TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly Tuesday announced&nbsp;that&nbsp;total tax collections for February were $502.5 million. That is $18.7 million, or 3.9%, more than the February estimate. Those collections are also $46.6 million, or 10.2%, more than February 2021.&nbsp;

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMDEuNTQyMjYyMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvbnRlbnQuZ292ZGVsaXZlcnkuY29tL2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzL0tTT0cvMjAyMi8wMy8wMS9maWxlX2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzLzIwOTA3OTMvMDhfRmVicnVhcnlfUmV2ZW51ZV9GWTIwMjJfMDMtMDEtMjAyMl9GaW5hbC5wZGYifQ.NY9vmUHWBTrPSTjusvqqOmUEvHLtiPOwQO6AvMm0Tc0/s/1303160919/br/127367333286-l" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to view the tax receipts

"My administration has taken steps to restore the Kansas economy,&nbsp;and that fiscal responsibility has paved the way to provide direct tax relief to Kansans," Governor&nbsp;Laura&nbsp;Kelly said. "I urge the&nbsp;Legislature to work together&nbsp;to&nbsp;send me a clean bill eliminating the state’s tax on food immediately, so that we can&nbsp;put this money back into the pockets of Kansas taxpayers."&nbsp;

Individual income tax collections were $183.4 million in February. That is $6.6 million, or 3.5%, below the estimate. However, it is important to note that income tax refunds are being issued much quicker than in prior years. There have been 15,000 more refunds sent out in February 2022 compared to February 2021. The increase in refunds total $21.0 million more paid out in February compared to the same month of 2021.

"The positive trend in tax receipts continues with all of the major tax types, individual income tax, corporate income tax, retailer's sales tax, and compensating use tax, performing well. But for the larger number of refunds issued in February, individual income tax receipts also would have surpassed the February estimate," said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart.&nbsp;"We are pleased to be able to get individual income tax refunds paid more quickly and into the accounts of taxpayers." 

So far, nearly 281,000 refunds, totaling $147.0 million, have been paid out this filing season. Refunds for electronically filed returns can be expected to be deposited in taxpayers' bank accounts in 4-7 days, with some deposits occurring in as little as three days.

Corporate income tax collections were $23.4 million, which is $12.4 million, or 112.8%, more than the February 2022 estimate. Those collections are $15.2 million, or 186.3% more than February 2021, reflecting substantial corporate profits.

Retail sales tax collections were $195.2 million, which is $5.2 million, or 2.8% more than the estimate. Those collections are also $16.0 million, or 8.9%, greater than February 2021. Compensating use tax collections were $59.4 million, which is $4.4 million, or 8.0%, more than the estimate. Those collections were $20.7 million, or 53.7%, more than February 2021.&nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly Tuesday announced&nbsp;that&nbsp;total tax collections for February were $502.5 million. That is $18.7 million, or 3.9%, more than the February estimate. Those collections are also $46.6 million, or 10.2%, more than February 2021.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMDEuNTQyMjYyMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvbnRlbnQuZ292ZGVsaXZlcnkuY29tL2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzL0tTT0cvMjAyMi8wMy8wMS9maWxlX2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzLzIwOTA3OTMvMDhfRmVicnVhcnlfUmV2ZW51ZV9GWTIwMjJfMDMtMDEtMjAyMl9GaW5hbC5wZGYifQ.NY9vmUHWBTrPSTjusvqqOmUEvHLtiPOwQO6AvMm0Tc0/s/1303160919/br/127367333286-l" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to view the tax receipts"My administration has taken steps to restore the Kansas economy,&nbsp;and that fiscal responsibility has paved the way to provide direct tax relief to Kansans," Governor&nbsp;Laura&nbsp;Kelly said. "I urge the&nbsp;Legislature to work together&nbsp;to&nbsp;send me a clean bill eliminating the state’s tax on food immediately, so that we can&nbsp;put this money back into the pockets of Kansas taxpayers."&nbsp;Individual income tax collections were $183.4 million in February. That is $6.6 million, or 3.5%, below the estimate. However, it is important to note that income tax refunds are being issued much quicker than in prior years. There have been 15,000 more refunds sent out in February 2022 compared to February 2021. The increase in refunds total $21.0 million more paid out in February compared to the same month of 2021."The positive trend in tax receipts continues with all of the major tax types, individual income tax, corporate income tax, retailer's sales tax, and compensating use tax, performing well. But for the larger number of refunds issued in February, individual income tax receipts also would have surpassed the February estimate," said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart.&nbsp;"We are pleased to be able to get individual income tax refunds paid more quickly and into the accounts of taxpayers." So far, nearly 281,000 refunds, totaling $147.0 million, have been paid out this filing season. Refunds for electronically filed returns can be expected to be deposited in taxpayers' bank accounts in 4-7 days, with some deposits occurring in as little as three days.Corporate income tax collections were $23.4 million, which is $12.4 million, or 112.8%, more than the February 2022 estimate. Those collections are $15.2 million, or 186.3% more than February 2021, reflecting substantial corporate profits.Retail sales tax collections were $195.2 million, which is $5.2 million, or 2.8% more than the estimate. Those collections are also $16.0 million, or 8.9%, greater than February 2021. Compensating use tax collections were $59.4 million, which is $4.4 million, or 8.0%, more than the estimate. Those collections were $20.7 million, or 53.7%, more than February 2021.&nbsp;

Kansas tax collections for February $18.7M ahead of estimate

By
NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post

According to University of Kansas Law Brenneisen Distinguished Professor Raj Bhala, the choice by the European Union that was confirmed Wednesday to remove some Russian banks from SWIFT is cutting them off from the majority of trade with the world.

"Payment for normal trade transactions, by which Russia receives import revenues, those payments will not be processed by SWIFT," Bhala said. "The SWIFT banks are saying we will not deal with a designated list of major Russian banks. We'll not accept their payments. Those are the very banks that Russia has been using to make or receive payments for trade and investment transactions."

Two major Russian banks that process energy payments were not included in Wednesday's order.

"Banks will not have access to a large portion of its foreign exchange reserves," Bhala said. "Russia's got about $630 billion of hard currency in foreign exchange reserves. Those are in banks overseas. The Russian ruble is crashing."

The exchange rate as of midday Wednesday was at 105 rubles to the US Dollar.

"The denial of access to the SWIFT system is really, to me, the core sanction that is taking aim at Russia's fortress economy."

SWIFT is used by more than 11,000 financial institutions across the globe.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579783750382.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostAccording to University of Kansas Law Brenneisen Distinguished Professor Raj Bhala, the choice by the European Union that was confirmed Wednesday to remove some Russian banks from SWIFT is cutting them off from the majority of trade with the world."Payment for normal trade transactions, by which Russia receives import revenues, those payments will not be processed by SWIFT," Bhala said. "The SWIFT banks are saying we will not deal with a designated list of major Russian banks. We'll not accept their payments. Those are the very banks that Russia has been using to make or receive payments for trade and investment transactions."Two major Russian banks that process energy payments were not included in Wednesday's order."Banks will not have access to a large portion of its foreign exchange reserves," Bhala said. "Russia's got about $630 billion of hard currency in foreign exchange reserves. Those are in banks overseas. The Russian ruble is crashing."The exchange rate as of midday Wednesday was at 105 rubles to the US Dollar."The denial of access to the SWIFT system is really, to me, the core sanction that is taking aim at Russia's fortress economy."SWIFT is used by more than 11,000 financial institutions across the globe.

KU professor: SWIFT system removal is 'core sanction' against Russia

Bhala: SWIFT payment system removal is 'core sanction' against Russia

LIBERAL, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas woman won a narrow victory over her counterpart in England in the traditional Pancake Day race. Whitney Hay of Liberal, Kansas, ran the 415-yard course in 1 minute, 7 seconds on Tuesday. 

That beat Katie Godof of Olney, England, who ran her race in 1 minute, 10 seconds. The annual trans-Atlantic pancake-flipping race between Olney and Liberal began in 1950. It wasn't held last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Hay, a 21-year-old student at Southwestern College in Winfield, also won the Liberal segment of the race in 2020 but Olney won that year's race. Each woman must flip a pancake in a frying pan at the start and at the finish of the race.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646180880148.png" alt="Whitney Hay of Liberal, Kansas, ran the 415-yard course in 1 minute, 7 seconds-photo courtesy Rep. Tracey Mann" />
 <figcaption>Whitney Hay of Liberal, Kansas, ran the 415-yard course in 1 minute, 7 seconds-photo courtesy Rep. Tracey Mann</figcaption>
 </figure>LIBERAL, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas woman won a narrow victory over her counterpart in England in the traditional Pancake Day race. Whitney Hay of Liberal, Kansas, ran the 415-yard course in 1 minute, 7 seconds on Tuesday. That beat Katie Godof of Olney, England, who ran her race in 1 minute, 10 seconds. The annual trans-Atlantic pancake-flipping race between Olney and Liberal began in 1950. It wasn't held last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Hay, a 21-year-old student at Southwestern College in Winfield, also won the Liberal segment of the race in 2020 but Olney won that year's race. Each woman must flip a pancake in a frying pan at the start and at the finish of the race.

Liberal wins traditional pancake race against England

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/shooting-themselves-in-the-foot-committee-guts-kansas-bill-to-protect-water/">Kansas Reflector</a>

The prospects for <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/20/we-cant-wait-15-years-legislative-committee-works-to-overhaul-kansas-water-policy/">a major overhaul</a>
 of Kansas water programs dimmed Tuesday after a legislative committee 
gutted a reform bill meant to give cabinet-level importance to a near 
crisis in Kansas.

“What ended up happening is we kicked
 the can down the road again,” said Rep. Ron Highland, chairman of the 
House Water Committee.&nbsp;

For more than a year, Highland’s 
committee has studied the myriad water issues facing Kansas. In some 
areas of western Kansas, the aquifer is expected to dry out in the next 
10 or 20 years. Some small towns are out of compliance with drinking 
water rules, and upgrades would bankrupt them.

Committee leaders proposed a complete
 restructuring of state departments handling water issues and 
establishment of a new secretary position, vaulting water concerns into 
the governor’s cabinet.

But the bill put them at odds with 
Kansas’ largest water user: agriculture. And the state’s agriculture 
industry, committee leaders suspected, was responsible for an amendment 
proposed Tuesday to strike nearly all of the proposals.

The committee passed an amended bill 
that would carve out sales tax revenue to fund water projects and 
require some additional reporting from local officials overseeing 
groundwater management in southern and western Kansas. The amendment 
stripped the restructuring of state agencies and other reforms meant to 
give voice to water issues and give officials overseeing water 
independence from agricultural interests.

Highland, a Wamego Republican, and 
the committee’s ranking Democrat, Rep. Lindsay Vaughn of Overland Park, 
said they were frustrated by the outcome.

Vaughn said they are concerned about 
the depletion of groundwater in western Kansas. She said taking sales 
tax revenue, largely generated in eastern Kansas, and spending it 
without rethinking the way water is managed and protected wouldn’t 
change much.

“We’re just throwing more money at the problem,” she said.

Highland said he knew the amendment 
was coming after the state’s agricultural industry groups attempted to 
lobby him. He suspected it came directly from the industry.

“They’ve decided to fight any change 
at all, and I think the future, unfortunately … we’re having urban vs. 
rural discussions,” Highland said.

Kent Askern, public policy director 
for the Kansas Farm Bureau, objected to the notion the organization was 
opposed to any kind of change. He said the organization laid out its 
priorities before the bill was revealed and bemoaned that the bill text 
was revealed just a few days before hearings began.

“We want to see progress made because
 our members’ very livelihood and even ability to live in those areas 
depends upon having good water policy,” Askern said.

The amendment’s sponsor, Rep. Joe 
Newland, a Neodesha Republican and former Kansas Farm Bureau board 
member, did not immediately return a request for comment.&nbsp;

The original <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2686/">House Bill 2686</a>
 would have established a new Kansas Department of Water and Environment
 to replace fractured departments dealing with water under the Kansas 
Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department of 
Agriculture, the Kansas Water Authority and other agencies.

Highland has said having a 
cabinet-level secretary focused on water could have helped prevent more 
than a decade of underfunding of the state’s water plan.

In the past almost 15 years, Highland said, water projects have been underfunded to the tune of about $85 million.

Gov. Laura Kelly has proposed fully 
funding the state’s part of water programs — $8 million — for the first 
time in more than a decade.

But fully addressing the state’s ever-smaller supply of water will take more like $55 million per year, <a target="_blank" href="https://kwo.ks.gov/docs/default-source/water-vision-water-plan/blue-ribbon-funding-task-force-documents/rpt_brftf_final_011217.pdf?sfvrsn=64c48614_0">according to a task force convened under former Gov. Sam Brownback</a>.

The original bill would have 
increased fees for water users that haven’t changed in about 40 years 
and levy new ones on some irrigators to raise another $8 million per 
year.

The most controversial element of the
 original bill would have given more power to residents residing within 
groundwater management districts who do not hold water rights. Right 
now, to serve on the board of a groundwater management district, someone
 must own at least 40 contiguous acres or a right to withdraw water on 
their property.

Highland and water law experts have said requiring property ownership to vote on water issues is likely unconstitutional.

In a competing amendment to the one 
that passed, Highland proposed setting aside the groundwater management 
district reforms for now. But he said GMDs have been charged for decades
 with halting the decline of water in aquifers in arid western Kansas.

“With the exception of one, not much has been done,” he said.

Askern said he hoped even those who 
were disappointed with Tuesday’s outcome would get behind the gutted 
bill because it provides more funds for water projects.

“I haven’t heard anybody yet who 
doesn’t want more funding,” Askern said. “… If that’s true, then why 
would we not all get behind that and try to push this past the finish 
line?”

Vaughn said the committee was put in 
the position of working in opposition to the state’s agricultural 
industry —&nbsp;a politically powerful group of organizations. She noted 
farmers would be the most affected if water runs out in western Kansas.

“The very people this impacts have 10, 20, 30 years left of water before it’s no longer going to exist,” Vaughn said.

She added: “I really feel that they are shooting themselves in the foot.”

Highland said the amended bill doesn’t do much because it eliminated most of the underlying proposals.

“I’m not the loser; I think the state of Kansas is the loser today,” Highland said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646169157766.png" alt=" Rep. Ron Highland and Rep. Lindsay Vaughn have championed a bill to overhaul Kansas’ management of water resources. A House committee gutted it Tuesday. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Ron Highland and Rep. Lindsay Vaughn have championed a bill to overhaul Kansas’ management of water resources. A House committee gutted it Tuesday. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/shooting-themselves-in-the-foot-committee-guts-kansas-bill-to-protect-water/">Kansas Reflector</a>The prospects for <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/20/we-cant-wait-15-years-legislative-committee-works-to-overhaul-kansas-water-policy/">a major overhaul</a>
 of Kansas water programs dimmed Tuesday after a legislative committee 
gutted a reform bill meant to give cabinet-level importance to a near 
crisis in Kansas.“What ended up happening is we kicked
 the can down the road again,” said Rep. Ron Highland, chairman of the 
House Water Committee.&nbsp;For more than a year, Highland’s 
committee has studied the myriad water issues facing Kansas. In some 
areas of western Kansas, the aquifer is expected to dry out in the next 
10 or 20 years. Some small towns are out of compliance with drinking 
water rules, and upgrades would bankrupt them.Committee leaders proposed a complete
 restructuring of state departments handling water issues and 
establishment of a new secretary position, vaulting water concerns into 
the governor’s cabinet.But the bill put them at odds with 
Kansas’ largest water user: agriculture. And the state’s agriculture 
industry, committee leaders suspected, was responsible for an amendment 
proposed Tuesday to strike nearly all of the proposals.The committee passed an amended bill 
that would carve out sales tax revenue to fund water projects and 
require some additional reporting from local officials overseeing 
groundwater management in southern and western Kansas. The amendment 
stripped the restructuring of state agencies and other reforms meant to 
give voice to water issues and give officials overseeing water 
independence from agricultural interests.Highland, a Wamego Republican, and 
the committee’s ranking Democrat, Rep. Lindsay Vaughn of Overland Park, 
said they were frustrated by the outcome.Vaughn said they are concerned about 
the depletion of groundwater in western Kansas. She said taking sales 
tax revenue, largely generated in eastern Kansas, and spending it 
without rethinking the way water is managed and protected wouldn’t 
change much.“We’re just throwing more money at the problem,” she said.Highland said he knew the amendment 
was coming after the state’s agricultural industry groups attempted to 
lobby him. He suspected it came directly from the industry.“They’ve decided to fight any change 
at all, and I think the future, unfortunately … we’re having urban vs. 
rural discussions,” Highland said.Kent Askern, public policy director 
for the Kansas Farm Bureau, objected to the notion the organization was 
opposed to any kind of change. He said the organization laid out its 
priorities before the bill was revealed and bemoaned that the bill text 
was revealed just a few days before hearings began.“We want to see progress made because
 our members’ very livelihood and even ability to live in those areas 
depends upon having good water policy,” Askern said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646169240834.png" alt="Rep. Ron Highland, right, and Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, center, listen as Rep. Joe Newland explains an amendment he proposed to gut a bill aimed at overhauling the way Kansas manages water. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ron Highland, right, and Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, center, listen as Rep. Joe Newland explains an amendment he proposed to gut a bill aimed at overhauling the way Kansas manages water. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>The amendment’s sponsor, Rep. Joe 
Newland, a Neodesha Republican and former Kansas Farm Bureau board 
member, did not immediately return a request for comment.&nbsp;<h2>Overhauling water</h2>The original <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2686/">House Bill 2686</a>
 would have established a new Kansas Department of Water and Environment
 to replace fractured departments dealing with water under the Kansas 
Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department of 
Agriculture, the Kansas Water Authority and other agencies.Highland has said having a 
cabinet-level secretary focused on water could have helped prevent more 
than a decade of underfunding of the state’s water plan.In the past almost 15 years, Highland said, water projects have been underfunded to the tune of about $85 million.Gov. Laura Kelly has proposed fully 
funding the state’s part of water programs — $8 million — for the first 
time in more than a decade.But fully addressing the state’s ever-smaller supply of water will take more like $55 million per year, <a target="_blank" href="https://kwo.ks.gov/docs/default-source/water-vision-water-plan/blue-ribbon-funding-task-force-documents/rpt_brftf_final_011217.pdf?sfvrsn=64c48614_0">according to a task force convened under former Gov. Sam Brownback</a>.The original bill would have 
increased fees for water users that haven’t changed in about 40 years 
and levy new ones on some irrigators to raise another $8 million per 
year.The most controversial element of the
 original bill would have given more power to residents residing within 
groundwater management districts who do not hold water rights. Right 
now, to serve on the board of a groundwater management district, someone
 must own at least 40 contiguous acres or a right to withdraw water on 
their property.Highland and water law experts have said requiring property ownership to vote on water issues is likely unconstitutional.In a competing amendment to the one 
that passed, Highland proposed setting aside the groundwater management 
district reforms for now. But he said GMDs have been charged for decades
 with halting the decline of water in aquifers in arid western Kansas.“With the exception of one, not much has been done,” he said.Askern said he hoped even those who 
were disappointed with Tuesday’s outcome would get behind the gutted 
bill because it provides more funds for water projects.“I haven’t heard anybody yet who 
doesn’t want more funding,” Askern said. “… If that’s true, then why 
would we not all get behind that and try to push this past the finish 
line?”Vaughn said the committee was put in 
the position of working in opposition to the state’s agricultural 
industry —&nbsp;a politically powerful group of organizations. She noted 
farmers would be the most affected if water runs out in western Kansas.“The very people this impacts have 10, 20, 30 years left of water before it’s no longer going to exist,” Vaughn said.She added: “I really feel that they are shooting themselves in the foot.”Highland said the amended bill doesn’t do much because it eliminated most of the underlying proposals.“I’m not the loser; I think the state of Kansas is the loser today,” Highland said.

Legislative committee guts Kansas bill to protect water

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Prosecutors are recommending that a former&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City police detective be sentenced to nine years in prison for the shooting death of a Black man in 2019.

Eric DeValkenaere, 43, is scheduled to be sentenced Friday in the death of Cameron Lamb. DeValkenaere, who is white, was convicted in November of second-degree involuntary manslaughter in the shooting on Dec. 3, 2019.

Lamb, 26, was shot as he backed his pickup truck into a garage at his home.

In an 11-page sentencing memorandum, prosecutors asked Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs to sentence DeValkenaere to four years for manslaughter and nine years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run concurrently, The Kansas City Star reported Tuesday.

Youngs has already ruled that DeValkenaere will remain free after the sentencing while he appeals his conviction.

In a sentencing memorandum, defense attorney Dawn Parsons asked for leniency, arguing that DeValkenaere would be especially susceptible to prison violence because of his nearly two decades in law enforcement.

DeValkenaere and detective Troy Schwalm were not in uniform when they went into Lamb's back yard after receiving a report of a pickup chasing a car. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at Schwalm.

Prosecutors alleged during the trial in November that a gun found near Lamb's truck was planted.

When he convicted DeValkenaere, Youngs said the officers violated Lamb’s constitutional rights because they had no probable cause to believe he had committed a crime, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property. He did not address the allegations that evidence had been planted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592994941014.png" alt="DeValkenaere-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>DeValkenaere-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Prosecutors are recommending that a former&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City police detective be sentenced to nine years in prison for the shooting death of a Black man in 2019.Eric DeValkenaere, 43, is scheduled to be sentenced Friday in the death of Cameron Lamb. DeValkenaere, who is white, was convicted in November of second-degree involuntary manslaughter in the shooting on Dec. 3, 2019.Lamb, 26, was shot as he backed his pickup truck into a garage at his home.In an 11-page sentencing memorandum, prosecutors asked Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs to sentence DeValkenaere to four years for manslaughter and nine years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run concurrently, The Kansas City Star reported Tuesday.Youngs has already ruled that DeValkenaere will remain free after the sentencing while he appeals his conviction.In a sentencing memorandum, defense attorney Dawn Parsons asked for leniency, arguing that DeValkenaere would be especially susceptible to prison violence because of his nearly two decades in law enforcement.DeValkenaere and detective Troy Schwalm were not in uniform when they went into Lamb's back yard after receiving a report of a pickup chasing a car. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at Schwalm.Prosecutors alleged during the trial in November that a gun found near Lamb's truck was planted.When he convicted DeValkenaere, Youngs said the officers violated Lamb’s constitutional rights because they had no probable cause to believe he had committed a crime, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property. He did not address the allegations that evidence had been planted.

Prosecutors recommend 9 years for ex-KC detective in death of Black man

<a href="https://salinapost.com">Salina Post</a>

SALINA — Salina USD 305 released the following statement this morning concerning a school library book that was challenged.

Salina
 Public Schools has determined a library book recently challenged, "All 
Boys Aren’t Blue," by George M. Johnson, will remain on the shelf.

In
 keeping with board policy, a building review committee was formed. They
 read the book and discussed potential strengths and weaknesses of the 
book as a literary work, along with the merits of retaining the book.

After
 consideration, the committee determined that the book should remain in 
the library. In its report, the committee determined that the district’s
 policy, procedures and philosophy were followed in the selection of 
this book.

The committee acknowledged that passages in the 
book describing sexual activity may be uncomfortable to read but do not 
detract from the value of the book. They noted that themes of the book 
could be affirming for students to recognize that they are not alone as 
they experience similar systemic challenges and societal prejudices. The
 book’s narrative is the perspective of an individual who intended to, 
“give a voice to so many from marginalized communities whose experiences
 have not yet been captured between the pages of a book.”

The
 district’s process to manage any challenges to textbooks and 
instructional materials is clear*. The first step is an informal process
 that is a meeting between the concerned individual, the school 
principal and the library media specialist.

In this instance, the school received a request for reconsideration of the book after that meeting.

In
 keeping with board policy, a building level review committee was formed
 to review the book as the first level of appeal. That committee 
included the principal, the library media specialist, two teachers and 
two citizens.

<a href="https://p12cdn4static.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11937635/File/About%20Us/Board%20of%20Education/Board%20of%20Education%20Policies/I.pdf" target="_blank">*Board of Education Policy IF</a>

<a href="https://salinapost.com">Salina Post</a>SALINA — Salina USD 305 released the following statement this morning concerning a school library book that was challenged.Salina
 Public Schools has determined a library book recently challenged, "All 
Boys Aren’t Blue," by George M. Johnson, will remain on the shelf.In
 keeping with board policy, a building review committee was formed. They
 read the book and discussed potential strengths and weaknesses of the 
book as a literary work, along with the merits of retaining the book.After
 consideration, the committee determined that the book should remain in 
the library. In its report, the committee determined that the district’s
 policy, procedures and philosophy were followed in the selection of 
this book.The committee acknowledged that passages in the 
book describing sexual activity may be uncomfortable to read but do not 
detract from the value of the book. They noted that themes of the book 
could be affirming for students to recognize that they are not alone as 
they experience similar systemic challenges and societal prejudices. The
 book’s narrative is the perspective of an individual who intended to, 
“give a voice to so many from marginalized communities whose experiences
 have not yet been captured between the pages of a book.”The
 district’s process to manage any challenges to textbooks and 
instructional materials is clear*. The first step is an informal process
 that is a meeting between the concerned individual, the school 
principal and the library media specialist.In this instance, the school received a request for reconsideration of the book after that meeting.In
 keeping with board policy, a building level review committee was formed
 to review the book as the first level of appeal. That committee 
included the principal, the library media specialist, two teachers and 
two citizens.<a href="https://p12cdn4static.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11937635/File/About%20Us/Board%20of%20Education/Board%20of%20Education%20Policies/I.pdf" target="_blank">*Board of Education Policy IF</a>

Salina school district keeps challenged book in library

Washington– Kansas U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. and Jerry Moran Tuesday wrote a letter to President Joe Biden calling on him to ban the U.S. purchase of Russian oil, according to a statement from Marshall's office.

Additionally, the Senators joined efforts to introduce legislation that would ban the import of Russian oil should President Biden fail to act. The Senators’ efforts come ahead of President Biden’s address to the nation and in response to Russia’s unjustifiable war against the sovereign nation of Ukraine. The Senators issued the following statements:

“First and foremost, President Biden needs to restart America’s energy production and quit financing Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine by continuing to purchase crude oil from Russia. Under the previous Administration, our nation was energy independent but President Biden reversed course and turned hostile nations like Russia into America’s gas station,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “Make no mistake, if President Biden fails to act, we will continue to work in Congress to hold Vladimir Putin accountable.”

“Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine must be a wakeup call to the Biden administration to maximize home-grown energy and not diminish America's energy independence,”&nbsp;said Senator Moran. “Russia is America’s third largest supplier of oil. Each day the U.S. and our European allies are sending hundreds of millions of dollars to Russia for its energy resources. We can no longer subsidize Russian aggression. We need an all-of-the-above approach to energy independence, and it can’t be accomplished without enabling our oil and gas producers to play a larger role. The Biden administration must reinstate the Keystone XL Pipeline and promote sensible solutions that boost jobs at home and keep money out of the pockets of our adversaries.”

You may click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/7/f/7f985f2c-e986-4dea-95dc-30c5d8386bb2/6911836F6E840FED882E096AB0020ABC.russian-energy-embargo-w-signatures-letterhead-final.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view Senators Moran and Marshall’s letter to President Biden.

“The United States is currently buying approximately 700,000 barrels of oil and other petroleum products per day from Russia amid its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,”&nbsp;the Senators wrote. “We should be seeking to end Putin’s conflict before it deteriorates even further—it is time to institute an embargo on Russian energy exports.

“Further, in order to mitigate any price shocks caused as a result of an embargo on Russian energy exports, we encourage you to reevaluate energy policies which have curtailed domestic production of oil and natural gas,”&nbsp;the Senators continued. “The United States of America must utilize its abundant natural resources, and relationships with energy producing allies, as leverage against a despotic Russian regime that is intent on disrupting peace and threatening global stability.”

Senator Marshall and Moran’s bill swiftly moves to stop financing the Russian invasion of Ukraine and removes Russian fuels from American supply chains. The prohibition in the bill would take effect 15 days after enactment and would exclude shipments that are already in transit at that time. Just yesterday, Canada announced it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60564781" target="_blank">banned</a>&nbsp;imports of crude oil from Russia. You may click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/ROS22155.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view Senator Marshall’s legislation. In addition to Senator Moran, Energy Committee Republican Leader Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) and Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Hoeven (R-ND), and John Cornyn (R-TX) have cosponsored Senator Marshall’s legislation.

Sen. Marshall’s plan to Unleash America’s Energy Independence:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Immediately Restart the Keystone XL Pipeline.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remove burdensome regulations from America’s energy producers.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase natural gas exports to European allies and other global partners.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Give certainty to oil and gas producers that credit will remain available to them by maintaining the independence of the Federal Reserve and withdrawing the nomination of Sarah Raskin.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Encourage FERC to reverse their decision to add new barriers to natural gas pipeline approvals.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Directly instruct the Department of the Interior to allow new oil and gas leases on public lands.

Washington– Kansas U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. and Jerry Moran Tuesday wrote a letter to President Joe Biden calling on him to ban the U.S. purchase of Russian oil, according to a statement from Marshall's office.Additionally, the Senators joined efforts to introduce legislation that would ban the import of Russian oil should President Biden fail to act. The Senators’ efforts come ahead of President Biden’s address to the nation and in response to Russia’s unjustifiable war against the sovereign nation of Ukraine. The Senators issued the following statements:“First and foremost, President Biden needs to restart America’s energy production and quit financing Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine by continuing to purchase crude oil from Russia. Under the previous Administration, our nation was energy independent but President Biden reversed course and turned hostile nations like Russia into America’s gas station,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “Make no mistake, if President Biden fails to act, we will continue to work in Congress to hold Vladimir Putin accountable.”“Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine must be a wakeup call to the Biden administration to maximize home-grown energy and not diminish America's energy independence,”&nbsp;said Senator Moran. “Russia is America’s third largest supplier of oil. Each day the U.S. and our European allies are sending hundreds of millions of dollars to Russia for its energy resources. We can no longer subsidize Russian aggression. We need an all-of-the-above approach to energy independence, and it can’t be accomplished without enabling our oil and gas producers to play a larger role. The Biden administration must reinstate the Keystone XL Pipeline and promote sensible solutions that boost jobs at home and keep money out of the pockets of our adversaries.”You may click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/7/f/7f985f2c-e986-4dea-95dc-30c5d8386bb2/6911836F6E840FED882E096AB0020ABC.russian-energy-embargo-w-signatures-letterhead-final.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view Senators Moran and Marshall’s letter to President Biden.“The United States is currently buying approximately 700,000 barrels of oil and other petroleum products per day from Russia amid its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,”&nbsp;the Senators wrote. “We should be seeking to end Putin’s conflict before it deteriorates even further—it is time to institute an embargo on Russian energy exports.“Further, in order to mitigate any price shocks caused as a result of an embargo on Russian energy exports, we encourage you to reevaluate energy policies which have curtailed domestic production of oil and natural gas,”&nbsp;the Senators continued. “The United States of America must utilize its abundant natural resources, and relationships with energy producing allies, as leverage against a despotic Russian regime that is intent on disrupting peace and threatening global stability.”Senator Marshall and Moran’s bill swiftly moves to stop financing the Russian invasion of Ukraine and removes Russian fuels from American supply chains. The prohibition in the bill would take effect 15 days after enactment and would exclude shipments that are already in transit at that time. Just yesterday, Canada announced it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60564781" target="_blank">banned</a>&nbsp;imports of crude oil from Russia. You may click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/ROS22155.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view Senator Marshall’s legislation. In addition to Senator Moran, Energy Committee Republican Leader Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) and Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Hoeven (R-ND), and John Cornyn (R-TX) have cosponsored Senator Marshall’s legislation.Sen. Marshall’s plan to Unleash America’s Energy Independence:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Immediately Restart the Keystone XL Pipeline.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remove burdensome regulations from America’s energy producers.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase natural gas exports to European allies and other global partners.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Give certainty to oil and gas producers that credit will remain available to them by maintaining the independence of the Federal Reserve and withdrawing the nomination of Sarah Raskin.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Encourage FERC to reverse their decision to add new barriers to natural gas pipeline approvals.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Directly instruct the Department of the Interior to allow new oil and gas leases on public lands.

Moran, Marshall call on Biden to ban U.S. purchase of Russian oil

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/house-eager-to-overhaul-loan-program-earmarking-veterinary-graduates-for-rural-counties/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Veterinarian Anna Hickert found a home in central Kansas 
under a program at Kansas State University allowing graduates to work 
off college loans in exchange for serving in a rural community starved 
for big-animal vets.

Hickert, a 2020 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine, 
landed at a mixed practice caring for livestock such as cattle and 
horses as well as small animals that include dogs, cats and other pets. 
Under terms of her loan-repayment program, she can wipe out $20,000 of 
debt for each year she sticks with a vet practice far, far away from 
metropolitan areas where salaries exploded beyond $120,000 a year in a 
bid to meet demand.

“As I continue into my career and work to build my business skills 
with my medical knowledge, I can confidently state that this program has
 an incredible return on investment,” she said.

Her insights accompanied the Kansas House’s adoption of proposed 
changes to the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas. The bill 
passed by an overwhelming 115-6 majority in the House and now pending in
 the Senate included noncontroversial increases in the annual benefit 
per student to as much as $25,000 and expansion of eligibility for the 
program beyond first-year students in veterinary school.

Under House Bill 2605, the number of recipients added each year could
 be above the current maximum of five if funding was available. For now,
 all recipients of the program must be in-state veterinary students at 
Kansas State preparing to work in this state after graduation. There has
 been discussion of including in this program out-of-state vet students 
who commit to working in Kansas or of starting a separate loan fund for 
that cadre.

Questions were raised in the House, however, about broadening the 
list of eligible “rural” counties where loan recipients could work to 
include all with less than 40,000 population, up from the current cap of
 35,000 people. The bill also would enable graduates of the training 
program to accept a job in an urban county if the veterinary practice 
did at least 50% of its business with meat-producing animals such as 
cattle, sheep, hogs, goats and chickens.

In addition, another area of controversy in the House bill was 
creation of an advisory committee to select recipients of veterinary 
school loans. Legislators involved with drafting the legislation said 
there was grumbling about decisions by the dean of the KSU College of 
Veterinary Medicine.

Rep. Ron Highland, R-Wamego, and the only veterinarian in the Kansas 
House, said the bill would “fine tune” the selection process to direct 
more awards to students interested in careers as general veterinary 
practitioners.

“We want to select the best and the brightest,” Highland said. “We want them to be in our agricultural areas.”

The vocal opposition to the legislation centered on potential of 
loan-receiving graduates being gobbled up by veterinary practices in 
urban counties and to formation of the new committee responsible for 
selecting students awarded loans.

“The bill takes a program that currently only exists in rural 
counties and potentially expands it to more urban areas of the state,” 
said Rep. Brett Fairchild, R-St. John. “Since there are a limited number
 of scholarships in the bill, I believe this bill is more likely to harm
 our rural communities than help them.”

Rep. Bill Rhiley, a Wellington Republican, said he was struggling 
with expansion of the government’s footprint with an advisory board 
responsible for picking “winners and losers.”

“The advisory committee would take precedence over the existing way 
that they would select these students,” said Rep. Joe Newland, a 
Neodesha Republican and supporter of the bill. “You’ve got to remember 
there are rural areas of these other counties.”

The selection panel committee would have two members from the Kansas 
Veterinary Medical Association, two members from the Kansas Department 
of Agriculture, two members from KSU’s veterinary school and the state’s
 animal health commissioner.

Eileen Minnix, past president of the Kansas Veterinary Medical 
Association, said the veterinary training program was started in 2006. 
It was designed to annually enlist five, first-year veterinary students 
in the loan forgiveness initiative. At any given time, 20 students in 
the KSU veterinary school could be enlisted in the incentive program. So
 far, 80 recipients have shared in the $400,000 appropriated annually by
 the state for the program.

“The program has proven to be successful over the past 15 years,” 
said Minnix, spouse of Rep. Jim Minnix, a Scott City Republican who 
voted for the reform bill. “Ninety-four percent of the recipients are 
still practicing in an eligible community today.”

She said several questions were driving conversation about possible 
updates of the law. Should KSU faculty and staff unilaterally select 
recipients? Is the first year the best time to pick recipients or would a
 delay serve interests of students who gravitate to large-animal 
veterinary work? Are courses and programs at KSU preparing students for 
veterinary practices in rural Kansas?

Brady Luke, a veterinarian in Beloit who was in the loan program at 
Kansas State, said he supported proposed changes to the law with the 
exception of escalating the county population maximum to 40,000. He said
 opening the door to more populous counties would be contrary to the 
program’s original intent.

“While I understand the frustration of veterinarians in a rural 
setting near a large city like Wichita or Kansas City, they still have 
the benefit of being close to the entertainment, shopping, et cetera of 
those cities. Giving these areas the VTPRK program would only exacerbate
 their recruiting advantage,” he said.

Tera Barnhardt, a veterinarian with Animal Welfare Consulting and 
Research in Johnson City near the Colorado border, said she graduated 
from KSU’s veterinary college in 2014 as a rural training program 
scholar. She works with beef and dairy farms in rural communities of 
southwest Kansas, including operators of facilities with 150,000 feeder 
calves and 50,000 milking cows.

She said the loan repayment program was the central reason she could 
focus on creating a sustainable practice that aligned with her career 
goals. She’s put down roots by raising a family and operating several 
small businesses.

“I believe I have served as a wonderful example of what the VTPRK program can accomplish for rural Kansas,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646149420863.png" alt="The Kansas House approved a bill reforming a loan-forgiveness program for Kansas State University veterinary medicine graduates who pay down $20,000 in college debt by working one year in a rural county. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) " />
 <figcaption>The Kansas House approved a bill reforming a loan-forgiveness program for Kansas State University veterinary medicine graduates who pay down $20,000 in college debt by working one year in a rural county. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) </figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/house-eager-to-overhaul-loan-program-earmarking-veterinary-graduates-for-rural-counties/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Veterinarian Anna Hickert found a home in central Kansas 
under a program at Kansas State University allowing graduates to work 
off college loans in exchange for serving in a rural community starved 
for big-animal vets.Hickert, a 2020 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine, 
landed at a mixed practice caring for livestock such as cattle and 
horses as well as small animals that include dogs, cats and other pets. 
Under terms of her loan-repayment program, she can wipe out $20,000 of 
debt for each year she sticks with a vet practice far, far away from 
metropolitan areas where salaries exploded beyond $120,000 a year in a 
bid to meet demand.“As I continue into my career and work to build my business skills 
with my medical knowledge, I can confidently state that this program has
 an incredible return on investment,” she said.Her insights accompanied the Kansas House’s adoption of proposed 
changes to the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas. The bill 
passed by an overwhelming 115-6 majority in the House and now pending in
 the Senate included noncontroversial increases in the annual benefit 
per student to as much as $25,000 and expansion of eligibility for the 
program beyond first-year students in veterinary school.Under House Bill 2605, the number of recipients added each year could
 be above the current maximum of five if funding was available. For now,
 all recipients of the program must be in-state veterinary students at 
Kansas State preparing to work in this state after graduation. There has
 been discussion of including in this program out-of-state vet students 
who commit to working in Kansas or of starting a separate loan fund for 
that cadre.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646149476170.png" alt="A bill approved by the Kansas House to reform the loan-forgiveness program designed to funnel Kansas State University veterinary college graduates to rural underserved counties generated skepticism among lawmakers concerned it could lose its rural flavor. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A bill approved by the Kansas House to reform the loan-forgiveness program designed to funnel Kansas State University veterinary college graduates to rural underserved counties generated skepticism among lawmakers concerned it could lose its rural flavor. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Injection of dissent</h2>Questions were raised in the House, however, about broadening the 
list of eligible “rural” counties where loan recipients could work to 
include all with less than 40,000 population, up from the current cap of
 35,000 people. The bill also would enable graduates of the training 
program to accept a job in an urban county if the veterinary practice 
did at least 50% of its business with meat-producing animals such as 
cattle, sheep, hogs, goats and chickens.In addition, another area of controversy in the House bill was 
creation of an advisory committee to select recipients of veterinary 
school loans. Legislators involved with drafting the legislation said 
there was grumbling about decisions by the dean of the KSU College of 
Veterinary Medicine.Rep. Ron Highland, R-Wamego, and the only veterinarian in the Kansas 
House, said the bill would “fine tune” the selection process to direct 
more awards to students interested in careers as general veterinary 
practitioners.“We want to select the best and the brightest,” Highland said. “We want them to be in our agricultural areas.”The vocal opposition to the legislation centered on potential of 
loan-receiving graduates being gobbled up by veterinary practices in 
urban counties and to formation of the new committee responsible for 
selecting students awarded loans.“The bill takes a program that currently only exists in rural 
counties and potentially expands it to more urban areas of the state,” 
said Rep. Brett Fairchild, R-St. John. “Since there are a limited number
 of scholarships in the bill, I believe this bill is more likely to harm
 our rural communities than help them.”Rep. Bill Rhiley, a Wellington Republican, said he was struggling 
with expansion of the government’s footprint with an advisory board 
responsible for picking “winners and losers.”“The advisory committee would take precedence over the existing way 
that they would select these students,” said Rep. Joe Newland, a 
Neodesha Republican and supporter of the bill. “You’ve got to remember 
there are rural areas of these other counties.”The selection panel committee would have two members from the Kansas 
Veterinary Medical Association, two members from the Kansas Department 
of Agriculture, two members from KSU’s veterinary school and the state’s
 animal health commissioner.<h2>Proven success</h2>Eileen Minnix, past president of the Kansas Veterinary Medical 
Association, said the veterinary training program was started in 2006. 
It was designed to annually enlist five, first-year veterinary students 
in the loan forgiveness initiative. At any given time, 20 students in 
the KSU veterinary school could be enlisted in the incentive program. So
 far, 80 recipients have shared in the $400,000 appropriated annually by
 the state for the program.“The program has proven to be successful over the past 15 years,” 
said Minnix, spouse of Rep. Jim Minnix, a Scott City Republican who 
voted for the reform bill. “Ninety-four percent of the recipients are 
still practicing in an eligible community today.”She said several questions were driving conversation about possible 
updates of the law. Should KSU faculty and staff unilaterally select 
recipients? Is the first year the best time to pick recipients or would a
 delay serve interests of students who gravitate to large-animal 
veterinary work? Are courses and programs at KSU preparing students for 
veterinary practices in rural Kansas?Brady Luke, a veterinarian in Beloit who was in the loan program at 
Kansas State, said he supported proposed changes to the law with the 
exception of escalating the county population maximum to 40,000. He said
 opening the door to more populous counties would be contrary to the 
program’s original intent.“While I understand the frustration of veterinarians in a rural 
setting near a large city like Wichita or Kansas City, they still have 
the benefit of being close to the entertainment, shopping, et cetera of 
those cities. Giving these areas the VTPRK program would only exacerbate
 their recruiting advantage,” he said.Tera Barnhardt, a veterinarian with Animal Welfare Consulting and 
Research in Johnson City near the Colorado border, said she graduated 
from KSU’s veterinary college in 2014 as a rural training program 
scholar. She works with beef and dairy farms in rural communities of 
southwest Kansas, including operators of facilities with 150,000 feeder 
calves and 50,000 milking cows.She said the loan repayment program was the central reason she could 
focus on creating a sustainable practice that aligned with her career 
goals. She’s put down roots by raising a family and operating several 
small businesses.“I believe I have served as a wonderful example of what the VTPRK program can accomplish for rural Kansas,” she said.

House looks to overhaul loan program to lure vets to rural Kansas

LASK AIR BASE, Poland (AP) — NATO's chief said Tuesday that, despite Russia's threats about nuclear weapons, the alliance sees no need to change its own nuclear weapons alert level.

<a href="https://www.ready.gov/nuclear-explosion#:~:text=Go%20to%20the%20basement%20or,a%20part%20of%20your%20household.">Click here to read the </a>U.S. Government guidelines in case of nuclear explosion.

The alliance’s secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, spoke to The Associated Press following talks on European security with Polish President Andrzej Duda at an air base in Lask, central Poland, where NATO’s Polish and U.S. fighter jets F-15 and F-16 are based.

“We will always do what is needed to protect and defend our allies, but we don’t think there is any need now to change the alert levels of NATO’s nuclear forces,” Stoltenberg said.

The Kremlin began an invasion of Ukraine last week and on Tuesday shelled the center of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Russia has raised the specter of nuclear war, reporting on Monday that its land, air and sea nuclear forces were on high alert following President Vladimir Putin’s weekend order. NATO itself has no nuclear weapons, but three of its members do — the United States, Britain and France.

“We strongly believe it's reckless and irresponsible the way Russia is speaking about nuclear weapons,” Stoltenberg said, standing in one of the base's hangars, which has been turned into a conference room with Polish and NATO flags and jets around it.

Stoltenberg stressed that Russia has signed a number of deals agreeing that nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought.

He called on Russia to “stop the attacks and withdraw all its forces and engage in good faith in diplomatic efforts” to end the war.

Government delegations from Ukraine and Russia met for talks in southeastern Belarus on Monday, but the outcome was not immediately clear.

“This is a horrendous, horrific invasion of an innocent country and we see that civilians are killed. It’s a brutality that has to stop immediately,” Stoltenberg said.

The United States recently reinforced the eastern flank of NATO's territory with some 5,000 additional troops deployed to Poland and Romania. Both NATO countries border Ukraine, which is not part of NATO. A number of French troops were traveling to Romania on Tuesday to further strengthen the region, Stoltenberg said.

The alliance is to discuss further reinforcement steps at its next summit in June in Madrid.

It is NATO's responsibility to “ensure that we don’t see a development where a conflict in Ukraine spiraled out of control and becomes a full-fledged confrontation between NATO and Russia in Europe,” Stoltenberg said.

He said alliance commanders are insisting that they are “able to maintain deconfliction (contacts) with Russia,” he said.

From Lask, Stoltenberg flew to Tallin, Estonia, for talks on security of the Baltic region which borders Russia and its ally Belarus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646152598154.png" alt="NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with troops Tuesday and stressed that Russia has signed a number of deals agreeing that nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought." />
 <figcaption>NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with troops Tuesday and stressed that Russia has signed a number of deals agreeing that nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought.</figcaption>
 </figure>LASK AIR BASE, Poland (AP) — NATO's chief said Tuesday that, despite Russia's threats about nuclear weapons, the alliance sees no need to change its own nuclear weapons alert level.<a href="https://www.ready.gov/nuclear-explosion#:~:text=Go%20to%20the%20basement%20or,a%20part%20of%20your%20household.">Click here to read the </a>U.S. Government guidelines in case of nuclear explosion.The alliance’s secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, spoke to The Associated Press following talks on European security with Polish President Andrzej Duda at an air base in Lask, central Poland, where NATO’s Polish and U.S. fighter jets F-15 and F-16 are based.“We will always do what is needed to protect and defend our allies, but we don’t think there is any need now to change the alert levels of NATO’s nuclear forces,” Stoltenberg said.The Kremlin began an invasion of Ukraine last week and on Tuesday shelled the center of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Russia has raised the specter of nuclear war, reporting on Monday that its land, air and sea nuclear forces were on high alert following President Vladimir Putin’s weekend order. NATO itself has no nuclear weapons, but three of its members do — the United States, Britain and France.“We strongly believe it's reckless and irresponsible the way Russia is speaking about nuclear weapons,” Stoltenberg said, standing in one of the base's hangars, which has been turned into a conference room with Polish and NATO flags and jets around it.Stoltenberg stressed that Russia has signed a number of deals agreeing that nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought.He called on Russia to “stop the attacks and withdraw all its forces and engage in good faith in diplomatic efforts” to end the war.Government delegations from Ukraine and Russia met for talks in southeastern Belarus on Monday, but the outcome was not immediately clear.“This is a horrendous, horrific invasion of an innocent country and we see that civilians are killed. It’s a brutality that has to stop immediately,” Stoltenberg said.The United States recently reinforced the eastern flank of NATO's territory with some 5,000 additional troops deployed to Poland and Romania. Both NATO countries border Ukraine, which is not part of NATO. A number of French troops were traveling to Romania on Tuesday to further strengthen the region, Stoltenberg said.The alliance is to discuss further reinforcement steps at its next summit in June in Madrid.It is NATO's responsibility to “ensure that we don’t see a development where a conflict in Ukraine spiraled out of control and becomes a full-fledged confrontation between NATO and Russia in Europe,” Stoltenberg said.He said alliance commanders are insisting that they are “able to maintain deconfliction (contacts) with Russia,” he said.From Lask, Stoltenberg flew to Tallin, Estonia, for talks on security of the Baltic region which borders Russia and its ally Belarus.

Despite threat NATO sees no need to change nuclear alert level

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman and two teens for alleged drug distribution.

On Feb. 26, police learned that&nbsp;18-year-old Trebreh Jones of Wichita was selling narcotic pills, and an investigation was conducted, which led to a search warrant being obtained on his residence, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Early Sunday morning, police executed the search warrant at a home in the 1900 block of S. Shiloh. and took three occupants – Jones, 37-year-old Tanisha Evans and a 16-year-old&nbsp; into custody.

Inside the residence, officers located an AR pistol with no serial number, a .22 caliber rifle and several bags with hundreds of narcotic pills.

Jones was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on requested charges that include possession of narcotic pills with intent to sell and two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. 

Evans is being held on requested charged of possession of narcotic pills with intent to sell, assault of a law enforcement officer and an outstanding warrant. In addition, the 16-year-old was booked to a juvenile facility for possession of narcotic pills with intent to sell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646134987310.png" alt="Jones-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman and two teens for alleged drug distribution.On Feb. 26, police learned that&nbsp;18-year-old Trebreh Jones of Wichita was selling narcotic pills, and an investigation was conducted, which led to a search warrant being obtained on his residence, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Early Sunday morning, police executed the search warrant at a home in the 1900 block of S. Shiloh. and took three occupants – Jones, 37-year-old Tanisha Evans and a 16-year-old&nbsp; into custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646134966562.png" alt="Evans-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Evans-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Inside the residence, officers located an AR pistol with no serial number, a .22 caliber rifle and several bags with hundreds of narcotic pills.Jones was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on requested charges that include possession of narcotic pills with intent to sell and two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. Evans is being held on requested charged of possession of narcotic pills with intent to sell, assault of a law enforcement officer and an outstanding warrant. In addition, the 16-year-old was booked to a juvenile facility for possession of narcotic pills with intent to sell.

Kan. woman, teens busted for allegedly selling narcotic pills

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/its-not-what-we-do-hospital-chief-not-interested-in-ivermectin-debate-with-kansas-senator/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the University of 
Kansas Health System, has a simple explanation for refusing to debate 
people who profit from glorifying ivermectin at a “symposium” in Lenexa 
sponsored by Sen. Mark Steffen.

“We don’t try to run out into public forums where cameras are 
clicking and things like that and do sound bites,” Stites said. “That’s 
just not who we are. It’s not what we do. It’s what other people do. 
That’s fine. Go for it. But that’s not who we are.”

Steffen, a Republican and anesthesiologist from Hutchinson who is 
under investigation for prescribing ivermectin to COVID-19 patients, 
organized the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kshf.org/symposium">Early Covid Treatment Symposium</a>
 along with the anti-vax group Kansans for Health Freedom. The Wednesday
 event features three out-of-state doctors known for spreading 
misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines, and a doctor from an 
Overland Park wellness clinic that utilizes holistic medicine. Tickets 
cost $35.

On Monday, Steffen wrote in a post on his personal Facebook page that “very few tickets remain.”

“If you know a doctor willing to debate on behalf of the ‘do nothing’
 treatment protocol, let me know,” Steffen wrote. “The propaganda docs 
seem to be all talk and no action.”

For the past two weeks, Steffen and KSHF have taunted KU Health 
officials for refusing to debate the merits of ivermectin in the public 
setting, while accusing the nonprofit academic system of being a “big 
corporate hospital” that deploys a “go home until you can’t breathe” 
approach to fighting a virus that has killed nearly 8,000 Kansans.

This criticism ignores the No. 1 tool utilized by medical 
professionals to prevent severe illness or death from COVID-19 — free, 
safe and effective vaccines. The <a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report</a> that 70.9% of Kansas adults are fully vaccinated, and 86.5% have received at least one dose.

The KU Health System has held virtual daily briefings on COVID-19 
since the start of the pandemic, providing insight into the effect the 
virus has had on hospitals across the state, dissecting the latest data 
and recommendations from federal and international authorities, and 
answering questions from news media and the public. The briefings helped
 fill an information void when the governor’s administration <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/11/19/lee-norman-steps-down-as-kansas-health-secretary-months-after-internal-dispute/">silenced former health secretary Lee Norman</a> last year, elevating the profile of Stites and making him a bigger target for Steffen and anti-vaxxers.

Stites talked about the planned Lenexa event and COVID-19 treatments 
in response to a question from Kansas Reflector during Friday’s 
briefing.

“For the longest time on this program, we’ve said we’re not going to 
be flapjackers,” Stites said. “We’re not gonna flap our arms and jack 
with the truth and try to speak wildly about it. Instead, what we’re 
going to do is try and stick as best we can to the science. And we’ll 
let you know when we’re talking hard science, we let you know when we 
think we’re giving you more of our professional opinion.”

In brief, here’s what they know: Peer-reviewed, blind clinical trials
 routinely show there is no benefit to using ivermectin or 
hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Paxlovid has demonstrated an 85-90% reduction in hospitalizations. The Food and Drug Administration <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-oral-antiviral-treatment-covid-19">authorized use of the Pfizer tablets</a> in December to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.

“That’s really good, right? That’s like really, really, really good,”
 Stites said. “Now if you look at the data that has been suggested about
 ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, the data — it’s just not there. What
 you have is a lot of personal testimony that says, ‘Gosh, I was feeling
 poorly, I took ivermectin and then I started feeling better.’ ”

In a Feb. 23 email promoting the symposium to its followers, KSHF 
claimed there was no guidance about early treatment for COVID-19. 
Frustrated doctors, the organization said, “are ready to take matters 
into their own hands.”

Hospital systems “continue to turn a deaf ear to doctors who are 
successfully treating patients early,” the email said. “This is exactly 
what is happening right here in Kansas. Doctors at KU Med, for instance,
 have been invited to the Early Treatment Symposium; however, they have 
declined. We should all be asking: WHY?”

Stites said the doctors in the KU Health System prefer to hold long 
discussions in the form of journal club. They review articles, critique 
them and go to medical conferences with top researchers in their 
specialized field, such as infectious disease.

“We’re not politicians,” Stites said. “And I don’t mean in a 
disparaging fashion. That’s another type of job, and I’m not in that 
job. This is my job. And I’m going to try, and I think I need, to do my 
job. And God bless the people and Godspeed, the folks who want to be in 
the political world. I think that’s a really hard job. …

“When we meet and talk with our patients, we’re talking about the 
science part of it. So people want to get together and talk about it, 
Godspeed. Go for it. It’s just not who we are.”

Stites said he wanted to “clear up some other misinformation.”

“I don’t get any money from drug companies,” Stites said. “I don’t do
 any of that. When I give you these opinions, these are not out of 
financial interests. And if anybody’s even more concerned, just know 
that when you practice as a physician, you can’t get reimbursed because 
the health system makes more money. That’s illegal. People go to jail 
for that. And so, the end of the day, we’re just trying to recommend to 
you what we think is the best thing.”

Steffen, who <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/26/kansas-senator-under-investigation-after-prescribing-ivermectin-for-covid-19-seeks-legal-cover/">announced in a committee hearing</a> that he is <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/01/dear-kansas-board-of-healing-arts-this-doctor-senator-is-a-threat-to-public-health/">under investigation</a>
 by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, has promoted legislation that 
would clear himself and any other doctor of any wrongdoing for 
prescribing drugs like ivermectin for off-label use in the treatment of 
COVID-19. His proposal also would require pharmacists to fulfill such 
prescriptions.

Steffen previously called on Stites to debate him in a public forum 
in Hays. In recent weeks, he has promoted the Lenexa event in a series 
of posts on his personal Facebook page.

“Game on!” he wrote on Feb. 18. “The Early Covid Treament [sic] 
Symposium is officially on. It will be the nations [sic] biggest names 
in generic early treatment debating the KU Medical Center ‘go home until
 you can’t breathe’ doctors (if they show up). We will have a great 
symposium with or without them.”

His posts were met with ridicule in the comments section, where critics linked to reports about <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/25/new-poll-shows-95-of-kansans-trust-vaccines-despite-vocal-groups-in-the-statehouse/">a new poll</a> that showed most Kansans support wellness vaccines and ivermectin failing in another clinical trial.

“KU docs will be saving lives during your snake oil show,” Kathy Cook wrote.

“KU has better things to do. They’re out there helping people, you’re running a circus,” Antonio Spaghettarelli wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646149085936.png" alt="Sen. Mark Steffen appears during a Feb. 8, 2022, hearing of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Mark Steffen appears during a Feb. 8, 2022, hearing of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/its-not-what-we-do-hospital-chief-not-interested-in-ivermectin-debate-with-kansas-senator/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the University of 
Kansas Health System, has a simple explanation for refusing to debate 
people who profit from glorifying ivermectin at a “symposium” in Lenexa 
sponsored by Sen. Mark Steffen.That’s not what doctors do.“We don’t try to run out into public forums where cameras are 
clicking and things like that and do sound bites,” Stites said. “That’s 
just not who we are. It’s not what we do. It’s what other people do. 
That’s fine. Go for it. But that’s not who we are.”Steffen, a Republican and anesthesiologist from Hutchinson who is 
under investigation for prescribing ivermectin to COVID-19 patients, 
organized the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kshf.org/symposium">Early Covid Treatment Symposium</a>
 along with the anti-vax group Kansans for Health Freedom. The Wednesday
 event features three out-of-state doctors known for spreading 
misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines, and a doctor from an 
Overland Park wellness clinic that utilizes holistic medicine. Tickets 
cost $35.On Monday, Steffen wrote in a post on his personal Facebook page that “very few tickets remain.”“If you know a doctor willing to debate on behalf of the ‘do nothing’
 treatment protocol, let me know,” Steffen wrote. “The propaganda docs 
seem to be all talk and no action.”For the past two weeks, Steffen and KSHF have taunted KU Health 
officials for refusing to debate the merits of ivermectin in the public 
setting, while accusing the nonprofit academic system of being a “big 
corporate hospital” that deploys a “go home until you can’t breathe” 
approach to fighting a virus that has killed nearly 8,000 Kansans.This criticism ignores the No. 1 tool utilized by medical 
professionals to prevent severe illness or death from COVID-19 — free, 
safe and effective vaccines. The <a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report</a> that 70.9% of Kansas adults are fully vaccinated, and 86.5% have received at least one dose.The KU Health System has held virtual daily briefings on COVID-19 
since the start of the pandemic, providing insight into the effect the 
virus has had on hospitals across the state, dissecting the latest data 
and recommendations from federal and international authorities, and 
answering questions from news media and the public. The briefings helped
 fill an information void when the governor’s administration <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/11/19/lee-norman-steps-down-as-kansas-health-secretary-months-after-internal-dispute/">silenced former health secretary Lee Norman</a> last year, elevating the profile of Stites and making him a bigger target for Steffen and anti-vaxxers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646149140775.png" alt="Steve Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System, talks about the Early Covid Treatment Symposium during a Feb. 25, 2022, virtual news briefing. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Zoom video)" />
 <figcaption>Steve Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System, talks about the Early Covid Treatment Symposium during a Feb. 25, 2022, virtual news briefing. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Zoom video)</figcaption>
 </figure>Stites talked about the planned Lenexa event and COVID-19 treatments 
in response to a question from Kansas Reflector during Friday’s 
briefing.“For the longest time on this program, we’ve said we’re not going to 
be flapjackers,” Stites said. “We’re not gonna flap our arms and jack 
with the truth and try to speak wildly about it. Instead, what we’re 
going to do is try and stick as best we can to the science. And we’ll 
let you know when we’re talking hard science, we let you know when we 
think we’re giving you more of our professional opinion.”In brief, here’s what they know: Peer-reviewed, blind clinical trials
 routinely show there is no benefit to using ivermectin or 
hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19.Meanwhile, Paxlovid has demonstrated an 85-90% reduction in hospitalizations. The Food and Drug Administration <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-oral-antiviral-treatment-covid-19">authorized use of the Pfizer tablets</a> in December to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.“That’s really good, right? That’s like really, really, really good,”
 Stites said. “Now if you look at the data that has been suggested about
 ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, the data — it’s just not there. What
 you have is a lot of personal testimony that says, ‘Gosh, I was feeling
 poorly, I took ivermectin and then I started feeling better.’ ”In a Feb. 23 email promoting the symposium to its followers, KSHF 
claimed there was no guidance about early treatment for COVID-19. 
Frustrated doctors, the organization said, “are ready to take matters 
into their own hands.”Hospital systems “continue to turn a deaf ear to doctors who are 
successfully treating patients early,” the email said. “This is exactly 
what is happening right here in Kansas. Doctors at KU Med, for instance,
 have been invited to the Early Treatment Symposium; however, they have 
declined. We should all be asking: WHY?”Stites said the doctors in the KU Health System prefer to hold long 
discussions in the form of journal club. They review articles, critique 
them and go to medical conferences with top researchers in their 
specialized field, such as infectious disease.“We’re not politicians,” Stites said. “And I don’t mean in a 
disparaging fashion. That’s another type of job, and I’m not in that 
job. This is my job. And I’m going to try, and I think I need, to do my 
job. And God bless the people and Godspeed, the folks who want to be in 
the political world. I think that’s a really hard job. …“When we meet and talk with our patients, we’re talking about the 
science part of it. So people want to get together and talk about it, 
Godspeed. Go for it. It’s just not who we are.”Stites said he wanted to “clear up some other misinformation.”“I don’t get any money from drug companies,” Stites said. “I don’t do
 any of that. When I give you these opinions, these are not out of 
financial interests. And if anybody’s even more concerned, just know 
that when you practice as a physician, you can’t get reimbursed because 
the health system makes more money. That’s illegal. People go to jail 
for that. And so, the end of the day, we’re just trying to recommend to 
you what we think is the best thing.”Steffen, who <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/26/kansas-senator-under-investigation-after-prescribing-ivermectin-for-covid-19-seeks-legal-cover/">announced in a committee hearing</a> that he is <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/01/dear-kansas-board-of-healing-arts-this-doctor-senator-is-a-threat-to-public-health/">under investigation</a>
 by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, has promoted legislation that 
would clear himself and any other doctor of any wrongdoing for 
prescribing drugs like ivermectin for off-label use in the treatment of 
COVID-19. His proposal also would require pharmacists to fulfill such 
prescriptions.Steffen previously called on Stites to debate him in a public forum 
in Hays. In recent weeks, he has promoted the Lenexa event in a series 
of posts on his personal Facebook page.“Game on!” he wrote on Feb. 18. “The Early Covid Treament [sic] 
Symposium is officially on. It will be the nations [sic] biggest names 
in generic early treatment debating the KU Medical Center ‘go home until
 you can’t breathe’ doctors (if they show up). We will have a great 
symposium with or without them.”His posts were met with ridicule in the comments section, where critics linked to reports about <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/25/new-poll-shows-95-of-kansans-trust-vaccines-despite-vocal-groups-in-the-statehouse/">a new poll</a> that showed most Kansans support wellness vaccines and ivermectin failing in another clinical trial.“KU docs will be saving lives during your snake oil show,” Kathy Cook wrote.“KU has better things to do. They’re out there helping people, you’re running a circus,” Antonio Spaghettarelli wrote.

Hospital chief not interested in ivermectin debate with Kan. senator

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) 
reminds Kansans that March and April are the months when large areas of 
the state’s Flint Hills rangeland are burned. 

These burns help 
preserve the tallgrass prairie, control invasive species, reduce woody 
encroachment from species such as Eastern Red Cedar and Sumac and 
provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning minimizes risk of 
wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. 

Smoke
 from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use
 of smoke management techniques is vital to reduce air quality and 
health impacts.

KDHE will activate the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAyMjguNTQxMTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NmaXJlLnNvbm9tYXRlY2hkYXRhLmNvbS92aWV3L3N1bW1hcnkvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.s6wUKA7_2wTvCr5LLH7PY55DLVvQLQ-d_RYZxumOGWU/s/1305935158/br/127265836405-l" target="_blank">Kansas smoke modeling tool&nbsp;</a>on
 March 1, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer 
models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the 
potential contribution of smoke to downwind air quality problems. There 
are approximately 2.2 million acres burned on average in the Flint Hills
 of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.

“For the twelfth-consecutive 
year, we are proud to have the opportunity to provide this important 
tool for the prescribed fire community,” said&nbsp;Douglas Watson, 
meteorologist at the KDHE Bureau of Air. “We continue to encourage 
ranchers and land managers to take advantage of this smoke modeling 
resource to spread out their burns more effectively and mitigate 
potential air quality impacts.”

Prescribed burns release large 
amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ozone. 
Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy 
individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, 
coughing and illnesses such as bronchitis. Individuals with respiratory 
issues, pre-existing heart or lung diseases, children and elderly are 
more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

●Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor

●Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air

●Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, or shortness of breath

For
 more information about the burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills 
Smoke Management Plan, the April burn restrictions and the smoke 
modeling tool, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAyMjguNTQxMTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtzZmlyZS5vcmcvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.JTGv7SsVOUkk_ZudqBlc9IIL_iqe2_Qt5cn1JXqrjBE/s/1305935158/br/127265836405-l" target="_blank">http://www.ksfire.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646151679691.jpeg" alt="Prescribed burning in the Flint Hills. Photo courtesy Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management " />
 <figcaption>Prescribed burning in the Flint Hills. Photo courtesy Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) 
reminds Kansans that March and April are the months when large areas of 
the state’s Flint Hills rangeland are burned. These burns help 
preserve the tallgrass prairie, control invasive species, reduce woody 
encroachment from species such as Eastern Red Cedar and Sumac and 
provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning minimizes risk of 
wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke
 from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use
 of smoke management techniques is vital to reduce air quality and 
health impacts.KDHE will activate the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAyMjguNTQxMTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NmaXJlLnNvbm9tYXRlY2hkYXRhLmNvbS92aWV3L3N1bW1hcnkvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.s6wUKA7_2wTvCr5LLH7PY55DLVvQLQ-d_RYZxumOGWU/s/1305935158/br/127265836405-l" target="_blank">Kansas smoke modeling tool&nbsp;</a>on
 March 1, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer 
models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the 
potential contribution of smoke to downwind air quality problems. There 
are approximately 2.2 million acres burned on average in the Flint Hills
 of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.“For the twelfth-consecutive 
year, we are proud to have the opportunity to provide this important 
tool for the prescribed fire community,” said&nbsp;Douglas Watson, 
meteorologist at the KDHE Bureau of Air. “We continue to encourage 
ranchers and land managers to take advantage of this smoke modeling 
resource to spread out their burns more effectively and mitigate 
potential air quality impacts.”Prescribed burns release large 
amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ozone. 
Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy 
individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, 
coughing and illnesses such as bronchitis. Individuals with respiratory 
issues, pre-existing heart or lung diseases, children and elderly are 
more vulnerable to experience symptoms.Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:●Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor●More vulnerable people should remain●Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air●Stay hydrated●Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, or shortness of breathFor
 more information about the burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills 
Smoke Management Plan, the April burn restrictions and the smoke 
modeling tool, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAyMjguNTQxMTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtzZmlyZS5vcmcvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.JTGv7SsVOUkk_ZudqBlc9IIL_iqe2_Qt5cn1JXqrjBE/s/1305935158/br/127265836405-l" target="_blank">http://www.ksfire.org</a>.

Smoke modeling tool activated as Flint Hills burning season begins

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s (R-Kan.) legislation Monday to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Women’s Army Corps who were assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – the “Six Triple Eight” – during World War II, according to a statement from Moran's office.

 The unit served at home and in Europe where they sorted and routed mail for millions of American servicemembers and civilians. This legislation was sponsored by Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)) and Congressman Jake LaTurner (KS-02) in the House.

“The women of the Six Triple Eight have earned a special place in history for their service to our nation,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“It has been an honor to meet members of the battalion and help lead this effort to award the Six Triple Eight with the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest expression of national appreciation from Congress. Though the odds were set against them, the women of the Six Triple Eight processed millions of letter and packages during their deployment in Europe, helping connect WWII soldiers with their loved ones back home – like my father and mother. Nearly 80 years after their service, we are finally able to recognize these extraordinary women for their service to our nation with the highest distinction Congress can bestow. I appreciate Rep. Moore and Rep. LaTurner for leading this effort in the House and Col. Edna Cummings for all her work to honor the Six Triple Eight on behalf of a grateful nation.”

“The Six Triple Eight was a trailblazing group of sheroes who were the only all-Black, Women Army Corps Battalion to serve overseas during World War II,”&nbsp;said Rep. Moore.&nbsp;“Facing both racism and sexism in a warzone, these women sorted millions of pieces of mail, closing massive mail backlogs, and ensuring service members received letters from their loved ones. A Congressional Gold Medal is only fitting for these veterans who received little recognition for their service after returning home. I am honored to recognize Six Triple Eight’s selfless service, which is long overdue and to be able to award the highest honor in Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal, to the women of the Six Triple Eight including my constituent Ms. Anna Mae Robertson, whose daughter inspired me to get involved in this effort.&nbsp; With House passage, we are now so much closer to making this legislation law. I am grateful to Retired Lt. Colonel Edna Cummings and Carlton Philpot whose tireless advocacy helped advance this legislation. I also thank Senator Jerry Moran whose leadership helped pass this legislation in the Senate and Rep. Jake LaTurner, who joined me in this bipartisan effort in the House and their capable staff.”

"I am honored to help introduce this legislation in the House to award the Six Triple Eight with the highest honor in Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal, for their heroic service to our nation,”&nbsp;said Rep. LaTurner.&nbsp;“This brave group of women helped sort and deliver millions of vital pieces of mail to soldiers on the battlefield during World War II. I want to thank my fellow Kansan, Senator Moran, for helping get this bill across the finish line in the Senate."

The Six Triple Eight was the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II, and they were responsible for clearing out an overwhelming backlog of mail, making certain American troops received letters from home to boost their morale.

“It never occurred to me that it would happen,”&nbsp;said Major Fannie McClendon, (Ret.) USAF, 6888th veteran.

“I wish more of the 688th members were here, and I hope that I’m still here when President Biden signs the bill,”&nbsp;said Ms. Lena King, 6888th veteran. “That will be a great day.”

“This is a wonderful recognition of the critical service the 6888th provided to this country under extraordinary difficult conditions,”&nbsp;said Stanley Earley, 6888th family member.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646149416744.png" alt="The 422-0 vote late Monday follows a long-running campaign to recognize the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The Senate passed the legislation last year-photo courtesy Senator Moran" />
 <figcaption>The 422-0 vote late Monday follows a long-running campaign to recognize the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The Senate passed the legislation last year-photo courtesy Senator Moran</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s (R-Kan.) legislation Monday to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Women’s Army Corps who were assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – the “Six Triple Eight” – during World War II, according to a statement from Moran's office.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bWAvxcV7j0s?start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> The unit served at home and in Europe where they sorted and routed mail for millions of American servicemembers and civilians. This legislation was sponsored by Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)) and Congressman Jake LaTurner (KS-02) in the House.“The women of the Six Triple Eight have earned a special place in history for their service to our nation,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“It has been an honor to meet members of the battalion and help lead this effort to award the Six Triple Eight with the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest expression of national appreciation from Congress. Though the odds were set against them, the women of the Six Triple Eight processed millions of letter and packages during their deployment in Europe, helping connect WWII soldiers with their loved ones back home – like my father and mother. Nearly 80 years after their service, we are finally able to recognize these extraordinary women for their service to our nation with the highest distinction Congress can bestow. I appreciate Rep. Moore and Rep. LaTurner for leading this effort in the House and Col. Edna Cummings for all her work to honor the Six Triple Eight on behalf of a grateful nation.”“The Six Triple Eight was a trailblazing group of sheroes who were the only all-Black, Women Army Corps Battalion to serve overseas during World War II,”&nbsp;said Rep. Moore.&nbsp;“Facing both racism and sexism in a warzone, these women sorted millions of pieces of mail, closing massive mail backlogs, and ensuring service members received letters from their loved ones. A Congressional Gold Medal is only fitting for these veterans who received little recognition for their service after returning home. I am honored to recognize Six Triple Eight’s selfless service, which is long overdue and to be able to award the highest honor in Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal, to the women of the Six Triple Eight including my constituent Ms. Anna Mae Robertson, whose daughter inspired me to get involved in this effort.&nbsp; With House passage, we are now so much closer to making this legislation law. I am grateful to Retired Lt. Colonel Edna Cummings and Carlton Philpot whose tireless advocacy helped advance this legislation. I also thank Senator Jerry Moran whose leadership helped pass this legislation in the Senate and Rep. Jake LaTurner, who joined me in this bipartisan effort in the House and their capable staff.”"I am honored to help introduce this legislation in the House to award the Six Triple Eight with the highest honor in Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal, for their heroic service to our nation,”&nbsp;said Rep. LaTurner.&nbsp;“This brave group of women helped sort and deliver millions of vital pieces of mail to soldiers on the battlefield during World War II. I want to thank my fellow Kansan, Senator Moran, for helping get this bill across the finish line in the Senate."The Six Triple Eight was the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II, and they were responsible for clearing out an overwhelming backlog of mail, making certain American troops received letters from home to boost their morale.“It never occurred to me that it would happen,”&nbsp;said Major Fannie McClendon, (Ret.) USAF, 6888th veteran.“I wish more of the 688th members were here, and I hope that I’m still here when President Biden signs the bill,”&nbsp;said Ms. Lena King, 6888th veteran. “That will be a great day.”“This is a wonderful recognition of the critical service the 6888th provided to this country under extraordinary difficult conditions,”&nbsp;said Stanley Earley, 6888th family member.“The 6888th deserves this honor for their dedication to our soldiers and their country for completing the job given to them in record time,”&nbsp;said Janice Martin, 6888th family member.“I’m grateful to the 6888th veterans, families, and thousands of supporters who worked to make this Congressional Gold Medal vision a reality,”&nbsp;said Col. Edna W. Cummings, 6888th Advocate.