FALLS CHURCH, Va. — (AP) — A mother who once lived in Kansas has been arrested after federal prosecutors charged her with joining the Islamic State group and leading an all-female battalion of AK-47 wielding militants.

The U.S. Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia, announced Saturday that Allison Fluke-Ekren, 42, has been charged with providing material support to a terrorist organization.

The criminal complaint was filed under seal back in 2019 but made public Saturday after Fluke-Ekren was brought back to the U.S. Friday to face charges. Her alleged participation in the Islamic State had not been publicly known before Saturday's announcement.

Prosecutors say Fluke-Ekren wanted to recruit operatives to attack a college campus in the U.S. and discussed a terrorist attack on a shopping mall.

An affidavit from FBI Special Agent David Robins also alleges that Fluke-Ekren became leader of an Islamic State unit called “Khatiba Nusaybah” in the Syrian city of Raqqa in late 2016. The all-female unit was trained in the use of AK-47 rifles, grenades and suicide belts.

A detention memo filed Friday by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh states that Fluke-Ekren even trained children how to use assault rifles, and that at least one witness saw one of Fluke-Ekren's children, approximately 5 or 6 years old, holding a machine gun in the family's home in Syria.

“Fluke-Ekren has been a fervent believer in the radical terrorist ideology of ISIS for many years, having traveled to Syria to commit or support violent jihad. Fluke-Ekren translated her extremist beliefs into action by serving as the appointed leader and organizer of an ISIS military battalion, directly training women and children in the use of AK-47 assault rifles, grenades, and suicide belts to support the Islamic State’s murderous aims,” Parekh wrote.

According to court papers, Fluke-Ekren moved to Egypt in 2008 and traveled frequently between Egypt and the U.S. over the next three years. She has not been in the U.S. since 2011.

Prosecutors believe she moved to Syria around 2012. In early 2016, her husband was killed in the Syrian city of Tell Abyad while trying to carry out a terrorist attack, prosecutors said. Later that year, prosecutors say she married a Bangladeshi ISIS member who specialized in drones, but he died in late 2016 or early 2017.

Four months after that man's death, she again remarried a prominent Islamic state leader who was responsible for the Islamic State group's defense of Raqqa.

Photos from a family blog called&nbsp;<a href="http://4kansaskids.blogspot.com/2008/12/visiting-pyramids.html">4KansasKids&nbsp;</a>show her and her children in the years they traveled between Kansas and Egypt, posing at the base of the pyramids in Egypt and playing in the snow in the U.S.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ljworld.com/news/2004/nov/23/homeschooling_trend_continues/">2004 article about homeschooling in the Lawrence Journal-World</a>&nbsp;featured Fluke-Ekren and her children. She told the paper she pulled her kids from public school because she was dissatisfied with how her children were performing in public and private schools. Homeschooling allowed her to teach Arabic to her kids.

Court papers do not indicate how she was captured, or how long she was in custody before being turned over to the FBI Friday.

She is scheduled to make an initial appearance at U.S. District Court in Alexandria on Monday, at which time she would likely be appointed an attorney.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — (AP) — A mother who once lived in Kansas has been arrested after federal prosecutors charged her with joining the Islamic State group and leading an all-female battalion of AK-47 wielding militants.The U.S. Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia, announced Saturday that Allison Fluke-Ekren, 42, has been charged with providing material support to a terrorist organization.The criminal complaint was filed under seal back in 2019 but made public Saturday after Fluke-Ekren was brought back to the U.S. Friday to face charges. Her alleged participation in the Islamic State had not been publicly known before Saturday's announcement.Prosecutors say Fluke-Ekren wanted to recruit operatives to attack a college campus in the U.S. and discussed a terrorist attack on a shopping mall.An affidavit from FBI Special Agent David Robins also alleges that Fluke-Ekren became leader of an Islamic State unit called “Khatiba Nusaybah” in the Syrian city of Raqqa in late 2016. The all-female unit was trained in the use of AK-47 rifles, grenades and suicide belts.A detention memo filed Friday by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh states that Fluke-Ekren even trained children how to use assault rifles, and that at least one witness saw one of Fluke-Ekren's children, approximately 5 or 6 years old, holding a machine gun in the family's home in Syria.“Fluke-Ekren has been a fervent believer in the radical terrorist ideology of ISIS for many years, having traveled to Syria to commit or support violent jihad. Fluke-Ekren translated her extremist beliefs into action by serving as the appointed leader and organizer of an ISIS military battalion, directly training women and children in the use of AK-47 assault rifles, grenades, and suicide belts to support the Islamic State’s murderous aims,” Parekh wrote.According to court papers, Fluke-Ekren moved to Egypt in 2008 and traveled frequently between Egypt and the U.S. over the next three years. She has not been in the U.S. since 2011.Prosecutors believe she moved to Syria around 2012. In early 2016, her husband was killed in the Syrian city of Tell Abyad while trying to carry out a terrorist attack, prosecutors said. Later that year, prosecutors say she married a Bangladeshi ISIS member who specialized in drones, but he died in late 2016 or early 2017.Four months after that man's death, she again remarried a prominent Islamic state leader who was responsible for the Islamic State group's defense of Raqqa.Photos from a family blog called&nbsp;<a href="http://4kansaskids.blogspot.com/2008/12/visiting-pyramids.html">4KansasKids&nbsp;</a>show her and her children in the years they traveled between Kansas and Egypt, posing at the base of the pyramids in Egypt and playing in the snow in the U.S.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ljworld.com/news/2004/nov/23/homeschooling_trend_continues/">2004 article about homeschooling in the Lawrence Journal-World</a>&nbsp;featured Fluke-Ekren and her children. She told the paper she pulled her kids from public school because she was dissatisfied with how her children were performing in public and private schools. Homeschooling allowed her to teach Arabic to her kids.Court papers do not indicate how she was captured, or how long she was in custody before being turned over to the FBI Friday.She is scheduled to make an initial appearance at U.S. District Court in Alexandria on Monday, at which time she would likely be appointed an attorney.

Feds: Kansas woman led all-female Islamic State battalion

SEWARD COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 1a.m. Saturday in Seward County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford F150 driven by Carlos A. Granados, 41, Hobbs, New Mexico, was southbound in the 2100 Block Kansas Avenue.

The driver failed to negotiate a left curve. The pickup entered the south ditch and rolled.

Granados was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Miller mortuary. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

SEWARD COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 1a.m. Saturday in Seward County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford F150 driven by Carlos A. Granados, 41, Hobbs, New Mexico, was southbound in the 2100 Block Kansas Avenue.The driver failed to negotiate a left curve. The pickup entered the south ditch and rolled.Granados was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Miller mortuary. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Man dies after pickup rollover crash on Kansas highway

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man arrested in California and extradited to Kansas for his role in a fatal Sept. 2020 crash has made a first court appearance in the case.

Gabriel Ortiz, 26,&nbsp;is charged with reckless 2nd&nbsp;degree murder or in the alternative, involuntary manslaughter.&nbsp; He is also charged with three counts of aggravated battery.&nbsp; &nbsp;In the alternative,” charges can be filed using alternative theories.  Even though a defendant can be convicted of both alternatives, he can only be sentenced on one of the two.

On Jan. 25, , members of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office extradition unit arrested&nbsp; Ortiz at the San Diego, CA County Jail and transported him to the Sedgwick County Jail, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

Ortiz <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20074214">was booked for a </a>warrant issued in the 18th&nbsp;Judicial District for murder in the second degree, involuntary manslaughter (alternative) and three counts of aggravated battery.&nbsp; The charges stem from the collision. He is expected to make a first court appearance Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On September 5, 2020, an Infinity Q50 SUV crossed the centerline of the roadway at 5600 W MacArthur and struck a Toyota Sienna van head-on.&nbsp; 

The passenger of the Sienna, 55-year-old Sonia Lopez of Wichita, died from injuries sustained during the collision.&nbsp; Two passengers in the Infinity and the driver of the Sienna sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ortiz next court date is Feb. 7, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp; He is being held on a bond of $200,000.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643215327769.png" alt="Ortiz-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Ortiz-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man arrested in California and extradited to Kansas for his role in a fatal Sept. 2020 crash has made a first court appearance in the case.Gabriel Ortiz, 26,&nbsp;is charged with reckless 2nd&nbsp;degree murder or in the alternative, involuntary manslaughter.&nbsp; He is also charged with three counts of aggravated battery.&nbsp; &nbsp;In the alternative,” charges can be filed using alternative theories. Even though a defendant can be convicted of both alternatives, he can only be sentenced on one of the two.On Jan. 25, , members of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office extradition unit arrested&nbsp; Ortiz at the San Diego, CA County Jail and transported him to the Sedgwick County Jail, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.Ortiz <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20074214">was booked for a </a>warrant issued in the 18th&nbsp;Judicial District for murder in the second degree, involuntary manslaughter (alternative) and three counts of aggravated battery.&nbsp; The charges stem from the collision. He is expected to make a first court appearance Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On September 5, 2020, an Infinity Q50 SUV crossed the centerline of the roadway at 5600 W MacArthur and struck a Toyota Sienna van head-on.&nbsp; The passenger of the Sienna, 55-year-old Sonia Lopez of Wichita, died from injuries sustained during the collision.&nbsp; Two passengers in the Infinity and the driver of the Sienna sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;Ortiz next court date is Feb. 7, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp; He is being held on a bond of $200,000.&nbsp;

Man arrested in California charged in fatal Kansas crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is making 400 million N95 masks available for free to U.S. residents.

The masks are available for pickup at pharmacies and community health centers across the country.&nbsp; Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/retail-pharmacy-program/participating-pharmacies.html">here to find a list of participating retailers</a>.

 The comes after federal officials emphasized the masks' better protection against the omicron variant of COVID-19 over cloth face coverings. The masks will come from the government's Strategic National Stockpile, which has more than 750 million of the highly protective masks on hand. 

How many times can you reuse an N95 mask?

The U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention says health care workers can wear an N95 mask up to five times. But experts say how often the average person can safely wear one will vary depending on how it’s used.

Using the same mask to run to the grocery store, for example, is very different than wearing it all day at work.

The amount of time a mask is worn is more important than how frequently it’s worn, says Richard Flagan, who studies masks and aerosols at the California Institute of Technology.

In general, he recommends limiting the use of an N95 mask to about two or three days.

With every breath you take in an N95, particles accumulate on the mask, Flagan says. That could make it more difficult to breathe if the mask has trapped a lot of particles.

“They are degrading the performance of the mask,” Flagan says.

The elastic band on the mask could also get worn out and not fit around your face as snugly. It might also get dirty or wet, especially if you’re using it while exercising.

If you notice any of these changes to your mask, it’s time to stop using it — even if you’ve only used it a few hours. And since N95 masks can’t be washed, they should be thrown away once you can no longer use them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642088735613.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is making 400 million N95 masks available for free to U.S. residents.The masks are available for pickup at pharmacies and community health centers across the country.&nbsp; Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/retail-pharmacy-program/participating-pharmacies.html">here to find a list of participating retailers</a>. The comes after federal officials emphasized the masks' better protection against the omicron variant of COVID-19 over cloth face coverings. The masks will come from the government's Strategic National Stockpile, which has more than 750 million of the highly protective masks on hand. How many times can you reuse an N95 mask?The U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention says health care workers can wear an N95 mask up to five times. But experts say how often the average person can safely wear one will vary depending on how it’s used.Using the same mask to run to the grocery store, for example, is very different than wearing it all day at work.The amount of time a mask is worn is more important than how frequently it’s worn, says Richard Flagan, who studies masks and aerosols at the California Institute of Technology.In general, he recommends limiting the use of an N95 mask to about two or three days.With every breath you take in an N95, particles accumulate on the mask, Flagan says. That could make it more difficult to breathe if the mask has trapped a lot of particles.“They are degrading the performance of the mask,” Flagan says.The elastic band on the mask could also get worn out and not fit around your face as snugly. It might also get dirty or wet, especially if you’re using it while exercising.If you notice any of these changes to your mask, it’s time to stop using it — even if you’ve only used it a few hours. And since N95 masks can’t be washed, they should be thrown away once you can no longer use them.___

Free N95 masks now available at many pharmacies nationwide

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities say a fire at a Kansas home was intentionally set.

Just after 3:30p.m. Friday fire crews&nbsp;responded to a fire in a home at 1272 SW Garfield Ave. Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found&nbsp;moderate smoke coming from the rear of the home. Firefighters began a defensive fire attack, and were able to keep the fire confined to the exterior siding of the dwelling. A search of the structure revealed all occupants were able to escape unharmed

Preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire due to a child playing with a lighter, according to Harrison. The estimated dollar loss –$5000, all associated with structural loss.

Smoke detectors were not located within the home, according to Harrison.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities say a fire at a Kansas home was intentionally set.Just after 3:30p.m. Friday fire crews&nbsp;responded to a fire in a home at 1272 SW Garfield Ave. Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found&nbsp;moderate smoke coming from the rear of the home. Firefighters began a defensive fire attack, and were able to keep the fire confined to the exterior siding of the dwelling. A search of the structure revealed all occupants were able to escape unharmedPreliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire due to a child playing with a lighter, according to Harrison. The estimated dollar loss –$5000, all associated with structural loss.Smoke detectors were not located within the home, according to Harrison.

Fire Marshal: Kan. house fire set by child playing with lighter

Secretary points to poor condition of thousands of Kan., Mo. bridges

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/28/buttigieg-points-to-pittsburgh-bridge-collapse-as-blunt-reminder-of-infrastructure-spending-needs/">Kansas Reflector</a>

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — U.S. 
transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg said Friday the collapse of a 
bridge in Pittsburgh illustrated the necessity of federal investment in 
the nation’s infrastructure, including more than 1,000 bridges in poor 
condition in Kansas and twice that total in Missouri.

Buttigieg braved winter chill to stand at the rusting Rock Island 
railroad bridge and the heavily used Cesar Chavez Bridge carrying 
vehicles over the Kansas River to outline benefits of bipartisan 
legislation signed by President Joe Biden expected to funnel billions of
 dollars into infrastructure projects in both states.

The secretary expressed appreciation to first responders and 
committed the agency to support of the investigation of the collapse in 
Pennsylvania.

“Bottom line is this shouldn’t happen in the United States of 
America,” he said. “It is a very blunt reminder, among many reminders, 
of just how urgent the need is to invest in American infrastructure.”

Buttigieg said safety problems with bridges and roads across the 
nation was a result of disinvestment in public infrastructure. The U.S. 
Department of Transportation has been working to distribute funding to 
address safety and modernization priorities, he said.

“Right here in Kansas there are more than 1,000 bridges in poor 
condition,” the secretary said. “Over 2,000 across the state line in 
Missouri. We need to get to work right away. Instead of wringing or 
hands about it, we’re actually doing it.”

He said resources would be for work on large, well-known bridges as 
well as smaller rural bridges that had fallen into disrepair.

“We have to help communities to get the resources to make those improvements,” he said.

Based on formula-based funding, Kansas would expect to receive $2.8 
billion and Missouri approximately $7 billion over five years in federal
 highway and bridge infrastructure funding. Both states also could 
compete for billions of additional infrastructure aid for roads, 
bridges, ports, broadband, emissions control and public safety projects.

Buttigieg spoke to reporters and local government officials at a news
 conference with U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor 
Tyrone Garner and Kansas transportation secretary Julie Lorenz.

Davids, a Democrat representing the 3rd District and the only member 
of the Kansas congressional delegation to vote for the infrastructure 
bill, said the federal law would earmark about $225 million over five 
years to repair and modernize bridges in Kansas. More than 700 bridges 
her the 3rd District of Wyandotte and Johnson counties were in need of 
work.

“Six of the top 10 most traveled structurally deficient bridges in 
Kansas are in the Third District. With this new funding from the 
bipartisan infrastructure law, we can begin to clear the backlog of 
repairs and ensure that all our bridges are safe and sound for years to 
come,” Davids said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643401257716.png" alt="U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Friday during a visit to Kansas City, Kan., the tragic collapse of a Pittsburg bridge illustrated the necessity of federal infrastructure spending to make travel safer. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Friday during a visit to Kansas City, Kan., the tragic collapse of a Pittsburg bridge illustrated the necessity of federal infrastructure spending to make travel safer. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Secretary points to poor condition of thousands of Kan., Mo. bridges</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/28/buttigieg-points-to-pittsburgh-bridge-collapse-as-blunt-reminder-of-infrastructure-spending-needs/">Kansas Reflector</a>KANSAS CITY, Kan. — U.S. 
transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg said Friday the collapse of a 
bridge in Pittsburgh illustrated the necessity of federal investment in 
the nation’s infrastructure, including more than 1,000 bridges in poor 
condition in Kansas and twice that total in Missouri.Buttigieg braved winter chill to stand at the rusting Rock Island 
railroad bridge and the heavily used Cesar Chavez Bridge carrying 
vehicles over the Kansas River to outline benefits of bipartisan 
legislation signed by President Joe Biden expected to funnel billions of
 dollars into infrastructure projects in both states.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643403211577.png" alt="Buttigieg with U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids in Kansas City Friday" />
 <figcaption>Buttigieg with U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids in Kansas City Friday</figcaption>
 </figure>The secretary expressed appreciation to first responders and 
committed the agency to support of the investigation of the collapse in 
Pennsylvania.“Bottom line is this shouldn’t happen in the United States of 
America,” he said. “It is a very blunt reminder, among many reminders, 
of just how urgent the need is to invest in American infrastructure.”Buttigieg said safety problems with bridges and roads across the 
nation was a result of disinvestment in public infrastructure. The U.S. 
Department of Transportation has been working to distribute funding to 
address safety and modernization priorities, he said.“Right here in Kansas there are more than 1,000 bridges in poor 
condition,” the secretary said. “Over 2,000 across the state line in 
Missouri. We need to get to work right away. Instead of wringing or 
hands about it, we’re actually doing it.”He said resources would be for work on large, well-known bridges as 
well as smaller rural bridges that had fallen into disrepair.“We have to help communities to get the resources to make those improvements,” he said.Based on formula-based funding, Kansas would expect to receive $2.8 
billion and Missouri approximately $7 billion over five years in federal
 highway and bridge infrastructure funding. Both states also could 
compete for billions of additional infrastructure aid for roads, 
bridges, ports, broadband, emissions control and public safety projects.Buttigieg spoke to reporters and local government officials at a news
 conference with U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor 
Tyrone Garner and Kansas transportation secretary Julie Lorenz.Davids, a Democrat representing the 3rd District and the only member 
of the Kansas congressional delegation to vote for the infrastructure 
bill, said the federal law would earmark about $225 million over five 
years to repair and modernize bridges in Kansas. More than 700 bridges 
her the 3rd District of Wyandotte and Johnson counties were in need of 
work.“Six of the top 10 most traveled structurally deficient bridges in 
Kansas are in the Third District. With this new funding from the 
bipartisan infrastructure law, we can begin to clear the backlog of 
repairs and ensure that all our bridges are safe and sound for years to 
come,” Davids said.

Buttigieg in Kansas: Bridge collapse blunt reminder of infrastructure needs

WASHINGTON (AP) — A measure of prices that is closely tracked by the Federal Reserve rose 5.8% last year, the sharpest increase since 1982, as brisk consumer spending collided with snarled supply chains to raise the costs of food, furniture, appliances and other goods.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/pi1221.pdf" target="_blank">report Friday from the Commerce Department</a>&nbsp;also said that consumer spending fell 0.6% in December, with purchases of cars, electronics, and clothes declining. Higher prices might have discouraged some shoppers, along with a wave of omicron cases that kept many Americans from traveling, eating out or visiting entertainment venues.

At the same time, incomes rose 0.3% last month, providing fuel for future spending.

Stubbornly high inflation has hammered household budgets, wiped out last year’s healthy wage gains and posed a severe political challenge to President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress. It also led the Federal Reserve to signal Wednesday that it plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-interest-rates-inflation-1dd9283e46162b3c0d29a2c55a2934d1">raise interest rates multiple times</a>&nbsp;this year beginning in March to try to get accelerating prices under control.

Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, so-called core prices rose 4.9% last year, the biggest increase since 1983. That was up from a 4.7% year-over-year rise in core prices in November.

From November to December, prices rose 0.4%, down from a 0.6% increase from October to November. Core prices rose 0.5% for a second straight month.

The economy is expanding at its fastest pace in decades, and job creation reached a five-decade high last year. But the rebound occurred so quickly after the pandemic shutdowns that it left many companies flat-footed, with fewer workers and supplies than they needed.

Besides raising interest rates, Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday that the Fed will move to shrink its huge $8.9 trillion of bond holdings this year, another step that will likely tighten credit, slow spending and potentially weaken the economy.

Speaking at a news conference, Powell acknowledged that inflation has gotten “slightly worse” in the past month. He cautioned that higher prices “have now spread to a broader range of goods and services,” after initially affecting sectors of the economy, like factory-made products for homes, that were most disrupted by the pandemic.

Powell also said the Fed is increasingly focused on the question of whether rising wages are acting as a primary driver of inflation, by forcing companies to charge more to cover their higher labor costs. Such a “wage-price spiral,” which the United States hasn’t experienced since the 1970s, can make inflation difficult to cool.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/eci.pdf" target="_blank">separate report Friday</a>&nbsp;said that workers’ salaries and benefits jumped 4% last year. It was the biggest increase in 20 years. Powell has said that a sharp rise in pay and benefits, reported in November, was a key reason why the Fed began shifting its policy toward higher interest rates. While rising wages are good for employees, they can also elevate inflation if they aren’t offset by efficiency gains.

The inflation figure that the government reported Friday is its personal consumption expenditures index. Though the consumer price index is a better-known barometer, the Fed tends to track the PCE in setting its interest rate policies. The PCE index tracks actual purchases consumers make each month, while the CPI follows a fixed market basket of goods.

Earlier this month, the government said the CPI&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-c1bfd93ed1719cf0135420f4fd0270f9">jumped 7% last year</a>, also the fastest pace in nearly four decades.

Prices have jumped in the past year as Americans have spent freely, helped by large stimulus checks in the spring and higher pay. Spending on autos, electronics and other goods jumped 12% in 2021, the government reported Wednesday, the biggest increase since 1946.

At the same time, bottlenecked supply chains and shortages of components, notably semiconductors, have left many retailers and auto dealers with fewer cars and other goods to sell. Powell has blamed mainly ongoing “supply and demand imbalances” for driving inflation.

On Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-earnings-368ae566f355df5bf5b150a4145fea3b">McDonald’s said that while sales last year grew</a>&nbsp;at a healthy pace, higher costs for food and paper products and the need to raise pay to attract and keep workers eroded profits even after it had raised prices 6% last year.

Likewise, Procter &amp; Gamble said last week that it plans to raise prices for detergents like Tide, Gain, and Downy and for personal care products. The company anticipates price increases for chemicals and other commodities this year.

Higher prices may be weighing on some Americans’ willingness to spend. Still, last month’s drop in consumer spending is likely to be temporary. Americans are already showing signs of heading back out to restaurants and movie theaters as the huge jump in omicron infections has started to decline.

JPMorgan Chase says spending on its credit cards for hotels, travel, and entertainment venues has rebounded this month, after falling in December. Spending has risen more in states where COVID-19 cases have come down the most.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623947660841.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A measure of prices that is closely tracked by the Federal Reserve rose 5.8% last year, the sharpest increase since 1982, as brisk consumer spending collided with snarled supply chains to raise the costs of food, furniture, appliances and other goods.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/pi1221.pdf" target="_blank">report Friday from the Commerce Department</a>&nbsp;also said that consumer spending fell 0.6% in December, with purchases of cars, electronics, and clothes declining. Higher prices might have discouraged some shoppers, along with a wave of omicron cases that kept many Americans from traveling, eating out or visiting entertainment venues.At the same time, incomes rose 0.3% last month, providing fuel for future spending.Stubbornly high inflation has hammered household budgets, wiped out last year’s healthy wage gains and posed a severe political challenge to President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress. It also led the Federal Reserve to signal Wednesday that it plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-interest-rates-inflation-1dd9283e46162b3c0d29a2c55a2934d1">raise interest rates multiple times</a>&nbsp;this year beginning in March to try to get accelerating prices under control.Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, so-called core prices rose 4.9% last year, the biggest increase since 1983. That was up from a 4.7% year-over-year rise in core prices in November.From November to December, prices rose 0.4%, down from a 0.6% increase from October to November. Core prices rose 0.5% for a second straight month.The economy is expanding at its fastest pace in decades, and job creation reached a five-decade high last year. But the rebound occurred so quickly after the pandemic shutdowns that it left many companies flat-footed, with fewer workers and supplies than they needed.Besides raising interest rates, Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday that the Fed will move to shrink its huge $8.9 trillion of bond holdings this year, another step that will likely tighten credit, slow spending and potentially weaken the economy.Speaking at a news conference, Powell acknowledged that inflation has gotten “slightly worse” in the past month. He cautioned that higher prices “have now spread to a broader range of goods and services,” after initially affecting sectors of the economy, like factory-made products for homes, that were most disrupted by the pandemic.Powell also said the Fed is increasingly focused on the question of whether rising wages are acting as a primary driver of inflation, by forcing companies to charge more to cover their higher labor costs. Such a “wage-price spiral,” which the United States hasn’t experienced since the 1970s, can make inflation difficult to cool.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/eci.pdf" target="_blank">separate report Friday</a>&nbsp;said that workers’ salaries and benefits jumped 4% last year. It was the biggest increase in 20 years. Powell has said that a sharp rise in pay and benefits, reported in November, was a key reason why the Fed began shifting its policy toward higher interest rates. While rising wages are good for employees, they can also elevate inflation if they aren’t offset by efficiency gains.The inflation figure that the government reported Friday is its personal consumption expenditures index. Though the consumer price index is a better-known barometer, the Fed tends to track the PCE in setting its interest rate policies. The PCE index tracks actual purchases consumers make each month, while the CPI follows a fixed market basket of goods.Earlier this month, the government said the CPI&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-c1bfd93ed1719cf0135420f4fd0270f9">jumped 7% last year</a>, also the fastest pace in nearly four decades.Prices have jumped in the past year as Americans have spent freely, helped by large stimulus checks in the spring and higher pay. Spending on autos, electronics and other goods jumped 12% in 2021, the government reported Wednesday, the biggest increase since 1946.At the same time, bottlenecked supply chains and shortages of components, notably semiconductors, have left many retailers and auto dealers with fewer cars and other goods to sell. Powell has blamed mainly ongoing “supply and demand imbalances” for driving inflation.On Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-earnings-368ae566f355df5bf5b150a4145fea3b">McDonald’s said that while sales last year grew</a>&nbsp;at a healthy pace, higher costs for food and paper products and the need to raise pay to attract and keep workers eroded profits even after it had raised prices 6% last year.Likewise, Procter &amp; Gamble said last week that it plans to raise prices for detergents like Tide, Gain, and Downy and for personal care products. The company anticipates price increases for chemicals and other commodities this year.Higher prices may be weighing on some Americans’ willingness to spend. Still, last month’s drop in consumer spending is likely to be temporary. Americans are already showing signs of heading back out to restaurants and movie theaters as the huge jump in omicron infections has started to decline.JPMorgan Chase says spending on its credit cards for hotels, travel, and entertainment venues has rebounded this month, after falling in December. Spending has risen more in states where COVID-19 cases have come down the most.

A key inflation gauge rose 5.8% in 2021, most in 39 years

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid will not go to trial on a felony driving while intoxicated charge until at least September.

Reid was scheduled to go to trial April 18 but a Jackson County judge on Friday delayed the trial until Sept. 26. The decision came after a brief virtual hearing that included discussion about whether expert witnesses and toxicology reports would be available, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article257808108.html#storylink=cpy" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Reid, the son of Chiefs Coach Andy Reid,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-michael-brown-super-bowl-nfl-sports-55699bf058c8afe40be7697d8cf47c43">pleaded not guilty</a>&nbsp;in June to driving while intoxicated causing serious physical injury.

Police said Reid hit two stopped cars on an Interstate 435 entrance ramp near Arrowhead Stadium on Feb. 4, 2021. A 5-year-old girl in one of the cars, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Reid, the Chiefs former linebackers coach, was placed on administrative leave after the crash and his contract was allowed to expire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618277826304.png" alt="Reid photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Reid photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid will not go to trial on a felony driving while intoxicated charge until at least September.Reid was scheduled to go to trial April 18 but a Jackson County judge on Friday delayed the trial until Sept. 26. The decision came after a brief virtual hearing that included discussion about whether expert witnesses and toxicology reports would be available, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article257808108.html#storylink=cpy" target="_blank">reported</a>.Reid, the son of Chiefs Coach Andy Reid,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-michael-brown-super-bowl-nfl-sports-55699bf058c8afe40be7697d8cf47c43">pleaded not guilty</a>&nbsp;in June to driving while intoxicated causing serious physical injury.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612784011749.png" alt="Ariel Young-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Ariel Young-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>Police said Reid hit two stopped cars on an Interstate 435 entrance ramp near Arrowhead Stadium on Feb. 4, 2021. A 5-year-old girl in one of the cars, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury.Reid, the Chiefs former linebackers coach, was placed on administrative leave after the crash and his contract was allowed to expire.

Trial postponed: Former Chiefs coach charged in crash that injured girl

&nbsp;MORRIS COUNTY —The Morris County Sheriff’s Office reported that 85-year-old Hazel Casper was located tonight in Wellington, Kansas. She is now safe and Timothy Craker was detained.

MORRIS COUNTY –&nbsp; The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issued a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Council Grove woman.&nbsp;

The whereabouts of 85-year-old Hazel E. Casper are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her, according to a media release from the KBI.

Casper was last seen at around 4:50 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, when she was taken without authorization from a healthcare facility in Council Grove by her stepson, 65-year-old Timothy Craker. She has several serious medical conditions and is without essential medications.

They are likely traveling in a Black 2016 Ford F-150 pickup truck with Iowa tag DWE920. Investigators believe they may be traveling on 1-35, near Wichita. They could be heading toward Wichita or to Des Moines, Iowa.

Casper is a white female, 5 ft. 7 in. tall, weighing 145 lbs. She has white hair and blue eyes. Craker is a white male, 5 ft. 11 in. tall, and weighs around 180 lbs. His eyes are blue and hair is brown.&nbsp;

If you see Hazel Casper, Timothy Craker, or the vehicle, please immediately contact 911, or the Morris County Sheriff’s Office at&nbsp;(620)&nbsp;767-6310.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643423091920.png" alt="Hazel Casper and Tim Craker-photos KBI" />
 <figcaption>Hazel Casper and Tim Craker-photos KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;MORRIS COUNTY —The Morris County Sheriff’s Office reported that 85-year-old Hazel Casper was located tonight in Wellington, Kansas. She is now safe and Timothy Craker was detained.-----MORRIS COUNTY –&nbsp; The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issued a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Council Grove woman.&nbsp;The whereabouts of 85-year-old Hazel E. Casper are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her, according to a media release from the KBI.Casper was last seen at around 4:50 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, when she was taken without authorization from a healthcare facility in Council Grove by her stepson, 65-year-old Timothy Craker. She has several serious medical conditions and is without essential medications.They are likely traveling in a Black 2016 Ford F-150 pickup truck with Iowa tag DWE920. Investigators believe they may be traveling on 1-35, near Wichita. They could be heading toward Wichita or to Des Moines, Iowa.Casper is a white female, 5 ft. 7 in. tall, weighing 145 lbs. She has white hair and blue eyes. Craker is a white male, 5 ft. 11 in. tall, and weighs around 180 lbs. His eyes are blue and hair is brown.&nbsp;If you see Hazel Casper, Timothy Craker, or the vehicle, please immediately contact 911, or the Morris County Sheriff’s Office at&nbsp;(620)&nbsp;767-6310.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled; 85-year-old safe, stepson detained

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the northwest part of Garden City for a domestic situation, involving a man who had been stabbed by a woman known to him.

Officers learned that the man had returned to his residence after running errands and engaged in a verbal argument with the woman, identified as 36-year-old&nbsp; Maria Herrera-Chavez&nbsp; of Garden City.

Herrera-Chavez became upset and allegedly stabbed the man with a pocketknife, in the presence of a small child. The man was taken to St. Catherine Hospital, where he was treated and released for his injuries.

Herrera-Chavez was arrested and booked into the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Domestic Battery and Aggravated Child Endangerment, according to the release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643386937368.png" alt="Herrera-Chavez-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Herrera-Chavez-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and have a suspect in custody.Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the northwest part of Garden City for a domestic situation, involving a man who had been stabbed by a woman known to him.Officers learned that the man had returned to his residence after running errands and engaged in a verbal argument with the woman, identified as 36-year-old&nbsp; Maria Herrera-Chavez&nbsp; of Garden City.Herrera-Chavez became upset and allegedly stabbed the man with a pocketknife, in the presence of a small child. The man was taken to St. Catherine Hospital, where he was treated and released for his injuries.Herrera-Chavez was arrested and booked into the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Domestic Battery and Aggravated Child Endangerment, according to the release.

Police: SW Kan. woman stabbed man in front of children

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court said Friday it would take no further action against a former county judge who shared nude photos of himself on an online dating site for swingers.

(Click below to watch the Oct. hearing on the case)

The court accepted a disciplinary panel's ruling that Russell County Magistrate Judge Marty Clark violated standards of judicial conduct. But the justices said they would take no further action because Clark resigned from the bench in May. 

An investigator with the Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct said in March that Clark sent photos to the Club Foreplay site, and also sent “salacious” texts to a woman discussing a possible sexual encounter in the judge’s chamber.

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643406859775.png" alt="Judge Marty Clark (lower right) during the virtual hearing on his conduct" />
 <figcaption>Judge Marty Clark (lower right) during the virtual hearing on his conduct</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court said Friday it would take no further action against a former county judge who shared nude photos of himself on an online dating site for swingers.(Click below to watch the Oct. hearing on the case)<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 accepted a disciplinary panel's ruling that Russell County Magistrate Judge Marty Clark violated standards of judicial conduct. But the justices said they would take no further action because Clark resigned from the bench in May. An investigator with the Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct said in March that Clark sent photos to the Club Foreplay site, and also sent “salacious” texts to a woman discussing a possible sexual encounter in the judge’s chamber.------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.

🎥Court takes no action against Kan. judge who shared nude photos

HUTCHINSON— Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the highly active Omicron variant, Amtrak is temporarily reducing some train frequencies on select routes due to staffing challenges, including on the <a href="https://amtrakguide.com/stations/amtrak-stations-in-kansas/">Southwest Chief that stops</a> in Lawrence, Topeka, Hutchinson, Newton, Dodge City and Garden City.

Despite Amtrak’s rigorous vaccination and testing program, several hundred on-board service personnel, conductors, engineers, and mechanical crews continue to be impacted by COVID infections or exposures, particularly given the highly infectious nature of the new variant and the prevalence of breakthrough cases.

To ensure safe, reliable service and minimize unplanned service interruptions, Amtrak is suspending 8% of train departures over the next ten weeks.

There is a suspension of two weekly departures on nine long distance routes between until March 27, reducing weekly service from daily to five days per week, including the Southwest Chief.

Impacted customers with existing reservations are being re-accommodated. For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="http://amtrak.com/">Amtrak.com</a>&nbsp;and click on ‘Schedules’.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609258167047.png" alt="Photo courtesy Amtrak" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Amtrak</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON— Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the highly active Omicron variant, Amtrak is temporarily reducing some train frequencies on select routes due to staffing challenges, including on the <a href="https://amtrakguide.com/stations/amtrak-stations-in-kansas/">Southwest Chief that stops</a> in Lawrence, Topeka, Hutchinson, Newton, Dodge City and Garden City.Despite Amtrak’s rigorous vaccination and testing program, several hundred on-board service personnel, conductors, engineers, and mechanical crews continue to be impacted by COVID infections or exposures, particularly given the highly infectious nature of the new variant and the prevalence of breakthrough cases.To ensure safe, reliable service and minimize unplanned service interruptions, Amtrak is suspending 8% of train departures over the next ten weeks.There is a suspension of two weekly departures on nine long distance routes between until March 27, reducing weekly service from daily to five days per week, including the Southwest Chief.Impacted customers with existing reservations are being re-accommodated. For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="http://amtrak.com/">Amtrak.com</a>&nbsp;and click on ‘Schedules’.

Amtrak's Southwest Chief limits service across Kansas

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/28/wind-energy-proponent-says-senate-bills-would-kill-development-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Wind
 and solar farms would be banned in more than half of Kansas counties 
—&nbsp;and made nearly impossible in the rest — under a trio of bills heard 
by legislators this week.

One of the bills would require leases presented to landowners to come with a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb323/">message in 16-point font urging them to hire a lawyer</a>. One would <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb324/">deem projects “abandoned”</a> if construction doesn’t commence within three years. The last would <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb325/">ban wind and solar farms on any land not zoned for industrial use</a> —&nbsp;forcing 60 Kansas counties to consider zoning if they want to allow wind development.

And it would require wind developers 
to get a permit before they file signed leases with the county. But 
according to a renewable development attorney, a developer can’t get 
that permit until they’ve leased the ground.

“So there’s a bust here that I think 
is intentional,” said Alan Claus Anderson, vice chairman of Polsinelli’s
 energy practice group in Kansas City. “Maybe it’s accidental. Either 
way, it makes the person’s ability to lease the land impossible.”

The trio of bills, all offered by <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/23/kansas-wind-energy-supporters-defend-local-control-economic-investments/">Sen. Mike Thompson</a>,
 a Shawnee Republican, were heard by two Senate committees this week. A 
handful of landowners in rural Kansas supported the bills while the 
renewable development industry urged lawmakers not to move forward.

“There’s a series of bills here, all taken together to do the same goal, which is to end renewable energy,” Anderson said.

Thompson told committee members 
Kansas needed more transparency around industrial wind and solar 
development, claiming wind energy developers target unzoned counties and
 use “tactics that are secretive” to obtain leases to build their wind 
turbines.

“We’re not saying we can’t do these 
facilities,” Thompson said. “We’re just saying these communities are 
being so severely impacted that they need to know about it and at least 
have a chance to negotiate or push back.”

He echoed a refrain commonly employed
 by critics of wind facilities — yes, landowners who want a turbine on 
their property have the right to do so, but nearby <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/30/as-kansas-missouri-keep-building-wind-some-communities-look-to-regulate/">landowners’ property rights are infringed by intrusive development</a>.

“It would be the same as saying, ‘I 
want to shoot my gun at your property, but the bullet just magically 
stops at the property line,’” Thompson said. “It’s a health and safety 
risk.”

The bill requiring that land be zoned
 for industrial use before a wind project is built would also allow 
adjoining landowners to stop that rezoning. If 10% of the contiguous 
landowners sign a petition, it would go on the next general election 
ballot.

If a project is deemed abandoned 
after three years, a developer would have to file a plan with the county
 for construction. Otherwise, landowners could terminate their leases.

But Anderson said it takes longer 
than three years to complete the necessary studies, including those 
required by the regional grid, the Southwest Power Pool, to start 
construction. Developers have to have control of the site to get that 
done.

“So it creates, by the nature of the 
terms of this, an impossibility,” Anderson said. “So what does that 
mean? That means that these people cannot contract because companies 
will say, ‘I can’t work in this regime. We’re out.’ ”

Kansas has seen an explosion of wind generation in recent decades. At the end of 2020, <a target="_blank" href="https://emp.lbl.gov/sites/default/files/land-based_wind_market_report_2021_edition_final.pdf">it had the fourth-largest capacity for wind generation</a>, with more than 7,000 megawatts. Wind makes up more than 40% of the state’s electrical generation.

To build wind farms, developers lease
 ground for turbines from farmers. They often tout the economic benefits
 of wind production for rural towns and counties and have offered 
additional funds for community projects.

But some rural neighbors who either 
aren’t offered leases or turn them down have regarded the turbines, 
often hundreds of feet tall with blades that extend even farther, as 
nuisances.

“Some people end up surrounded by these turbines with flashing lights, the noise, the health issues,” Thompson said.

Claims of adverse health effects are not widely supported by scientists.

Don Lueger, of Nemaha County, said 
there was ground leased in his community within a mile of St. Benedict 
where the historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church draws visitors.

He said the Soldier Creek wind farm 
nearby in the county was opposed by much of the community but forced on 
the area. His son plans to build a house on part of the family’s land 
but fears turbines could be placed nearby.

“To think that placing a turbine that
 close isn’t infringing on our property rights is ludicrous,” he said. 
“Something has got to change.”

Proponents of the bills, skeptics of 
industrial wind development, argue developers push projects on rural 
communities, signing up farmers’ ground before nonparticipating 
landowners know what’s happening.

“I believe (the bills) are absolutely
 mandatory to establish a broader scope of state regulations that 
protect landowners from lopsided tenant or industrial energy developer 
agreements that place excessive risk on trusting and again, if not 
naive, Kansas landowners,” said Bill Scopp, of Linn County.

Scopp said he has spent his career in
 equipment and leasing and reviewed a lease offered in Linn County that 
he believed unduly benefited the developer at the expense of landowners’
 rights. Scopp did not say whether he had ever been offered the 
opportunity to lease his land to a wind developer.

He complained that wind developers 
could tie up land for years with a sign-on bonus before farmers receive 
monthly payments from the wind farm.

Beverly Kavouras, of McPherson 
County, said developers “prey on” unzoned counties, though various 
developers attempted to establish five wind projects in McPherson 
County, which is zoned. McPherson County instituted a moratorium on wind
 development.

And while landowners without wind 
turbines say the projects infringe on their right to enjoy their rural 
property, restricting the ability for landowners who want to lease to 
developers is an assault on their freedom to contract.

Anderson called it a “pretty remarkable” one.

“The end result of this bill does end
 the ability for landowners to contract, use their property rights and 
participate in commerce as they deem fit with their land,” Anderson 
said.

The Kansas Association of Counties 
called the proposal to only allow wind farms on land zoned for 
industrial use an “assault on local control” because it would force 
unzoned counties that are interested in wind development to go through 
the expensive, time-consuming process of developing zoning. And the bill
 offers no funds for that.

Kimberly Gencur Svaty, public policy 
director for the Advanced Power Alliance, said she and her husband, 
former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Svaty, had purchased 
ground with a wind lease already on it. They also negotiated 
successfully over months with an energy company for a wind farm. On 
another piece of ground, they opted not to lease for wind.

She took “umbrage with an individual calling many landowners trusting and naive.”

“I am so proud of my land,” Gencur 
Svaty said. “It’s not something that I ever thought that I was going to 
get to own. … It’s really been one of the greatest joys of my life, so I
 don’t treat any interactions with my ground and my property lightly.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643395093240.png" alt="Evergy’s Flat Ridge Wind Farm, near Medicine Lodge, is one of the utility’s sources of renewable energy. Bills before the Kansas Senate would make developing wind energy impossible, the industry says. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Evergy’s Flat Ridge Wind Farm, near Medicine Lodge, is one of the utility’s sources of renewable energy. Bills before the Kansas Senate would make developing wind energy impossible, the industry says. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/28/wind-energy-proponent-says-senate-bills-would-kill-development-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>Wind
 and solar farms would be banned in more than half of Kansas counties 
—&nbsp;and made nearly impossible in the rest — under a trio of bills heard 
by legislators this week.One of the bills would require leases presented to landowners to come with a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb323/">message in 16-point font urging them to hire a lawyer</a>. One would <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb324/">deem projects “abandoned”</a> if construction doesn’t commence within three years. The last would <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb325/">ban wind and solar farms on any land not zoned for industrial use</a> —&nbsp;forcing 60 Kansas counties to consider zoning if they want to allow wind development.And it would require wind developers 
to get a permit before they file signed leases with the county. But 
according to a renewable development attorney, a developer can’t get 
that permit until they’ve leased the ground.“So there’s a bust here that I think 
is intentional,” said Alan Claus Anderson, vice chairman of Polsinelli’s
 energy practice group in Kansas City. “Maybe it’s accidental. Either 
way, it makes the person’s ability to lease the land impossible.”The trio of bills, all offered by <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/23/kansas-wind-energy-supporters-defend-local-control-economic-investments/">Sen. Mike Thompson</a>,
 a Shawnee Republican, were heard by two Senate committees this week. A 
handful of landowners in rural Kansas supported the bills while the 
renewable development industry urged lawmakers not to move forward.“There’s a series of bills here, all taken together to do the same goal, which is to end renewable energy,” Anderson said.Thompson told committee members 
Kansas needed more transparency around industrial wind and solar 
development, claiming wind energy developers target unzoned counties and
 use “tactics that are secretive” to obtain leases to build their wind 
turbines.“We’re not saying we can’t do these 
facilities,” Thompson said. “We’re just saying these communities are 
being so severely impacted that they need to know about it and at least 
have a chance to negotiate or push back.”He echoed a refrain commonly employed
 by critics of wind facilities — yes, landowners who want a turbine on 
their property have the right to do so, but nearby <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/30/as-kansas-missouri-keep-building-wind-some-communities-look-to-regulate/">landowners’ property rights are infringed by intrusive development</a>.“It would be the same as saying, ‘I 
want to shoot my gun at your property, but the bullet just magically 
stops at the property line,’” Thompson said. “It’s a health and safety 
risk.”The bill requiring that land be zoned
 for industrial use before a wind project is built would also allow 
adjoining landowners to stop that rezoning. If 10% of the contiguous 
landowners sign a petition, it would go on the next general election 
ballot.If a project is deemed abandoned 
after three years, a developer would have to file a plan with the county
 for construction. Otherwise, landowners could terminate their leases.But Anderson said it takes longer 
than three years to complete the necessary studies, including those 
required by the regional grid, the Southwest Power Pool, to start 
construction. Developers have to have control of the site to get that 
done.“So it creates, by the nature of the 
terms of this, an impossibility,” Anderson said. “So what does that 
mean? That means that these people cannot contract because companies 
will say, ‘I can’t work in this regime. We’re out.’ ”Kansas has seen an explosion of wind generation in recent decades. At the end of 2020, <a target="_blank" href="https://emp.lbl.gov/sites/default/files/land-based_wind_market_report_2021_edition_final.pdf">it had the fourth-largest capacity for wind generation</a>, with more than 7,000 megawatts. Wind makes up more than 40% of the state’s electrical generation.To build wind farms, developers lease
 ground for turbines from farmers. They often tout the economic benefits
 of wind production for rural towns and counties and have offered 
additional funds for community projects.But some rural neighbors who either 
aren’t offered leases or turn them down have regarded the turbines, 
often hundreds of feet tall with blades that extend even farther, as 
nuisances.“Some people end up surrounded by these turbines with flashing lights, the noise, the health issues,” Thompson said.Claims of adverse health effects are not widely supported by scientists.Don Lueger, of Nemaha County, said 
there was ground leased in his community within a mile of St. Benedict 
where the historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church draws visitors.He said the Soldier Creek wind farm 
nearby in the county was opposed by much of the community but forced on 
the area. His son plans to build a house on part of the family’s land 
but fears turbines could be placed nearby.“To think that placing a turbine that
 close isn’t infringing on our property rights is ludicrous,” he said. 
“Something has got to change.”<h2>Property rights&nbsp;</h2>Proponents of the bills, skeptics of 
industrial wind development, argue developers push projects on rural 
communities, signing up farmers’ ground before nonparticipating 
landowners know what’s happening.“I believe (the bills) are absolutely
 mandatory to establish a broader scope of state regulations that 
protect landowners from lopsided tenant or industrial energy developer 
agreements that place excessive risk on trusting and again, if not 
naive, Kansas landowners,” said Bill Scopp, of Linn County.Scopp said he has spent his career in
 equipment and leasing and reviewed a lease offered in Linn County that 
he believed unduly benefited the developer at the expense of landowners’
 rights. Scopp did not say whether he had ever been offered the 
opportunity to lease his land to a wind developer.He complained that wind developers 
could tie up land for years with a sign-on bonus before farmers receive 
monthly payments from the wind farm.Beverly Kavouras, of McPherson 
County, said developers “prey on” unzoned counties, though various 
developers attempted to establish five wind projects in McPherson 
County, which is zoned. McPherson County instituted a moratorium on wind
 development.And while landowners without wind 
turbines say the projects infringe on their right to enjoy their rural 
property, restricting the ability for landowners who want to lease to 
developers is an assault on their freedom to contract.Anderson called it a “pretty remarkable” one.“The end result of this bill does end
 the ability for landowners to contract, use their property rights and 
participate in commerce as they deem fit with their land,” Anderson 
said.The Kansas Association of Counties 
called the proposal to only allow wind farms on land zoned for 
industrial use an “assault on local control” because it would force 
unzoned counties that are interested in wind development to go through 
the expensive, time-consuming process of developing zoning. And the bill
 offers no funds for that.Kimberly Gencur Svaty, public policy 
director for the Advanced Power Alliance, said she and her husband, 
former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Svaty, had purchased 
ground with a wind lease already on it. They also negotiated 
successfully over months with an energy company for a wind farm. On 
another piece of ground, they opted not to lease for wind.She took “umbrage with an individual calling many landowners trusting and naive.”“I am so proud of my land,” Gencur 
Svaty said. “It’s not something that I ever thought that I was going to 
get to own. … It’s really been one of the greatest joys of my life, so I
 don’t treat any interactions with my ground and my property lightly.”

Wind energy proponent: Kan. Senate bills would kill development

By JILL BLEED and SEAN MURPHY Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A federal judge has resentenced "Tiger King" Joe Exotic to 21 years in prison. The former zookeeper — whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage — was convicted in a murder-for-hire case involving his chief rival, Carole Baskin. 

He was sentenced two years ago to 22 years in prison, but a federal appeals court ruled last year that the proper sentencing guidelines weren't used.  He was resentenced Friday in Oklahoma City.

Prosecutors say Maldonado-Passage tried to hire two different people — including an undercover FBI agent — to kill Baskin, who'd criticized his treatment of animals. 

Baskin attended Friday's sentencing and said Maldonado-Passage "continues to harbor intense feelings of ill will toward me."

By JILL BLEED and SEAN MURPHY Associated PressOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A federal judge has resentenced "Tiger King" Joe Exotic to 21 years in prison. The former zookeeper — whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage — was convicted in a murder-for-hire case involving his chief rival, Carole Baskin. He was sentenced two years ago to 22 years in prison, but a federal appeals court ruled last year that the proper sentencing guidelines weren't used. He was resentenced Friday in Oklahoma City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643400522851.png" alt="Santa Rose County (Fla.) Jail" />
 <figcaption>Santa Rose County (Fla.) Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Prosecutors say Maldonado-Passage tried to hire two different people — including an undercover FBI agent — to kill Baskin, who'd criticized his treatment of animals. Baskin attended Friday's sentencing and said Maldonado-Passage "continues to harbor intense feelings of ill will toward me."

'Tiger King' Joe Exotic resentenced to 21 years in prison

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A state legislator has been charged with two traffic violations over his late November arrest on Interstate 70 in northeast&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;but not with driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, the potential crime initially listed by the Highway Patrol.

Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman, of Kansas City, also still faces a misdemeanor domestic battery charge in a separate criminal case in the Kansas City area over an Oct. 30 fight with his younger brother. Coleman pled not guilty, and a scheduling hearing in that case is set for Wednesday in Johnson County District Court.

In neighboring Douglas County, home to Lawrence and the main University of Kansas campus, Coleman faces charges of speeding and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle as required by law over a Nov. 27 stop. A complaint filed Jan. 21 by an assistant district attorney says Coleman was driving 92 mph when the post speed limit was 75 mph Together, the charges could result in several hundred dollars in fines.

Coleman is scheduled to have the charges formally read to him and enter a plea on April 15, during a break in the Kansas Legislature's annual session. His attorney did not respond to a telephone message and the lawmaker did not reply to a text seeking comment.

Coleman has been embroiled in controversy since he ran for the House in 2020, when he acknowledged past abuses against girls and young women. A legislative committee reprimanded Coleman in writing in February 2020 over those abuses. After his two arrests within a month, six female Democrats in the House filed a complaint against him with the House designed to lead to his ouster.

The Kansas Highway Patrol initially said he had been arrested in Douglas County on suspicion of DUI, but a decision on charges waited on the report to the district attorney's office from the patrol on the substances in Coleman's body at the time of the stop. Coleman has said he wasn't under the influence.

Jill Jess, a spokesperson for the Douglas County district attorney's office, said the charges were “based on evidence presented,” without elaborating. The Associated Press has requested a copy of the patrol's report.

“Mr. Coleman faces no further charges in Douglas County at this time,” she wrote.

Coleman is free on bond in both criminal cases. At the Statehouse, he's been pursuing a liberal agenda and earlier this month introduced a bill to reduce criminal penalties for possessing or distributing psychedelic mushrooms. But Democratic leaders have refused to give him any committee assignments.

The complaint filed against him by six fellow Democrats revived the committee of three Republicans and three Democrats that admonished him in writing last year. But its chairman has said it doesn't plan to meet again until Coleman's criminal cases are resolved.

In the Johnson County case, Coleman was ordered to undergo a mental health exam. Court documents said Coleman, who is Jewish, had a fight with his younger brother over the brother's plans for a Christian baptism.

A police sergeant wrote in an affidavit that Coleman was uncooperative and “extremely erratic,” and that he reported not sleeping for three days. Coleman tweeted Nov. 25 — two days before his arrest in Douglas County — that he's suffered from chronic insomnia “my whole adult life.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635804497310.png" alt="Coleman as shown in his October booking photo in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Coleman as shown in his October booking photo in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A state legislator has been charged with two traffic violations over his late November arrest on Interstate 70 in northeast&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;but not with driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, the potential crime initially listed by the Highway Patrol.Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman, of Kansas City, also still faces a misdemeanor domestic battery charge in a separate criminal case in the Kansas City area over an Oct. 30 fight with his younger brother. Coleman pled not guilty, and a scheduling hearing in that case is set for Wednesday in Johnson County District Court.In neighboring Douglas County, home to Lawrence and the main University of Kansas campus, Coleman faces charges of speeding and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle as required by law over a Nov. 27 stop. A complaint filed Jan. 21 by an assistant district attorney says Coleman was driving 92 mph when the post speed limit was 75 mph Together, the charges could result in several hundred dollars in fines.Coleman is scheduled to have the charges formally read to him and enter a plea on April 15, during a break in the Kansas Legislature's annual session. His attorney did not respond to a telephone message and the lawmaker did not reply to a text seeking comment.Coleman has been embroiled in controversy since he ran for the House in 2020, when he acknowledged past abuses against girls and young women. A legislative committee reprimanded Coleman in writing in February 2020 over those abuses. After his two arrests within a month, six female Democrats in the House filed a complaint against him with the House designed to lead to his ouster.The Kansas Highway Patrol initially said he had been arrested in Douglas County on suspicion of DUI, but a decision on charges waited on the report to the district attorney's office from the patrol on the substances in Coleman's body at the time of the stop. Coleman has said he wasn't under the influence.Jill Jess, a spokesperson for the Douglas County district attorney's office, said the charges were “based on evidence presented,” without elaborating. The Associated Press has requested a copy of the patrol's report.“Mr. Coleman faces no further charges in Douglas County at this time,” she wrote.Coleman is free on bond in both criminal cases. At the Statehouse, he's been pursuing a liberal agenda and earlier this month introduced a bill to reduce criminal penalties for possessing or distributing psychedelic mushrooms. But Democratic leaders have refused to give him any committee assignments.The complaint filed against him by six fellow Democrats revived the committee of three Republicans and three Democrats that admonished him in writing last year. But its chairman has said it doesn't plan to meet again until Coleman's criminal cases are resolved.In the Johnson County case, Coleman was ordered to undergo a mental health exam. Court documents said Coleman, who is Jewish, had a fight with his younger brother over the brother's plans for a Christian baptism.A police sergeant wrote in an affidavit that Coleman was uncooperative and “extremely erratic,” and that he reported not sleeping for three days. Coleman tweeted Nov. 25 — two days before his arrest in Douglas County — that he's suffered from chronic insomnia “my whole adult life.”

Kansas lawmaker charged with traffic violations but not DUI

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/28/hope-springs-from-kansas-governors-proposal-to-restore-water-funding/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Connie Owen, director of Kansas Water Office, says the 
governor’s recommendation to restore funding for water projects has 
given her organization momentum as it considers a wide range of needs.

Legislators since 2008 have not allocated the full $8 million that is
 supposed to go toward a State Water Plan established in 1989. During 
the past 14 years, Owen said, the state has shorted the plan by $80 
million, jeopardizing efforts to address concerns with reservoirs, 
groundwater, and water quality across the state.

This year, Gov. Laura Kelly has proposed fully funding the water 
plan. If lawmakers agree, that would mean allocating $6 million from the
 state general fund and $2 million from an economic development fund.

Kelly told members of the Kansas Water Authority during a meeting 
Thursday in Topeka that she was excited about a budget surplus that 
would allow the state to meet its obligations.

“I know there are a lot of water projects,” Kelly said. “The eight 
million goes a long way, but not long enough for many of the things that
 need to get done.”

She said she also anticipates using federal money from the infrastructure package on “expense projects in the world of water.”

The water authority, which is part of the Water Office, develops the 
water plan and manages the available cash. Owen said the annual 
allotment figure hasn’t changed since the mid-1990s. If adjusted for 
inflation, she said, the state would have to pay closer to $20 million 
annually.

The issues are profound. In western Kansas, the depletion of the 
Ogallala Aquifer threatens the livelihood of agriculture producers.

“It’s already too far gone,” Owen said if the aquifer. “There are areas that are beyond use.”

She said the state could invest in innovative technologies that help 
agriculture producers make a living. For example: Farmers could use a 
soil moisture probe to determine whether they need to irrigate on a 
given day.

Producers in the Colby area who chose to voluntarily reduce water 
use, Owen said, have actually seen profitability increase because they 
are paying less for nutrients and power used for pumps. The water plan 
could help fund programs to help other producers make a similar 
transition in how they operate, Owen said.

In eastern Kansas,&nbsp; the biggest issue involves the silting of 
reservoirs. The accumulation of silt happens naturally as water flows 
into the reservoirs, presenting an array of challenges.

Tuttle Creek Lake, the flagship reservoir, has lost about 40% of its capacity, Owen said.

“When you have your silt filling up reservoirs and losing storage 
capacity, well, you’re going to lose the amount of water you had access 
to,” Owen said. “You will not have the flexibility to store water in a 
flood and help reduce flood damage. You will not have the capacity to 
store water when you can to prepare for a drought.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643387455587.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly addresses Connie Owen, director of the Kansas Water Office, during a meeting of the Kansas Water Authority on Thursday at the Ramada Inn in downtown Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly addresses Connie Owen, director of the Kansas Water Office, during a meeting of the Kansas Water Authority on Thursday at the Ramada Inn in downtown Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/28/hope-springs-from-kansas-governors-proposal-to-restore-water-funding/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Connie Owen, director of Kansas Water Office, says the 
governor’s recommendation to restore funding for water projects has 
given her organization momentum as it considers a wide range of needs.Legislators since 2008 have not allocated the full $8 million that is
 supposed to go toward a State Water Plan established in 1989. During 
the past 14 years, Owen said, the state has shorted the plan by $80 
million, jeopardizing efforts to address concerns with reservoirs, 
groundwater, and water quality across the state.This year, Gov. Laura Kelly has proposed fully funding the water 
plan. If lawmakers agree, that would mean allocating $6 million from the
 state general fund and $2 million from an economic development fund.Kelly told members of the Kansas Water Authority during a meeting 
Thursday in Topeka that she was excited about a budget surplus that 
would allow the state to meet its obligations.“I know there are a lot of water projects,” Kelly said. “The eight 
million goes a long way, but not long enough for many of the things that
 need to get done.”She said she also anticipates using federal money from the infrastructure package on “expense projects in the world of water.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643387510350.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly says the $8 million needed to fully fund the State Water Plan will go a long way, but not long enough. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly says the $8 million needed to fully fund the State Water Plan will go a long way, but not long enough. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>The water authority, which is part of the Water Office, develops the 
water plan and manages the available cash. Owen said the annual 
allotment figure hasn’t changed since the mid-1990s. If adjusted for 
inflation, she said, the state would have to pay closer to $20 million 
annually.The issues are profound. In western Kansas, the depletion of the 
Ogallala Aquifer threatens the livelihood of agriculture producers.“It’s already too far gone,” Owen said if the aquifer. “There are areas that are beyond use.”She said the state could invest in innovative technologies that help 
agriculture producers make a living. For example: Farmers could use a 
soil moisture probe to determine whether they need to irrigate on a 
given day.Producers in the Colby area who chose to voluntarily reduce water 
use, Owen said, have actually seen profitability increase because they 
are paying less for nutrients and power used for pumps. The water plan 
could help fund programs to help other producers make a similar 
transition in how they operate, Owen said.In eastern Kansas,&nbsp; the biggest issue involves the silting of 
reservoirs. The accumulation of silt happens naturally as water flows 
into the reservoirs, presenting an array of challenges.Tuttle Creek Lake, the flagship reservoir, has lost about 40% of its capacity, Owen said.“When you have your silt filling up reservoirs and losing storage 
capacity, well, you’re going to lose the amount of water you had access 
to,” Owen said. “You will not have the flexibility to store water in a 
flood and help reduce flood damage. You will not have the capacity to 
store water when you can to prepare for a drought.“Not to mention you just will not have enough supply to meet the 
needs of the people who live here. You want to turn on your tap and you 
want the water to come on. If the reservoirs can’t hold enough water, 
that’s going to be a problem.”Michael Armstrong, who represents a water district in Johnson County,
 asked the governor to consider using a chunk of the state’s surplus to 
cover debt the state owes on federal reservoirs — Perry, Milford and 
Hillsdale. There are about $112 million in outstanding obligations that 
could be retired with a one-time payment.Kelly said she was unaware of the debt or the interest that continues to accrue.“That drives me absolutely insane,” the governor said.