BY NOAH TABORDA Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — A Kansas bill could ban 
people from capturing or possessing an ornate box turtle, the state 
reptile, but some stakeholders are concerned this may have unintended 
consequences.

Under current state law, it is illegal to possess more than five box 
turtles with the intent to release them back into the wild. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2479/">House Bill 2479</a>,
 under consideration in a House committee, would prohibit any person 
from capturing or possessing any amount of ornate box turtles.

Dennis Dinwiddie, director of conservation and education for the 
Topeka Zoo, said there has been an alarming decrease in ornate box 
turtles across the state. He said because of their unique and colorful 
markings, they are often collected from the wild and sold overseas 
through the illegal pet trade.

“The current law provides a loophole that allows individuals that 
participate in the illegal wildlife trade to collect ornate box turtles 
in large numbers so long as they are not caught with more than five at 
any given time,” Dinwiddie told legislators on the House Agriculture 
Committee. “We can stop individuals from illegally shipping ornate box 
turtles out of our state and country, if we stop them from having a 
legal means of collecting them from the wild in large numbers.”

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has discovered and 
documented multiple cases of individuals sending ornate box turtles, 
collected from the wild in Kansas, to overseas locations, Dinwiddie 
added.

Any violation of this law would be a misdemeanor crime.

Brad Loveless, secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks 
and Tourism, said his agency was considering ways to decrease the number
 of box turtles collected from five, although he preferred decreasing 
the number to two box turtles. That would ensure that if, for example, a
 child picked up a box turtle and wanted to learn about it, before 
releasing it back into the wild, the learning experience would still be 
legal.

“We suggest that we move this to our Non-Game Wildlife Action 
Committee, which incorporates a wide variety of stakeholders and 
discusses things just like this,” Loveless said. “Their recommendation 
goes to our commission that is part of a three-part open meetings 
process that allows for public input.”

Spencer Tomb, a retired botany professor from Kansas State 
University, agreed the best way to conduct this process would be through
 the regulatory ways of the agency, rather than with a bill banning 
turtle capture. He said the main issue was people’s attitudes toward 
this important species.

“I remember driving behind people in Oklahoma when turtles were 
really moving after a rain and they were running over every one of them 
that they could hit,” Tomb said. “That mindset’s got to be changed 
because this is an iconic species. They’re absolutely beautiful.”

Tomb also noted this could raise issues with Indigenous Kansans who may use box turtle shells for their traditions or rituals.

Rep. Christina Haswood, a Lawrence Democrat and American Indian, 
requested Indigenous input and collaboration on any changes to the law.

Former state Rep. Don Hineman said on Twitter that outright banning these turtles could be a problem for Lane County.

“Lane County Fair has a featured turtle race for the kids,” Hineman 
said. “They need to be able to legally possess at least two in case 
their star ‘runner’ goes down. All turtles are released unharmed after 
the race is over.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643640433183.png" alt="Dennis Dinwiddie tells the House Agriculture Committee that ornate box turtles, the state reptile, are decreasing in population in Kansas as they are sold into the illegal pet trade for their unique and colorful markings. (Screen capture by Kansas Reflector from Kansas Legislature YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>Dennis Dinwiddie tells the House Agriculture Committee that ornate box turtles, the state reptile, are decreasing in population in Kansas as they are sold into the illegal pet trade for their unique and colorful markings. (Screen capture by Kansas Reflector from Kansas Legislature YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY NOAH TABORDA Kansas ReflectorTOPEKA — A Kansas bill could ban 
people from capturing or possessing an ornate box turtle, the state 
reptile, but some stakeholders are concerned this may have unintended 
consequences.Under current state law, it is illegal to possess more than five box 
turtles with the intent to release them back into the wild. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2479/">House Bill 2479</a>,
 under consideration in a House committee, would prohibit any person 
from capturing or possessing any amount of ornate box turtles.Dennis Dinwiddie, director of conservation and education for the 
Topeka Zoo, said there has been an alarming decrease in ornate box 
turtles across the state. He said because of their unique and colorful 
markings, they are often collected from the wild and sold overseas 
through the illegal pet trade.“The current law provides a loophole that allows individuals that 
participate in the illegal wildlife trade to collect ornate box turtles 
in large numbers so long as they are not caught with more than five at 
any given time,” Dinwiddie told legislators on the House Agriculture 
Committee. “We can stop individuals from illegally shipping ornate box 
turtles out of our state and country, if we stop them from having a 
legal means of collecting them from the wild in large numbers.”The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has discovered and 
documented multiple cases of individuals sending ornate box turtles, 
collected from the wild in Kansas, to overseas locations, Dinwiddie 
added.Any violation of this law would be a misdemeanor crime.Brad Loveless, secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks 
and Tourism, said his agency was considering ways to decrease the number
 of box turtles collected from five, although he preferred decreasing 
the number to two box turtles. That would ensure that if, for example, a
 child picked up a box turtle and wanted to learn about it, before 
releasing it back into the wild, the learning experience would still be 
legal.“We suggest that we move this to our Non-Game Wildlife Action 
Committee, which incorporates a wide variety of stakeholders and 
discusses things just like this,” Loveless said. “Their recommendation 
goes to our commission that is part of a three-part open meetings 
process that allows for public input.”Spencer Tomb, a retired botany professor from Kansas State 
University, agreed the best way to conduct this process would be through
 the regulatory ways of the agency, rather than with a bill banning 
turtle capture. He said the main issue was people’s attitudes toward 
this important species.“I remember driving behind people in Oklahoma when turtles were 
really moving after a rain and they were running over every one of them 
that they could hit,” Tomb said. “That mindset’s got to be changed 
because this is an iconic species. They’re absolutely beautiful.”Tomb also noted this could raise issues with Indigenous Kansans who may use box turtle shells for their traditions or rituals.Rep. Christina Haswood, a Lawrence Democrat and American Indian, 
requested Indigenous input and collaboration on any changes to the law.Former state Rep. Don Hineman said on Twitter that outright banning these turtles could be a problem for Lane County.“Lane County Fair has a featured turtle race for the kids,” Hineman 
said. “They need to be able to legally possess at least two in case 
their star ‘runner’ goes down. All turtles are released unharmed after 
the race is over.”

Save the turtles: Kan. bill considers banning collection of the state reptile

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 7,846 to a total of 730,670, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The state reported 14 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,536.

<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 7,846 to a total of 730,670, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 14 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,536.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643651870254.png" alt="Monday January 31, 2022 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday January 31, 2022 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 7,800 new cases; 14 more COVID deaths

MEDFORD, Okla. (AP) — The U.S. Geological Survey says an earthquake centered near the northwest Oklahoma town of Medford had a preliminary magnitude of 4.5. The quake was reported at about 11:10 a.m., seven kilometers northwest of Medford. A Grant County dispatcher said there were no immediate reports of damage.  People across Oklahoma, as well as in Kansas and Arkansas, reported feeling the quake. The USGS says the quake occurred at a depth of about 7.8 kilometers. Thousands of earthquakes have been recorded in Oklahoma in recent years, many linked to the underground injection of wastewater from oil and gas production. The strongest earthquake on record in Oklahoma was a magnitude 5.8 recorded near Pawnee in September 2016.

GRANT COUNTY, OK. —A magnitude 4.5 earthquake rattled northern Oklahoma and was felt in many areas of Kansas Monday.

The quake just after 11a.m. was centered approximately 4 miles northwest of Medford Oklahoma, according to the&nbsp; U.S. Geological Survey.&nbsp; Medford is 45 miles southwest of Wellington, Kansas.

&nbsp;There have been no immediate reports of damage.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643651160047.png" alt="Location of Monday's 4.5 magnitude earthquake" />
 <figcaption>Location of Monday's 4.5 magnitude earthquake</figcaption>
 </figure>MEDFORD, Okla. (AP) — The U.S. Geological Survey says an earthquake centered near the northwest Oklahoma town of Medford had a preliminary magnitude of 4.5. The quake was reported at about 11:10 a.m., seven kilometers northwest of Medford. A Grant County dispatcher said there were no immediate reports of damage. People across Oklahoma, as well as in Kansas and Arkansas, reported feeling the quake. The USGS says the quake occurred at a depth of about 7.8 kilometers. Thousands of earthquakes have been recorded in Oklahoma in recent years, many linked to the underground injection of wastewater from oil and gas production. The strongest earthquake on record in Oklahoma was a magnitude 5.8 recorded near Pawnee in September 2016.GRANT COUNTY, OK. —A magnitude 4.5 earthquake rattled northern Oklahoma and was felt in many areas of Kansas Monday.The quake just after 11a.m. was centered approximately 4 miles northwest of Medford Oklahoma, according to the&nbsp; U.S. Geological Survey.&nbsp; Medford is 45 miles southwest of Wellington, Kansas.&nbsp;There have been no immediate reports of damage.&nbsp;

USGS: 4.5 magnitude Oklahoma quake felt in parts of Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Moderna announced Monday that U.S. health regulators granted full approval to its COVID-19 vaccine, a shot that’s been given to tens of millions of Americans since its emergency authorization over a year ago.

The action by the Food and Drug Administration means the agency has completed the same rigorous, time-consuming review of Moderna’s shot as dozens of other long-established vaccines.

The decision was bolstered by real-world evidence from the more than 200 million doses administered in the U.S. since the FDA cleared the shot in December 2020. The FDA granted full approval of Pfizer’s vaccine last August.

Public health advocates initially hoped the regulatory distinction would boost public confidence in the shots. But there was no discernable bump in vaccinations after the Pfizer approval, which was heavily promoted by President Joe Biden and other federal officials.

More than 211 million Americans, or 63% of the total population, are fully vaccinated. About 86 million people have gotten a booster dose. Vaccinations peaked last spring at more than 3 million per day, and now average less than 750,000 per day. The pace of vaccinations briefly spiked following news of the omicron variant in December but has since slowed again.

The FDA, like regulators in Europe and elsewhere, initially allowed emergency use of Moderna’s vaccine based on a study that tracked 44,000 people 18 and older for at least two months — the time period when serious side effects typically arise. That’s shorter than the six months of safety data normally required for full approval, so Moderna continued that study. The FDA also kept watch for serious side effects that have proved to be very rare.

In the U.S., Moderna is used only by adults. The company said last fall that FDA had delayed deciding whether to clear the shots for 12- to 17-year-olds as it examined a rare risk of heart inflammation seen mostly in young men and teen boys.

Johnson &amp; Johnson has not yet applied for full approval of its COVID-19 vaccine.

AP Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634902668202.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Moderna" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Moderna</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Moderna announced Monday that U.S. health regulators granted full approval to its COVID-19 vaccine, a shot that’s been given to tens of millions of Americans since its emergency authorization over a year ago.The action by the Food and Drug Administration means the agency has completed the same rigorous, time-consuming review of Moderna’s shot as dozens of other long-established vaccines.The decision was bolstered by real-world evidence from the more than 200 million doses administered in the U.S. since the FDA cleared the shot in December 2020. The FDA granted full approval of Pfizer’s vaccine last August.Public health advocates initially hoped the regulatory distinction would boost public confidence in the shots. But there was no discernable bump in vaccinations after the Pfizer approval, which was heavily promoted by President Joe Biden and other federal officials.More than 211 million Americans, or 63% of the total population, are fully vaccinated. About 86 million people have gotten a booster dose. Vaccinations peaked last spring at more than 3 million per day, and now average less than 750,000 per day. The pace of vaccinations briefly spiked following news of the omicron variant in December but has since slowed again.The FDA, like regulators in Europe and elsewhere, initially allowed emergency use of Moderna’s vaccine based on a study that tracked 44,000 people 18 and older for at least two months — the time period when serious side effects typically arise. That’s shorter than the six months of safety data normally required for full approval, so Moderna continued that study. The FDA also kept watch for serious side effects that have proved to be very rare.In the U.S., Moderna is used only by adults. The company said last fall that FDA had delayed deciding whether to clear the shots for 12- to 17-year-olds as it examined a rare risk of heart inflammation seen mostly in young men and teen boys.Johnson &amp; Johnson has not yet applied for full approval of its COVID-19 vaccine.___AP Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard contributed to this report.___

FDA gives full approval to Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

This week, the senate standing committees continued to hold hearings and bring forward legislation. The Ways and Means Committee is starting to work the budget bill with subcommittee meetings to report to the full committee in a few weeks. The senate will be returning to general orders where we will see the first committee bills to have a vote from the entire Senate.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The senate confirmed 16 appointees nominated by the governor. State law in Kansas requires that certain appointments by the governor or other state officials be confirmed by the senate prior to the appointee exercising any power, duty, or function of the office.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb146/" target="_blank">SB 146</a>&nbsp; - SB146 would transfer oversight of state certification of ignition interlock device (IID) manufacturers and service providers from the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP).&nbsp;SB 146 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb337/" target="_blank">SB 337</a>&nbsp;– SB 337 would amend provisions pertaining to the pilot program established within the Technology-Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Act to clarify and retroactively codify the intended date for the issuance of a full charter to the Beneficent Company.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 337 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2087/" target="_blank">HB 2087</a>&nbsp;– HB2087 would amend law related to the order of review of administrative rules and regulations, as well as specifics in the area of economic impact statements.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2087 passed 39-0.

SB 347&nbsp;–&nbsp;SB 347 is a bill&nbsp;concerning economic development; enacting the attracting&nbsp;powerful economic expansion act; relating to tax and other incentives for projects in&nbsp;specified industries or for a national corporate headquarters with specified capital&nbsp;investment requirements of at least $1,000,000,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 347 passed 32-7.&nbsp;

Senate Bill 347 is also known as the Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Act, or APEX Act. It would establish new economic development incentives targeted at specific industries that agree to invest at least $1.0 billion within the state of Kansas. The APEX Act also targets incentives at the suppliers involved in the APEX project.&nbsp; The APEX program would be under the purview of the secretary of commerce for the purpose of attracting large capital investments in new facilities and operations by businesses engaged in specified industries and encouraging the development of Kansas-based supply chains.

 To help drive taxes down for all who do business in Kansas, an important provision of the bill would lower the corporate income tax the year after a qualified firm or supplier receives benefits under the law.&nbsp; 

Qualified firms under the bill would be for-profit businesses subject to state income, sales, or property tax that are engaged in one or more industries such advanced as determined by the secretary of commerce:&nbsp; advanced manufacturing, aerospace, distribution, logistics, transportation, food and agriculture or professional and technical services.&nbsp; 

To ensure oversight occurs in the short-term, a sunset of March 31, 2023 was added, to ensure that the full legislature reviews the provisions of the APEX Act in just one year.

January 29 of 2022 marked the 161th&nbsp;anniversary of President James Buchanan signing a bill to make Kansas the 34th&nbsp;state of the United States of America.&nbsp; Kansas is full of rich history, beautiful scenes of nature, and notable landmarks.&nbsp; In Kansas Senate District 36, we have remarkable landmarks such as the Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, Rock City outside of Minneapolis, and the “Home on the Range Cabin” in Smith County, birthplace of our state song.&nbsp; “Home on the Range” was adopted by the Kansas State Legislature as the official state song on June 30, 1947.&nbsp; Along with our state song, Kansas has not one, but TWO official state marches, “The Kansas March” and “Here’s Kansas.”&nbsp; But while the marches are grand, nothing brings as much pride into the hearts of the residents of the Sunflower State as that of seeing our great flag dancing in the breeze.&nbsp; The flag was designed by Hazel Avery of Lincoln County in 1925.&nbsp; Directly in the center on the field of blue is the Great Seal of the State of Kansas with our motto arching near the top: “Ad Astra Per Aspera” to the stars through difficulties. The flag was modified in 1961 by a bill introduced by Senator Ross Doyen of Concordia to add the word “KANSAS”.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF KANSAS -&nbsp;<a href="https://portal.kansas.gov/">www.kansas.gov</a>

You can find a wealth of information at this well-designed website which focuses on Kansas with topics of business, education, government, residents and services with links to agencies and staff to help answer any question you might have.&nbsp; Webfile will take you directly to the Department of Revenue to file your taxes; Form finder will take you to the Secretary of State’s office for all types of forms for businesses; Learning Quest will direct you to the State Treasurer’s Office; the three branches of Government; and Plan your Trip to Kansas will open to the Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas residents can access information on legislation, legislative procedure, state government, public policy issues and more by calling 1-800-432-3924.&nbsp; Calls are answered by experienced reference/research librarians at the State Library of Kansas and kept confidential.&nbsp; Lines are open weekdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.&nbsp; Callers can also leave brief messages to be delivered to legislators as well as request copies of bills, journals, and other legislative documents.&nbsp; Questions can also be left at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:infodesk@ks.gov" target="_blank">infodesk@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;on weekends and evenings.&nbsp; Kansans can now chat with a librarian in real-time through the library’s Ask A Librarian service found at <a href="https://kslib.info/ask">kslib.info/ask</a>. You will have the option of installing a mobile app connecting users to all the state library’s services, including chat, texting and email.&nbsp; Text questions to 785 256-0733.&nbsp; The state library is located on the third floor, north wing of the capitol.&nbsp;

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>

Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas which includes:

* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell,&nbsp;Smith and Washington Counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville;&nbsp;Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek,&nbsp;Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg;&nbsp;Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom,&nbsp;Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum,&nbsp;Rushville, Solomon(part), Sumner,&nbsp;Valley and Walnut

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580853658061.jpeg" alt="Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SENATE HAPPENINGSThis week, the senate standing committees continued to hold hearings and bring forward legislation. The Ways and Means Committee is starting to work the budget bill with subcommittee meetings to report to the full committee in a few weeks. The senate will be returning to general orders where we will see the first committee bills to have a vote from the entire Senate.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SENATE FLOOR ACTIONThe senate confirmed 16 appointees nominated by the governor. State law in Kansas requires that certain appointments by the governor or other state officials be confirmed by the senate prior to the appointee exercising any power, duty, or function of the office.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb146/" target="_blank">SB 146</a>&nbsp; - SB146 would transfer oversight of state certification of ignition interlock device (IID) manufacturers and service providers from the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP).&nbsp;SB 146 passed 39-0.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb337/" target="_blank">SB 337</a>&nbsp;– SB 337 would amend provisions pertaining to the pilot program established within the Technology-Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Act to clarify and retroactively codify the intended date for the issuance of a full charter to the Beneficent Company.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 337 passed 39-0.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2087/" target="_blank">HB 2087</a>&nbsp;– HB2087 would amend law related to the order of review of administrative rules and regulations, as well as specifics in the area of economic impact statements.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2087 passed 39-0.SB 347&nbsp;–&nbsp;SB 347 is a bill&nbsp;concerning economic development; enacting the attracting&nbsp;powerful economic expansion act; relating to tax and other incentives for projects in&nbsp;specified industries or for a national corporate headquarters with specified capital&nbsp;investment requirements of at least $1,000,000,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 347 passed 32-7.&nbsp; Senate Bill 347 is also known as the Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Act, or APEX Act. It would establish new economic development incentives targeted at specific industries that agree to invest at least $1.0 billion within the state of Kansas. The APEX Act also targets incentives at the suppliers involved in the APEX project.&nbsp; The APEX program would be under the purview of the secretary of commerce for the purpose of attracting large capital investments in new facilities and operations by businesses engaged in specified industries and encouraging the development of Kansas-based supply chains. To help drive taxes down for all who do business in Kansas, an important provision of the bill would lower the corporate income tax the year after a qualified firm or supplier receives benefits under the law.&nbsp; Qualified firms under the bill would be for-profit businesses subject to state income, sales, or property tax that are engaged in one or more industries such advanced as determined by the secretary of commerce:&nbsp; advanced manufacturing, aerospace, distribution, logistics, transportation, food and agriculture or professional and technical services.&nbsp; To ensure oversight occurs in the short-term, a sunset of March 31, 2023 was added, to ensure that the full legislature reviews the provisions of the APEX Act in just one year. KANSAS DAYJanuary 29 of 2022 marked the 161th&nbsp;anniversary of President James Buchanan signing a bill to make Kansas the 34th&nbsp;state of the United States of America.&nbsp; Kansas is full of rich history, beautiful scenes of nature, and notable landmarks.&nbsp; In Kansas Senate District 36, we have remarkable landmarks such as the Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, Rock City outside of Minneapolis, and the “Home on the Range Cabin” in Smith County, birthplace of our state song.&nbsp; “Home on the Range” was adopted by the Kansas State Legislature as the official state song on June 30, 1947.&nbsp; Along with our state song, Kansas has not one, but TWO official state marches, “The Kansas March” and “Here’s Kansas.”&nbsp; But while the marches are grand, nothing brings as much pride into the hearts of the residents of the Sunflower State as that of seeing our great flag dancing in the breeze.&nbsp; The flag was designed by Hazel Avery of Lincoln County in 1925.&nbsp; Directly in the center on the field of blue is the Great Seal of the State of Kansas with our motto arching near the top: “Ad Astra Per Aspera” to the stars through difficulties. The flag was modified in 1961 by a bill introduced by Senator Ross Doyen of Concordia to add the word “KANSAS”.VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF KANSAS -&nbsp;<a href="https://portal.kansas.gov/">www.kansas.gov</a>You can find a wealth of information at this well-designed website which focuses on Kansas with topics of business, education, government, residents and services with links to agencies and staff to help answer any question you might have.&nbsp; Webfile will take you directly to the Department of Revenue to file your taxes; Form finder will take you to the Secretary of State’s office for all types of forms for businesses; Learning Quest will direct you to the State Treasurer’s Office; the three branches of Government; and Plan your Trip to Kansas will open to the Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;TOLL-FREE LEGISLATIVE HOTLINEKansas residents can access information on legislation, legislative procedure, state government, public policy issues and more by calling 1-800-432-3924.&nbsp; Calls are answered by experienced reference/research librarians at the State Library of Kansas and kept confidential.&nbsp; Lines are open weekdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.&nbsp; Callers can also leave brief messages to be delivered to legislators as well as request copies of bills, journals, and other legislative documents.&nbsp; Questions can also be left at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:infodesk@ks.gov" target="_blank">infodesk@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;on weekends and evenings.&nbsp; Kansans can now chat with a librarian in real-time through the library’s Ask A Librarian service found at <a href="https://kslib.info/ask">kslib.info/ask</a>. You will have the option of installing a mobile app connecting users to all the state library’s services, including chat, texting and email.&nbsp; Text questions to 785 256-0733.&nbsp; The state library is located on the third floor, north wing of the capitol.&nbsp;Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas which includes:* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell,&nbsp;Smith and Washington Counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville;&nbsp;Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek,&nbsp;Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg;&nbsp;Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom,&nbsp;Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum,&nbsp;Rushville, Solomon(part), Sumner,&nbsp;Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: 2022 Senate Scene, Week 3

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen on multiple charges after a weekend arrest.

Just after midnight Sunday morning, police responded to a disturbance at the AMC theater in the 3100 block of N Penstemon in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

&nbsp;Security at the theater informed officers that multiple people reported someone had a weapon inside one of the auditoriums.

Officers contacted a victim who reported witnessing a male "racking" what he believed was a firearm. The man then fired the weapon, which turned out to be an airsoft gun. 

Another victim reported getting into a physical altercation with the male suspect, who then punched the victim in the face and dropped an airsoft gun before running from the theater. Another victim reported being shot by the airsoft gun, causing minor injury.

Police located a 15-year-old boy running in the area, who matched the suspect's description. He was taken into custody. Police also found two airsoft guns. Police booked the teen into the Sedgwick County Juvenile Detention Facility on requested charges of aggravated battery, simple battery, aggravated criminal threat and resisting arrest, according to Macy.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen on multiple charges after a weekend arrest.Just after midnight Sunday morning, police responded to a disturbance at the AMC theater in the 3100 block of N Penstemon in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp;Security at the theater informed officers that multiple people reported someone had a weapon inside one of the auditoriums.Officers contacted a victim who reported witnessing a male "racking" what he believed was a firearm. The man then fired the weapon, which turned out to be an airsoft gun. Another victim reported getting into a physical altercation with the male suspect, who then punched the victim in the face and dropped an airsoft gun before running from the theater. Another victim reported being shot by the airsoft gun, causing minor injury.Police located a 15-year-old boy running in the area, who matched the suspect's description. He was taken into custody. Police also found two airsoft guns. Police booked the teen into the Sedgwick County Juvenile Detention Facility on requested charges of aggravated battery, simple battery, aggravated criminal threat and resisting arrest, according to Macy.

Kan. teen jailed after airsoft gun incident at movie theater

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Kansas man traveling to Washington is being held on charges of threatening President Joe Biden, authorities said.

Scott Merryman, 37, was in the Washington County Detention Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, awaiting a court appearance set for Monday, a detention center official said.

A court filing in the case said Merryman phoned police in Independence, Kansas, on Tuesday and told them that he was going to the nation's capital to see the president.

In a telephone interview with a U.S. Secret Service agent on Wednesday, Merryman said that God told him to go to Washington to cut off “the head of the serpent in the heart of the nation," the filing states.

Merryman denied in the interview that Biden was the serpent, though in a Facebook post he identified the president as the “AntiChrist” and said “he will suffer a fatal head wound.” Merryman added, “I'll deal that blow in Christ's name.”

Another Secret Service agent located Merryman at the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Hagerstown. The agent searched Merryman and found three rounds of ammunition and a spotting scope, but no gun or other weapons, according to the court document.

On Thursday, Merryman called the White House switch board and threatened Biden, the document says.

The criminal complaint calling for his arrest on the federal charges was filed Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643637477568.png" alt="Merryman from a previous arrest in Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Merryman from a previous arrest in Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A Kansas man traveling to Washington is being held on charges of threatening President Joe Biden, authorities said.Scott Merryman, 37, was in the Washington County Detention Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, awaiting a court appearance set for Monday, a detention center official said.A court filing in the case said Merryman phoned police in Independence, Kansas, on Tuesday and told them that he was going to the nation's capital to see the president.In a telephone interview with a U.S. Secret Service agent on Wednesday, Merryman said that God told him to go to Washington to cut off “the head of the serpent in the heart of the nation," the filing states.Merryman denied in the interview that Biden was the serpent, though in a Facebook post he identified the president as the “AntiChrist” and said “he will suffer a fatal head wound.” Merryman added, “I'll deal that blow in Christ's name.”Another Secret Service agent located Merryman at the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Hagerstown. The agent searched Merryman and found three rounds of ammunition and a spotting scope, but no gun or other weapons, according to the court document.On Thursday, Merryman called the White House switch board and threatened Biden, the document says.The criminal complaint calling for his arrest on the federal charges was filed Friday.

Kan. man jailed for threats to Biden due for court appearance

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — More than 1,000 staff members in the state’s largest school district are in quarantine because of COVID-19, but currently all Wichita schools are open.

The district records show that nearly 14% of the school district’s staff — some 1,033 people — were off because of COVID-19 illnesses or exposure as of Friday. That is up from 912 and 646 in the previous two weeks.

Earlier this month, the district had to temporarily close several schools, including one of its high schools, because of staff shortages as the highly contagious omicron variant of the virus spread, But at the moment, the district is keeping all schools open even as the staff absences set a record for the school year.

Kansas schools are having enough problems finding teachers that the State Board of Education lowered the standards for substitute teachers earlier this month.

Unlike last year when many Kansas school districts turned to remote learning when virus cases soared, this year schools are opting to close schools temporarily because a new law restricts online learning to no more than 40 hours per student.

But there was some encouraging news in the district’s latest numbers because the number of student virus cases declined. The district said 543 students tested positive for the virus between Jan. 20 and Jan. 26. That’s down from 915 the previous week and down from the peak of 1,285 set two weeks ago.

The seven-day rolling average of total daily new cases in Kansas also decreased over the past two weeks, going from 7,928.57 new cases per day on Jan. 14 to 6,008.86 new cases per day on Friday.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — More than 1,000 staff members in the state’s largest school district are in quarantine because of COVID-19, but currently all Wichita schools are open.The district records show that nearly 14% of the school district’s staff — some 1,033 people — were off because of COVID-19 illnesses or exposure as of Friday. That is up from 912 and 646 in the previous two weeks.Earlier this month, the district had to temporarily close several schools, including one of its high schools, because of staff shortages as the highly contagious omicron variant of the virus spread, But at the moment, the district is keeping all schools open even as the staff absences set a record for the school year.Kansas schools are having enough problems finding teachers that the State Board of Education lowered the standards for substitute teachers earlier this month.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643392776971.png" alt="Friday Jan. 28, 2022 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday Jan. 28, 2022 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Unlike last year when many Kansas school districts turned to remote learning when virus cases soared, this year schools are opting to close schools temporarily because a new law restricts online learning to no more than 40 hours per student.But there was some encouraging news in the district’s latest numbers because the number of student virus cases declined. The district said 543 students tested positive for the virus between Jan. 20 and Jan. 26. That’s down from 915 the previous week and down from the peak of 1,285 set two weeks ago.The seven-day rolling average of total daily new cases in Kansas also decreased over the past two weeks, going from 7,928.57 new cases per day on Jan. 14 to 6,008.86 new cases per day on Friday.

COVID: Over 1,000 workers out in state's largest school district

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend shooting.

Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 200 Block of South 14th Street in Kansas City, according to a media release.&nbsp;

Officers found a boy who was in his early teens with a gunshot wound inside a home.&nbsp; Paramedics said the boy died at the scene. His name has not been released. Police have not reported additional details.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend shooting.Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 200 Block of South 14th Street in Kansas City, according to a media release.&nbsp;Officers found a boy who was in his early teens with a gunshot wound inside a home.&nbsp; Paramedics said the boy died at the scene. His name has not been released. Police have not reported additional details.

Police: Teen killed in weekend Kansas shooting

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating who set another house fire in Topeka.

Just after 11p.m. Saturday, fire crews responded to the fire in a home at 1908 SW Central Park Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the two story house. 

Firefighters performed a primary search and found no occupants. The structure was vacant at the time of the fire. Evidence of transient activity was present at the scene.

A preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be intentionally set, according to Harrison. The estimated dollar loss – $22,000.00; all of which is associated with structure loss.&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located in the home, according to Harrison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643577903266.png" alt="Photo by&nbsp;Victoria Cassell&nbsp;courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by&nbsp;Victoria Cassell&nbsp;courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating who set another house fire in Topeka.Just after 11p.m. Saturday, fire crews responded to the fire in a home at 1908 SW Central Park Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the two story house. Firefighters performed a primary search and found no occupants. The structure was vacant at the time of the fire. Evidence of transient activity was present at the scene.A preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be intentionally set, according to Harrison. The estimated dollar loss – $22,000.00; all of which is associated with structure loss.&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located in the home, according to Harrison.

Fire Marshal: Kansas house fire intentionally set 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A bill that is making its way through the Kansas Legislature would restrict cell phone usage in vehicles in select situations.

"Senate Bill 332 is what we're referring to as a limited hands-free bill that applies to the most inexperienced drivers and vulnerable bystanders who are at risk," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Specifically, it would ban the hand held use of cell phones for drivers under the age of 18 and then for all drivers who drive through a road construction zone when workers are present or a school zone during designated hours."

The school zone provisions would be at a time when a reduced speed limit is enforced.

"Many vehicles do have the capabilities to use Bluetooth to run your cell phone calls through your audio system in your vehicle," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "If you don't have that available, there are Bluetooth headsets that you can use. All of those would be legal and allow you to still use your cell phone. We're not banning the use of cell phones, we're just trying to get people to really focus their eyes on the road, have their hands on the wheel in these especially risky areas and for the youngest, most inexperienced drivers."

Advocates for this bill have been working on it for years.

"It's sort of a compromise," Steward said. "It doesn't go as far as a full cell phone ban while driving, which some states have. We've been pragmatic. We've worked as part of a large and diverse coalition in support of this bill and we've been working on it for about two years. We feel like this is a good bill, a bill that we think will have some strong support in the legislature."

The fine for a violation is $60, which although it is less than the national average for such violations, is consistent with other Kansas fines for behavior traffic violations. The bill has passed out of committee, but there is not word yet on when it will make it to the floor of the Kansas Senate.

By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — A bill that is making its way through the Kansas Legislature would restrict cell phone usage in vehicles in select situations."Senate Bill 332 is what we're referring to as a limited hands-free bill that applies to the most inexperienced drivers and vulnerable bystanders who are at risk," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Specifically, it would ban the hand held use of cell phones for drivers under the age of 18 and then for all drivers who drive through a road construction zone when workers are present or a school zone during designated hours."The school zone provisions would be at a time when a reduced speed limit is enforced."Many vehicles do have the capabilities to use Bluetooth to run your cell phone calls through your audio system in your vehicle," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "If you don't have that available, there are Bluetooth headsets that you can use. All of those would be legal and allow you to still use your cell phone. We're not banning the use of cell phones, we're just trying to get people to really focus their eyes on the road, have their hands on the wheel in these especially risky areas and for the youngest, most inexperienced drivers."Advocates for this bill have been working on it for years."It's sort of a compromise," Steward said. "It doesn't go as far as a full cell phone ban while driving, which some states have. We've been pragmatic. We've worked as part of a large and diverse coalition in support of this bill and we've been working on it for about two years. We feel like this is a good bill, a bill that we think will have some strong support in the legislature."The fine for a violation is $60, which although it is less than the national average for such violations, is consistent with other Kansas fines for behavior traffic violations. The bill has passed out of committee, but there is not word yet on when it will make it to the floor of the Kansas Senate.

Kansas bill would require some hands-free cell phone usage 

The Federal Trade Commission staff has submitted a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/policy/advocacy/advocacy-filings/2022/01/ftc-staff-comment-federal-drug-administration-docket-no-fda">comment to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)</a> in response to FDA’s request for comment on its proposed rule on establishing over-the-counter hearing aids.

The
 comment supports the proposed rule, which is likely to promote 
competition and innovation in the market for hearing aids, to the 
benefit of health care consumers. As noted in the proposed rule, tens of
 millions of US consumers suffer hearing loss, resulting in significant 
associated health problems. But most of them lack hearing aids, due at 
least in part to the high cost of buying the devices.

According to
 the staff comment, barriers to access to hearing health care may 
include more than just prices for hearing aids themselves. Restricted 
channels of distribution often limit consumer choice to, for example, 
expensive bundles of hearing aids and extended services that many 
consumers may not want or be likely to use. In addition, a lack of 
pricing transparency makes it difficult for consumers to make “apples to
 apples” comparisons between available models, and between bundles of 
devices and services.

The FTC staff’s comment states the FDA’s 
proposed rule would establish an over-the-counter category of hearing 
aids, streamline regulations, and preempt contrary state laws and 
regulations. As a result, the rule is likely to foster:&nbsp;

In 2017, the FTC held a public <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/events-calendar/2017/04/now-hear-competition-innovation-consumer-protection-issues">workshop</a>
 on competition, innovation, and consumer protection issues in hearing 
healthcare. The record from the workshop supports the FDA’s efforts to 
make hearing products more accessible as a significant way to increase 
competition, reduce prices, and improve access to hearing aids.

The Commission vote approving the comment to the Food and Drug Administration was 4-0.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Federal Trade Commission staff has submitted a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/policy/advocacy/advocacy-filings/2022/01/ftc-staff-comment-federal-drug-administration-docket-no-fda">comment to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)</a> in response to FDA’s request for comment on its proposed rule on establishing over-the-counter hearing aids.The
 comment supports the proposed rule, which is likely to promote 
competition and innovation in the market for hearing aids, to the 
benefit of health care consumers. As noted in the proposed rule, tens of
 millions of US consumers suffer hearing loss, resulting in significant 
associated health problems. But most of them lack hearing aids, due at 
least in part to the high cost of buying the devices.According to
 the staff comment, barriers to access to hearing health care may 
include more than just prices for hearing aids themselves. Restricted 
channels of distribution often limit consumer choice to, for example, 
expensive bundles of hearing aids and extended services that many 
consumers may not want or be likely to use. In addition, a lack of 
pricing transparency makes it difficult for consumers to make “apples to
 apples” comparisons between available models, and between bundles of 
devices and services.The FTC staff’s comment states the FDA’s 
proposed rule would establish an over-the-counter category of hearing 
aids, streamline regulations, and preempt contrary state laws and 
regulations. As a result, the rule is likely to foster:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>development and entry into the market of lower priced safe and effective hearing aids;</li><li>new channels of distribution; </li><li>increased availability and diversity of lower priced bundles of hearing aids and services; </li><li>development and entry of remote and web-based ancillary tools for hearing aids; and</li><li>increased competition in markets for existing hearing aids.</li>
 </ul>In 2017, the FTC held a public <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/events-calendar/2017/04/now-hear-competition-innovation-consumer-protection-issues">workshop</a>
 on competition, innovation, and consumer protection issues in hearing 
healthcare. The record from the workshop supports the FDA’s efforts to 
make hearing products more accessible as a significant way to increase 
competition, reduce prices, and improve access to hearing aids.The Commission vote approving the comment to the Food and Drug Administration was 4-0.

FTC supports proposed rule establishing over-the-counter hearing aids

KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a former nurse in an Independence hospital to 20 years in a prison for the rape of a patient, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

In November, a judge convicted 39-year-old Chukwuemeka U. Emmanuel of Rape or Attempted Rape 1st Degree, after a bench trial.

According to court documents filed Thursday, a patient at Centerpoint Hospital in Independence reported to police that she was raped by her nurse, who police identified as Emmanuel.

 The victim told police the nurse had been cleaning her when the rape occurred.&nbsp; At the time, the patient was being given morphine and other narcotics for pain management. 

The victim said she told the defendant several times that he was hurting her and she asked him to stop. Another nurse at Centerpoint, who told police she is in a relationship with Emmanuel, stated that he called her and told her he was going to Nigeria because he had been accused of a rape. She believed he was in New York or Nigeria.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638409375370.png" alt="Emmanuel-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Emmanuel-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a former nurse in an Independence hospital to 20 years in a prison for the rape of a patient, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.In November, a judge convicted 39-year-old Chukwuemeka U. Emmanuel of Rape or Attempted Rape 1st Degree, after a bench trial.According to court documents filed Thursday, a patient at Centerpoint Hospital in Independence reported to police that she was raped by her nurse, who police identified as Emmanuel. The victim told police the nurse had been cleaning her when the rape occurred.&nbsp; At the time, the patient was being given morphine and other narcotics for pain management. The victim said she told the defendant several times that he was hurting her and she asked him to stop. Another nurse at Centerpoint, who told police she is in a relationship with Emmanuel, stated that he called her and told her he was going to Nigeria because he had been accused of a rape. She believed he was in New York or Nigeria.

Ex-nurse sentenced for rape of patient at KC-area hospital

WICHITA– A New Mexico man was sentenced to 156 months in prison for drug trafficking in Kansas, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, in September 2021, Eric A. Estrada, 35, of Hobbs, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intention to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

In July 2020, the Kansas Highway Patrol pulled over two vehicles traveling together on Interstate 35 near Emporia for traffic violations. Estrada was driving a Nissan Sentra registered to the person driving the other vehicle, a Nissan Altima. In the Nissan Altima, troopers discovered approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643203068909.png" alt="Estrada from his time in the Butler Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Estrada from his time in the Butler Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA– A New Mexico man was sentenced to 156 months in prison for drug trafficking in Kansas, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, in September 2021, Eric A. Estrada, 35, of Hobbs, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intention to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.In July 2020, the Kansas Highway Patrol pulled over two vehicles traveling together on Interstate 35 near Emporia for traffic violations. Estrada was driving a Nissan Sentra registered to the person driving the other vehicle, a Nissan Altima. In the Nissan Altima, troopers discovered approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Man sentenced for trafficking cocaine, meth in Kansas

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/27/ban-on-food-assistance-to-kansans-with-felonies-leads-to-recidivism-advocates-say/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Despite being 1,230 days
 clean, Andy Hubbard, a self-professed addict and a three-time felon, 
cannot receive food assistance benefits in Kansas.

The state prohibits any persons convicted of a felony drug offense 
from being able to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 
benefits. Hubbard offered his journey Wednesday as an example to House 
lawmakers, noting how he would spend many days eating a single meal 
after working a full shift on an empty stomach.

Hunger does not stop drug possession or addiction, but it can incite irrational decisions leading to the opposite, Hubbard said.

“We know the lack of food becomes a mental health issue,” he said. 
“Stand up. Say that every Kansan, no matter where they are in this 
journey called life, that they are deserving of access to food.”

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2215/">House Bill 2215</a>,
 under consideration in the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice 
Committee, would repeal this ban. The measure would also remove SNAP 
requirements related to drug testing or drug-related convictions.

According to Department for Children and Families estimates, the 
passage of the bill would increase the food assistance caseload by an 
average of 50 per month. The current average monthly caseload for the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is approximately 95,000.

Food assistance benefits paid to individuals are 100% federally 
funded, so benefits paid would have no fiscal effect on the state.

According to the Council of State Governments Justice Center, federal
 law has prevented anyone with a state or federal felony drug conviction
 — even a simple possession conviction — from receiving SNAP benefits 
since 1996. Since then, every state but one has exercised the option to 
opt-out of the ban either in whole or in part.

Although Kansas is among the 18 states that have partially opted out 
of the full federal ban, the modified ban implemented in its place is 
among the strictest in the country.

“For an individual to successfully reintegrate into society, it 
requires a person to be able to secure basic needs such as housing, 
employment, food and health care, yet they always seem like the biggest 
hurdles,” said Marquetta Atkins, executive director of Destination 
Innovation Inc., which oversees the juvenile justice program Progeny. 
“Denial of basic needs creates barriers that inhibit people from getting
 back on the right track and becomes a catalyst for recidivism.”

Atkins noted the National Institutes of Health estimates 91% of 
people released from prison face food insecurity. In her work with 
Progeny, she created an emergency fund for young people affected by the 
system to have access to money for basic needs, including food.

Hunger puts youth into survival mode, survival mode leads to 
risk-taking, and those risks typically lead to reincarceration, Atkins 
said.

In a statement to the legislative panel, Black Lives Matter Topeka 
said the policy disproportionately affects communities of color.

“These types of purchases are the way people correct the paths of 
their lives,” the group stated. “For people who have histories of 
chemical use, abuse and dependency, freeing up resources to make these 
types of investments can have transformational impact.”

Steven Greene, with Opportunity Solutions Project, was the only 
person to testify in opposition to the measure. He noted exceptions to 
the law already exist if an individual submits to a drug-testing plan.

Greene said the Opportunity Solutions Project could not support the 
bill for effectively providing blanket assistance without requiring the 
completion of a treatment program.

“We believe it is important for policymakers to consider the 
importance of work and treatment-related requirements as a condition to 
receiving public assistance,” Greene said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643310129356.png" alt="A law banning Kansas drug felons from accessing federal food benefits does not incentivize better behavior, but rather often leads to bad decisions and potentially reincarceration, supporters of a bill to remove the ban said Wednesday. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A law banning Kansas drug felons from accessing federal food benefits does not incentivize better behavior, but rather often leads to bad decisions and potentially reincarceration, supporters of a bill to remove the ban said Wednesday. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/27/ban-on-food-assistance-to-kansans-with-felonies-leads-to-recidivism-advocates-say/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Despite being 1,230 days
 clean, Andy Hubbard, a self-professed addict and a three-time felon, 
cannot receive food assistance benefits in Kansas.The state prohibits any persons convicted of a felony drug offense 
from being able to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 
benefits. Hubbard offered his journey Wednesday as an example to House 
lawmakers, noting how he would spend many days eating a single meal 
after working a full shift on an empty stomach.Hunger does not stop drug possession or addiction, but it can incite irrational decisions leading to the opposite, Hubbard said.“We know the lack of food becomes a mental health issue,” he said. 
“Stand up. Say that every Kansan, no matter where they are in this 
journey called life, that they are deserving of access to food.”<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2215/">House Bill 2215</a>,
 under consideration in the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice 
Committee, would repeal this ban. The measure would also remove SNAP 
requirements related to drug testing or drug-related convictions.According to Department for Children and Families estimates, the 
passage of the bill would increase the food assistance caseload by an 
average of 50 per month. The current average monthly caseload for the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is approximately 95,000.Food assistance benefits paid to individuals are 100% federally 
funded, so benefits paid would have no fiscal effect on the state.According to the Council of State Governments Justice Center, federal
 law has prevented anyone with a state or federal felony drug conviction
 — even a simple possession conviction — from receiving SNAP benefits 
since 1996. Since then, every state but one has exercised the option to 
opt-out of the ban either in whole or in part.Although Kansas is among the 18 states that have partially opted out 
of the full federal ban, the modified ban implemented in its place is 
among the strictest in the country.“For an individual to successfully reintegrate into society, it 
requires a person to be able to secure basic needs such as housing, 
employment, food and health care, yet they always seem like the biggest 
hurdles,” said Marquetta Atkins, executive director of Destination 
Innovation Inc., which oversees the juvenile justice program Progeny. 
“Denial of basic needs creates barriers that inhibit people from getting
 back on the right track and becomes a catalyst for recidivism.”Atkins noted the National Institutes of Health estimates 91% of 
people released from prison face food insecurity. In her work with 
Progeny, she created an emergency fund for young people affected by the 
system to have access to money for basic needs, including food.Hunger puts youth into survival mode, survival mode leads to 
risk-taking, and those risks typically lead to reincarceration, Atkins 
said.In a statement to the legislative panel, Black Lives Matter Topeka 
said the policy disproportionately affects communities of color.“These types of purchases are the way people correct the paths of 
their lives,” the group stated. “For people who have histories of 
chemical use, abuse and dependency, freeing up resources to make these 
types of investments can have transformational impact.”Steven Greene, with Opportunity Solutions Project, was the only 
person to testify in opposition to the measure. He noted exceptions to 
the law already exist if an individual submits to a drug-testing plan.Greene said the Opportunity Solutions Project could not support the 
bill for effectively providing blanket assistance without requiring the 
completion of a treatment program.“We believe it is important for policymakers to consider the 
importance of work and treatment-related requirements as a condition to 
receiving public assistance,” Greene said.

Advocates: Ban on food aid to Kansans with felonies leads to recidivism

The SAT exam will move from paper and pencil to a digital format, administrators announced saying the shift will boost its relevancy as more colleges make standardized tests optional for admission.

Test-takers will be allowed to use their own laptops or tablets but they’ll still have to sit for the test at a monitored testing site or in school, not at home.

The format change is scheduled to roll out internationally next year and in the U.S. in 2024. It will also shave an hour from the current version, bringing the reading, writing and math assessment from three hours to about two.

“The digital SAT will be easier to take, easier to give, and more relevant,” said Priscilla Rodriguez, vice president of College Readiness Assessments at the New York City-based College Board, which administers the SAT and related PSAT. “We’re not simply putting the current SAT on a digital platform. We’re taking full advantage of what delivering an assessment digitally makes possible.”

Once essential for college applications, scores from admission tests like the SAT and rival ACT carry less weight today as colleges and universities pay more attention to the sum of student achievements and activities throughout high school.

Amid criticism that the exams favor wealthy, white applicants and disadvantage minority and low-income students, an increasing number of schools have in recent years&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-college-admissions-health-education-harvard-university-69152e6401ae9779ebf251ec05bd0202">adopted test-optional policies</a>, which let students decide whether to include scores with their applications.

The pandemic accelerated the trend as testing sessions were canceled or inaccessible.

Nearly 80% of bachelor’s degree-granting institutions are not requiring test scores from students applying for fall 2022, according to a December tally by the National Center for Fair &amp; Open Testing, a watchdog group that opposes standardized testing. The group, known as FairTest, said at least 1,400 of them have extended the policy through at least the fall 2023 admissions cycle.

About 1.5 million members of the class of 2021 took the SAT at least once, down from 2.2 million in the previous year. A College Board survey found many students want to take the SAT to preserve the option of submitting the scores and qualifying for certain scholarships.

Rodriguez said the digital version will be delivered in a format more familiar to students who regularly learn and test online at school.

Also, student score reports will not only focus on connecting students with four-year colleges and scholarships, but also provide information about two-year college and workforce training options. That reflects an increase in the number of students who are given the exam during a designated SAT day at school, with some districts requiring students take it. About 60% of students who take the SAT do so at school, Rodriguez said.

“We want to present students with a wider range of information and resources about their post-secondary options,” she said.

Scores will be available in days, rather than weeks, she said. There have been cases through the years of sets of paper exams getting lost in the mail.

“The digital version, I thought, was a lot less stressful than the paper and pencil version. It felt a lot more familiar,” said Natalia Cossio, 16, of Fairfax County, Virginia, who took part in a November pilot after first taking the PSAT on paper.

She said the digital format would solve some logistical issues she’s seen, like students bringing mechanical pencils instead of the required No. 2 variety, or advanced calculators that are not allowed. The digital version includes a basic calculator for the math section.

The College Board said students without a personal or school-issued device will be provided one for test day.

By CAROLYN THOMPSON, Associated PressThe SAT exam will move from paper and pencil to a digital format, administrators announced saying the shift will boost its relevancy as more colleges make standardized tests optional for admission.Test-takers will be allowed to use their own laptops or tablets but they’ll still have to sit for the test at a monitored testing site or in school, not at home.The format change is scheduled to roll out internationally next year and in the U.S. in 2024. It will also shave an hour from the current version, bringing the reading, writing and math assessment from three hours to about two.“The digital SAT will be easier to take, easier to give, and more relevant,” said Priscilla Rodriguez, vice president of College Readiness Assessments at the New York City-based College Board, which administers the SAT and related PSAT. “We’re not simply putting the current SAT on a digital platform. We’re taking full advantage of what delivering an assessment digitally makes possible.”Once essential for college applications, scores from admission tests like the SAT and rival ACT carry less weight today as colleges and universities pay more attention to the sum of student achievements and activities throughout high school.Amid criticism that the exams favor wealthy, white applicants and disadvantage minority and low-income students, an increasing number of schools have in recent years&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-college-admissions-health-education-harvard-university-69152e6401ae9779ebf251ec05bd0202">adopted test-optional policies</a>, which let students decide whether to include scores with their applications.The pandemic accelerated the trend as testing sessions were canceled or inaccessible.Nearly 80% of bachelor’s degree-granting institutions are not requiring test scores from students applying for fall 2022, according to a December tally by the National Center for Fair &amp; Open Testing, a watchdog group that opposes standardized testing. The group, known as FairTest, said at least 1,400 of them have extended the policy through at least the fall 2023 admissions cycle.About 1.5 million members of the class of 2021 took the SAT at least once, down from 2.2 million in the previous year. A College Board survey found many students want to take the SAT to preserve the option of submitting the scores and qualifying for certain scholarships.Rodriguez said the digital version will be delivered in a format more familiar to students who regularly learn and test online at school.Also, student score reports will not only focus on connecting students with four-year colleges and scholarships, but also provide information about two-year college and workforce training options. That reflects an increase in the number of students who are given the exam during a designated SAT day at school, with some districts requiring students take it. About 60% of students who take the SAT do so at school, Rodriguez said.“We want to present students with a wider range of information and resources about their post-secondary options,” she said.Scores will be available in days, rather than weeks, she said. There have been cases through the years of sets of paper exams getting lost in the mail.“The digital version, I thought, was a lot less stressful than the paper and pencil version. It felt a lot more familiar,” said Natalia Cossio, 16, of Fairfax County, Virginia, who took part in a November pilot after first taking the PSAT on paper.She said the digital format would solve some logistical issues she’s seen, like students bringing mechanical pencils instead of the required No. 2 variety, or advanced calculators that are not allowed. The digital version includes a basic calculator for the math section.The College Board said students without a personal or school-issued device will be provided one for test day.

College admissions: Does it matter that the SAT is going digital?

SHANNON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for help to identify human remains found in a rural area of south-central Missouri. The remains discovered January 12 along U.S. 60 near Winona in Shannon County are of a woman who was the victim of a homicide, according a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

&nbsp;An autopsy determined the cause of death was homicide.

Investigators believed the woman was 55-years of age. The patrol also is seeking any additional information that could assist in the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643553088812.png" alt="Left Thigh and Right Thigh Tattoos-photos Missouri State Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Left Thigh and Right Thigh Tattoos-photos Missouri State Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>SHANNON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for help to identify human remains found in a rural area of south-central Missouri. The remains discovered January 12 along U.S. 60 near Winona in Shannon County are of a woman who was the victim of a homicide, according a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.&nbsp;An autopsy determined the cause of death was homicide.Investigators believed the woman was 55-years of age. The patrol also is seeking any additional information that could assist in the investigation.

Human remains found; Police ask for help with homicide investigation


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Continued strong crude oil prices are hitting Kansans at the gas pump this winter.

"Crude oil prices make up 50 to 60% of that price," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Right now, we're looking at crude oil prices at or above $85 a barrel. That's about $20 higher than what we were seeing in November. That's the reason why, over the last couple of months, we've seen a general trend upward at the pumps."

There's no real relief in sight, either, as Omicron has not stopped people from driving.

"OPEC and its allies, as of now, don't plan any kind of dramatic ramp up of oil output," Steward said. "The result will be continued tight supply of oil. As you can imagine, that should keep gas prices fairly high."

As of Saturday, the state average at $3.07 and the national average at $3.36. The world is also watching to see if Russia is aggressive toward Ukraine and how other nations react if that happens.

"Russia is a large supplier of crude oil," Steward said. "Any interruption in supply, or potential interruption in supply, can drive prices upward. Hopefully, things will be resolved peacefully and we don't have to worry about that, but it's definitely something to keep in mind right now."

By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Continued strong crude oil prices are hitting Kansans at the gas pump this winter."Crude oil prices make up 50 to 60% of that price," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Right now, we're looking at crude oil prices at or above $85 a barrel. That's about $20 higher than what we were seeing in November. That's the reason why, over the last couple of months, we've seen a general trend upward at the pumps."There's no real relief in sight, either, as Omicron has not stopped people from driving."OPEC and its allies, as of now, don't plan any kind of dramatic ramp up of oil output," Steward said. "The result will be continued tight supply of oil. As you can imagine, that should keep gas prices fairly high."As of Saturday, the state average at $3.07 and the national average at $3.36. The world is also watching to see if Russia is aggressive toward Ukraine and how other nations react if that happens."Russia is a large supplier of crude oil," Steward said. "Any interruption in supply, or potential interruption in supply, can drive prices upward. Hopefully, things will be resolved peacefully and we don't have to worry about that, but it's definitely something to keep in mind right now."OPEC+ is scheduled to meet Feb. 2.

AAA: Crude oil prices keeping gas above $3 a gallon in Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Omicron, the highly contagious coronavirus variant sweeping across the country, is driving the daily American death toll higher than during last fall’s delta wave, with deaths likely to keep rising for days or even weeks.

The seven-day rolling average for daily new COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. has been climbing since mid-November, reaching 2,267 on Thursday and surpassing a September peak of 2,100 when delta was the dominant variant.

Now omicron is estimated to account for nearly all the virus circulating in the nation. And even though it causes less severe disease for most people, the fact that it is more transmissible means more people are falling ill and dying.

“Omicron will push us over a million deaths,” said Andrew Noymer, a public health professor at the University of California, Irvine. “That will cause a lot of soul searching. There will be a lot of discussion about what we could have done differently, how many of the deaths were preventable.”

The average daily death toll is now at the same level as last February, when the country was slowly coming off its all-time high of 3,300 a day.

More Americans are taking precautionary measures against the virus than before the omicron surge, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-will-coronavirus-pandemic-end-poll-3eae1f01412794b152934501f4b2c30f">AP-NORC poll this week</a>. But many people, fatigued by crisis, are returning to some level of normality with hopes that vaccinations or prior infections will protect them.

Omicron symptoms are often milder, and some infected people show none, researchers agree. But like the flu, it can be deadly, especially for people who are older, have other health problems or who are unvaccinated.

“Importantly, ‘milder’ does not mean ‘mild,’” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said this week during a White House briefing.

Until recently, Chuck Culotta was a healthy middle-aged man who ran a power-washing business in Milford, Delaware. As the omicron wave was ravaging the Northeast, he felt the first symptoms before Christmas and tested positive on Christmas Day. He died less than a week later, on Dec. 31, nine days short of his 51st birthday.

He was unvaccinated, said his brother, Todd, because he had questions about the long-term effects of the vaccine.

“He just wasn’t sure it was the right thing to do — yet,” said Todd Culotta, who got his shots during the summer.

At one urban hospital in Kansas, 50 COVID-19 patients have died this month and more than 200 are being treated. University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, posted a video from its morgue showing bagged bodies in a refrigeration unit and a worker marking one white body bag with the word “COVID.”

“This is real,” said Ciara Wright, the hospital’s decedent affairs coordinator. “Our concerns are, ‘Are the funeral homes going to come fast enough?’ We do have access to a refrigerated truck. We don’t want to use it if we don’t have to.”

Dr. Katie Dennis, a pathologist who does autopsies for the health system, said the morgue has been at or above capacity almost every day in January, “which is definitely unusual.”

With more than 878,000 deaths, the United States has the largest COVID-19 toll of any nation.

During the coming week, almost every U.S. state will see a faster increase in deaths, although deaths have peaked in a few states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Maryland, Alaska and Georgia, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://covid19forecasthub.org/" target="_blank">the COVID-19 Forecast Hub.</a>

New hospital admissions have started to fall for all age groups, according to CDC data, and a drop in deaths is expected to follow.

“In a pre-pandemic world, during some flu seasons, we see 10,000 or 15,000 deaths. We see that in the course of a week sometimes with COVID,” said Nicholas Reich, who aggregates coronavirus projections for the hub in collaboration with the CDC.

“The toll and the sadness and suffering is staggering and very humbling,” said Reich, a professor of biostatistics at University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

— The White House said Friday that about 60 million households ordered 240 million home-test kits under a new government program to expand testing opportunities. The government also said it has shipped tens of millions of masks to convenient locations around the country, including deliveries Friday to community centers in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

— The national drugstore chain Walgreens is among pharmacies receiving the government-provided masks. The chain has started offering N95 masks for free at several stores, as long as supplies last. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walgreens.com/images/adaptive/pdf/covid/mask_stores.pdf" target="_blank">company’s website</a>&nbsp;lists locations in the Midwest for the initial wave of stores offering masks, but Walgreens said more stores will offer them soon.

— The leading organization for state and local public health officials has called on governments to stop conducting widespread contact tracing, saying it’s no longer necessary. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials urged governments to focus contact tracing efforts on high-risk, vulnerable populations such as people in homeless shelters and nursing homes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639778741791.png" alt="Hospital-photo courtesy University of Kansas Health System" />
 <figcaption>Hospital-photo courtesy University of Kansas Health System</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —Omicron, the highly contagious coronavirus variant sweeping across the country, is driving the daily American death toll higher than during last fall’s delta wave, with deaths likely to keep rising for days or even weeks.The seven-day rolling average for daily new COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. has been climbing since mid-November, reaching 2,267 on Thursday and surpassing a September peak of 2,100 when delta was the dominant variant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643392776971.png" alt="KDHE reported 134 additional COVID deaths" />
 <figcaption>KDHE reported 134 additional COVID deaths</figcaption>
 </figure>Now omicron is estimated to account for nearly all the virus circulating in the nation. And even though it causes less severe disease for most people, the fact that it is more transmissible means more people are falling ill and dying.“Omicron will push us over a million deaths,” said Andrew Noymer, a public health professor at the University of California, Irvine. “That will cause a lot of soul searching. There will be a lot of discussion about what we could have done differently, how many of the deaths were preventable.”The average daily death toll is now at the same level as last February, when the country was slowly coming off its all-time high of 3,300 a day.More Americans are taking precautionary measures against the virus than before the omicron surge, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-will-coronavirus-pandemic-end-poll-3eae1f01412794b152934501f4b2c30f">AP-NORC poll this week</a>. But many people, fatigued by crisis, are returning to some level of normality with hopes that vaccinations or prior infections will protect them.Omicron symptoms are often milder, and some infected people show none, researchers agree. But like the flu, it can be deadly, especially for people who are older, have other health problems or who are unvaccinated.“Importantly, ‘milder’ does not mean ‘mild,’” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said this week during a White House briefing.Until recently, Chuck Culotta was a healthy middle-aged man who ran a power-washing business in Milford, Delaware. As the omicron wave was ravaging the Northeast, he felt the first symptoms before Christmas and tested positive on Christmas Day. He died less than a week later, on Dec. 31, nine days short of his 51st birthday.He was unvaccinated, said his brother, Todd, because he had questions about the long-term effects of the vaccine.“He just wasn’t sure it was the right thing to do — yet,” said Todd Culotta, who got his shots during the summer.At one urban hospital in Kansas, 50 COVID-19 patients have died this month and more than 200 are being treated. University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, posted a video from its morgue showing bagged bodies in a refrigeration unit and a worker marking one white body bag with the word “COVID.”“This is real,” said Ciara Wright, the hospital’s decedent affairs coordinator. “Our concerns are, ‘Are the funeral homes going to come fast enough?’ We do have access to a refrigerated truck. We don’t want to use it if we don’t have to.”Dr. Katie Dennis, a pathologist who does autopsies for the health system, said the morgue has been at or above capacity almost every day in January, “which is definitely unusual.”With more than 878,000 deaths, the United States has the largest COVID-19 toll of any nation.During the coming week, almost every U.S. state will see a faster increase in deaths, although deaths have peaked in a few states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Maryland, Alaska and Georgia, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://covid19forecasthub.org/" target="_blank">the COVID-19 Forecast Hub.</a>New hospital admissions have started to fall for all age groups, according to CDC data, and a drop in deaths is expected to follow.“In a pre-pandemic world, during some flu seasons, we see 10,000 or 15,000 deaths. We see that in the course of a week sometimes with COVID,” said Nicholas Reich, who aggregates coronavirus projections for the hub in collaboration with the CDC.“The toll and the sadness and suffering is staggering and very humbling,” said Reich, a professor of biostatistics at University of Massachusetts, Amherst.In other developments:— The White House said Friday that about 60 million households ordered 240 million home-test kits under a new government program to expand testing opportunities. The government also said it has shipped tens of millions of masks to convenient locations around the country, including deliveries Friday to community centers in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.— The national drugstore chain Walgreens is among pharmacies receiving the government-provided masks. The chain has started offering N95 masks for free at several stores, as long as supplies last. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walgreens.com/images/adaptive/pdf/covid/mask_stores.pdf" target="_blank">company’s website</a>&nbsp;lists locations in the Midwest for the initial wave of stores offering masks, but Walgreens said more stores will offer them soon.— The leading organization for state and local public health officials has called on governments to stop conducting widespread contact tracing, saying it’s no longer necessary. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials urged governments to focus contact tracing efforts on high-risk, vulnerable populations such as people in homeless shelters and nursing homes.___