrilled to be a member of Kansas Main Street once again.

"Being a part of Kansas Main Street keeps us connected with other local communities that are doing the same thing we are," Bishop told Salina Post. "Keeping local dollars in Salina. Having people do business in Salina. It's so important. It grows our economy."

Salina Mayor Trent Davis talked about the importance of the downtown revitalization project, which was funded with both public and private money. 

He also noted that every great city has its place where people gather. 

"In Kansas City, you have the Country Club Plaza and the Power and Light District. New York, of course, has Times Square. If you're in Chicago and you're hungry, you want to go shopping or just hang out, you go to Navy Pier," Davis said. 

In Salina, that place is downtown, he said.

Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell said he actually first became involved in the Main Street program in downtown Salina as a director of the local program in the early 1990s. From Salina, Sewell moved on to the state organization.

"It's been great to follow the progress that has happened here in downtown Salina over all these years. We talked about this earlier today how you talk about things in the future and you want them to happen, and then to see them happen is really exciting," Sewell said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649976446416.jpeg" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly was in Salina Thursday afternoon to announce that Salina, as well as Great Bend and Hays, had rejoined the Kansas Main Street program. The announcement was made in the Watson Room of the Stiefel Theatre. Photos by Leslie Eikleberry/Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly was in Salina Thursday afternoon to announce that Salina, as well as Great Bend and Hays, had rejoined the Kansas Main Street program. The announcement was made in the Watson Room of the Stiefel Theatre. Photos by Leslie Eikleberry/Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostKansas Governor Laura Kelly was in Salina Thursday afternoon to announce the addition of three cities - including Salina - to the state's Kansas Main Street program.In addition to Salina, Great Bend and Hays are rejoining the Kansas Main Street program, Kelly said."Salina, along with Great Bend and Hays, recognize the value of having the support and guidance from the state and Main Street America programs," Kelly said. "Because of these communities' strong leadership and commitment, they've returned to this program that, without a doubt, is proving to be a winning approach to economic development."Kelly said that when she took office, she "quickly re-established the Community Development Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce and we brought back the proven Kansas Main Street program.""This program gives our communities access to key technical services, networking, and training opportunities. It also allows local officials to prioritize restoring and preserving unique, historic downtown business districts," Kelly said. "It supports community development and projects that draw in new businesses, that improve quality of life, and encourage our young folks to stay and raise families in their own home communities."Kelly said the state has made significant progress in economic development, something of which everyone should be proud."There is more economic opportunity in Kansas today then at any time in Kansas history. My administration has created more than 600 new economic development projects. We've brought more than $8.6 billion in new capital investment to the state. We've created or retained more than 42,000 jobs. Many of those jobs and much of that capital investment have been right here in Salina, Kansas," she said.With the addition of Great Bend, Hays, and Salina, the Kansas Main Street program now has 35 designated communities "working to make substantial improvements and significant quality of life enhancements in those communities," Kelly added.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649976718099.jpeg" alt="The governor, left, speaks with Leslie Bishop, executive director of Salina Downtown, Inc.,&nbsp;April Rickman, executive assistant/event planner for Salina Downtown, and Dian Gebhardt, downtown aesthetic specialist for Salina Downtown." />
 <figcaption>The governor, left, speaks with Leslie Bishop, executive director of Salina Downtown, Inc.,&nbsp;April Rickman, executive assistant/event planner for Salina Downtown, and Dian Gebhardt, downtown aesthetic specialist for Salina Downtown.</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Downtown, Inc., Executive Director Leslie Bishop said downtown Salina is thrilled to be a member of Kansas Main Street once again."Being a part of Kansas Main Street keeps us connected with other local communities that are doing the same thing we are," Bishop told Salina Post. "Keeping local dollars in Salina. Having people do business in Salina. It's so important. It grows our economy."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649977028288.jpeg" alt="Salina Mayor Trent Davis" />
 <figcaption>Salina Mayor Trent Davis</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Mayor Trent Davis talked about the importance of the downtown revitalization project, which was funded with both public and private money. He also noted that every great city has its place where people gather. "In Kansas City, you have the Country Club Plaza and the Power and Light District. New York, of course, has Times Square. If you're in Chicago and you're hungry, you want to go shopping or just hang out, you go to Navy Pier," Davis said. In Salina, that place is downtown, he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649977067082.jpeg" alt="Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell said he actually first became involved in the Main Street program in downtown Salina as a director of the local program in the early 1990s. From Salina, Sewell moved on to the state organization."It's been great to follow the progress that has happened here in downtown Salina over all these years. We talked about this earlier today how you talk about things in the future and you want them to happen, and then to see them happen is really exciting," Sewell said.

Governor celebrates Kansas Main Street program in Salina

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported </a>&nbsp;1,245 new coronavirus cases in Kansas since Friday April 8, for a total of 722,222 cases.

The state reported 23 additional COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,524.

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

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

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

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

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported </a>&nbsp;1,245 new coronavirus cases in Kansas since Friday April 8, for a total of 722,222 cases.The state reported 23 additional COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,524.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650042338641.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.The state will continue to support access to free COVID-19 testing, work to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.” The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Friday.

KDHE reports 23 additional COVID-19 deaths in past 7 days

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sex crime involving a teen in Manhattan.

Just after 5p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for unlawful transmission of a visual depiction of a child in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

It was reported an unknown suspect solicited pictures from a 14-year-old boy then demanded payment to not share the pictures. 

Due to the nature of the crime reported, police released no additional information. 

Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sex crime involving a teen in Manhattan.Just after 5p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for unlawful transmission of a visual depiction of a child in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.It was reported an unknown suspect solicited pictures from a 14-year-old boy then demanded payment to not share the pictures. Due to the nature of the crime reported, police released no additional information. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000

Police: Sex crime investigation involving Kan. 14-year-old

HAVEN, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are allowing people to return to their homes near a Reno County gas plant a day after an explosion rocked the plant and led to a fire there.

Television station KSN reports that officials lifted the evacuation order Friday morning after about 90 people were evacuated Thursday and sent to hotels for the night. Fire and emergency management crews were called to the Haven Midstream plant Thursday afternoon for an explosion and fire. 

Two people suffered minor injuries and were taken to a Wichita hospital. Residents within a 2-mile radius of the plant were evacuated following the explosion. The plant is located near Haven, which is about 33 miles northwest of Wichita. Kansas Highway 96 near the plant was also closed by has since mostly reopened.

UPDATE: As of 8:00 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fire units were on the scene throughout the night monitoring the situation at the Tenawa Haven Midstream plant. According to Reno County Fire Administrator Travis Vogt hazardous material crews are working on several small chemical fires that do not pose a threat to the public.&nbsp;K96 Highway has been re-opened and the only road currently blocked is Kent Road from Lake Cable to Arlington. All residents are allowed back into their homes.

The State Fire Marshal's office was on the scene along with other fire investigators, including specialists from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to begin sifting through the area and begin their investigation.&nbsp; 

A fire crew from the refinery in McPherson was called out to help with the fire as were several hazmat units from Wichita. The facility did run a venting of gas from the plant which is routine but advance notice was given in light of today's events. The venting was executed as planned.

UPDATE: 6:30 p.m. Crews continue to mop up from the fire at the Tenawa Gas facility.&nbsp;

Emergency management Director Adam Weishaar says K-96 and Kent Road are both open again and crews are being released from the scene.

Again, there has been extensive damage to two buildings at the facility, both on the Tenawa property, but only two&nbsp; injuries.

As far as evacuations, Weishaar says people living along Arlington Road are being allowed back on their properties.

The cause of the fire and explosions has not been released.

&nbsp;Crews continue to work the fire at the Tenawa Gas facility but it looks like they are getting things under control.&nbsp;

Emergency management Director Adam Weishaar says K-96 should be open around 6:30 and maybe earlier if all goes as planned. Weishaar says there was extensive damage to two buildings at the facility, both on the Tenawa property. Firefighters from Colwich, Mt. Hope, Burton, McPherson and Wichita also responded and foam tenders were brought to the scene to help with the fire.

The cause of the fire and explosions has not been released

HAVEN — Fire crews continue to battle the fire contained to the main building at the facility.

According to Adam Weishaar of Reno County Emergency Management, the fire was called in around 1:17 p.m. Crews were met with heavy fire and smoke. At least two explosions occurred.

Flames and smoke could be seen from as far away as Wichita. Weishaar says several businesses near the plant were evacuated but that has now been lifted. Some rural residents near the facility will be kept from their homes for most of the afternoon and evening.

Haven USD 312 did hold students at school and allowed parents to pick up their children if they wanted. School buses did run as usual although some routes were altered due to road closings in the area.&nbsp;

Special equipment is being brought in to pour foam on the fire but crews are expected to be fighting this blaze for several more hours.

Because of the heavy emergency traffic , K-96 will remain closed from Yoder to just east of Haven for the time being.

One of the main buildings is still on fire at Haven Midstream. Eyewitness accounts report that the shockwave from the blast could be felt approximately a mile from the plant.

There has been an explosion at the Haven Midstream gas plant at K-96 and Kent Road. Some minor injuries have been reported.

K-96 is closed from Yoder to just east of Haven while emergency crews respond. The only evacuation at the moment is Haven Steel employees.

USD 312 is holding students at their buildings at this time. Parents can pick up if they want, but buses will run at their normal time. Routes may be slightly different due to the highway closure.

Fire trucks are staging at Yoder if they are needed. Currently staging are Pretty Prairie, Rural Fire Districts 2 and 3 and Hutchinson fire. Not on scene, but on standby. 

More information coming when it becomes available.

HAVEN, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are allowing people to return to their homes near a Reno County gas plant a day after an explosion rocked the plant and led to a fire there.Video courtesy of Bill Royer — Haven.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LEBUQpySIdk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Television station KSN reports that officials lifted the evacuation order Friday morning after about 90 people were evacuated Thursday and sent to hotels for the night. Fire and emergency management crews were called to the Haven Midstream plant Thursday afternoon for an explosion and fire. Two people suffered minor injuries and were taken to a Wichita hospital. Residents within a 2-mile radius of the plant were evacuated following the explosion. The plant is located near Haven, which is about 33 miles northwest of Wichita. Kansas Highway 96 near the plant was also closed by has since mostly reopened.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649962850269.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: As of 8:00 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fire units were on the scene throughout the night monitoring the situation at the Tenawa Haven Midstream plant. According to Reno County Fire Administrator Travis Vogt hazardous material crews are working on several small chemical fires that do not pose a threat to the public.&nbsp;K96 Highway has been re-opened and the only road currently blocked is Kent Road from Lake Cable to Arlington. All residents are allowed back into their homes.The State Fire Marshal's office was on the scene along with other fire investigators, including specialists from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to begin sifting through the area and begin their investigation.&nbsp; A fire crew from the refinery in McPherson was called out to help with the fire as were several hazmat units from Wichita. The facility did run a venting of gas from the plant which is routine but advance notice was given in light of today's events. The venting was executed as planned.-----------UPDATE: 6:30 p.m. Crews continue to mop up from the fire at the Tenawa Gas facility.&nbsp;Emergency management Director Adam Weishaar says K-96 and Kent Road are both open again and crews are being released from the scene.Again, there has been extensive damage to two buildings at the facility, both on the Tenawa property, but only two&nbsp; injuries.As far as evacuations, Weishaar says people living along Arlington Road are being allowed back on their properties.The cause of the fire and explosions has not been released.UPDATE: 5:45 p.m.&nbsp;Crews continue to work the fire at the Tenawa Gas facility but it looks like they are getting things under control.&nbsp;Emergency management Director Adam Weishaar says K-96 should be open around 6:30 and maybe earlier if all goes as planned. Weishaar says there was extensive damage to two buildings at the facility, both on the Tenawa property. Firefighters from Colwich, Mt. Hope, Burton, McPherson and Wichita also responded and foam tenders were brought to the scene to help with the fire.As far as evacuations, Weishaar says people living along Arlington Road are being allowed back on their properties.The cause of the fire and explosions has not been releasedUPDATE: 4:15 p.m. HAVEN — Fire crews continue to battle the fire contained to the main building at the facility.According to Adam Weishaar of Reno County Emergency Management, the fire was called in around 1:17 p.m. Crews were met with heavy fire and smoke. At least two explosions occurred.Flames and smoke could be seen from as far away as Wichita. Weishaar says several businesses near the plant were evacuated but that has now been lifted. Some rural residents near the facility will be kept from their homes for most of the afternoon and evening.Haven USD 312 did hold students at school and allowed parents to pick up their children if they wanted. School buses did run as usual although some routes were altered due to road closings in the area.&nbsp;Special equipment is being brought in to pour foam on the fire but crews are expected to be fighting this blaze for several more hours.Because of the heavy emergency traffic , K-96 will remain closed from Yoder to just east of Haven for the time being.UPDATE: 3 P.M.One of the main buildings is still on fire at Haven Midstream. Eyewitness accounts report that the shockwave from the blast could be felt approximately a mile from the plant.ORIGINAL STORYThere has been an explosion at the Haven Midstream gas plant at K-96 and Kent Road. Some minor injuries have been reported.K-96 is closed from Yoder to just east of Haven while emergency crews respond. The only evacuation at the moment is Haven Steel employees.USD 312 is holding students at their buildings at this time. Parents can pick up if they want, but buses will run at their normal time. Routes may be slightly different due to the highway closure.Fire trucks are staging at Yoder if they are needed. Currently staging are Pretty Prairie, Rural Fire Districts 2 and 3 and Hutchinson fire. Not on scene, but on standby. More information coming when it becomes available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649963585248.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Ana Woodburn." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Ana Woodburn.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649963617384.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Ana Woodburn." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Ana Woodburn.</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥: Update: 2 injured after Reno County gas plant rocked by blast

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal July 2021 accident have made an arrest.

On Thursday, police arrested 81-year-old Russell Peterson of Randolph, on a Riley County District Court Warrant on requested charges of&nbsp; Murder in the 2nd Degree; unintentional but reckless, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just after 8:30a.m. Sunday July 25, a 2006 Volvo semi driven by Russell Peterson, 81, Randolph was eastbound on Greet Randolph Road one half mile north of Randolph.

&nbsp;The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 77.&nbsp; The semi struck a northbound Acura driven by Adam Samuelson, 38, Randolph.&nbsp;

EMS transported Samuelson to Stormont Vail where he died.&nbsp;Peterson was not injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Thursday Peterson was issued a total bond of $100,000 and is not confined in the Riley County Jail, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal July 2021 accident have made an arrest.On Thursday, police arrested 81-year-old Russell Peterson of Randolph, on a Riley County District Court Warrant on requested charges of&nbsp; Murder in the 2nd Degree; unintentional but reckless, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just after 8:30a.m. Sunday July 25, a 2006 Volvo semi driven by Russell Peterson, 81, Randolph was eastbound on Greet Randolph Road one half mile north of Randolph.&nbsp;The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 77.&nbsp; The semi struck a northbound Acura driven by Adam Samuelson, 38, Randolph.&nbsp;EMS transported Samuelson to Stormont Vail where he died.&nbsp;Peterson was not injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Thursday Peterson was issued a total bond of $100,000 and is not confined in the Riley County Jail, according to the RCPD.

Police: 81-year-old arrested for crash that killed Kansas man

KANSAS CITY—Detectives investigating the homicide in the 3700 block of Plaza Drive in Kansas City have identified the victim as 36-year-old Lisa McKeehan of Kansas City, Kansas.

Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 3700 Block of Plaza Drive on report of a shooting, according to a media release.

They found a victim, later identified as McKeehan, with a gunshot wound. EMS transported her to a local hospital in critical condition. She died of her injuries.

Police have released no additional details.

KANSAS CITY—Detectives investigating the homicide in the 3700 block of Plaza Drive in Kansas City have identified the victim as 36-year-old Lisa McKeehan of Kansas City, Kansas.Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 3700 Block of Plaza Drive on report of a shooting, according to a media release.They found a victim, later identified as McKeehan, with a gunshot wound. EMS transported her to a local hospital in critical condition. She died of her injuries.Police have released no additional details.

Police ID Kansas woman who died from gunshot wound

BY:&nbsp;NOAH TABORDA,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/14/kansas-inspector-generals-report-identifies-weakness-in-financial-oversight-of-medicaid/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Kansas bill signed into law Thursday spans the gamut of tax policy, packaging more than two dozen measures amending property, sales and income tax laws.

The massive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2239/">House Bill 2239</a>, backed by the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly, included provisions from 29 different bills cutting taxes and will hack nearly $91 million from state tax revenue in the first year. The largest cost is the taxpayer-assessed 20 mill levy toward supporting K-12 public education.

In approving the changes to state tax laws, Kelly said she felt the opportunity to provide relief for Kansans was now, while the state experiences its first budget surplus in decades.

“Our fiscal responsibility has put Kansas back on track,” Kelly said. “We’ve been able to fully fund our schools, fix our roads and bridges, balance the budget and cut property taxes, providing relief for Kansans.”

The House voted 103-10 to adopt the bill, while no senator opposed the measure. Before negotiations between the two chambers, House tax committee leaders said the bill drained close to $500 million.

In 2024, the package will sap $99.8 million in state tax revenue and an additional $119.6 million in 2025.

The changes increase the residential property tax exemption, provide homestead property tax refunds to eligible taxpayers and will broaden the property tax reduction authority of county commissioners for property destroyed by a disaster.

Rep. Adam Smith, R-Weskan, said the measure contains many noncontroversial measures so he was excited to see the governor approve it. In particular, he applauded the property tax relief provided and the homestead exemption for qualifying elderly Kansans.

“A lot of senior citizens on fixed lower incomes, are faced with increasing property values and property tax statements every year,” Smith said. “This essentially, once they hit the qualifying terms for the program, freezes their property tax bill, and that’s something they can count on for for the rest of their years is that the property taxes that are due will never be going up.”

Although&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/05/kansas-tax-reform-bundle-sent-kelly-amassed-from-shards-of-29-different-bills/">some legislators expressed concern about passing so-called mega bill legislation</a>, both parties found common ground in the bill.

The law provides tax credits for school and classroom supplies purchased by teachers and graduates of aerospace and aviation-related educational programs and employers of graduates. It also provides additional personal income tax exemptions for disabled veterans.

“I am very pleased Kansas taxpayers will benefit from the governor’s election year conversion,” said Senate President Ty Masterson

Additional provisions create a sales tax exemption for the purchase of supplies to reconstruct or repair fencing for agricultural land damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster, a highly sought-after bill for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/14/kansas-ranchers-plead-for-tax-relief-after-devastating-december-wildfire/">farmers and ranchers impacted by recent wildfires</a>.

While Kelly said these tax cuts would provide needed relief for Kansans, she reiterated the need for an elimination of the food sales tax. House Bill 2106, which wasn’t&nbsp;acted upon before the Legislature adjourned for a three-week break, would phase out the state sales tax by 2025.

“We have the opportunity to help Kansans who are feeling the impact of pandemic-induced inflation,” Kelly said. With the largest budget surplus in decades, we can do both – provide property tax relief and finally eliminate the state sales tax on food.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650018766215.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly, left, signed into law Thursday a bill packaging parts of 29 bills amending property, sales and income tax laws in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly, left, signed into law Thursday a bill packaging parts of 29 bills amending property, sales and income tax laws in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;NOAH TABORDA,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/14/kansas-inspector-generals-report-identifies-weakness-in-financial-oversight-of-medicaid/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A Kansas bill signed into law Thursday spans the gamut of tax policy, packaging more than two dozen measures amending property, sales and income tax laws.The massive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2239/">House Bill 2239</a>, backed by the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly, included provisions from 29 different bills cutting taxes and will hack nearly $91 million from state tax revenue in the first year. The largest cost is the taxpayer-assessed 20 mill levy toward supporting K-12 public education.In approving the changes to state tax laws, Kelly said she felt the opportunity to provide relief for Kansans was now, while the state experiences its first budget surplus in decades.“Our fiscal responsibility has put Kansas back on track,” Kelly said. “We’ve been able to fully fund our schools, fix our roads and bridges, balance the budget and cut property taxes, providing relief for Kansans.”The House voted 103-10 to adopt the bill, while no senator opposed the measure. Before negotiations between the two chambers, House tax committee leaders said the bill drained close to $500 million.In 2024, the package will sap $99.8 million in state tax revenue and an additional $119.6 million in 2025.The changes increase the residential property tax exemption, provide homestead property tax refunds to eligible taxpayers and will broaden the property tax reduction authority of county commissioners for property destroyed by a disaster.Rep. Adam Smith, R-Weskan, said the measure contains many noncontroversial measures so he was excited to see the governor approve it. In particular, he applauded the property tax relief provided and the homestead exemption for qualifying elderly Kansans.“A lot of senior citizens on fixed lower incomes, are faced with increasing property values and property tax statements every year,” Smith said. “This essentially, once they hit the qualifying terms for the program, freezes their property tax bill, and that’s something they can count on for for the rest of their years is that the property taxes that are due will never be going up.”Although&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/05/kansas-tax-reform-bundle-sent-kelly-amassed-from-shards-of-29-different-bills/">some legislators expressed concern about passing so-called mega bill legislation</a>, both parties found common ground in the bill.The law provides tax credits for school and classroom supplies purchased by teachers and graduates of aerospace and aviation-related educational programs and employers of graduates. It also provides additional personal income tax exemptions for disabled veterans.“I am very pleased Kansas taxpayers will benefit from the governor’s election year conversion,” said Senate President Ty MastersonAdditional provisions create a sales tax exemption for the purchase of supplies to reconstruct or repair fencing for agricultural land damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster, a highly sought-after bill for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/14/kansas-ranchers-plead-for-tax-relief-after-devastating-december-wildfire/">farmers and ranchers impacted by recent wildfires</a>.While Kelly said these tax cuts would provide needed relief for Kansans, she reiterated the need for an elimination of the food sales tax. House Bill 2106, which wasn’t&nbsp;acted upon before the Legislature adjourned for a three-week break, would phase out the state sales tax by 2025.“We have the opportunity to help Kansans who are feeling the impact of pandemic-induced inflation,” Kelly said. With the largest budget surplus in decades, we can do both – provide property tax relief and finally eliminate the state sales tax on food.”

Property, sales and income tax cuts approved by Kansas governor

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers the 
deadline to file and pay tax owed for most individual income tax returns
 is Monday, April 18. The agency wants last-minute filers to know tax 
help is available to file a tax return, request an extension or make a 
payment, 24 hours a day on IRS.gov.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically because tax 
software does the calculations, flags common errors and reduces tax 
return errors by prompting taxpayers for missing information. The fastest way to receive a refund is to file electronically and use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>
 is available to any person or family with an adjusted gross income 
(AGI) of $73,000 or less in 2021. Leading tax software providers make 
their online products available for free. Taxpayers can use IRS Free 
File to claim the remaining amount of their Child Tax Credit, the Earned
 Income Tax Credit and other important credits. IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-fillable-forms/free-file-fillable-forms-is-closed">Free File Fillable Forms</a> is available to anyone who is comfortable preparing their own tax return - so there is a free option for everyone.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 provides information to help file an accurate return, including Advance
 Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payment amounts, Adjusted Gross 
Income amounts from last year's tax return, estimated tax payment 
amounts and refunds applied as a credit.

The IRS estimates 15 million taxpayers will request an extension of 
time to file and the easiest way to request an extension to file is 
using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>. In a matter of minutes, anyone can request an extension until October 17, using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>.
 An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay, 
however, and taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form 
and pay any amount due by the April 18 filing deadline to avoid 
penalties and interest.

Taxpayers can also request more time by paying all or part of their 
estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an 
extension. They can do this using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, or a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-credit-or-debit-card">debit, credit card or digital wallet</a>. This way they don't have to file a separate extension form and will receive a confirmation number for their records.

IRS Form 4868 can also be downloaded from <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">Forms, Instructions &amp; Publications</a>, completed and addressed to the correct IRS office, and must be postmarked by the filing deadline.

The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any 
taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in areas covered by 
Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations. Deadlines to 
file tax returns and make tax payments are extended for affected 
taxpayers in certain areas of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-arkansas">Arkansas</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-colorado">Colorado</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-kentucky">Kentucky</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-tennessee">Tennessee</a> until May 16, 2022, and for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-puerto-rico-severe-storms-flooding-and-landslides">Puerto Rico</a> until June 15, 2022. For details on all available relief, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation">Around the Nation</a> page on IRS.gov.

Special rules may apply for some military personnel <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/extension-of-deadlines-combat-zone-service">serving in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area</a>.
 This also applies to individuals serving in the combat zone in support 
of the U.S. Armed Forces. A complete list of designated combat zone 
localities can be found in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3">Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide</a>, available on IRS.gov. U.S. citizens and resident aliens <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p54">living outside the United States</a> have until June 15, 2022, to file their 2021 tax returns and pay any tax due.

The IRS estimates 1.5 million taxpayers did not file a 2018 tax 
return to claim tax refunds worth more than $1.5 billion. The three-year
 window of opportunity to claim a 2018 tax refund closes April 18, 2022,
 for most taxpayers. If they do not file a 2018 tax return by April 18, 
2022, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. The law 
requires taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/prior-year">2018 tax return</a> is postmarked by that date.

April 18 is also the deadline to make 2021 contributions to 
Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). Contributions can be made to a
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/traditional-iras">traditional</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras">Roth</a>
 IRA until the filing due date, April 18, but must be designated for 
2021 to the financial institution. For more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-iras">Retirement Plans FAQs Regarding IRAs</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p590a">Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)</a>.

Employment taxes are due April 18 for household employees including 
housekeepers, maids, babysitters, gardeners and others who work in or 
around a private residence as an employee if they were paid $2,300. For 
more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-926">Publication 926, Household Employer's Tax Guide</a>.

The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and 
pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, because 
of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers 
in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file their 
returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those states.

The first quarter <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">estimated tax payment</a> for 2022 is also due on April 18. Taxpayers are encouraged to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">check their withholding for 2022</a>
 after they've filed their 2021 tax return. It can protect against 
having too little tax withheld and facing an unexpected tax bill or 
penalty at tax time next year. It can also help taxpayers adjust their 
tax withheld up front, so taxpayers receive a bigger paycheck and 
smaller refund at tax time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers the 
deadline to file and pay tax owed for most individual income tax returns
 is Monday, April 18. The agency wants last-minute filers to know tax 
help is available to file a tax return, request an extension or make a 
payment, 24 hours a day on IRS.gov.The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically because tax 
software does the calculations, flags common errors and reduces tax 
return errors by prompting taxpayers for missing information. The fastest way to receive a refund is to file electronically and use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>
 is available to any person or family with an adjusted gross income 
(AGI) of $73,000 or less in 2021. Leading tax software providers make 
their online products available for free. Taxpayers can use IRS Free 
File to claim the remaining amount of their Child Tax Credit, the Earned
 Income Tax Credit and other important credits. IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-fillable-forms/free-file-fillable-forms-is-closed">Free File Fillable Forms</a> is available to anyone who is comfortable preparing their own tax return - so there is a free option for everyone.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 provides information to help file an accurate return, including Advance
 Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payment amounts, Adjusted Gross 
Income amounts from last year's tax return, estimated tax payment 
amounts and refunds applied as a credit.<h2>Get a 6-month extension to file</h2>The IRS estimates 15 million taxpayers will request an extension of 
time to file and the easiest way to request an extension to file is 
using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>. In a matter of minutes, anyone can request an extension until October 17, using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>.
 An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay, 
however, and taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form 
and pay any amount due by the April 18 filing deadline to avoid 
penalties and interest.Taxpayers can also request more time by paying all or part of their 
estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an 
extension. They can do this using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, or a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-credit-or-debit-card">debit, credit card or digital wallet</a>. This way they don't have to file a separate extension form and will receive a confirmation number for their records.IRS Form 4868 can also be downloaded from <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">Forms, Instructions &amp; Publications</a>, completed and addressed to the correct IRS office, and must be postmarked by the filing deadline.<h2>Who automatically has more time to file?</h2>The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any 
taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in areas covered by 
Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations. Deadlines to 
file tax returns and make tax payments are extended for affected 
taxpayers in certain areas of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-arkansas">Arkansas</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-colorado">Colorado</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-kentucky">Kentucky</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-tennessee">Tennessee</a> until May 16, 2022, and for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-puerto-rico-severe-storms-flooding-and-landslides">Puerto Rico</a> until June 15, 2022. For details on all available relief, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation">Around the Nation</a> page on IRS.gov.Special rules may apply for some military personnel <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/extension-of-deadlines-combat-zone-service">serving in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area</a>.
 This also applies to individuals serving in the combat zone in support 
of the U.S. Armed Forces. A complete list of designated combat zone 
localities can be found in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3">Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide</a>, available on IRS.gov. U.S. citizens and resident aliens <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p54">living outside the United States</a> have until June 15, 2022, to file their 2021 tax returns and pay any tax due.<h2>$1.5 billion in unclaimed 2018 refunds</h2>The IRS estimates 1.5 million taxpayers did not file a 2018 tax 
return to claim tax refunds worth more than $1.5 billion. The three-year
 window of opportunity to claim a 2018 tax refund closes April 18, 2022,
 for most taxpayers. If they do not file a 2018 tax return by April 18, 
2022, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. The law 
requires taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/prior-year">2018 tax return</a> is postmarked by that date.<h2>Other April 18 deadlines</h2>April 18 is also the deadline to make 2021 contributions to 
Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). Contributions can be made to a
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/traditional-iras">traditional</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras">Roth</a>
 IRA until the filing due date, April 18, but must be designated for 
2021 to the financial institution. For more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-iras">Retirement Plans FAQs Regarding IRAs</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p590a">Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)</a>.Employment taxes are due April 18 for household employees including 
housekeepers, maids, babysitters, gardeners and others who work in or 
around a private residence as an employee if they were paid $2,300. For 
more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-926">Publication 926, Household Employer's Tax Guide</a>.The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and 
pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, because 
of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers 
in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file their 
returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those states.The first quarter <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">estimated tax payment</a> for 2022 is also due on April 18. Taxpayers are encouraged to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">check their withholding for 2022</a>
 after they've filed their 2021 tax return. It can protect against 
having too little tax withheld and facing an unexpected tax bill or 
penalty at tax time next year. It can also help taxpayers adjust their 
tax withheld up front, so taxpayers receive a bigger paycheck and 
smaller refund at tax time.

IRS offers deadline reminders for last-minute tax filers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued an emergency use authorization for what it said i<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-covid-19-diagnostic-test-using-breath-samples">s the first device</a> that can detect COVID-19 in breath samples.

The InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer is about the size of a piece of carry-on luggage, the FDA said, and can be used in doctor’s offices, hospitals and mobile testing sites. The test, which can provide results in less than three minutes, must be carried out under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued an emergency use authorization for what it said i<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-covid-19-diagnostic-test-using-breath-samples">s the first device</a> that can detect COVID-19 in breath samples.The InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer is about the size of a piece of carry-on luggage, the FDA said, and can be used in doctor’s offices, hospitals and mobile testing sites. The test, which can provide results in less than three minutes, must be carried out under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, called the device “yet another example of the rapid innovation occurring with diagnostic tests for COVID-19.”The FDA said the device was 91.2% accurate at identifying positive test samples and 99.3% accurate at identifying negative test samples.“InspectIR expects to be able to produce approximately 100 instruments per week, which can each be used to evaluate approximately 160 samples per day,” the agency said. “At this level of production, testing capacity using the InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer is expected to increase by approximately 64,000 samples per month.”