By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — St. Joseph teachers deciding to return to the classroom could
earn a nice bonus.

The St. Joseph School Board has approved a teacher incentive
program that will provide a $1,000 bonus to teachers informing the district
prior to March 1st that they will return.

Superintendent Doug Van Zyl says it will help the district
with its planning and hiring process.

“And we also feel like it’s a way to thank our folks that are
staying with us by giving them the opportunity to get a little bit of money in
their pocket,” Van Zyl tells the KFEQ Hotline. “It’s a thousand dollars, but
it’s minus your taxes and withholdings and things you have to have come out of
that. So, it’ll still be a nice little sum, but it does give us the opportunity
to be a little more proactive in that process.”

The St. Joseph district has more than 700 teachers.

Van Zyl says the district is finding it harder to replace
teachers who leave.

Van Zyl says teachers leave the district for a variety of
reasons.

“And that’s from retirements to folks that go someplace else,
folks that leave the district or go into some other type of job field,” Van Zyl
says. “That’s a pretty big chunk of our folks when you consider we’ve got about
700, 750 teachers in our school district.”

The St. Joseph School District received a grant from the state
that will pay for the bonuses.

The bonuses aren’t just for teachers. They also will be given
to any of the district’s certified personnel who inform the district of their
plans to return before the first of next month.

Van Zyl says the district has found that if they can retain
new teachers for a couple of years or so, they tend to want to stay.

“Once people get into the system and see what we’re trying to
do and what we’re doing to try to meet the needs of our kids and our staff, I
think after the first couple of years, they’re like, this isn’t exactly what
people make it out to be. It’s better. So, I do think that helps if they’re
able to hang around for a couple of years.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644597418692.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Schools Supt. Doug Van Zyl / file photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Schools Supt. Doug Van Zyl / file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — St. Joseph teachers deciding to return to the classroom could
earn a nice bonus.The St. Joseph School Board has approved a teacher incentive
program that will provide a $1,000 bonus to teachers informing the district
prior to March 1st that they will return.Superintendent Doug Van Zyl says it will help the district
with its planning and hiring process.“And we also feel like it’s a way to thank our folks that are
staying with us by giving them the opportunity to get a little bit of money in
their pocket,” Van Zyl tells the KFEQ Hotline. “It’s a thousand dollars, but
it’s minus your taxes and withholdings and things you have to have come out of
that. So, it’ll still be a nice little sum, but it does give us the opportunity
to be a little more proactive in that process.”The St. Joseph district has more than 700 teachers.Van Zyl says the district is finding it harder to replace
teachers who leave.Van Zyl says teachers leave the district for a variety of
reasons.“And that’s from retirements to folks that go someplace else,
folks that leave the district or go into some other type of job field,” Van Zyl
says. “That’s a pretty big chunk of our folks when you consider we’ve got about
700, 750 teachers in our school district.”The St. Joseph School District received a grant from the state
that will pay for the bonuses.The bonuses aren’t just for teachers. They also will be given
to any of the district’s certified personnel who inform the district of their
plans to return before the first of next month.Van Zyl says the district has found that if they can retain
new teachers for a couple of years or so, they tend to want to stay.“Once people get into the system and see what we’re trying to
do and what we’re doing to try to meet the needs of our kids and our staff, I
think after the first couple of years, they’re like, this isn’t exactly what
people make it out to be. It’s better. So, I do think that helps if they’re
able to hang around for a couple of years.”

Mo. school offers $1K bonus to teachers returning to classroom

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas felon charged in the Sept. 7, mass shooting at a Wichita night club and arrested in Arizona is facing a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20044181">Keshawn Dawson, 23 of Wichita, </a>was charged with 1st degree intentional murder, 1st degree murder in the commission of a felony, six counts of aggravated battery, and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Dawson is also charged in two separate cases for criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon for an incident on June 15, and&nbsp; criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia for use involving an arrest in January, according to the district attorney.

On Oct. 8, U.S. Marshals arrested Dawson in Phoenix Arizona., according to officer Charley Davidson. Dawson is being held on bond of five-million dollars for a shooting that killed 34-year-old Preston Spencer and injured six others with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

At approximately 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 7, officers responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosely.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims that were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; The investigation revealed Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was forced to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.

In addition, Dawson had active felony Sedgwick County warrants and was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634817510235.png" alt="Dawson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dawson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas felon charged in the Sept. 7, mass shooting at a Wichita night club and arrested in Arizona is facing a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20044181">Keshawn Dawson, 23 of Wichita, </a>was charged with 1st degree intentional murder, 1st degree murder in the commission of a felony, six counts of aggravated battery, and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Dawson is also charged in two separate cases for criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon for an incident on June 15, and&nbsp; criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia for use involving an arrest in January, according to the district attorney.On Oct. 8, U.S. Marshals arrested Dawson in Phoenix Arizona., according to officer Charley Davidson. Dawson is being held on bond of five-million dollars for a shooting that killed 34-year-old Preston Spencer and injured six others with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.At approximately 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 7, officers responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosely.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims that were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; The investigation revealed Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was forced to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.In addition, Dawson had active felony Sedgwick County warrants and was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions, according to Davidson.

Suspect in Kansas mass shooting faces preliminary hearing

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

GREAT BEND — Bruce Ball received a bill for over $1,800 from the City of
Great Bend after a piece of property he owns had trash and refuse removed. 2418
Lakin Avenue is rented out, but owned by Ball. 

After being notified by the
city, Ball asked the renter to remove the refuse that included a washer and a
hot tub. The tenant cleared the washer from the yard and broke the hot tub into
smaller pieces for hauling purposes but never removed the hot tub. 

The
abatement was approved by the Great Bend City Council at the Dec. 6 meeting. 

Because the city did not have the manpower to abate the property
themselves, they put the project out for bids and received one bid for $1,500. The
city then assigned their fees on top of the contractor’s. 
 
"When I was talking with code enforcement, they only had one person to 
bid it to," said Ball. "They said 'it sounds kind of expensive to me 
too, but it's not my money.' I think this is a really poor way of 
dealing with stuff." 
 
Ball was puzzled on how the charge to remove the broken-up hot tub could cost
so much as he noted it would take someone no longer than an hour to haul it
away.

According to the city’s ordinance, a first time charge for removing
refuse comes with a $100 per hour fee for the labor, $200 administrative fee
and $10 for equipment. Instead of a bill for $310, Ball received a charge for
$1,810 because the city did not have the manpower to do it themselves. 

Mayor
Cody Schmidt admitted the charge was high but did not see a way to alter the
fine without having hundreds of others demanding a price change. 
 
"We have several people that are habitual violators that choose to let 
the city clean it up at a fraction of the cost," said Schmidt. "That's 
why we raised fees. I do respect what you're saying. $1,500 is a lot of 
money. Unfortunately, we don't have the manpower but that's something we
 can definitely look into." 
 
Ball admitted fault in not following up with the tenant to make sure the hot
tub was removed after receiving the ordinance violation in the mail. Once the
abatement was approved in early December, the copy of the resolution was placed
on house telling the resident they have 5-7 days to take care of the problem.
Renting the house on Lakin, Ball was unaware of the final resolution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644591689412.png" alt="A screenshot from the Dec. 6 Great Bend City Council meeting showing the refuse at 2418 Lakin." />
 <figcaption>A screenshot from the Dec. 6 Great Bend City Council meeting showing the refuse at 2418 Lakin.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — Bruce Ball received a bill for over $1,800 from the City of
Great Bend after a piece of property he owns had trash and refuse removed. 2418
Lakin Avenue is rented out, but owned by Ball. After being notified by the
city, Ball asked the renter to remove the refuse that included a washer and a
hot tub. The tenant cleared the washer from the yard and broke the hot tub into
smaller pieces for hauling purposes but never removed the hot tub. The
abatement was approved by the Great Bend City Council at the Dec. 6 meeting. Because the city did not have the manpower to abate the property
themselves, they put the project out for bids and received one bid for $1,500. The
city then assigned their fees on top of the contractor’s. 
 
"When I was talking with code enforcement, they only had one person to 
bid it to," said Ball. "They said 'it sounds kind of expensive to me 
too, but it's not my money.' I think this is a really poor way of 
dealing with stuff." 
 
Ball was puzzled on how the charge to remove the broken-up hot tub could cost
so much as he noted it would take someone no longer than an hour to haul it
away. According to the city’s ordinance, a first time charge for removing
refuse comes with a $100 per hour fee for the labor, $200 administrative fee
and $10 for equipment. Instead of a bill for $310, Ball received a charge for
$1,810 because the city did not have the manpower to do it themselves. Mayor
Cody Schmidt admitted the charge was high but did not see a way to alter the
fine without having hundreds of others demanding a price change. 
 
"We have several people that are habitual violators that choose to let 
the city clean it up at a fraction of the cost," said Schmidt. "That's 
why we raised fees. I do respect what you're saying. $1,500 is a lot of 
money. Unfortunately, we don't have the manpower but that's something we
 can definitely look into." 
 
Ball admitted fault in not following up with the tenant to make sure the hot
tub was removed after receiving the ordinance violation in the mail. Once the
abatement was approved in early December, the copy of the resolution was placed
on house telling the resident they have 5-7 days to take care of the problem.
Renting the house on Lakin, Ball was unaware of the final resolution.

Great Bend resident puzzled over $1,800 bill to remove refuse

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced Thursday that Colton Donner, 27, pleaded guilty in federal court to threatening an African American man with a knife because of the man’s race, and in order to intimidate and interfere with the man’s right to fair housing, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to documents filed in connection with the plea, on Sept. 11, 2019, Donner was driving through a residential area of Paola, Kansas, when he saw the victim, an African American man, walking on the sidewalk. 

Donner stopped, got out of the car, and approached the victim while brandishing a knife. Donner threatened the victim, yelled racial slurs, and told the victim that Paola is a “white town.”

“Using racially motivated threats of violence to drive someone out of their home or community is a deplorable crime, and the Justice Department stands ready to use our nation’s hate crimes laws to hold perpetrators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Racially motivated hate crimes have no place in our society today. All people deserve to feel safe and secure living in their communities, regardless of race, color or national origin.”

“Every individual has the right to occupy a home free from racial discrimination, yet the defendant targeted the victim for no other reason than the victim’s race,” said Special Agent in Charge

Charles Dayoub of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “The defendant’s actions directly undermined the victim’s right to reside in a community in Paola, Kansas, and to enjoy the protections afforded under the federal civil rights act. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, have no tolerance for this type of fear and intimidation and are committed to protecting residents regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, national origin or familial status.”

Donner faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the civil rights offense.

The case was investigated by the Paola, Kansas Police Department, and the Kansas City Field Office of the FBI.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644535464463.png" alt="Donner-Photo Miami Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Donner-Photo Miami Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced Thursday that Colton Donner, 27, pleaded guilty in federal court to threatening an African American man with a knife because of the man’s race, and in order to intimidate and interfere with the man’s right to fair housing, according to the United State's Attorney.According to documents filed in connection with the plea, on Sept. 11, 2019, Donner was driving through a residential area of Paola, Kansas, when he saw the victim, an African American man, walking on the sidewalk. Donner stopped, got out of the car, and approached the victim while brandishing a knife. Donner threatened the victim, yelled racial slurs, and told the victim that Paola is a “white town.”“Using racially motivated threats of violence to drive someone out of their home or community is a deplorable crime, and the Justice Department stands ready to use our nation’s hate crimes laws to hold perpetrators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Racially motivated hate crimes have no place in our society today. All people deserve to feel safe and secure living in their communities, regardless of race, color or national origin.”“Every individual has the right to occupy a home free from racial discrimination, yet the defendant targeted the victim for no other reason than the victim’s race,” said Special Agent in ChargeCharles Dayoub of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “The defendant’s actions directly undermined the victim’s right to reside in a community in Paola, Kansas, and to enjoy the protections afforded under the federal civil rights act. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, have no tolerance for this type of fear and intimidation and are committed to protecting residents regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, national origin or familial status.”Donner faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the civil rights offense.The case was investigated by the Paola, Kansas Police Department, and the Kansas City Field Office of the FBI.&nbsp;

Kan. man admits threatening black man to get out of 'white town'

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in the Wichita suburb of Haysville.

Just after 1 p.m. Thursday, sheriff's deputies were sent to check the welfare of a man in the 200 block of east 86th Street South after a property owner noticed him lying next to their home, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

When deputies arrived to check on the man, later identified as a 23-year-old from Wichita, they discovered he was deceased and had suffered a gunshot wound.

 Detectives are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting death.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the victim's name.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in the Wichita suburb of Haysville.Just after 1 p.m. Thursday, sheriff's deputies were sent to check the welfare of a man in the 200 block of east 86th Street South after a property owner noticed him lying next to their home, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.When deputies arrived to check on the man, later identified as a 23-year-old from Wichita, they discovered he was deceased and had suffered a gunshot wound. Detectives are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting death.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the victim's name.

Sheriff: 23-year-old Kansas man found dead outside rural home

CULPEPER, Virginia (AP) — Unable to tame inflation that has worsened sharply under his watch, President Joe Biden stressed Thursday that his administration’s policies would cut prescription drug prices and make life more affordable for families.

He traveled to Culpeper, Virginia, on the heels of a dire inflation report on Thursday morning. Consumer prices jumped 7.5% over the year ending in January, as the sources of inflation have broadened on a monthly basis with increases in the costs of rent, electricity, clothes and household furnishings. The pandemic disrupted supply chains and government aid boosted consumer demand, causing prices for gasoline, food and other goods such as autos to rise earlier this year.

Inflation poses a triple threat for Biden. Prices at a 40-year peak have dimmed his public support and endangered his policy agenda, while efforts by the Federal Reserve to curb inflation could meaningfully slow the strong economic growth that had been a highlight of his first year.

“Inflation is up. It’s up.” Biden said. “But the fact is that if we’re able to do the things I’m talking about, it will bring down the cost for average families.”

The president said he will “work like the devil” to bring down gas prices and that “everyone has less money in their pockets today because of high drug costs,” as he pledged that his policies would give family budgets some breathing room. He said pharmaceutical companies should be able to make a profit, though they cannot price drugs at levels that hurt people’s financial wellbeing.

“The idea that you can charge whatever you want is just not going to happen.” the president said.

Biden’s trip to Virginia also served as an opportunity for him to start promoting his party’s candidates in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/midterm-elections">November’s midterm elections</a>. He appeared alongside Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is in danger of losing her seat representing a central Virginia district.

Spanberger said she welcomes any effort to lower prescription drug prices and told reporters that the effort was about a broader attempt to reduce inflation.

“That’s part and parcel of what we’re here talking about, right?” she said. “So when you’re worried about the gas pump or you’re worried about the cost of chicken in the grocery store, and your child is diabetic — all those things become impactful.”

Spanberger is one of several Democrats who have raised alarms about slipping support from voters. She suggested in a November interview with The New York Times that Biden had overreached with his plans for new government programs that recalled the Depression-era agenda of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

“Nobody elected him to be FDR; they elected him to be normal and stop the chaos,” she said.

<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/03/us/politics/democrat-losses-2022.html" target="_blank">After the article was published</a>, Spanberger said, she got a call from Biden, who said “this is President Roosevelt calling.” Biden was “belly laughing,” she said.

Prescription drugs remain a politically safe focal point for Biden’s visit, and Spanberger said the president was right to push forward on it.

“One of the most unsettling things for people is the inability to afford their prescription drugs,” she said.

The tougher question is how to blunt Republican criticism on inflation and convince skittish lawmakers such as West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin to back Biden’s pared down economic agenda. Manchin, the decisive Democratic vote, has said the priority should be on stopping inflation rather than on more government spending. Meanwhile, Republicans seized on Thursday’s inflation report to blast Biden for his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package for fueling the spike in prices.

“Rampant inflation and soaring prices are crushing, crushing the American people,” Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday in remarks on the Senate floor. “If you haven’t personally gotten a pay raise of 8% or more in the last year, then Democrats’ policies have given you a pay cut.”

A December poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found inflation and personal financial issues rising as priorities for Americans. In an open-ended question, 14% named inflation among their top priorities for the government to be working on this year, compared with almost nobody naming it a year before.

In an AP-NORC poll conducted in January, just 37% said they approved of Biden’s handling of the economy, down from 60% in March of 2021 and slightly lower than his overall approval rating, which stood at 43%.

Efforts to lower prescription drug costs have long been popular with voters, but bipartisan consensus has proved elusive. It’s unclear if there’s a political path forward for Biden’s plans in Congress.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-lifestyle-health-business-congress-2c8b47fc0d99bca7190d84894e00ea32">His proposals</a>&nbsp;include capping out-of-pocket medication costs for Medicare recipients at $2,000 per year and insulin at $35 per month. In addition, Medicare would be allowed to negotiate prices for a limited number of prescription drugs and drugmakers would be required to pay rebates if they raise costs faster than inflation.

“It’s safe to say that all of us can agree that prescription drugs are outrageously expensive in this country,” Biden said Dec. 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644525308229.png" alt="“Inflation is up. It’s up.” Biden said. “But the fact is that if we’re able to do the things I’m talking about, it will bring down the cost for average families.”-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>“Inflation is up. It’s up.” Biden said. “But the fact is that if we’re able to do the things I’m talking about, it will bring down the cost for average families.”-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>CULPEPER, Virginia (AP) — Unable to tame inflation that has worsened sharply under his watch, President Joe Biden stressed Thursday that his administration’s policies would cut prescription drug prices and make life more affordable for families.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1135986570495032%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=984" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>He traveled to Culpeper, Virginia, on the heels of a dire inflation report on Thursday morning. Consumer prices jumped 7.5% over the year ending in January, as the sources of inflation have broadened on a monthly basis with increases in the costs of rent, electricity, clothes and household furnishings. The pandemic disrupted supply chains and government aid boosted consumer demand, causing prices for gasoline, food and other goods such as autos to rise earlier this year.Inflation poses a triple threat for Biden. Prices at a 40-year peak have dimmed his public support and endangered his policy agenda, while efforts by the Federal Reserve to curb inflation could meaningfully slow the strong economic growth that had been a highlight of his first year.“Inflation is up. It’s up.” Biden said. “But the fact is that if we’re able to do the things I’m talking about, it will bring down the cost for average families.”The president said he will “work like the devil” to bring down gas prices and that “everyone has less money in their pockets today because of high drug costs,” as he pledged that his policies would give family budgets some breathing room. He said pharmaceutical companies should be able to make a profit, though they cannot price drugs at levels that hurt people’s financial wellbeing.“The idea that you can charge whatever you want is just not going to happen.” the president said.Biden’s trip to Virginia also served as an opportunity for him to start promoting his party’s candidates in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/midterm-elections">November’s midterm elections</a>. He appeared alongside Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is in danger of losing her seat representing a central Virginia district.Spanberger said she welcomes any effort to lower prescription drug prices and told reporters that the effort was about a broader attempt to reduce inflation.“That’s part and parcel of what we’re here talking about, right?” she said. “So when you’re worried about the gas pump or you’re worried about the cost of chicken in the grocery store, and your child is diabetic — all those things become impactful.”Spanberger is one of several Democrats who have raised alarms about slipping support from voters. She suggested in a November interview with The New York Times that Biden had overreached with his plans for new government programs that recalled the Depression-era agenda of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.“Nobody elected him to be FDR; they elected him to be normal and stop the chaos,” she said.<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/03/us/politics/democrat-losses-2022.html" target="_blank">After the article was published</a>, Spanberger said, she got a call from Biden, who said “this is President Roosevelt calling.” Biden was “belly laughing,” she said.Prescription drugs remain a politically safe focal point for Biden’s visit, and Spanberger said the president was right to push forward on it.“One of the most unsettling things for people is the inability to afford their prescription drugs,” she said.The tougher question is how to blunt Republican criticism on inflation and convince skittish lawmakers such as West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin to back Biden’s pared down economic agenda. Manchin, the decisive Democratic vote, has said the priority should be on stopping inflation rather than on more government spending. Meanwhile, Republicans seized on Thursday’s inflation report to blast Biden for his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package for fueling the spike in prices.“Rampant inflation and soaring prices are crushing, crushing the American people,” Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday in remarks on the Senate floor. “If you haven’t personally gotten a pay raise of 8% or more in the last year, then Democrats’ policies have given you a pay cut.”A December poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found inflation and personal financial issues rising as priorities for Americans. In an open-ended question, 14% named inflation among their top priorities for the government to be working on this year, compared with almost nobody naming it a year before.In an AP-NORC poll conducted in January, just 37% said they approved of Biden’s handling of the economy, down from 60% in March of 2021 and slightly lower than his overall approval rating, which stood at 43%.Efforts to lower prescription drug costs have long been popular with voters, but bipartisan consensus has proved elusive. It’s unclear if there’s a political path forward for Biden’s plans in Congress.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-lifestyle-health-business-congress-2c8b47fc0d99bca7190d84894e00ea32">His proposals</a>&nbsp;include capping out-of-pocket medication costs for Medicare recipients at $2,000 per year and insulin at $35 per month. In addition, Medicare would be allowed to negotiate prices for a limited number of prescription drugs and drugmakers would be required to pay rebates if they raise costs faster than inflation.“It’s safe to say that all of us can agree that prescription drugs are outrageously expensive in this country,” Biden said Dec. 6.

🎥Unable to tame inflation Biden attacks cost of prescription drugs

New
 data from the Federal Trade Commission show that more consumers than 
ever report falling prey to romance scammers. Consumers reported losing 
$547 million in 2021 alone.

A newly released <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/data-spotlight/2022/02/reports-romance-scams-hit-record-highs-2021">data spotlight</a>&nbsp;shows
 that in 2021 reported losses to romance scammers were up nearly 80 
percent compared to 2020, and the total reported lost over the past five
 years has now reached $1.3 billion. &nbsp;

Romance scammers draw 
people in using pictures stolen from around the internet, building false
 personas that seem just real enough to be true, but always having a 
reason never to meet in person. Eventually, the supposed suitor will ask
 for money from the unwitting consumer. The impact can be major, with a 
median loss of $2,400 reported to the FTC.

While many people 
report the romance scam started on a dating site or app, reports of 
romance scams originating from contact through social media were also 
common.

Another trend in 2021 was an increase in reports of 
romance scammers luring consumers into phony cryptocurrency investment 
schemes. According to the spotlight, consumers who paid romance scammers
 with cryptocurrency reported losing $139 million in total in 2021, more
 than any other payment amount. The median loss for consumers who 
reported paying a romance scammer with cryptocurrency was nearly 
$10,000. Nevertheless, consumers most often report sending money to 
romance scammers by using gift cards, with about a quarter of 2021 
reports citing gift cards as a payment method.

The FTC provides tips for consumers on how to spot romance scams and protect themselves at ftc.gov/romancescams.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCNew
 data from the Federal Trade Commission show that more consumers than 
ever report falling prey to romance scammers. Consumers reported losing 
$547 million in 2021 alone.A newly released <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/data-spotlight/2022/02/reports-romance-scams-hit-record-highs-2021">data spotlight</a>&nbsp;shows
 that in 2021 reported losses to romance scammers were up nearly 80 
percent compared to 2020, and the total reported lost over the past five
 years has now reached $1.3 billion. &nbsp;Romance scammers draw 
people in using pictures stolen from around the internet, building false
 personas that seem just real enough to be true, but always having a 
reason never to meet in person. Eventually, the supposed suitor will ask
 for money from the unwitting consumer. The impact can be major, with a 
median loss of $2,400 reported to the FTC.While many people 
report the romance scam started on a dating site or app, reports of 
romance scams originating from contact through social media were also 
common.Another trend in 2021 was an increase in reports of 
romance scammers luring consumers into phony cryptocurrency investment 
schemes. According to the spotlight, consumers who paid romance scammers
 with cryptocurrency reported losing $139 million in total in 2021, more
 than any other payment amount. The median loss for consumers who 
reported paying a romance scammer with cryptocurrency was nearly 
$10,000. Nevertheless, consumers most often report sending money to 
romance scammers by using gift cards, with about a quarter of 2021 
reports citing gift cards as a payment method.The FTC provides tips for consumers on how to spot romance scams and protect themselves at ftc.gov/romancescams.

Americans lost $547M to romance scams in 2021

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

ABILENE - The former Brookville Hotel property at Abilene is scheduled for a bank foreclosure sale next week.

The historic restaurant, which moved from Brookville to north of Interstate 70 at Abilene in 1999, is scheduled to be sold at 10 a.m.&nbsp; Monday&nbsp;in the new lobby of the Dickinson County Courthouse, located at 109 E. First Street, according to information from Kathy Hageman, Dickinson County public information coordinator.

The Brookville Hotel had ceased being a hotel and focused on its famous chicken dinners long before it moved to Abilene.

The sale was ordered by Dickinson County District Court on behalf of Pinnacle Bank, Hageman noted in a release. According to the legal notice, the order requires the restaurant property to be sold during a public auction to the "highest and best bidder for cash in hand."

Although the sale is a foreclosure sale and not a tax sale, taxes owed to Dickinson County on the property from 2016 to Monday are $200,053.90, according to Dickinson County Treasurer Leah Hern.

Additionally, the appraised value of the Brookville Hotel property is $636,330.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620134695687.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostABILENE - The former Brookville Hotel property at Abilene is scheduled for a bank foreclosure sale next week.The historic restaurant, which moved from Brookville to north of Interstate 70 at Abilene in 1999, is scheduled to be sold at 10 a.m.&nbsp; Monday&nbsp;in the new lobby of the Dickinson County Courthouse, located at 109 E. First Street, according to information from Kathy Hageman, Dickinson County public information coordinator.The Brookville Hotel had ceased being a hotel and focused on its famous chicken dinners long before it moved to Abilene.The sale was ordered by Dickinson County District Court on behalf of Pinnacle Bank, Hageman noted in a release. According to the legal notice, the order requires the restaurant property to be sold during a public auction to the "highest and best bidder for cash in hand."Although the sale is a foreclosure sale and not a tax sale, taxes owed to Dickinson County on the property from 2016 to Monday are $200,053.90, according to Dickinson County Treasurer Leah Hern.Additionally, the appraised value of the Brookville Hotel property is $636,330.

Brookville Hotel bank foreclosure sale Monday

EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — A federal appeals court has upheld findings in a long-running racial discrimination lawsuit against Emporia State University. 

The U. S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court finding that the university retaliated against Angelica Hale by not renewing her contract after she complained about racial discrimination during the 2014-2015 school year. 

But the court rejected Hale's request that she be awarded more back pay than she won in in 2020. Angelica Hale and her husband, Melvin Hale, who are Black, filed separate discrimination lawsuits in 2016. A jury dismissed Melvin Hale’s $10 million lawsuit against five school administrators in July 2019.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1563397656576.png" alt="Melvin Hale-photo courtesy Emporia State University" />
 <figcaption>Melvin Hale-photo courtesy Emporia State University</figcaption>
 </figure>EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — A federal appeals court has upheld findings in a long-running racial discrimination lawsuit against Emporia State University. The U. S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court finding that the university retaliated against Angelica Hale by not renewing her contract after she complained about racial discrimination during the 2014-2015 school year. But the court rejected Hale's request that she be awarded more back pay than she won in in 2020. Angelica Hale and her husband, Melvin Hale, who are Black, filed separate discrimination lawsuits in 2016. A jury dismissed Melvin Hale’s $10 million lawsuit against five school administrators in July 2019.

Court upholds findings in Emporia State racial discrimination lawsuit

GOP members question Winter’s politics, Lane’s leadership

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/10/senate-committee-set-to-pass-judgment-on-kellys-three-nominees-to-board-of-regents/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Senate Education 
Committee concluded three days of protracted and unusually tense 
hearings ahead of votes scheduled for Thursday on Democratic Gov. Laura 
Kelly’s three latest nominees to the Kansas Board of Regents.

In June, the bipartisan Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee 
unanimously recommended the full Senate confirm former banker and 
one-time state Sen. Wint Winter, retired public school district 
superintendent Cynthia Lane and former BNSF Railway executive Carl Ice 
to positions on the Board of Regents. Each has been serving as a voting 
member of the nine-member higher education board the past seven months.

The Senate Education’s Committee intervened in the process based on 
what was described as emergence of new information about the nominees. 
The committee’s interview Monday with Ice followed the tradition of 
focusing on a nominee’s professional, education and personal experiences
 guiding their service on the Board of Regents, which has oversight of 
more than 30 public universities and colleges.

The education committee’s approach when evaluating Lane on Tuesday 
and Winter on Wednesday took a different tone. They were questioned 
about higher education as well as issues as diverse as abortion, K-12 
school finance, Marxism, parental role models, COVID-19 vaccination 
mandates, attorney ethics, critical race theory, college sex crimes, 
special education, federal banking regulations, dyslexia and partisan 
politics.

“Where’s the Wint Winter I used to know?” said Sen. Beverly Gossage, a
 Republican from Eudora. “Do you support the Republican Party platform?”

She said it was troubling Winter was nominated to replace Helen Van 
Etten, who served as Republican National Committeewoman for Kansas when 
appointed to the Board of Regents in 2013 by then-Gov. Sam Brownback. 
Excluding the three Kelly nominees awaiting confirmation votes, three of
 six members of the Board of Regents previously served in the Kansas 
Legislature.

“Senator, I am a Republican. I have every intention of remaining a 
Republican,” said Winter, who served in the Senate for a decade and 
later worked with a group opposed to Brownback’s re-election as governor
 in 2014. “It’s the wide range of thoughts that make the Republican 
Party stronger, not weaker as some others may claim.”

Sen. Gene Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, asked Winter about 
Federal Reserve Board action in 2017 regarding allegedly deceptive 
residential mortgage practices by Peoples Bank of Lawrence. At that 
time, Winter was president and chief executive officer of the bank. A 
consent order signed by Winter to close the case led to the bank’s 
payment of $2.4 million to about 2,300 people.

Winter said the bank’s lawyers disputed the Federal Reserve Board’s 
novel assessment of mortgage lending practices at Peoples Bank, but he 
agreed to sign the consent order to avoid protracted and expensive 
litigation.

“I’m shocked to my core about any allegation that we did anything 
intentionally wrong. None of the allegations involved me personally or 
any of our employees,” Winter said. “It’s very, very difficult to fight 
the bureaucracy, the entrenched bureaucracy, particularly the federal 
government. If you’re a small bank, it becomes nearly impossible.”

Sen. Molly Baumgardner, R-Louisburg, said Lane made a lasting 
impression on her by recommending more than 10 years ago that the Kansas
 City, Kansas, public school district become a lead plaintiff in a 
school finance lawsuit against the state of Kansas. Lane was a prominent
 witness during the district court trial, which eventually led years 
later to a Kansas Supreme Court ruling that state funding of K-12 public
 education was unconstitutionally inadequate. That case was resolved 
when the Legislature agreed to increase state aid to public schools.

“As that slice of the pie continues to increase for K-12, what it has
 done is that it has squeezed the slice much smaller for our regents 
universities,” said Baumgardner, a critic of the Supreme Court decision.
 “We are one of the highest taxing states in the United States so we can
 pay that K-12 bill.”

Lane said the K-12 funding lawsuit was important to the future of 
impoverished children suffering from lack of educational spending by the
 Legislature.

She said she would strive to improve communication among higher 
education officials and legislators as a member of the Board of Regents.

“The reason we were in that position (as a plaintiff) in the first 
place was because we went to our corners and we didn’t communicate with 
each other,” Lane said. “You have a firm commitment from me in this work
 to communication, to problem solving, to finding some way forward we 
can all feel good about — to do what’s right for Kansas and Kansas 
kids.”

Baumgardner said Lane had failed a leadership test years ago by not 
publicly defending a child with disabilities who was improperly 
restrained in a Kansas City public school. The senator asked if Lane 
would take a stand against the Kansas high schools graduating students 
not academically prepared, a stand against student rapes on university 
campuses or a stand in support of implementation by colleges of a 
specific dyslexia curriculum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644517750422.png" alt="Sen. Beverly Gossage. R-Eudora, said she was disappointed former banker and one-time state Sen. Wint Winter had fallen down as a Republican and insisted on an explanation during his confirmation hearing for a seat on the Kansas Board of Regents. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Beverly Gossage. R-Eudora, said she was disappointed former banker and one-time state Sen. Wint Winter had fallen down as a Republican and insisted on an explanation during his confirmation hearing for a seat on the Kansas Board of Regents. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>GOP members question Winter’s politics, Lane’s leadership</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/10/senate-committee-set-to-pass-judgment-on-kellys-three-nominees-to-board-of-regents/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Senate Education 
Committee concluded three days of protracted and unusually tense 
hearings ahead of votes scheduled for Thursday on Democratic Gov. Laura 
Kelly’s three latest nominees to the Kansas Board of Regents.In June, the bipartisan Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee 
unanimously recommended the full Senate confirm former banker and 
one-time state Sen. Wint Winter, retired public school district 
superintendent Cynthia Lane and former BNSF Railway executive Carl Ice 
to positions on the Board of Regents. Each has been serving as a voting 
member of the nine-member higher education board the past seven months.The Senate Education’s Committee intervened in the process based on 
what was described as emergence of new information about the nominees. 
The committee’s interview Monday with Ice followed the tradition of 
focusing on a nominee’s professional, education and personal experiences
 guiding their service on the Board of Regents, which has oversight of 
more than 30 public universities and colleges.The education committee’s approach when evaluating Lane on Tuesday 
and Winter on Wednesday took a different tone. They were questioned 
about higher education as well as issues as diverse as abortion, K-12 
school finance, Marxism, parental role models, COVID-19 vaccination 
mandates, attorney ethics, critical race theory, college sex crimes, 
special education, federal banking regulations, dyslexia and partisan 
politics.“Where’s the Wint Winter I used to know?” said Sen. Beverly Gossage, a
 Republican from Eudora. “Do you support the Republican Party platform?”She said it was troubling Winter was nominated to replace Helen Van 
Etten, who served as Republican National Committeewoman for Kansas when 
appointed to the Board of Regents in 2013 by then-Gov. Sam Brownback. 
Excluding the three Kelly nominees awaiting confirmation votes, three of
 six members of the Board of Regents previously served in the Kansas 
Legislature.“Senator, I am a Republican. I have every intention of remaining a 
Republican,” said Winter, who served in the Senate for a decade and 
later worked with a group opposed to Brownback’s re-election as governor
 in 2014. “It’s the wide range of thoughts that make the Republican 
Party stronger, not weaker as some others may claim.”Sen. Gene Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, asked Winter about 
Federal Reserve Board action in 2017 regarding allegedly deceptive 
residential mortgage practices by Peoples Bank of Lawrence. At that 
time, Winter was president and chief executive officer of the bank. A 
consent order signed by Winter to close the case led to the bank’s 
payment of $2.4 million to about 2,300 people.Winter said the bank’s lawyers disputed the Federal Reserve Board’s 
novel assessment of mortgage lending practices at Peoples Bank, but he 
agreed to sign the consent order to avoid protracted and expensive 
litigation.“I’m shocked to my core about any allegation that we did anything 
intentionally wrong. None of the allegations involved me personally or 
any of our employees,” Winter said. “It’s very, very difficult to fight 
the bureaucracy, the entrenched bureaucracy, particularly the federal 
government. If you’re a small bank, it becomes nearly impossible.”Sen. Molly Baumgardner, R-Louisburg, said Lane made a lasting 
impression on her by recommending more than 10 years ago that the Kansas
 City, Kansas, public school district become a lead plaintiff in a 
school finance lawsuit against the state of Kansas. Lane was a prominent
 witness during the district court trial, which eventually led years 
later to a Kansas Supreme Court ruling that state funding of K-12 public
 education was unconstitutionally inadequate. That case was resolved 
when the Legislature agreed to increase state aid to public schools.“As that slice of the pie continues to increase for K-12, what it has
 done is that it has squeezed the slice much smaller for our regents 
universities,” said Baumgardner, a critic of the Supreme Court decision.
 “We are one of the highest taxing states in the United States so we can
 pay that K-12 bill.”Lane said the K-12 funding lawsuit was important to the future of 
impoverished children suffering from lack of educational spending by the
 Legislature.She said she would strive to improve communication among higher 
education officials and legislators as a member of the Board of Regents.“The reason we were in that position (as a plaintiff) in the first 
place was because we went to our corners and we didn’t communicate with 
each other,” Lane said. “You have a firm commitment from me in this work
 to communication, to problem solving, to finding some way forward we 
can all feel good about — to do what’s right for Kansas and Kansas 
kids.”Baumgardner said Lane had failed a leadership test years ago by not 
publicly defending a child with disabilities who was improperly 
restrained in a Kansas City public school. The senator asked if Lane 
would take a stand against the Kansas high schools graduating students 
not academically prepared, a stand against student rapes on university 
campuses or a stand in support of implementation by colleges of a 
specific dyslexia curriculum.

Kan. committee set to pass judgment on nominees to Board of Regents

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a violent domestic violence incident.

On Wednesday,&nbsp;the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force located a man wanted on requested charges for an incident that occurred in December, according to Topeka Police Lt. Shane Hilton.

Officers took Mitchel Holmes, 28, of Topeka, into custody and brought him to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with Detectives. Holmes was then taken to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and booked on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Intimidation of a victim/witness,&nbsp;Aggravated Assault, Domestic Battery and&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property, according to Hilton.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644503877644.png" alt="Holmes photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Holmes photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a violent domestic violence incident.On Wednesday,&nbsp;the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force located a man wanted on requested charges for an incident that occurred in December, according to Topeka Police Lt. Shane Hilton.Officers took Mitchel Holmes, 28, of Topeka, into custody and brought him to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with Detectives. Holmes was then taken to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and booked on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Intimidation of a victim/witness,&nbsp;Aggravated Assault, Domestic Battery and&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property, according to Hilton.

U.S. Marshal capture Kan. man wanted for alleged kidnapping

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 38-year-old man has been sentenced in the death of a Leavenworth man who was stabbed more than 25 times. 

Jeffery Samulczyk was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 25 years. He pleaded guilty in January to felony murder in the death of Joshua Gilson, whose body was found wrapped in plastic in the basement of his Leavenworth home in October 2020.

Investigators found text messages between Samulczyk and the victim's wife, discussing the murder and how to cover it up. Text messages also indicated that Alexandra Gilson and Jeffery Samulczyk were having an affair.

Alexandra, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder last year and was also sentenced to life in prison.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604404064511.png" alt="Samulczyk-photo Leavenworth Co." />
 <figcaption>Samulczyk-photo Leavenworth Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 38-year-old man has been sentenced in the death of a Leavenworth man who was stabbed more than 25 times. Jeffery Samulczyk was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 25 years. He pleaded guilty in January to felony murder in the death of Joshua Gilson, whose body was found wrapped in plastic in the basement of his Leavenworth home in October 2020.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604366540962.png" alt="Gilson photo Leavenworth Co." />
 <figcaption>Gilson photo Leavenworth Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators found text messages between Samulczyk and the victim's wife, discussing the murder and how to cover it up. Text messages also indicated that Alexandra Gilson and Jeffery Samulczyk were having an affair.Alexandra, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder last year and was also sentenced to life in prison.&nbsp;

Man texted Kansas woman on how to cover up husband's murder

Legislation raises residential exemption to $100,000 of assessed value

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/10/senate-weighing-bill-to-trim-property-tax-for-k-12-schools-by-150-million-annually/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Passage of property tax 
legislation in the Kansas Senate would exempt $100,000 of the assessed 
value on residential property from the 20-mill tax used by the state to 
finance public schools and would result in a decline of nearly $150 
million annually in state revenue.

Since 1997, state law has required the first $20,000 of assessed 
value to be exempted from the statewide mill levy for K-12 education. 
Under Senate Bill 431, that exemption from would be five times larger 
starting in tax year 2022.

A lobbyist for Kansas realtors endorsed the bill Thursday. No one 
stood in opposition to the measure. It was introduced by Sen. Caryn 
Tyson, a Parker Republican who chairs the Senate Assessment and Taxation
 Committee. She is seeking the GOP nomination for state treasurer in 
2022.

The Kansas Department of Revenue estimated the bill would curtail 
state property tax revenue by $147 million to $149 million each year.

To sustain state aid to public schools, the Legislature and Gov. 
Laura Kelly would need to increase appropriations from the state 
treasury by a corresponding amount.

Mark Tomb, of the Kansas Association of Realtors, said the 
organization endorsed the bill because the $20,000 exemption was no 
longer “meaningful” because it failed to keep pace with inflation in the
 price of homes. He said the real estate sector was burdened with 
excessive taxes by state and local government.

“While we realize the importance of many programs funded through 
property tax revenues, we believe tax revenues should be equitably 
collected from a variety of sources and encourage taxing jurisdictions 
to consider the negative impact to the housing market associated with 
any potential increase in property tax rates,” he said.

Jim Karleskint, a former state legislator representing United School 
Administrators, said the organization was neutral on the bill. However, 
he said, legislators should be wary of potential financial challenges of
 shifting away from a stable source of tax revenue for K-12 education to
 the state general fund subject to economic fluctuations and tax revenue
 twists and turns.

He recommended the Senate committee consider a gradual increase in 
the exemption to $40,000 or so rather than take the full step to 
$100,000. He said a potential sharp decline in overall state tax revenue
 could lead to legal challenges based on the school finance formula.

“We wish all citizens have the opportunity to reduce the amount that 
is paid in property taxes,” Karleskint said. “We encourage the committee
 to be cautious in their actions on this legislation.”

The Legislature is working on a wide array of tax reform bills 
intended to chip away at a projected $2.9 billion revenue surplus driven
 by federal emergency relief and resurgence of the state economy in wake
 of the COVID-19 pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644530973651.png" alt="Parker Republican Sen. Caryn Tyson, a candidate for state treasurer, introduced a bill that would increase to $100,000, from the current $20,000, the statewide residential property tax exemption tied to the 20-mill levy for public education. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Parker Republican Sen. Caryn Tyson, a candidate for state treasurer, introduced a bill that would increase to $100,000, from the current $20,000, the statewide residential property tax exemption tied to the 20-mill levy for public education. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislation raises residential exemption to $100,000 of assessed value</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/10/senate-weighing-bill-to-trim-property-tax-for-k-12-schools-by-150-million-annually/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Passage of property tax 
legislation in the Kansas Senate would exempt $100,000 of the assessed 
value on residential property from the 20-mill tax used by the state to 
finance public schools and would result in a decline of nearly $150 
million annually in state revenue.Since 1997, state law has required the first $20,000 of assessed 
value to be exempted from the statewide mill levy for K-12 education. 
Under Senate Bill 431, that exemption from would be five times larger 
starting in tax year 2022.A lobbyist for Kansas realtors endorsed the bill Thursday. No one 
stood in opposition to the measure. It was introduced by Sen. Caryn 
Tyson, a Parker Republican who chairs the Senate Assessment and Taxation
 Committee. She is seeking the GOP nomination for state treasurer in 
2022.The Kansas Department of Revenue estimated the bill would curtail 
state property tax revenue by $147 million to $149 million each year.To sustain state aid to public schools, the Legislature and Gov. 
Laura Kelly would need to increase appropriations from the state 
treasury by a corresponding amount.Mark Tomb, of the Kansas Association of Realtors, said the 
organization endorsed the bill because the $20,000 exemption was no 
longer “meaningful” because it failed to keep pace with inflation in the
 price of homes. He said the real estate sector was burdened with 
excessive taxes by state and local government.“While we realize the importance of many programs funded through 
property tax revenues, we believe tax revenues should be equitably 
collected from a variety of sources and encourage taxing jurisdictions 
to consider the negative impact to the housing market associated with 
any potential increase in property tax rates,” he said.Jim Karleskint, a former state legislator representing United School 
Administrators, said the organization was neutral on the bill. However, 
he said, legislators should be wary of potential financial challenges of
 shifting away from a stable source of tax revenue for K-12 education to
 the state general fund subject to economic fluctuations and tax revenue
 twists and turns.He recommended the Senate committee consider a gradual increase in 
the exemption to $40,000 or so rather than take the full step to 
$100,000. He said a potential sharp decline in overall state tax revenue
 could lead to legal challenges based on the school finance formula.“We wish all citizens have the opportunity to reduce the amount that 
is paid in property taxes,” Karleskint said. “We encourage the committee
 to be cautious in their actions on this legislation.”The Legislature is working on a wide array of tax reform bills 
intended to chip away at a projected $2.9 billion revenue surplus driven
 by federal emergency relief and resurgence of the state economy in wake
 of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kan. Senate weighs bill to trim property tax for K-12 schools by $150M

Another component of efforts to revitalize downtown Salina is about to get the green flag.

The Garage, 134 S. Fourth Street, is scheduled to open to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, however, a number of community leaders and invited guests were on hand at noon Thursday for a Salina Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony and a sneak peek at the automotive museum.

The facility includes 40,000 square feet of museum space, a training center, a library and lounge, a gift shop, a theater, a Turbo Trivia Tower, educational fueling stations, LEGO and Hot Wheels exhibits, driving simulators, welding and painting simulators, a seatbelt convincer ride, a car seat safety program, and curriculum resources.

The facility includes a number of historic automobiles and motorcycles, as well as automotive-related memorabilia, all on loan to the museum by area collectors. Additionally, the south wing of the facility is dedicated to featuring the Kustom Kemps of America Hall of Fame exhibit.

The Garage is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

For admission prices or more information about The Garage, go to <a href="http://thegaragesalina.org">thegaragesalina.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644524626729.jpeg" alt="Those attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony got a sneak peek at the automotive museum. Salina Post photos" />
 <figcaption>Those attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony got a sneak peek at the automotive museum. Salina Post photos</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTAnother component of efforts to revitalize downtown Salina is about to get the green flag.The Garage, 134 S. Fourth Street, is scheduled to open to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, however, a number of community leaders and invited guests were on hand at noon Thursday for a Salina Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony and a sneak peek at the automotive museum.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644524779108.jpeg" alt="The Turbo Trivia Tower at The Garage." />
 <figcaption>The Turbo Trivia Tower at The Garage.</figcaption>
 </figure>The facility includes 40,000 square feet of museum space, a training center, a library and lounge, a gift shop, a theater, a Turbo Trivia Tower, educational fueling stations, LEGO and Hot Wheels exhibits, driving simulators, welding and painting simulators, a seatbelt convincer ride, a car seat safety program, and curriculum resources.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644524869883.jpeg" alt="The Garage also has interactive exhibits, including a welding simulator donated by Salina Area Technical College." />
 <figcaption>The Garage also has interactive exhibits, including a welding simulator donated by Salina Area Technical College.</figcaption>
 </figure>The facility includes a number of historic automobiles and motorcycles, as well as automotive-related memorabilia, all on loan to the museum by area collectors. Additionally, the south wing of the facility is dedicated to featuring the Kustom Kemps of America Hall of Fame exhibit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644525297535.jpeg" alt="The facility also includes a wing for Kustom Kemps vehicles." />
 <figcaption>The facility also includes a wing for Kustom Kemps vehicles.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Garage is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.For admission prices or more information about The Garage, go to <a href="http://thegaragesalina.org">thegaragesalina.org</a>.

New automotive museum set to open in downtown Salina

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas and Wichita State University will split an $11 million gift to provide full-ride scholarships to undergraduates, according to a news release issued Wednesday.

Both schools will get $5.5 million from the estate of Richard “Dick” Smith, who founded the Range Oil Company in Wichita in 1964.

Smith, who graduated from the University of Kansas in 1954 and later graduated from Harvard, died in January 2021, according to the release.

“Dick believed that a college education could have an incomparable impact on the direction an individual’s life could take, “ said his widow, Sondra Langel. “His family and friends join in celebrating the opportunities his scholarships will create for thousands of young Kansas students.”

At Wichita State, undergraduates in any field of study will be eligible for the scholarships. At Kansas, the money will be divided between students studying geology and general scholarships.

Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in geology at Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644493593676.png" alt="Wichita State president&nbsp;Richard D. Muma&nbsp;and University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod join members of the Smith family -photo by Annelise Muret- courtesy Wichita State University" />
 <figcaption>Wichita State president&nbsp;Richard D. Muma&nbsp;and University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod join members of the Smith family -photo by Annelise Muret- courtesy Wichita State University</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas and Wichita State University will split an $11 million gift to provide full-ride scholarships to undergraduates, according to a news release issued Wednesday.Both schools will get $5.5 million from the estate of Richard “Dick” Smith, who founded the Range Oil Company in Wichita in 1964.Smith, who graduated from the University of Kansas in 1954 and later graduated from Harvard, died in January 2021, according to the release.“Dick believed that a college education could have an incomparable impact on the direction an individual’s life could take, “ said his widow, Sondra Langel. “His family and friends join in celebrating the opportunities his scholarships will create for thousands of young Kansas students.”At Wichita State, undergraduates in any field of study will be eligible for the scholarships. At Kansas, the money will be divided between students studying geology and general scholarships.Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in geology at Kansas.

KU, Wichita State split $11 million gift for full-ride scholarships

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-09/a-kansas-principal-shared-a-video-about-speaking-up-against-racism-he-was-ordered-to-apologize">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA&nbsp;— A Kansas high school principal was forced to apologize for showing a video about white privilege during an employee meeting.

Tim
 Hamblin, principal at Derby High School, shared a four-minute video 
during a staff in-service day last month that featured Black author Joy 
DeGruy. In it, the author relates a story about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf9QBnPK6Yg" target="_blank">being treated differently at a store</a> because of her race, and how a lighter-skinned family member spoke up for her.

“She
 used her white privilege to educate and make right a situation that was
 wrong,” DeGruy says in the 2011 video. “That’s what you can do every 
single day.”

Members of the Derby High girls basketball team were 
shown the same video in response to race-based comments made toward some
 team members on social media late last year.

Hamblin shared the 
video with staff members in January so they would be aware of what the 
students had seen, he explained in the email.

A teacher who 
attended the meeting told a Derby school board member the video was 
offensive and created a hostile work environment. The board member then 
directed Hamblin to apologize for showing it.

“The point was 
nothing more than to share what some of our kids were dealing with and 
one thing that they would see to try and help them get through it,” 
Hamblin said in the email.

“I apologize to anyone that felt the 
video or its content which reference white privilege made them feel 
uncomfortable, awkward, harassed, or that it created a hostile work 
environment.”

Hamblin declined to comment for this story.

Superintendent
 Heather Bohaty “is aware of the email you’re referencing and didn’t 
have further details or comments to share,” said district spokeswoman 
Katie Carlson in an email.

“The (school) Board as a whole had made
 no directive regarding specific videos or teaching materials of this 
type,” Carlson said.

School board president Michael Blankenship would not say which board member contacted Hamblin.

“This
 email was intended between him and his staff,” Blankenship said in an 
email to KMUW. “We respect the opinions and views of all our staff and 
work to maintain an environment where we support all students and 
staff.”

The episode illustrates an <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-12-13/conservatives-see-critical-race-theory-in-anti-racist-schooling-and-they-want-it-gone-from-kansas" target="_blank">ongoing debate over lessons about racism</a>
 and discrimination in Kansas schools. Critics say schools’ efforts to 
promote diversity can breed white guilt and accelerate racial conflict.

During
 a recent discussion about critical race theory in the Kansas 
Legislature, Rep. Patrick Penn, a Republican from Wichita, decried some 
school districts’ efforts to promote anti-racism.

“They reject 
wholeheartedly the theory or the notion of colorblindness. … They look 
at everything through a racial lens,” Penn said.

Tamara Seyler-James, a parent in the Blue Valley school district, also objected to themes of implicit bias or white privilege.

Public
 schools “drive the conversation exclusively toward the topic of … 
whites behaving badly, as opposed to balancing the equation and stating 
that everybody, no matter their skin color, is human, and is flawed and 
could commit the sin of bias and racism,” Seyler-James said. “I find 
that problematic.”

A conservative majority was elected to the Derby school board in November.

Blankenship, the board president, was one of two parents to <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/education/article251170139.html" target="_blank">sue the Derby district</a> over its mask requirement. As one of its first orders of business last month, the Derby board <a href="http://www.derbyinformer.com/news/derby_news/derby-school-board-strips-covid-mask-mandate/article_e010225e-72ec-11ec-ab1f-a34405a0a980.html" target="_blank">eliminated any mask mandates</a>.

In
 a post on his campaign Facebook page in October, Blankenship listed 
“items and issues that have come to my attention by members of our 
community, parents and teachers.”

The list includes “CRT in school
 curriculum / changing or skewing historical facts about the foundation 
of our country” and “parents being limited or prevented in speaking out 
to school board members or meetings.”

In
 the video shared in Derby, DeGruy, who is Black, talks about being in a
 grocery store with her biracial sister-in-law, who looks “whiter than 
most white folks.”

The sister-in-law writes a check for her 
groceries without incident. Immediately after that, DeGruy writes a 
check and is asked for two forms of identification. Then the cashier 
“pulls out the ‘bad check’ book” and searches it for DeGruy’s license.

“I’m
 standing there trying to decide what to do, and it’s really deeply 
humiliating,” DeGruy says in the video. “My sister-in-law walks back 
over, and she steps in, and she says, ‘Excuse me, why are you doing 
this?’”

The sister-in-law points out inconsistencies to the cashier and then to the store manager.

“So
 you see, she used her white privilege,” DeGruy says. “And even though 
Kathleen is half black and half white, she recognizes what that means, 
and she made the statement. She pointed out the injustice and she, as a 
result of that one act, influenced everyone in that space.”

It’s 
unclear which Derby High staff member complained to school board members
 about the video. The board member told Hamblin the employee “feared 
retaliation for sharing their concerns,” he said in the email.

“I 
can guarantee there is not a single member(s) of this staff that can 
produce one piece of evidence I have ever retaliated against anyone as 
the Principal of Derby High School,” he added.

A letter supporting
 Hamblin circulated through Derby High School this week, as some 
teachers gathered signatures in hopes of sharing the letter with school 
board members.

“Mr. Hamblin at no time suggested that we were bad people nor did he call anyone out or try to shame anyone,” the letter says.

“On
 the contrary, he provided an outlet to discuss an issue that is at the 
forefront of our society right now. Derby has a checkered history 
handling race issues. … Mr. Hamblin has always done his best to help us 
recognize that there is a world outside our bubble of white privilege. 
It is time members of this board do the same.”

Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644504632159.png" alt="In a 2011 video, author Joy DeGruy relates a story about being treated differently at a store because of her race, and how a lighter-skinned family member spoke up for her. WorldTrustTV / YouTube" />
 <figcaption>In a 2011 video, author Joy DeGruy relates a story about being treated differently at a store because of her race, and how a lighter-skinned family member spoke up for her. WorldTrustTV / YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-09/a-kansas-principal-shared-a-video-about-speaking-up-against-racism-he-was-ordered-to-apologize">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA&nbsp;— A Kansas high school principal was forced to apologize for showing a video about white privilege during an employee meeting.Tim
 Hamblin, principal at Derby High School, shared a four-minute video 
during a staff in-service day last month that featured Black author Joy 
DeGruy. In it, the author relates a story about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf9QBnPK6Yg" target="_blank">being treated differently at a store</a> because of her race, and how a lighter-skinned family member spoke up for her.“She
 used her white privilege to educate and make right a situation that was
 wrong,” DeGruy says in the 2011 video. “That’s what you can do every 
single day.”Members of the Derby High girls basketball team were 
shown the same video in response to race-based comments made toward some
 team members on social media late last year.Hamblin shared the 
video with staff members in January so they would be aware of what the 
students had seen, he explained in the email.A teacher who 
attended the meeting told a Derby school board member the video was 
offensive and created a hostile work environment. The board member then 
directed Hamblin to apologize for showing it.“The point was 
nothing more than to share what some of our kids were dealing with and 
one thing that they would see to try and help them get through it,” 
Hamblin said in the email.“I apologize to anyone that felt the 
video or its content which reference white privilege made them feel 
uncomfortable, awkward, harassed, or that it created a hostile work 
environment.”Hamblin declined to comment for this story.Superintendent
 Heather Bohaty “is aware of the email you’re referencing and didn’t 
have further details or comments to share,” said district spokeswoman 
Katie Carlson in an email.“The (school) Board as a whole had made
 no directive regarding specific videos or teaching materials of this 
type,” Carlson said.School board president Michael Blankenship would not say which board member contacted Hamblin.“This
 email was intended between him and his staff,” Blankenship said in an 
email to KMUW. “We respect the opinions and views of all our staff and 
work to maintain an environment where we support all students and 
staff.”<h2>A larger debate</h2>The episode illustrates an <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-12-13/conservatives-see-critical-race-theory-in-anti-racist-schooling-and-they-want-it-gone-from-kansas" target="_blank">ongoing debate over lessons about racism</a>
 and discrimination in Kansas schools. Critics say schools’ efforts to 
promote diversity can breed white guilt and accelerate racial conflict.During
 a recent discussion about critical race theory in the Kansas 
Legislature, Rep. Patrick Penn, a Republican from Wichita, decried some 
school districts’ efforts to promote anti-racism.“They reject 
wholeheartedly the theory or the notion of colorblindness. … They look 
at everything through a racial lens,” Penn said.Tamara Seyler-James, a parent in the Blue Valley school district, also objected to themes of implicit bias or white privilege.Public
 schools “drive the conversation exclusively toward the topic of … 
whites behaving badly, as opposed to balancing the equation and stating 
that everybody, no matter their skin color, is human, and is flawed and 
could commit the sin of bias and racism,” Seyler-James said. “I find 
that problematic.”A conservative majority was elected to the Derby school board in November.Blankenship, the board president, was one of two parents to <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/education/article251170139.html" target="_blank">sue the Derby district</a> over its mask requirement. As one of its first orders of business last month, the Derby board <a href="http://www.derbyinformer.com/news/derby_news/derby-school-board-strips-covid-mask-mandate/article_e010225e-72ec-11ec-ab1f-a34405a0a980.html" target="_blank">eliminated any mask mandates</a>.In
 a post on his campaign Facebook page in October, Blankenship listed 
“items and issues that have come to my attention by members of our 
community, parents and teachers.”The list includes “CRT in school
 curriculum / changing or skewing historical facts about the foundation 
of our country” and “parents being limited or prevented in speaking out 
to school board members or meetings.”<h2>Pointing out injustice</h2>In
 the video shared in Derby, DeGruy, who is Black, talks about being in a
 grocery store with her biracial sister-in-law, who looks “whiter than 
most white folks.”The sister-in-law writes a check for her 
groceries without incident. Immediately after that, DeGruy writes a 
check and is asked for two forms of identification. Then the cashier 
“pulls out the ‘bad check’ book” and searches it for DeGruy’s license.“I’m
 standing there trying to decide what to do, and it’s really deeply 
humiliating,” DeGruy says in the video. “My sister-in-law walks back 
over, and she steps in, and she says, ‘Excuse me, why are you doing 
this?’”The sister-in-law points out inconsistencies to the cashier and then to the store manager.“So
 you see, she used her white privilege,” DeGruy says. “And even though 
Kathleen is half black and half white, she recognizes what that means, 
and she made the statement. She pointed out the injustice and she, as a 
result of that one act, influenced everyone in that space.”It’s 
unclear which Derby High staff member complained to school board members
 about the video. The board member told Hamblin the employee “feared 
retaliation for sharing their concerns,” he said in the email.“I 
can guarantee there is not a single member(s) of this staff that can 
produce one piece of evidence I have ever retaliated against anyone as 
the Principal of Derby High School,” he added.A letter supporting
 Hamblin circulated through Derby High School this week, as some 
teachers gathered signatures in hopes of sharing the letter with school 
board members.“Mr. Hamblin at no time suggested that we were bad people nor did he call anyone out or try to shame anyone,” the letter says.“On
 the contrary, he provided an outlet to discuss an issue that is at the 
forefront of our society right now. Derby has a checkered history 
handling race issues. … Mr. Hamblin has always done his best to help us 
recognize that there is a world outside our bubble of white privilege. 
It is time members of this board do the same.”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

Kan. principal ordered to apologize for showing video on racism

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/stretch-of-highway-near-greeley-is-named-after-former-husker-punter-sam-foltz/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

A small Nebraska town has won approval to memorialize a local football hero.

A portion of Nebraska Highway 56 near Greeley has now been officially designated as the “Sam Foltz Memorial Highway.”

Foltz,
 whose family is from the Greeley area, was a star punter for the 
Huskers until being tragically killed in a vehicle accident in Wisconsin
 in July 2016.

Foltz
 attended Grand Island High School and joined the University of Nebraska
 football team as a walk-on, meaning he wasn’t given a scholarship. But 
he eventually earned a scholarship and blossomed into the Big 10 punter 
of the year in 2015. Foltz was seen as a prime prospect for the NFL.

Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a resolution last week naming a 12.9-mile segment of Highway 56 after Foltz. Five generations of the Foltz family have farmed along that stretch of highway, including Sam Foltz’s parents, Gerald and Jill Foltz.

The
 Greeley Citizen reported that the naming project was launched by a 
local committee of citizens led by Mary Ann McQuillan of Greeley. A 
fund-raising campaign has been launched through the First National Bank in Greeley to defray costs of signage along the highway.

The State Highway Commission, which governs the naming of highways, approved the request in December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644528135398.png" alt="Sam Foltz was a star punter with the Nebraska Cornhuskers until tragically killed in an accident. (Scott Bruhn/University of Nebraska Communications)" />
 <figcaption>Sam Foltz was a star punter with the Nebraska Cornhuskers until tragically killed in an accident. (Scott Bruhn/University of Nebraska Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/stretch-of-highway-near-greeley-is-named-after-former-husker-punter-sam-foltz/">Nebraska Examiner</a>A small Nebraska town has won approval to memorialize a local football hero.A portion of Nebraska Highway 56 near Greeley has now been officially designated as the “Sam Foltz Memorial Highway.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644528231921.jpeg" alt="Former Nebraska punter Sam Foltz (Scott Bruhn/University of Nebraska Communications)" />
 <figcaption>Former Nebraska punter Sam Foltz (Scott Bruhn/University of Nebraska Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>Foltz,
 whose family is from the Greeley area, was a star punter for the 
Huskers until being tragically killed in a vehicle accident in Wisconsin
 in July 2016.Foltz
 attended Grand Island High School and joined the University of Nebraska
 football team as a walk-on, meaning he wasn’t given a scholarship. But 
he eventually earned a scholarship and blossomed into the Big 10 punter 
of the year in 2015. Foltz was seen as a prime prospect for the NFL.Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a resolution last week naming a 12.9-mile segment of Highway 56 after Foltz. Five generations of the Foltz family have farmed along that stretch of highway, including Sam Foltz’s parents, Gerald and Jill Foltz.The
 Greeley Citizen reported that the naming project was launched by a 
local committee of citizens led by Mary Ann McQuillan of Greeley. A 
fund-raising campaign has been launched through the First National Bank in Greeley to defray costs of signage along the highway.The State Highway Commission, which governs the naming of highways, approved the request in December.