TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,477 to a total of 430,293, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 31 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,242.

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

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

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,477 to a total of 430,293, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 31 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,242.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635183030494.png" alt="Monday October 25, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday October 25, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 1,477 new cases, 31 more COVID deaths

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary from a fraternity at Kansas State University.

On Sunday, officers filed a report for burglary in the 500 block of Denison Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity reported an unknown suspect entered the fraternity house and stole two framed composite photos worth an estimated $8,000. 

Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635177173773.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary from a fraternity at Kansas State University.On Sunday, officers filed a report for burglary in the 500 block of Denison Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity reported an unknown suspect entered the fraternity house and stole two framed composite photos worth an estimated $8,000. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Police investigate burglary from fraternity at K-State

REPUBLIC COUNTY—It was a deadly weekend on Kansas highways. First responders worked seven fatal accidents across the state over the past three days.

Just after 11a.m. Friday in Republic County, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Ford van driven by Calvin L. Ricketts, 62, Wichita, was northbound on U.S. 81 six miles north of Belleville.

The van rear-ended a 1999 Peterbilt semi driven by Andries Adriaan Serdyn,&nbsp; 53, Scandia, who was attempting a right hand turn onto Fir Road.&nbsp; Ricketts was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home. EMS transported Serdyn to the Republic County Hospital. Serdyn was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Just before 8p.m. Friday in Phillips County, the sheriff's office reported a 2008 Nissan passenger vehicle driven by Brian Martin, 39, of Smith Center, was traveling in the 200 block of East Limestone Road.

He swerved to miss a deer,&nbsp; lost control of the vehicle, which went airborne and rolled.&nbsp; A passenger in the vehicle, Lucas Martin, 42, of Phillipsburg, was ejected from the vehicle.&nbsp;

Brian Martin was able to call 911 but was unable to give an exact location. He succumbed to his injuries prior to emergency personnel locating the crash.

Disoriented, Lucas Martin wandered from the crash scene, but was eventually located by a family member. An ambulance and transported him to Phillips County Hospital.&nbsp;

Shortly after 1:30a.m. Saturday, 1993 Ford Bronco driven by John Carlos Serrano, 17, Bird City, was westbound on U.S. 36 a quarter mile east of Bird City, according to the KHP.

The SUV began to pass a semi to the left while the roadway curved. The vehicle continued straight, left the roadway into the south ditch and collided with a concrete barrier.

EMS transported Serrano to St. Francis Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Just after 4;30p.m. on Saturday, Lance Michael Martin, 41, Salina died in an accident in Ellsworth County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy Impala driven by Martin was&nbsp;was westbound on Kansas 156 just west of Avenue D.

The Chevy traveled across the center line and struck an eastbound 2012 Peterbilt semi driven by Kevin Lee Cooper, 49, Longview Washington.&nbsp;

After the vehicles collided, the Peterbilt semi traveled back into the westbound lane and was struck by a 2007 Peterbilt semi driven by Michael John Campbell, 53, of Tescott.

Martin was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Parsons Funeral Home. Cooper was not transported for treatment. Campbell was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Early Sunday, two people included a northwest Kansas man died in two separate accidents in northwest Kansas.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just after 3a.m. a 2014 Hyundai Sonata driven by Dalton Charles Hall, 20, Savoy, Illinois, was westbound on 8th Street in Hays at a high rate of speed.

The driver failed to obey the stop sign at the U.S. 183 Alternate. The car continued westbound over the embankment, went airborne, impacted the ground at the bottom of the embankment and flipped end-over-end coming to rest on its top.

A passenger Jacob Ray Rivera, 19, Selma, California, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Brocks Funeral Home. He was a student at NW Kansas Technical College.

EMS transported Hall and two additional passengers Chelsy&nbsp;Mendoza, 20, and Victoria Angelica Borrego, 21, both of Selma, California to Hays Medical Center. Hall, Mendoza and&nbsp;Borrego, were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Just after 4a.m. Sunday in Sheridan County, a 1994 Ford Ranger driven by Vernon J. Rietcheck, 79, Hoxie, was westbound on U.S. 24 eight miles east of Hoxie. The driver attempted to make a left turn onto Kansas 188.

The pickup missed the roadway to the west, traveled off the concrete culvert and to rest facing south, high centered on the concrete culvert.&nbsp;

Rietcheck was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Brocks North Hill Chapel. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Just after 2a.m. Sunday, a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Gary Lee Miser, 52, Emporia, was northbound on U.S. 75 three miles south of Burlington. The pickup crossed the center line. A southbound 1999 Toyota 4Runner driven by Brandon Wayne&nbsp;Darbyshire, 19, Eureka, and the pickup collided in the middle of the roadway.

A passenger in the 4Runner identified as Griffin Thomas&nbsp;Lamb, 18, Lenexa, was pronounced dead at the scene.

EMS transported Miser and a passenger in the 4Runner Thomas Gordon Greig, 20, Prairie Village, to the Coffey County Hospital and and Darbyshire to Stormont Vail in Topeka. All were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634992122483.png" alt="First responders on the scene of a fatal crash Friday in Republic County-photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of a fatal crash Friday in Republic County-photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>REPUBLIC COUNTY—It was a deadly weekend on Kansas highways. First responders worked seven fatal accidents across the state over the past three days.Just after 11a.m. Friday in Republic County, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Ford van driven by Calvin L. Ricketts, 62, Wichita, was northbound on U.S. 81 six miles north of Belleville.The van rear-ended a 1999 Peterbilt semi driven by Andries Adriaan Serdyn,&nbsp; 53, Scandia, who was attempting a right hand turn onto Fir Road.&nbsp; Ricketts was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home. EMS transported Serdyn to the Republic County Hospital. Serdyn was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.Just before 8p.m. Friday in Phillips County, the sheriff's office reported a 2008 Nissan passenger vehicle driven by Brian Martin, 39, of Smith Center, was traveling in the 200 block of East Limestone Road.He swerved to miss a deer,&nbsp; lost control of the vehicle, which went airborne and rolled.&nbsp; A passenger in the vehicle, Lucas Martin, 42, of Phillipsburg, was ejected from the vehicle.&nbsp;Brian Martin was able to call 911 but was unable to give an exact location. He succumbed to his injuries prior to emergency personnel locating the crash.Disoriented, Lucas Martin wandered from the crash scene, but was eventually located by a family member. An ambulance and transported him to Phillips County Hospital.&nbsp;Shortly after 1:30a.m. Saturday, 1993 Ford Bronco driven by John Carlos Serrano, 17, Bird City, was westbound on U.S. 36 a quarter mile east of Bird City, according to the KHP.The SUV began to pass a semi to the left while the roadway curved. The vehicle continued straight, left the roadway into the south ditch and collided with a concrete barrier.EMS transported Serrano to St. Francis Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.Just after 4;30p.m. on Saturday, Lance Michael Martin, 41, Salina died in an accident in Ellsworth County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy Impala driven by Martin was&nbsp;was westbound on Kansas 156 just west of Avenue D.The Chevy traveled across the center line and struck an eastbound 2012 Peterbilt semi driven by Kevin Lee Cooper, 49, Longview Washington.&nbsp;After the vehicles collided, the Peterbilt semi traveled back into the westbound lane and was struck by a 2007 Peterbilt semi driven by Michael John Campbell, 53, of Tescott.Martin was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Parsons Funeral Home. Cooper was not transported for treatment. Campbell was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.Early Sunday, two people included a northwest Kansas man died in two separate accidents in northwest Kansas.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just after 3a.m. a 2014 Hyundai Sonata driven by Dalton Charles Hall, 20, Savoy, Illinois, was westbound on 8th Street in Hays at a high rate of speed.The driver failed to obey the stop sign at the U.S. 183 Alternate. The car continued westbound over the embankment, went airborne, impacted the ground at the bottom of the embankment and flipped end-over-end coming to rest on its top.A passenger Jacob Ray Rivera, 19, Selma, California, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Brocks Funeral Home. He was a student at NW Kansas Technical College.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTechMavs%2Fposts%2F10157885712542827&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="503" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>EMS transported Hall and two additional passengers Chelsy&nbsp;Mendoza, 20, and Victoria Angelica Borrego, 21, both of Selma, California to Hays Medical Center. Hall, Mendoza and&nbsp;Borrego, were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.Just after 4a.m. Sunday in Sheridan County, a 1994 Ford Ranger driven by Vernon J. Rietcheck, 79, Hoxie, was westbound on U.S. 24 eight miles east of Hoxie. The driver attempted to make a left turn onto Kansas 188.The pickup missed the roadway to the west, traveled off the concrete culvert and to rest facing south, high centered on the concrete culvert.&nbsp;Rietcheck was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Brocks North Hill Chapel. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.Just after 2a.m. Sunday, a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Gary Lee Miser, 52, Emporia, was northbound on U.S. 75 three miles south of Burlington. The pickup crossed the center line. A southbound 1999 Toyota 4Runner driven by Brandon Wayne&nbsp;Darbyshire, 19, Eureka, and the pickup collided in the middle of the roadway.A passenger in the 4Runner identified as Griffin Thomas&nbsp;Lamb, 18, Lenexa, was pronounced dead at the scene.EMS transported Miser and a passenger in the 4Runner Thomas Gordon Greig, 20, Prairie Village, to the Coffey County Hospital and and Darbyshire to Stormont Vail in Topeka. All were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

7 dead in crashes on Kansas highways over past three days

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Eight people in two separate homes escaped safely after a fire early Monday in Topeka. One was later taken to the hospital.

Just before 2a.m. fire crews&nbsp;responded to a house fire at 218 SW Topeka Blvd. in Topeka, according to&nbsp;Public Education Officer Alan Stahl.

As they arrived, fire crews found fire coming from the first and second story of the home. Due to the amount of fire and the building condition, fire crews made a defensive fire attack and did not enter the building to fight the fire.

Three occupants inside the house at the time of the fire were all able to escape prior to the fire department’s arrival. American Medical Response transported one occupant to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

A second alarm was requested by the incident commander as heat from the fire caused damage to the neighboring house, and all five occupants were able to escape.&nbsp;

A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as Accidental, associated with electrical system problems, according to Stahl. The estimated dollar loss – $14,100; $8,600 is associated with a total structural damage loss to the building of origin, $5,000 is associated with contents loss from the building of origin, and $500 structural loss from heat exposure to the neighboring home.

Three cats, one dog, and one bird were unaccounted for from the house where the fire started. No smoke detectors were located within either home, according to Stahl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635157882321.png" alt="Early Monday morning house fire in Topeka-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Early Monday morning house fire in Topeka-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Eight people in two separate homes escaped safely after a fire early Monday in Topeka. One was later taken to the hospital.Just before 2a.m. fire crews&nbsp;responded to a house fire at 218 SW Topeka Blvd. in Topeka, according to&nbsp;Public Education Officer Alan Stahl.As they arrived, fire crews found fire coming from the first and second story of the home. Due to the amount of fire and the building condition, fire crews made a defensive fire attack and did not enter the building to fight the fire.Three occupants inside the house at the time of the fire were all able to escape prior to the fire department’s arrival. American Medical Response transported one occupant to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.A second alarm was requested by the incident commander as heat from the fire caused damage to the neighboring house, and all five occupants were able to escape.&nbsp;A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as Accidental, associated with electrical system problems, according to Stahl. The estimated dollar loss – $14,100; $8,600 is associated with a total structural damage loss to the building of origin, $5,000 is associated with contents loss from the building of origin, and $500 structural loss from heat exposure to the neighboring home.Three cats, one dog, and one bird were unaccounted for from the house where the fire started. No smoke detectors were located within either home, according to Stahl.

One hospitalized after fire damages two Kansas homes

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

GREAT BEND — There are three 
names that will appear on the ballot for the Nov. 2 General Election for
 the Cottonwood Extension District board. One of the three,
Alexa (Lexi) Straub, was able to attend the League of Women Voters 
candidate forum
last Thursday in Great Bend. 

Straub is a 19-year-old from Ellinwood that has
been heavily involved in 4-H and wants to keep her connections with the
Extension District, despite aging out of 4-H soon. 
"In 4-H, the biggest thing you learn is that showing up does more for 
you than anything else," said Straub. "So I'm here today. I showed up. 
Being able to stay involved in Extension and 4-H would mean everything 
to me." 
Straub is currently a sophomore at Barton Community College studying marketing.

The Cottonwood District encompasses both Barton County and Ellis County and
extends technical expertise and research findings to help people improve their
homes, families, farms, businesses and communities. 

Straub has served in 4-H
for 13 years. 
"Just being in 4-H, at the county fair, being around livestock and 
raising livestock gives you that agriculture aspect," said Straub. "I've
 done everything you can imagine in Kansas State 4-H." 
The other two filings for the Cottonwood Extension District #17 board are Lori Waters
and Rita Stolz. Voters will be asked to elect two.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635167845834.png" alt="Alexa (Lexi) Straub spoke at the League of Women Voters - Great Bend candidate forum Oct. 21, 2021. Straub is running for one of two open seats on the Cottonwood Extension District board. " />
 <figcaption>Alexa (Lexi) Straub spoke at the League of Women Voters - Great Bend candidate forum Oct. 21, 2021. Straub is running for one of two open seats on the Cottonwood Extension District board. </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — There are three 
names that will appear on the ballot for the Nov. 2 General Election for
 the Cottonwood Extension District board. One of the three,
Alexa (Lexi) Straub, was able to attend the League of Women Voters 
candidate forum
last Thursday in Great Bend. Straub is a 19-year-old from Ellinwood that has
been heavily involved in 4-H and wants to keep her connections with the
Extension District, despite aging out of 4-H soon. 
"In 4-H, the biggest thing you learn is that showing up does more for 
you than anything else," said Straub. "So I'm here today. I showed up. 
Being able to stay involved in Extension and 4-H would mean everything 
to me." 
Straub is currently a sophomore at Barton Community College studying marketing.
The Cottonwood District encompasses both Barton County and Ellis County and
extends technical expertise and research findings to help people improve their
homes, families, farms, businesses and communities. Straub has served in 4-H
for 13 years. 
"Just being in 4-H, at the county fair, being around livestock and 
raising livestock gives you that agriculture aspect," said Straub. "I've
 done everything you can imagine in Kansas State 4-H." 
The other two filings for the Cottonwood Extension District #17 board are Lori Waters
and Rita Stolz. Voters will be asked to elect two.

Barton Co. 19-year-old running for elected position

WASHINGTON (AP) — To supporters of the child tax credit, there has always been an “aha moment” — the recognition that as little as a few hundred dollars a month could be life-changing.

For Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, it was several years ago when he was working as Denver’s school superintendent. One high schooler kept falling asleep in morning classes. When Bennet asked why he was so exhausted, the student said he worked the midnight shift at McDonald’s so that his family had enough money.

For Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, it was the childhood memory of her parents being evicted and finding their furniture on the street.

Bennet and DeLauro are among the Democratic lawmakers who have pushed to make permanent an expanded child tax credit, which President Joe Biden’s coronavirus relief package transformed into a monthly payment that would be available to almost any child. But Biden could not convince even enough of his fellow Democrats that they should extend these payments through 2025, and in negotiations for his broader package of economic and social programs he appears to have settled for a one-year extension that runs through next year.

Despite the concession, the president is still fighting for a legacy-making policy that could become the equivalent of Social Security for children. Biden dubbed the start of payments in July as “historic,” saying that the reduction to child poverty would be transformative and that he intended to make the credit permanent.

The steady evolution of the child tax credit reflects a fundamental split on how lawmakers think about human nature. Do payments from the government make people lazier or give them the resources to become more responsible? Established with bipartisan support in 1997, the credit has changed in ways that challenge many of the assumptions of political identities, as Democrats would be the ones calling on Republicans to cut taxes.

Republican critics and West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin — the decisive Democratic vote — worry that the payments could discourage parents from working, while supporters say the money would make it easier to afford the child care and transportation needed to find jobs.

“It’s a flat-out tax cut for ordinary people,” Biden said in a Wednesday speech in Scranton. “That’s what it does. I make no apologies for it.”

The continuation of the payments of at least $300 a month per child is as much about a political transformation as an economic one.

For the purposes of the federal budget, it is a tax cut aimed squarely at the middle class as median family incomes are at $86,372. The credit’s evolution since being created in 1997 speaks to the power of using the tax code for social policy.

It allows Democrats to claim the mantle of middle-class tax cutters, while Republicans who oppose the idea could be criticized for favoring tax hikes on this key group of voters ahead of the 2022 elections. That is a sharp reversal from the Ronald Reagan-era identity of Republicans as committed to tax cuts for aiding growth.

“A lot of its initial success was that it did fit into the frame of tax relief,” said Gene Sperling, a Biden aide who worked on economic policy in both the Clinton and Obama White Houses. “This is one place where progressives have over a period of 30 years kind of won the conceptual war.”

The child tax credit was initially bipartisan, a unique policy overlap between former President Bill Clinton and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Republicans made it part of their 1994 “Contract with America,” a list of polices that former Georgia Rep. Gingrich rode to the House speakership. Gingrich said in an interview that former Illinois Rep. Henry Hyde, a staunch abortion opponent, emphasized that the GOP needed to show that it cared about children after they were born, not just when they were in the womb. The tax credit was the chosen vehicle.

Clinton separately proposed it in December 1994 in his “middle class bill of rights” speech. The convergence ultimately led to the 1997 overhaul of welfare that established a $500 tax credit for children. Future administrations expanded the credit. But until this year the credit was not “fully refundable” — which meant that parents with low incomes might not earn enough to receive the full payment.

What Biden and Democratic lawmakers did with their coronavirus relief package was remove that limit, effectively turning the tax credit into a monthly child allowance. Their planned extension would make this change permanent.

Gingrich and Republicans say people would quit their jobs because they would be able to receive payments without working, depriving children of working parents who can serve as role models.

He calls that “an enormously dangerous thing for our culture.”

Backing that argument is a paper by University of Chicago economists that assumes the expanded tax credits would cause 1.5 million parents to ditch their jobs because the credits would no longer be tied to working.

“It’s a policy that’s been transformed from one that encourages self reliance and work to one that doesn’t,” said Bruce Meyer, the University of Chicago professor who co-wrote the analysis.

However, real world economic data shows no correlation between the payments and people leaving work so far. Researchers at Columbia University have found that the expanded child tax credit payments that began in July had no impact on labor and that models claiming otherwise are overly simplified. Workers often need to spend money in order to get a job, they reason.

“You have to make an investment in order to be able to work,” said Elizabeth Ananat, an economist at Barnard College who co-wrote the Columbia paper. “You do have to get your car fixed. You have to get your phone turned back on. You have to buy a month supply of diapers in order to secure your spot in the preschool.”

Democratic lawmakers believe the payments reduce poverty and improve educational outcomes, making it more likely that the children will hold steady jobs as adults.

Colorado Sen. Bennet backed the idea of a child tax credit after he found as a school administrator that more resources were needed to ensure kids had the stability to succeed.

“Most of the parents are working incredibly hard, some of them working two and three jobs. And no matter what they do, they couldn’t keep the kids out of poverty,” Bennet said.

DeLauro says the breakthrough on expanding the credit came as a result of the coronavirus showing how economically fragile many families are and Biden’s own choice as a presidential candidate to support the policy. She believes that beneficiaries will keep their jobs because work is part of who they are.

“People identify themselves by their work,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634989828010.png" alt="The tax credit allows Democrats to claim the mantle of middle-class tax cutters-photo courtesy Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The tax credit allows Democrats to claim the mantle of middle-class tax cutters-photo courtesy Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — To supporters of the child tax credit, there has always been an “aha moment” — the recognition that as little as a few hundred dollars a month could be life-changing.For Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, it was several years ago when he was working as Denver’s school superintendent. One high schooler kept falling asleep in morning classes. When Bennet asked why he was so exhausted, the student said he worked the midnight shift at McDonald’s so that his family had enough money.For Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, it was the childhood memory of her parents being evicted and finding their furniture on the street.Bennet and DeLauro are among the Democratic lawmakers who have pushed to make permanent an expanded child tax credit, which President Joe Biden’s coronavirus relief package transformed into a monthly payment that would be available to almost any child. But Biden could not convince even enough of his fellow Democrats that they should extend these payments through 2025, and in negotiations for his broader package of economic and social programs he appears to have settled for a one-year extension that runs through next year.Despite the concession, the president is still fighting for a legacy-making policy that could become the equivalent of Social Security for children. Biden dubbed the start of payments in July as “historic,” saying that the reduction to child poverty would be transformative and that he intended to make the credit permanent.The steady evolution of the child tax credit reflects a fundamental split on how lawmakers think about human nature. Do payments from the government make people lazier or give them the resources to become more responsible? Established with bipartisan support in 1997, the credit has changed in ways that challenge many of the assumptions of political identities, as Democrats would be the ones calling on Republicans to cut taxes.Republican critics and West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin — the decisive Democratic vote — worry that the payments could discourage parents from working, while supporters say the money would make it easier to afford the child care and transportation needed to find jobs.“It’s a flat-out tax cut for ordinary people,” Biden said in a Wednesday speech in Scranton. “That’s what it does. I make no apologies for it.”The continuation of the payments of at least $300 a month per child is as much about a political transformation as an economic one.For the purposes of the federal budget, it is a tax cut aimed squarely at the middle class as median family incomes are at $86,372. The credit’s evolution since being created in 1997 speaks to the power of using the tax code for social policy.It allows Democrats to claim the mantle of middle-class tax cutters, while Republicans who oppose the idea could be criticized for favoring tax hikes on this key group of voters ahead of the 2022 elections. That is a sharp reversal from the Ronald Reagan-era identity of Republicans as committed to tax cuts for aiding growth.“A lot of its initial success was that it did fit into the frame of tax relief,” said Gene Sperling, a Biden aide who worked on economic policy in both the Clinton and Obama White Houses. “This is one place where progressives have over a period of 30 years kind of won the conceptual war.”The child tax credit was initially bipartisan, a unique policy overlap between former President Bill Clinton and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.Republicans made it part of their 1994 “Contract with America,” a list of polices that former Georgia Rep. Gingrich rode to the House speakership. Gingrich said in an interview that former Illinois Rep. Henry Hyde, a staunch abortion opponent, emphasized that the GOP needed to show that it cared about children after they were born, not just when they were in the womb. The tax credit was the chosen vehicle.Clinton separately proposed it in December 1994 in his “middle class bill of rights” speech. The convergence ultimately led to the 1997 overhaul of welfare that established a $500 tax credit for children. Future administrations expanded the credit. But until this year the credit was not “fully refundable” — which meant that parents with low incomes might not earn enough to receive the full payment.What Biden and Democratic lawmakers did with their coronavirus relief package was remove that limit, effectively turning the tax credit into a monthly child allowance. Their planned extension would make this change permanent.Gingrich and Republicans say people would quit their jobs because they would be able to receive payments without working, depriving children of working parents who can serve as role models.He calls that “an enormously dangerous thing for our culture.”Backing that argument is a paper by University of Chicago economists that assumes the expanded tax credits would cause 1.5 million parents to ditch their jobs because the credits would no longer be tied to working.“It’s a policy that’s been transformed from one that encourages self reliance and work to one that doesn’t,” said Bruce Meyer, the University of Chicago professor who co-wrote the analysis.However, real world economic data shows no correlation between the payments and people leaving work so far. Researchers at Columbia University have found that the expanded child tax credit payments that began in July had no impact on labor and that models claiming otherwise are overly simplified. Workers often need to spend money in order to get a job, they reason.“You have to make an investment in order to be able to work,” said Elizabeth Ananat, an economist at Barnard College who co-wrote the Columbia paper. “You do have to get your car fixed. You have to get your phone turned back on. You have to buy a month supply of diapers in order to secure your spot in the preschool.”Democratic lawmakers believe the payments reduce poverty and improve educational outcomes, making it more likely that the children will hold steady jobs as adults.Colorado Sen. Bennet backed the idea of a child tax credit after he found as a school administrator that more resources were needed to ensure kids had the stability to succeed.“Most of the parents are working incredibly hard, some of them working two and three jobs. And no matter what they do, they couldn’t keep the kids out of poverty,” Bennet said.DeLauro says the breakthrough on expanding the credit came as a result of the coronavirus showing how economically fragile many families are and Biden’s own choice as a presidential candidate to support the policy. She believes that beneficiaries will keep their jobs because work is part of who they are.“People identify themselves by their work,” she said.

Child tax credit tussle reflects debate over work incentives

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Texas man on charges after&nbsp; a two state pursuit. 

Just before 4p.m. Friday, Nebraska authorities notified the Jackson County Kansas Sheriff’s office of a pursuit with a motorcycle with in Richardson County, Nebraska, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The pursuit continued into Brown County, Kansas and into Jackson County. 

 The authorities lost sight of the suspect later identified as 20-year-old Dylan Reid Aubey of New Braunsfels, Texas.

A Jackson County Deputy located the suspect and motorcycle near 198th and P. Road in Jackson County.&nbsp; Just before 4:30p.m., deputies stopped and arrested Aubey. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the PBPN Police assisted with the incident.&nbsp; 

Aubey was jailed on requested charges of fleeing law enforcement, operating a vehicle without proper license, Illegal display of license plate, speeding, reckless driving, driving on left side of road in no passing, unsafe turning or stopping,: failure to give proper signal, according to Sheriff Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634994896287.png" alt="Aubey photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Aubey photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Texas man on charges after&nbsp; a two state pursuit. Just before 4p.m. Friday, Nebraska authorities notified the Jackson County Kansas Sheriff’s office of a pursuit with a motorcycle with in Richardson County, Nebraska, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The pursuit continued into Brown County, Kansas and into Jackson County. The authorities lost sight of the suspect later identified as 20-year-old Dylan Reid Aubey of New Braunsfels, Texas.A Jackson County Deputy located the suspect and motorcycle near 198th and P. Road in Jackson County.&nbsp; Just before 4:30p.m., deputies stopped and arrested Aubey. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the PBPN Police assisted with the incident.&nbsp; Aubey was jailed on requested charges of fleeing law enforcement, operating a vehicle without proper license, Illegal display of license plate, speeding, reckless driving, driving on left side of road in no passing, unsafe turning or stopping,: failure to give proper signal, according to Sheriff Morse.

Update: Motorcyclist captured in Kansas after 2 state chase

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman in a wheelchair was struck by a vehicle and killed as she tried to cross a highway in Kansas City&nbsp; Saturday night.

Kansas City Police said the crash was reported at 11:57 p.m. Saturday along U.S. Highway 40 near south Hocker Road.

Police said a 51-year-old woman from Kansas City was crossing the highway in a wheelchair when she was hit by a westbound Honda SUV.

The woman died at the scene of the crash.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman in a wheelchair was struck by a vehicle and killed as she tried to cross a highway in Kansas City&nbsp; Saturday night.Kansas City Police said the crash was reported at 11:57 p.m. Saturday along U.S. Highway 40 near south Hocker Road.Police said a 51-year-old woman from Kansas City was crossing the highway in a wheelchair when she was hit by a westbound Honda SUV.The woman died at the scene of the crash.

Woman crossing KC highway in wheelchair is struck, killed by SUV

By
NICK GOSNELL<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>


HUTCHINSON — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss expects action from the Federal Reserve soon.

"I
 think it's going to be probably November," Goss said. "Certainly, 
before the end of the first quarter of 2022 we are going to see the 
Federal Reserve pull back ... some of their stimulus. That
 doesn't mean they are stopping their stimulus, they are just going to 
put less money out there into long-term bonds."

Some long-term rates are already higher in anticipation of future action.

"The 10-year Treasury yield on U.S. Treasury bonds, that's almost to 1.7 percent,"
 Goss said. "Historically, that's way below the historical average. 
Still, in these times, that's a bit higher than what we've seen in the 
past."

That will have an upward impact on consumer interest rates 
throughout 2022 and with continued supply chain issues, overall prices 
look to continue to rise. Also, people are not yet getting back in the 
workforce in large numbers.

"Despite the fact that we continue to 
grow, we're not growing jobs," Goss said. "We're not getting back those 
jobs we lost to the pandemic. It's an odd situation. The President's 
been speaking about it, but I'd have to say, some of what he's said is 
not exactly what I would agree with."

President Biden sees passing
 his human infrastructure plan as a key to long-term economic growth, 
but negotiations on the overall size of that bill are still ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620071466817.jpeg" alt="Creighton Professor Ernie Goss&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Creighton Professor Ernie Goss&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a> 
HUTCHINSON — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss expects action from the Federal Reserve soon."I
 think it's going to be probably November," Goss said. "Certainly, 
before the end of the first quarter of 2022 we are going to see the 
Federal Reserve pull back ... some of their stimulus. That
 doesn't mean they are stopping their stimulus, they are just going to 
put less money out there into long-term bonds."Some long-term rates are already higher in anticipation of future action."The 10-year Treasury yield on U.S. Treasury bonds, that's almost to 1.7 percent,"
 Goss said. "Historically, that's way below the historical average. 
Still, in these times, that's a bit higher than what we've seen in the 
past."That will have an upward impact on consumer interest rates 
throughout 2022 and with continued supply chain issues, overall prices 
look to continue to rise. Also, people are not yet getting back in the 
workforce in large numbers."Despite the fact that we continue to 
grow, we're not growing jobs," Goss said. "We're not getting back those 
jobs we lost to the pandemic. It's an odd situation. The President's 
been speaking about it, but I'd have to say, some of what he's said is 
not exactly what I would agree with."President Biden sees passing
 his human infrastructure plan as a key to long-term economic growth, 
but negotiations on the overall size of that bill are still ongoing.

Economist: Fed will move on reducing stimulus in coming months

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded families, teens and senior citizens about the continued importance of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5461.pdf">protecting personal and financial information</a>&nbsp;PDF online. Although the IRS and its <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a> partners continue making strides in fighting identity theft and fraudulent tax returns, help is needed.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a>
 works to protect taxpayers from criminals that file fraudulent returns 
for refunds. The Summit coalition includes representatives of the 
software industry, tax preparation firms, payroll and tax financial 
product processors as well as state tax administrators and the IRS, 
which work together year-round to protect taxpayers.

During National Cybersecurity Month, the IRS is asking parents, families and others to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts">be mindful</a>
 of the pitfalls that can be found by sharing devices at home, shopping 
online and through navigating various social media platforms. Often, 
those who are less experienced can put themselves and others at risk by 
leaving an unnecessary trail of personal information for fraudsters.

Here are a few common-sense suggestions that can make a difference 
for children, teens and other vulnerable groups to potential dangers to 
protect their personal data:

Remember, the IRS does not use text messages or social media to 
discuss personal tax issues, such as those involving tax refunds, 
stimulus payments or tax bills. For more information, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/phishing-identity-theft-and-scams">Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts</a> page on IRS.gov. Additional information about tax scams is also available on IRS social media sites, including <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmBDJeCI_h4">YouTube videos</a>. Also see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4524.pdf">Publication 4524, Security Awareness for Taxpayers</a>&nbsp;PDF.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded families, teens and senior citizens about the continued importance of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5461.pdf">protecting personal and financial information</a>&nbsp;PDF online. Although the IRS and its <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a> partners continue making strides in fighting identity theft and fraudulent tax returns, help is needed.The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a>
 works to protect taxpayers from criminals that file fraudulent returns 
for refunds. The Summit coalition includes representatives of the 
software industry, tax preparation firms, payroll and tax financial 
product processors as well as state tax administrators and the IRS, 
which work together year-round to protect taxpayers.During National Cybersecurity Month, the IRS is asking parents, families and others to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts">be mindful</a>
 of the pitfalls that can be found by sharing devices at home, shopping 
online and through navigating various social media platforms. Often, 
those who are less experienced can put themselves and others at risk by 
leaving an unnecessary trail of personal information for fraudsters.<h2>Staying safe online</h2>Here are a few common-sense suggestions that can make a difference 
for children, teens and other vulnerable groups to potential dangers to 
protect their personal data:<ul>
 <li>Teach them to recognize and avoid scams. 
Phishing emails, threatening phone calls and texts from thieves posing 
as the IRS or legitimate organizations pose ongoing risks. Do not click 
on links or download attachments from unknown or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing">suspicious emails</a>.</li><li>Remind them why security is important. Be careful 
not to reveal too much personal information. Keeping data secure and 
only providing what is necessary minimizes online exposure to scammers 
and criminals. Birthdates, addresses, age, financial information such as
 bank account and Social Security numbers are among things that should 
not be shared freely.</li><li>Teach them about public Wi-Fi networks. Connection
 to Wi-Fi in a mall or coffee shop is convenient but it may not be safe.
 Hackers and cybercriminals can easily intercept personal information. 
Always use a virtual private network when connecting to public Wi-Fi.</li><li>Always use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections.
 Make sure the security software is always turned on and can 
automatically update. Remember, to encrypt sensitive files such as tax 
records stored on computers. Be sure all family members have 
comprehensive protection especially if devices are being shared. Use 
strong, unique passwords for each account.</li>
 </ul>Remember, the IRS does not use text messages or social media to 
discuss personal tax issues, such as those involving tax refunds, 
stimulus payments or tax bills. For more information, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/phishing-identity-theft-and-scams">Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts</a> page on IRS.gov. Additional information about tax scams is also available on IRS social media sites, including <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmBDJeCI_h4">YouTube videos</a>. Also see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4524.pdf">Publication 4524, Security Awareness for Taxpayers</a>&nbsp;PDF.

Make online safety a priority during National Cybersecurity Month

WASHINGTON — To help address COVID-related labor shortages, the 
Internal Revenue Service today reminded employers that they generally 
will not jeopardize the tax status of their pension plans if they rehire
 retirees or permit distributions of retirement benefits to current 
employees who have reached age 59 ½ or the plan's normal retirement age.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers, including governmental 
employers (such as public school districts), are looking for ways to 
encourage retirees to return to the workforce to fill open positions and
 experienced employees to stay on the job.

The IRS is providing help to these employers in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/coronavirus-related-relief-for-retirement-plans-and-iras-questions-and-answers#rehires">two new frequently asked questions (FAQs)</a>,
 designed to offer technical guidance to public and private employers 
who sponsor pension plans for their employees. The FAQs highlight 
existing ways that employers can meet their employment objectives and 
still comply with the plan qualification rules.

Under the FAQs, an employer can generally choose to address 
unforeseen hiring needs by rehiring former employees, even if those 
employees have already retired and begun receiving pension benefit 
payments. Also, if permitted under plan terms, those employees may 
continue receiving the benefits after they are rehired. Moreover, an 
employer can generally choose to make retirement distributions available
 to existing employees who have reached age 59 ½ or the plan's normal 
retirement age. This may assist in the retention of employees eligible 
for retirement.

Further details can be found in the two new FAQs now posted on 
IRS.gov. Also, next Wednesday and Thursday (October 27 and 28) from 4-5 
p.m. ET, the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Education 
will be holding webinars for education leaders and other stakeholders to
 discuss approaches to addressing school staff labor shortages, 
including a discussion about these new FAQs.

Webinar 1: Teacher and substitute teacher shortages&nbsp;

Webinar 2: Staff shortages, such as school bus drivers and food service workers

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — To help address COVID-related labor shortages, the 
Internal Revenue Service today reminded employers that they generally 
will not jeopardize the tax status of their pension plans if they rehire
 retirees or permit distributions of retirement benefits to current 
employees who have reached age 59 ½ or the plan's normal retirement age.With the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers, including governmental 
employers (such as public school districts), are looking for ways to 
encourage retirees to return to the workforce to fill open positions and
 experienced employees to stay on the job.The IRS is providing help to these employers in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/coronavirus-related-relief-for-retirement-plans-and-iras-questions-and-answers#rehires">two new frequently asked questions (FAQs)</a>,
 designed to offer technical guidance to public and private employers 
who sponsor pension plans for their employees. The FAQs highlight 
existing ways that employers can meet their employment objectives and 
still comply with the plan qualification rules.Under the FAQs, an employer can generally choose to address 
unforeseen hiring needs by rehiring former employees, even if those 
employees have already retired and begun receiving pension benefit 
payments. Also, if permitted under plan terms, those employees may 
continue receiving the benefits after they are rehired. Moreover, an 
employer can generally choose to make retirement distributions available
 to existing employees who have reached age 59 ½ or the plan's normal 
retirement age. This may assist in the retention of employees eligible 
for retirement.Further details can be found in the two new FAQs now posted on 
IRS.gov. Also, next Wednesday and Thursday (October 27 and 28) from 4-5 
p.m. ET, the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Education 
will be holding webinars for education leaders and other stakeholders to
 discuss approaches to addressing school staff labor shortages, 
including a discussion about these new FAQs.<h2>Webinars:</h2><h2>Webinar 1: Teacher and substitute teacher shortages&nbsp;</h2><ul>
 <li>October 27, 2021, 4&nbsp;p.m. Eastern Time</li><li><a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsd-2sqzkpH2KJhWPp_Vv7Iy7vjInHSBM">Participants should pre-register</a></li>
 </ul><h2>Webinar 2: Staff shortages, such as school bus drivers and food service workers</h2><ul>
 <li>October 28, 2021 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time</li><li><a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsd-2sqzkpH2KJhWPp_Vv7Iy7vjInHSBM">Participants should pre-register</a></li>
 </ul>

Employers get help from feds rehiring retired workers, retaining older workers

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.

Just before&nbsp;7 p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 600 block of north Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.&nbsp;

Officers located one man with a single gunshot wound and a second man with a head injury. Both individuals were transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

During preliminary investigation, it was discovered that a disturbance had occurred to the east of Kansas Ave. on NE Curtis Street, which resulted in the injuries.

On Friday, police arrested&nbsp;Jerry A. Brown, 49 of Topeka on requested charges of Aggravated Battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634994803860.png" alt="Brown photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.Just before&nbsp;7 p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 600 block of north Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.&nbsp;Officers located one man with a single gunshot wound and a second man with a head injury. Both individuals were transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.During preliminary investigation, it was discovered that a disturbance had occurred to the east of Kansas Ave. on NE Curtis Street, which resulted in the injuries.On Friday, police arrested&nbsp;Jerry A. Brown, 49 of Topeka on requested charges of Aggravated Battery.

Kan. man jailed after altercation that sent 2 men to the hospital

RICHARDSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 1a.m. Friday hours, sheriff's deputies in Nebraska arrested 39-year-old Amber Gayer of Topeka, for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Driving Under Suspension.

Gayer was booked into the Richardson County Jail. She has two previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635113213762.png" alt="Gayer remains in the Richardson County jail, according to online records" />
 <figcaption>Gayer remains in the Richardson County jail, according to online records</figcaption>
 </figure>RICHARDSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a traffic stop.Just before 1a.m. Friday hours, sheriff's deputies in Nebraska arrested 39-year-old Amber Gayer of Topeka, for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Driving Under Suspension.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635026781954.png" alt="Photo Richardson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Richardson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Gayer was booked into the Richardson County Jail. She has two previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Sheriff: Kan. felon was traveling with pink handgun

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Inmates with mental health issues are waiting months to get the medication and treatment they need to be deemed competent to assist in their own defense because a state hospital is so overtaxed.

Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister said the situation is so bad that the case of one man with severe mental health issues took six years to make it through the court system. The man ultimately was sentenced to 16 months — less than a quarter of the amount of time he had been incarcerated.

Armbrister said the case encapsulates the “dark underbelly” of the state’s criminal justice system, which he believes fails to properly account for the mental health of those who are held in jail prior to conviction.

A large part of the reason that his case took so long was a significant backlog of inmates ordered to receive mental health treatment at the Larned State Hospital in Pawnee County. The backlog has led to many inmates spending months, if not years, behind bars even though they haven’t been convicted of a crime.

Armbrister said he believes the state must do more to fix the problem.

“I firmly believe the state of Kansas needs to build another state hospital, somewhere in the (Kansas City) metro area,” he said. “Larned is basically being swamped.”

The hospital’s backlog is an issue that affects not only Douglas County, but the entire state.

The state hospital’s waiting list includes 157 male inmates and 14 female inmates, according to data provided by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, which oversees the hospital. For the male inmates, the average wait time is 171 days — or close to six months — KDADS spokeswoman Cara Sloan-Ramos said in an email.

But Sloan-Ramos said the hospital is working to provide mobile services for competency treatment. She said it is specifically working with Sedgwick and Shawnee counties — home to Wichita and Topeka, respectively — to identify offenders who meet criteria to receive services in a jail setting rather than at the state hospital.

Whether that option could help Douglas County inmates remains to be seen. One inmate from the county has been on the hospital’s waiting list for almost a full year, but 18 people are still ahead of him.

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez said the backlog is a longstanding problem that “absolutely negatively impacts the rights” of inmates. She said one of the only options her office has is to dismiss cases, which often is not appropriate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634755726300.png" alt="Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister said the situation is so bad that the case of one man with severe mental health issues took six years to make it through the court system. -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister said the situation is so bad that the case of one man with severe mental health issues took six years to make it through the court system. -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Inmates with mental health issues are waiting months to get the medication and treatment they need to be deemed competent to assist in their own defense because a state hospital is so overtaxed.Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister said the situation is so bad that the case of one man with severe mental health issues took six years to make it through the court system. The man ultimately was sentenced to 16 months — less than a quarter of the amount of time he had been incarcerated.Armbrister said the case encapsulates the “dark underbelly” of the state’s criminal justice system, which he believes fails to properly account for the mental health of those who are held in jail prior to conviction.A large part of the reason that his case took so long was a significant backlog of inmates ordered to receive mental health treatment at the Larned State Hospital in Pawnee County. The backlog has led to many inmates spending months, if not years, behind bars even though they haven’t been convicted of a crime.Armbrister said he believes the state must do more to fix the problem.“I firmly believe the state of Kansas needs to build another state hospital, somewhere in the (Kansas City) metro area,” he said. “Larned is basically being swamped.”The hospital’s backlog is an issue that affects not only Douglas County, but the entire state.The state hospital’s waiting list includes 157 male inmates and 14 female inmates, according to data provided by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, which oversees the hospital. For the male inmates, the average wait time is 171 days — or close to six months — KDADS spokeswoman Cara Sloan-Ramos said in an email.But Sloan-Ramos said the hospital is working to provide mobile services for competency treatment. She said it is specifically working with Sedgwick and Shawnee counties — home to Wichita and Topeka, respectively — to identify offenders who meet criteria to receive services in a jail setting rather than at the state hospital.Whether that option could help Douglas County inmates remains to be seen. One inmate from the county has been on the hospital’s waiting list for almost a full year, but 18 people are still ahead of him.Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez said the backlog is a longstanding problem that “absolutely negatively impacts the rights” of inmates. She said one of the only options her office has is to dismiss cases, which often is not appropriate.

Kansas inmates wait months for mental health treatment

By ABIGAIL CENSKY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-10-21/why-new-political-maps-could-give-more-power-to-kansas-college-towns">Kansas News Service</a>

LAWRENCE — For the first time in more than 30 years, 
Kansas will count all of its college students in the towns where they go
 to school for redrawing state legislative districts next year.

Since
 1990, Lawrence, Manhattan, Emporia and other college towns lost out on 
the potential political clout those students represented in an archaic 
and costly census readjustment aimed at preserving rural political 
power.

“I never really expected (the change) to happen,” said 
Davis Hammet, who leads the Loud Light group focused on mobilizing young
 voters.

“I remember like, six, seven years ago reading the Kansas
 Constitution and thinking about how getting rid of this census 
adjustment would be one of the most important things for the youth vote 
and for representative democracy in Kansas,” he said.

Yet in 2019,
 an overwhelming majority of Kansas voters and a bipartisan group of 
state lawmakers agreed with Hammet — voting for Kansas to stop spending 
additional money to readjust the U.S. Census count on college campuses 
and military bases. Kansas passed a <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/measures/documents/scr1605_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">constitutional amendment</a> ending the practice.

Now,
 communities like Manhattan and Lawrence, home to the state’s largest 
universities, can expect a louder voice in the Legislature. Still, the 
power of university towns across Kansas will largely depend on how 
Republicans controlling the process draw the districts.

“Even if 
places like Lawrence in Manhattan get a bit more representation, those 
lines can still be drawn politically,” said Patrick Miller, a professor 
of political science at the University of Kansas.

Which is, essentially, “however the Republican majority in Topeka wants,” he said.

But Republicans risk blowback if their maps appear too cynically drawn to sap Democrats of Statehouse influence.

The proposed redistricting <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/misc/proposedguidelinesandcriteriafor2022congressionalandstatelegislativeredistricting.pdf" target="_blank">guidelines</a>
 for 2022 indicate a state House district should have roughly 23,504 
people and a state Senate District should have roughly 73,447 people. 
Deviations from those ideal numbers shouldn’t be greater than 5% in most
 cases.

Now that students are included in the district population 
totals, the two Lawrence area districts, represented by Democratic Reps.
 Christina Haswood and Mike Amyx, have too many people for one district.

Haswood said she worries the pandemic means some students who would’ve ordinarily been on campus weren’t there to be counted.

“We’re really not capturing a good year,” she said.

<a href="http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/Redistricting/Kansas-Population-Change-2010-2020-by-House-District.pdf" target="_blank">Population gain maps</a>
 compiled by the Kansas Legislative Research Department show Haswood’s 
district needs to trim out 1,554 too many people and Amyx’s district 
must lose 6,892.

The same surplus exists for House districts in 
Riley County. Students at Kansas State University bump numbers in House 
District 66 to roughly 8,000 people more than the ideal range, and 
nearly 3,000 people above the ideal range in House District 67.

All
 of those people will have to go into new districts or be added to 
districts which are redrawn to include people leftover from districts 
like Haswood’s and Amyx’s.

State Senate districts in both Douglas 
and Riley counties have roughly 12,000 too many people. Miller said 
smaller college towns like Emporia, Hays and Pittsburg could also 
potentially gain representation, but he said, “the lines can still be 
drawn in ways that offset that and advantage Republicans.”

That 
could mean new seats for the Lawrence and Manhattan area, or districts 
that take some population gains and stretch farther out into nearby 
rural areas.

“You start messing with one district and it affects 
several others as you go through the process,” said Republican Rep. Mark
 Schreiber, who represents a district including Emporia State. 
Schrieber’s district needs to add 490 people, but he said he’s not 
worried about the change.

“It’s a big puzzle,” Schreiber said, “that’s what they’re charged to come up with.”

Haswood
 said she’s hopeful the maps will be drawn in good faith, but “this is 
politics and we all will be fighting to ensure gerrymandering does not 
happen.”

Even if college towns gain more representation, it’s not 
likely to yield anything but a marginal benefit to Democrats or 
seriously endanger any Republican incumbents.

In fact, communities
 like Manhattan and Lawrence could wind up getting more representation 
thanks to students yet walk away from the 2022 redistricting cycle with 
an overall more Republican district because of how lines are drawn.

“That is absolutely a realistic scenario,” Miller said.

Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @AbigailCensky or email her at abigailcensky@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634842084911.png" alt="Abigail Censky / KCUR" />
 <figcaption>Abigail Censky / KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure>By ABIGAIL CENSKY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-10-21/why-new-political-maps-could-give-more-power-to-kansas-college-towns">Kansas News Service</a>LAWRENCE — For the first time in more than 30 years, 
Kansas will count all of its college students in the towns where they go
 to school for redrawing state legislative districts next year.Since
 1990, Lawrence, Manhattan, Emporia and other college towns lost out on 
the potential political clout those students represented in an archaic 
and costly census readjustment aimed at preserving rural political 
power.“I never really expected (the change) to happen,” said 
Davis Hammet, who leads the Loud Light group focused on mobilizing young
 voters.“I remember like, six, seven years ago reading the Kansas
 Constitution and thinking about how getting rid of this census 
adjustment would be one of the most important things for the youth vote 
and for representative democracy in Kansas,” he said.Yet in 2019,
 an overwhelming majority of Kansas voters and a bipartisan group of 
state lawmakers agreed with Hammet — voting for Kansas to stop spending 
additional money to readjust the U.S. Census count on college campuses 
and military bases. Kansas passed a <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/measures/documents/scr1605_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">constitutional amendment</a> ending the practice.Now,
 communities like Manhattan and Lawrence, home to the state’s largest 
universities, can expect a louder voice in the Legislature. Still, the 
power of university towns across Kansas will largely depend on how 
Republicans controlling the process draw the districts.“Even if 
places like Lawrence in Manhattan get a bit more representation, those 
lines can still be drawn politically,” said Patrick Miller, a professor 
of political science at the University of Kansas.Which is, essentially, “however the Republican majority in Topeka wants,” he said.But Republicans risk blowback if their maps appear too cynically drawn to sap Democrats of Statehouse influence.The proposed redistricting <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/misc/proposedguidelinesandcriteriafor2022congressionalandstatelegislativeredistricting.pdf" target="_blank">guidelines</a>
 for 2022 indicate a state House district should have roughly 23,504 
people and a state Senate District should have roughly 73,447 people. 
Deviations from those ideal numbers shouldn’t be greater than 5% in most
 cases.Now that students are included in the district population 
totals, the two Lawrence area districts, represented by Democratic Reps.
 Christina Haswood and Mike Amyx, have too many people for one district.Haswood said she worries the pandemic means some students who would’ve ordinarily been on campus weren’t there to be counted.“We’re really not capturing a good year,” she said.<a href="http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/Redistricting/Kansas-Population-Change-2010-2020-by-House-District.pdf" target="_blank">Population gain maps</a>
 compiled by the Kansas Legislative Research Department show Haswood’s 
district needs to trim out 1,554 too many people and Amyx’s district 
must lose 6,892.The same surplus exists for House districts in 
Riley County. Students at Kansas State University bump numbers in House 
District 66 to roughly 8,000 people more than the ideal range, and 
nearly 3,000 people above the ideal range in House District 67.All
 of those people will have to go into new districts or be added to 
districts which are redrawn to include people leftover from districts 
like Haswood’s and Amyx’s.State Senate districts in both Douglas 
and Riley counties have roughly 12,000 too many people. Miller said 
smaller college towns like Emporia, Hays and Pittsburg could also 
potentially gain representation, but he said, “the lines can still be 
drawn in ways that offset that and advantage Republicans.”That 
could mean new seats for the Lawrence and Manhattan area, or districts 
that take some population gains and stretch farther out into nearby 
rural areas.“You start messing with one district and it affects 
several others as you go through the process,” said Republican Rep. Mark
 Schreiber, who represents a district including Emporia State. 
Schrieber’s district needs to add 490 people, but he said he’s not 
worried about the change.“It’s a big puzzle,” Schreiber said, “that’s what they’re charged to come up with.”Haswood
 said she’s hopeful the maps will be drawn in good faith, but “this is 
politics and we all will be fighting to ensure gerrymandering does not 
happen.”Even if college towns gain more representation, it’s not 
likely to yield anything but a marginal benefit to Democrats or 
seriously endanger any Republican incumbents.In fact, communities
 like Manhattan and Lawrence could wind up getting more representation 
thanks to students yet walk away from the 2022 redistricting cycle with 
an overall more Republican district because of how lines are drawn.“That is absolutely a realistic scenario,” Miller said.Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @AbigailCensky or email her at abigailcensky@kcur.org.

Why new political maps could give more power to Kan. college towns

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 28-year-old man was stabbed to death Friday following an altercation with another man in the yard of a home in Kansas City police said.

Police on Saturday identified the victim as 28-year-old Darryl Gilland. A person of interest remains in custody as detectives work with prosecutors on charges, police said in a news release.

Officers responding shortly before 3:30 p.m. to a cutting call were directed to the rear of the residence where they found the victim who had been stabbed.

Emergency medical responders declared the man dead at the scene. Police placed the other man in custody for further investigation.

Detectives are not searching for any other suspects in the case.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 28-year-old man was stabbed to death Friday following an altercation with another man in the yard of a home in Kansas City police said.Police on Saturday identified the victim as 28-year-old Darryl Gilland. A person of interest remains in custody as detectives work with prosecutors on charges, police said in a news release.Officers responding shortly before 3:30 p.m. to a cutting call were directed to the rear of the residence where they found the victim who had been stabbed.Emergency medical responders declared the man dead at the scene. Police placed the other man in custody for further investigation.Detectives are not searching for any other suspects in the case.

Police: ID victim in fatal stabbing at home in Kansas City

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly honored minority- and woman-owned businesses and others, including a business in western Kansas, who help them achieve success as part of Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.XiCvBWCulT7_QFoAhKRhiWI_aYsIrURzOT1U5-zm0P8/s/1303161001/br/114319366858-l" target="_blank">MED</a>) Week.

“I am impressed by the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of our state’s minority- and women-owned companies honored today,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“When women and minority-owned businesses succeed, everyone succeeds: our economy, our communities, and our state. This week and every week, my administration will search for opportunities to&nbsp;support&nbsp;them&nbsp;reaching&nbsp;their full potential.”

The Kansas Department of Commerce’s&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.xSqNDzXHtbE28vuZ50u17_hdhBXy3r1Z_NRcN-R1X8U/s/1303161001/br/114319366858-l" target="_blank">Office of Minority and Women Business Development</a>&nbsp;hosted its 36th&nbsp;Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka. The event highlighting Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.O-W_YWNKOoHTAsWvP9-pIHA366nzPspogSKZtfBDrDc/s/1303161001/br/114319366858-l" target="_blank">MED</a>) Week recognized 12 minority- and woman-owned companies, three individuals and one corporation from across the state for their support and efforts to create new opportunities.

“Minority- and woman-owned businesses are an integral part of the Kansas economy,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said.&nbsp;“We greatly value the contributions these businesses and advocates provide to our state, from the jobs they create to the way they enrich communities and lives. We owe them all our sincerest praise and support for keeping our economy strong and vibrant, particularly through the economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

MED Week is celebrated nationally to recognize the more than 9.2 million minority business enterprises that support the U.S. economy and generate over $1.8 trillion in revenue. The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development holds this annual luncheon to recognize economic contributions of woman- and minority-owned businesses and communities around our state.

Today, minority- and woman-owned businesses have a major economic impact that translates into the creation and maintenance of jobs. These jobs not only sustain the individual worker, but contribute to the economic security of their families, the economic vitality of their communities and of the nation.

“MED Week is a time to spotlight so many outstanding achievements in Kansas, and also showcase the resources available to Kansans who are already in business, or considering a new venture,”&nbsp;Office of Minority and Women Business Development Director Rhonda Harris said. “It’s important that we recognize these efforts during MED Week and every week.”

The Office of Minority and Women Business Development also certifies businesses with designations of Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). Companies certified receive preferential selection for public and private contracts and for business-related financial assistance programs. MBE, WBE and DBEs can also participate in business education workshops and seminars through the office. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMjAuNDc2NDQ2MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAyLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cua2Fuc2FzY29tbWVyY2UuZ292JTJGcHJvZ3JhbSUyRmJ1c2luZXNzLWluY2VudGl2ZXMtYW5kLXNlcnZpY2VzJTJGbXctZGV2ZWxvcG1lbnQlMkYmZGF0YT0wNCU3QzAxJTdDUmF5bmEuS2Fyc3QlNDBrcy5nb3YlN0M1MmQwZTI0ZWRhMjQ0ZTQyNTNjMTA4ZDk5M2ZhMWE4YyU3Q2RjYWU4MTAxYzkyZDQ4MGNiYzQzYzY3NjFjY2NjYzVhJTdDMCU3QzAlN0M2Mzc3MDM1MjQ2NTA0OTc3OTElN0NVbmtub3duJTdDVFdGcGJHWnNiM2Q4ZXlKV0lqb2lNQzR3TGpBd01EQWlMQ0pRSWpvaVYybHVNeklpTENKQlRpSTZJazFoYVd3aUxDSlhWQ0k2TW4wJTNEJTdDMTAwMCZzZGF0YT01bWY2SU56b25oQlZSUCUyQmlyQ1IzeTElMkZBZXlCUklVY1BFbFRQMWRFdEJYQSUzRCZyZXNlcnZlZD0wIn0.IVj5bLJ0g3A7D-mJA0zPWGxos0WUS7k9xjaKYtYxtX4/s/1303161001/br/114319366858-l" target="_blank">Office of Minority and Women Business Development</a>.

Companies being recognized during the MED Week celebration include:

Construction Firm Universal Construction Company, Inc. Kansas City

Manufacturing Firm Thimesch Enterprises, LLC dba BEPC Wichita

Professional Service Firm LimeLight Marketing Pittsburg

Retail Firm Reese’s Enterprises, Inc. Ulysses

Service Industry Firm Onyx Salon, Spa and Wellness Cafe Topeka

Supplier/Distributor Firm N’Credibly Sweet, LLC Andover

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634766838828.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly honored minority- and woman-owned businesses Wednesday in Topeka during&nbsp; Kansas Minority Enterprise Development Week .&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly honored minority- and woman-owned businesses Wednesday in Topeka during&nbsp; Kansas Minority Enterprise Development Week .&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly honored minority- and woman-owned businesses and others, including a business in western Kansas, who help them achieve success as part of Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.XiCvBWCulT7_QFoAhKRhiWI_aYsIrURzOT1U5-zm0P8/s/1303161001/br/114319366858-l" target="_blank">MED</a>) Week.“I am impressed by the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of our state’s minority- and women-owned companies honored today,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“When women and minority-owned businesses succeed, everyone succeeds: our economy, our communities, and our state. This week and every week, my administration will search for opportunities to&nbsp;support&nbsp;them&nbsp;reaching&nbsp;their full potential.”The Kansas Department of Commerce’s&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.xSqNDzXHtbE28vuZ50u17_hdhBXy3r1Z_NRcN-R1X8U/s/1303161001/br/114319366858-l" target="_blank">Office of Minority and Women Business Development</a>&nbsp;hosted its 36th&nbsp;Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka. The event highlighting Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.O-W_YWNKOoHTAsWvP9-pIHA366nzPspogSKZtfBDrDc/s/1303161001/br/114319366858-l" target="_blank">MED</a>) Week recognized 12 minority- and woman-owned companies, three individuals and one corporation from across the state for their support and efforts to create new opportunities.“Minority- and woman-owned businesses are an integral part of the Kansas economy,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said.&nbsp;“We greatly value the contributions these businesses and advocates provide to our state, from the jobs they create to the way they enrich communities and lives. We owe them all our sincerest praise and support for keeping our economy strong and vibrant, particularly through the economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”MED Week is celebrated nationally to recognize the more than 9.2 million minority business enterprises that support the U.S. economy and generate over $1.8 trillion in revenue. The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development holds this annual luncheon to recognize economic contributions of woman- and minority-owned businesses and communities around our state.Today, minority- and woman-owned businesses have a major economic impact that translates into the creation and maintenance of jobs. These jobs not only sustain the individual worker, but contribute to the economic security of their families, the economic vitality of their communities and of the nation.“MED Week is a time to spotlight so many outstanding achievements in Kansas, and also showcase the resources available to Kansans who are already in business, or considering a new venture,”&nbsp;Office of Minority and Women Business Development Director Rhonda Harris said. “It’s important that we recognize these efforts during MED Week and every week.”The Office of Minority and Women Business Development also certifies businesses with designations of Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). Companies certified receive preferential selection for public and private contracts and for business-related financial assistance programs. MBE, WBE and DBEs can also participate in business education workshops and seminars through the office. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.IVj5bLJ0g3A7D-mJA0zPWGxos0WUS7k9xjaKYtYxtX4/s/1303161001/br/114319366858-l" target="_blank">Office of Minority and Women Business Development</a>.Companies being recognized during the MED Week celebration include:Woman-Owned BusinessesConstruction Firm Universal Construction Company, Inc. Kansas CityManufacturing Firm Thimesch Enterprises, LLC dba BEPC WichitaProfessional Service Firm LimeLight Marketing PittsburgRetail Firm Reese’s Enterprises, Inc. UlyssesService Industry Firm Onyx Salon, Spa and Wellness Cafe TopekaSupplier/Distributor Firm N’Credibly Sweet, LLC AndoverMinority-Owned BusinessesConstruction Firm Blue Bear, Inc. ShawneeManufacturing Firm Natural Choice Company St. Mary’sProfessional Service Firm CJD Consulting Solutions, LLC Junction CityRetail Firm Reliant Apparel, LLC TopekaService Industry Firm Maze Freight Solutions, Inc. Overland Park&nbsp;Supplier/Distributor Firm Mid Star Lab, Inc. TonganoxieYoung Entrepreneur Nelson McConnell Nelson’s Flavorades, LLC Kansas CityMinority Business Advocate Sheila Ellis-Glasper SEG Media Collective, LLC ManhattanWomen Business Advocate Sheri Berger Here To There Consulting ShawneeCorporation of the Year Kiewit Energy Group Lenexa