GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have identified the the Kansas man who died in accident that occurred just before 5:30p.m. Sunday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Kia 4-door passenger vehicle driven by John C. Nevins, 50, Overland Park, was eastbound on Interstate 70 seven miles east of Junction City.

The Kia crossed the median into the westbound lanes and struck a 2019 Freightliner semi driven by Moctar Cheikh, 39, Cincinnati, OH., head-on.

Nevins was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Johnson Funeral Home.&nbsp; Cheikh was not transported to treatment. The KHP did not have complete seat belt usage information.

GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occurred just before 5:30p.m. Sunday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was eastbound on Interstate 70 seven miles east of Junction City The vehicle crossed the median into the westbound lanes and struck a vehicle&nbsp; head-on. Authorities have not released names of those involved or additional details. Check the&nbsp; Post for more information as it becomes available.

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have identified the the Kansas man who died in accident that occurred just before 5:30p.m. Sunday in Geary County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Kia 4-door passenger vehicle driven by John C. Nevins, 50, Overland Park, was eastbound on Interstate 70 seven miles east of Junction City.The Kia crossed the median into the westbound lanes and struck a 2019 Freightliner semi driven by Moctar Cheikh, 39, Cincinnati, OH., head-on.Nevins was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Johnson Funeral Home.&nbsp; Cheikh was not transported to treatment. The KHP did not have complete seat belt usage information.-------GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occurred just before 5:30p.m. Sunday in Geary County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was eastbound on Interstate 70 seven miles east of Junction City The vehicle crossed the median into the westbound lanes and struck a vehicle&nbsp; head-on. Authorities have not released names of those involved or additional details. Check the&nbsp; Post for more information as it becomes available.

KHP IDs Kan. man who died in I-70 head-on crash

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-09-13/a-kansas-4-h-student-found-a-bug-thats-bad-news-for-the-state">Kansas News Service</a>

A 4-H student presenting a project at the Kansas State Fair has 
inadvertently triggered a state and federal investigation into a nasty, 
unwelcome bug.

Known as the spotted lanternfly, the Asian bug 
secretes a sticky substance that can prevent plants and trees from 
performing photosynthesis. In many cases, it ends up killing the plant.

It loves to feed on woody, fruit and ornamental trees.

The student found the bug in Thomas County in western Kansas and included it in a 4-H entomology display.

One
 of the judges recognized the bug species, which the student had 
correctly identified and labeled, and knew that he needed to notify the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture will lead the investigation.

“This
 does happen occasionally where we’ll see information about an insect 
and we’ll do some investigation and find out if there's anything to 
indicate that there’s a real problem,” said Kansas Department of 
Agriculture spokeswoman Heather Lansdowne.

The invasive bug appeared in Pennsylvania in 2014. Because the bug is
 a good hitchhiker, there are now at least 45 counties in Pennsylvania 
and New Jersey with quarantine orders.

That means people in those 
areas have to follow a checklist before moving cars or recreational 
vehicles outside of the area. The order has them check for signs of the 
bugs or their eggs.

The bug is native to China and it is suspected to have arrived in the U.S. on a container ship.

This year’s outbreak in Pennsylvania has been particularly bad. State agriculture officials <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/08/24/1030633334/pennsylvania-spotted-lanternfly-species-quarantine" target="_blank">told NPR earlier this year</a> that if they ever see the bug they should, "Kill it! Squash it, smash it. ... Just get rid of it."

The
 threat of an established population appears to be mostly contained to 
states in the Northeast. The bug found in Kansas likely got there by 
hitching a ride on an RV or other vehicle, said Lansdowne. Interstate 70
 runs through Thomas County.

“There’s not a reason to be alarmed at this point,” Lansdowne said. “It was one insect that was found and it’s no longer alive.”

Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en" target="_blank">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631556239848.png" alt="Pinned spotted lanternfly adult with wings open. Note the bright red coloration now visible on the hindwings. This cannot be seen when the insect is at rest. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture" />
 <figcaption>Pinned spotted lanternfly adult with wings open. Note the bright red coloration now visible on the hindwings. This cannot be seen when the insect is at rest. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-09-13/a-kansas-4-h-student-found-a-bug-thats-bad-news-for-the-state">Kansas News Service</a>A 4-H student presenting a project at the Kansas State Fair has 
inadvertently triggered a state and federal investigation into a nasty, 
unwelcome bug.Known as the spotted lanternfly, the Asian bug 
secretes a sticky substance that can prevent plants and trees from 
performing photosynthesis. In many cases, it ends up killing the plant.It loves to feed on woody, fruit and ornamental trees.The student found the bug in Thomas County in western Kansas and included it in a 4-H entomology display.One
 of the judges recognized the bug species, which the student had 
correctly identified and labeled, and knew that he needed to notify the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service.The Kansas Department of Agriculture will lead the investigation.“This
 does happen occasionally where we’ll see information about an insect 
and we’ll do some investigation and find out if there's anything to 
indicate that there’s a real problem,” said Kansas Department of 
Agriculture spokeswoman Heather Lansdowne.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631556310818.png" alt="Top left: Hatched spotted lanternfly egg masses | Bottom left: Unhatched spotted lanternfly egg masses | Right: Mature spotted lanternfly. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture" />
 <figcaption>Top left: Hatched spotted lanternfly egg masses | Bottom left: Unhatched spotted lanternfly egg masses | Right: Mature spotted lanternfly. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture</figcaption>
 </figure>The invasive bug appeared in Pennsylvania in 2014. Because the bug is
 a good hitchhiker, there are now at least 45 counties in Pennsylvania 
and New Jersey with quarantine orders.That means people in those 
areas have to follow a checklist before moving cars or recreational 
vehicles outside of the area. The order has them check for signs of the 
bugs or their eggs.The bug is native to China and it is suspected to have arrived in the U.S. on a container ship.This year’s outbreak in Pennsylvania has been particularly bad. State agriculture officials <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/08/24/1030633334/pennsylvania-spotted-lanternfly-species-quarantine" target="_blank">told NPR earlier this year</a> that if they ever see the bug they should, "Kill it! Squash it, smash it. ... Just get rid of it."The
 threat of an established population appears to be mostly contained to 
states in the Northeast. The bug found in Kansas likely got there by 
hitching a ride on an RV or other vehicle, said Lansdowne. Interstate 70
 runs through Thomas County.“There’s not a reason to be alarmed at this point,” Lansdowne said. “It was one insect that was found and it’s no longer alive.”Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en" target="_blank">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

Discovery of invasive bug bad news for state of Kansas

HESSTON — Stanley Black &amp; Decker has entered into an agreement to acquire Heston, Kansas based Excel Industries for $375 million in cash, according to a media release from the company.

The 600-employee Excel Industries, founded in 1960, is a leading designer and manufacturer of premium commercial and residential turf-care equipment under the distinct brands of Hustler Turf Equipment and BigDog Mower Co.

Stanley Black &amp; Decker's CEO James M. Loree commented in a press release, "This is a strategically important bolt-on acquisition as we build an outdoor products leader. Excel brings a range of premier, commercial grade and prosumer turf-care equipment, an extensive dealer network, a talented team and a loyal customer base."

Stanley Black &amp; Decker operates the world's largest tools and storage business and the world's second largest commercial electronic security company. Excel employees were told of the sale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631555246514.png" alt="google image" />
 <figcaption>google image</figcaption>
 </figure>HESSTON — Stanley Black &amp; Decker has entered into an agreement to acquire Heston, Kansas based Excel Industries for $375 million in cash, according to a media release from the company.The 600-employee Excel Industries, founded in 1960, is a leading designer and manufacturer of premium commercial and residential turf-care equipment under the distinct brands of Hustler Turf Equipment and BigDog Mower Co.Stanley Black &amp; Decker's CEO James M. Loree commented in a press release, "This is a strategically important bolt-on acquisition as we build an outdoor products leader. Excel brings a range of premier, commercial grade and prosumer turf-care equipment, an extensive dealer network, a talented team and a loyal customer base."Stanley Black &amp; Decker operates the world's largest tools and storage business and the world's second largest commercial electronic security company. Excel employees were told of the sale.

Kan. based Excel Industries sold for $375 million

TOPEKA – To protect Kansas students, teachers, and staff from the threat of the contagious Delta variant of COVID-19, Governor Laura Kelly's Safer Classrooms Workgroup will meet for the first time at 1p.m. Monday. Governor Laura Kelly will address the group.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MTAuNDU3NDk5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDkvU2FmZXItQ2xhc3Nyb29tcy1Xb3JrZ3JvdXAtTGF1bmNoLU1lZXRpbmctQWdlbmRhLTAwMi5wZGYifQ.HT3pCLXYCj9rqDwx1cFAzgDdyqHVKnSCwN35StexejY/s/1303160919/br/112176908414-l" target="_blank">View the meeting's agenda here.</a>

The workgroup, composed of highly skilled health professionals from across Kansas, will highlight the urgency of protecting kids from COVID-19 and use the best available science and information to support Governor Kelly’s administration, local governments, and school districts to promote health and safety in our schools.&nbsp;

“Children are catching the virus, being hospitalized, and dying from COVID at increasingly higher rates. There’s nothing more important than keeping our students healthy and in the&nbsp;classroom,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“The&nbsp;Safer&nbsp;Classrooms Workgroup will provide information and guidance to give parents, teachers, school boards, and others the tools they need to make informed decisions to protect our students and our communities.”

The&nbsp;Safer&nbsp;Classrooms Workgroup is composed of pediatricians, family physicians, school nurses, pharmacists, school psychologists, and other health professionals. They will meet weekly to highlight the urgency of protecting our kids from the delta variant, speaking with educators, parents, and advocates about their experiences as schools work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. &nbsp;

Every week, the workgroup will release a “School Safety Report” to serve as a resource for media, parents, schools, communities, and policymakers.&nbsp;

Information in this weekly report will include:

“We got our kids back in school by listening to health professionals, wearing masks, implementing stringent public health protocol, and getting vaccinated,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We’ll keep them there by continuing to follow the best health practices. I encourage all Kansans to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The full membership of the&nbsp;Safer&nbsp;Classrooms Workgroup is as follows:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631556289277.png" alt="Members of the Safer Classroom workgroup as they began their work Monday afternoon" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Safer Classroom workgroup as they began their work Monday afternoon</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – To protect Kansas students, teachers, and staff from the threat of the contagious Delta variant of COVID-19, Governor Laura Kelly's Safer Classrooms Workgroup will meet for the first time at 1p.m. Monday. Governor Laura Kelly will address the group.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ejTdJLrn5N4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MTAuNDU3NDk5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDkvU2FmZXItQ2xhc3Nyb29tcy1Xb3JrZ3JvdXAtTGF1bmNoLU1lZXRpbmctQWdlbmRhLTAwMi5wZGYifQ.HT3pCLXYCj9rqDwx1cFAzgDdyqHVKnSCwN35StexejY/s/1303160919/br/112176908414-l" target="_blank">View the meeting's agenda here.</a>The workgroup, composed of highly skilled health professionals from across Kansas, will highlight the urgency of protecting kids from COVID-19 and use the best available science and information to support Governor Kelly’s administration, local governments, and school districts to promote health and safety in our schools.&nbsp;“Children are catching the virus, being hospitalized, and dying from COVID at increasingly higher rates. There’s nothing more important than keeping our students healthy and in the&nbsp;classroom,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“The&nbsp;Safer&nbsp;Classrooms Workgroup will provide information and guidance to give parents, teachers, school boards, and others the tools they need to make informed decisions to protect our students and our communities.”The&nbsp;Safer&nbsp;Classrooms Workgroup is composed of pediatricians, family physicians, school nurses, pharmacists, school psychologists, and other health professionals. They will meet weekly to highlight the urgency of protecting our kids from the delta variant, speaking with educators, parents, and advocates about their experiences as schools work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. &nbsp;Every week, the workgroup will release a “School Safety Report” to serve as a resource for media, parents, schools, communities, and policymakers.&nbsp;Information in this weekly report will include:<ul>
 <li>Timely and relevant policies on testing and masking in schools, and best practices that can be shared across school districts.</li><li>Updates on school districts with clearly communicated quarantine, testing, and masking policies, to ensure parents and families have what they need to know to keep their children safe.</li><li>Information on school district vaccination and testing events – with resources to help schools plan, publicize, and implement.</li><li>County-level data on youth vaccinations, cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.&nbsp;</li><li>Schools with active outbreaks.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>“We got our kids back in school by listening to health professionals, wearing masks, implementing stringent public health protocol, and getting vaccinated,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We’ll keep them there by continuing to follow the best health practices. I encourage all Kansans to get vaccinated as soon as possible.The full membership of the&nbsp;Safer&nbsp;Classrooms Workgroup is as follows:<ul>
 <li>G.A. Buie,&nbsp;Executive Director, United School Administrators of Kansas</li><li>Jennifer Bacani McKenney, MD,&nbsp;Health Officer, Wilson County</li><li>Jen Brull, MD,&nbsp;Family Physician, Post Rock Family Medicine</li><li>Lindsay Byrnes, MD, MPH, Medical Director, KUSM-Wichita, Wesley Children’s Hospital</li><li>Kristie Clark, MD,&nbsp;Pediatrician, Rural Health Clinic</li><li>Allen Greiner, MD,&nbsp;Family Physician, Wyandotte County Health</li><li>Dena Hubbard, MD,&nbsp;Kansas American Academy of Pediatrics</li><li>Rhonda Hutchinson, BSN, RN, President, Kansas School Nurse Organization</li><li>Kimber Kasitz, BSN, RN,&nbsp;Director of Health, Homebound, and Section 504 Services, USD 259</li><li>Stephanie Kuhlmann, DO,&nbsp;Pediatric Hospitalist Division Director and Pediatric Medical Director, KUSM-W, Wesley Children’s Hospital</li><li>Vernon Mills, MD,&nbsp;Pediatrician, retired</li><li>Kelli Netson, PhD,&nbsp;Neuropsychologist, KUSM-W Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences</li><li>Kevin Riemann,&nbsp;Executive Director, Kansas National Education Association</li><li>Manuel Solano, MD,&nbsp;Physician and program director, Community Health Center of Wyandotte County</li><li>Margaret Thompson, RN, ARNP,&nbsp;Nurse Anesthetist, Kansas Black Nurses Association</li><li>Randy Watson, Ed.D,&nbsp;Commissioner, Kansas State Department of Education</li>
 </ul>

🎥  Kan. Safer Classrooms workgroup first meeting 

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 3,149 to a total of 390,031 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported seven new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,773.&nbsp;

<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 3,149 to a total of 390,031 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported seven new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,773.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631552953487.png" alt="Monday September 13, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday September 13, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred early Monday in Shawnee County

Just after 1:30a.m., the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center (Dispatch) began receiving reports of an individual in the roadway of Interstate 70&nbsp; near SW Auburn Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

While deputies were in route, they were notified that the individual had been struck by a vehicle. The 25-year-old man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation shows that the victim was also involved in a single vehicle accident in the 700 block of SW Auburn Road earlier in the morning, prior to the being hit.

Interstate 70 westbound was closed near the scene from approximately 1:45am until 6:15a.m. Authorities have not released the victim's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631551999173.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal accident early Monday-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal accident early Monday-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred early Monday in Shawnee CountyJust after 1:30a.m., the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center (Dispatch) began receiving reports of an individual in the roadway of Interstate 70&nbsp; near SW Auburn Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.While deputies were in route, they were notified that the individual had been struck by a vehicle. The 25-year-old man was pronounced deceased at the scene.Preliminary investigation shows that the victim was also involved in a single vehicle accident in the 700 block of SW Auburn Road earlier in the morning, prior to the being hit.Interstate 70 westbound was closed near the scene from approximately 1:45am until 6:15a.m. Authorities have not released the victim's name.

Sheriff: Man struck, killed on I-70 after earlier crash


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Former Kansas U.S. Senator and Governor Sam Brownback is joining a Christian organization dedicated to helping those persecuted for holding that faith.

In a news release, Open Doors USA announced that Brownback will serve as Senior Fellow. 

Brownback most recently served as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, from February 2018 to January 2021. He is also co-chair for the International Religious Freedom Summit. As Senior Fellow, Brownback will continue to research the most pressing issues in religious persecution and advocate on behalf of persecuted religious minorities worldwide.

“Open Doors USA is a leading global advocate for Christians and other religious communities facing persecution around the world. From Nigeria to Afghanistan to India to China, these issues remain as pressing as ever, and I look forward as Senior Fellow to expanding the work of Open Doors and to bringing relief to these persecuted communities wherever and whenever possible,” said Ambassador Brownback.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631110999175.jpeg" alt="Former Senator and Governor served as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom in the Trump administration" />
 <figcaption>Former Senator and Governor served as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom in the Trump administration</figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Former Kansas U.S. Senator and Governor Sam Brownback is joining a Christian organization dedicated to helping those persecuted for holding that faith.In a news release, Open Doors USA announced that Brownback will serve as Senior Fellow. Brownback most recently served as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, from February 2018 to January 2021. He is also co-chair for the International Religious Freedom Summit. As Senior Fellow, Brownback will continue to research the most pressing issues in religious persecution and advocate on behalf of persecuted religious minorities worldwide.“Open Doors USA is a leading global advocate for Christians and other religious communities facing persecution around the world. From Nigeria to Afghanistan to India to China, these issues remain as pressing as ever, and I look forward as Senior Fellow to expanding the work of Open Doors and to bringing relief to these persecuted communities wherever and whenever possible,” said Ambassador Brownback.

Brownback joining organization to help persecuted Christians

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City are searching for a killer after security guards found a man fatally shot in the city’s Old Westport neighborhood.

The guards reported hearing gunshots around 3 a.m. Sunday in the area of Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard, police said in a news release. When they went to investigate, they found a man in the street with gunshot wounds. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police did not immediately release the victim's name. Police said they did not have any suspects in the shooting.

The killing marked the city's 105th homicide this year, compared with 144 homicides by the same time last year, according to data kept by the Kansas City Star.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City are searching for a killer after security guards found a man fatally shot in the city’s Old Westport neighborhood.The guards reported hearing gunshots around 3 a.m. Sunday in the area of Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard, police said in a news release. When they went to investigate, they found a man in the street with gunshot wounds. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.Police did not immediately release the victim's name. Police said they did not have any suspects in the shooting.The killing marked the city's 105th homicide this year, compared with 144 homicides by the same time last year, according to data kept by the Kansas City Star.

Security guards: Man fatally shot in KC's Westport area

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ hospitals are worried about the upcoming flu season because they’re already strained by the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Wichita’s four hospitals have been operating for weeks at full capacity, with limited beds and staff. At various points, they have had to ask ambulances to take patients to other facilities.

“Looking ahead, the prospect of COVID-19 potentially being combined with a more typical influenza and viral respiratory illness season is alarming,” said Sam Antonios, the chief clinical officer at Ascension Via Christi.

Flu season&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm" target="_blank">lasts from the fall through the winter</a>&nbsp;and it generally peaks in the U.S. from December through February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At Wesley Healthcare, a shortage of nurses and a growing number of mostly unvaccinated patients is straining the system, said chief medical officer Lowell Ebersole.

“While we do everything we can to provide quality care to our community, we are concerned about the imminent change of seasons, which historically brings with it a significant increase in respiratory and flu symptoms,” Ebersole said.

Meanwhile, The University of Kansas Health System said 13 people died at its facilities in less than a week.

Its chief medical officer, Steve Stites, noted that the health system had far more COVID-19 patients on Labor Day this year than it did last year, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article254058803.html" target="_blank">reported.</a>

“I think what we just have to recognize is that we’re probably at greater risk this year than last year,” he said during a Tuesday briefing, adding that the “saving grace” is the vaccines that didn’t start coming to market until last December.

Lawrence Memorial Hospital treated as many COVID-19 patients on Tuesday as it did in January, when it last had so many. Three people died of the disease there over the weekend.

“Today’s news is a good reminder that this pandemic is far from over and the costs are real and unchanging,” the hospital said in a news release, reminding community members to take every precaution to protect themselves and others from the disease.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ hospitals are worried about the upcoming flu season because they’re already strained by the surge in COVID-19 cases.Wichita’s four hospitals have been operating for weeks at full capacity, with limited beds and staff. At various points, they have had to ask ambulances to take patients to other facilities.“Looking ahead, the prospect of COVID-19 potentially being combined with a more typical influenza and viral respiratory illness season is alarming,” said Sam Antonios, the chief clinical officer at Ascension Via Christi.Flu season&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm" target="_blank">lasts from the fall through the winter</a>&nbsp;and it generally peaks in the U.S. from December through February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.At Wesley Healthcare, a shortage of nurses and a growing number of mostly unvaccinated patients is straining the system, said chief medical officer Lowell Ebersole.“While we do everything we can to provide quality care to our community, we are concerned about the imminent change of seasons, which historically brings with it a significant increase in respiratory and flu symptoms,” Ebersole said.Meanwhile, The University of Kansas Health System said 13 people died at its facilities in less than a week.Its chief medical officer, Steve Stites, noted that the health system had far more COVID-19 patients on Labor Day this year than it did last year, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article254058803.html" target="_blank">reported.</a>“I think what we just have to recognize is that we’re probably at greater risk this year than last year,” he said during a Tuesday briefing, adding that the “saving grace” is the vaccines that didn’t start coming to market until last December.Lawrence Memorial Hospital treated as many COVID-19 patients on Tuesday as it did in January, when it last had so many. Three people died of the disease there over the weekend.“Today’s news is a good reminder that this pandemic is far from over and the costs are real and unchanging,” the hospital said in a news release, reminding community members to take every precaution to protect themselves and others from the disease.

Looming flu season worries COVID-strained Kansas hospitals

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused in the fatal shooting of a man on a bicycle in Wichita made his first court appearance last week.

Daniel Scott Carpenter, 33, was charged with 1st degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 2 a.m. Sept. 1, officers responded to a welfare check in the 800 block of West Murdock in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 32-year-old Jason Huber of Wichita who had been shot. He was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment where he died.

A suspect later seen on security cameras and identified as Carpenter was at the same nearby business as Huber before the shooting, according to Davidson. Carpenter left the business driving a white Buick La Sabre and Huber left on a bicycle both going west on Mudock.

At Murdock and Stackman Drive, Huber was shot and his bicycle was taken. Following an investigation, police arrested Carpenter on Friday, according to online jail records.

Carpenter has previous felony convictions for criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child under the age of 16 in 2008, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

He is scheduled back in court date on Sept. 23 and remains in the Sedgwick County Jail on a bond of $500,000, according to the district attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630758451498.png" alt="Carpenter-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Carpenter-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused in the fatal shooting of a man on a bicycle in Wichita made his first court appearance last week.Daniel Scott Carpenter, 33, was charged with 1st degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 2 a.m. Sept. 1, officers responded to a welfare check in the 800 block of West Murdock in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 32-year-old Jason Huber of Wichita who had been shot. He was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment where he died.A suspect later seen on security cameras and identified as Carpenter was at the same nearby business as Huber before the shooting, according to Davidson. Carpenter left the business driving a white Buick La Sabre and Huber left on a bicycle both going west on Mudock.At Murdock and Stackman Drive, Huber was shot and his bicycle was taken. Following an investigation, police arrested Carpenter on Friday, according to online jail records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630691706666.png" alt="Carpenter as seen on security cameras -Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Carpenter as seen on security cameras -Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Carpenter has previous felony convictions for criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child under the age of 16 in 2008, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.He is scheduled back in court date on Sept. 23 and remains in the Sedgwick County Jail on a bond of $500,000, according to the district attorney.

Kan. sex offender charged for killing bicycle rider

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Resettlement agencies in the Kansas City area have told the federal government that they have the capacity to welcome 625 refugees from Afghanistan.

Three organizations designated by the U.S. State Department as resettlement agencies submitted the figure in a proposal to the agency in late August,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article254137513.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star reports.</a>&nbsp;The agencies are Della Lamb Community Center, Jewish Vocational Services and Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

But Della Lamb Executive Director Ryan Hudnall said the figure is subject to change depending on who chooses to come to Kansas and who has existing relationships in the area.

Catholic Charities has agreed to receive 85 Afghan refugees, but spokesperson Carol Cowdrey said the number is likely to grow. It already has settled three families.

President Joe Biden in May raised the overall cap on refugees from the historic low set by former President Donald Trump’s administration to 62,500. Biden said his goal was to boost the cap to 125,000 starting in October.

Hudnall said the situation is further complicated by the fact that agencies may receive as little as 24 hours’ notice to receive someone evaculated from Afghanistan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629817340549.png" alt="Evacuees board a C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport last month in Kabul, Afghanistan.-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Evacuees board a C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport last month in Kabul, Afghanistan.-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Resettlement agencies in the Kansas City area have told the federal government that they have the capacity to welcome 625 refugees from Afghanistan.Three organizations designated by the U.S. State Department as resettlement agencies submitted the figure in a proposal to the agency in late August,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article254137513.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star reports.</a>&nbsp;The agencies are Della Lamb Community Center, Jewish Vocational Services and Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.But Della Lamb Executive Director Ryan Hudnall said the figure is subject to change depending on who chooses to come to Kansas and who has existing relationships in the area.Catholic Charities has agreed to receive 85 Afghan refugees, but spokesperson Carol Cowdrey said the number is likely to grow. It already has settled three families.President Joe Biden in May raised the overall cap on refugees from the historic low set by former President Donald Trump’s administration to 62,500. Biden said his goal was to boost the cap to 125,000 starting in October.Hudnall said the situation is further complicated by the fact that agencies may receive as little as 24 hours’ notice to receive someone evaculated from Afghanistan.

Local agencies: KC area could welcome 625 Afghan refugees

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://vault.fbi.gov/9-11-attacks-investigation-and-related-materials/9-11-material-released-in-response-to-executive-order-14040/april-4-2016-electronic-communication-part-01-of-01/view" target="_blank">A declassified FBI document</a>&nbsp;related to logistical support given to two of the Saudi hijackers in the run-up to the Sept. 11 attacks details contacts the men had with Saudi associates in the United States but does not provide proof that senior kingdom officials were complicit in the plot.

The document released Saturday, on the 20th anniversary of the attacks, is the first investigative record to be disclosed since President Joe Biden ordered a declassification review of materials that for years have remained out of public view. The 16-page document is a summary of an FBI interview done in 2015 with a man who had frequent contact with Saudi nationals in the U.S. who supported the first hijackers to arrive in the country before the attacks.

Biden ordered the Justice Department and other agencies to conduct a declassification review and release what documents they can over the next six months. He was under pressure from victims’ families, who have long sought the records as they pursue a lawsuit in New York alleging that Saudi government officials supported the hijackers.

The heavily blacked-out document was released hours after Biden attended Sept. 11 memorial events in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. Victims’ relatives had said they would object to Biden’s presence at those remembrances as long as the documents remained classified.

The Saudi government has long denied any involvement in the attacks. The Saudi Embassy in Washington has it supported the full declassification of all records as a way to “end the baseless allegations against the Kingdom once and for all.” The embassy said that any allegation that Saudi Arabia was complicit was “categorically false.”

The documents have come out at a politically delicate time for the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, which have forged a strategic, if difficult, alliance, particularly on counterterrorism matters. The Biden administration in February released an intelligence assessment implicating Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the 2018 killing of U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi, but drew criticism from Democrats for avoiding a direct punishment of the royal himself.

Victims’ relatives said the document’s release was a significant step in their effort to connect the attacks to Saudi Arabia. Brett Eagleson, whose father, Bruce, was killed in the World Trade Center attack, said the release of the FBI material “accelerates our pursuit of truth and justice.”

Jim Kreindler, a lawyer for the victims’ relatives, said in a statement that “the findings and conclusions in this FBI investigation validate the arguments we have made in the litigation regarding the Saudi government’s responsibility for the 9/11 attacks.

“This document, together with the public evidence gathered to date, provides a blueprint for how (al-Qaida) operated inside the US with the active, knowing support of the Saudi government,” he said.

That includes, he said, Saudi officials exchanging phone calls among themselves and al-Qaida operatives and then having “accidental meetings” with the hijackers while providing them with assistance to get settled and find flight schools.

Regarding Sept. 11, there has been speculation of official involvement since shortly after the attacks, when it was revealed that 15 of the 19 attackers were Saudis. Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaida at the time, was from a prominent family in the kingdom.

The U.S. investigated some Saudi diplomats and others with Saudi government ties who knew hijackers after they arrived in the U.S., according to previously declassified documents.

Still, the 9/11 Commission report in 2004 found “no evidence that the Saudi government as an institution or senior Saudi officials individually funded” the attacks that al-Qaida masterminded, though it noted Saudi-linked charities could have diverted money to the group.

Particular scrutiny has centered on the first two hijackers to arrive in the U.S., Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar, and support they received.

In February 2000, shortly after their arrival in Southern California, they encountered at a halal restaurant a Saudi national named Omar al-Bayoumi who helped them find and lease an apartment in San Diego. He had ties to the Saudi government and had earlier attracted FBI scrutiny.

Bayoumi has described his restaurant meeting with Hazmi and Mihdhar as a “chance encounter,” and the FBI during its interview made multiple attempts to ascertain if that characterization was accurate or if the meeting had actually been arranged in advance, according to the document.

The 2015 interview that forms the basis of the FBI document was of a man who was applying for U.S. citizenship and who years earlier had repeated contacts with Saudi nationals, who investigators said, provided “significant logistical support” to several of the hijackers. Among the man’s contacts was Bayoumi, according to the document.

The man’s identity is blacked out throughout the document, but he is described as having worked at the Saudi consulate in Los Angeles.

Also referenced in the document is Fahad al-Thumairy, at the time an accredited diplomat at the Saudi Consulate in Los Angeles who investigators say led an extremist faction at his mosque. The document says communications analysis identified a seven-minute phone call in 1999 from Thumairy’s phone to the Saudi Arabian family home phone of two brothers who later were detained at the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631038876655.png" alt="The World Trade Center burns in the background of New York City’s Empire State Building, Sept. 11, 2001. Both World Trade Center towers were attacked as a result of a highly coordinated al-Qaida plot. U.S. Department of Defense photo" />
 <figcaption>The World Trade Center burns in the background of New York City’s Empire State Building, Sept. 11, 2001. Both World Trade Center towers were attacked as a result of a highly coordinated al-Qaida plot. U.S. Department of Defense photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://vault.fbi.gov/9-11-attacks-investigation-and-related-materials/9-11-material-released-in-response-to-executive-order-14040/april-4-2016-electronic-communication-part-01-of-01/view" target="_blank">A declassified FBI document</a>&nbsp;related to logistical support given to two of the Saudi hijackers in the run-up to the Sept. 11 attacks details contacts the men had with Saudi associates in the United States but does not provide proof that senior kingdom officials were complicit in the plot.The document released Saturday, on the 20th anniversary of the attacks, is the first investigative record to be disclosed since President Joe Biden ordered a declassification review of materials that for years have remained out of public view. The 16-page document is a summary of an FBI interview done in 2015 with a man who had frequent contact with Saudi nationals in the U.S. who supported the first hijackers to arrive in the country before the attacks.Biden ordered the Justice Department and other agencies to conduct a declassification review and release what documents they can over the next six months. He was under pressure from victims’ families, who have long sought the records as they pursue a lawsuit in New York alleging that Saudi government officials supported the hijackers.The heavily blacked-out document was released hours after Biden attended Sept. 11 memorial events in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. Victims’ relatives had said they would object to Biden’s presence at those remembrances as long as the documents remained classified.The Saudi government has long denied any involvement in the attacks. The Saudi Embassy in Washington has it supported the full declassification of all records as a way to “end the baseless allegations against the Kingdom once and for all.” The embassy said that any allegation that Saudi Arabia was complicit was “categorically false.”The documents have come out at a politically delicate time for the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, which have forged a strategic, if difficult, alliance, particularly on counterterrorism matters. The Biden administration in February released an intelligence assessment implicating Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the 2018 killing of U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi, but drew criticism from Democrats for avoiding a direct punishment of the royal himself.Victims’ relatives said the document’s release was a significant step in their effort to connect the attacks to Saudi Arabia. Brett Eagleson, whose father, Bruce, was killed in the World Trade Center attack, said the release of the FBI material “accelerates our pursuit of truth and justice.”Jim Kreindler, a lawyer for the victims’ relatives, said in a statement that “the findings and conclusions in this FBI investigation validate the arguments we have made in the litigation regarding the Saudi government’s responsibility for the 9/11 attacks.“This document, together with the public evidence gathered to date, provides a blueprint for how (al-Qaida) operated inside the US with the active, knowing support of the Saudi government,” he said.That includes, he said, Saudi officials exchanging phone calls among themselves and al-Qaida operatives and then having “accidental meetings” with the hijackers while providing them with assistance to get settled and find flight schools.Regarding Sept. 11, there has been speculation of official involvement since shortly after the attacks, when it was revealed that 15 of the 19 attackers were Saudis. Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaida at the time, was from a prominent family in the kingdom.The U.S. investigated some Saudi diplomats and others with Saudi government ties who knew hijackers after they arrived in the U.S., according to previously declassified documents.Still, the 9/11 Commission report in 2004 found “no evidence that the Saudi government as an institution or senior Saudi officials individually funded” the attacks that al-Qaida masterminded, though it noted Saudi-linked charities could have diverted money to the group.Particular scrutiny has centered on the first two hijackers to arrive in the U.S., Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar, and support they received.In February 2000, shortly after their arrival in Southern California, they encountered at a halal restaurant a Saudi national named Omar al-Bayoumi who helped them find and lease an apartment in San Diego. He had ties to the Saudi government and had earlier attracted FBI scrutiny.Bayoumi has described his restaurant meeting with Hazmi and Mihdhar as a “chance encounter,” and the FBI during its interview made multiple attempts to ascertain if that characterization was accurate or if the meeting had actually been arranged in advance, according to the document.The 2015 interview that forms the basis of the FBI document was of a man who was applying for U.S. citizenship and who years earlier had repeated contacts with Saudi nationals, who investigators said, provided “significant logistical support” to several of the hijackers. Among the man’s contacts was Bayoumi, according to the document.The man’s identity is blacked out throughout the document, but he is described as having worked at the Saudi consulate in Los Angeles.Also referenced in the document is Fahad al-Thumairy, at the time an accredited diplomat at the Saudi Consulate in Los Angeles who investigators say led an extremist faction at his mosque. The document says communications analysis identified a seven-minute phone call in 1999 from Thumairy’s phone to the Saudi Arabian family home phone of two brothers who later were detained at the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, prison.___

FBI releases new declassified record on Sept. 11 attacks

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search continues for the suspect accused in the Tuesday morning nightclub shooting in Wichita that killed one man and injured five women. Police say 22-year-old&nbsp; Keshawn Dawson is armed and dangerous. He was released from prison in December of 2020 after serving time for weapons violations.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; One victim identified as 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita died from his injuries. The other victims, all women ages, 22, Two age 24, 28 and 40, received non life-threatening injuries, according to Stephens. Most of the injuries were to the legs. One had an injury to an arm and her lower back.&nbsp; All of the women are expected to survive.

The investigation revealed a male suspect identified as Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.

Anyone with information on Dawson is asked to call 911.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal nightclub shooting in Wichita are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as 23-year-old Keshawn Dawson, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that fatally injured 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita and injured five other woman who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp;

The investigation revealed a male suspect got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; The suspect returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.

Police are expected to release additional details later Tuesday, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631032156553.png" alt="Dawson photo from an earlier arrest in Sedgwick County. He is also&nbsp; wanted on two Felony Sedgwick County warrants and is prohibited from having a firearm, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens." />
 <figcaption>Dawson photo from an earlier arrest in Sedgwick County. He is also&nbsp; wanted on two Felony Sedgwick County warrants and is prohibited from having a firearm, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search continues for the suspect accused in the Tuesday morning nightclub shooting in Wichita that killed one man and injured five women. Police say 22-year-old&nbsp; Keshawn Dawson is armed and dangerous. He was released from prison in December of 2020 after serving time for weapons violations.Just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; One victim identified as 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita died from his injuries. The other victims, all women ages, 22, Two age 24, 28 and 40, received non life-threatening injuries, according to Stephens. Most of the injuries were to the legs. One had an injury to an arm and her lower back.&nbsp; All of the women are expected to survive.The investigation revealed a male suspect identified as Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.Anyone with information on Dawson is asked to call 911.---------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal nightclub shooting in Wichita are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as 23-year-old Keshawn Dawson, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.Just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; One victim identified as 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita died from his injuries. The other victims, all women ages, 22, Two age 24, 28 and 40, received non life-threatening injuries, according to Stephens. Most of the injuries were to the legs. One had an injury to an arm and her lower back.&nbsp; All of the women are expected to survive.The investigation revealed a male suspect identified as Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.Anyone with information on Dawson is asked to call 911.---------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that fatally injured 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita and injured five other woman who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp;The investigation revealed a male suspect got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; The suspect returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.Police are expected to release additional details later Tuesday, according to Davidson.

Police: Kan. suspect in fatal club shooting still at large

JUNCTION CITY — The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, brought unwelcome and unwanted change to a 
generation of Americans, the Army and our world. During the 20th 
anniversary commemoration ceremony at the Global War on Terrorism 
monument at Fort Riley, the Garrison Commander, Col. William McKanay 
made those comments and also noted that day brought uncertainty, anger 
and grief. "But that day's destruction and devastation did not break our
 spirit or leave us living in fear. It made us stronger." 

McKanay
 noted that the wounds and scars from that day fortified American's 
pride and patriotism, and reignited the spirit of service in the hearts 
of a new generation. On Patriot's day the thousands of lives lost on 
9/11 are remembered, along with those who served in the global war on 
terrorism and made the ultimate sacrifice. "Here at this place we 
remember those of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley who died in 
service to this nation."

The Global War on Terrorism Memorial displays 214 names of 1st 
Infantry Division Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The 
Memorial is located on the east end of the Cavalry Parade Field.

Members
 of Gold Star families who lost a Soldier were in attendance for 
the&nbsp;commemoration ceremony which also included the playing of "America 
the Beautiful" by members of the 1st Infantry Division Band and the 
presentation of a wreath in front of the Memorial.&nbsp;

Gold Star family member Sierra Herring said she hopes that the nation is still healing together, "and that really the survivors find peace and know they are never alone."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631543621104.jpeg" alt="Col. William McKannay speaking during the commemoration ceremony" />
 <figcaption>Col. William McKannay speaking during the commemoration ceremony</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://jcpost.com">JC Post</a>JUNCTION CITY — The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, brought unwelcome and unwanted change to a 
generation of Americans, the Army and our world. During the 20th 
anniversary commemoration ceremony at the Global War on Terrorism 
monument at Fort Riley, the Garrison Commander, Col. William McKanay 
made those comments and also noted that day brought uncertainty, anger 
and grief. "But that day's destruction and devastation did not break our
 spirit or leave us living in fear. It made us stronger." McKanay
 noted that the wounds and scars from that day fortified American's 
pride and patriotism, and reignited the spirit of service in the hearts 
of a new generation. On Patriot's day the thousands of lives lost on 
9/11 are remembered, along with those who served in the global war on 
terrorism and made the ultimate sacrifice. "Here at this place we 
remember those of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley who died in 
service to this nation."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631543660850.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Global War on Terrorism Memorial displays 214 names of 1st 
Infantry Division Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The 
Memorial is located on the east end of the Cavalry Parade Field.Members
 of Gold Star families who lost a Soldier were in attendance for 
the&nbsp;commemoration ceremony which also included the playing of "America 
the Beautiful" by members of the 1st Infantry Division Band and the 
presentation of a wreath in front of the Memorial.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631543696006.jpeg" alt="Gold Star family members Sierra Herring and son Micah Lister." />
 <figcaption>Gold Star family members Sierra Herring and son Micah Lister.</figcaption>
 </figure>Gold Star family member Sierra Herring said she hopes that the nation is still healing together, "and that really the survivors find peace and know they are never alone."

Twenty-year anniversary of 9/11 is observed at Fort Riley

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is still waiting to see what action needs to be taken regarding vaccine mandates from the Biden administration.

"The President gave a speech, but he hasn't actually done anything legally yet," Schmidt said Saturday. "He has to act. He has to write something down. There has to be a regulation actually adopted, or at least proposed, in order for us to legally challenge it. We've drawn the line in the sand. It's clear he's going to proceed. Once he does, we're going to file an action. We're going to try to get a court to block it. We don't think that the federal government, a government of limited, enumerated powers, has the authority to order Americans to get a vaccine, especially not tens of millions of Americans in a very general sense like this."

The legal precedent for a vaccine mandate is from a state, not the federal government.

"Something very fundamental in our system of federal and state government is that there are different powers at different levels of government," Schmidt said. "It's something you learned in civics class, but sometimes it gets lost in the fog of the issue of the day. States have a general police power. The federal government does not. If the Constitution doesn't grant a power to the federal government, it does not have it. In this case, we don't see a legal basis for the President's order."

Because the Biden administration hasn't started the clock on any legal action by writing the policy, it's hard to know what sort of timeline any final decision might have.

By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is still waiting to see what action needs to be taken regarding vaccine mandates from the Biden administration."The President gave a speech, but he hasn't actually done anything legally yet," Schmidt said Saturday. "He has to act. He has to write something down. There has to be a regulation actually adopted, or at least proposed, in order for us to legally challenge it. We've drawn the line in the sand. It's clear he's going to proceed. Once he does, we're going to file an action. We're going to try to get a court to block it. We don't think that the federal government, a government of limited, enumerated powers, has the authority to order Americans to get a vaccine, especially not tens of millions of Americans in a very general sense like this."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AG Derek Schmidt statement on proposed federal vaccine mandate <a href="https://t.co/tFqomUy230">https://t.co/tFqomUy230</a>&mdash; Kansas AG&#39;s Office (@KSAGOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSAGOffice/status/1436347390949265409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The legal precedent for a vaccine mandate is from a state, not the federal government."Something very fundamental in our system of federal and state government is that there are different powers at different levels of government," Schmidt said. "It's something you learned in civics class, but sometimes it gets lost in the fog of the issue of the day. States have a general police power. The federal government does not. If the Constitution doesn't grant a power to the federal government, it does not have it. In this case, we don't see a legal basis for the President's order."Because the Biden administration hasn't started the clock on any legal action by writing the policy, it's hard to know what sort of timeline any final decision might have.

AG considering challenge to Biden vaccine mandates

Emergency scams, sometimes called "grandparent scams," prey on the 
willingness of an unsuspecting, worried individual to help friends and 
family in need. Often, they will impersonate their targets’ loved ones, 
make up an urgent situation, and plead for help… and money. Thanks to 
social media sites, scammers can look up information and offer plausible
 stories. They may even incorporate nicknames and real travel plans into
 the con to convince their targets.&nbsp;

Emergency scams are about a family member or friend in a dire 
situation. You get a call, email, or social media message from someone 
claiming to be a family member in distress. They may say they’ve been 
arrested while traveling overseas, or there was an accident, medical 
emergency, or other calamity. They provide convincing details, such as 
family names and school details.

A common version is the “grandparent scam,” where the con artist 
contacts a grandparent claiming to be their grandchild and asking for 
money. The plea is so persuasive that the grandparent wires money to the
 scammer, only to find out later their family member was safe and sound 
all along. This scam can also work in reverse, where the "grandparent" 
calls their grandchild pleading for help.

To report a scam, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>. Learn more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21686-who-is-really-contacting-you" target="_blank">all types of impostor scams</a>.&nbsp;

To learn how to protect yourself, go to “<a href="https://www.bbb.org/avoidscams/" target="_blank">10 Steps to Avoid Scams</a>."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Better Business BureauEmergency scams, sometimes called "grandparent scams," prey on the 
willingness of an unsuspecting, worried individual to help friends and 
family in need. Often, they will impersonate their targets’ loved ones, 
make up an urgent situation, and plead for help… and money. Thanks to 
social media sites, scammers can look up information and offer plausible
 stories. They may even incorporate nicknames and real travel plans into
 the con to convince their targets.&nbsp;<h2>How the Scam Works:</h2>Emergency scams are about a family member or friend in a dire 
situation. You get a call, email, or social media message from someone 
claiming to be a family member in distress. They may say they’ve been 
arrested while traveling overseas, or there was an accident, medical 
emergency, or other calamity. They provide convincing details, such as 
family names and school details.A common version is the “grandparent scam,” where the con artist 
contacts a grandparent claiming to be their grandchild and asking for 
money. The plea is so persuasive that the grandparent wires money to the
 scammer, only to find out later their family member was safe and sound 
all along. This scam can also work in reverse, where the "grandparent" 
calls their grandchild pleading for help.<h2>Tips to Spot This Scam:&nbsp;</h2><ul>
 <li>Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how 
dramatic the story is. Check out the story with other family and 
friends, but hang up or close the message and call your loved one 
directly. Don’t call the phone number provided by the caller or caller 
ID. Ask questions that would be hard for an impostor to answer 
correctly.&nbsp; </li><li>Know what your family members are sharing online. You may not have control over your family's social media accounts, but familiarize yourself with what they are sharing online. &nbsp;</li><li>Don't wire any money if there is any doubt about the call. If a person does wire money and later realizes it is a fraud, the police need to be alerted.&nbsp; </li>
 </ul><h2>For more information:</h2>To report a scam, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>. Learn more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21686-who-is-really-contacting-you" target="_blank">all types of impostor scams</a>.&nbsp;To learn how to protect yourself, go to “<a href="https://www.bbb.org/avoidscams/" target="_blank">10 Steps to Avoid Scams</a>."

'Grandma, help!' emergency scams take advantage of loved ones

WASHINGTON — During <a href="https://www.sba.gov/nsbw/nsbw">National Small Business Week</a>,
 the Internal Revenue Service wants small business owners to know that 
information and resources to help them understand and meet their tax 
obligations are available free at IRS.gov.

Small businesses play a pivotal role in our nation's economy. The IRS
 has a variety of resources available to help employers meet their tax 
responsibilities as well as help their employees.

IRS online resources can also help employers with things like how to 
determine if workers should be classified as employees or independent 
contractors, when employment taxes are due and what forms they need to 
file.

An <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers">Employer Identification Number </a>, also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number is a must-have for a business. Applying for an EIN can be done <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online">online</a> for free using an interview style application offered by the IRS. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vD0KoIS124">Five Things to Know about the EIN</a>
 is a video that helps explain why it is critical the IRS has accurate 
and current information related to EINs or business accounts.

It's important a small business <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/understanding-employment-taxes">understand employment taxes</a>
 such as federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare taxes as well 
as Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax. Employers must regularly report 
wages, tips and other compensation paid to an employee by filing the 
required form(s) to the IRS.

Most employers use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-941">Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return</a>
 to report federal income tax withheld and both the employer and 
employee Social Security and Medicare taxes. The smallest employers 
(those whose annual liability for Social Security, Medicare and withheld
 federal income taxes is $1,000 or less) file <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-944">Form 944, Employer's Annual Federal Tax Return</a>, and agricultural employers file <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-943">Form 943, Employer's Annual Federal Tax Return for Agricultural Employees</a>. Only the employer pays FUTA tax; it is not withheld from the employee's wages. Employers report their FUTA taxes by filing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-940">Form 940, Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return</a>.

If businesses compensate non-employees for services, or pay rent, 
commissions, the fees of attorneys and other professionals, or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc307#:~:text=You%20may%20be%20subject%20to%20backup%20withholding%20and,your%20income%20tax%20return.%20...%20More%20items...%20">make certain other payments</a>, businesses must obtain the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) of the payee before
 making the payment. If businesses don't have the payee's TIN at the 
time payment is made, businesses must withhold 24% from the payment as 
backup withholding. A payer is liable for backup withholding even if the
 tax is not deducted from the payment. Payers may use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-9">Form W-9</a> to request the payee's TIN. Payers use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-945">Form 945, Annual Return of Withheld Income Tax</a>, to report backup withholding.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/depositing-and-reporting-employment-taxes">There are two deposit schedules for employment taxes withheld and the employer's match</a>
 − monthly and semi-weekly. Before the beginning of each calendar year, 
employers must determine which of the two deposit schedules they're 
required to use. To determine the businesses' payment schedule, review <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-15">Publication 15</a> for Forms 941, 944 and 945, or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-51">Publication 51</a>
 for Form 943. Deposits for FUTA Tax (Form 940) are required for the 
quarter within which the tax due exceeds $500. The tax must be deposited
 by the end of the month following the end of the quarter. Small 
business taxpayers must use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">electronic funds transfer (EFTPS)</a>&nbsp;to make all federal tax deposits. See the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employment-tax-due-dates">Employment Tax Due Dates</a> page for information on when deposits are due.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-as-you-go-so-you-wont-owe-a-guide-to-withholding-estimated-taxes-and-ways-to-avoid-the-estimated-tax-penalty">Taxes are pay-as-you-go</a>.
 This means taxpayers need to pay most of their tax during the year, as 
they receive income, rather than paying at the end of the year.

Small business owners, sole proprietors, partners and S corporation 
shareholders who don't have tax withheld from their earnings need to 
make <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">estimated tax payments</a>, usually quarterly. Anyone who <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2210.pdf">pays too little tax</a>&nbsp;or does not pay on-time, may owe a penalty.

To meet payroll and employment tax responsibilities, many businesses hire a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/outsourcing-payroll-and-third-party-payers">payroll and payroll tax company</a>.
 Most of these businesses provide quality service, however, sometimes a 
payroll service provider doesn't submit their client's payroll taxes and
 closes abruptly. The client remains legally responsible for paying the 
taxes due even if they sent funds for deposits or payments to the 
payroll service provider. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-urges-employers-to-choose-carefully-when-selecting-a-payroll-service-provider">The IRS urges employers to choose carefully when selecting a payroll provider</a>. The IRS also encourages employers to enroll in the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>.
 It's free and when deposits are made under their EIN, it lets them 
monitor that their payroll service provider is making their tax 
deposits.

Small businesses can share the word with employees about Child Tax Credit

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, new legislation was enacted to aid not 
only struggling business owners, but also individuals. Employers have 
direct access to people who may be eligible for advance Child Tax Credit
 payments. As part of its ongoing effort to help eligible people access 
advance Child Tax Credit payments and the increased Child Tax Credit for
 the 2021 tax year; IRS will be encouraging employers to help spread the
 word during National Small Business Week 2021.

Materials for employers and others who can help are available on the IRS website at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-resources-and-guidance">2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments: Resources and Guidance</a>.
 This is part of a larger effort underway at the IRS to reach people 
eligible for the payments and other credits. Individuals can check their
 eligibility for the advance payments by using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant">Advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant</a>.

Online IRS resources available to small businesses to learn their employer tax responsibilities include:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — During <a href="https://www.sba.gov/nsbw/nsbw">National Small Business Week</a>,
 the Internal Revenue Service wants small business owners to know that 
information and resources to help them understand and meet their tax 
obligations are available free at IRS.gov.Small businesses play a pivotal role in our nation's economy. The IRS
 has a variety of resources available to help employers meet their tax 
responsibilities as well as help their employees.IRS online resources can also help employers with things like how to 
determine if workers should be classified as employees or independent 
contractors, when employment taxes are due and what forms they need to 
file.<h2>Employer Identification Number</h2>An <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers">Employer Identification Number </a>, also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number is a must-have for a business. Applying for an EIN can be done <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online">online</a> for free using an interview style application offered by the IRS. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vD0KoIS124">Five Things to Know about the EIN</a>
 is a video that helps explain why it is critical the IRS has accurate 
and current information related to EINs or business accounts.<h2>Employment taxes</h2>It's important a small business <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/understanding-employment-taxes">understand employment taxes</a>
 such as federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare taxes as well 
as Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax. Employers must regularly report 
wages, tips and other compensation paid to an employee by filing the 
required form(s) to the IRS.Most employers use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-941">Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return</a>
 to report federal income tax withheld and both the employer and 
employee Social Security and Medicare taxes. The smallest employers 
(those whose annual liability for Social Security, Medicare and withheld
 federal income taxes is $1,000 or less) file <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-944">Form 944, Employer's Annual Federal Tax Return</a>, and agricultural employers file <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-943">Form 943, Employer's Annual Federal Tax Return for Agricultural Employees</a>. Only the employer pays FUTA tax; it is not withheld from the employee's wages. Employers report their FUTA taxes by filing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-940">Form 940, Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return</a>.If businesses compensate non-employees for services, or pay rent, 
commissions, the fees of attorneys and other professionals, or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc307#:~:text=You%20may%20be%20subject%20to%20backup%20withholding%20and,your%20income%20tax%20return.%20...%20More%20items...%20">make certain other payments</a>, businesses must obtain the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) of the payee before
 making the payment. If businesses don't have the payee's TIN at the 
time payment is made, businesses must withhold 24% from the payment as 
backup withholding. A payer is liable for backup withholding even if the
 tax is not deducted from the payment. Payers may use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-9">Form W-9</a> to request the payee's TIN. Payers use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-945">Form 945, Annual Return of Withheld Income Tax</a>, to report backup withholding.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/depositing-and-reporting-employment-taxes">There are two deposit schedules for employment taxes withheld and the employer's match</a>
 − monthly and semi-weekly. Before the beginning of each calendar year, 
employers must determine which of the two deposit schedules they're 
required to use. To determine the businesses' payment schedule, review <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-15">Publication 15</a> for Forms 941, 944 and 945, or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-51">Publication 51</a>
 for Form 943. Deposits for FUTA Tax (Form 940) are required for the 
quarter within which the tax due exceeds $500. The tax must be deposited
 by the end of the month following the end of the quarter. Small 
business taxpayers must use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">electronic funds transfer (EFTPS)</a>&nbsp;to make all federal tax deposits. See the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employment-tax-due-dates">Employment Tax Due Dates</a> page for information on when deposits are due.<h2>Estimated tax payments</h2><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-as-you-go-so-you-wont-owe-a-guide-to-withholding-estimated-taxes-and-ways-to-avoid-the-estimated-tax-penalty">Taxes are pay-as-you-go</a>.
 This means taxpayers need to pay most of their tax during the year, as 
they receive income, rather than paying at the end of the year.Small business owners, sole proprietors, partners and S corporation 
shareholders who don't have tax withheld from their earnings need to 
make <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">estimated tax payments</a>, usually quarterly. Anyone who <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2210.pdf">pays too little tax</a>&nbsp;or does not pay on-time, may owe a penalty.<h2>Hiring others to prepare payroll</h2>To meet payroll and employment tax responsibilities, many businesses hire a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/outsourcing-payroll-and-third-party-payers">payroll and payroll tax company</a>.
 Most of these businesses provide quality service, however, sometimes a 
payroll service provider doesn't submit their client's payroll taxes and
 closes abruptly. The client remains legally responsible for paying the 
taxes due even if they sent funds for deposits or payments to the 
payroll service provider. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-urges-employers-to-choose-carefully-when-selecting-a-payroll-service-provider">The IRS urges employers to choose carefully when selecting a payroll provider</a>. The IRS also encourages employers to enroll in the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>.
 It's free and when deposits are made under their EIN, it lets them 
monitor that their payroll service provider is making their tax 
deposits.<h2>Small businesses can share the word with employees about Child Tax Credit</h2>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, new legislation was enacted to aid not 
only struggling business owners, but also individuals. Employers have 
direct access to people who may be eligible for advance Child Tax Credit
 payments. As part of its ongoing effort to help eligible people access 
advance Child Tax Credit payments and the increased Child Tax Credit for
 the 2021 tax year; IRS will be encouraging employers to help spread the
 word during National Small Business Week 2021.Materials for employers and others who can help are available on the IRS website at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-resources-and-guidance">2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments: Resources and Guidance</a>.
 This is part of a larger effort underway at the IRS to reach people 
eligible for the payments and other credits. Individuals can check their
 eligibility for the advance payments by using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant">Advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant</a>.<h2>More information</h2>Online IRS resources available to small businesses to learn their employer tax responsibilities include:<ul>
 <li>The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed">Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center</a> features links to a variety of useful tools, a downloadable tax calendar and common forms with instructions.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/online-tax-calendar">IRS Tax Calendar for Businesses and Self-employed</a> has important tax dates, including federal tax deposit due dates.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center">Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center</a> is for sole proprietors and others who are in an independent trade, business or profession.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center">Gig Economy Tax Center</a> can help people find answers to tax questions, as well as helpful tips and tax forms for business taxpayers.</li><li>Information on IRS.gov may also be available in Spanish, 
Vietnamese, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean, Russian as 
well as Haitian Creole.</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/multimedia-center">IRS social media</a> channels have helpful video and audio presentations.</li><li>IRS2Go is a free mobile app to find free tax help, watch IRS YouTube videos and get IRS Tax Tips by email in <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTkwNTA2LjU1NTMyMzEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTkwNTA2LjU1NTMyMzEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xNzIzNjc1OSZlbWFpbGlkPXN1c2FuLnZlZ2FAaXJzLmdvdiZ1c2VyaWQ9c3VzYW4udmVnYUBpcnMuZ292JmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&amp;&amp;&amp;143&amp;&amp;&amp;https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">English</a> and <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTkwNTA2LjU1NTMyMzEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTkwNTA2LjU1NTMyMzEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xNzIzNjc1OSZlbWFpbGlkPXN1c2FuLnZlZ2FAaXJzLmdvdiZ1c2VyaWQ9c3VzYW4udmVnYUBpcnMuZ292JmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&amp;&amp;&amp;144&amp;&amp;&amp;https://www.irs.gov/es/newsroom/irs2goapp">Spanish</a>.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/irsvideos">IRS YouTube Video Channel</a> has videos for small businesses on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL82CC3BB9E78535DE">small business playlist</a>, with videos available in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/irsvideos">English</a>, <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTkwNTA2LjU1NTMyMzEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTkwNTA2LjU1NTMyMzEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xNzIzNjc1OSZlbWFpbGlkPXN1c2FuLnZlZ2FAaXJzLmdvdiZ1c2VyaWQ9c3VzYW4udmVnYUBpcnMuZ292JmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&amp;&amp;&amp;137&amp;&amp;&amp;https://www.youtube.com/user/IRSvideosmultilingua">Spanish</a> and <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTkwNTA2LjU1NTMyMzEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTkwNTA2LjU1NTMyMzEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xNzIzNjc1OSZlbWFpbGlkPXN1c2FuLnZlZ2FAaXJzLmdvdiZ1c2VyaWQ9c3VzYW4udmVnYUBpcnMuZ292JmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&amp;&amp;&amp;138&amp;&amp;&amp;https://www.youtube.com/user/irsvideosASL">American Sign Language</a>.</li><li><a href="https://www.irsvideos.gov/Business/SmallBusinessWeek/virtualworkshop">Small Business Taxes: The Virtual Workshop</a> has interactive lessons designed to help new small business owners learn their tax rights and responsibilities.</li>
 </ul>

IRS Small Business Week: Resources available to help employers

The
 Federal Trade Commission sent cease-and-desist letters to 10 companies 
suspected of advertising unproven treatments or cures for diabetes, 
ordering the companies to stop making unsubstantiated claims within 15 
days or face potential legal action by the FTC.

“Out-of-control
 insulin prices are driving Americans to turn to questionable products 
rather than proven treatments,” said Samuel Levine, Acting Director of 
the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC and FDA are joining 
forces to call out 10 companies for selling supposed diabetes treatments
 that don’t appear to be supported by sound science.”

The
 FTC demands were issued jointly with U.S. Food and Drug Administration 
(FDA) warning letters, in which the FDA warned the companies that their 
diabetes products are both unapproved and misbranded, in violation of 
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&amp;C Act). 

The FTC’s cease and desist demands were issued to the following companies: 1) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-ar-rahmah_pharm_llc.pdf">Ar-Rahmah Pharm, LLC</a>; 2) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-aceva_llc.pdf">Aceva, LLC</a>; 3) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-live-good-inc.pdf">Live Good Inc.</a>;&nbsp;4) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-holistic-healer-wellness-center_inc.pdf">Holistic Healer &amp; Wellness Center, Inc</a>.; 5) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-lysulin_inc.pdf">Lysulin, Inc.</a>; 6) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-metamune_inc.pdf">Metamune Inc</a>.; 7) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-nuturna-international.pdf">Nuturna International LLC</a>; 8) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-pharmaganics_llc.pdf">Pharmaganics LLC</a>; 9) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-phytag-labs.pdf">Phytag&nbsp;Labs</a>; and 10) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-radhanite_llc.pdf">Radhanite, LLC d/b/a Curalife Ltd</a>.

The
 letters state that the Commission is concerned that one or more of the 
efficacy claims in the companies’ advertisements may not be 
substantiated by competent and reliable scientific evidence, as required
 by the FTC Act. Further, the agency demands the companies stop making 
any claim that a product can prevent, treat, or cure diabetes without 
the required scientific evidence, or potentially face legal action by 
the Commission. The letters also note that marketers who make deceptive 
claims about the treatment, cure, prevention, or mitigation of a disease
 may be subject to a civil penalty of up to $43,792 per violation. They 
also may be required to pay refunds to consumers who purchased the 
deceptively marketed products under section 19(b) of the FTC Act. The 
letters order the companies to notify the FTC by email within 15 working
 days of receipt of what specific actions they have taken to address the
 FTC’s concerns.

Under
 the FD&amp;C Act, products intended to cure, treat, mitigate, or 
prevent disease are drugs and are subject to the requirements that apply
 to drugs, even if they are labeled as dietary supplements. Unlike drugs
 approved by the FDA, the agency has not evaluated whether the 
unapproved products subject to the warning letters announced today are 
effective for their intended use, what the proper dosage might be, how 
they could interact with FDA-approved drugs or other substances, or 
whether they have dangerous side effects or other safety concerns.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and file a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/complaint">consumer complaint online</a> or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).&nbsp;For the latest news and resources, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> and read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe
 Federal Trade Commission sent cease-and-desist letters to 10 companies 
suspected of advertising unproven treatments or cures for diabetes, 
ordering the companies to stop making unsubstantiated claims within 15 
days or face potential legal action by the FTC.“Out-of-control
 insulin prices are driving Americans to turn to questionable products 
rather than proven treatments,” said Samuel Levine, Acting Director of 
the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC and FDA are joining 
forces to call out 10 companies for selling supposed diabetes treatments
 that don’t appear to be supported by sound science.”The
 FTC demands were issued jointly with U.S. Food and Drug Administration 
(FDA) warning letters, in which the FDA warned the companies that their 
diabetes products are both unapproved and misbranded, in violation of 
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&amp;C Act). The FTC’s cease and desist demands were issued to the following companies: 1) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-ar-rahmah_pharm_llc.pdf">Ar-Rahmah Pharm, LLC</a>; 2) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-aceva_llc.pdf">Aceva, LLC</a>; 3) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-live-good-inc.pdf">Live Good Inc.</a>;&nbsp;4) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-holistic-healer-wellness-center_inc.pdf">Holistic Healer &amp; Wellness Center, Inc</a>.; 5) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-lysulin_inc.pdf">Lysulin, Inc.</a>; 6) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-metamune_inc.pdf">Metamune Inc</a>.; 7) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-nuturna-international.pdf">Nuturna International LLC</a>; 8) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-pharmaganics_llc.pdf">Pharmaganics LLC</a>; 9) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-phytag-labs.pdf">Phytag&nbsp;Labs</a>; and 10) <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/warning-letter-radhanite_llc.pdf">Radhanite, LLC d/b/a Curalife Ltd</a>.The FTC ActThe
 letters state that the Commission is concerned that one or more of the 
efficacy claims in the companies’ advertisements may not be 
substantiated by competent and reliable scientific evidence, as required
 by the FTC Act. Further, the agency demands the companies stop making 
any claim that a product can prevent, treat, or cure diabetes without 
the required scientific evidence, or potentially face legal action by 
the Commission. The letters also note that marketers who make deceptive 
claims about the treatment, cure, prevention, or mitigation of a disease
 may be subject to a civil penalty of up to $43,792 per violation. They 
also may be required to pay refunds to consumers who purchased the 
deceptively marketed products under section 19(b) of the FTC Act. The 
letters order the companies to notify the FTC by email within 15 working
 days of receipt of what specific actions they have taken to address the
 FTC’s concerns.The FD&amp;C ActUnder
 the FD&amp;C Act, products intended to cure, treat, mitigate, or 
prevent disease are drugs and are subject to the requirements that apply
 to drugs, even if they are labeled as dietary supplements. Unlike drugs
 approved by the FDA, the agency has not evaluated whether the 
unapproved products subject to the warning letters announced today are 
effective for their intended use, what the proper dosage might be, how 
they could interact with FDA-approved drugs or other substances, or 
whether they have dangerous side effects or other safety concerns.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and file a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/complaint">consumer complaint online</a> or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).&nbsp;For the latest news and resources, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> and read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

'Unproven' diabetes treatment claims draws ire of FTC

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging a man from Kansas City with one count of bank robbery, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to the criminal complaint preceding the indictment, on Aug. 2, 2021, Broderick Burr, 47, allegedly presented a note demanding money and indicating he had a gun to an employee at Commerce Bank on West 43rd Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631200915968.png" alt="Security camera image-photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image-photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging a man from Kansas City with one count of bank robbery, according to the United State's Attorney.According to the criminal complaint preceding the indictment, on Aug. 2, 2021, Broderick Burr, 47, allegedly presented a note demanding money and indicating he had a gun to an employee at Commerce Bank on West 43rd Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas.&nbsp;Police and the FBI are investigating.

Man indicted for Kansas bank robbery 

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City man has been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison in the killing of his 75-year-old mother, who was emaciated and riddled with infected bed sores when she died in 2019. 

The Kansas City Star reports that 54-year-old Raymond McManness was sentenced Wednesday to 374 months. He pleaded no contest in July to second-degree murder and physical mistreatment of his mother, Sharon McManness. 

Police say McManness didn’t seek medical care for his mother before she died weighing just 58 pounds. The medical examiner’s office found she died from an infection due to open bed sores.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631217310758.png" alt="McManness photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>McManness photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City man has been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison in the killing of his 75-year-old mother, who was emaciated and riddled with infected bed sores when she died in 2019. The Kansas City Star reports that 54-year-old Raymond McManness was sentenced Wednesday to 374 months. He pleaded no contest in July to second-degree murder and physical mistreatment of his mother, Sharon McManness. Police say McManness didn’t seek medical care for his mother before she died weighing just 58 pounds. The medical examiner’s office found she died from an infection due to open bed sores.

Kansas man sentenced for death of 75-year-old mother

Timothy Garcia.Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina man was arrested on child endangerment and multiple drug charges after an incident in central Salina.

On Sept. 9, officers were dispatched to a reported accident involving a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup and a tree in the 500 block of S. Fifth Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

At the scene, the officers were told that the driver had removed a baby carrier from the pickup and fled the scene on foot. Additionally, officer found a handgun on the ground outside the driver’s door of the pickup.

Witnesses told police that the driver fled eastbound. Officers observed the man later identified as Timothy Garcia, 36, of Salina with the baby carrier running east across S. Fourth Street into the 300 block of Center Street. 

The subject then ran into the backyard of 310 Center Street and entered a detached garage, having placed an eight-week-old baby still in the carrier in the backyard of the residence. The baby was not injured and police arrested Garcia.

Officers also allegedly found approximately 768 grams of marijuana and 7 grams of cocaine in Garcia's possession. Additionally, an open container of Crown Royal was allegedly found in the pickup.

Police arrested Garcia on requested charges that include Possession with intent to distribute certain stimulant, Possession with intent to distribute marijuana, Criminal trespassing, Obstruction, Aggravated child endangerment, Possession of drug proceeds, No drug tax stamp, Possession of a firearm under the influence, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, No seatbelt, Improper driving on laned roadways, Transporting an open containe, Duty to report a crash and No proof of insurance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631288441553.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Timothy Garcia.Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's OfficeBy LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man was arrested on child endangerment and multiple drug charges after an incident in central Salina.On Sept. 9, officers were dispatched to a reported accident involving a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup and a tree in the 500 block of S. Fifth Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.At the scene, the officers were told that the driver had removed a baby carrier from the pickup and fled the scene on foot. Additionally, officer found a handgun on the ground outside the driver’s door of the pickup.Witnesses told police that the driver fled eastbound. Officers observed the man later identified as Timothy Garcia, 36, of Salina with the baby carrier running east across S. Fourth Street into the 300 block of Center Street. The subject then ran into the backyard of 310 Center Street and entered a detached garage, having placed an eight-week-old baby still in the carrier in the backyard of the residence. The baby was not injured and police arrested Garcia.Officers also allegedly found approximately 768 grams of marijuana and 7 grams of cocaine in Garcia's possession. Additionally, an open container of Crown Royal was allegedly found in the pickup.Police arrested Garcia on requested charges that include Possession with intent to distribute certain stimulant, Possession with intent to distribute marijuana, Criminal trespassing, Obstruction, Aggravated child endangerment, Possession of drug proceeds, No drug tax stamp, Possession of a firearm under the influence, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, No seatbelt, Improper driving on laned roadways, Transporting an open containe, Duty to report a crash and No proof of insurance.

Police: Kan. man fled from DUI crash with baby in carrier

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State Fair officials judging the 4-H entomology entries last week discovered an invasive insect that prompted quarantines elsewhere.

Fair Board member Gregg Hadley said the student who caught the bug didn't know it had prompted quarantines in at least 45 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to try to stop its spread.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State Fair officials judging the 4-H entomology entries last week discovered an invasive insect that prompted quarantines elsewhere.Fair Board member Gregg Hadley said the student who caught the bug didn't know it had prompted quarantines in at least 45 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to try to stop its spread.Hadley, who is Director for Extension at Kansas State's Research and Extension said it's not clear how the invasive bug make it to Kansas but it may have hitched a ride on a camper.The spotted lanternfly was first found in Pennsylvania about 10 years ago feeds on some 70 different plant species and can cause plants to die by depositing excretions on them that can grow mold and block photosynthesis.One of the fair’s entomology judges was familiar with the insect and a requirement that it be reported to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Federal officials are expected to try and learn how the insect reached Kansas.