WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress’ top doctor urged lawmakers on Monday to move to a “maximal telework posture,” citing surging numbers of COVID-19 cases at the Capitol that he said are mostly breakthrough infections of people already vaccinated.

The seven-day average rate of infection at the Capitol’s testing center has risen from less than 1% to more than 13%, Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician, wrote in a letter to congressional leaders obtained by The Associated Press.

Monahan said there has been “an unprecedented number of cases in the Capitol community affecting hundreds of individuals.” In what he said was limited sampling as of Dec. 15, about 61% of the cases were the new, highly contagious omicron variant while 38% were the delta variant.

While providing no figure, he said “most” of the cases are breakthroughs.

While such cases have not led to any deaths or hospitalizations among vaccinated lawmakers or congressional staff, he said even mild infections can lead to six to 12 months of “long COVID.” A “reasonable estimate” is that 6% to 10% of cases could end up that way, he added.

Monahan urged congressional offices to “reduce in-person meetings and in-office activities to the maximum extent possible.”

And he said wearing a properly fitted, medical grade KN95 or better mask is “a critical necessity unless the individual is alone in a closed office space or eating or drinking in a food service area.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641231882156.png" alt="A snowstorm closed the U.S. Capitol on Monday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>A snowstorm closed the U.S. Capitol on Monday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress’ top doctor urged lawmakers on Monday to move to a “maximal telework posture,” citing surging numbers of COVID-19 cases at the Capitol that he said are mostly breakthrough infections of people already vaccinated.The seven-day average rate of infection at the Capitol’s testing center has risen from less than 1% to more than 13%, Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician, wrote in a letter to congressional leaders obtained by The Associated Press.Monahan said there has been “an unprecedented number of cases in the Capitol community affecting hundreds of individuals.” In what he said was limited sampling as of Dec. 15, about 61% of the cases were the new, highly contagious omicron variant while 38% were the delta variant.While providing no figure, he said “most” of the cases are breakthroughs.While such cases have not led to any deaths or hospitalizations among vaccinated lawmakers or congressional staff, he said even mild infections can lead to six to 12 months of “long COVID.” A “reasonable estimate” is that 6% to 10% of cases could end up that way, he added.Monahan urged congressional offices to “reduce in-person meetings and in-office activities to the maximum extent possible.”And he said wearing a properly fitted, medical grade KN95 or better mask is “a critical necessity unless the individual is alone in a closed office space or eating or drinking in a food service area.”

Doctor: COVID surge at U.S. Capitol among the vaccinated

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have filed charges against a 44-year-old Kansas City man.

William F. Betts has been charged with 2nd degree murder and armed criminal action&nbsp; in connection with the Dec. 27, fatal shooting of Naaman Williams at a KC residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to the area of 60th and Agnes Avenue on a reported shooting. They found the victim, 46-year-old Naaman Williams on the steps of a residence. He was declared deceased at the scene. Witnesses told police detectives that the victim and defendant had recently been in an altercation. Betts told one witness he would kill the victim. Betts remains jailed on a $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney's offie.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640792305416.png" alt="Betts -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Betts -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have filed charges against a 44-year-old Kansas City man.William F. Betts has been charged with 2nd degree murder and armed criminal action&nbsp; in connection with the Dec. 27, fatal shooting of Naaman Williams at a KC residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to the area of 60th and Agnes Avenue on a reported shooting. They found the victim, 46-year-old Naaman Williams on the steps of a residence. He was declared deceased at the scene. Witnesses told police detectives that the victim and defendant had recently been in an altercation. Betts told one witness he would kill the victim. Betts remains jailed on a $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney's offie.

Police: KC man told witness he would kill victim and he did

&nbsp;TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.1XgYxA7bv8IXNNtqSIuZ6PnNX3RWUERoqZFDAXn-kWo/s/1303160919/br/124040876121-l" target="_blank">that total tax collections for December were $890.3 million</a>. That is $64.5 million, or 7.8%, more than the monthly estimate, according to a statement from her office. That is also a 15.6%, or $120.0 million, growth over December 2020.

“Over the past three years my administration has taken steps to restore the Kansas economy, and that fiscal responsibility has paved the way to provide direct tax relief to Kansas taxpayers,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“That relief will come specifically through proposals like axing the food tax and offering a one-time $250 tax rebate for Kansas families.”

Individual income tax collections were $355.2 million. That is $35.2 million more than the estimate and $48.5 million, or 15.8%, more than the previous December. Corporate income tax collections were $132.0 million, which is $22.0 million more than the estimate. That is 33.1%, or $32.8 million, more than the same month of the previous year.

Retail sales tax collections were $224.3 million for December. That is $4.3 million, or 2.0%, more than the estimate and 11.1%, or $22.4 million, more than December 2020. Compensating use tax collections were $69.2 million. That is $2.2 million, or 3.3%, more than the estimate. Those collections are also $17.0 million, or 32.7%, more than the previous December.

&nbsp;TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.1XgYxA7bv8IXNNtqSIuZ6PnNX3RWUERoqZFDAXn-kWo/s/1303160919/br/124040876121-l" target="_blank">that total tax collections for December were $890.3 million</a>. That is $64.5 million, or 7.8%, more than the monthly estimate, according to a statement from her office. That is also a 15.6%, or $120.0 million, growth over December 2020.“Over the past three years my administration has taken steps to restore the Kansas economy, and that fiscal responsibility has paved the way to provide direct tax relief to Kansas taxpayers,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“That relief will come specifically through proposals like axing the food tax and offering a one-time $250 tax rebate for Kansas families.”Individual income tax collections were $355.2 million. That is $35.2 million more than the estimate and $48.5 million, or 15.8%, more than the previous December. Corporate income tax collections were $132.0 million, which is $22.0 million more than the estimate. That is 33.1%, or $32.8 million, more than the same month of the previous year.Retail sales tax collections were $224.3 million for December. That is $4.3 million, or 2.0%, more than the estimate and 11.1%, or $22.4 million, more than December 2020. Compensating use tax collections were $69.2 million. That is $2.2 million, or 3.3%, more than the estimate. Those collections are also $17.0 million, or 32.7%, more than the previous December.

December total tax collections in Kan. surpass estimate by $64.5M

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for drug possession after a New Year's Day traffic stop.

Just before 9a.m. Saturday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle in the area of Northbound U.S. 75 Highway and Columbine Drive for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the stop, a quantity of methamphetamine and a hallucinogenic drug was located in the vehicle.

 Jessica Lynn Andrews, 40, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and transporting an open container. 

Deputies also arrested Russell Washington IV, 36, of Axtell, on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while suspended. Washington also had several outstanding warrants from Shawnee County, Marshall County, and the Topeka Police Department, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641247019303.png" alt="Washington-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Washington-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for drug possession after a New Year's Day traffic stop.Just before 9a.m. Saturday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle in the area of Northbound U.S. 75 Highway and Columbine Drive for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.During the stop, a quantity of methamphetamine and a hallucinogenic drug was located in the vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641246975353.png" alt="Andrews-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Andrews-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Jessica Lynn Andrews, 40, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and transporting an open container. Deputies also arrested Russell Washington IV, 36, of Axtell, on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while suspended. Washington also had several outstanding warrants from Shawnee County, Marshall County, and the Topeka Police Department, according to Morse.

Deputies catch wanted Kan. suspect during New Year's Day traffic stop

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend stabbing and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a stabbing in the 2700 block of N Amidon in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

 On arrival, officers located 44-year-old Jayson Stalkup in the parking lot with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

At around the same time officers were dispatched to the stabbing, an injury accident was called in at 25th and Amidon. Officers arrived at that location and contacted 27-year-old Bryce Johnson of Bel Aire, Kansas, who they were able to identify as the suspect in the stabbing.

The investigation revealed that the two were involved in an altercation at an apartment complex when Johnston fatally stabbed Stalkup. It is believed the two men were known to each other.

Johnston was transported to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries, then transported to the Sedgwick County Jail, where he was booked for first-degree murder, according to Macy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641221110685.png" alt="Johnston-photo Sedgwick o." />
 <figcaption>Johnston-photo Sedgwick o.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend stabbing and have a suspect in custody.Just after 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a stabbing in the 2700 block of N Amidon in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy. On arrival, officers located 44-year-old Jayson Stalkup in the parking lot with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641220101073.png" alt="Police on the sene of the stabbing investigation photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the sene of the stabbing investigation photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>At around the same time officers were dispatched to the stabbing, an injury accident was called in at 25th and Amidon. Officers arrived at that location and contacted 27-year-old Bryce Johnson of Bel Aire, Kansas, who they were able to identify as the suspect in the stabbing.The investigation revealed that the two were involved in an altercation at an apartment complex when Johnston fatally stabbed Stalkup. It is believed the two men were known to each other.Johnston was transported to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries, then transported to the Sedgwick County Jail, where he was booked for first-degree murder, according to Macy.

Kan. man jailed for apartment parking lot stabbing death

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a reported burglary in the 900 block of SW University Drive in Topeka. Just before 8 a.m. New Year's Eve, the Shawnee County authorities received a 911 call reporting a white 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche with two woman&nbsp; taking items from a business, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies responded and conducted a traffic stop on that vehicle in the 4200 block of SW 75 Highway. Deputies arrested Cristal M. Gadbury, 44, and Frednetta T. Covington-Winston, 26, both of Topeka.

Gadbury was booked on requested charges of driving with a suspended driver’s license, no vehicle liability insurance, license plate not assigned to that vehicle, unsecured load and theft. 

Winston had two misdemeanor warrants through the Topeka Police Department and was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641162776902.png" alt="Covington-Winston-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Covington-Winston-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a reported burglary in the 900 block of SW University Drive in Topeka. Just before 8 a.m. New Year's Eve, the Shawnee County authorities received a 911 call reporting a white 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche with two woman&nbsp; taking items from a business, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies responded and conducted a traffic stop on that vehicle in the 4200 block of SW 75 Highway. Deputies arrested Cristal M. Gadbury, 44, and Frednetta T. Covington-Winston, 26, both of Topeka.Gadbury was booked on requested charges of driving with a suspended driver’s license, no vehicle liability insurance, license plate not assigned to that vehicle, unsecured load and theft. Winston had two misdemeanor warrants through the Topeka Police Department and was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft.

Sheriff: 2 Kansas women accused in New Year's Eve burglary

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden met virtually with independent farmers and ranchers on Monday to discuss initiatives to reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-poland-f559465c6a822d12b2dd513f122d5a31">food prices</a>&nbsp;by increasing competition within the meat industry, part of a broader effort to show his administration is trying to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-richard-nixon-ae06d5cccf066239f9aa7f06491c7698">combat inflation</a>.

“Capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism — it’s exploitation,” Biden said.

Higher-than-expected inflation has thwarted Biden’s agenda, hurt his public approval rating, become fodder for Republican attacks and prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manchin-rejects-biden-spending-bill-democrats-election-e7a0ca4c25c686e91cb21e166c44821b">Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.</a>, to cite higher prices as a reason to sideline the Democratic president’s tax, social and economic programs. In November, consumer prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/latest-inflation-numbers-consumer-prices-616055db3bf67691b4fdc0015fc00783">rose 6.8%</a>&nbsp;over the prior 12 months — a 39-year high.

On food costs, Biden is building off a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/" target="_blank">July executive order</a>&nbsp;that directed the Agriculture Department to more aggressively look at possible violations of the 1921 Packers and Stockyards Act, which was designed to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. Meat prices have climbed 16% from a year ago, with beef prices up 20.9%.

The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic.

The administration is targeting meat processing plants, which can shape the prices paid to farmers and charged to consumers. The White House issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/01/03/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-action-plan-for-a-fairer-more-competitive-and-more-resilient-meat-and-poultry-supply-chain/" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>&nbsp;saying that the top four companies control 85% of the beef market. In poultry, the biggest four processing firms control 54% of the market. And for pork, the figure is 70% for the four biggest firms.

Many industry groups are pushing back against the administration’s planned oversight of the food industry.

Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the coronavirus and higher costs for energy and labor are driving meat prices higher, not the corporate structure of the industry.

Bradley said the administration is practicing politics instead of economics and “government intervention would likely further constrain supply and push prices even higher.”

Mike Brown, president of the National Chicken Council, said, “This looks like a solution in search of a problem.” He said the administration is using the food industry as a “scapegoat for the significant challenges facing our economy. ”

Biden outlined plans to distribute $1 billion from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">coronavirus relief package</a>&nbsp;to help independent meat processors expand. He also highlighted money to train workers in the industry and improve conditions, as well as issue new rules for meatpackers and labeling requirements for being designated a “Product of USA.”

The Justice Department and the Agriculture Department will launch a joint effort to make it easier to report anti-competitive actions to the government. The administration will also seek to improve the transparency of the cattle market, with Biden saying, “A free market isn’t truly free without transparency around prices.”

The effort is part of a broader attempt to regain control of America’s economic narrative. Besides inflation, the repeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-lifestyle-health-travel-80caac77e0cfed7e0e08cfa024ed3a9b">waves of coronavirus outbreak</a>&nbsp;have dampened people’s opinions about the economy despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-economy-gross-domestic-product-119b8182404771d0362da6d0d49891c0">strong growth</a>&nbsp;over the past year.

Biden will have an opportunity to highlight the economy’s strengths with the December jobs report being released Friday. Economists surveyed by FactSet expect that the United States added 362,000 jobs last month with the unemployment rate ticking down to 4.1%. Gains of that magnitude would indicate that the U.S. added roughly 6.5 million jobs last year, more than in any other previous year in a reflection of population growth and government spending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641245951468.png" alt="The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden met virtually with independent farmers and ranchers on Monday to discuss initiatives to reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-poland-f559465c6a822d12b2dd513f122d5a31">food prices</a>&nbsp;by increasing competition within the meat industry, part of a broader effort to show his administration is trying to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-richard-nixon-ae06d5cccf066239f9aa7f06491c7698">combat inflation</a>.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1615116315497364%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=70" width="560" height="429" 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>“Capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism — it’s exploitation,” Biden said.Higher-than-expected inflation has thwarted Biden’s agenda, hurt his public approval rating, become fodder for Republican attacks and prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manchin-rejects-biden-spending-bill-democrats-election-e7a0ca4c25c686e91cb21e166c44821b">Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.</a>, to cite higher prices as a reason to sideline the Democratic president’s tax, social and economic programs. In November, consumer prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/latest-inflation-numbers-consumer-prices-616055db3bf67691b4fdc0015fc00783">rose 6.8%</a>&nbsp;over the prior 12 months — a 39-year high.On food costs, Biden is building off a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/" target="_blank">July executive order</a>&nbsp;that directed the Agriculture Department to more aggressively look at possible violations of the 1921 Packers and Stockyards Act, which was designed to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. Meat prices have climbed 16% from a year ago, with beef prices up 20.9%.The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic.The administration is targeting meat processing plants, which can shape the prices paid to farmers and charged to consumers. The White House issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/01/03/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-action-plan-for-a-fairer-more-competitive-and-more-resilient-meat-and-poultry-supply-chain/" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>&nbsp;saying that the top four companies control 85% of the beef market. In poultry, the biggest four processing firms control 54% of the market. And for pork, the figure is 70% for the four biggest firms.Many industry groups are pushing back against the administration’s planned oversight of the food industry.Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the coronavirus and higher costs for energy and labor are driving meat prices higher, not the corporate structure of the industry.Bradley said the administration is practicing politics instead of economics and “government intervention would likely further constrain supply and push prices even higher.”Mike Brown, president of the National Chicken Council, said, “This looks like a solution in search of a problem.” He said the administration is using the food industry as a “scapegoat for the significant challenges facing our economy. ”Biden outlined plans to distribute $1 billion from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">coronavirus relief package</a>&nbsp;to help independent meat processors expand. He also highlighted money to train workers in the industry and improve conditions, as well as issue new rules for meatpackers and labeling requirements for being designated a “Product of USA.”The Justice Department and the Agriculture Department will launch a joint effort to make it easier to report anti-competitive actions to the government. The administration will also seek to improve the transparency of the cattle market, with Biden saying, “A free market isn’t truly free without transparency around prices.”The effort is part of a broader attempt to regain control of America’s economic narrative. Besides inflation, the repeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-lifestyle-health-travel-80caac77e0cfed7e0e08cfa024ed3a9b">waves of coronavirus outbreak</a>&nbsp;have dampened people’s opinions about the economy despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-economy-gross-domestic-product-119b8182404771d0362da6d0d49891c0">strong growth</a>&nbsp;over the past year.Biden will have an opportunity to highlight the economy’s strengths with the December jobs report being released Friday. Economists surveyed by FactSet expect that the United States added 362,000 jobs last month with the unemployment rate ticking down to 4.1%. Gains of that magnitude would indicate that the U.S. added roughly 6.5 million jobs last year, more than in any other previous year in a reflection of population growth and government spending.___

🎥 Biden talks with farmers, ranchers on reducing food prices

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Monday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Focus driven by Gretchen Gosch, 33, Roeland Park, was westbound on Interstate 70 near the Kansas 7 exit.&nbsp;

The driver lost control of the car on the ice and snow and rear-ended a 2006 Chevy Tahoe that was abandoned and parked on the outside shoulder.

Gosch was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Forensic Medical. She was wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Monday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Focus driven by Gretchen Gosch, 33, Roeland Park, was westbound on Interstate 70 near the Kansas 7 exit.&nbsp; The driver lost control of the car on the ice and snow and rear-ended a 2006 Chevy Tahoe that was abandoned and parked on the outside shoulder.Gosch was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Forensic Medical. She was wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman dies after car-rear ends abandoned SUV on I-70

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (AP) — A 23-year-old Fort Scott man has been charged with killing his mother and another man. 

The Bourbon County Prosecutor's office charged Dawson Mitchell last week with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 48-year-old Melissa Mitchell and 53-year-old Leonard Zimmerman. 

Their bodies were found at their home on Dec. 21. Dawson Mitchell was arrested the next day. Authorities have not said what prompted the shootings. Mitchell was also charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon, an aggravated weapons charge and two theft counts.

BOURBON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Fort Scott Police Department have arrested 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, the person of interest connected to the murders of Melissa Mitchell and Leonard Zimmerman, according to a media release from the KBI.

Mitchell was arrested at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday near the intersection of 5th&nbsp;St. and Judson St. in Fort Scott.

He is being held on requested charges of theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unlawful possession of controlled substances. He was then booked into the Bourbon County Jail.

Currently, Mitchell has not been charged related to the murders, according to the KBI.

BOURBON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating after two victims were found shot in their Fort Scott home on Tuesday night, according to a media release from the&nbsp;Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, the Fort Scott Police Department received a 911 call from a subject who came home to find a female family member had been shot. 

When police arrived at 402 Main St. in Fort Scott, they located 48-year-old Melissa L. Mitchell who had died from a gunshot wound. They also discovered 53-year-old Leonard D. Zimmerman deceased inside the residence. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

The victims’ son, Dawson J. Mitchell, 23, of Fort Scott, is a person of interest and is wanted for questioning connected to the case. Investigators are working to locate him at this time.

If you know the whereabouts of 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, you are asked to contact the Fort Scott Police Department at 620-223-1700 or the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Mitchell is expected to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him, but immediately call police.

Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640220648047.png" alt="Mitchell following his arrest Dec. 22-photo Bourbon Co." />
 <figcaption>Mitchell following his arrest Dec. 22-photo Bourbon Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT SCOTT, Kan. (AP) — A 23-year-old Fort Scott man has been charged with killing his mother and another man. The Bourbon County Prosecutor's office charged Dawson Mitchell last week with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 48-year-old Melissa Mitchell and 53-year-old Leonard Zimmerman. Their bodies were found at their home on Dec. 21. Dawson Mitchell was arrested the next day. Authorities have not said what prompted the shootings. Mitchell was also charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon, an aggravated weapons charge and two theft counts.---------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640191022809.png" alt="Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>BOURBON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Fort Scott Police Department have arrested 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, the person of interest connected to the murders of Melissa Mitchell and Leonard Zimmerman, according to a media release from the KBI.Mitchell was arrested at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday near the intersection of 5th&nbsp;St. and Judson St. in Fort Scott.He is being held on requested charges of theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unlawful possession of controlled substances. He was then booked into the Bourbon County Jail.Currently, Mitchell has not been charged related to the murders, according to the KBI.------------BOURBON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating after two victims were found shot in their Fort Scott home on Tuesday night, according to a media release from the&nbsp;Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, the Fort Scott Police Department received a 911 call from a subject who came home to find a female family member had been shot. When police arrived at 402 Main St. in Fort Scott, they located 48-year-old Melissa L. Mitchell who had died from a gunshot wound. They also discovered 53-year-old Leonard D. Zimmerman deceased inside the residence. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640190791746.png" alt="Mitchell-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>The victims’ son, Dawson J. Mitchell, 23, of Fort Scott, is a person of interest and is wanted for questioning connected to the case. Investigators are working to locate him at this time.If you know the whereabouts of 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, you are asked to contact the Fort Scott Police Department at 620-223-1700 or the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Mitchell is expected to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him, but immediately call police.Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back.

Kansas man charged with killing his mother, another man

Geary Community Hospital is preparing to close the Intensive Care Unit, no later than Feb. 1.&nbsp;

LJ Baker, Director of HR &amp; External Relations, said due to a national COVID-19 exacerbated nursing shortage, as well as fiscal situations beyond control of the Hospital, they can no longer effectively operate an Intensive Care Unit.

 To ensure safe and quality care for patients currently in the ICU, it is the intent of GCH to conduct a deliberate and phased transition of closing the unit. In the interim they are coordinating with multiple hospitals in the state and region to identify beds and facilitate required treatment for patients.

Baker stated, "It is very important to note that GCH itself will remain open and continue to provide quality healthcare to our community. While some departments will be impacted, emergency care, critical support services and clinics will remain available for our patients."

Baker added during the transition of services GCH will make every effort to retain staff by reassigning employees to understaffed departments.

Geary Community Hospital has been dealing with financial challenges for some time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640818588490.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostGeary Community Hospital is preparing to close the Intensive Care Unit, no later than Feb. 1.&nbsp;LJ Baker, Director of HR &amp; External Relations, said due to a national COVID-19 exacerbated nursing shortage, as well as fiscal situations beyond control of the Hospital, they can no longer effectively operate an Intensive Care Unit. To ensure safe and quality care for patients currently in the ICU, it is the intent of GCH to conduct a deliberate and phased transition of closing the unit. In the interim they are coordinating with multiple hospitals in the state and region to identify beds and facilitate required treatment for patients.Baker stated, "It is very important to note that GCH itself will remain open and continue to provide quality healthcare to our community. While some departments will be impacted, emergency care, critical support services and clinics will remain available for our patients."Baker added during the transition of services GCH will make every effort to retain staff by reassigning employees to understaffed departments.Geary Community Hospital has been dealing with financial challenges for some time.

Hospital in Junction City will close the ICU

BOSTON (AP) — When Wanda Olson’s son-in-law died in March after contracting COVID-19, she and her daughter had to grapple with more than just their sudden grief. They had to come up with money for a cremation.

Even without a funeral, the bill came to nearly $2,000, a hefty sum that Olson initially covered. She and her daughter then learned of a federal program that reimburses families up to $9,000 for funeral costs for loved ones who died of COVID-19.

Olson's daughter submitted an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, received a deposit by June and was able to reimburse her mother the $1,974.

“Had this not been available, we would have been paying the money ourselves,” said Olson, 80, of Villa Rica, Georgia. “There wasn’t any red tape. This was a very easy, well-handled process.”

As of Dec. 6, about 226,000 people had shared in the nearly $1.5 billion that FEMA has spent on funeral costs that occurred after Jan. 20, 2020, the date of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. With the nation's coronavirus death toll topping 800,000, it’s clear that many families who are eligible for reimbursement have yet to take advantage of the funeral benefit.

Her son-in-law was traveling a lot, working on air conditioning systems in theaters, restaurants and businesses, when he began feeling ill, Olson said. After a few days at home, he went to the hospital and was put on a ventilator. He died several weeks later.

“He could never overcome it,” she said.

To be eligible for reimbursement, death certificates for those who died after May 16, 2020, must indicate that the death was attributed to COVID-19.

For deaths that occurred in the early months of the pandemic — from Jan. 20 to May 16, 2020 — death certificates must be accompanied with a signed statement from a medical examiner, coroner or the certifying official listed on the certificate indicating that COVID-19 was the cause or a contributing cause of death.

The percentage of individuals who have been reimbursed varies dramatically from state to state — from nearly 40% in North Carolina and Maryland to fewer than 15% in Idaho and Oregon, according to state-by-state data compiled by FEMA.

While the reimbursement must go directly to individuals, some funeral directors have taken on the task of informing grieving families of the benefit.

After the benefit was first announced, David Shipper, owner of the Sunset Funeral Home, Cremation Center &amp; Cemetery in Evansville, Indiana, took out ads to let people know that help was available if they qualified.

“Nine thousand dollars — that’s a lot of money. We wanted to find a way to tell people about it,” he said. “We stopped advertising some time ago, but when we have a new family with a death from COVID, we tell them about the program.”

Workers at the home will sit down with families, gather the needed paperwork, contact FEMA on the phone and help walk them through the process if they ask, he said.

Many families may simply be unaware of the benefit, but others may opt against seeking the cash out of reluctance to revisit the pain of the death, Shipper said. He said the better time to seek the help is when planning the funeral.

“They’re much more likely to take advantage right then than if they’ve already spent the money and don’t want to open it up again,” Shipper said.

The largest states account for some of the biggest shares of the FEMA reimbursement money.

The program has paid out more than 21,000 reimbursements in California and Texas, which have both reported more than 74,000 COVID-19 deaths. Residents applied for more than $141 million in each state.

The fewest number of reimbursements have occurred in Vermont, where 123 people were awarded a total of about $704,000.

Expenses covered under the FEMA program include funeral services, cremation and interment, as well as the costs for caskets or urns, burial plots or cremation niches, markers or headstones, transportation or transfer of remains, clergy or officiant services, and the use of funeral home equipment or staff.

The program has been funded using federal stimulus funds, and money remains available. No online applications are allowed.

After all required documents are received and verified, it typically takes fewer than 30 days to determine if an individual is eligible, according to FEMA. Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants who request direct deposit may receive the money in a matter of days. It may take longer for applicants who request a check.

The reimbursement is one way of helping ease the emotional and financial burden that the pandemic has wreaked on communities across the country according to Ellen Wynn McBrayer, president of Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes &amp; Crematory in Villa Rica, Georgia.

She recalled one woman who lost her mother, husband and one of her children to the disease in the span of six months. One of the workers at the funeral home also succumbed to the virus.

“To have to help a grieving family is hard on a normal day, but to see so many deaths,” she said. “COVID has just broken a lot of hearts and taken a lot of lives.”

BOSTON (AP) — When Wanda Olson’s son-in-law died in March after contracting COVID-19, she and her daughter had to grapple with more than just their sudden grief. They had to come up with money for a cremation.Even without a funeral, the bill came to nearly $2,000, a hefty sum that Olson initially covered. She and her daughter then learned of a federal program that reimburses families up to $9,000 for funeral costs for loved ones who died of COVID-19.Olson's daughter submitted an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, received a deposit by June and was able to reimburse her mother the $1,974.“Had this not been available, we would have been paying the money ourselves,” said Olson, 80, of Villa Rica, Georgia. “There wasn’t any red tape. This was a very easy, well-handled process.”As of Dec. 6, about 226,000 people had shared in the nearly $1.5 billion that FEMA has spent on funeral costs that occurred after Jan. 20, 2020, the date of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. With the nation's coronavirus death toll topping 800,000, it’s clear that many families who are eligible for reimbursement have yet to take advantage of the funeral benefit.Her son-in-law was traveling a lot, working on air conditioning systems in theaters, restaurants and businesses, when he began feeling ill, Olson said. After a few days at home, he went to the hospital and was put on a ventilator. He died several weeks later.“He could never overcome it,” she said.To be eligible for reimbursement, death certificates for those who died after May 16, 2020, must indicate that the death was attributed to COVID-19.For deaths that occurred in the early months of the pandemic — from Jan. 20 to May 16, 2020 — death certificates must be accompanied with a signed statement from a medical examiner, coroner or the certifying official listed on the certificate indicating that COVID-19 was the cause or a contributing cause of death.The percentage of individuals who have been reimbursed varies dramatically from state to state — from nearly 40% in North Carolina and Maryland to fewer than 15% in Idaho and Oregon, according to state-by-state data compiled by FEMA.While the reimbursement must go directly to individuals, some funeral directors have taken on the task of informing grieving families of the benefit.After the benefit was first announced, David Shipper, owner of the Sunset Funeral Home, Cremation Center &amp; Cemetery in Evansville, Indiana, took out ads to let people know that help was available if they qualified.“Nine thousand dollars — that’s a lot of money. We wanted to find a way to tell people about it,” he said. “We stopped advertising some time ago, but when we have a new family with a death from COVID, we tell them about the program.”Workers at the home will sit down with families, gather the needed paperwork, contact FEMA on the phone and help walk them through the process if they ask, he said.Many families may simply be unaware of the benefit, but others may opt against seeking the cash out of reluctance to revisit the pain of the death, Shipper said. He said the better time to seek the help is when planning the funeral.“They’re much more likely to take advantage right then than if they’ve already spent the money and don’t want to open it up again,” Shipper said.The largest states account for some of the biggest shares of the FEMA reimbursement money.The program has paid out more than 21,000 reimbursements in California and Texas, which have both reported more than 74,000 COVID-19 deaths. Residents applied for more than $141 million in each state.The fewest number of reimbursements have occurred in Vermont, where 123 people were awarded a total of about $704,000.Expenses covered under the FEMA program include funeral services, cremation and interment, as well as the costs for caskets or urns, burial plots or cremation niches, markers or headstones, transportation or transfer of remains, clergy or officiant services, and the use of funeral home equipment or staff.The program has been funded using federal stimulus funds, and money remains available. No online applications are allowed.After all required documents are received and verified, it typically takes fewer than 30 days to determine if an individual is eligible, according to FEMA. Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants who request direct deposit may receive the money in a matter of days. It may take longer for applicants who request a check.The reimbursement is one way of helping ease the emotional and financial burden that the pandemic has wreaked on communities across the country according to Ellen Wynn McBrayer, president of Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes &amp; Crematory in Villa Rica, Georgia.She recalled one woman who lost her mother, husband and one of her children to the disease in the span of six months. One of the workers at the funeral home also succumbed to the virus.“To have to help a grieving family is hard on a normal day, but to see so many deaths,” she said. “COVID has just broken a lot of hearts and taken a lot of lives.”

Federal program has spent $1.5B to cover COVID-19 funeral costs

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —Police investigating a fatal crash into a house on New Year's Day have identified the victim as 71-year-old Richard Lewis, Jr. of Kansas City, Kansas, according to KCK Police Officer T.J. Tomasic.

Just after 12:15a.m. Saturday a vehicle was westbound in the 1800 Block of State Avenue at a high rate of speed, according to a media release from KCK Police. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It left the road and struck a house.

Emergency crews extricated the driver from the house. EMS transported the driver to an area hospital in serious condition, according to police. The passenger, later identified as Lewis, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

The accident remains under investigation. Police did not release the driver's name early Monday afternoon.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —Police investigating a fatal crash into a house on New Year's Day have identified the victim as 71-year-old Richard Lewis, Jr. of Kansas City, Kansas, according to KCK Police Officer T.J. Tomasic.Just after 12:15a.m. Saturday a vehicle was westbound in the 1800 Block of State Avenue at a high rate of speed, according to a media release from KCK Police. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It left the road and struck a house.Emergency crews extricated the driver from the house. EMS transported the driver to an area hospital in serious condition, according to police. The passenger, later identified as Lewis, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;The accident remains under investigation. Police did not release the driver's name early Monday afternoon.

Police  ID Kan. man who died after New Year's Day crash into house

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 14,855&nbsp;to a total of 534,399, the state health department reported Monday afternoon. The state did not release a report on Friday due to the New Year's Eve holiday.

The state reported 43 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,044.

<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 14,855&nbsp;to a total of 534,399, the state health department reported Monday afternoon. The state did not release a report on Friday due to the New Year's Eve holiday.The state reported 43 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,044.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641233100504.png" alt="Monday January 3, 2022 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday January 3, 2022 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 14,800 new cases since Wednesday, 43 more deaths

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —A Salina man struck by a car on Christmas Eve is out of intensive care and police have arrested the driver of the vehicle that allegedly hit him.&nbsp;

Frank Cooper, Jr., 49, of Salina, remains in Via Christi in Wichita, but is no longer in ICU, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Cooper received life threatening injuries when he was struck by a car in the 500 block of S. Ohio Street on the evening of Dec. 24. 

The driver of the vehicle later identified as 62-year-old Daniel Woodruff did not stop and the Salina Police Department asked for the public's assistance in identifying him.

 On Dec. 26, police reported they had identified Woodruff as the driver. He was&nbsp; was arrested on Friday at his residence on requested charges Felony failing to stop at an accident resulting in great bodily harm and Driving while suspended. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640967497059.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —A Salina man struck by a car on Christmas Eve is out of intensive care and police have arrested the driver of the vehicle that allegedly hit him.&nbsp;Frank Cooper, Jr., 49, of Salina, remains in Via Christi in Wichita, but is no longer in ICU, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.Cooper received life threatening injuries when he was struck by a car in the 500 block of S. Ohio Street on the evening of Dec. 24. The driver of the vehicle later identified as 62-year-old Daniel Woodruff did not stop and the Salina Police Department asked for the public's assistance in identifying him. On Dec. 26, police reported they had identified Woodruff as the driver. He was&nbsp; was arrested on Friday at his residence on requested charges Felony failing to stop at an accident resulting in great bodily harm and Driving while suspended. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Kan. driver arrested, man in Christmas Eve hit-and-run out of ICU

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person was critically injured in a Kansas house fire on Sunday evening.

Just after 8:30p.m., a fire was discovered to a home at 1228 NE Forest Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

As fire crews arrived, they found light smoke coming from the home. A primary search revealed one occupant who sustained life threatening injuries. The victim was rescued from the house and transported in critical condition to a local hospital. The fire was extinguished and kept confined to the room of fire origin.

A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as accidental, more likely than not associated with improper disposal of smoking materials, according to Harrison. 

The estimated dollar loss – $600.00; of which $500.00 is associated with structural loss and $100.00 is associated with contents loss.

Investigators did not find working smoke detectors in the home, according to Harrison.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person was critically injured in a Kansas house fire on Sunday evening.Just after 8:30p.m., a fire was discovered to a home at 1228 NE Forest Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.As fire crews arrived, they found light smoke coming from the home. A primary search revealed one occupant who sustained life threatening injuries. The victim was rescued from the house and transported in critical condition to a local hospital. The fire was extinguished and kept confined to the room of fire origin.A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as accidental, more likely than not associated with improper disposal of smoking materials, according to Harrison. The estimated dollar loss – $600.00; of which $500.00 is associated with structural loss and $100.00 is associated with contents loss.Investigators did not find working smoke detectors in the home, according to Harrison.

Fire Marshal: One in critical condition after Kansas house fire

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a fatal Thanksgiving crash is due in court Monday for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20065612">Garett Meyers</a>, 37,&nbsp;of Andover is charged&nbsp; with involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery, and driving while license is suspended or cancelled.&nbsp;

Just after 8p.m. on Thanksgiving, police responded to report of an accident at 13th and Hillside in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Investigators determined a truck driven by Myers struck an SUV driven by 65-year-old Leroy Grim, of Wichita, who was stopped westbound at the intersection. Grim was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported a 67-year-old woman in the SUV to an area hospital.

Police arrested Myers. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20065612">He remains in custody </a>on $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638389226894.png" alt="Meyers-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Meyers-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a fatal Thanksgiving crash is due in court Monday for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20065612">Garett Meyers</a>, 37,&nbsp;of Andover is charged&nbsp; with involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery, and driving while license is suspended or cancelled.&nbsp;Just after 8p.m. on Thanksgiving, police responded to report of an accident at 13th and Hillside in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Investigators determined a truck driven by Myers struck an SUV driven by 65-year-old Leroy Grim, of Wichita, who was stopped westbound at the intersection. Grim was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported a 67-year-old woman in the SUV to an area hospital.Police arrested Myers. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20065612">He remains in custody </a>on $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas man in fatal Thanksgiving crash due back in court

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Doctors are worried about hospital capacity in the Wichita area amid the latest surge in virus cases and the ongoing staff shortages.

The high number of COVID cases along with other patients who need hospital care is leading to long waits in emergency rooms across Kansas’ largest city.

“You’ve got people waiting for days in emergency departments, sleeping on the floor or sitting in a chair for two days until a bed becomes available,” said Dr. Tom Moore, the lead physician in Wesley hospital’s COVID-19 unit.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Kansas has risen over the past two weeks from 1,674.14 new cases per day on Dec. 17 to 2,001.29 new cases per day on Friday.

Dr. Sam Antonios, Ascension Via Christi’s chief clinical officer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/coronavirus/article256944712.html" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Wichita Eagle that the surge is also leading to unusually high wait times at St. Joseph and St. Francis hospitals.

“We have nearly 100 patients receiving care for COVID-19, straining our staff resources and the number of beds we have open for other types of care,” Antonios said.

Hospitals in Kansas are struggling to find enough nurses to care for critically ill patients because some intensive care nurses have been lured away by high-paying jobs in other states. Some health care workers are also leaving the profession after working long hours battling the pandemic for nearly two years.

Antonios reiterated that everyone should get vaccinated for COVID-19 and the flu to help limit the spread of those viruses and consider wearing masks when out in public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639778741791.png" alt="Photo courtesy University of Kansas Health System" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy University of Kansas Health System</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Doctors are worried about hospital capacity in the Wichita area amid the latest surge in virus cases and the ongoing staff shortages.The high number of COVID cases along with other patients who need hospital care is leading to long waits in emergency rooms across Kansas’ largest city.“You’ve got people waiting for days in emergency departments, sleeping on the floor or sitting in a chair for two days until a bed becomes available,” said Dr. Tom Moore, the lead physician in Wesley hospital’s COVID-19 unit.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Kansas has risen over the past two weeks from 1,674.14 new cases per day on Dec. 17 to 2,001.29 new cases per day on Friday.Dr. Sam Antonios, Ascension Via Christi’s chief clinical officer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/coronavirus/article256944712.html" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Wichita Eagle that the surge is also leading to unusually high wait times at St. Joseph and St. Francis hospitals.“We have nearly 100 patients receiving care for COVID-19, straining our staff resources and the number of beds we have open for other types of care,” Antonios said.Hospitals in Kansas are struggling to find enough nurses to care for critically ill patients because some intensive care nurses have been lured away by high-paying jobs in other states. Some health care workers are also leaving the profession after working long hours battling the pandemic for nearly two years.Antonios reiterated that everyone should get vaccinated for COVID-19 and the flu to help limit the spread of those viruses and consider wearing masks when out in public.

Doctors in Kan. worry about hospital capacity as virus cases surge

TOPEKA —Former President Donald Trump started the new year with the 2022 elections in mind.

Early Monday, Trump announced his support for Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt in the race for governor of Kansas.

In February, Trump endorsed Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran for reelection in 2022. The announcement made it unlikely the two-term Republican would face a serious challenge in the GOP primary.

In the November 2020 election, Trump carried Kansas by nearly 14 percentage points. 

His statement Monday praised Schmidt saying, "he's doing an outstanding job, will be a very popular and wise choice. Derek is strong on crime, the borders and our always under siege Second Amendment."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641217193087.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Former President Donald Trump started the new year with the 2022 elections in mind.Early Monday, Trump announced his support for Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt in the race for governor of Kansas.In February, Trump endorsed Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran for reelection in 2022. The announcement made it unlikely the two-term Republican would face a serious challenge in the GOP primary.In the November 2020 election, Trump carried Kansas by nearly 14 percentage points. His statement Monday praised Schmidt saying, "he's doing an outstanding job, will be a very popular and wise choice. Derek is strong on crime, the borders and our always under siege Second Amendment."

Trump announces support for Derek Schmidt in race for Kan. governor

The <a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/beware-fraudulent-coronavirus-tests-vaccines-and-treatments" target="_blank">US Food and Drug Administration</a>
 is warning people of fraudulent coronavirus tests, vaccines, and 
treatments as the pandemic continues. According to Centers for Disease 
Control, since the arrival of the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html" target="_blank">Omicron variant</a>,
 the increase of testing for COVID-19 has become a concern. Scarcity 
often leads to potential scams for a product that doesn't exist, the 
compromise of personal identifiable information, or the increase of 
deceptive advertising.&nbsp;

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-warns-of-potential-fraud-in-antibody-testing-for-covid-19" target="_blank">issued a warning</a>
 earlier this year about potential fraud related to the antibody tests. 
Scammers are selling unapproved COVID-19 antibody tests, which can give 
inaccurate results. In doing so, they are also collecting personal 
information, such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth. They 
may also be stealing heath insurance or Medicare information that can be
 used in future schemes.

Robocalls are sent out to consumers directing them to a website that 
looks like a clinic or medical supply company offering COVID-19 tests. 
These tests allegedly identify if a person has been infected with 
coronavirus – even if they’ve&nbsp; recovered. Some even promise results in 
10 minutes. However, to receive a test, a credit card or a form needs to
 be completed with personal information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In some cases, the test involves an easy at-home testing kit. Other 
times, the tests are allegedly offered through a clinic. But in all 
versions, the person or website selling the test is short on details. 
They aren’t willing or able to provide any information about how the 
test works, where it is sourced, and what laboratory processes it.

Don’t fall for it! These tests are not <a href="https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/counterterrorism-and-emerging-threats/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19" target="_blank">US Food and Drug Administration approved</a>
 and will not give accurate results. In fact, requestors may never even 
receive an actual test kit. Either way, scammers will have made off with
 the money and personal information.

BBB has additional tips for avoiding scams on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam" target="_blank">BBB.org/spotascam</a> and the <a href="https://www.bbb.org/news" target="_blank">BBB news feed</a>.

If you’ve been the victim of a scam, please report it on the <a href="https://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. Your report can help others to stay alert and avoid similar scams.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBThe <a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/beware-fraudulent-coronavirus-tests-vaccines-and-treatments" target="_blank">US Food and Drug Administration</a>
 is warning people of fraudulent coronavirus tests, vaccines, and 
treatments as the pandemic continues. According to Centers for Disease 
Control, since the arrival of the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html" target="_blank">Omicron variant</a>,
 the increase of testing for COVID-19 has become a concern. Scarcity 
often leads to potential scams for a product that doesn't exist, the 
compromise of personal identifiable information, or the increase of 
deceptive advertising.&nbsp;The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-warns-of-potential-fraud-in-antibody-testing-for-covid-19" target="_blank">issued a warning</a>
 earlier this year about potential fraud related to the antibody tests. 
Scammers are selling unapproved COVID-19 antibody tests, which can give 
inaccurate results. In doing so, they are also collecting personal 
information, such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth. They 
may also be stealing heath insurance or Medicare information that can be
 used in future schemes.<h2>How the Scam Works</h2>Robocalls are sent out to consumers directing them to a website that 
looks like a clinic or medical supply company offering COVID-19 tests. 
These tests allegedly identify if a person has been infected with 
coronavirus – even if they’ve&nbsp; recovered. Some even promise results in 
10 minutes. However, to receive a test, a credit card or a form needs to
 be completed with personal information.&nbsp;&nbsp;In some cases, the test involves an easy at-home testing kit. Other 
times, the tests are allegedly offered through a clinic. But in all 
versions, the person or website selling the test is short on details. 
They aren’t willing or able to provide any information about how the 
test works, where it is sourced, and what laboratory processes it.Don’t fall for it! These tests are not <a href="https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/counterterrorism-and-emerging-threats/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19" target="_blank">US Food and Drug Administration approved</a>
 and will not give accurate results. In fact, requestors may never even 
receive an actual test kit. Either way, scammers will have made off with
 the money and personal information.<h2>How to Avoid Fake Coronavirus Tests</h2><ul>
 <li>Want a test? Talk to your doctor. Reach out to your
 healthcare provider. They can help figure out if the test will be 
covered by insurance and where to find a legitimate clinic.&nbsp; If you 
don't have a primary care physician, check out the official website of 
your <a href="https://www.usa.gov/state-health" target="_blank">local health department</a> for more information on testing availability. </li><li>Research before buying. Scammers put pressure on 
people to buy or commit without giving them time to do further research.
 Before agreeing to anything, investigate first. Research any claims the
 company makes. Start with searching <a href="https://www.bbb.org/search" target="_blank">BBB.org</a> to see they are BBB Accredited, have good reviews, and if there are complaints or <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">scam reports</a> associated with their business name. In addition, review the warnings on <a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/beware-fraudulent-coronavirus-tests-vaccines-and-treatments" target="_blank">FBI</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov" target="_blank">Federal Trade Commission</a>, <a href="https://www.usa.gov/state-attorney-general" target="_blank">Attorney General's office</a>, and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB ScamTracker.</a> </li><li>Understand all options: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html" target="_blank">detailed guide</a> to testing for COVID-19. Understand the different tests available. </li><li>Never share your personal information with strangers. Only make purchases and share your personal information with people and companies you know and trust. </li><li>Check claims of FDA approval. Per the FBI, ,"Not 
all COVID-19 antibody tests have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
 Administration (FDA), and their efficacy has not been determined." 
Check the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/" target="_blank">FDA website</a> for a list of approved tests and testing companies.</li>
 </ul><h2>For More Information</h2>BBB has additional tips for avoiding scams on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam" target="_blank">BBB.org/spotascam</a> and the <a href="https://www.bbb.org/news" target="_blank">BBB news feed</a>.If you’ve been the victim of a scam, please report it on the <a href="https://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. Your report can help others to stay alert and avoid similar scams.

Scam alert: Want a COVID test? There’s a scam for that

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the COVID-19 omicron variant surges across the United States, top federal health officials are looking to add a negative test along with its five-day isolation restrictions for asymptomatic Americans who catch the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus</a>, the White House’s top medical adviser said Sunday.

Dr. Anthony Fauci said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now considering including the negative test as part of its guidance after getting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-6d74e88d73ab2443298b1f3f827a556f">significant “pushback”</a>&nbsp;on its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-rochelle-walensky-d7d609c9c01e200d250df7ca7282c9d6">updated recommendations last week.</a>

Under that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html" target="_blank">Dec. 27 guidance</a>, isolation restrictions for people infected with COVID-19 were shortened from 10 days to five days if they are no longer feeling symptoms or running a fever. After that period, they are asked to spend the following five days wearing a mask when around others.

The guidelines have since received criticism from many health professionals for not specifying a negative antigen test as a requirement for leaving isolation.

“There has been some concern about why we don’t ask people at that five-day period to get tested,” Fauci said. “Looking at it again, there may be an option in that, that testing could be a part of that, and I think we’re going to be hearing more about that in the next day or so from the CDC.”

Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, said the U.S. has been seeing almost a “vertical increase” of new cases, now averaging 400,000 cases a day, with hospitalizations also up.

“We are definitely in the middle of a very severe surge and uptick in cases,” he said. “The acceleration of cases that we’ve seen is really unprecedented, gone well beyond anything we’ve seen before.”

Fauci said he’s concerned that the omicron variant is overwhelming the health care system and causing a “major disruption” on other essential services.

“When I say major disruptions, you’re certainly going to see stresses on the system and the system being people with any kind of jobs ... particularly with critical jobs to keep society functioning normally,” Fauci said. “We already know that there are reports from fire departments, from police departments in different cities that 10, 20, 25 and sometimes 30% of the people are ill. That’s something that we need to be concerned about, because we want to make sure that we don’t have such an impact on society that there really is a disruption. I hope that doesn’t happen.”

While there is “accumulating evidence” that omicron might lead to less severe illness, he cautioned that the data remains early. Fauci said he worries in particular about the tens of millions of unvaccinated Americans because “a fair number of them are going to get severe disease.”

He urged Americans who have not yet gotten vaccinated and boosted to do so and to mask up indoors to protect themselves and blunt the current surge of U.S. cases.

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-disease-2019-testing-basics" target="_blank">The Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;last week said preliminary research indicates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-infectious-diseases-anthony-fauci-740278fd2c16925e6707d5a7a58e4ad3">at-home rapid tests</a>&nbsp;detect omicron, but may have reduced sensitivity. The agency noted it’s still studying how the tests perform with the variant, which was first detected in late November.

Fauci said Americans “should not get the impression that those tests are not valuable.”

“I think the confusion is that rapid antigen tests have never been as sensitive as the PCR test,” Fauci said. “They’re very good when they are given sequentially. So if you do them like maybe two or three times over a few-day period, at the end of the day, they are as good as the PCR. But as a single test, they are not as sensitive.”

A PCR test usually needs to be processed in a laboratory. The test looks for the virus’s genetic material and then reproduces it millions of times until it’s detectable with a computer.

Fauci said if Americans take the necessary precautions, the U.S. might see some semblance of more normal life returning soon.

“One of the things that we hope for is that this thing will peak after a period of a few weeks and turn around,” Fauci said. He expressed hope that by February or March, omicron could fall to a low enough level “that it doesn’t disrupt our society, our economy, our way of life.”

Fauci spoke on ABC’s “This Week” and CNN’s “State of the Union.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612486273418.png" alt="Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, said the U.S. has been seeing almost a “vertical increase” of new cases, now averaging 400,000 cases a day, with hospitalizations also up-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, said the U.S. has been seeing almost a “vertical increase” of new cases, now averaging 400,000 cases a day, with hospitalizations also up-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — As the COVID-19 omicron variant surges across the United States, top federal health officials are looking to add a negative test along with its five-day isolation restrictions for asymptomatic Americans who catch the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus</a>, the White House’s top medical adviser said Sunday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638148803210.png" alt="3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron-image GISAID" />
 <figcaption>3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron-image GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Anthony Fauci said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now considering including the negative test as part of its guidance after getting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-6d74e88d73ab2443298b1f3f827a556f">significant “pushback”</a>&nbsp;on its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-rochelle-walensky-d7d609c9c01e200d250df7ca7282c9d6">updated recommendations last week.</a>Under that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html" target="_blank">Dec. 27 guidance</a>, isolation restrictions for people infected with COVID-19 were shortened from 10 days to five days if they are no longer feeling symptoms or running a fever. After that period, they are asked to spend the following five days wearing a mask when around others.The guidelines have since received criticism from many health professionals for not specifying a negative antigen test as a requirement for leaving isolation.“There has been some concern about why we don’t ask people at that five-day period to get tested,” Fauci said. “Looking at it again, there may be an option in that, that testing could be a part of that, and I think we’re going to be hearing more about that in the next day or so from the CDC.”Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, said the U.S. has been seeing almost a “vertical increase” of new cases, now averaging 400,000 cases a day, with hospitalizations also up.“We are definitely in the middle of a very severe surge and uptick in cases,” he said. “The acceleration of cases that we’ve seen is really unprecedented, gone well beyond anything we’ve seen before.”Fauci said he’s concerned that the omicron variant is overwhelming the health care system and causing a “major disruption” on other essential services.“When I say major disruptions, you’re certainly going to see stresses on the system and the system being people with any kind of jobs ... particularly with critical jobs to keep society functioning normally,” Fauci said. “We already know that there are reports from fire departments, from police departments in different cities that 10, 20, 25 and sometimes 30% of the people are ill. That’s something that we need to be concerned about, because we want to make sure that we don’t have such an impact on society that there really is a disruption. I hope that doesn’t happen.”While there is “accumulating evidence” that omicron might lead to less severe illness, he cautioned that the data remains early. Fauci said he worries in particular about the tens of millions of unvaccinated Americans because “a fair number of them are going to get severe disease.”He urged Americans who have not yet gotten vaccinated and boosted to do so and to mask up indoors to protect themselves and blunt the current surge of U.S. cases.<a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-disease-2019-testing-basics" target="_blank">The Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;last week said preliminary research indicates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-infectious-diseases-anthony-fauci-740278fd2c16925e6707d5a7a58e4ad3">at-home rapid tests</a>&nbsp;detect omicron, but may have reduced sensitivity. The agency noted it’s still studying how the tests perform with the variant, which was first detected in late November.Fauci said Americans “should not get the impression that those tests are not valuable.”“I think the confusion is that rapid antigen tests have never been as sensitive as the PCR test,” Fauci said. “They’re very good when they are given sequentially. So if you do them like maybe two or three times over a few-day period, at the end of the day, they are as good as the PCR. But as a single test, they are not as sensitive.”A PCR test usually needs to be processed in a laboratory. The test looks for the virus’s genetic material and then reproduces it millions of times until it’s detectable with a computer.Fauci said if Americans take the necessary precautions, the U.S. might see some semblance of more normal life returning soon.“One of the things that we hope for is that this thing will peak after a period of a few weeks and turn around,” Fauci said. He expressed hope that by February or March, omicron could fall to a low enough level “that it doesn’t disrupt our society, our economy, our way of life.”Fauci spoke on ABC’s “This Week” and CNN’s “State of the Union.”

CDC considers another change in COVID test, isolation requirement

KANSAS CITY—The Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri and his family have been dealing with COVID during the New Year's holiday weekend.

Mayor Quinton Lucas reported on New Year's Eve he had tested positive for the virus despite being vaccinated and receiving a booster dose.&nbsp;

Late Sunday, Lucas reported on his social media that his wife and their 8-month old son also had come down with the virus.

KANSAS CITY—The Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri and his family have been dealing with COVID during the New Year's holiday weekend.Mayor Quinton Lucas reported on New Year's Eve he had tested positive for the virus despite being vaccinated and receiving a booster dose.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Unfortunately, the illness did catch up to my wife and baby. I know everyone will be fine, but, as many parents have experienced, it hurts to see the little one affected.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1477833735244496898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Late Sunday, Lucas reported on his social media that his wife and their 8-month old son also had come down with the virus.