LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—A suspect wounded in an officer-involved shooting is now in a Kansas jail.

Just before 5p.m. Wednesday, Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) agents arrested 31-year-old Donald Barden Jr., of Leavenworth, as he was discharged from the University of Kansas Rehabilitation Center.

Just before 5 a.m. on February 13, a woman called 911 to report that a male acquaintance was near 4th&nbsp;Street and Miami Street in Leavenworth, and was armed with a handgun.

Preliminary information indicates that officers from the Leavenworth Police Department, the Lansing Police Department, and the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area.

 Upon arriving they located an armed man standing in the middle of the street at the intersection of 5th&nbsp;Street and Seneca Street. They blocked traffic and began to negotiate with the man, who was later identified as Donald Barden Jr., 31, of Leavenworth. From a distance, they attempted to convince him to drop his gun. During the incident Barden ignored commands, waved his gun around, and made suicidal statements.

At approximately 6:20 a.m., Barden ran toward officers while pointing his gun in their direction. One officer from the Leavenworth Police Department and one officer from the Lansing Police Department fired rounds toward Barden, striking him. At the same time, another officer from the Leavenworth Police Department fired bean bag rounds at Barden.&nbsp;

Officers then rendered aid to Barden. EMS, who had been waiting nearby during the incident, responded and took over life-saving measures. EMS transported Barden to the KU Medical Center in critical, but stable condition.

Barden is being held in the Leavenworth County Jail on requested charges that include three counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645670530417.png" alt="Barden, Jr. has previous convictions for robbery and burglary, according to the KDOC-photo Leavenworth Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Barden, Jr. has previous convictions for robbery and burglary, according to the KDOC-photo Leavenworth Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—A suspect wounded in an officer-involved shooting is now in a Kansas jail.Just before 5p.m. Wednesday, Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) agents arrested 31-year-old Donald Barden Jr., of Leavenworth, as he was discharged from the University of Kansas Rehabilitation Center.Just before 5 a.m. on February 13, a woman called 911 to report that a male acquaintance was near 4th&nbsp;Street and Miami Street in Leavenworth, and was armed with a handgun.Preliminary information indicates that officers from the Leavenworth Police Department, the Lansing Police Department, and the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area. Upon arriving they located an armed man standing in the middle of the street at the intersection of 5th&nbsp;Street and Seneca Street. They blocked traffic and began to negotiate with the man, who was later identified as Donald Barden Jr., 31, of Leavenworth. From a distance, they attempted to convince him to drop his gun. During the incident Barden ignored commands, waved his gun around, and made suicidal statements.At approximately 6:20 a.m., Barden ran toward officers while pointing his gun in their direction. One officer from the Leavenworth Police Department and one officer from the Lansing Police Department fired rounds toward Barden, striking him. At the same time, another officer from the Leavenworth Police Department fired bean bag rounds at Barden.&nbsp;Officers then rendered aid to Barden. EMS, who had been waiting nearby during the incident, responded and took over life-saving measures. EMS transported Barden to the KU Medical Center in critical, but stable condition.Barden is being held in the Leavenworth County Jail on requested charges that include three counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.----------

Man wounded in Kan. officer-shooting moved from hospital to jail

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Two Kansas men died in an accident just before 6p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 driven by Darth Delano Cline, 56, Wichita, was southbound on Interstate 235 at North Broadway.

The Dodge traveled off the road, crossed the center median and collided with a northbound 2005 Fed Ex Freight truck driven by Tyler Matthew Bauer, 30, Wichita.

Cline was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Bauer to St. Francis where he died. Cline was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645662210097.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the Wednesday crash -image KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the Wednesday crash -image KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Two Kansas men died in an accident just before 6p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 driven by Darth Delano Cline, 56, Wichita, was southbound on Interstate 235 at North Broadway.The Dodge traveled off the road, crossed the center median and collided with a northbound 2005 Fed Ex Freight truck driven by Tyler Matthew Bauer, 30, Wichita.Cline was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Bauer to St. Francis where he died. Cline was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Two Kansas men dead after pickup, FedEx truck crash

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers today 
that the fastest and easiest way to check on tax refunds is by using the
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp; tool on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go mobile app.

This year, more than ever before, those who don't normally have to 
file a tax return may wish to do so to get child-related tax credits 
that were expanded by the American Rescue Plan. These include the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5585.pdf">Child Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit</a>&nbsp;PDF.

Filing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">electronically</a> and using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a> is the safest and fastest way to file an accurate return and receive a tax refund. Taxpayers can use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;to
 start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed 
return is received or four weeks after the taxpayer mails a paper 
return.

The tool's tracker displays progress through three phases:

Most tax refunds are issued within 21 days, however, some may take longer. There are several reasons this can happen:

The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process a return.

Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit

Due to changes to the tax law made by the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/2029/text">Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act (PATH Act)</a>, the IRS can't issue <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/how-to-work-with-a-tax-professional-to-claim-the-earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents">Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)</a>
 refunds before mid-February. This includes the entire refund, not just 
the part that's related to the credit claimed on a tax return.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a> are updated for most early EITC/ACTC filers with an estimated deposit date by February 19, if they file their taxes early.

If a filer claimed the EITC or the ACTC, they can expect to get their refund March 1 if:

Some taxpayers mistakenly believe they can expedite their refund by 
ordering a tax transcript, calling the IRS or calling their tax 
preparer. Ordering a tax transcript will not help a taxpayer get their 
refund faster or find out when they'll get their refund. The information
 available on Where's My Refund? is the same information available to 
IRS telephone assistors.

Taxpayers can find answers to questions, forms and instructions and 
easy-to-use tools at IRS.gov. This news release is part of a series 
called the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide">Tax Time Guide</a>, a resource to help taxpayers file an accurate tax return. Additional help is available in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals)</a>&nbsp;PDF.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON —&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers today 
that the fastest and easiest way to check on tax refunds is by using the
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp; tool on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go mobile app.This year, more than ever before, those who don't normally have to 
file a tax return may wish to do so to get child-related tax credits 
that were expanded by the American Rescue Plan. These include the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5585.pdf">Child Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit</a>&nbsp;PDF.<h2>Refund updates</h2>Filing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">electronically</a> and using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a> is the safest and fastest way to file an accurate return and receive a tax refund. Taxpayers can use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;to
 start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed 
return is received or four weeks after the taxpayer mails a paper 
return.The tool's tracker displays progress through three phases:<ol>
 <li>Return Received,</li><li>Refund Approved and</li><li>Refund Sent.</li>
 </ol><h2>Refund timing</h2>Most tax refunds are issued within 21 days, however, some may take longer. There are several reasons this can happen:<ul>
 <li>The return includes a claim for the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.</li><li>The time between the IRS issuing the refund and the bank posting it
 to an account may vary since many banks do not process payments on 
weekends or holidays.</li><li>The return may require additional review.</li><li>The return may include errors or be incomplete.</li><li>The return could be affected by identity theft or fraud.</li>
 </ul>The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process a return.<h2>Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit</h2>Due to changes to the tax law made by the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/2029/text">Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act (PATH Act)</a>, the IRS can't issue <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/how-to-work-with-a-tax-professional-to-claim-the-earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents">Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)</a>
 refunds before mid-February. This includes the entire refund, not just 
the part that's related to the credit claimed on a tax return.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a> are updated for most early EITC/ACTC filers with an estimated deposit date by February 19, if they file their taxes early.If a filer claimed the EITC or the ACTC, they can expect to get their refund March 1 if:<ul>
 <li>They <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file their return online</a>,</li><li>They choose to get their refund by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a> and</li><li>No issues were found with their return.</li>
 </ul><h2>Ignore refund myths</h2>Some taxpayers mistakenly believe they can expedite their refund by 
ordering a tax transcript, calling the IRS or calling their tax 
preparer. Ordering a tax transcript will not help a taxpayer get their 
refund faster or find out when they'll get their refund. The information
 available on Where's My Refund? is the same information available to 
IRS telephone assistors.Taxpayers can find answers to questions, forms and instructions and 
easy-to-use tools at IRS.gov. This news release is part of a series 
called the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide">Tax Time Guide</a>, a resource to help taxpayers file an accurate tax return. Additional help is available in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals)</a>&nbsp;PDF.

Where's my tax refund? IRS tool lets you check online

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine, claiming it’s intended to protect civilians.

In a televised address, Putin said the action comes in response to threats coming from Ukraine. He added that Russia doesn’t have a goal to occupy Ukraine. Putin said the responsibility for bloodshed lies with the Ukrainian “regime.”

Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.”

He accused the U.S. and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demand to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and offer Moscow security guarantees.

He said the Russian military operation aims to ensure a “demilitarization” of Ukraine. Putin said that all Ukrainian servicemen who lay down arms will be able to safely leave the zone of combat.

Biden says he plans to speak to the American people Thursday after a meeting of the Group of Seven leaders. More sanctions against Russia are expected to be announced Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645673092575.png" alt="Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.” photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.” photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine, claiming it’s intended to protect civilians.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645674167449.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In a televised address, Putin said the action comes in response to threats coming from Ukraine. He added that Russia doesn’t have a goal to occupy Ukraine. Putin said the responsibility for bloodshed lies with the Ukrainian “regime.”Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.”He accused the U.S. and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demand to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and offer Moscow security guarantees.He said the Russian military operation aims to ensure a “demilitarization” of Ukraine. Putin said that all Ukrainian servicemen who lay down arms will be able to safely leave the zone of combat.Biden says he plans to speak to the American people Thursday after a meeting of the Group of Seven leaders. More sanctions against Russia are expected to be announced Thursday.

President Biden condemns Putin's military operation in Ukraine

LA CROSSE COUNTY, WI —Law enforcement authorities in Wisconsin are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.

On Saturday, police arrested 22-year-old Jimmy Castillo of Topeka on requested charges that included&nbsp; possession of meth with intent to deliver and he is being held on a $250,000 bond, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Authorities received an anonymous tip someone would be delivering meth to a hotel in the central Wisconsin community of Onalaska on Saturday, according to La Crosse Police.

Shortly after Castillo arrived, police arrested him. Castillo admitted he had meth in his backpack. 

Investigators say the 15 pounds of meth has a street value is about $250,000 and is the largest one-time seizure for La Crosse law enforcement. Castillo is due back in court on March 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645616424955.png" alt="Castillo-photo La Crosse Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Castillo-photo La Crosse Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>LA CROSSE COUNTY, WI —Law enforcement authorities in Wisconsin are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.On Saturday, police arrested 22-year-old Jimmy Castillo of Topeka on requested charges that included&nbsp; possession of meth with intent to deliver and he is being held on a $250,000 bond, according to online jail records.&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities received an anonymous tip someone would be delivering meth to a hotel in the central Wisconsin community of Onalaska on Saturday, according to La Crosse Police.Shortly after Castillo arrived, police arrested him. Castillo admitted he had meth in his backpack. Investigators say the 15 pounds of meth has a street value is about $250,000 and is the largest one-time seizure for La Crosse law enforcement. Castillo is due back in court on March 2.

Kansas man caught with 15 pounds of meth at Wisconsin hotel

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ state school board has scheduled a special meeting for Friday to discuss personnel issues. The meeting was set after Education Commissioner Randy Watson made what one board member called an inappropriate remark during a conference last week. 

State Board of Education member Ann Mah told The Capital-Journal on Wednesday that the board was taking Watson’s comments “very seriously.” She said Watson had reached out to her after  the comments but she couldn’t share exactly what Watson said in his remarks. 

Watson did not immediately return a telephone message or email Wednesday evening seeking comment. The 10-member elected board appoints the commissioner to run the State Department of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584484524519.png" alt="Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson during a 2020 news conference in Topeka" />
 <figcaption>Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson during a 2020 news conference in Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ state school board has scheduled a special meeting for Friday to discuss personnel issues. The meeting was set after Education Commissioner Randy Watson made what one board member called an inappropriate remark during a conference last week. State Board of Education member Ann Mah told The Capital-Journal on Wednesday that the board was taking Watson’s comments “very seriously.” She said Watson had reached out to her after the comments but she couldn’t share exactly what Watson said in his remarks. Watson did not immediately return a telephone message or email Wednesday evening seeking comment. The 10-member elected board appoints the commissioner to run the State Department of Education.

Kansas' state school board to meet after 'inappropriate' remark

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans in the GOP-controlled Kansas Legislature have moved to block local bans, restrictions or taxes on plastic bags or other packaging. The state Senate voted 27-13 for a bill that would strip cities and counties of their power to regulate or tax bags, cups, bottles or other packaging. 

The measure has the backing of business groups and would cover not only plastic, but cloth, paper, cardboard, aluminum, glass or foamed plastic such as Styrofoam. 

The bill goes next to the House. Business groups said a patchwork of local regulations would be difficult to follow. Critics said local communities should be allowed to deal with trash as they see fit.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans in the GOP-controlled Kansas Legislature have moved to block local bans, restrictions or taxes on plastic bags or other packaging. The state Senate voted 27-13 for a bill that would strip cities and counties of their power to regulate or tax bags, cups, bottles or other packaging. The measure has the backing of business groups and would cover not only plastic, but cloth, paper, cardboard, aluminum, glass or foamed plastic such as Styrofoam. The bill goes next to the House. Business groups said a patchwork of local regulations would be difficult to follow. Critics said local communities should be allowed to deal with trash as they see fit.

Kansas moves to block plastic-bag bans by cities, counties

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former officer at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex in Topeka is accused of having sex with a teenager at the center. 

Twenty-five-year-old Pedro Cruz-Garcia was released from the Shawnee County jail after posting a $50,000 bond on Sunday. He is charged with having unlawful sexual relations with a victim who was 16 years old or older. 

The Kansas Department of Corrections said in a statement Tuesday that an investigation began after a staff member at the juvenile center heard other inmates talking about Cruz-Garcia and the victim. Cruz-Garcia was fired from the detention center on Feb. 11.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645643756485.png" alt="Cruz-Garcia" />
 <figcaption>Cruz-Garcia</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former officer at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex in Topeka is accused of having sex with a teenager at the center. Twenty-five-year-old Pedro Cruz-Garcia was released from the Shawnee County jail after posting a $50,000 bond on Sunday. He is charged with having unlawful sexual relations with a victim who was 16 years old or older. The Kansas Department of Corrections said in a statement Tuesday that an investigation began after a staff member at the juvenile center heard other inmates talking about Cruz-Garcia and the victim. Cruz-Garcia was fired from the detention center on Feb. 11.

Kan. juvenile officer accused of having sex with teen at the center

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/23/kansas-treasurer-state-representative-call-for-answers-in-cold-snap-price-gouging-investigation/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas state 
treasurer, a legislator and a former school board member Wednesday 
called on Attorney General Derek Schmidt to advance a slow-moving 
investigation of potential price gouging tied to spikes in natural gas 
prices during Winter Storm Uri one year ago.

Last February, Schmidt launched an investigation into the natural gas
 prices, which left Kansas with more than $1 billion in economic 
fallout. Gas prices rose by nearly 200 times, and experts expect Kansas 
utility payers will be feeling the aftereffects for a decade.

Seven months after the storm, as utilities were negotiating plans to 
pass higher rates onto customers, Schmidt said the high prices “appear 
to violate Kansas law” and noted he was seeking outside counsel to aid 
in the investigation.

State treasurer Lynn Rogers said this lack of movement sends the wrong message to Kansans.

“The message it sends is, pay your bills, pay the cost but just wait 
for answers and trust us,” Rogers said. “I don’t think that’s a good 
message for citizens or for elected officials. We need to be doing our 
job.”

Last month, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/10/house-denounces-price-gouging-market-hijinks-of-2021-natural-gas-price-spike/">Kansas House nearly unanimously approved a resolution</a>
 endorsing these investigations and condemning price gouging or market 
manipulation in the aftermath of the winter storm. In addition, the 
regulation called on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to examine
 market conditions from Feb. 6 to 18.

The attorney general has since obtained counsel with specialized expertise, said John Milburn, a spokesman for Schmidt’s office.

The investigation is active and ongoing,” he said. “We have no further comment at this time.”

Laura Guy, a former school teacher and Shawnee Mission School Board 
member, said the wait-and-see approach is not enough. She pointed to 
struggles faced by education faculty across the state.

“The last thing any school district needs right now is outrageous 
bills that drain precious resources away from our students,” Guy said. 
“(Schmidt) has given Kansans nearly no insight on where his 
investigation stands, leaving school districts like (Shawnee Mission) 
questioning whether … cold weather could undo all of our careful 
budgeting.”

On average, Shawnee Mission schools spend about $600,000 in natural 
gas bills for the entire year. During last February’s cold snap, the 
school gas bill ballooned to $1.6 million for a single month.

Auburn-Washburn Unified School District received a gas bill of 
$45,000 instead of its typical bill of $5,000. Newton Public Schools 
received a bill for nearly $200,000, six times the normal cost.

The city utility low-interest loan program, approved by the 
Legislature last year, allows Kansas cities to borrow from the state to 
cover extraordinary natural gas and electric costs. As of Jan. 1, 54 
cities and one municipal energy agency had submitted applications and 
$78,409,646.79 in loans were approved and funded.

Still, Rep. Anne Kuether, a Topeka Democrat, said Kansans deserve answers and financial security.

“This is an issue that doesn’t have a party. This is an issue for the
 everyday people who are having a hard time making ends meet,” Kuether 
said. “Kansans deserve answers, relief, and they also deserve assurances
 that they will be protected for future market manipulations.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645650040585.png" alt="State treasurer Lynn Rogers, accompanied by a state representative and former school board member, asked that the attorney general speed up an investigation into potential price gouging tied to spikes in the cost of natural gas during the cold snap. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>State treasurer Lynn Rogers, accompanied by a state representative and former school board member, asked that the attorney general speed up an investigation into potential price gouging tied to spikes in the cost of natural gas during the cold snap. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/23/kansas-treasurer-state-representative-call-for-answers-in-cold-snap-price-gouging-investigation/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas state 
treasurer, a legislator and a former school board member Wednesday 
called on Attorney General Derek Schmidt to advance a slow-moving 
investigation of potential price gouging tied to spikes in natural gas 
prices during Winter Storm Uri one year ago.Last February, Schmidt launched an investigation into the natural gas
 prices, which left Kansas with more than $1 billion in economic 
fallout. Gas prices rose by nearly 200 times, and experts expect Kansas 
utility payers will be feeling the aftereffects for a decade.Seven months after the storm, as utilities were negotiating plans to 
pass higher rates onto customers, Schmidt said the high prices “appear 
to violate Kansas law” and noted he was seeking outside counsel to aid 
in the investigation.State treasurer Lynn Rogers said this lack of movement sends the wrong message to Kansans.“The message it sends is, pay your bills, pay the cost but just wait 
for answers and trust us,” Rogers said. “I don’t think that’s a good 
message for citizens or for elected officials. We need to be doing our 
job.”Last month, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/10/house-denounces-price-gouging-market-hijinks-of-2021-natural-gas-price-spike/">Kansas House nearly unanimously approved a resolution</a>
 endorsing these investigations and condemning price gouging or market 
manipulation in the aftermath of the winter storm. In addition, the 
regulation called on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to examine
 market conditions from Feb. 6 to 18.The attorney general has since obtained counsel with specialized expertise, said John Milburn, a spokesman for Schmidt’s office.The investigation is active and ongoing,” he said. “We have no further comment at this time.”Laura Guy, a former school teacher and Shawnee Mission School Board 
member, said the wait-and-see approach is not enough. She pointed to 
struggles faced by education faculty across the state.“The last thing any school district needs right now is outrageous 
bills that drain precious resources away from our students,” Guy said. 
“(Schmidt) has given Kansans nearly no insight on where his 
investigation stands, leaving school districts like (Shawnee Mission) 
questioning whether … cold weather could undo all of our careful 
budgeting.”On average, Shawnee Mission schools spend about $600,000 in natural 
gas bills for the entire year. During last February’s cold snap, the 
school gas bill ballooned to $1.6 million for a single month.Auburn-Washburn Unified School District received a gas bill of 
$45,000 instead of its typical bill of $5,000. Newton Public Schools 
received a bill for nearly $200,000, six times the normal cost.The city utility low-interest loan program, approved by the 
Legislature last year, allows Kansas cities to borrow from the state to 
cover extraordinary natural gas and electric costs. As of Jan. 1, 54 
cities and one municipal energy agency had submitted applications and 
$78,409,646.79 in loans were approved and funded.Still, Rep. Anne Kuether, a Topeka Democrat, said Kansans deserve answers and financial security.“This is an issue that doesn’t have a party. This is an issue for the
 everyday people who are having a hard time making ends meet,” Kuether 
said. “Kansans deserve answers, relief, and they also deserve assurances
 that they will be protected for future market manipulations.”

Kan. officials call for answers in cold snap price-gouging investigation

HARVEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged harassment involving deputies in Harvey County.

According to a social media report, the sheriff's office administration was made aware of alleged harassment claims against two Harvey County deputies. 

The sheriff's office begun an internal investigation to gather more information. While the investigation is being conducted, the two deputies have been placed on administrative leave. 

"We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and will respond appropriately once the investigation is completed."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582804602109.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged harassment involving deputies in Harvey County.According to a social media report, the sheriff's office administration was made aware of alleged harassment claims against two Harvey County deputies. The sheriff's office begun an internal investigation to gather more information. While the investigation is being conducted, the two deputies have been placed on administrative leave. "We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and will respond appropriately once the investigation is completed."

2 Kan. deputies placed on leave during harassment investigation

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

Just before 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a 911 call in the 600 block of N. Seneca after a caller reported a person was being beaten on the Seneca Street bridge, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Officers and EMS responded and located a 30-year-old male victim, identified as Blake Barnes of Wichita. He was transported to an area hospital in critical condition and later pronounced deceased, according t Macy.

Officers contacted the witness who was able to direct them to a suspect – identified as&nbsp;63-year-old David Chandler&nbsp; who was reported to have struck Barnes several times with a metal pipe.

Police took Chandler into custody while he was walking away from the crime scene.

The witness reported another suspect was also involved but left the scene on a bicycle prior to officers arriving. The second suspect, identified as&nbsp;31-year-old Abel Molina, was located in the 400 block of N. Seneca, where he was taken into custody.

Both suspects were transported to the Sedgwick County Jail and booked on requested charges of 2nd degree murder and outstanding warrants. All individuals involved are known to be homeless, according to Macy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645644547356.png" alt="Chandler-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Chandler-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal attack and have two suspects in custody.Just before 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a 911 call in the 600 block of N. Seneca after a caller reported a person was being beaten on the Seneca Street bridge, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Officers and EMS responded and located a 30-year-old male victim, identified as Blake Barnes of Wichita. He was transported to an area hospital in critical condition and later pronounced deceased, according t Macy.Officers contacted the witness who was able to direct them to a suspect – identified as&nbsp;63-year-old David Chandler&nbsp; who was reported to have struck Barnes several times with a metal pipe.Police took Chandler into custody while he was walking away from the crime scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645644648580.png" alt="Molina photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Molina photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The witness reported another suspect was also involved but left the scene on a bicycle prior to officers arriving. The second suspect, identified as&nbsp;31-year-old Abel Molina, was located in the 400 block of N. Seneca, where he was taken into custody.Both suspects were transported to the Sedgwick County Jail and booked on requested charges of 2nd degree murder and outstanding warrants. All individuals involved are known to be homeless, according to Macy.

2 Kan. men accused of beating victim to death with a pipe

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/22/new-kansas-license-plates-would-celebrate-wildlife-and-parks/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas House gave 
first-round approval Tuesday to legislation creating license plates that
 celebrate wildlife and parks and grant free admission to state parks.

House Bill 2597 would raise an estimated $480,000 in annual royalty 
fees for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The four new 
distinctive plates would celebrate state parks, hunting, fishing, and 
nongame wildlife.

“Kansans are really proud of their passion for whatever they feel 
they’d like to display on their vehicles,” said&nbsp;Rep. Doug Blex, 
R-Independence, the bill’s sponsor.

The secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks would 
determine a royalty fee of at least $40 and not more than $100 for 
individuals who want one of the new plates, which would become available
 on Jan. 1, 2023. The license plates would double as an annual vehicle 
permit to state parks.

The state agency anticipates a net gain of $281,000 in annual 
revenue, after accounting for the individuals who would replace the $15 
annual permit with a license plate.

The House advanced the bill on a voice vote, along with separate 
legislation that would establish license plates for the cities of Topeka
 and Hutchinson, and one for the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The House also gave first-round approval to House Bill 2456, which 
would create lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for children younger 
than 5 years old. The license would cost $300.

Rep. Ken Corbet, R-Topeka, said license sales have been down for 15 years.

“This is just a good start to try to pick up a new generation and try
 to keep ’em in Kansas and keep ’em getting ’em outdoors,” Corbet said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645640298498.png" alt="Rep. Doug Blex, R-Independence, sponsored legislation that would create four new distinctive license plates that celebrate parks and wildlife in Kansas. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Doug Blex, R-Independence, sponsored legislation that would create four new distinctive license plates that celebrate parks and wildlife in Kansas. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/22/new-kansas-license-plates-would-celebrate-wildlife-and-parks/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas House gave 
first-round approval Tuesday to legislation creating license plates that
 celebrate wildlife and parks and grant free admission to state parks.House Bill 2597 would raise an estimated $480,000 in annual royalty 
fees for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The four new 
distinctive plates would celebrate state parks, hunting, fishing, and 
nongame wildlife.“Kansans are really proud of their passion for whatever they feel 
they’d like to display on their vehicles,” said&nbsp;Rep. Doug Blex, 
R-Independence, the bill’s sponsor.The secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks would 
determine a royalty fee of at least $40 and not more than $100 for 
individuals who want one of the new plates, which would become available
 on Jan. 1, 2023. The license plates would double as an annual vehicle 
permit to state parks.The state agency anticipates a net gain of $281,000 in annual 
revenue, after accounting for the individuals who would replace the $15 
annual permit with a license plate.The House advanced the bill on a voice vote, along with separate 
legislation that would establish license plates for the cities of Topeka
 and Hutchinson, and one for the Daughters of the American Revolution.The House also gave first-round approval to House Bill 2456, which 
would create lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for children younger 
than 5 years old. The license would cost $300.Rep. Ken Corbet, R-Topeka, said license sales have been down for 15 years.“This is just a good start to try to pick up a new generation and try
 to keep ’em in Kansas and keep ’em getting ’em outdoors,” Corbet said.

New Kansas license plates would celebrate wildlife and parks

By DEREK SCHMIDT Kansas Attorney General

America faces a crisis at our southwest border.

During 2021, authorities encountered about two million migrants at the border, up from fewer than 550,000 the year before, not counting those who eluded detection. That wave of humanity has overwhelmed border security, and that's a problem for Kansas.

Last month, I traveled to Texas to meet with Governor Greg Abbott and other Texas officials to see the border crisis myself. During a two-day summit with other state attorneys general, we saw:

• The unfinished border wall, riddled with incomplete segments shockingly easy to walk through and around. Taxpayers have bought steel to build more, but it sits rusting in piles because the Biden administration will neither install it nor allow Texas to.

• Front-line federal agents just trying to do their jobs. Unfortunately, our interaction with federal agents was limited because the evening before our arrival, their superiors in Washington abruptly canceled our briefings without explanation.

• Dedicated Texas officers enforcing state laws near the unsecured border. They know the reality on the ground. They showed us which houses and other structures on the Mexican side are owned and used by the cartels and explained how cartels pay spotters – often children – to sit along the Rio Grande and report the location of patrol boats so smugglers know when the coast is clear.

In our proud nation of immigrants, emotional immigration politics too often obscure this tragic truth: There are more crime victims in Kansas today because the federal government is failing on border security.&nbsp;

During my time as attorney general, our office successfully prosecuted an illegal alien in southeast Kansas who shot an Oklahoma police officer, kidnapped a Kansas motorist, invaded a Kansas residence, and attempted to murder a Kansas officer. In north-central Kansas, we prosecuted an illegal alien for sex crimes against a young child. And we prosecuted an illegal alien in Southwest Kansas for murder.

After the Kansas Supreme Court incorrectly ruled that federal law shielded certain illegal aliens from state identity theft laws, we appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. I argued that case myself, and we won.

These crimes are among many committed in Kansas by people here illegally. Much violent crime here is connected to the smuggling of drugs and people across the border. Deported criminals too often easily return to Kansas and commit new crimes. The Kansas Department of Corrections recently reported 246 inmates in Kansas prisons are subject to possible deportation upon release; county jails and federal prisons hold more.

Weak federal policy invites border chaos, and drug cartels and other criminal organizations use that chaos as cover to extend their operations in the United States, including Kansas. A bad situation has grown worse in the past year.

That’s why I’ve sued the Biden administration to do its job, such as reinstating the Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico” Migrant Protection Protocols. But the Biden administration has responded weakly even after a court order. Ultimately, we need new leadership to prioritize border security.

Until that day comes, our best available option is to cooperate with requests from Texas for assistance. We should help Texas identify, intercept and stop trans-border violence and criminal activity before it reaches Kansas because Texas still stands between us and the border. Our families and communities will be safer for it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583409290272.jpeg" alt="Derek Schmidt" />
 <figcaption>Derek Schmidt</figcaption>
 </figure>By DEREK SCHMIDT Kansas Attorney GeneralAmerica faces a crisis at our southwest border.During 2021, authorities encountered about two million migrants at the border, up from fewer than 550,000 the year before, not counting those who eluded detection. That wave of humanity has overwhelmed border security, and that's a problem for Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Last month, I traveled to Texas to meet with Governor Greg Abbott and other Texas officials to see the border crisis myself. During a two-day summit with other state attorneys general, we saw:• The unfinished border wall, riddled with incomplete segments shockingly easy to walk through and around. Taxpayers have bought steel to build more, but it sits rusting in piles because the Biden administration will neither install it nor allow Texas to.• Front-line federal agents just trying to do their jobs. Unfortunately, our interaction with federal agents was limited because the evening before our arrival, their superiors in Washington abruptly canceled our briefings without explanation.• Dedicated Texas officers enforcing state laws near the unsecured border. They know the reality on the ground. They showed us which houses and other structures on the Mexican side are owned and used by the cartels and explained how cartels pay spotters – often children – to sit along the Rio Grande and report the location of patrol boats so smugglers know when the coast is clear.In our proud nation of immigrants, emotional immigration politics too often obscure this tragic truth: There are more crime victims in Kansas today because the federal government is failing on border security.&nbsp;During my time as attorney general, our office successfully prosecuted an illegal alien in southeast Kansas who shot an Oklahoma police officer, kidnapped a Kansas motorist, invaded a Kansas residence, and attempted to murder a Kansas officer. In north-central Kansas, we prosecuted an illegal alien for sex crimes against a young child. And we prosecuted an illegal alien in Southwest Kansas for murder.After the Kansas Supreme Court incorrectly ruled that federal law shielded certain illegal aliens from state identity theft laws, we appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. I argued that case myself, and we won.These crimes are among many committed in Kansas by people here illegally. Much violent crime here is connected to the smuggling of drugs and people across the border. Deported criminals too often easily return to Kansas and commit new crimes. The Kansas Department of Corrections recently reported 246 inmates in Kansas prisons are subject to possible deportation upon release; county jails and federal prisons hold more.Weak federal policy invites border chaos, and drug cartels and other criminal organizations use that chaos as cover to extend their operations in the United States, including Kansas. A bad situation has grown worse in the past year.That’s why I’ve sued the Biden administration to do its job, such as reinstating the Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico” Migrant Protection Protocols. But the Biden administration has responded weakly even after a court order. Ultimately, we need new leadership to prioritize border security.Until that day comes, our best available option is to cooperate with requests from Texas for assistance. We should help Texas identify, intercept and stop trans-border violence and criminal activity before it reaches Kansas because Texas still stands between us and the border. Our families and communities will be safer for it.

OPINION: What I saw at the border and why it matters

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; information from two separate sources that controlled substances were being smuggled into the Barton County Jail have made arrests, according to Barton County&nbsp; Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

After detectives launched an investigation, they placed a civilian employee under surveillance. It appears the inmates involved were inmate workers or “trustees." Inmate workers have been allowed to assist with various functions around the jail and in the community, including picking up groceries at local businesses for the jail. An inmate worker was allowed to accompany the jail cook on these errands. 

During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that the employee and the inmate worker had stopped at a residence in the 500 block of Odell in Great Bend while going to get groceries. The inmate exited the vehicle and contacted a person at the residence.

The inmate worker was identified as Hernan Montez, 30 of Great Bend. He was being held on a contempt of court charge, according to Bellendir. At that point, detectives placed the residence on Odell Street under surveillance. 

When the trustee and the employee returned to the jail, the trustee was searched and suspected methamphetamine was discovered. Detectives began the process of obtaining a search warrant for the address on Odell.&nbsp;

While waiting for a search warrant, a vehicle left the residence, and a traffic stop was conducted. During the stop, the suspect became combative, striking two officers and fled on foot from a location near 6th Street and Odell.

The suspect, identified as Reynaldo Martinez, 35, Great Bend, ran back into the house that was under surveillance. Deputies pursued Martinez inside and after a short struggle he was taken into custody. After the search warrant was obtained for drugs for the same residence, deputies found more than a pound of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of approximately $30,000.

During the investigation, detectives obtained information that the civilian employee, Tammy Batt, 45 of Russell, had been involved in an intimate relationship with one of the prisoners.

Tammy Batt was arrested on requested charges of traffic in contraband in a correctional institution and unlawful sexual relations. Batt was arrested and booked. She has since posted a $50,000 bond.

Reynaldo Martinez was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, no drug tax stamp, two counts battery of a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and trafficking contraband in a correctional institution. Bond is set at $300,000.

Hernan Montez was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and trafficking in contraband in a correctional institution. Bond is set at $50,000.

Two shifts of officers were called in to assist with the operations. This included a complete search of the jail. Based on the findings, it is believed none of the drugs reached general population. It appears the incident was confined to the inmate worker section of the jail, according to Bellendir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645644461607.jpeg" alt="photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; information from two separate sources that controlled substances were being smuggled into the Barton County Jail have made arrests, according to Barton County&nbsp; Sheriff Brian Bellendir.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645644568229.jpeg" alt="Tammy Batt photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Tammy Batt photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>After detectives launched an investigation, they placed a civilian employee under surveillance. It appears the inmates involved were inmate workers or “trustees." Inmate workers have been allowed to assist with various functions around the jail and in the community, including picking up groceries at local businesses for the jail. An inmate worker was allowed to accompany the jail cook on these errands. During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that the employee and the inmate worker had stopped at a residence in the 500 block of Odell in Great Bend while going to get groceries. The inmate exited the vehicle and contacted a person at the residence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645644524765.jpeg" alt="Hernan Montez-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Hernan Montez-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The inmate worker was identified as Hernan Montez, 30 of Great Bend. He was being held on a contempt of court charge, according to Bellendir. At that point, detectives placed the residence on Odell Street under surveillance. When the trustee and the employee returned to the jail, the trustee was searched and suspected methamphetamine was discovered. Detectives began the process of obtaining a search warrant for the address on Odell.&nbsp;While waiting for a search warrant, a vehicle left the residence, and a traffic stop was conducted. During the stop, the suspect became combative, striking two officers and fled on foot from a location near 6th Street and Odell.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645644548045.jpeg" alt="Reynaldo Martinez" />
 <figcaption>Reynaldo Martinez</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect, identified as Reynaldo Martinez, 35, Great Bend, ran back into the house that was under surveillance. Deputies pursued Martinez inside and after a short struggle he was taken into custody. After the search warrant was obtained for drugs for the same residence, deputies found more than a pound of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of approximately $30,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645644568229.jpeg" alt="Tammy Batt photo Barton CO." />
 <figcaption>Tammy Batt photo Barton CO.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the investigation, detectives obtained information that the civilian employee, Tammy Batt, 45 of Russell, had been involved in an intimate relationship with one of the prisoners.Tammy Batt was arrested on requested charges of traffic in contraband in a correctional institution and unlawful sexual relations. Batt was arrested and booked. She has since posted a $50,000 bond.Reynaldo Martinez was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, no drug tax stamp, two counts battery of a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and trafficking contraband in a correctional institution. Bond is set at $300,000.Hernan Montez was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and trafficking in contraband in a correctional institution. Bond is set at $50,000.Two shifts of officers were called in to assist with the operations. This included a complete search of the jail. Based on the findings, it is believed none of the drugs reached general population. It appears the incident was confined to the inmate worker section of the jail, according to Bellendir.

Sheriff: Employee smuggled drugs to inmate lover at Barton Co. jail

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run accident and after asking the public for help to locate a vehicle have made an arrest.

On Tuesday night,&nbsp;deputies were able to gather information that led to the arrest of 50-year-old James R. Cunningham of Alma, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies located Cunningham at his residence and he was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp; He remains jailed on requested charges of failure to stop at an accident resulting in great bodily harm and failure to stop at accident causing injury or damage over $1000.

Just before 2p.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a vehicle versus a bicycle accident in the 5500 block of SW Burlingame Road. 

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene southbound after striking the bicyclist.&nbsp;The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response with non-life-threatening injuries.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident continue asking the public for help to locate a&nbsp; silver 2012-2018 Ford Focus, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

The Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate the driver of the silver Ford Focus.&nbsp;The vehicle is missing the passenger side mirror. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office (785-251-2200)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645637662654.png" alt="Cunningham-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Cunningham-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run accident and after asking the public for help to locate a vehicle have made an arrest.On Tuesday night,&nbsp;deputies were able to gather information that led to the arrest of 50-year-old James R. Cunningham of Alma, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645568563830.png" alt="Security camera image of Cunningham's vehicle after the crash-photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff." />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of Cunningham's vehicle after the crash-photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies located Cunningham at his residence and he was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp; He remains jailed on requested charges of failure to stop at an accident resulting in great bodily harm and failure to stop at accident causing injury or damage over $1000.Just before 2p.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a vehicle versus a bicycle accident in the 5500 block of SW Burlingame Road. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene southbound after striking the bicyclist.&nbsp;The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response with non-life-threatening injuries.-----SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident continue asking the public for help to locate a&nbsp; silver 2012-2018 Ford Focus, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645568563830.png" alt="The Ford Focus, pictured here driving southbound on SW Burlingame Road, is now missing the passenger side mirror.-photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>The Ford Focus, pictured here driving southbound on SW Burlingame Road, is now missing the passenger side mirror.-photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 2p.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a vehicle versus a bicycle accident in the 5500 block of SW Burlingame Road. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene southbound after striking the bicyclist.&nbsp;The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response with non-life-threatening injuries.The Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate the driver of the silver Ford Focus.&nbsp;The vehicle is missing the passenger side mirror. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office (785-251-2200)

Sheriff: Man jailed for hit-and-run of Kansas bicyclist 

YORK, Neb. (AP) — Authorities in southeastern Nebraska say a man trying to smoke drugs in a bus bathroom accidentally set himself and the bus on fire. 

The York News-Times reports that the incident happened early Saturday aboard a Burlington Trailways bus on Interstate 80 in York County. 

Sheriff's officials say deputies and firefighters were called for reports of a motorcoach bus fire and found the bus on the side of the road. They put out a fire in the bus's bathroom with a fire extinguisher. 

Investigators say the fire was started by 33-year-old Aaron Ray, of Brunswick, Georgia, who suffered upper-body burns in the fire and was taken to a York hospital before he was arrested on suspicion of arson and possession of a controlled substance.

From the Associated PressYORK, Neb. (AP) — Authorities in southeastern Nebraska say a man trying to smoke drugs in a bus bathroom accidentally set himself and the bus on fire. The York News-Times reports that the incident happened early Saturday aboard a Burlington Trailways bus on Interstate 80 in York County. Sheriff's officials say deputies and firefighters were called for reports of a motorcoach bus fire and found the bus on the side of the road. They put out a fire in the bus's bathroom with a fire extinguisher. Investigators say the fire was started by 33-year-old Aaron Ray, of Brunswick, Georgia, who suffered upper-body burns in the fire and was taken to a York hospital before he was arrested on suspicion of arson and possession of a controlled substance.

Man accidentally sets self on fire aboard bus in Nebraska

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,161 to a total of 764,239, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The state reported 13 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,930.

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

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

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,161 to a total of 764,239, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp; &nbsp;The state reported 13 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,930.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645639597349.png" alt="Wednesday February 23, 2022 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday February 23, 2022 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 1,161 new cases, 13 additional COVID deaths

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Shawnee County authorities have charged a Topeka West High School student who was the subject of protests from other students with 11 sex-related crimes. 

District Attorney Mike Kagay says he will ask a judge to charge the student as an adult because of the serious nature of the crimes. The student's name has not been released because he is a juvenile. 

Kagay says the 11 charges involve five alleged victims. Topeka West High School students staged a protest on Sept. 17 because of what they called a lack of response to allegations that the male student had sexually assaulted a female student in July.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631914182570.png" alt="More than 100 students at Topeka West High School held a protest over the school administration's handling of a male student who has been accused of raping a female student last summer.-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>More than 100 students at Topeka West High School held a protest over the school administration's handling of a male student who has been accused of raping a female student last summer.-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Shawnee County authorities have charged a Topeka West High School student who was the subject of protests from other students with 11 sex-related crimes. District Attorney Mike Kagay says he will ask a judge to charge the student as an adult because of the serious nature of the crimes. The student's name has not been released because he is a juvenile. Kagay says the 11 charges involve five alleged victims. Topeka West High School students staged a protest on Sept. 17 because of what they called a lack of response to allegations that the male student had sexually assaulted a female student in July.

Kan. teen, subject of sex assault protest, arrested on 11 counts

PLATTE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal weekend accident have identified the victims as 37-year-old Howard Alden of Salina and 14-year-old Kenneth Powell, according to Major Erik Holland with the Platte County Missouri Sheriff's Department.

According to the sheriff, just before 10a.m. Sunday, a 2003 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Alden was westbound on 92 Highway near Highway B.

 The vehicle traveled off the shoulder and the driver overcorrected. The van crossed into the eastbound lanes and struck a 2021 Ford Edge driven by a 67-year-old Mary Miller from Platte City.

Alden and Powell were pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported two other passengers in the van, a six-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl, to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Miller was also hospitalized for treatment of moderate injuries, according to the sheriff's department.

Preliminary investigation indicated that alcohol may be a factor in the crash. The deceased occupants of the Chrysler minivan were not restrained, according Sheriff Mark Owen.&nbsp; The crash remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645456287113.png" alt="Photo courtesy Platte Co. Missouri Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Platte Co. Missouri Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal weekend accident have identified the victims as 37-year-old Howard Alden of Salina and 14-year-old Kenneth Powell, according to Major Erik Holland with the Platte County Missouri Sheriff's Department.According to the sheriff, just before 10a.m. Sunday, a 2003 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Alden was westbound on 92 Highway near Highway B. The vehicle traveled off the shoulder and the driver overcorrected. The van crossed into the eastbound lanes and struck a 2021 Ford Edge driven by a 67-year-old Mary Miller from Platte City.Alden and Powell were pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported two other passengers in the van, a six-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl, to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Miller was also hospitalized for treatment of moderate injuries, according to the sheriff's department.Preliminary investigation indicated that alcohol may be a factor in the crash. The deceased occupants of the Chrysler minivan were not restrained, according Sheriff Mark Owen.&nbsp; The crash remains under investigation.

Police ID Kansas man, teen who died in Missouri crash

No matter who you are or what industry you’re in, it’s important to set goals for your career. Career goals keep us moving forward, prevent us from getting stuck or stagnant, and give us something bigger than ourselves to work toward.&nbsp;

Career goals are short, simple statements that describe how you plan to grow and move forward in your career. They act as a measure of what you plan to achieve—kind of like a promise to yourself. And the great thing about goals is&nbsp;you&nbsp;call the shots.&nbsp;You&nbsp;get to decide what you want your future to look like, then work toward making that vision a reality.&nbsp;

You might already have an idea of what you want your career to look like long term. Or, you might have no idea where you want to go in your career. That’s okay. The goal-setting process can help you figure it out. If the idea of setting big goals seems overwhelming, but don’t let it stress you out. You can break down them down into more achievable tasks.

Ideally, your short-term career goals will help you work toward your big-picture, long-term goals. But even if you don’t know what those are yet, you can still set great short-term goals that help move your career forward. Here are a few examples:

There are all kinds of long-term career goals. It all depends on what you want your career to look like. Here are a few common examples to get you started:

There’s a lot of persistence and patience required, regardless of how big or small the goal. Sometimes it’s hard to find the balance of going after it and making things happen, while also being patient and waiting for the result of your hard work to pay off. But all those things build character.

Ken Coleman&nbsp;is the nationally syndicated radio host of The Ken Coleman Show and #1 national best-selling author. He has been featured in Forbes, appeared on Fox News, Fox Business Network, and the Rachel Ray Show. Since 2014, he has served at Ramsey Solutions, where he offers expert advice to help thousands of people every day discover what they were meant to do and how to land their dream job. Follow Ken on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/kencoleman" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kencoleman/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KenColemanShow/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/KenColemanShow/featured" target="_blank">YouTube</a>or at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kencoleman.com/" target="_blank">kencoleman.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638990378655.jpeg" alt="Ken Coleman" />
 <figcaption>Ken Coleman</figcaption>
 </figure>No matter who you are or what industry you’re in, it’s important to set goals for your career. Career goals keep us moving forward, prevent us from getting stuck or stagnant, and give us something bigger than ourselves to work toward.&nbsp;Career goals are short, simple statements that describe how you plan to grow and move forward in your career. They act as a measure of what you plan to achieve—kind of like a promise to yourself. And the great thing about goals is&nbsp;you&nbsp;call the shots.&nbsp;You&nbsp;get to decide what you want your future to look like, then work toward making that vision a reality.&nbsp;You might already have an idea of what you want your career to look like long term. Or, you might have no idea where you want to go in your career. That’s okay. The goal-setting process can help you figure it out. If the idea of setting big goals seems overwhelming, but don’t let it stress you out. You can break down them down into more achievable tasks.<h2>Short-Term Career Goals&nbsp;</h2>Ideally, your short-term career goals will help you work toward your big-picture, long-term goals. But even if you don’t know what those are yet, you can still set great short-term goals that help move your career forward. Here are a few examples:<ul>
 <li>Get a paycheck&nbsp;-&nbsp;I’m not kidding. Sometimes simply having some form of income is our number one goal, and that’s okay. Maybe you&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/career-advice/how-to-quit-job-professionally" target="_blank">quit your job</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/career-advice/what-to-do-if-you-get-laid-off" target="_blank">got laid off</a>&nbsp;or you just need to make ends meet. Do what’s necessary to provide for yourself and your family. Once your situation is more stable, you’ll be able to think more about where you really want your career to go.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Clarify what you want to do long term&nbsp;-&nbsp;Maybe it’s time to make a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/career-advice/changing-careers-midlife" target="_blank">midlife career change</a>, or maybe it’s time to figure out your career direction for the first time ever. Once you’re clear on your passions, talents and professional mission, you can find your career sweet spot and start looking for options in that field.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Education, training and certifications&nbsp;-&nbsp;Sometimes you need certain qualifications before pursuing your ideal career field. Your goal might be going back to school for your MBA, completing a coding bootcamp or anything else that increases your career experience and hiring potential.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Connect to people and places&nbsp;-&nbsp;Making genuine connections is an easy short-term goal that can pay off in the long run. You can find plenty of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/career-advice/how-to-network-the-right-way" target="_blank">ways to network</a>, even if it’s just by getting to know people at church or volunteering for a company that interests you.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Start on a path toward your dream job&nbsp;-&nbsp;A goal of yours could be to get a job that puts you directly on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/career-advice/how-to-get-your-dream-job" target="_blank">path to your dream</a>. This might come in the form of a side hustle, part-time job, or entry-level job. But at least it will get you in the door.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Get promoted&nbsp;–&nbsp;A promotion (along with a pay raise) is an awesome goal. Depending on where you work, this could become a longer-term goal. If it’s early in your career, and you’re really crushing it at a great company, promotions will ideally happen every two to three years.</li>
 </ul><h2>Long-Term Career Goals&nbsp;</h2>There are all kinds of long-term career goals. It all depends on what you want your career to look like. Here are a few common examples to get you started:<ul>
 <li>Find your dream job&nbsp;-&nbsp;This is a goal that could take many years to achieve, but if you’re willing to do what it takes, getting your dream job is possible. If you’ve been working toward this by doing some of the short-term goals mentioned above, you’re already well on your way.</li><li>Be a leader&nbsp;-&nbsp;You don’t&nbsp;have&nbsp;to be in leadership to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/business/how-to-be-a-great-leader" target="_blank">be a great leader</a>, but you might want to make it a goal to lead a big project or a team. Leading isn’t for everyone, but if you’re willing to put in the hard work and approach it with a servant’s heart, you might surprise yourself.</li><li>Be impactful&nbsp;-&nbsp;So many of us don’t want to spend our whole lives just working a J-O-B. We want to know that our work really makes a difference. Whatever that difference is for you, be sure to define it as a concrete goal so you can work toward it.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Leave a legacy&nbsp;-&nbsp;This goes hand in hand with making an impact. Think about what you want to be able to give to future generations, whether that’s a legacy of great leadership, a book you’ve written, or a financial inheritance that you can leave for your kids and grandkids. All this can happen because of the career goals you set.</li>
 </ul>There’s a lot of persistence and patience required, regardless of how big or small the goal. Sometimes it’s hard to find the balance of going after it and making things happen, while also being patient and waiting for the result of your hard work to pay off. But all those things build character.Keep going. And don’t quit!Ken Coleman&nbsp;is the nationally syndicated radio host of The Ken Coleman Show and #1 national best-selling author. He has been featured in Forbes, appeared on Fox News, Fox Business Network, and the Rachel Ray Show. Since 2014, he has served at Ramsey Solutions, where he offers expert advice to help thousands of people every day discover what they were meant to do and how to land their dream job. Follow Ken on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/kencoleman" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kencoleman/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KenColemanShow/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/KenColemanShow/featured" target="_blank">YouTube</a>or at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kencoleman.com/" target="_blank">kencoleman.com</a>.

COLEMAN: Setting and achieving your career goals

COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to trigger a rare inflammatory condition linked to coronavirus infection in children, according to an analysis of U.S. government data published Tuesday.

The condition, formally known as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mis/index.html" target="_blank">multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children</a>, involves fever plus symptoms affecting at least two organs and often includes stomach pain, skin rash or bloodshot eyes. It’s a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-coronavirus-pandemic-05c95129b7e9877f3e714b278d3deb68">rare complication&nbsp;</a>in kids who have had COVID-19, and very rarely affects adults. The condition often leads to hospitalization, but most patients recover.

First reported in the United Kingdom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-us-news-new-york-ny-state-wire-92f0d11dc10dbebc7e46c57d175f5317">in early 2020</a>, it is sometimes mistaken for Kawasaki disease, which can cause swelling and heart problems. Since February 2020, more than 6,800 cases have been reported in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As part of COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring, the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration added the condition to a list of several potential adverse events of special interest. A few cases reported in people with no detectable evidence of coronavirus infection prompted researchers at the CDC and elsewhere to undertake the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/home" target="_blank">analysis</a>, which was published Tuesday in The Lancet Child &amp; Adolescent Health.

The possibility that the vaccines could somehow prompt the condition is only theoretical and the analysis found no evidence that it did, said co-author Dr. Buddy Creech, a Vanderbilt University pediatric infectious disease specialist who is leading a study of Moderna shots in children.

“We don’t know what the exact contribution of the vaccine to these illnesses is,” Creech said. “Vaccine alone in absence of a preceding infection appears not to be a substantial trigger.’’

The analysis involved surveillance data for the first nine months of COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S., from December 2020 through August 2021. During that time, the FDA authorized Pfizer’s COVID-19 shots for ages 16 and up; expanded that in May to ages 12 through 15; and authorized Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson shots for ages 18 and up.

More than 21 million people aged 12 to 20 received at least one vaccine dose during that time. Twenty-one of them developed the inflammatory condition afterward. All had received Pfizer shots, the analysis found. Fifteen of the 21 had laboratory evidence of a previous COVID-19 infection that could have triggered the condition.

The remaining six had no evidence of a previous infection, but the researchers said they could not conclude definitively that they’d never had COVID-19 or some other infection that could have led to the inflammatory condition. Kids with COVID-19 often have no symptoms and many never get tested.

The results suggest that the inflammatory condition may occur after vaccination in 1 in 1 million children who have had COVID-19, and in 1 in 3 million who have no detectable evidence of previous COVID-19 infection.

Most kids who had COVID-19 don’t develop the post-infection illness, but it is estimated to happen at a significantly higher rate than both of those post-vaccination figures. In April to June 2020, the rate was 200 cases per million in unvaccinated infected people aged 12-20 in the U.S.

“Their findings overall are quite reassuring,” Dr. Mary Beth Son of Boston Children’s Hospital wrote in a commentary accompanying the study.

Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatrician-scientist at New York University Langone Health, said the results show that chances are “super rare” for the shots to prompt an immune response that could lead to the inflammatory condition. By contrast, there’s strong evidence that vaccination protects kids from getting COVID-19 as well as the condition, Ratner said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635537216378.png" alt="photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>By LINDSEY TANNER, Associated PressCOVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to trigger a rare inflammatory condition linked to coronavirus infection in children, according to an analysis of U.S. government data published Tuesday.The condition, formally known as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mis/index.html" target="_blank">multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children</a>, involves fever plus symptoms affecting at least two organs and often includes stomach pain, skin rash or bloodshot eyes. It’s a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-coronavirus-pandemic-05c95129b7e9877f3e714b278d3deb68">rare complication&nbsp;</a>in kids who have had COVID-19, and very rarely affects adults. The condition often leads to hospitalization, but most patients recover.First reported in the United Kingdom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-us-news-new-york-ny-state-wire-92f0d11dc10dbebc7e46c57d175f5317">in early 2020</a>, it is sometimes mistaken for Kawasaki disease, which can cause swelling and heart problems. Since February 2020, more than 6,800 cases have been reported in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.As part of COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring, the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration added the condition to a list of several potential adverse events of special interest. A few cases reported in people with no detectable evidence of coronavirus infection prompted researchers at the CDC and elsewhere to undertake the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/home" target="_blank">analysis</a>, which was published Tuesday in The Lancet Child &amp; Adolescent Health.The possibility that the vaccines could somehow prompt the condition is only theoretical and the analysis found no evidence that it did, said co-author Dr. Buddy Creech, a Vanderbilt University pediatric infectious disease specialist who is leading a study of Moderna shots in children.“We don’t know what the exact contribution of the vaccine to these illnesses is,” Creech said. “Vaccine alone in absence of a preceding infection appears not to be a substantial trigger.’’The analysis involved surveillance data for the first nine months of COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S., from December 2020 through August 2021. During that time, the FDA authorized Pfizer’s COVID-19 shots for ages 16 and up; expanded that in May to ages 12 through 15; and authorized Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson shots for ages 18 and up.More than 21 million people aged 12 to 20 received at least one vaccine dose during that time. Twenty-one of them developed the inflammatory condition afterward. All had received Pfizer shots, the analysis found. Fifteen of the 21 had laboratory evidence of a previous COVID-19 infection that could have triggered the condition.The remaining six had no evidence of a previous infection, but the researchers said they could not conclude definitively that they’d never had COVID-19 or some other infection that could have led to the inflammatory condition. Kids with COVID-19 often have no symptoms and many never get tested.The results suggest that the inflammatory condition may occur after vaccination in 1 in 1 million children who have had COVID-19, and in 1 in 3 million who have no detectable evidence of previous COVID-19 infection.Most kids who had COVID-19 don’t develop the post-infection illness, but it is estimated to happen at a significantly higher rate than both of those post-vaccination figures. In April to June 2020, the rate was 200 cases per million in unvaccinated infected people aged 12-20 in the U.S.“Their findings overall are quite reassuring,” Dr. Mary Beth Son of Boston Children’s Hospital wrote in a commentary accompanying the study.Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatrician-scientist at New York University Langone Health, said the results show that chances are “super rare” for the shots to prompt an immune response that could lead to the inflammatory condition. By contrast, there’s strong evidence that vaccination protects kids from getting COVID-19 as well as the condition, Ratner said.___

Report: COVID-19 shots unlikely to prompt rare inflammation in kids

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/22/law-would-give-nebraska-schools-funds-to-switch-out-native-american-mascots/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

The
 mascots of 22 Nebraska schools offend Jacqelle Lane. They come, she 
said, in the form of a chief, a brave, two chieftains, seven Indians and
 11 warriors.

Native-themed caricatures — often in warlike or demeaning poses — on gym walls, sports jerseys and megaphones mock
 a culture and do nothing to advance the attainment or self-esteem of 
Native American students, Lane testified at a legislative hearing 
Tuesday.

Rather, she said, they typically perpetuate an inaccurate message about Natives: “They’re not like you and me, they’re others.”

The
 policy teaching fellow for the Nebraska State Education Association was
 among nearly a dozen proponents delivering similar discontent to the 
Legislature’s Education Committee over Native American mascots used by 
schools with few to no Native student representation.



	Legislative Bill 1027, introduced by Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, drew no 
opponents, although two people sent letters objecting to the measure, 
which is designed to provide financial incentive for 22 Nebraska schools
 to voluntarily change their mascot.

With a more drastic ban on Native American mascots stalled in the courts
 of states such as Colorado, Hunt said she decided to take the 
different, financial incentive approach. Several called it a good start.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645633730994.png" alt="The Nebraska State Capitol Building on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, in Lincoln. (Rebecca S. Gratz for Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska State Capitol Building on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, in Lincoln. (Rebecca S. Gratz for Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/22/law-would-give-nebraska-schools-funds-to-switch-out-native-american-mascots/">Nebraska Examiner</a>The
 mascots of 22 Nebraska schools offend Jacqelle Lane. They come, she 
said, in the form of a chief, a brave, two chieftains, seven Indians and
 11 warriors.Native-themed caricatures — often in warlike or demeaning poses — on gym walls, sports jerseys and megaphones mock
 a culture and do nothing to advance the attainment or self-esteem of 
Native American students, Lane testified at a legislative hearing 
Tuesday.Rather, she said, they typically perpetuate an inaccurate message about Natives: “They’re not like you and me, they’re others.”The
 policy teaching fellow for the Nebraska State Education Association was
 among nearly a dozen proponents delivering similar discontent to the 
Legislature’s Education Committee over Native American mascots used by 
schools with few to no Native student representation.<h2>$200,000 per school</h2>

	Legislative Bill 1027, introduced by Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, drew no 
opponents, although two people sent letters objecting to the measure, 
which is designed to provide financial incentive for 22 Nebraska schools
 to voluntarily change their mascot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645633799651.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With a more drastic ban on Native American mascots stalled in the courts
 of states such as Colorado, Hunt said she decided to take the 
different, financial incentive approach. Several called it a good start.The
 Education Committee took no action on advancing the bill to the full 
Legislature for discussion. If ultimately approved, the bill would award
 up to $200,000 to each of the 22 schools to offset the cost of changing
 a mascot.The
 Nebraska Department of Education would establish procedures for the 
grants. Maximum output by the state would be $4.4 million, according to a
 fiscal analysis.Judi
 gaiashkibos, executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian 
Affairs, did not intend at first to give her full support to the 
proposal. She prefers an outright ban, she said, and felt that the 
retooled legislation “dangled a carrot, in a way bribing the schools to 
do the right thing.”&nbsp;After
 hearing others testify, she reconsidered. “Sometimes you have to do 
things that are creative to get the job done,” she said.<h2>Not everyone convinced</h2>

	“We’re not honored by these mascots,” gaiashkibos said. Of school 
mascots she’s aware of, she said, they depict&nbsp; either an animal or an 
Indian. “I don’t think that’s right.”Sen.
 Dave Murman of Glenvil, a member of the Education Committee, asked for 
studies and research that some speakers cited in linking the mascots 
with negative impacts and even suicide of young people. At one point, he
 said, he wasn’t convinced that the intent of schools is “always bad” or
 that schools want to be offensive.Testimony
 acknowledged that schools or communities may have originally adopted 
Native-themed icons or mascots to honor a tribe.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sen.
 Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln spoke up to say the concerning part is 
white people appropriating another culture and their sacred tribal 
symbols.