SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A doctor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-education-arrests-missouri-springfield-82fb42da6ca67eab3a03238e14421ec3">charged with 11 felony sex abuse crimes&nbsp;</a>involving children at a Missouri boarding school has pleaded not guilty to three of the charges.

Dr. David Smock, a longtime physician at Agape Boarding School, entered the plea Thursday in Greene County Court. His preliminary hearing was scheduled for Feb. 3.

In Greene County, Smock is accused of abusing an Agape student in 2018 at a rental property he owned in Springfield.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has filed eight more charges against Smock in Cedar County, where the Agape Boarding School is located.

On Thursday, Smock's attorneys argued that Smock should be released from prison on bond while awaiting trial. Greene County Circuit Judge Ron Carrier took the request under advisement.

Smock&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/springfield-missouri-arkansas-crime-arrests-5e6b6de6d155bcc8aa189caf18393b00">was arrested in December</a>&nbsp;in Harrison, Arkansas. Prosecutors said at the time they considered him a fugitive from justice. His attorneys said Smock was on his way back to Missouri to turn himself in when he was arrested.

In Greene County, Smock is charged with second-degree statutory sodomy; third-degree child molestation of a child younger than 14; and enticement or attempted enticement of a child younger than 15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642263782717.png" alt="Smock is being held in Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Smock is being held in Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A doctor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-education-arrests-missouri-springfield-82fb42da6ca67eab3a03238e14421ec3">charged with 11 felony sex abuse crimes&nbsp;</a>involving children at a Missouri boarding school has pleaded not guilty to three of the charges.Dr. David Smock, a longtime physician at Agape Boarding School, entered the plea Thursday in Greene County Court. His preliminary hearing was scheduled for Feb. 3.In Greene County, Smock is accused of abusing an Agape student in 2018 at a rental property he owned in Springfield.Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has filed eight more charges against Smock in Cedar County, where the Agape Boarding School is located.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640791631814.png" alt="Smock following his arrest in Arkansas last month" />
 <figcaption>Smock following his arrest in Arkansas last month</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, Smock's attorneys argued that Smock should be released from prison on bond while awaiting trial. Greene County Circuit Judge Ron Carrier took the request under advisement.Smock&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/springfield-missouri-arkansas-crime-arrests-5e6b6de6d155bcc8aa189caf18393b00">was arrested in December</a>&nbsp;in Harrison, Arkansas. Prosecutors said at the time they considered him a fugitive from justice. His attorneys said Smock was on his way back to Missouri to turn himself in when he was arrested.In Greene County, Smock is charged with second-degree statutory sodomy; third-degree child molestation of a child younger than 14; and enticement or attempted enticement of a child younger than 15.

Christian boarding school doctor enters plea to child sex crimes

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/14/gov-laura-kellys-education-advisers-call-for-investments-in-child-care-technology-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly told members of education advisory group 
Friday that the state’s healthy financial situation made this year’s 
budget process “particularly fun.”

Faced with a projected $2.9 billion surplus, the governor was able to
 include nearly all of the recommendations made by educators in the 
proposed budget she delivered to the Legislature on Wednesday. Her 
suggested investments in K-12 schools include more money for student 
aid, professional development, student mental health services, and an 
inflation adjustment for total spending.

“We said we would fully fund our public education, and we continue to fulfill that promise,” Kelly said.

The Governor’s Council on Education includes nearly 48 business 
leaders and education officials from across the state. Members of the 
council met in the Statehouse with banners that recalled the governor’s 
inauguration in 2019, displaying the words “equality,” “education,” 
“opportunity” and “innovation.”

“We do have the pillars that we started with, that were based on the 
governor’s inauguration,” said Fred Dierksen, superintendent for Dodge 
City schools. “We added ‘innovation’ because of the importance of 
technology in education today, and where we’re going with that in all 
facets of the business. And so I just think those are constant reminders
 that we can never overlook.”

The council delivered a report with recommendations to invest in 
child care, computer science and information technology talent, 
technology and equipment upgrades, and work-based learning. The council 
also recommends the formation of a commission of health care 
policymakers, regulators and criminal justice experts to review and 
recommend career pathways.

<a target="_blank" href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GCE-Report-Final-1.pdf">Read the full report</a>.

Kelly said she plans to keep a copy of the report on her desk during the legislative session as a reference.

“You have made it clear what the issues are, and that will make it much easier,” Kelly said.

Cynthia Lane, a member of the Kansas Board of Regents, and Dierksen 
co-chaired the council, which focused on child care, early learning, 
talent pipeline and work-based learning in meetings throughout 2021.

Lane said the difficult reality that Kansas is not a place of opportunity has been driving the council’s work.

“Many of us are lifelong Kansans, many of us have chosen to live in 
Kansas, and we want to make sure that we have quality opportunities for 
all,” Lane said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642199193111.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly addresses members of her education council during a meeting Friday at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly addresses members of her education council during a meeting Friday at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/14/gov-laura-kellys-education-advisers-call-for-investments-in-child-care-technology-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly told members of education advisory group 
Friday that the state’s healthy financial situation made this year’s 
budget process “particularly fun.”Faced with a projected $2.9 billion surplus, the governor was able to
 include nearly all of the recommendations made by educators in the 
proposed budget she delivered to the Legislature on Wednesday. Her 
suggested investments in K-12 schools include more money for student 
aid, professional development, student mental health services, and an 
inflation adjustment for total spending.“We said we would fully fund our public education, and we continue to fulfill that promise,” Kelly said.The Governor’s Council on Education includes nearly 48 business 
leaders and education officials from across the state. Members of the 
council met in the Statehouse with banners that recalled the governor’s 
inauguration in 2019, displaying the words “equality,” “education,” 
“opportunity” and “innovation.”“We do have the pillars that we started with, that were based on the 
governor’s inauguration,” said Fred Dierksen, superintendent for Dodge 
City schools. “We added ‘innovation’ because of the importance of 
technology in education today, and where we’re going with that in all 
facets of the business. And so I just think those are constant reminders
 that we can never overlook.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642199260357.png" alt="Kansas Board of Regents member Cynthia Lane appears at Friday’s meeting of the Governor’s Council on Education at the Statehouse in Topeka. Behind her are banners that mimic those displayed at the governor’s inauguration in 2019. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Board of Regents member Cynthia Lane appears at Friday’s meeting of the Governor’s Council on Education at the Statehouse in Topeka. Behind her are banners that mimic those displayed at the governor’s inauguration in 2019. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>The council delivered a report with recommendations to invest in 
child care, computer science and information technology talent, 
technology and equipment upgrades, and work-based learning. The council 
also recommends the formation of a commission of health care 
policymakers, regulators and criminal justice experts to review and 
recommend career pathways.<a target="_blank" href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GCE-Report-Final-1.pdf">Read the full report</a>.Kelly said she plans to keep a copy of the report on her desk during the legislative session as a reference.“You have made it clear what the issues are, and that will make it much easier,” Kelly said.Cynthia Lane, a member of the Kansas Board of Regents, and Dierksen 
co-chaired the council, which focused on child care, early learning, 
talent pipeline and work-based learning in meetings throughout 2021.Lane said the difficult reality that Kansas is not a place of opportunity has been driving the council’s work.“Many of us are lifelong Kansans, many of us have chosen to live in 
Kansas, and we want to make sure that we have quality opportunities for 
all,” Lane said.

Kan. education advisers call for investments in child care, technology

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal Friday morning crash on the Kansas Turnpike have identified those involved.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just before 8:30a.m., a 2012 Dodge Durango driven by Tori D. Hornecker, 28, Wichita, was southbound on Interstate 35 near the K-15 exit in the number 2 lane.&nbsp;

The Durango traveled off the road to the right. The passenger side of the SUV struck the left rear corner of a trailer pulled by a 2022 Peterbilt semi driven by Dallas Ray Carmen, 39, Stillwater, Oklahoma, that was legally parked on the outside shoulder.

A passenger in the Durango identified as 6-year-0ld Regan Paige Sampson of Wichita was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the KHP.&nbsp; 

EMS transported Hornecker and a second passenger in the Durango 8-year-old Brantley Chance Sampson to Wesley Medical Center. Carmen was not injured. The driver and passengers in the Durango were not wearing seat belts or in child safety seats, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642188226552.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal Friday morning crash on the Kansas Turnpike have identified those involved.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just before 8:30a.m., a 2012 Dodge Durango driven by Tori D. Hornecker, 28, Wichita, was southbound on Interstate 35 near the K-15 exit in the number 2 lane.&nbsp;The Durango traveled off the road to the right. The passenger side of the SUV struck the left rear corner of a trailer pulled by a 2022 Peterbilt semi driven by Dallas Ray Carmen, 39, Stillwater, Oklahoma, that was legally parked on the outside shoulder.A passenger in the Durango identified as 6-year-0ld Regan Paige Sampson of Wichita was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the KHP.&nbsp; EMS transported Hornecker and a second passenger in the Durango 8-year-old Brantley Chance Sampson to Wesley Medical Center. Carmen was not injured. The driver and passengers in the Durango were not wearing seat belts or in child safety seats, according to the KHP.

6-year-old Kan. girl dies after ejected in Kansas Turnpike crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials have updated their mask guidance, encouraging more Americans to wear N95 or KN95 masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Those kinds of masks are considered better at filtering the air. But they were in short supply previously, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials had said they should be prioritized for health care workers.

 President Joe Biden continues to urge Americans to get vaccinated and to wear a mask. "I think it's part of your patriotic duty to wear a mask," he said ahead of a meeting with his COVID response team.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html" target="_blank">updated guidance</a>&nbsp;posted late Friday,&nbsp; CDC officials removed concerns related to supply shortages and more clearly said that properly fitted N95 and KN95 masks offer the most protection.

However, agency officials noted some masks are harder to tolerate than others, and urged people to choose good-fitting masks that they will wear consistently.

“Our main message continues to be that any mask is better than no mask,” Kristen Nordlund, a CDC spokeswoman, said in a statement.

The CDC has evolved its mask guidance throughout the pandemic.

In its last update, in September, CDC officials became more encouraging of disposable N95 masks, saying they could be used in certain situations if supplies were available. Examples included being near a lot of people for extended periods of time on a train, bus or airplane; taking care of someone in poor health; or being more susceptible to severe illness.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-6eb679fb606d9ec2e98db7ab2767d1c0">announced</a>&nbsp;that his administration was planning to make “high-quality masks,” including N95s, available for free. He said more details were coming next week. The federal government has a stockpile of more than 750 million N95 masks, the White House said.

The latest CDC guidance notes that there is a special category of “surgical N95” masks, that are specially designed for protection against blood splashes and other operating room hazards. Those are not generally available for sale to the public, and should continue to be reserved for health care workers, the agency said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642088735613.png" alt="President Biden said it's your patriotic duty to wear a mask-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden said it's your patriotic duty to wear a mask-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials have updated their mask guidance, encouraging more Americans to wear N95 or KN95 masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus.Those kinds of masks are considered better at filtering the air. But they were in short supply previously, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials had said they should be prioritized for health care workers. President Joe Biden continues to urge Americans to get vaccinated and to wear a mask. "I think it's part of your patriotic duty to wear a mask," he said ahead of a meeting with his COVID response team.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F627100008618297%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=182" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html" target="_blank">updated guidance</a>&nbsp;posted late Friday,&nbsp; CDC officials removed concerns related to supply shortages and more clearly said that properly fitted N95 and KN95 masks offer the most protection.However, agency officials noted some masks are harder to tolerate than others, and urged people to choose good-fitting masks that they will wear consistently.“Our main message continues to be that any mask is better than no mask,” Kristen Nordlund, a CDC spokeswoman, said in a statement.The CDC has evolved its mask guidance throughout the pandemic.In its last update, in September, CDC officials became more encouraging of disposable N95 masks, saying they could be used in certain situations if supplies were available. Examples included being near a lot of people for extended periods of time on a train, bus or airplane; taking care of someone in poor health; or being more susceptible to severe illness.On Thursday, President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-6eb679fb606d9ec2e98db7ab2767d1c0">announced</a>&nbsp;that his administration was planning to make “high-quality masks,” including N95s, available for free. He said more details were coming next week. The federal government has a stockpile of more than 750 million N95 masks, the White House said.The latest CDC guidance notes that there is a special category of “surgical N95” masks, that are specially designed for protection against blood splashes and other operating room hazards. Those are not generally available for sale to the public, and should continue to be reserved for health care workers, the agency said.

 🎥 Biden: It's part of your patriotic duty to wear a mask

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The tsunami threat around the Pacific from a huge undersea volcanic eruption has begun to recede but the massive ash cloud covering the tiny island nation of Tonga is preventing surveillance flights from New Zealand to assess the extent of damage. 

The eruption on Saturday sent tsunami waves swirling around buildings and people rushing to higher ground. 

The eruption was massive enough to be detected in Kansas, Kansas Mesonet noted on its <a href="https://twitter.com/ksmesonet">Twitter account</a>.

The explosion cut the internet to Tonga, leaving friends and family members around the world anxiously trying to get in touch. Even government websites and other official sources remained without updates on Sunday afternoon. 

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says there's not been any official reports of injuries or deaths in Tonga but authorities haven't yet made contact with some coastal areas and smaller islands.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The tsunami threat around the Pacific from a huge undersea volcanic eruption has begun to recede but the massive ash cloud covering the tiny island nation of Tonga is preventing surveillance flights from New Zealand to assess the extent of damage. The eruption on Saturday sent tsunami waves swirling around buildings and people rushing to higher ground. The eruption was massive enough to be detected in Kansas, Kansas Mesonet noted on its <a href="https://twitter.com/ksmesonet">Twitter account</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We did indeed measure the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HungaTongaHungaHaapai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HungaTongaHungaHaapai</a> volcano this morning. A pressure wave was detected weakly and propagated eastward with time. Note, change isn&#39;t much since we average over a five minute period. Still, a noticable trace! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qq0blvGYiq">pic.twitter.com/Qq0blvGYiq</a>&mdash; Kansas Mesonet (@ksmesonet) <a href="https://twitter.com/ksmesonet/status/1482552501077434369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The explosion cut the internet to Tonga, leaving friends and family members around the world anxiously trying to get in touch. Even government websites and other official sources remained without updates on Sunday afternoon. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says there's not been any official reports of injuries or deaths in Tonga but authorities haven't yet made contact with some coastal areas and smaller islands.

Pacific tsunami threat recedes; volcanic eruption detected in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court said Friday it will hear the case of a former Seattle-area football coach who was removed from his job because he refused to stop praying on the field.

Former Bremerton High School coach Joe Kennedy’s lawyers say the religious beliefs of their client, who is Christian, “compelled him to give thanks through prayer at the conclusion of each game for what the players accomplished and for the opportunity to be part of their lives through football.” After games had ended and after both teams’ players and coaches met at midfield to shake hands, Kennedy would kneel and offer a silent or quiet prayer.

His practice evolved, however. Students came to join him, and he eventually began to give motivational speeches that often included religious content and a short prayer.

The school district says that when it learned what Kennedy was doing it tried to accommodate him, asking that he pray separately from students. But the district says Kennedy ultimately declined to change his practice, was put on paid leave and sued. Lower courts sided with the school district.

In 2019, at an earlier stage of the case, the high court rejected getting involved. At that time, however, four conservative justices said while it was too early to get involved, they were interested in the case and the legal issues it raises.

In a statement issued Friday after the court agreed to hear the case, Kelly Shackelford, the head of First Liberty Institute, which is representing Kennedy, said, “No teacher or coach should lose their job for simply expressing their faith while in public.”

“By taking this important case, the Supreme Court can protect the right of every American to engage in private religious expression, including praying in public, without fear of punishment,” Shackelford said.

But the head of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which represents the school district, said it had followed the law, calling Kennedy's actions “coercive prayers.”

"This case is not about a school employee praying silently during a private religious devotion. Rather, this case is about protecting impressionable students who felt pressured by their coach to participate repeatedly in public prayer, and a public school district that did right by its students and families,” Rachel Laser said in a statement.

The case is expected to be argued in the spring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641555607497.png" alt="The case is expected to be argued in the spring -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The case is expected to be argued in the spring -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court said Friday it will hear the case of a former Seattle-area football coach who was removed from his job because he refused to stop praying on the field.Former Bremerton High School coach Joe Kennedy’s lawyers say the religious beliefs of their client, who is Christian, “compelled him to give thanks through prayer at the conclusion of each game for what the players accomplished and for the opportunity to be part of their lives through football.” After games had ended and after both teams’ players and coaches met at midfield to shake hands, Kennedy would kneel and offer a silent or quiet prayer.His practice evolved, however. Students came to join him, and he eventually began to give motivational speeches that often included religious content and a short prayer.The school district says that when it learned what Kennedy was doing it tried to accommodate him, asking that he pray separately from students. But the district says Kennedy ultimately declined to change his practice, was put on paid leave and sued. Lower courts sided with the school district.In 2019, at an earlier stage of the case, the high court rejected getting involved. At that time, however, four conservative justices said while it was too early to get involved, they were interested in the case and the legal issues it raises.In a statement issued Friday after the court agreed to hear the case, Kelly Shackelford, the head of First Liberty Institute, which is representing Kennedy, said, “No teacher or coach should lose their job for simply expressing their faith while in public.”“By taking this important case, the Supreme Court can protect the right of every American to engage in private religious expression, including praying in public, without fear of punishment,” Shackelford said.But the head of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which represents the school district, said it had followed the law, calling Kennedy's actions “coercive prayers.”"This case is not about a school employee praying silently during a private religious devotion. Rather, this case is about protecting impressionable students who felt pressured by their coach to participate repeatedly in public prayer, and a public school district that did right by its students and families,” Rachel Laser said in a statement.The case is expected to be argued in the spring.

Supreme Court to hear case of praying football coach forced from his job

PAWNEE COUNTY – A Pawnee County jury found Roy Gene Hill, 59 of Osage, Kansas guilty of a child sex crime during a trial Thursday, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

The jury heard testimony that the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call on February 10, 2019, at approximately 5 a.m. to respond to a possible sexual assault of a minor at a residence in Garfield, Kansas. 

Once at the residence the responding officers were advised by the owners that their 13 year old granddaughter had been awaken in her bedroom at approximately 3 a.m. by a man touching her inappropriately. 

The girl told the officers that she recognized the assailant as being her grandparent’s house guest.

The teenager testified at trial that after the assault occurred she was too scared to leave her room as she would have to pass the defendant to get to her grandmother’s room. 

Hill had been staying on the family’s couch for several weeks. She attempted to call and text her grandmother serval times, but her grandmother did not wake up for over an hour. Hill was arrested at the scene without incident. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation handled the follow-up investigation.

The jury made up of 7 men and 5 women deliberated for approximately one hour Thursday afternoon before returning Guilty verdict of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child Under the Age of 14. The defense argued law enforcement rushed to judgment and conducted an insufficient investigation.

Hill previously entered a No Contest plea on December 16, 2021, to Count 2 in the case to a charge of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender with the Pawnee County Sheriff.

Under the Kansas Offender Registration Act, offenders are required to notify the local sheriff if they remain in a County for more than 3 days. At the time, Hill was subject to life-time registration due to a previous Aggravated Indecent Liberties conviction for an incident in Neosho County in 2002. 

Pursuant to a pretrial order, the Jury was not informed of Hill’s prior sex conviction, nor his duty to register.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.. The defendant has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since February 10, 2019. Based on his prior sex offense, Hill now faces a mandatory 40 year under the Jessica’s Law sentencing provisions, according to McNett.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642114839130.png" alt="Hill-photo Ford Co." />
 <figcaption>Hill-photo Ford Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY – A Pawnee County jury found Roy Gene Hill, 59 of Osage, Kansas guilty of a child sex crime during a trial Thursday, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.The jury heard testimony that the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call on February 10, 2019, at approximately 5 a.m. to respond to a possible sexual assault of a minor at a residence in Garfield, Kansas. Once at the residence the responding officers were advised by the owners that their 13 year old granddaughter had been awaken in her bedroom at approximately 3 a.m. by a man touching her inappropriately. The girl told the officers that she recognized the assailant as being her grandparent’s house guest.The teenager testified at trial that after the assault occurred she was too scared to leave her room as she would have to pass the defendant to get to her grandmother’s room. Hill had been staying on the family’s couch for several weeks. She attempted to call and text her grandmother serval times, but her grandmother did not wake up for over an hour. Hill was arrested at the scene without incident. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation handled the follow-up investigation.The jury made up of 7 men and 5 women deliberated for approximately one hour Thursday afternoon before returning Guilty verdict of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child Under the Age of 14. The defense argued law enforcement rushed to judgment and conducted an insufficient investigation.Hill previously entered a No Contest plea on December 16, 2021, to Count 2 in the case to a charge of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender with the Pawnee County Sheriff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642115281720.png" alt="Hill-photo Kan. Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Hill-photo Kan. Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>Under the Kansas Offender Registration Act, offenders are required to notify the local sheriff if they remain in a County for more than 3 days. At the time, Hill was subject to life-time registration due to a previous Aggravated Indecent Liberties conviction for an incident in Neosho County in 2002. Pursuant to a pretrial order, the Jury was not informed of Hill’s prior sex conviction, nor his duty to register.Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.. The defendant has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since February 10, 2019. Based on his prior sex offense, Hill now faces a mandatory 40 year under the Jessica’s Law sentencing provisions, according to McNett.

Kan. sex offender faces 40-years in prison for another child sex crime

JUNCTION CITY — A 29-year-old Fort Riley Soldier was injured in an accidental, self-inflicted shooting, according to&nbsp;Junction City Police Chief John Lamb.

The incident occurred just before 10:30p.m. Thursday&nbsp; in the soldier's vehicle in front of his residence on Cypress Street in Junction City. The soldier is recovering at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.

Police have not released the soldier's name.

JUNCTION CITY — A 29-year-old Fort Riley Soldier was injured in an accidental, self-inflicted shooting, according to&nbsp;Junction City Police Chief John Lamb.The incident occurred just before 10:30p.m. Thursday&nbsp; in the soldier's vehicle in front of his residence on Cypress Street in Junction City. The soldier is recovering at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.Police have not released the soldier's name.

Fort Riley soldier injured in accidental shooting

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — A man has been arrested after hundreds of pigs died at his farm last month after they went without adequate food and were kept in conditions so cold that some of their ears froze off.

Black Hawk County sheriff’s deputies arrested the 38-year-old&nbsp;Nolan Otto Dewall on Monday on one count of livestock neglect, a misdemeanor.

Dewall had been hired to raise 2,500 baby pigs until they reached around 280 pounds, according to court records. The animals were delivered to his farm in rural Cedar Falls in late December with 15 tons of feed.

By Dec. 30, a consultant found that 800 of the pigs had died and that the animals didn’t have ready access to water and some didn’t have access to food. The consultant also found temperatures inside the barns was found to be under 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), when freshly weened hogs need temperatures around 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit to survive, court records state.

Authorities removed the remaining pigs from the farm to another facility, 51 pigs perished during the move and another 60 died in the following days, records state. The hogs died of malnutrition and dehydration, a state veterinarian determined.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — A man has been arrested after hundreds of pigs died at his farm last month after they went without adequate food and were kept in conditions so cold that some of their ears froze off.Black Hawk County sheriff’s deputies arrested the 38-year-old&nbsp;Nolan Otto Dewall on Monday on one count of livestock neglect, a misdemeanor.Dewall had been hired to raise 2,500 baby pigs until they reached around 280 pounds, according to court records. The animals were delivered to his farm in rural Cedar Falls in late December with 15 tons of feed.By Dec. 30, a consultant found that 800 of the pigs had died and that the animals didn’t have ready access to water and some didn’t have access to food. The consultant also found temperatures inside the barns was found to be under 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), when freshly weened hogs need temperatures around 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit to survive, court records state.Authorities removed the remaining pigs from the farm to another facility, 51 pigs perished during the move and another 60 died in the following days, records state. The hogs died of malnutrition and dehydration, a state veterinarian determined.

Man arrested after hundreds of pigs die from neglect

KANSAS CITY (AP) — One person is dead following a shooting Friday night on an Amtrak train that was stopped at a Missouri station, police said.

Police in Independence, Missouri, were called around 9:15 p.m. to the Amtrak station where they found a person who had been shot while the train had been stopped earlier at the Lee's Summit station, said Sgt. Chris Depue, a spokesman for the Lee’s Summit Police Department. Police are looking for the suspected shooter who is believed to have fled in Lee's Summit, he said.

The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article257355812.html">reports</a>&nbsp;the train traveled north to Independence where life-saving efforts were attempted before the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim's name is being withheld until the family is notified.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642418691221.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — One person is dead following a shooting Friday night on an Amtrak train that was stopped at a Missouri station, police said.Police in Independence, Missouri, were called around 9:15 p.m. to the Amtrak station where they found a person who had been shot while the train had been stopped earlier at the Lee's Summit station, said Sgt. Chris Depue, a spokesman for the Lee’s Summit Police Department. Police are looking for the suspected shooter who is believed to have fled in Lee's Summit, he said.The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article257355812.html">reports</a>&nbsp;the train traveled north to Independence where life-saving efforts were attempted before the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.The victim's name is being withheld until the family is notified.

Police: 1 dead after shooting on Amtrak train near Kansas City

JOHNSON COUNTY —Three people were injured in a Saturday house fire in Olathe.

Just after 8a.m., fire crews responded to the fire at a home at 1030 North Clinton Street near Kansas 7 and Harold Street, according to a social media report from the Olathe Fire Department.

 When firefighters arrived they were met with significant fire conditions. Due to many on-scene conditions, a second alarm was ordered.

EMS transported three residents to an area hospital in stable condition. Authorities have not reported cause of the fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642280389984.png" alt="photo courtesy Olathe Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Olathe Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Three people were injured in a Saturday house fire in Olathe.Just after 8a.m., fire crews responded to the fire at a home at 1030 North Clinton Street near Kansas 7 and Harold Street, according to a social media report from the Olathe Fire Department. When firefighters arrived they were met with significant fire conditions. Due to many on-scene conditions, a second alarm was ordered.EMS transported three residents to an area hospital in stable condition. Authorities have not reported cause of the fire.

3 hospitalized after 2-alarm fire at Kansas home

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A state board that oversees doctors has suspended the medical license of a Wichita physician, alleging that he wrote prescriptions for people he hadn’t spoken to or examined. 

The suspension order says that Chad Sharp’s employer had unlicensed employees call people last year and ask if if they were suffering from “chronic ailments.”

 These calls were recorded and then sent to Sharp, who was paid for each person whose information he reviewed. The order states that he then would prescribe a cream or ointment that was billed to the person’s insurance.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A state board that oversees doctors has suspended the medical license of a Wichita physician, alleging that he wrote prescriptions for people he hadn’t spoken to or examined. The suspension order says that Chad Sharp’s employer had unlicensed employees call people last year and ask if if they were suffering from “chronic ailments.” These calls were recorded and then sent to Sharp, who was paid for each person whose information he reviewed. The order states that he then would prescribe a cream or ointment that was billed to the person’s insurance.

License suspended for Kan. doctor over prescribing issues

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

GREAT BEND — When Barton Community College started athletics in 1969, there were six
programs offered. An addition to the main athletic complex on campus, the Kirkman
Center, was made in 1995 and there were 13 sports. Currently, the junior
college offers 22 sports and houses over 370 student athletes. 

Barton Athletic
Director Trevor Rolfs said watching the growth of the department has been
great, but not much new construction has taken place since 1995 despite the
growth. 
"This place is really busy," said Rolfs. "Not only have we outgrown 
these facilities, the facilities are aging in certain areas. It's a good
 thing that we're growing, but the facility cramping is starting to rear
 its ugly head."

Rolfs gave an example of all officials dressing 
in one room. There are more and more women officials, creating a need 
for a separate space. 
Rolfs, with support from Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman, presented his first
sales pitch to the Barton Community College Board of Trustees Tuesday on future
plans he would like accomplished on campus.

Centering on the Kirkman Center, the
renovations and construction would come in phases, with the first phase costing
$14.2 million. Rolfs highlighted relocating the training room to a bigger space,
constructing a new weight room, more locker rooms, coach’s offices, new
bleachers and a better display of the college’s hall of fame members.

"Barton athletics is in a good place," said Rolfs. "We've managed 
with the facilities we have and continued to be successful. I don't 
think we get hurt on recruiting because of our name and history, but 
more people are committing dollars to facilities and I don't want to see
 Barton fall behind." 
Rolfs also told trustees during the tour there is a need for improvement to the
track facility and a press box at the softball complex. In another phase, there
are ideas for a new $11 million gym.

Barton also hosted the Kansas
 State High School Activities Association Class 1A-DII girls and boys 
state basketball tournaments this past spring. To properly showcase the 
facility to fans from around the state and provide adequate room for the
 teams, more locker rooms are needed.

The way the Kirkman Center was constructed in 1969, there is no air conditioning to the lower level. There is heat only. 
While the athletic department has done work to gather potential donors, the
trustees were told to expect a formal pitch requesting funding in the future.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642269769911.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Board of Trustees received a tour of some of the sports facilities on campus Jan. 11." />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Board of Trustees received a tour of some of the sports facilities on campus Jan. 11.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — When Barton Community College started athletics in 1969, there were six
programs offered. An addition to the main athletic complex on campus, the Kirkman
Center, was made in 1995 and there were 13 sports. Currently, the junior
college offers 22 sports and houses over 370 student athletes. Barton Athletic
Director Trevor Rolfs said watching the growth of the department has been
great, but not much new construction has taken place since 1995 despite the
growth. 
"This place is really busy," said Rolfs. "Not only have we outgrown 
these facilities, the facilities are aging in certain areas. It's a good
 thing that we're growing, but the facility cramping is starting to rear
 its ugly head."Rolfs gave an example of all officials dressing 
in one room. There are more and more women officials, creating a need 
for a separate space. 
Rolfs, with support from Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman, presented his first
sales pitch to the Barton Community College Board of Trustees Tuesday on future
plans he would like accomplished on campus. Centering on the Kirkman Center, the
renovations and construction would come in phases, with the first phase costing
$14.2 million. Rolfs highlighted relocating the training room to a bigger space,
constructing a new weight room, more locker rooms, coach’s offices, new
bleachers and a better display of the college’s hall of fame members.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642269818558.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Barton athletics is in a good place," said Rolfs. "We've managed 
with the facilities we have and continued to be successful. I don't 
think we get hurt on recruiting because of our name and history, but 
more people are committing dollars to facilities and I don't want to see
 Barton fall behind." 
Rolfs also told trustees during the tour there is a need for improvement to the
track facility and a press box at the softball complex. In another phase, there
are ideas for a new $11 million gym.Barton also hosted the Kansas
 State High School Activities Association Class 1A-DII girls and boys 
state basketball tournaments this past spring. To properly showcase the 
facility to fans from around the state and provide adequate room for the
 teams, more locker rooms are needed.The way the Kirkman Center was constructed in 1969, there is no air conditioning to the lower level. There is heat only. 
While the athletic department has done work to gather potential donors, the
trustees were told to expect a formal pitch requesting funding in the future.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton athletic facilities ‘bulging at the seams’

Geary County Sheriff Dan Jackson has confirmed that a COVID-19 outbreak was identified Friday in the county jail. A number of inmates complained of symptoms. "So we got with our nursing staff up there and we started testing people. We ended up with nine inmates positive in two pods ( combined ),&nbsp; and at that point we had already made contact with the Health Department and they said well just stop testing right now. You're really just wasting your tests because we're pretty certain that it's spread throughout the jail."

Jackson said the Sheriff's Department has stopped all extraditions, is not releasing any prisoners to any other counties and is not picking any prisoners up. "Kind of trying to hold what we've got inside the jail right now."

Jackson noted that the Department has never stopped having COVID protocols in place but the new variant is super-easy to catch. "On Tuesday the Health Department will be coming out and they'll test every single inmate as well as all of the staff, all of the corrections officers, all the Deputies and all the admin staff. We'll all get tested and then we'll have a baseline of where we're at, at that point, and then we'll just go from there."

Symptoms experienced by inmates have ranged from a head cold to a mild fever. Jackson said they'll be provided all medical care that is required.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostGeary County Sheriff Dan Jackson has confirmed that a COVID-19 outbreak was identified Friday in the county jail. A number of inmates complained of symptoms. "So we got with our nursing staff up there and we started testing people. We ended up with nine inmates positive in two pods ( combined ),&nbsp; and at that point we had already made contact with the Health Department and they said well just stop testing right now. You're really just wasting your tests because we're pretty certain that it's spread throughout the jail."Jackson said the Sheriff's Department has stopped all extraditions, is not releasing any prisoners to any other counties and is not picking any prisoners up. "Kind of trying to hold what we've got inside the jail right now."Jackson noted that the Department has never stopped having COVID protocols in place but the new variant is super-easy to catch. "On Tuesday the Health Department will be coming out and they'll test every single inmate as well as all of the staff, all of the corrections officers, all the Deputies and all the admin staff. We'll all get tested and then we'll have a baseline of where we're at, at that point, and then we'll just go from there."Symptoms experienced by inmates have ranged from a head cold to a mild fever. Jackson said they'll be provided all medical care that is required.

Sheriff: COVID-19 outbreak at Geary County Jail

KANSAS CITY (AP) —For companies that were waiting to hear from the U.S. Supreme Court before deciding whether to require vaccinations or regular coronavirus testing for workers, the next move is up to them.

Many large corporations were silent on Thursday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-vaccine-mandate-eb5899ae1fe5b62b6f4d51f54a3cd375">ruling by the high court&nbsp;</a>to block a requirement that workers at businesses with at least 100 employees be fully vaccinated or else test regularly for COVID-19 and wear a mask on the job.

Target’s response was typical: The big retailer said it wanted to review the decision and “how it will impact our team and business.”

The Biden administration argues that nothing in federal law prevents private businesses from imposing their own vaccine requirements. However, companies could run into state bans on vaccine mandates in Republican-controlled states. And relatively few businesses enacted their own rules ahead of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirement, raising doubt that there will be rush for them now.

In legal terms, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority said the OSHA lacked authority to impose such a mandate on big companies. The court, however, let stand a vaccination requirement for most health-care workers.

The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade organization and one of the groups that challenged the OSHA action, called the court’s decision “a significant victory for employers.” It complained that OSHA acted without first allowing public comments, although administration officials met with many business and labor groups before issuing the rule.

Chris Spear, the president of the American Trucking Associations, another of the groups that fought the OSHA rule, said it “would interfere with individuals’ private health care decisions.”

Karen Harned, an official with the National Federation of Independent Business, said that as small businesses try to recover from nearly two years of pandemic, “the last thing they need is a mandate that would cause more business challenges.”

But mandate supporters called it a matter of safety for employees and customers.

Dan Simons, co-owner of the Founding Farmers chain of restaurants in the Washington area, said vaccine mandates are “common sense.” He requires his 1,000 employees to be fully vaccinated; those who request an exemption must wear a mask and submit weekly COVID test results.

“If your priority is the economy, or your own health, or the health of others, you would agree with my approach,” Simons said.

Administration officials believe that even though the OSHA rule has been blocked, it drove millions of people to get vaccinated. Companies that used mandates to achieve relatively high vaccination rates may decide that they have accomplished enough.

Ford Motor Co. said it was “encouraged by the 88% of U.S. salaried employees who are already vaccinated.” The car maker said it would review the court decision to see if it needs to change a requirement that most U.S. salaried workers get the shots.

Labor advocates were dismayed by the ruling.

“This decision will have no impact on most professional and white collar workers, but it will endanger millions of frontline workers who risk their lives daily and who are least able to protect themselves,” said David Michaels, who led OSHA during the Obama administration and now teaches at the George Washington University’s School of Public Health.

For their part,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-police-oregon-coronavirus-pandemic-workers-rights-05ff3bd3325fb47f90061b1cc8e339a1">labor unions had been divided all along&nbsp;</a>about Biden’s attempt to create a vaccine mandate, with many nurses and teachers groups in favor, but many police and fire unions opposed. Some unions wanted the right to bargain over the issue with companies.

The United Auto Workers, which encourages workers to get vaccinated, said the decision won’t change safety protocols such as face masks, temperature checks and distancing when possible for more than 150,000 union members at General Motors, Ford and Stellantis factories.

Among 543 U.S. companies surveyed in November by insurance broker and consulting firm Willis Towers Watson, employers were split on what to do with their unvaccinated workers. Fewer than one in five required vaccination. Two-thirds had no plans to require the shots unless the courts upheld the OSHA requirement.

Jeff Levin-Scherz, an executive in the firm’s health practice, said most companies with mandates will keep them because they are working. He said nothing short of a mandate can get vaccination rates to 90%, and “you really need a very high level of vaccination to prevent community outbreaks.”

United Airlines was one of the first major employers to announce a mandate, back in August. CEO Scott Kirby has said that 99% of United employees either got vaccinated or submitted a request for exemption on medical or religious grounds.

United declined to comment Thursday, but in earlier comments Kirby has sounded committed to the mandate for his employees because “it was the right thing to do for safety.”

Airlines fall under a separate Biden order that required federal contractors to get their workers vaccinated. That requirement was not part of Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling, but it has been tied up separately since early December, when a federal district judge in Georgia issued a preliminary injunction barring enforcement of the mandate.

“I would expect many federal contractors are going to wait and see because they don’t want to implement something if they don’t have to,” said Christopher Slottee, a commercial law attorney in Anchorage, Alaska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642266101298.png" alt="Entrance to a Target store in northeast Kansas -google image" />
 <figcaption>Entrance to a Target store in northeast Kansas -google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —For companies that were waiting to hear from the U.S. Supreme Court before deciding whether to require vaccinations or regular coronavirus testing for workers, the next move is up to them.Many large corporations were silent on Thursday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-vaccine-mandate-eb5899ae1fe5b62b6f4d51f54a3cd375">ruling by the high court&nbsp;</a>to block a requirement that workers at businesses with at least 100 employees be fully vaccinated or else test regularly for COVID-19 and wear a mask on the job.Target’s response was typical: The big retailer said it wanted to review the decision and “how it will impact our team and business.”The Biden administration argues that nothing in federal law prevents private businesses from imposing their own vaccine requirements. However, companies could run into state bans on vaccine mandates in Republican-controlled states. And relatively few businesses enacted their own rules ahead of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirement, raising doubt that there will be rush for them now.In legal terms, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority said the OSHA lacked authority to impose such a mandate on big companies. The court, however, let stand a vaccination requirement for most health-care workers.The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade organization and one of the groups that challenged the OSHA action, called the court’s decision “a significant victory for employers.” It complained that OSHA acted without first allowing public comments, although administration officials met with many business and labor groups before issuing the rule.Chris Spear, the president of the American Trucking Associations, another of the groups that fought the OSHA rule, said it “would interfere with individuals’ private health care decisions.”Karen Harned, an official with the National Federation of Independent Business, said that as small businesses try to recover from nearly two years of pandemic, “the last thing they need is a mandate that would cause more business challenges.”But mandate supporters called it a matter of safety for employees and customers.Dan Simons, co-owner of the Founding Farmers chain of restaurants in the Washington area, said vaccine mandates are “common sense.” He requires his 1,000 employees to be fully vaccinated; those who request an exemption must wear a mask and submit weekly COVID test results.“If your priority is the economy, or your own health, or the health of others, you would agree with my approach,” Simons said.Administration officials believe that even though the OSHA rule has been blocked, it drove millions of people to get vaccinated. Companies that used mandates to achieve relatively high vaccination rates may decide that they have accomplished enough.Ford Motor Co. said it was “encouraged by the 88% of U.S. salaried employees who are already vaccinated.” The car maker said it would review the court decision to see if it needs to change a requirement that most U.S. salaried workers get the shots.Labor advocates were dismayed by the ruling.“This decision will have no impact on most professional and white collar workers, but it will endanger millions of frontline workers who risk their lives daily and who are least able to protect themselves,” said David Michaels, who led OSHA during the Obama administration and now teaches at the George Washington University’s School of Public Health.For their part,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-police-oregon-coronavirus-pandemic-workers-rights-05ff3bd3325fb47f90061b1cc8e339a1">labor unions had been divided all along&nbsp;</a>about Biden’s attempt to create a vaccine mandate, with many nurses and teachers groups in favor, but many police and fire unions opposed. Some unions wanted the right to bargain over the issue with companies.The United Auto Workers, which encourages workers to get vaccinated, said the decision won’t change safety protocols such as face masks, temperature checks and distancing when possible for more than 150,000 union members at General Motors, Ford and Stellantis factories.Among 543 U.S. companies surveyed in November by insurance broker and consulting firm Willis Towers Watson, employers were split on what to do with their unvaccinated workers. Fewer than one in five required vaccination. Two-thirds had no plans to require the shots unless the courts upheld the OSHA requirement.Jeff Levin-Scherz, an executive in the firm’s health practice, said most companies with mandates will keep them because they are working. He said nothing short of a mandate can get vaccination rates to 90%, and “you really need a very high level of vaccination to prevent community outbreaks.”United Airlines was one of the first major employers to announce a mandate, back in August. CEO Scott Kirby has said that 99% of United employees either got vaccinated or submitted a request for exemption on medical or religious grounds.United declined to comment Thursday, but in earlier comments Kirby has sounded committed to the mandate for his employees because “it was the right thing to do for safety.”Airlines fall under a separate Biden order that required federal contractors to get their workers vaccinated. That requirement was not part of Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling, but it has been tied up separately since early December, when a federal district judge in Georgia issued a preliminary injunction barring enforcement of the mandate.“I would expect many federal contractors are going to wait and see because they don’t want to implement something if they don’t have to,” said Christopher Slottee, a commercial law attorney in Anchorage, Alaska.___

Businesses react to ruling against Biden vaccine mandate

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp;Mack Lee, 39, of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Jerry Monasmith.&nbsp;The suspicious death will now be investigated as a Homicide.

Just after 10a.m. Friday, police&nbsp;responded to a home in the 600 Block SW Lincoln in Topeka on a call for service reference checking the welfare of an individual. 

Upon arrival, officers located Lee who was unresponsive. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel at the scene. The Topeka Police Department Homicide Unit is reviewing all investigative leads and evidence, according to Monasmith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642252476017.png" alt="The suspicious death is not being investigated as a homicide-photo courtesy&nbsp; WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The suspicious death is not being investigated as a homicide-photo courtesy&nbsp; WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp;Mack Lee, 39, of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Jerry Monasmith.&nbsp;The suspicious death will now be investigated as a Homicide.Just after 10a.m. Friday, police&nbsp;responded to a home in the 600 Block SW Lincoln in Topeka on a call for service reference checking the welfare of an individual. Upon arrival, officers located Lee who was unresponsive. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel at the scene. The Topeka Police Department Homicide Unit is reviewing all investigative leads and evidence, according to Monasmith.

Police: Suspicious death at Kan. home now a homicide investigation 

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH AND JOHN HANNA, Associated Press

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Nursing homes are facing COVID-19 outbreaks, schools are closing and hospitals in the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City area are seeing so many deaths that they are raising alarms about morgue capacity.

The problems come as Kansas yet again shattered its record for new confirmed and probable cases. The state reported an average of 7,887 new cases a day for the seven days ending Friday — nearly triple what had been the biggest peak in November 2020, according to state health department data.

While the omicron variant is less deadly, hospitalizations are approaching the previous high from December 2020, new state data shows.

The rise in cases, combined with a surge of staff absences, has hospitals across a large swath of the state halting elective procedures. And hospitals in the Kansas City area are now talking to the medical examiner and county health officials about how to handle the excessive death. Already they have sought help tracking down more ventilators.

“They are running out of morgue capacity,” said. Dr. Sanmi Areola, director of the health department in Johnson County, the state’s most populous county. “It does not take being an expert in public health to know that things are pretty bad."

The county has been looking for new testing sites and expanding hours at exiting ones. The positivity rate now tops 30%.

“Quite frankly the numbers we are getting in are exceeding all capacity at all levels," said Dr. Elizabeth Holzschuh, director of epidemiology at the county's Department of Health and Environment.

She noted that since the beginning of the year, nearly 30 county residents have died of COVID-19, with the vast majority of them unvaccinated. Nursing homes in the county also are hard hit with cases, said Areola.

“Virtually all of them have outbreaks going on," he said, adding, “The good news is because of the high vaccination rate and the high rates of booster uptake we haven’t seen very high levels of hospitalizations and death, at least not yet in that group. So our message continues to be get vaccinated, get boosted.”

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly told reporters that she believes Kansas should rethink restrictions on remote learning in public schools enacted last year, but top Republicans in the GOP-dominated Legislature are so far standing behind the policy.

Her comments come as a growing number of schools closed, including Eudora, Desoto, Manhattan-Ogden, Bonner Springs and El Dorado. Many cited staffing shortages, which are so severe that the state announced this week that substitute teachers in Kansas will not be required to have college credit hours.

Meanwhile, Kansas City, Kansas, schools warned parents to start preparing for school closures and said buses would be 15 to 20 minutes late Friday because of staff shortages. And the Olathe district, which is the state’s second-largest, is about 65 staff absences away from having to cancel school, warned Superintendent Brent Yeager.

“We all know the best place for our kids to be is right in our schools so we will continue to work hard and make that the case,” Yeager said at the district’s board meeting on Thursday.

The Wichita district, which is the state’s largest with about 47,000 students, issued a similar warning that closures were possible earlier this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634925184239.jpg" alt="Photo University of Kansas Health System" />
 <figcaption>Photo University of Kansas Health System</figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH AND JOHN HANNA, Associated PressMISSION, Kan. (AP) — Nursing homes are facing COVID-19 outbreaks, schools are closing and hospitals in the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City area are seeing so many deaths that they are raising alarms about morgue capacity.The problems come as Kansas yet again shattered its record for new confirmed and probable cases. The state reported an average of 7,887 new cases a day for the seven days ending Friday — nearly triple what had been the biggest peak in November 2020, according to state health department data.While the omicron variant is less deadly, hospitalizations are approaching the previous high from December 2020, new state data shows.The rise in cases, combined with a surge of staff absences, has hospitals across a large swath of the state halting elective procedures. And hospitals in the Kansas City area are now talking to the medical examiner and county health officials about how to handle the excessive death. Already they have sought help tracking down more ventilators.“They are running out of morgue capacity,” said. Dr. Sanmi Areola, director of the health department in Johnson County, the state’s most populous county. “It does not take being an expert in public health to know that things are pretty bad."The county has been looking for new testing sites and expanding hours at exiting ones. The positivity rate now tops 30%.“Quite frankly the numbers we are getting in are exceeding all capacity at all levels," said Dr. Elizabeth Holzschuh, director of epidemiology at the county's Department of Health and Environment.She noted that since the beginning of the year, nearly 30 county residents have died of COVID-19, with the vast majority of them unvaccinated. Nursing homes in the county also are hard hit with cases, said Areola.“Virtually all of them have outbreaks going on," he said, adding, “The good news is because of the high vaccination rate and the high rates of booster uptake we haven’t seen very high levels of hospitalizations and death, at least not yet in that group. So our message continues to be get vaccinated, get boosted.”Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly told reporters that she believes Kansas should rethink restrictions on remote learning in public schools enacted last year, but top Republicans in the GOP-dominated Legislature are so far standing behind the policy.Her comments come as a growing number of schools closed, including Eudora, Desoto, Manhattan-Ogden, Bonner Springs and El Dorado. Many cited staffing shortages, which are so severe that the state announced this week that substitute teachers in Kansas will not be required to have college credit hours.Meanwhile, Kansas City, Kansas, schools warned parents to start preparing for school closures and said buses would be 15 to 20 minutes late Friday because of staff shortages. And the Olathe district, which is the state’s second-largest, is about 65 staff absences away from having to cancel school, warned Superintendent Brent Yeager.“We all know the best place for our kids to be is right in our schools so we will continue to work hard and make that the case,” Yeager said at the district’s board meeting on Thursday.The Wichita district, which is the state’s largest with about 47,000 students, issued a similar warning that closures were possible earlier this week.

Hospitals raise morgue capacity concerns, schools close

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle was found dead in a Kansas federal prison where he was being held on charges of illegal firearms possession, a prison official said. 

Saousoalii Siavii Jr., 43, was found unresponsive at the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth on Thursday afternoon, U.S. Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman Anna Armijo said in a statement, The Kansas City Star reported. 

Siavii was treated by prison staff and taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. The prison did not release additional details about Siavii’s death. 

From American Samoa, the former Oregon lineman was drafted by Kansas City in the second round in 2004 and spent two seasons with the Chiefs. He played for Dallas in 2009 and Seattle in 2010.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566905218558.png" alt="Saousoalii Siavii, Jr. booking photo from a previous arrest by Independence, Missouri Police" />
 <figcaption>Saousoalii Siavii, Jr. booking photo from a previous arrest by Independence, Missouri Police</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle was found dead in a Kansas federal prison where he was being held on charges of illegal firearms possession, a prison official said. Saousoalii Siavii Jr., 43, was found unresponsive at the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth on Thursday afternoon, U.S. Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman Anna Armijo said in a statement, The Kansas City Star reported. Siavii was treated by prison staff and taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. The prison did not release additional details about Siavii’s death. From American Samoa, the former Oregon lineman was drafted by Kansas City in the second round in 2004 and spent two seasons with the Chiefs. He played for Dallas in 2009 and Seattle in 2010.

Former Kansas City Chief found dead in federal prison

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged drug distribution.

Just before 11p.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a 2005 Volvo G60 for a traffic infraction near 126th and U.S. 75 Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Further investigation into the traffic stop led to the arrest of the back seat passenger, Tony Eugene Stith, 58, of Wichita. Stith was arrested and is being held in the Jackson County Jail for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of mushrooms and LSD, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.&nbsp; He has previous convictions that include destroying evidence in a felony case, aggravated failure to appear and for drugs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642107055923.png" alt="Stith-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Stith-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged drug distribution.Just before 11p.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a 2005 Volvo G60 for a traffic infraction near 126th and U.S. 75 Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Further investigation into the traffic stop led to the arrest of the back seat passenger, Tony Eugene Stith, 58, of Wichita. Stith was arrested and is being held in the Jackson County Jail for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of mushrooms and LSD, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.&nbsp; He has previous convictions that include destroying evidence in a felony case, aggravated failure to appear and for drugs.

Sheriff: Kansas felon back in jail accused of drug distribution

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Roger Marshall on Friday obtained Dr. Anthony Fauci’s previously unpublished financial disclosures from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to a statement from Marshall's office.

According to Marshall, the NIH released the documents to Senator Marshall after a HELP hearing earlier this week where Dr. Fauci misled the American people and said, “My financial disclosures are public knowledge, and have been so.&nbsp;It is totally accessible to you, if you want it. To the public.” Since the disclosures were not public, on Wednesday, Senator Marshall sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Letter-Requesting-Fauci-Financial-Disclosure-1.12.21.pdf" target="_blank">letter&nbsp;</a>to Dr. Fauci formally requesting his un-redacted financial disclosures by 5:00pm Friday, January 14th.

In response, Dr. Fauci produced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Anthony-Fauci-Financial-Disclosures-for-2020-and-2019.pdf" target="_blank">these</a>&nbsp;previously unpublished documents.

“Dr. Fauci lied to the American people. He is more concerned with being a media star and posing for the cover of magazines than he is being honest with the American people and holding China accountable for the COVID pandemic that has taken the lives of almost 850 thousand Americans,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.

 “Just like he has misled the American people about sending taxpayers dollars to Wuhan, China to fund gain-of-function research, about masks, testing, and more, Dr. Fauci was completely dishonest about his financial disclosures being open to the public – it’s no wonder he is the least trusted bureaucrat in America. 

At the end of the day, Dr. Fauci must be held accountable to all Americans who have been suing and requesting for this information but don’t have the power of a Senate office to ask for it. For these reasons, I will be introducing the FAUCI Act so financial disclosures like these are made public and are easily accessible online to every American.”

You may click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Anthony-Fauci-Financial-Disclosures-for-2020-and-2019.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the previously unpublished documents.

Senator Marshall will be introducing the Financial Accountability for Uniquely Compensated Individuals (FAUCI) Act, which requires the public access of financial disclosures on the official Office of Government Ethics (OGE) website for administration officials like Dr. Fauci. The FAUCI Act would also provide a list of all confidential filers within the government whose financial disclosures are not public.

On Tuesday, Senator Marshall questioned Dr. Fauci at a hearing about a number of issues including his financial disclosures and investments. Contrary to what Dr. Fauci said, Dr. Fauci’s financial disclosures for the years of the COVID pandemic were not public. Therefore, Senator Marshall requested them during the hearing. Clearly distraught by the line of questioning which included prior questions on Dr. Fauci’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/coronavirus/most_americans_agree_dr_fauci_has_lost_credibility" target="_blank">plummeting approval ratings</a>&nbsp;and his involvement in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.projectveritas.com/news/military-documents-about-gain-of-function-contradict-fauci-testimony-under/" target="_blank">funding gain-of-function research</a>&nbsp;at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Dr. Fauci was caught on a hot mic calling Senator Marshall a “<a href="https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1480977059874848769?s=20" target="_blank">moron</a>.”

Questions regarding Dr. Fauci’s financial disclosure come a day after a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/clarida-fed-official-resigns-285a1e18-5f14-4de7-8ec3-d093b0014f8f.html" target="_blank">third Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;official stepped down as a result of questionable financial trades made during the COVID pandemic.

Senator Marshall’s line of questioning that led to Dr. Fauci’s hot mic situation:

Question 1:&nbsp;Dr. Fauci,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/coronavirus/most_americans_agree_dr_fauci_has_lost_credibility" target="_blank">59% of Americans</a>&nbsp;do not have a favorable opinion of you. Frankly, honestly, you’ve lost your reputation. The American people do not trust the words coming out of your mouth. Every day you appear on TV, you do more damage than good when it comes to educating the public on COVID. Suppose you were leading a team in an effort to try to get people to stop smoking cigarettes, but every time your spokesperson gets on television, over half of the nation goes out and buys a pack of Marlboros. Wouldn’t you stop that person from appearing on national television?

Senator Marshall followed up with Dr. Fauci and said, “Perception is reality and you are hurting the team right now. You are hurting the team right now.” FOX News covered this back and forth – you may click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHQJPF7-s0Q" target="_blank">HERE</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641938689079.png" alt="On Tuesday, Senator Marshall questioned Dr. Fauci at a hearing about a number of issues including his financial disclosures and investments-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>On Tuesday, Senator Marshall questioned Dr. Fauci at a hearing about a number of issues including his financial disclosures and investments-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Roger Marshall on Friday obtained Dr. Anthony Fauci’s previously unpublished financial disclosures from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to a statement from Marshall's office.According to Marshall, the NIH released the documents to Senator Marshall after a HELP hearing earlier this week where Dr. Fauci misled the American people and said, “My financial disclosures are public knowledge, and have been so.&nbsp;It is totally accessible to you, if you want it. To the public.” Since the disclosures were not public, on Wednesday, Senator Marshall sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Letter-Requesting-Fauci-Financial-Disclosure-1.12.21.pdf" target="_blank">letter&nbsp;</a>to Dr. Fauci formally requesting his un-redacted financial disclosures by 5:00pm Friday, January 14th. In response, Dr. Fauci produced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Anthony-Fauci-Financial-Disclosures-for-2020-and-2019.pdf" target="_blank">these</a>&nbsp;previously unpublished documents.“Dr. Fauci lied to the American people. He is more concerned with being a media star and posing for the cover of magazines than he is being honest with the American people and holding China accountable for the COVID pandemic that has taken the lives of almost 850 thousand Americans,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “Just like he has misled the American people about sending taxpayers dollars to Wuhan, China to fund gain-of-function research, about masks, testing, and more, Dr. Fauci was completely dishonest about his financial disclosures being open to the public – it’s no wonder he is the least trusted bureaucrat in America. At the end of the day, Dr. Fauci must be held accountable to all Americans who have been suing and requesting for this information but don’t have the power of a Senate office to ask for it. For these reasons, I will be introducing the FAUCI Act so financial disclosures like these are made public and are easily accessible online to every American.”You may click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Anthony-Fauci-Financial-Disclosures-for-2020-and-2019.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the previously unpublished documents.Background:Senator Marshall will be introducing the Financial Accountability for Uniquely Compensated Individuals (FAUCI) Act, which requires the public access of financial disclosures on the official Office of Government Ethics (OGE) website for administration officials like Dr. Fauci. The FAUCI Act would also provide a list of all confidential filers within the government whose financial disclosures are not public.On Tuesday, Senator Marshall questioned Dr. Fauci at a hearing about a number of issues including his financial disclosures and investments. Contrary to what Dr. Fauci said, Dr. Fauci’s financial disclosures for the years of the COVID pandemic were not public. Therefore, Senator Marshall requested them during the hearing. Clearly distraught by the line of questioning which included prior questions on Dr. Fauci’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/coronavirus/most_americans_agree_dr_fauci_has_lost_credibility" target="_blank">plummeting approval ratings</a>&nbsp;and his involvement in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.projectveritas.com/news/military-documents-about-gain-of-function-contradict-fauci-testimony-under/" target="_blank">funding gain-of-function research</a>&nbsp;at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Dr. Fauci was caught on a hot mic calling Senator Marshall a “<a href="https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1480977059874848769?s=20" target="_blank">moron</a>.”Questions regarding Dr. Fauci’s financial disclosure come a day after a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/clarida-fed-official-resigns-285a1e18-5f14-4de7-8ec3-d093b0014f8f.html" target="_blank">third Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;official stepped down as a result of questionable financial trades made during the COVID pandemic.Senator Marshall’s line of questioning that led to Dr. Fauci’s hot mic situation:Question 1:&nbsp;Dr. Fauci,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/coronavirus/most_americans_agree_dr_fauci_has_lost_credibility" target="_blank">59% of Americans</a>&nbsp;do not have a favorable opinion of you. Frankly, honestly, you’ve lost your reputation. The American people do not trust the words coming out of your mouth. Every day you appear on TV, you do more damage than good when it comes to educating the public on COVID. Suppose you were leading a team in an effort to try to get people to stop smoking cigarettes, but every time your spokesperson gets on television, over half of the nation goes out and buys a pack of Marlboros. Wouldn’t you stop that person from appearing on national television?Senator Marshall followed up with Dr. Fauci and said, “Perception is reality and you are hurting the team right now. You are hurting the team right now.” FOX News covered this back and forth – you may click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHQJPF7-s0Q" target="_blank">HERE</a>

Sen. Marshall obtains Dr. Fauci's unpublished financial records

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged robbery in Barton County.

Just after 4p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to the Holiday Inn Express, 3821 10th Street in Great Bend in reference to an attempted robbery, according to a media release.

Officers were advised a male suspect entered the hotel and attempted to physically remove and steal jewelry from someone in the lobby.

While en route to the area, officers were advised the suspect had left the Holiday Inn and was now trying to take items from inside vehicles in the Sonic parking lot.

Officers located the suspect identified as Marquez Lewis, age 25 of Wichita. After speaking with Lewis, witnesses and numerous victims, Lewis was placed under arrest for attempted robbery and transported to the Barton County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642179702621.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged robbery in Barton County.Just after 4p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to the Holiday Inn Express, 3821 10th Street in Great Bend in reference to an attempted robbery, according to a media release.Officers were advised a male suspect entered the hotel and attempted to physically remove and steal jewelry from someone in the lobby.While en route to the area, officers were advised the suspect had left the Holiday Inn and was now trying to take items from inside vehicles in the Sonic parking lot.Officers located the suspect identified as Marquez Lewis, age 25 of Wichita. After speaking with Lewis, witnesses and numerous victims, Lewis was placed under arrest for attempted robbery and transported to the Barton County Jail.

Suspect attempted to take jewelry from victim in Kan. motel lobby

Steffen, a physician, asserts children risk brain damage from vax

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642187798087.png" alt="Republican Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson area physician, introduced a nonbinding resolution arguing against COVID-19 vaccination of children, in support of natural immunity to the virus and an end to “interference” by government public health officials. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Republican Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson area physician, introduced a nonbinding resolution arguing against COVID-19 vaccination of children, in support of natural immunity to the virus and an end to “interference” by government public health officials. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Steffen, a physician, asserts children risk brain damage from vax</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/14/gop-senators-resolution-argues-for-derailment-of-covid-19-child-vaccination-campaign/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Sen. Mark Steffen introduced a COVID-19 resolution in the 
Kansas Senate declaring children shouldn’t be compelled to be 
vaccinated, people who had the virus ought to be exempted from all 
restrictions and that government needed to cease interfering with 
physicians recommending unorthodox treatments.Steffen, a Hutchinson Republican and anesthesiologist who cares for 
COVID-19 patients, has condemned what he referred to as mainstream 
medical and political propaganda contributing to unnecessary fatalities 
during the pandemic. He’s an advocate of state legislation stripping 
county health directors and the Kansas Department of Health and 
Environment of power to impose emergency restrictions.“We will win this vaccine battle. And, we will win the liberal, communist war being waged against us,” Steffen said.His nonbinding resolution introduced in the Senate Public Health and 
Welfare Committee on Thursday pushed back against the international 
effort by governments and medical leaders to deepen vaccination of 
populations in response to the pandemic. He put forward the resolution 
at a time when spread of COVID-19 in the United States was sharply 
escalating and hospitals were under duress from influx of critically ill
 patients.“Healthy children should not be subjected to forced vaccination,” 
Steffen’s said in the resolution. “There are negligible clinical risks 
from a COVID-19 infection for a healthy child under 18 years of age. The
 risks to the long-term health of children remain too high.”Steffen, who spoke at a September convention in Lenexa dedicated to 
ending compulsory vaccinations, said children receiving a COVID-19 shot 
“risked severe adverse events, including permanent damage to the brain, 
heart, immune system and reproductive system.”Since Steffen’s appearance at that Freedom Revival in the Heartland 
event, Kansas has documented an increase of 202,000 cases of COVID-19, 
4,000 additional hospitalizations for the virus and 1,225 more 
fatalities linked to COVID-19. The latest totals for Kansas: 601,800 
cases, 17,500 hospitalizations and 7,141 deaths.Steffen’s perspective on vaccination of children ran counter to 
recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
In early January, CDC director Rochelle Walensky said children age 5 and
 older should be vaccinated and adolescents age 12 to 17 should receive a
 booster shot five months after the primary series.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642187875451.png" alt="Tim Williamson, a critical care physician at the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kan., said hospitalizations for COVID-19 were surging, including intake of children stricken by the virus. (Screen capture/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Tim Williamson, a critical care physician at the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kan., said hospitalizations for COVID-19 were surging, including intake of children stricken by the virus. (Screen capture/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“It is critical that we protect our children and teens from COVID-19 
infection and the complications of severe disease,” Walensky said. “This
 booster dose will provide optimized protection against COVID-19 and the
 Omicron variant.”Tim Williamson, a critical care physician at the University of Kansas
 Health System in Kansas City, Kan., said Friday that record numbers of 
children were being hospitalized with COVID-19.“That is unfortunate,” he said. “You have to be really sick to get in
 a hospital now. They really are full of the sickest patients we’ve 
seen, I think, in my career in medicine.”Amber Schmidtke, chair of the division of natural sciences and 
mathematics at the University of St. Mary based in Leavenworth, said 
Kansas and Missouri lagged national averages in terms of vaccinating 
individuals age 5 to 18. Fifteen percent of Kansans and 13% of 
Missourians 5 to 11 have been fully vaccinated, she said, compared to 
the national figure of 19%. In the 12 to 17 age group, 48% of Kansans 
and 41% of Missourians have been vaccinated against 54% nationally.In the Senate resolution introduced by Steffen, he said “naturally 
immune” individuals, or those who contracted and recovered from 
COVID-19, “should not be subjected to any restrictions or vaccine 
mandates.” For example, Douglas County and some cities in Johnson County
 recently imposed mask mandates and the administration of President Joe 
Biden required COVID-19 vaccination, with exceptions, of health workers 
in hospitals receiving federal funding.“Natural immunity is the best long-lasting solution against the 
development of COVID-19 disease and its more serious outcomes,” Steffen 
said. “Naturally immune people have the lowest risk of virus 
transmission and should not be subject to travel, professional, medical 
or social restrictions. Natural immunity is the most effective source of
 herd immunity, a condition necessary for eradicating the COVID-19 
virus.”His resolution said government health agencies should be prohibited 
from interfering with doctors such as himself when treating COVID-19 
patients. He said insurance companies ought to stop blocking coverage of
 alternative medicines prescribed by physicians.