KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging a Kansas City, Kansas man with one count of bank robbery and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, in September 2021, Davonte Chaney, 29, allegedly used a semi-automatic pistol to rob Truity Credit Union on West 31st Street in Lawrence, Kansas.&nbsp;

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Lawrence, Kansas Police Department investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635251246746.png" alt="Chaney-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Chaney-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging a Kansas City, Kansas man with one count of bank robbery and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, in September 2021, Davonte Chaney, 29, allegedly used a semi-automatic pistol to rob Truity Credit Union on West 31st Street in Lawrence, Kansas.&nbsp;The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Lawrence, Kansas Police Department investigated the case.

Indictment: Man used semi-automatic pistol during Kan. bank robbery

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man is awaiting sentencing for the murder of his mother.

On Oct. 24, 46-year-old David E. Wood, Jr. of Topeka entered a guilty plea to second degree intentional murder for the 2019 beating death of&nbsp;69-year-old Kyong “Carol” Wood, of Topeka, according to the Shawnee County District Attorney's office.

&nbsp;On June 16, 2019, law enforcement was dispatched to 1501 SW Tyler at 11:59 AM. Officers briefly entered the residence due to the nature of the call and they immediately located Kyong Wood, already deceased, just inside the residence. 

Believing the suspect to still be in the residence, law enforcement backed out and set up a perimeter. After a nearly 5-hour standoff, law enforcement utilized tear gas and, at that time, David E. Wood, Jr. exited the residence and was taken into custody and charged with the murder.

Wood faces a minimum of 44-years in prison, according to a statement from the DA's office. Sentencing is set for Dec. 21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635503373096.png" alt="Wood-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wood-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man is awaiting sentencing for the murder of his mother.On Oct. 24, 46-year-old David E. Wood, Jr. of Topeka entered a guilty plea to second degree intentional murder for the 2019 beating death of&nbsp;69-year-old Kyong “Carol” Wood, of Topeka, according to the Shawnee County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;On June 16, 2019, law enforcement was dispatched to 1501 SW Tyler at 11:59 AM. Officers briefly entered the residence due to the nature of the call and they immediately located Kyong Wood, already deceased, just inside the residence. Believing the suspect to still be in the residence, law enforcement backed out and set up a perimeter. After a nearly 5-hour standoff, law enforcement utilized tear gas and, at that time, David E. Wood, Jr. exited the residence and was taken into custody and charged with the murder.Wood faces a minimum of 44-years in prison, according to a statement from the DA's office. Sentencing is set for Dec. 21.

Kansas man awaits sentencing for the murder of his mother

MOLINE, IL. (AP) —Farm equipment manufacturer Deere &amp; Co. reached a tentative labor agreement Saturday with the United Auto Workers union.

But a UAW strike that began Oct. 14 will continue -- and details of the proposed contract will not be released -- while workers study the terms of the agreement in advance of a vote.

The pact would cover more than 10,000 production and maintenance workers at 12 Deere sites in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas.

The strike began after UAW workers overwhelmingly rejected an initial proposed contract that would have delivered immediate 5% raises for some workers and 6% for others depending on their positions at Deere factories. The pact also called for 3% raises in 2023 and 2025.

After the first deal was rejected, UAW “negotiators focused on improving the areas of concern identified by our members,’’ said Chuck Browning, director of the union’s farm equipment department.

The U.S. economy’s unexpectedly strong rebound from last year’s brief but intense coronavirus recession has created labor shortages -- and handed workers more leverage to demand higher pay and better benefits.

The contract talks come as strong sales this year helped Moline, Illinois-based Deere report $4.7 billion net income for the first nine months of its fiscal year, which was more than double the $2 billion it reported a year ago.

The company is expecting to earn more than $5.7 billion this fiscal year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634596496067.png" alt="The strike began Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.-Photo courtesy WQAD TV" />
 <figcaption>The strike began Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.-Photo courtesy WQAD TV</figcaption>
 </figure>MOLINE, IL. (AP) —Farm equipment manufacturer Deere &amp; Co. reached a tentative labor agreement Saturday with the United Auto Workers union.But a UAW strike that began Oct. 14 will continue -- and details of the proposed contract will not be released -- while workers study the terms of the agreement in advance of a vote.The pact would cover more than 10,000 production and maintenance workers at 12 Deere sites in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas.The strike began after UAW workers overwhelmingly rejected an initial proposed contract that would have delivered immediate 5% raises for some workers and 6% for others depending on their positions at Deere factories. The pact also called for 3% raises in 2023 and 2025.After the first deal was rejected, UAW “negotiators focused on improving the areas of concern identified by our members,’’ said Chuck Browning, director of the union’s farm equipment department.The U.S. economy’s unexpectedly strong rebound from last year’s brief but intense coronavirus recession has created labor shortages -- and handed workers more leverage to demand higher pay and better benefits.The contract talks come as strong sales this year helped Moline, Illinois-based Deere report $4.7 billion net income for the first nine months of its fiscal year, which was more than double the $2 billion it reported a year ago.The company is expecting to earn more than $5.7 billion this fiscal year.

Deere, UAW reach tentative pact; strike continues for now

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — A&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;sheriff’s deputy caught on dashcam video running over a Black man who was fleeing shirtless across a field is now working at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility while under criminal investigation, according to the attorney for the injured man.

Lionel Womack, a former police detective from Kansas City, Kansas, alleges in an excessive force lawsuit filed last year that Kiowa County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy Rodriguez intentionally drove over him during the Aug. 15, 2020, incident that was captured on dashcam video. Womack says he sustained serious injuries to his back, pelvis, and right thigh, knee and foot.

In a court filing responding to the lawsuit, Rodriguez denied he intentionally swerved his truck to run over Womack. The deputy said he learned later that Womack did not possess a weapon.

Rodriguez is under criminal investigation by federal and state authorities over the incident.

Attorney Michael Kuckelman, who represents Womack, wrote in a letter Tuesday to Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jefferey Zmuda and Warden Dan Schnurr that he was “shocked” to learn in a deposition that they would employ Rodriguez, who works as a master sergeant at the facility.

Kuckelman encouraged them to discuss the ongoing criminal investigations with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

William Townsley, who represents Rodriguez, told The Associated Press Wednesday that they will review the communications and would respond later. A spokesman for the state Department of Corrections said in an email that they are trying to determine the department's position on this and will follow up “at a more appropriate time.”

Rodriguez testified in his deposition that he was asked by the Department of Corrections to work at the Hutchinson prison, despite the fact that he remains under criminal investigation and is on administrative suspension from the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office, according to Kuckelman's letter. He testified that the decision to allow him to work at the prison was made by the Zmuda and Schnurr.

Kuckelman in his letter urged them to review the videos of Rodriguez running down Womack, and to consider whether it's appropriate to have him responsible for supervising prisoners and other prison guards.

"Master Sergeant Rodriguez has been employed by at least 15 different law enforcement agencies and multiple jails/prisons," Kuckelman wrote. “It is time to weed Master Sergeant out of all forms of law enforcement and cease covering or overlooking his misconduct as a law enforcement officer.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608224627585.png" alt="Image from the dashcam video / courtesy Attorney Michael Kuckelman" />
 <figcaption>Image from the dashcam video / courtesy Attorney Michael Kuckelman</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROXANA HEGEMANBELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — A&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;sheriff’s deputy caught on dashcam video running over a Black man who was fleeing shirtless across a field is now working at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility while under criminal investigation, according to the attorney for the injured man.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608219106986.png" alt="Womack-from his brief time in Pratt Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Womack-from his brief time in Pratt Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Lionel Womack, a former police detective from Kansas City, Kansas, alleges in an excessive force lawsuit filed last year that Kiowa County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy Rodriguez intentionally drove over him during the Aug. 15, 2020, incident that was captured on dashcam video. Womack says he sustained serious injuries to his back, pelvis, and right thigh, knee and foot.In a court filing responding to the lawsuit, Rodriguez denied he intentionally swerved his truck to run over Womack. The deputy said he learned later that Womack did not possess a weapon.Rodriguez is under criminal investigation by federal and state authorities over the incident.Attorney Michael Kuckelman, who represents Womack, wrote in a letter Tuesday to Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jefferey Zmuda and Warden Dan Schnurr that he was “shocked” to learn in a deposition that they would employ Rodriguez, who works as a master sergeant at the facility.Kuckelman encouraged them to discuss the ongoing criminal investigations with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.William Townsley, who represents Rodriguez, told The Associated Press Wednesday that they will review the communications and would respond later. A spokesman for the state Department of Corrections said in an email that they are trying to determine the department's position on this and will follow up “at a more appropriate time.”Rodriguez testified in his deposition that he was asked by the Department of Corrections to work at the Hutchinson prison, despite the fact that he remains under criminal investigation and is on administrative suspension from the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office, according to Kuckelman's letter. He testified that the decision to allow him to work at the prison was made by the Zmuda and Schnurr.Kuckelman in his letter urged them to review the videos of Rodriguez running down Womack, and to consider whether it's appropriate to have him responsible for supervising prisoners and other prison guards."Master Sergeant Rodriguez has been employed by at least 15 different law enforcement agencies and multiple jails/prisons," Kuckelman wrote. “It is time to weed Master Sergeant out of all forms of law enforcement and cease covering or overlooking his misconduct as a law enforcement officer.”

Attorney: Deputy who ran over Black man now works at Kan. prison

By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-10-28/jose-peppers-agrees-to-1-75-million-settlement-with-its-servers-over-minimum-wage-and-overtime">Kansas News Service</a>

A federal judge has approved a $1.75 million settlement to resolve 
claims by servers at Jose Pepper’s that they were denied minimum wage 
and overtime, and were required to work before clocking in.

U.S. 
Magistrate Judge Angel Teeter had previously rejected the settlement, 
saying she didn’t have enough information to evaluate whether the 
settlement adequately compensated the servers.

But on Thursday she said her concerns had been addressed and granted preliminary approval to the settlement.

The
 settlement calls for the plaintiffs’ attorneys to receive a third of 
the money, leaving about $1.14 million for eligible servers. Court 
documents state that the average payment per server will come to about 
$568.

The settlement resolves a lawsuit brought in July 2020 by a 
server in the Jose Pepper’s restaurant in Belton, Missouri. The server, 
Kira Florece, sued on behalf of herself and other servers, alleging Jose
 Pepper’s violated federal and state labor laws.

Florece claimed 
servers were allowed to work overtime only if they didn’t clock in, 
asked to report overtime under other employees’ names and had their 
reported overtime hours removed from the timekeeping system.

She 
also claimed servers were asked to work only for tips during the 
COVID-19 pandemic, asked to spend more than 20% of their working time on
 non-tipped work and required to share tips with non-tipped workers.

Jose Pepper’s denied the allegations and said its payroll data showed that servers recorded and received overtime pay.

Jose
 Pepper’s operates nine restaurants in Kansas and four in Missouri. The 
popular Mexican-American restaurant chain was founded by Ed Gieselman in
 1988 as a single restaurant in Overland Park. It has since grown to 
include locations throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, Topeka 
and Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635457212709.png" alt="Patrons enter the Jose Pepper's restaurant on Johnson Drive in Mission. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Patrons enter the Jose Pepper's restaurant on Johnson Drive in Mission. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-10-28/jose-peppers-agrees-to-1-75-million-settlement-with-its-servers-over-minimum-wage-and-overtime">Kansas News Service</a>A federal judge has approved a $1.75 million settlement to resolve 
claims by servers at Jose Pepper’s that they were denied minimum wage 
and overtime, and were required to work before clocking in.U.S. 
Magistrate Judge Angel Teeter had previously rejected the settlement, 
saying she didn’t have enough information to evaluate whether the 
settlement adequately compensated the servers.But on Thursday she said her concerns had been addressed and granted preliminary approval to the settlement.The
 settlement calls for the plaintiffs’ attorneys to receive a third of 
the money, leaving about $1.14 million for eligible servers. Court 
documents state that the average payment per server will come to about 
$568.The settlement resolves a lawsuit brought in July 2020 by a 
server in the Jose Pepper’s restaurant in Belton, Missouri. The server, 
Kira Florece, sued on behalf of herself and other servers, alleging Jose
 Pepper’s violated federal and state labor laws.Florece claimed 
servers were allowed to work overtime only if they didn’t clock in, 
asked to report overtime under other employees’ names and had their 
reported overtime hours removed from the timekeeping system.She 
also claimed servers were asked to work only for tips during the 
COVID-19 pandemic, asked to spend more than 20% of their working time on
 non-tipped work and required to share tips with non-tipped workers.Jose Pepper’s denied the allegations and said its payroll data showed that servers recorded and received overtime pay.Jose
 Pepper’s operates nine restaurants in Kansas and four in Missouri. The 
popular Mexican-American restaurant chain was founded by Ed Gieselman in
 1988 as a single restaurant in Overland Park. It has since grown to 
include locations throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, Topeka 
and Wichita.

Jose Pepper’s agrees to $1.75M settlement with servers over minimum wage, OT

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Nineteen states are now suing to block President Joe Biden's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors. 

One suit filed in Missouri on Friday includes that state as well as Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. A second suit filed in Georgia also includes Alabama, Idaho, Kansas, South Carolina, Utah and West Virginia. Texas sued individually on Friday, while Florida filed a separate lawsuit Thursday. 

The lawsuits argue that the Biden administration overstepped its authority in requiring federal contractors to make their employees get the coronavirus vaccine. Biden has argued that sweeping vaccine mandates will help end the deadly pandemic.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Nineteen states are now suing to block President Joe Biden's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors. One suit filed in Missouri on Friday includes that state as well as Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. A second suit filed in Georgia also includes Alabama, Idaho, Kansas, South Carolina, Utah and West Virginia. Texas sued individually on Friday, while Florida filed a separate lawsuit Thursday. The lawsuits argue that the Biden administration overstepped its authority in requiring federal contractors to make their employees get the coronavirus vaccine. Biden has argued that sweeping vaccine mandates will help end the deadly pandemic.

Kan., 18 other states sue Biden admin. over COVID vaccine rule

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident during a high speed chase just before 11a.m. Friday in Montgomery County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Kia Optima driven by&nbsp; Justin Allen Frostad, 28, Neodesha, was&nbsp;eastbound on County Road 3875 approximately two miles east of U.S. 75.&nbsp;

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Department was in pursuit of the vehicle. Frostad lost control of the Kia after crossing railroad tracks. The KIA veered off the road to the north, rolled and came to rest on its top in a field north of the road.

&nbsp;Frostad was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Webb and Rodrick Chapel.

EMS transported a passenger identified as Shania Marie Parks, 20, South Coffeyville, to a hospital in Tulsa. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635554367409.png" alt="Justin Frostad had previous felony convictions for counterfeiting, aggravated endangering a child and for drugs, according to the Kan. Department of Corrections. Photo from an earlier arrest in Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Justin Frostad had previous felony convictions for counterfeiting, aggravated endangering a child and for drugs, according to the Kan. Department of Corrections. Photo from an earlier arrest in Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident during a high speed chase just before 11a.m. Friday in Montgomery County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Kia Optima driven by&nbsp; Justin Allen Frostad, 28, Neodesha, was&nbsp;eastbound on County Road 3875 approximately two miles east of U.S. 75.&nbsp;The Montgomery County Sheriff's Department was in pursuit of the vehicle. Frostad lost control of the Kia after crossing railroad tracks. The KIA veered off the road to the north, rolled and came to rest on its top in a field north of the road.&nbsp;Frostad was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Webb and Rodrick Chapel.EMS transported a passenger identified as Shania Marie Parks, 20, South Coffeyville, to a hospital in Tulsa. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kan. man dead after rollover crash during high speed chase

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department is in talks to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to each child and parent who was separated under a Trump-era practice of splitting families at the border, a person familiar with discussions to settle lawsuits said Thursday.

The Wall Street Journal first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-administration-in-talks-to-pay-hundreds-of-millions-to-immigrant-families-separated-at-border-11635447591?mod=hp_lead_pos7" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that the government was considering payments around $450,000 to each person affected. A person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press that figure was under consideration but changed, though not dramatically. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions are private.

The discussions continue, and there is no guarantee the two sides will strike agreement.

About 5,500 children were split from their parents under President Donald Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy, under which parents were separated from their children to face criminal prosecution for crossing the border illegally, according to court filings in a federal case in San Diego. Inadequate tracking systems caused many to be apart for an extended time. The payments are intended to compensate for the psychological trauma.

Attorneys for the families are also seeking permanent legal status in the United States for those separated under the practice, which a judge halted in June 2018, six days after Trump stopped it amid an international backlash.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday night.

The settlement talks involve several law firms. The American Civil Liberties Union is representing parents in the San Diego case.

The National Immigration Litigation Alliance represents five mothers and their children who were separated for more than two months, including four children who were sent to holding facilities in New York. A federal judge in Arizona&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationlitigation.org/impact-litigation/" target="_blank">denied</a>&nbsp;the government’s bid to dismiss the case last year.

“No amount of money can compensate for the amount of pain and suffering these parents and children endured under this unconscionable and unprecedented policy,” said Trina Realmuto, executive director of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance.

A Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://oig.justice.gov/reports/review-department-justices-planning-and-implementation-its-zero-tolerance-policy-and-its" target="_blank">inspector general’s report</a>&nbsp;in January said a “single-minded focus on increasing immigration prosecutions came at the expense of careful and appropriate consideration of the impact of family unit prosecutions and child separations.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618396445966.png" alt="Children at the U.S. Mexico border-photo courtesy Rep. Tracey Mann" />
 <figcaption>Children at the U.S. Mexico border-photo courtesy Rep. Tracey Mann</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN DIEGO (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department is in talks to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to each child and parent who was separated under a Trump-era practice of splitting families at the border, a person familiar with discussions to settle lawsuits said Thursday.The Wall Street Journal first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-administration-in-talks-to-pay-hundreds-of-millions-to-immigrant-families-separated-at-border-11635447591?mod=hp_lead_pos7" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that the government was considering payments around $450,000 to each person affected. A person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press that figure was under consideration but changed, though not dramatically. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions are private.The discussions continue, and there is no guarantee the two sides will strike agreement.About 5,500 children were split from their parents under President Donald Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy, under which parents were separated from their children to face criminal prosecution for crossing the border illegally, according to court filings in a federal case in San Diego. Inadequate tracking systems caused many to be apart for an extended time. The payments are intended to compensate for the psychological trauma.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618396418186.png" alt="Children in a holding facility at the border -photo courtesy Rep. Tracey Mann" />
 <figcaption>Children in a holding facility at the border -photo courtesy Rep. Tracey Mann</figcaption>
 </figure>Attorneys for the families are also seeking permanent legal status in the United States for those separated under the practice, which a judge halted in June 2018, six days after Trump stopped it amid an international backlash.The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday night.The settlement talks involve several law firms. The American Civil Liberties Union is representing parents in the San Diego case.The National Immigration Litigation Alliance represents five mothers and their children who were separated for more than two months, including four children who were sent to holding facilities in New York. A federal judge in Arizona&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationlitigation.org/impact-litigation/" target="_blank">denied</a>&nbsp;the government’s bid to dismiss the case last year.“No amount of money can compensate for the amount of pain and suffering these parents and children endured under this unconscionable and unprecedented policy,” said Trina Realmuto, executive director of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance.A Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://oig.justice.gov/reports/review-department-justices-planning-and-implementation-its-zero-tolerance-policy-and-its" target="_blank">inspector general’s report</a>&nbsp;in January said a “single-minded focus on increasing immigration prosecutions came at the expense of careful and appropriate consideration of the impact of family unit prosecutions and child separations.”

$450K per person: US in talks to compensate families separated at border

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating theft from a store in Atchison have made an arrest.

On Wednesday, police arrested 40-year-old Carl D. Griffin, Jr., 40, St. Joseph, on a District Court warrant for theft in connection to the theft of two chainsaws from the Hardware Store, 609 Commercial, on August 31.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635432687395.png" alt="Griffin photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Griffin photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating theft from a store in Atchison have made an arrest.On Wednesday, police arrested 40-year-old Carl D. Griffin, Jr., 40, St. Joseph, on a District Court warrant for theft in connection to the theft of two chainsaws from the Hardware Store, 609 Commercial, on August 31.He remains in custody.

Missouri man jailed in Kansas for chainsaw thefts

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court is considering whether a retired judge should be disciplined for sharing nude photos online.

 The court heard arguments Thursday involving retired Russell County Magistrate Judge Marty Clark, who sent the photos of himself to a website for swingers.

The Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded in May that Clark had violated ethical standards for judges. The commission's attorney argued Thursday that Clark should be barred from being a judge again unless he is educated on the integrity of the judicial branch. Clark's attorney argued Clark should not be disciplined for sending the photos to a private channel on his own time.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court is considering whether a retired judge should be disciplined for sharing nude photos online.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yrJksnDEMQA?start=61" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> The court heard arguments Thursday involving retired Russell County Magistrate Judge Marty Clark, who sent the photos of himself to a website for swingers.The Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded in May that Clark had violated ethical standards for judges. The commission's attorney argued Thursday that Clark should be barred from being a judge again unless he is educated on the integrity of the judicial branch. Clark's attorney argued Clark should not be disciplined for sending the photos to a private channel on his own time.

🎥Kansas Supreme Court debates judge who shared nude photos

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 44-year-old man was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for a crash that killed longtime Wichita radio host Don Hall. Ray Watkins was sentenced Friday for involuntary manslaughter. 

Police said Watkins ran a red light and hit Hall's car in April 2020. Evidence during Watkins' trial showed he had a blood alcohol content more than two times the legal limit at the time of the crash. 

Hall worked for more than 45 years in radio in Wichita. He was also the longtime arena announcer for Wichita State University basketball.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The jury trial of a man charged in a fatal DUI crash that killed a longtime radio host and Wichita State basketball announcer is underway, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Ray Watkins, 44, is charged with involuntary manslaughter&nbsp;while driving under the influence in the April 29, 2020 crash that killed&nbsp; 70-year-old Don Hall.

 Police said they believe Watkins ran a red light before the crash. He had minor injuries, but Hall died at the scene. Watkins was originally arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.

An affidavit released in the case against Watkins said he had a 0.243 blood alcohol on the day of the crash.. The legal limit in Kansas is 0.08.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588158119316.png" alt="First responders at the accident scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the accident scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 44-year-old man was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for a crash that killed longtime Wichita radio host Don Hall. Ray Watkins was sentenced Friday for involuntary manslaughter. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588182421819.png" alt="Watkins photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Watkins photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Police said Watkins ran a red light and hit Hall's car in April 2020. Evidence during Watkins' trial showed he had a blood alcohol content more than two times the legal limit at the time of the crash. Hall worked for more than 45 years in radio in Wichita. He was also the longtime arena announcer for Wichita State University basketball.-----SEDGWICK COUNTY —The jury trial of a man charged in a fatal DUI crash that killed a longtime radio host and Wichita State basketball announcer is underway, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Ray Watkins, 44, is charged with involuntary manslaughter&nbsp;while driving under the influence in the April 29, 2020 crash that killed&nbsp; 70-year-old Don Hall. Police said they believe Watkins ran a red light before the crash. He had minor injuries, but Hall died at the scene. Watkins was originally arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.An affidavit released in the case against Watkins said he had a 0.243 blood alcohol on the day of the crash.. The legal limit in Kansas is 0.08.

Man sentenced for DUI crash that killed Kansas radio host

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Friday paved the way for children ages 5 to 11 to get Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.

The FDA cleared kid-size doses — just a third of the amount given to teens and adults — for emergency use, and up to 28 million more American children could be eligible for vaccinations as early as next week.

One more regulatory hurdle remains: On Tuesday, advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will make more detailed recommendations on which youngsters should get vaccinated, with a final decision by the agency’s director expected shortly afterwards.

“Vaccinating younger children against COVID-19 will bring us closer to returning to a sense of normalcy,” Dr. Janet Woodcock, the acting FDA commissioner, said in a statement. “Our comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the data pertaining to the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness should help assure parents and guardians that this vaccine meets our high standards.”

A few countries have begun using other COVID-19 vaccines in children under 12, including China, which just began vaccinations for 3-year-olds. But many that use the vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are watching the U.S. decision, and European regulators just began considering the companies’ kid-size doses

With FDA’s action, Pfizer plans to begin shipping millions of vials of the pediatric vaccine — in orange caps to avoid mix-ups with the purple-capped doses for everyone else — to doctors’ offices, pharmacies and other vaccination sites. Once the CDC issues its ruling, eligible kids will get two shots, three weeks apart.

While children are at lower risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 than older people, 5- to 11-year-olds still have been seriously affected -- including over 8,300 hospitalizations, about a third requiring intensive care, and nearly 100 deaths since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the FDA.

And with the extra-contagious delta variant circulating, the government has counted more than 2,000 coronavirus-related school closings just since the start of the school year, affecting more than a million children.

“With this vaccine kids can go back to something that’s better than being locked at home on remote schooling, not being able to see their friends,” said Dr. Kawsar Talaat of Johns Hopkins University. “The vaccine will protect them and also protect our communities.”

Earlier this week, FDA’s independent scientific advisers voted that the pediatric vaccine’s promised benefits outweigh any risks. But several panelists said not all youngsters will need to be vaccinated, and that they preferred the shots be targeted to those at higher risk from the virus.

Nearly 70% of 5- to 11-year-olds hospitalized for COVID-19 in the U.S. have other serious medical conditions, including asthma and obesity, according to federal tracking. Additionally, more than two-thirds of youngsters hospitalized are Black or Hispanic, mirroring long-standing disparities in the disease’s impact.

The question of how broadly Pfizer’s vaccine should be used will be a key consideration for the CDC and its advisers, who set formal recommendations for pediatricians and other medical professionals.

A Pfizer study of 2,268 schoolchildren found the vaccine was nearly 91% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections, based on 16 cases of COVID-19 among kids given dummy shots compared to just three who got vaccinated.

The kid dosage also proved safe, with similar or fewer temporary reactions — such as sore arms, fever or achiness — that teens experience.

But the study wasn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that occasionally occurs after the second full-strength dose, mostly in young men and teen boys. It’s unclear if younger children getting a smaller dose also will face that rare risk.

Some parents are expected to vaccinate their children ahead of family holiday gatherings and the winter cold season.

But a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey suggests most parents won’t rush to get the shots. About 25% of parents polled earlier this month said they would get their children vaccinated “right away.” But the remaining majority of parents were roughly split between those who said they will to wait to see how the vaccine performs and those who said they “definitely” won’t have their children vaccinated.

The similarly made Moderna vaccine also is being studied in young children, and both Pfizer and Moderna also are testing shots for babies and preschoolers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635537216378.png" alt="The children's doze of the vaccine has an orange cap-photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>The children's doze of the vaccine has an orange cap-photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Friday paved the way for children ages 5 to 11 to get Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.The FDA cleared kid-size doses — just a third of the amount given to teens and adults — for emergency use, and up to 28 million more American children could be eligible for vaccinations as early as next week.One more regulatory hurdle remains: On Tuesday, advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will make more detailed recommendations on which youngsters should get vaccinated, with a final decision by the agency’s director expected shortly afterwards.“Vaccinating younger children against COVID-19 will bring us closer to returning to a sense of normalcy,” Dr. Janet Woodcock, the acting FDA commissioner, said in a statement. “Our comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the data pertaining to the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness should help assure parents and guardians that this vaccine meets our high standards.”A few countries have begun using other COVID-19 vaccines in children under 12, including China, which just began vaccinations for 3-year-olds. But many that use the vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are watching the U.S. decision, and European regulators just began considering the companies’ kid-size dosesWith FDA’s action, Pfizer plans to begin shipping millions of vials of the pediatric vaccine — in orange caps to avoid mix-ups with the purple-capped doses for everyone else — to doctors’ offices, pharmacies and other vaccination sites. Once the CDC issues its ruling, eligible kids will get two shots, three weeks apart.While children are at lower risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 than older people, 5- to 11-year-olds still have been seriously affected -- including over 8,300 hospitalizations, about a third requiring intensive care, and nearly 100 deaths since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the FDA.And with the extra-contagious delta variant circulating, the government has counted more than 2,000 coronavirus-related school closings just since the start of the school year, affecting more than a million children.“With this vaccine kids can go back to something that’s better than being locked at home on remote schooling, not being able to see their friends,” said Dr. Kawsar Talaat of Johns Hopkins University. “The vaccine will protect them and also protect our communities.”Earlier this week, FDA’s independent scientific advisers voted that the pediatric vaccine’s promised benefits outweigh any risks. But several panelists said not all youngsters will need to be vaccinated, and that they preferred the shots be targeted to those at higher risk from the virus.Nearly 70% of 5- to 11-year-olds hospitalized for COVID-19 in the U.S. have other serious medical conditions, including asthma and obesity, according to federal tracking. Additionally, more than two-thirds of youngsters hospitalized are Black or Hispanic, mirroring long-standing disparities in the disease’s impact.The question of how broadly Pfizer’s vaccine should be used will be a key consideration for the CDC and its advisers, who set formal recommendations for pediatricians and other medical professionals.A Pfizer study of 2,268 schoolchildren found the vaccine was nearly 91% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections, based on 16 cases of COVID-19 among kids given dummy shots compared to just three who got vaccinated.The kid dosage also proved safe, with similar or fewer temporary reactions — such as sore arms, fever or achiness — that teens experience.But the study wasn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that occasionally occurs after the second full-strength dose, mostly in young men and teen boys. It’s unclear if younger children getting a smaller dose also will face that rare risk.Some parents are expected to vaccinate their children ahead of family holiday gatherings and the winter cold season.But a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey suggests most parents won’t rush to get the shots. About 25% of parents polled earlier this month said they would get their children vaccinated “right away.” But the remaining majority of parents were roughly split between those who said they will to wait to see how the vaccine performs and those who said they “definitely” won’t have their children vaccinated.The similarly made Moderna vaccine also is being studied in young children, and both Pfizer and Moderna also are testing shots for babies and preschoolers.___

COVID vaccine is one step closer for 5 to 11-year-old kids

ROME —President Joe Biden and Pope Francis wrapped up their meeting at the Vatican Friday. The one-on-one meeting between the world's two most notable Roman Catholics started at noon and lasted about 75 minutes, an unusually long time for an audience with the pontiff.&nbsp;

During their visit, President Biden thanked His Holiness for his advocacy for the world’s poor and those suffering from hunger, conflict, and persecution, according to a statement from the White House. He lauded Pope Francis’ leadership in fighting the climate crisis, as well as his advocacy to ensure the pandemic ends for everyone through vaccine sharing and an equitable global economic recovery.&nbsp;

 Biden says abortion did not come up in the meeting. But the president says the pontiff told him he should continue to receive Communion, despite calls from conservatives Catholics to deny Biden the sacrament over his stance on abortion. Speaking to reporters after his private audience with the pope, Biden said Francis told him “He was happy I’m a good Catholic” and that he should “keep receiving Communion.”

After an audience with His Holiness, President Biden met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin. The President thanked Cardinal Parolin for the Vatican’s active leadership in fighting the climate crisis— both through advocacy and encouraging the climate neutrality of hundreds of Christian organizations worldwide. 

The leaders discussed efforts to rally global support for vaccinating the developing world against COVID-19. President Biden thanked the Vatican for speaking out on behalf of the wrongfully detained, including in Venezuela and Cuba. The leaders committed to continue using their voices to advocate for personal and religious freedoms world-wide, according to the White House.&nbsp;

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635514031020.png" alt="First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, President Joe Biden and Pope Francis during their Friday visit-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, President Joe Biden and Pope Francis during their Friday visit-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME —President Joe Biden and Pope Francis wrapped up their meeting at the Vatican Friday. The one-on-one meeting between the world's two most notable Roman Catholics started at noon and lasted about 75 minutes, an unusually long time for an audience with the pontiff.&nbsp;During their visit, President Biden thanked His Holiness for his advocacy for the world’s poor and those suffering from hunger, conflict, and persecution, according to a statement from the White House. He lauded Pope Francis’ leadership in fighting the climate crisis, as well as his advocacy to ensure the pandemic ends for everyone through vaccine sharing and an equitable global economic recovery.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635513708354.png" alt="President Biden, a translator and Pope Francis on Friday at the Vatican-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden, a translator and Pope Francis on Friday at the Vatican-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure> Biden says abortion did not come up in the meeting. But the president says the pontiff told him he should continue to receive Communion, despite calls from conservatives Catholics to deny Biden the sacrament over his stance on abortion. Speaking to reporters after his private audience with the pope, Biden said Francis told him “He was happy I’m a good Catholic” and that he should “keep receiving Communion.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden on whether the issue of abortion came up during his meeting with Pope Francis: &quot;No, it didn&#39;t … We just talked about the fact he was happy I was a good Catholic and I should keep receiving communion.&quot;<a href="https://t.co/opHdwuWcbj">https://t.co/opHdwuWcbj</a> <a href="https://t.co/8XWTGXv3ah">pic.twitter.com/8XWTGXv3ah</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1454110513848270854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After an audience with His Holiness, President Biden met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin. The President thanked Cardinal Parolin for the Vatican’s active leadership in fighting the climate crisis— both through advocacy and encouraging the climate neutrality of hundreds of Christian organizations worldwide. The leaders discussed efforts to rally global support for vaccinating the developing world against COVID-19. President Biden thanked the Vatican for speaking out on behalf of the wrongfully detained, including in Venezuela and Cuba. The leaders committed to continue using their voices to advocate for personal and religious freedoms world-wide, according to the White House.&nbsp;-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Pres. Biden, Pope discuss Communion during lengthy meeting

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are starting hearings on federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates with many Republicans already adamant that they violate people’s liberties and will damage the economy.

The joint Committee on Government Overreach and the Impact of COVID-19 Mandates planned Friday to hear from Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office about potential legal challenges to President Joe Biden’s rules. It also planned to take testimony from the public Friday and Saturday.

Leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature formed the committee to consider ways Kansas might resist the Democratic president’s mandates, which could affect as many as 100 million people. Critics believe some workers will quit their jobs rather than get vaccinated.

Some GOP conservatives pushed for lawmakers to call themselves into special session, but they didn’t get much traction toward the necessary two-thirds majorities in both chambers. Lawmakers adjourned for the year in May and aren’t set to reconvene until January.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, has called Biden’s mandates “dictatorial edicts.” He is a committee member.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-26bace6485d88ad1ae3ef2aea60fbb65">Biden is requiring</a>&nbsp;all employers with more than 100 workers require them to be vaccinated or test for the virus weekly. He is mandating vaccines for government contractors and workers at health facilities that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid funds.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are starting hearings on federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates with many Republicans already adamant that they violate people’s liberties and will damage the economy.The joint Committee on Government Overreach and the Impact of COVID-19 Mandates planned Friday to hear from Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office about potential legal challenges to President Joe Biden’s rules. It also planned to take testimony from the public Friday and Saturday.Leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature formed the committee to consider ways Kansas might resist the Democratic president’s mandates, which could affect as many as 100 million people. Critics believe some workers will quit their jobs rather than get vaccinated.Some GOP conservatives pushed for lawmakers to call themselves into special session, but they didn’t get much traction toward the necessary two-thirds majorities in both chambers. Lawmakers adjourned for the year in May and aren’t set to reconvene until January.Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, has called Biden’s mandates “dictatorial edicts.” He is a committee member.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-26bace6485d88ad1ae3ef2aea60fbb65">Biden is requiring</a>&nbsp;all employers with more than 100 workers require them to be vaccinated or test for the virus weekly. He is mandating vaccines for government contractors and workers at health facilities that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid funds.

Critical Kansas lawmakers open hearings on vaccine mandates

By DAVID VERGUN <a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/2815018/radio-personality-robin-quivers-is-also-air-force-veteran/">U.S. Department of Defense</a>

Robin Quivers is best known for being Howard Stern's radio sidekick. But besides being a radio personality, Quivers is an author, actor, race car driver, philanthropist, nurse — and an Air Force veteran.&nbsp;

Quivers was born Aug. 8, 1952, in Pikesville, Maryland. Her mother was a homemaker and her father was a steelworker.&nbsp;

At 17, she enrolled in a pre-nursing program at Maryland General 
Hospital, and in 1974 she graduated from the University of Maryland 
School of Nursing.

Her first position was at the Maryland Shock Trauma facility of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System.

In July 1975, she was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Air 
Force and worked as a nurse. She was stationed at Sheppard Air Force 
Base in Texas in 1976. By June 1978, she had earned the rank of captain.
 Quivers then transferred to the Air Force Reserve, serving until 1990.

In 1979, Quivers returned to Baltimore, where she studied at the 
Broadcasting Institute of Maryland, and she also worked in a hospital. 
She was hired for a number of radio announcer positions, and in 1981 she
 became Stern's co-host.

Quivers also has had many hobbies, including race car driver, 
painter, rock climber and she also engaged in other physical activities.
 She competed in the 2007 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race in Long Beach, 
California, finishing in fourteenth place.

In June 2007, Quivers began a strict vegan diet, which she says 
helped to increase her energy and helped her to lose 60 pounds over a 
six-month period.&nbsp;

In her 2012 book, "The Vegucation of Robin: How Real Food Saved My 
Life," she provides some 90 healthy recipes for the average home cook.

Few people knew about her struggles with food, she wrote in her book,
 especially the high-fat, high-sugar, high-cholesterol, highly addictive
 foods. Sick and tired of being sick and tired, she decided to go on a 
plant-based diet.

Quivers said that decision resulted in an absence of injuries, aches and pains that had plagued her for 20 years.&nbsp;

She also learned the transcendental meditation technique taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Quivers works with The Girl Fund, a program organized by the United 
Nations that advocates for education of girls in countries where they 
are often exploited. Quivers also founded the 15 Foundation, a nonprofit
 organization with a mission to improve academics, nutrition and arts 
education in grades K-12.

Along with her professional work, Quivers has volunteered her time 
for many years at Big Brothers/Big Sisters and works with groups that 
aid survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

In her 1995 autobiography, "Quivers: A Life," she reveals that she was molested by her father at a young age.

Quivers was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2017. She currently resides in New York City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635528678072.png" alt="Robin Quivers is photographed in her Air Force uniform. Air Force photo" />
 <figcaption>Robin Quivers is photographed in her Air Force uniform. Air Force photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID VERGUN <a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/2815018/radio-personality-robin-quivers-is-also-air-force-veteran/">U.S. Department of Defense</a>Robin Quivers is best known for being Howard Stern's radio sidekick. But besides being a radio personality, Quivers is an author, actor, race car driver, philanthropist, nurse — and an Air Force veteran.&nbsp;Quivers was born Aug. 8, 1952, in Pikesville, Maryland. Her mother was a homemaker and her father was a steelworker.&nbsp;At 17, she enrolled in a pre-nursing program at Maryland General 
Hospital, and in 1974 she graduated from the University of Maryland 
School of Nursing.Her first position was at the Maryland Shock Trauma facility of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System.In July 1975, she was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Air 
Force and worked as a nurse. She was stationed at Sheppard Air Force 
Base in Texas in 1976. By June 1978, she had earned the rank of captain.
 Quivers then transferred to the Air Force Reserve, serving until 1990.In 1979, Quivers returned to Baltimore, where she studied at the 
Broadcasting Institute of Maryland, and she also worked in a hospital. 
She was hired for a number of radio announcer positions, and in 1981 she
 became Stern's co-host.Quivers also has had many hobbies, including race car driver, 
painter, rock climber and she also engaged in other physical activities.
 She competed in the 2007 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race in Long Beach, 
California, finishing in fourteenth place.In June 2007, Quivers began a strict vegan diet, which she says 
helped to increase her energy and helped her to lose 60 pounds over a 
six-month period.&nbsp;In her 2012 book, "The Vegucation of Robin: How Real Food Saved My 
Life," she provides some 90 healthy recipes for the average home cook.Few people knew about her struggles with food, she wrote in her book,
 especially the high-fat, high-sugar, high-cholesterol, highly addictive
 foods. Sick and tired of being sick and tired, she decided to go on a 
plant-based diet.Quivers said that decision resulted in an absence of injuries, aches and pains that had plagued her for 20 years.&nbsp;She also learned the transcendental meditation technique taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.Quivers works with The Girl Fund, a program organized by the United 
Nations that advocates for education of girls in countries where they 
are often exploited. Quivers also founded the 15 Foundation, a nonprofit
 organization with a mission to improve academics, nutrition and arts 
education in grades K-12.Along with her professional work, Quivers has volunteered her time 
for many years at Big Brothers/Big Sisters and works with groups that 
aid survivors of childhood sexual abuse.In her 1995 autobiography, "Quivers: A Life," she reveals that she was molested by her father at a young age.Quivers was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2017. She currently resides in New York City.

Radio personality Robin Quivers is also an Air Force veteran

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,916 to a total of 434,646, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 70 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,415.

<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 1,916 to a total of 434,646, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 70 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,415.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635527384554.png" alt="Friday October 29, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday October 29, 2021 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: 1,900 new cases, 70 more COVID deaths

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home burglary in Manhattan.

Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for burglary and criminal damage to property in the 2200 block of Woodridge Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Dept. activity report.

A 29-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect broke into her unoccupied home through a basement window and stole two Sentri safes containing cash, a gold necklace and a men's wedding ring. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $34,100. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home burglary in Manhattan.Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for burglary and criminal damage to property in the 2200 block of Woodridge Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Dept. activity report.A 29-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect broke into her unoccupied home through a basement window and stole two Sentri safes containing cash, a gold necklace and a men's wedding ring. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $34,100. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

$34,000 loss: Cash, jewelry in two safes taken from Kan. home 

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

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Buchanan County (Mo.) Sheriff Bill Puett says his deputies will be
out in force Halloween night, making sure registered sex offenders are not
giving out candy to kids.

Puett says about 15 teams of two will be knocking on the doors
of sex offenders to check for compliance with the law.

“We want to make sure that everybody is being compliant with
the law, make sure the community is safe,” Puett says. “So, we do that and we’ll
bring in a bunch of people on overtime. We’ll have partnerships with the (U.S.)
Marshal service. The Marshal service will send a couple of folks up.”

Registered sex offenders cannot participate in the tradition
of giving out candy to children Halloween night. In fact, they are required to
turn their lights off and post notice that they will not be giving out candy.

Buchanan County has approximately 300 registered sex
offenders.

Puett says usually his deputies find very few violations.

“Sometimes it’s minor violations. Sometimes it’s pretty
significant, which would mean that the officers that are checking the location
would then take that person into custody and make the case for violating the issues
of the Halloween provisions,” according to Puett.

Puett says his deputies will check each house once and then
likely will return to make sure they are not participating in trick or
treating.

Puett says sex offenders might complain, but they will comply.

“Lots of sex offenders are upset by the law, they don’t like
it,” Puett says. “However, it’s the law and we’re going to enforce that.” 

By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Buchanan County (Mo.) Sheriff Bill Puett says his deputies will be
out in force Halloween night, making sure registered sex offenders are not
giving out candy to kids.Puett says about 15 teams of two will be knocking on the doors
of sex offenders to check for compliance with the law.“We want to make sure that everybody is being compliant with
the law, make sure the community is safe,” Puett says. “So, we do that and we’ll
bring in a bunch of people on overtime. We’ll have partnerships with the (U.S.)
Marshal service. The Marshal service will send a couple of folks up.”Registered sex offenders cannot participate in the tradition
of giving out candy to children Halloween night. In fact, they are required to
turn their lights off and post notice that they will not be giving out candy.Buchanan County has approximately 300 registered sex
offenders.Puett says usually his deputies find very few violations.“Sometimes it’s minor violations. Sometimes it’s pretty
significant, which would mean that the officers that are checking the location
would then take that person into custody and make the case for violating the issues
of the Halloween provisions,” according to Puett.Puett says his deputies will check each house once and then
likely will return to make sure they are not participating in trick or
treating.Puett says sex offenders might complain, but they will comply.“Lots of sex offenders are upset by the law, they don’t like
it,” Puett says. “However, it’s the law and we’re going to enforce that.” Cover image courtesy Unsplash

Mo. officers to make sure sex offenders don't hand out candy this Halloween

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Police in Olathe say a pedestrian has died in a crash early Friday morning on Old 56 Highway. 

Police say in a news release that the crash happened just after 4:30 a.m., when Olathe officers were called to the area on a report of a semitrailer hitting a pedestrian. 

Arriving officers found a middle-aged woman at the scene who had been hit. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not immediately release her name. 

Police say the truck driver remained on the scene and was not injured in the collision. Officials closed a stretch of the eastbound lanes of Old 56 Highway while investigators reconstructed the crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635522271639.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the Friday morning crash photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the Friday morning crash photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Police in Olathe say a pedestrian has died in a crash early Friday morning on Old 56 Highway. Police say in a news release that the crash happened just after 4:30 a.m., when Olathe officers were called to the area on a report of a semitrailer hitting a pedestrian. Arriving officers found a middle-aged woman at the scene who had been hit. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not immediately release her name. Police say the truck driver remained on the scene and was not injured in the collision. Officials closed a stretch of the eastbound lanes of Old 56 Highway while investigators reconstructed the crash.

Police: Woman died after hit by semitrailer on Kansas highway

WASHINGTON — On Monday, November 1, the Internal Revenue Service will
 launch a new feature allowing any family receiving monthly Child Tax 
Credit payments to update their income using the Child Tax Credit Update
 Portal (CTC UP), found exclusively on IRS.gov.

To help families plan ahead, the IRS also announced today that in 
late November it will launch a new Spanish-language version of the CTC 
UP.

The IRS urges families to enter any significant income changes by 
midnight on November 1 in order for them to be reflected in their 
November payment, scheduled for November 15. If a family is unable to 
make the changes on November 1, enter them by November 29 so they are 
reflected in the December payment. Once the update is made, the IRS will
 adjust the remaining payment amounts to ensure people receive the total
 advance payment for the year. For married couples, if one spouse makes 
the income update, it will apply to both spouses and could impact both 
spouses' future monthly advance payments of the Child Tax Credit.

The new income feature can help families make sure they are getting 
the right amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments during 2021. For 
that reason, it will be especially useful to any family who wants to 
raise or lower their monthly payments because their 2021 income has 
risen or fallen substantially, compared to 2020.

In many, but not all, cases a big income swing can either raise or 
lower a family's monthly payments. Normally, this means that small 
changes in income will not impact the payment amount and need not be 
entered into the CTC UP.

Any change to the monthly payment amount will be reflected in both 
the November 15 and December 15 payments, but only if a person completes
 their updated income request before midnight Eastern Time on Monday, 
November 1. Changes made after that date, but before midnight on 
November 29, will only impact the December 15 payment, which is the last
 scheduled monthly payment for 2021. The IRS will adjust the payment 
amount to reflect these changes and ensure people receive their total 
advance payment for the year of up to $1,800 for each child under age 6 
and up to $1,500 for each child ages 6 through 17.

In some cases, families who are currently receiving monthly payments 
that are below the maximum may qualify to have their payments increased.
 This could happen if, for example, they experienced job loss during 
2021, or for some other reason are receiving substantially less income 
this year. If the reduction in income is large enough, reporting that 
change now may increase the amount of their advance CTC payments for the
 rest of this year.

For any family already receiving the maximum payment, a drop in 
income will not increase the payment amount. Normally, the maximum CTC 
payment is $300 per month for each qualifying child, under the age of 6,
 and $250 per month for each child, ages 6 to 17.

Most families are receiving half of the total CTC through monthly 
payments. This means that any changes entered into the CTC UP will 
increase or decrease their monthly payments to ensure they receive half 
of their total expected credit before the end of 2021. They will claim 
the remaining portion on their 2021 tax return.

Any family whose income rose substantially in 2021 should consider 
having their payments reduced. This is especially true if they are now 
receiving the maximum monthly payment, and they expect to qualify for 
less than the full credit when they file their 2021 federal income tax 
return. For more information on calculating the CTC, see Topic C of the 
agency's <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</a>. In particular, where a family qualifies to receive less than the full amount, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-c-calculation-of-the-2021-child-tax-credit#qc4">QC 4</a> &amp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-c-calculation-of-the-2021-child-tax-credit#qc5">QC 5</a>.

Using the portal to report income changes

Only families who are already eligible for and receiving advance CTC 
payments based on their 2020 tax return can use the CTC UP to update 
their income. Note that someone who filed a joint return for 2020 can 
only update their income if they plan to file a joint return for 2021 
with the same spouse. IRS representatives cannot process income changes 
over the phone or at Taxpayer Assistance Centers.

After an income update is completed, the Update Portal will 
acknowledge a change was made but will not display the change. Likewise,
 IRS representatives won't be able to confirm that an update was made.

It's not too late for low-income families to sign up for advance CTC payments.

The IRS urged any family not already receiving payments who normally 
isn't required to file a tax return to explore the tools available 
through IRS.gov. These tools can help determine eligibility for the 
advance CTC or help them file a simplified tax return to sign up for 
these payments as well as Economic Impact Payments and the Recovery 
Rebate Credit.

The deadline to sign up is November 15, 2021. People can get these 
benefits, even if they don't work and even if they receive no income.

Families who sign up will normally receive half of their total Child 
Tax Credit on December 15. This means a payment of up to $1,800 for each
 child, under 6, and up to $1,500 for each child, ages 6 to 17.

Early in 2022, families will receive Letter 6419 documenting any 
advance payments issued to them during 2021 and the number of qualifying
 children used to calculate the advance payments. This letter can help 
them accurately reconcile the advance CTC payments they have received 
and claim any remaining portion of the CTC when completing their 2021 
federal income tax return next year.

The income change feature joins a growing set of services available 
through CTC UP. Available only on IRS.gov, the portal already allows 
families to verify their eligibility for the payments and then, if they 
choose to:

The IRS has created a special Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page 
designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and
 the advance payments. It's at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.

The agency encourages partners and community groups to share 
information and use available online tools and toolkits to help 
non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups sign up. 
People can check their eligibility by using the advance Child Tax Credit
 Eligibility Assistant.

The webpage features a set of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">frequently asked questions</a> and a user guide for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5549.pdf">Child Tax Credit Update Portal (Publication 5549)</a>&nbsp;PDF.
 It also provides direct links to the portal, as well as two other 
online tools – the Non-Filer Sign Up Tool and the Child Tax Credit 
Eligibility Assistant – and other useful resources.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — On Monday, November 1, the Internal Revenue Service will
 launch a new feature allowing any family receiving monthly Child Tax 
Credit payments to update their income using the Child Tax Credit Update
 Portal (CTC UP), found exclusively on IRS.gov.To help families plan ahead, the IRS also announced today that in 
late November it will launch a new Spanish-language version of the CTC 
UP.The IRS urges families to enter any significant income changes by 
midnight on November 1 in order for them to be reflected in their 
November payment, scheduled for November 15. If a family is unable to 
make the changes on November 1, enter them by November 29 so they are 
reflected in the December payment. Once the update is made, the IRS will
 adjust the remaining payment amounts to ensure people receive the total
 advance payment for the year. For married couples, if one spouse makes 
the income update, it will apply to both spouses and could impact both 
spouses' future monthly advance payments of the Child Tax Credit.<h2>Income feature right for some&nbsp;</h2>The new income feature can help families make sure they are getting 
the right amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments during 2021. For 
that reason, it will be especially useful to any family who wants to 
raise or lower their monthly payments because their 2021 income has 
risen or fallen substantially, compared to 2020.In many, but not all, cases a big income swing can either raise or 
lower a family's monthly payments. Normally, this means that small 
changes in income will not impact the payment amount and need not be 
entered into the CTC UP.Any change to the monthly payment amount will be reflected in both 
the November 15 and December 15 payments, but only if a person completes
 their updated income request before midnight Eastern Time on Monday, 
November 1. Changes made after that date, but before midnight on 
November 29, will only impact the December 15 payment, which is the last
 scheduled monthly payment for 2021. The IRS will adjust the payment 
amount to reflect these changes and ensure people receive their total 
advance payment for the year of up to $1,800 for each child under age 6 
and up to $1,500 for each child ages 6 through 17.<h2>Who qualifies for a bigger payment</h2>In some cases, families who are currently receiving monthly payments 
that are below the maximum may qualify to have their payments increased.
 This could happen if, for example, they experienced job loss during 
2021, or for some other reason are receiving substantially less income 
this year. If the reduction in income is large enough, reporting that 
change now may increase the amount of their advance CTC payments for the
 rest of this year.For any family already receiving the maximum payment, a drop in 
income will not increase the payment amount. Normally, the maximum CTC 
payment is $300 per month for each qualifying child, under the age of 6,
 and $250 per month for each child, ages 6 to 17.Most families are receiving half of the total CTC through monthly 
payments. This means that any changes entered into the CTC UP will 
increase or decrease their monthly payments to ensure they receive half 
of their total expected credit before the end of 2021. They will claim 
the remaining portion on their 2021 tax return.<h2>Who should have their payments reduced</h2>Any family whose income rose substantially in 2021 should consider 
having their payments reduced. This is especially true if they are now 
receiving the maximum monthly payment, and they expect to qualify for 
less than the full credit when they file their 2021 federal income tax 
return. For more information on calculating the CTC, see Topic C of the 
agency's <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</a>. In particular, where a family qualifies to receive less than the full amount, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-c-calculation-of-the-2021-child-tax-credit#qc4">QC 4</a> &amp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-c-calculation-of-the-2021-child-tax-credit#qc5">QC 5</a>.<h2>Using the portal to report income changes</h2>Only families who are already eligible for and receiving advance CTC 
payments based on their 2020 tax return can use the CTC UP to update 
their income. Note that someone who filed a joint return for 2020 can 
only update their income if they plan to file a joint return for 2021 
with the same spouse. IRS representatives cannot process income changes 
over the phone or at Taxpayer Assistance Centers.After an income update is completed, the Update Portal will 
acknowledge a change was made but will not display the change. Likewise,
 IRS representatives won't be able to confirm that an update was made.<h2>Low-income families can still sign up</h2>It's not too late for low-income families to sign up for advance CTC payments.The IRS urged any family not already receiving payments who normally 
isn't required to file a tax return to explore the tools available 
through IRS.gov. These tools can help determine eligibility for the 
advance CTC or help them file a simplified tax return to sign up for 
these payments as well as Economic Impact Payments and the Recovery 
Rebate Credit.The deadline to sign up is November 15, 2021. People can get these 
benefits, even if they don't work and even if they receive no income.Families who sign up will normally receive half of their total Child 
Tax Credit on December 15. This means a payment of up to $1,800 for each
 child, under 6, and up to $1,500 for each child, ages 6 to 17.<h2>Get ready to file next year</h2>Early in 2022, families will receive Letter 6419 documenting any 
advance payments issued to them during 2021 and the number of qualifying
 children used to calculate the advance payments. This letter can help 
them accurately reconcile the advance CTC payments they have received 
and claim any remaining portion of the CTC when completing their 2021 
federal income tax return next year.The income change feature joins a growing set of services available 
through CTC UP. Available only on IRS.gov, the portal already allows 
families to verify their eligibility for the payments and then, if they 
choose to:<ul>
 <li>Switch from receiving a paper check to direct deposit;</li><li>Change the account where their payment is direct deposited;</li><li>Update their address or</li><li>Stop monthly payments for the rest of 2021.</li>
 </ul><h2>Latest information available on IRS.gov</h2>The IRS has created a special Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page 
designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and
 the advance payments. It's at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.The agency encourages partners and community groups to share 
information and use available online tools and toolkits to help 
non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups sign up. 
People can check their eligibility by using the advance Child Tax Credit
 Eligibility Assistant.The webpage features a set of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">frequently asked questions</a> and a user guide for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5549.pdf">Child Tax Credit Update Portal (Publication 5549)</a>&nbsp;PDF.
 It also provides direct links to the portal, as well as two other 
online tools – the Non-Filer Sign Up Tool and the Child Tax Credit 
Eligibility Assistant – and other useful resources.

Deadline for income change reporting for Child Tax Credit looming

WASHINGTON— In a call with radio stations from across Kansas on Friday,&nbsp; U.S. Senator Roger Marshall said the price tag for President Biden's infrastructure package could be even higher than is being reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635518423886.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostWASHINGTON— In a call with radio stations from across Kansas on Friday,&nbsp; U.S. Senator Roger Marshall said the price tag for President Biden's infrastructure package could be even higher than is being reported."If all this legislation goes through that the President and the Democrats are wanting, it will be $7 trillion of spending over 10 years," Marshall said. "They're playing some budget gimmicks right now, where they are saying, maybe it's only $1.5 trillion. Only $1.5 trillion. If these programs would go through for the next 10 years, if they are reauthorized, I think it will still be $7 trillion. I think that's reckless spending, and that's on top of our annual budgets already."Marshall is concerned about the continued threat of an increase of the stepped up basis on the sale of farmland."The land that my grandparents paid $50 an acre for back in 1910, is probably worth $2000 an acre," Marshall said. "My parents own that land now and someday, my brother and sister and I will inherit it. They would ask us to pay some type of tax on that increase. It would force us to sell the farm."Marshall also believes that there will be an alternative minimum tax on corporations to help pay for the administration's spending."The latest is, they are going to do something with corporate taxes," Marshall said. "It sounds like Joe Manchin and probably Kyrsten Sinema moreso have pushed back on the taxing part of it for the corporations, but they're going to have an alternative minimum tax. Just remember, any type of corporate tax, 70% of that's going to go back to hard working Kansas. They'll be paying 70% of that tax increase, as well."Marshall said that inflation is one of the top concerns he is hearing about from Kansans, along with the proposed vaccine mandates from the Biden administration.