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

GREAT BEND — It's that 
time of year when many people are making New Year's resolutions to lose 
weight, exercise more or quit smoking. Dr. Patrick Stang with the Center
 for Counseling and Consultation in Great Bend has some advice on how to
 succeed at keeping those resolutions throughout the upcoming year.

"Make
 your resolutions or the changes you want to make gradual, not great big
 things all at once," Stang recommended. "Try to give yourself a little 
bit of a time limit. Okay, it's January. By March 1st, I want to have 
this part of it done. By March 1st, I want to have walked on my 
treadmill this many times. Or I won't be down to smoking half as many 
cigarettes by March 1st, whatever it is. Or I want to be more productive
 at work. Make it something that's measurable that you can tell when 
you're making some progress."

Dr. Stang was a guest Monday on 1590
 KVGB and 95.5 FM's Out &amp; About program. He says it's okay to mess 
up when you're trying to live up to your own expectations. But that 
doesn't mean you have to give up on your resolutions.

"People make
 some progress, and then they'll kind of not make progress for a while 
or go backwards a step or two. So kind of give yourself a break, and 
realize that not everything happens in a straight line. Don't beat 
yourself up. That's the way most things in life go." 

The Center 
for Counseling and Consultation is a community mental health center 
serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties and offers a wide 
variety of services to individuals and families.

By KEN CARPENTER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — It's that 
time of year when many people are making New Year's resolutions to lose 
weight, exercise more or quit smoking. Dr. Patrick Stang with the Center
 for Counseling and Consultation in Great Bend has some advice on how to
 succeed at keeping those resolutions throughout the upcoming year."Make
 your resolutions or the changes you want to make gradual, not great big
 things all at once," Stang recommended. "Try to give yourself a little 
bit of a time limit. Okay, it's January. By March 1st, I want to have 
this part of it done. By March 1st, I want to have walked on my 
treadmill this many times. Or I won't be down to smoking half as many 
cigarettes by March 1st, whatever it is. Or I want to be more productive
 at work. Make it something that's measurable that you can tell when 
you're making some progress."Dr. Stang was a guest Monday on 1590
 KVGB and 95.5 FM's Out &amp; About program. He says it's okay to mess 
up when you're trying to live up to your own expectations. But that 
doesn't mean you have to give up on your resolutions."People make
 some progress, and then they'll kind of not make progress for a while 
or go backwards a step or two. So kind of give yourself a break, and 
realize that not everything happens in a straight line. Don't beat 
yourself up. That's the way most things in life go." The Center 
for Counseling and Consultation is a community mental health center 
serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties and offers a wide 
variety of services to individuals and families.

Psychiatrist: Advice to set and keep New Year's resolutions

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A firearms store and gun range in suburban&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City refused to let a Muslim woman use the range unless she removed her hijab, a Muslim civil rights organization alleged in a federal lawsuit.

In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the law firm of Baldwin &amp; Vernon in Independence alleges that the gun range at Frontier Justice in Lee's Summit enforces its dress code in a discriminatory way that disproportionately affects Muslim women.

A message left with store officials Wednesday was not immediately returned.

Rania Barakat and her husband went to Frontier Justice on Jan. 1 to shoot at the gun range. According to the lawsuit, Barakat was told she would not be allowed to use the range unless she removed her hijab, a religious head covering typically worn by Muslim women.

The gun range requires shooters to remove all head coverings except baseball caps facing forward. A store manager explained that shrapnel could cause the hijab and skin to burn.

The couple told the manager they had used several other shooting ranges with no problems caused by the hijab, and that people wear long sleeves and shirts that cover their necks to protect them from shrapnel, according to the lawsuit.

The manager said the gun range had different rules, according to the lawsuit. The couple left the store after the manager became “aggressive and loud," the suit alleged.

The lawsuit contends that it is Frontier Justice's policy to turn away Muslims wearing hijabs, citing several social media posts from other Muslims about being refused use of the shooting range. It also claims that Instagram posts from Frontier Justice show customers wearing baseball caps turned backward, and hats and scarves.

“It is completely unacceptable for a business establishment to deny service to customers based on their religious beliefs — and that is exactly what Frontier Justice has done," Moussa Elbayoumy, chairman of the board of CAIR-Kansas, said in a statement. "The claim that a hijab somehow presents a safety issue is merely a bad excuse in an attempt to justify a pattern of discriminatory treatment of Muslim women.”

CAIR had asked the U.S. Department of Justice in July to investigate civil rights practices at Frontier Justice.

At the time, Bren Brown, Frontier Justice’s president, said Barakat was not discriminated against and was asked to follow a dress code that is applied to all patrons equally, The Kansas City Star reported.

The lawsuit asks the federal court to find that Frontier Justice's policies regarding the wearing of hijabs violates the 1964 Civil Rights Act and prohibit the gun range and its employees from acting in ways that discriminate against anyone based on their religion.

By MARGARET STAFFORD, Associated PressKANSAS CITY (AP) — A firearms store and gun range in suburban&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City refused to let a Muslim woman use the range unless she removed her hijab, a Muslim civil rights organization alleged in a federal lawsuit.In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the law firm of Baldwin &amp; Vernon in Independence alleges that the gun range at Frontier Justice in Lee's Summit enforces its dress code in a discriminatory way that disproportionately affects Muslim women.A message left with store officials Wednesday was not immediately returned.Rania Barakat and her husband went to Frontier Justice on Jan. 1 to shoot at the gun range. According to the lawsuit, Barakat was told she would not be allowed to use the range unless she removed her hijab, a religious head covering typically worn by Muslim women.The gun range requires shooters to remove all head coverings except baseball caps facing forward. A store manager explained that shrapnel could cause the hijab and skin to burn.The couple told the manager they had used several other shooting ranges with no problems caused by the hijab, and that people wear long sleeves and shirts that cover their necks to protect them from shrapnel, according to the lawsuit.The manager said the gun range had different rules, according to the lawsuit. The couple left the store after the manager became “aggressive and loud," the suit alleged.The lawsuit contends that it is Frontier Justice's policy to turn away Muslims wearing hijabs, citing several social media posts from other Muslims about being refused use of the shooting range. It also claims that Instagram posts from Frontier Justice show customers wearing baseball caps turned backward, and hats and scarves.“It is completely unacceptable for a business establishment to deny service to customers based on their religious beliefs — and that is exactly what Frontier Justice has done," Moussa Elbayoumy, chairman of the board of CAIR-Kansas, said in a statement. "The claim that a hijab somehow presents a safety issue is merely a bad excuse in an attempt to justify a pattern of discriminatory treatment of Muslim women.”CAIR had asked the U.S. Department of Justice in July to investigate civil rights practices at Frontier Justice.At the time, Bren Brown, Frontier Justice’s president, said Barakat was not discriminated against and was asked to follow a dress code that is applied to all patrons equally, The Kansas City Star reported.The lawsuit asks the federal court to find that Frontier Justice's policies regarding the wearing of hijabs violates the 1964 Civil Rights Act and prohibit the gun range and its employees from acting in ways that discriminate against anyone based on their religion.

Suit: KC-area shooting range made Muslim woman remove hijab

By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Hy-Vee&nbsp;supermarket chain announced&nbsp;its&nbsp;new&nbsp;retail&nbsp;security&nbsp;program&nbsp;Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Only a handful of&nbsp;Hy-Vee stores have the new officers, but the chain will slowly&nbsp;add them to other stores&nbsp;in its eight-state market.&nbsp;

Hy-Vee retail security leaders worked alongside law enforcement partners to develop corporate training for security personnel.&nbsp;

Hy-Vee&nbsp;officials say security personnel will be armed&nbsp;with a taser as well as a handgun&nbsp;and have extensive de-escalation training.&nbsp;They are intended as&nbsp;a visual deterrent to criminal activity and violence.&nbsp;

"Across the country, we’re seeing an increase in criminal activity in retail locations,” said Hy-Vee Vice President of Security Jamie Sipes.&nbsp;“Hy-Vee made the decision to have a forward-facing, uniformed security program that includes all the&nbsp;tools that an officer would need to keep employees and customers safe.”&nbsp;

The new Hy-Vee officers are&nbsp;not&nbsp;yet&nbsp;in Manhattan. Company officials say&nbsp;the chain does not necessarily intend to have a security officer in every store, and&nbsp;there are no concrete implementation dates for&nbsp;specific stores.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;company&nbsp;says adding security&nbsp;is intended to foster a safe, comfortable environment and increase security&nbsp;for&nbsp;customers and employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rather than posting at store entrances, security personnel will walk the aisles and interact with customers.&nbsp;

“These officers will help provide another layer of safety and security for our customers,”&nbsp;said Jeremy Gosch, Hy-Vee’s president and chief operating officer. “They will work alongside our store employees to deliver the same helpful smiles and outstanding service everyone expects at their local store.”&nbsp;

According to the company, the&nbsp;officers&nbsp;will also be a resource for customers, helping them locate items or services inside the store.&nbsp;

Two Manhattan Hy-Vee shoppers say they would welcome security in the stores.&nbsp;

“There’s so much craziness right out in public anymore,” said Manhattan resident Maggie&nbsp;Aistrum, “and you never know why or where.”&nbsp;

Fellow shopper Esperanza Holt said she moved here from the San Diego area two years ago, and had seen armed security in many retail stores there for years.&nbsp;

“They were the only stores I wanted to go to,” Holt said. “I felt better if there was someone&nbsp;other than myself&nbsp;and the clerk. I think shoplifting and&nbsp;people getting things stolen out of their cars is really getting bad, so anything to scare them off is a good idea.”&nbsp;

Aistrum&nbsp;and Holt both noted&nbsp;that they always felt safe and&nbsp;had never experienced anything dangerous in the Manhattan Hy-Vee store.&nbsp;

In stores with security&nbsp;staff&nbsp;already in place, the company has a mix of third-party and&nbsp;in-house&nbsp;officers.&nbsp;

The focus of health and security is not a wholly new step for the company. Tina Potthoff, senior vice president for communications, said Hy-Vee has “long worked with third-party security contractors or off-duty law enforcement that work in a security capacity throughout our eight-state region. Our goal with this team is to create a consistent&nbsp;look&nbsp; and&nbsp;approach to customer service and security across all of our stores.”&nbsp;

Sipes&nbsp;said that many&nbsp;of their new security personnel have prior law enforcement experience and come to the&nbsp;position with about&nbsp;1400 hours of crisis-intervention and&nbsp;de-escalation training.&nbsp;

"They are an extension of our legendary customer service within Hy-Vee and&nbsp;ensure the safety of our customers and our employees,” he said. “They&nbsp;are not there&nbsp;to interrupt anyone’s&nbsp;rights.”&nbsp;

News outlets in Minnesota report the grocery chain has recently added armed security to a relatively new store in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, as well as other locations in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A&nbsp;Prairie&nbsp;Village Hy-Vee gas station was the victim of an armed robbery in July.&nbsp;

While there have been isolated incidents like any other business,&nbsp;Potthoff said the company has&nbsp;not seen an increase in&nbsp;dangerous&nbsp;incidents in&nbsp;its&nbsp;stores.&nbsp;

By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;The&nbsp;Hy-Vee&nbsp;supermarket chain announced&nbsp;its&nbsp;new&nbsp;retail&nbsp;security&nbsp;program&nbsp;Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Only a handful of&nbsp;Hy-Vee stores have the new officers, but the chain will slowly&nbsp;add them to other stores&nbsp;in its eight-state market.&nbsp;Hy-Vee retail security leaders worked alongside law enforcement partners to develop corporate training for security personnel.&nbsp;Hy-Vee&nbsp;officials say security personnel will be armed&nbsp;with a taser as well as a handgun&nbsp;and have extensive de-escalation training.&nbsp;They are intended as&nbsp;a visual deterrent to criminal activity and violence.&nbsp;"Across the country, we’re seeing an increase in criminal activity in retail locations,” said Hy-Vee Vice President of Security Jamie Sipes.&nbsp;“Hy-Vee made the decision to have a forward-facing, uniformed security program that includes all the&nbsp;tools that an officer would need to keep employees and customers safe.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640870448375.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The new Hy-Vee officers are&nbsp;not&nbsp;yet&nbsp;in Manhattan. Company officials say&nbsp;the chain does not necessarily intend to have a security officer in every store, and&nbsp;there are no concrete implementation dates for&nbsp;specific stores.&nbsp;The&nbsp;company&nbsp;says adding security&nbsp;is intended to foster a safe, comfortable environment and increase security&nbsp;for&nbsp;customers and employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rather than posting at store entrances, security personnel will walk the aisles and interact with customers.&nbsp;“These officers will help provide another layer of safety and security for our customers,”&nbsp;said Jeremy Gosch, Hy-Vee’s president and chief operating officer. “They will work alongside our store employees to deliver the same helpful smiles and outstanding service everyone expects at their local store.”&nbsp;According to the company, the&nbsp;officers&nbsp;will also be a resource for customers, helping them locate items or services inside the store.&nbsp;Two Manhattan Hy-Vee shoppers say they would welcome security in the stores.&nbsp;“There’s so much craziness right out in public anymore,” said Manhattan resident Maggie&nbsp;Aistrum, “and you never know why or where.”&nbsp;Fellow shopper Esperanza Holt said she moved here from the San Diego area two years ago, and had seen armed security in many retail stores there for years.&nbsp;“They were the only stores I wanted to go to,” Holt said. “I felt better if there was someone&nbsp;other than myself&nbsp;and the clerk. I think shoplifting and&nbsp;people getting things stolen out of their cars is really getting bad, so anything to scare them off is a good idea.”&nbsp;Aistrum&nbsp;and Holt both noted&nbsp;that they always felt safe and&nbsp;had never experienced anything dangerous in the Manhattan Hy-Vee store.&nbsp;In stores with security&nbsp;staff&nbsp;already in place, the company has a mix of third-party and&nbsp;in-house&nbsp;officers.&nbsp;The focus of health and security is not a wholly new step for the company. Tina Potthoff, senior vice president for communications, said Hy-Vee has “long worked with third-party security contractors or off-duty law enforcement that work in a security capacity throughout our eight-state region. Our goal with this team is to create a consistent&nbsp;look&nbsp; and&nbsp;approach to customer service and security across all of our stores.”&nbsp;Sipes&nbsp;said that many&nbsp;of their new security personnel have prior law enforcement experience and come to the&nbsp;position with about&nbsp;1400 hours of crisis-intervention and&nbsp;de-escalation training.&nbsp;"They are an extension of our legendary customer service within Hy-Vee and&nbsp;ensure the safety of our customers and our employees,” he said. “They&nbsp;are not there&nbsp;to interrupt anyone’s&nbsp;rights.”&nbsp;News outlets in Minnesota report the grocery chain has recently added armed security to a relatively new store in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, as well as other locations in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;A&nbsp;Prairie&nbsp;Village Hy-Vee gas station was the victim of an armed robbery in July.&nbsp;While there have been isolated incidents like any other business,&nbsp;Potthoff said the company has&nbsp;not seen an increase in&nbsp;dangerous&nbsp;incidents in&nbsp;its&nbsp;stores.&nbsp;

Hy-Vee stores adding armed security 

Everyone loves a good deal, and scammers know it. Counterfeit coupons
 are popular way for scammers to steal your identity and money. Motives 
and methods vary, but phony coupons often mean serious losses for 
retailers, consumers, or both.

You come across a website, either through a web search or an ad on 
social media, for coupons from major retailers. Usually, fake coupons 
are worth much more than real ones, offering steep discounts like 80% 
off. By using brands’ official logos, it's nearly impossible to tell if 
it’s fake or not.

In some cases, getting the “coupons” requires subscribing to a coupon
 service and paying a monthly membership fee. Once you sign up, the 
service promises to either send you digital coupons or paper coupons in 
the mail. You may never receive any coupons, or you might receive 
coupons that are fake. Plus, by signing up, you’ve handed over your 
personal details and possibly your credit card information to a 
dishonest stranger.

You may also come across coupons that offer deals in exchange for 
sharing a link on social media. Don’t do it! The link leads to a 
third-party website where visitors enter personal information in 
exchange for the coupon. In most cases, after signing up, you never 
receive any coupons. Instead, you’ve given your personal details to 
scammers.

Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16758-bbb-tip-phishing-scams">phishing scams</a> to protect your personal information. Find other general tips at <a href="http://www.BBB.org/AvoidScams">BBB.org/AvoidScams</a>.

If you’ve spotted a coupon scam, report it. Share your experience at <a href="http://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a> to help others recognize scams before it’s too late.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBEveryone loves a good deal, and scammers know it. Counterfeit coupons
 are popular way for scammers to steal your identity and money. Motives 
and methods vary, but phony coupons often mean serious losses for 
retailers, consumers, or both.<h2>How the scam works</h2>You come across a website, either through a web search or an ad on 
social media, for coupons from major retailers. Usually, fake coupons 
are worth much more than real ones, offering steep discounts like 80% 
off. By using brands’ official logos, it's nearly impossible to tell if 
it’s fake or not.In some cases, getting the “coupons” requires subscribing to a coupon
 service and paying a monthly membership fee. Once you sign up, the 
service promises to either send you digital coupons or paper coupons in 
the mail. You may never receive any coupons, or you might receive 
coupons that are fake. Plus, by signing up, you’ve handed over your 
personal details and possibly your credit card information to a 
dishonest stranger.You may also come across coupons that offer deals in exchange for 
sharing a link on social media. Don’t do it! The link leads to a 
third-party website where visitors enter personal information in 
exchange for the coupon. In most cases, after signing up, you never 
receive any coupons. Instead, you’ve given your personal details to 
scammers.<h2>How to avoid coupon scams </h2><ul>
 <li>Don’t fall for deals that are too good to be true. Be skeptical. If a coupon is valued near or above the retail price of an item, consider it a red flag. </li><li>Check the source of the coupon. If the coupon 
doesn’t come from a recognized coupon distributor, the manufacturer, or a
 specific store, be wary. If you aren’t sure about a coupon, visit the 
company’s website directly to look for the coupon on their official site
 or contact their customer service line to inquire. </li><li>Think before you click on links in emails. If you 
receive a coupon via email, hover your mouse over the link without 
clicking on it to see where it will take you. If the URL looks like a 
random assortment of letters and numbers, or if it is a shortened link 
that doesn’t reveal where it’s taking you, don’t click it. Only visit 
official websites to avoid downloading malware onto your computer. </li><li>Read coupons carefully. If a coupon doesn’t have an
 expiration date, if it looks photocopied, or if it contains spelling 
and grammar errors, you’re probably dealing with a fake. </li><li>Don’t trade personal information for perks. A real 
business will not ask for your personal information, such as your credit
 card number or bank account information, in exchange for a coupon or to
 enter a giveaway. Promotional offers that ask for personal information 
are usually scams. You shouldn’t have to pay to receive a coupon either. </li><li>Do a search for coupon scams. When in doubt, search
 the coupon offer along with the word “scam.” This will often bring up 
similar offers that are fake and can help you determine whether a coupon
 is real or not.</li>
 </ul><h2>For more information </h2>Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16758-bbb-tip-phishing-scams">phishing scams</a> to protect your personal information. Find other general tips at <a href="http://www.BBB.org/AvoidScams">BBB.org/AvoidScams</a>.If you’ve spotted a coupon scam, report it. Share your experience at <a href="http://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a> to help others recognize scams before it’s too late.

Scam alert: Watch out for fake coupons on social media

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin are set to discuss the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-russia-ukraine-europe-vladimir-putin-1704b24c9140ecd2d8f77c74b0f38a6a">Russian troop buildup near Ukraine</a>&nbsp;during their second call in recent weeks amid little progress toward ending the smoldering crisis.

Ahead of Thursday’s call, the White House indicated that Biden would make clear to Putin that a diplomatic path remains open even as the Russians have moved an estimated 100,000 troops toward Ukraine and Putin has stepped up his demands for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-moscow-1f80249ac893d533fb6fcfdecb3d1ad3">security guarantees</a>&nbsp;in Eastern Europe.

But Biden will reiterate to Putin that for there to be “real progress” in talks they must be conducted in “a context of de-escalation rather than escalation,” according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters ahead of the call. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The call, which was requested by Russian officials, comes as senior U.S. and Russian officials are to hold talks on Jan. 10 in Geneva. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin would speak with Biden on Thursday but provided no details.

The official said Biden and Putin, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-putin-summit-23e73d69f1a7ca338850736a9cf032f5">met in Geneva in June</a>&nbsp;to discuss an array of tensions in the U.S.-Russia relationship, were not expected to take part in the coming talks. The two leaders held a video call earlier this month in which their conversation focused heavily on Russia’s troop movements that have unsettled Ukraine and other European allies.

In that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-sports-business-ap-top-news-3c17d207917eb90adeac03d5ccb31268">Dec. 7 video call</a>, the White House said Biden put Moscow on notice that an invasion of Ukraine would bring sanctions and enormous harm to the Russian economy. Russian officials have dismissed the sanction threats.

Moscow and NATO representatives are expected to meet shortly after the upcoming Geneva talks as are Russia and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which includes the United States.

Earlier this month, Moscow submitted draft security documents demanding that NATO deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries and roll back its military deployments in Central and Eastern Europe.

The U.S. and its allies have refused to offer Russia the kind of guarantees on Ukraine that Putin wants, citing NATO’s principle that membership is open to any qualifying country. They agreed. however, to hold talks with Russia to discuss its concerns.

As Biden prepared for talks with Putin, the administration also sought to highlight the commitment to Ukraine and drive home that Washington is committed to the “principle of nothing about you without you” in shaping policy that affects European allies.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke on Wednesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. State Department spokesman Ned Price said Blinken “reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s military buildup on Ukraine’s borders.”

Biden and administration officials also plan to consult with European allies after the president speaks with Putin to offer them a readout of the engagement.

Putin said earlier this week he would weigh a slew of options if the West fails to meet his push for security guarantees precluding NATO’s expansion to Ukraine.

In Thursday’s call, Biden is expected to stress to Putin that the U.S. is united with its allies but will demonstrate a willingness to engage in “principled diplomacy” with Russia, the administration official said.

In 2014, Russian troops marched into the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and seized the territory from Ukraine. Russia’s annexation of Crimea — one of the darker moments for President Barack Obama on the international stage — looms large as Biden looks to contain the current crisis.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has made clear in public comments that the administration is ready to discuss Moscow’s concerns about NATO in talks with Russian officials, but emphasized that Washington won’t go behind the backs of European allies in shaping policy that affects them.

The two leaders are also expected during Thursday’s call to discuss efforts to persuade Iran to return to the 2015 nuclear accord, which was effectively scrapped by the Trump administration.

Despite differences on Ukraine and other issues, White House officials have said the Iran nuclear issue is one where they believe the U.S. and Russia can work cooperatively.

Biden, who is spending the week in his home state of Delaware, is expected to participate in the call from his home near Wilmington.

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. (AP) — President Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin will speak Thursday as the Russian leader has stepped up his demands for security guarantees in Eastern Europe.

The two leaders will discuss “a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements,” National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne said in a statement announcing the call.

The talks come as the U.S. and Western allies have watched the buildup of Russian troops near the border of Ukraine, growing to an estimated 100,000 and fueling fears that Moscow is preparing to invade Ukraine.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke on Wednesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said Blinken “reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s military buildup on Ukraine’s borders.”

Price said the two discussed efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine and upcoming diplomatic engagements with Russia.

Putin said earlier this week he would ponder a slew of options if the West fails to meet his push for security guarantees precluding NATO’s expansion to Ukraine.

The U.S. and its allies have refused to offer Russia the kind of guarantees on Ukraine that Putin wants, citing NATO’s principle that membership is open to any qualifying country. They agreed. however, to hold talks with Russia next month to discuss its concerns.

The U.S. and Russia are to hold high-level talks on Jan. 10. Moscow and NATO representatives are expected to meet that same week as well as Russia and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which includes the United States.

In Thursday’s call, which was requested by the Russians, Biden is expected to stress to Putin that the U.S. is united with its allies but will demonstrate a willingness to engage in “principled diplomacy” with Russia, according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters on the upcoming call. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity. The two leaders held a video call earlier this month.

The official added that the White House sees the leader- to-leader engagement as important as the administration looks to find a way beyond this “moment of crisis” over growing worries of a further Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In 2014, Russian troops marched into the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and seized the territory from Ukraine. Russia’s annexation of Crimea — one of the darker moments for former President Barack Obama on the international stage — looms large as Biden looks to contain the current smoldering crisis.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has made clear in public comments that the administration is ready to discuss Moscow’s concerns about NATO in talks with Russian officials, but emphasized that Washington is committed to the “principle of nothing about you without you” in shaping policy that affects European allies.

“We’re approaching the broader question of diplomacy with Russia from the point of view that ... meaningful progress at the negotiating table, of course, will have to take place in a context of de-escalation rather than escalation,” Sullivan said at an event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations earlier this month. He added “that it’s very difficult to see agreements getting consummated if we’re continuing to see an escalatory cycle.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin would speak with Biden on Thursday but provided no details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638976547895.png" alt="Earlier this month, President Biden held a secure video call with Russian President Putin to discuss a range of topics in the U.S.-Russia relationship, including concerns about Russian military activities on the border with Ukraine, cyber security and other regional issues.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Earlier this month, President Biden held a secure video call with Russian President Putin to discuss a range of topics in the U.S.-Russia relationship, including concerns about Russian military activities on the border with Ukraine, cyber security and other regional issues.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin are set to discuss the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-russia-ukraine-europe-vladimir-putin-1704b24c9140ecd2d8f77c74b0f38a6a">Russian troop buildup near Ukraine</a>&nbsp;during their second call in recent weeks amid little progress toward ending the smoldering crisis.Ahead of Thursday’s call, the White House indicated that Biden would make clear to Putin that a diplomatic path remains open even as the Russians have moved an estimated 100,000 troops toward Ukraine and Putin has stepped up his demands for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-moscow-1f80249ac893d533fb6fcfdecb3d1ad3">security guarantees</a>&nbsp;in Eastern Europe.But Biden will reiterate to Putin that for there to be “real progress” in talks they must be conducted in “a context of de-escalation rather than escalation,” according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters ahead of the call. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity.The call, which was requested by Russian officials, comes as senior U.S. and Russian officials are to hold talks on Jan. 10 in Geneva. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin would speak with Biden on Thursday but provided no details.The official said Biden and Putin, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-putin-summit-23e73d69f1a7ca338850736a9cf032f5">met in Geneva in June</a>&nbsp;to discuss an array of tensions in the U.S.-Russia relationship, were not expected to take part in the coming talks. The two leaders held a video call earlier this month in which their conversation focused heavily on Russia’s troop movements that have unsettled Ukraine and other European allies.In that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-sports-business-ap-top-news-3c17d207917eb90adeac03d5ccb31268">Dec. 7 video call</a>, the White House said Biden put Moscow on notice that an invasion of Ukraine would bring sanctions and enormous harm to the Russian economy. Russian officials have dismissed the sanction threats.Moscow and NATO representatives are expected to meet shortly after the upcoming Geneva talks as are Russia and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which includes the United States.Earlier this month, Moscow submitted draft security documents demanding that NATO deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries and roll back its military deployments in Central and Eastern Europe.The U.S. and its allies have refused to offer Russia the kind of guarantees on Ukraine that Putin wants, citing NATO’s principle that membership is open to any qualifying country. They agreed. however, to hold talks with Russia to discuss its concerns.As Biden prepared for talks with Putin, the administration also sought to highlight the commitment to Ukraine and drive home that Washington is committed to the “principle of nothing about you without you” in shaping policy that affects European allies.Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke on Wednesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. State Department spokesman Ned Price said Blinken “reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s military buildup on Ukraine’s borders.”Biden and administration officials also plan to consult with European allies after the president speaks with Putin to offer them a readout of the engagement.Putin said earlier this week he would weigh a slew of options if the West fails to meet his push for security guarantees precluding NATO’s expansion to Ukraine.In Thursday’s call, Biden is expected to stress to Putin that the U.S. is united with its allies but will demonstrate a willingness to engage in “principled diplomacy” with Russia, the administration official said.In 2014, Russian troops marched into the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and seized the territory from Ukraine. Russia’s annexation of Crimea — one of the darker moments for President Barack Obama on the international stage — looms large as Biden looks to contain the current crisis.White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has made clear in public comments that the administration is ready to discuss Moscow’s concerns about NATO in talks with Russian officials, but emphasized that Washington won’t go behind the backs of European allies in shaping policy that affects them.The two leaders are also expected during Thursday’s call to discuss efforts to persuade Iran to return to the 2015 nuclear accord, which was effectively scrapped by the Trump administration.Despite differences on Ukraine and other issues, White House officials have said the Iran nuclear issue is one where they believe the U.S. and Russia can work cooperatively.Biden, who is spending the week in his home state of Delaware, is expected to participate in the call from his home near Wilmington.---------REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. (AP) — President Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin will speak Thursday as the Russian leader has stepped up his demands for security guarantees in Eastern Europe.The two leaders will discuss “a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements,” National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne said in a statement announcing the call.The talks come as the U.S. and Western allies have watched the buildup of Russian troops near the border of Ukraine, growing to an estimated 100,000 and fueling fears that Moscow is preparing to invade Ukraine.Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke on Wednesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.State Department spokesman Ned Price said Blinken “reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s military buildup on Ukraine’s borders.”Price said the two discussed efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine and upcoming diplomatic engagements with Russia.Putin said earlier this week he would ponder a slew of options if the West fails to meet his push for security guarantees precluding NATO’s expansion to Ukraine.Earlier this month, Moscow submitted draft security documents demanding that NATO deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries and roll back its military deployments in Central and Eastern Europe.The U.S. and its allies have refused to offer Russia the kind of guarantees on Ukraine that Putin wants, citing NATO’s principle that membership is open to any qualifying country. They agreed. however, to hold talks with Russia next month to discuss its concerns.The U.S. and Russia are to hold high-level talks on Jan. 10. Moscow and NATO representatives are expected to meet that same week as well as Russia and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which includes the United States.In Thursday’s call, which was requested by the Russians, Biden is expected to stress to Putin that the U.S. is united with its allies but will demonstrate a willingness to engage in “principled diplomacy” with Russia, according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters on the upcoming call. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity. The two leaders held a video call earlier this month.The official added that the White House sees the leader- to-leader engagement as important as the administration looks to find a way beyond this “moment of crisis” over growing worries of a further Russian invasion of Ukraine.In 2014, Russian troops marched into the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and seized the territory from Ukraine. Russia’s annexation of Crimea — one of the darker moments for former President Barack Obama on the international stage — looms large as Biden looks to contain the current smoldering crisis.White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has made clear in public comments that the administration is ready to discuss Moscow’s concerns about NATO in talks with Russian officials, but emphasized that Washington is committed to the “principle of nothing about you without you” in shaping policy that affects European allies.“We’re approaching the broader question of diplomacy with Russia from the point of view that ... meaningful progress at the negotiating table, of course, will have to take place in a context of de-escalation rather than escalation,” Sullivan said at an event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations earlier this month. He added “that it’s very difficult to see agreements getting consummated if we’re continuing to see an escalatory cycle.”The two leaders are also expected during Thursday’s call to discuss efforts to persuade Iran to return to the 2015 nuclear accord, which was effectively scrapped by the Trump administration.Despite differences on Ukraine and other issues, White House officials have said the Iran nuclear issue is one where they believe the U.S. and Russia can work cooperatively.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin would speak with Biden on Thursday but provided no details.

Biden, Putin to hold 2nd call this month as tension smolders

RENO COUNTY— Hutchinson fire crews were kept busy with two more fires Wednesday afternoon after a fire at a home they battled early Wednesday, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.

Just before&nbsp; 12:30 p.m. as crews responded to 315 William Street in Hutchinson and found a 20 x 25 detached garage, fully involved. The initial fire attack operations were hampered due to explosions from stored fireworks and structural instability of the building. The fire was brought under control just before 1p.m.. No occupant or firefighter injuries were reported.

While crews were clearing up that fire, another fire crew was dispatched to fire at a home at 322 E. Osborne Street in Hutchinson.

Search and Rescue efforts confirmed the structure was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The fire was brought under control in about 30-minutes.. The resident of the structure was displaced and is receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Both fires are still under investigation.

This is the fifth fire in Hutchinson in the past three days

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640860823494.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY— Hutchinson fire crews were kept busy with two more fires Wednesday afternoon after a fire at a home they battled early Wednesday, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.Just before&nbsp; 12:30 p.m. as crews responded to 315 William Street in Hutchinson and found a 20 x 25 detached garage, fully involved. The initial fire attack operations were hampered due to explosions from stored fireworks and structural instability of the building. The fire was brought under control just before 1p.m.. No occupant or firefighter injuries were reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640860839350.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While crews were clearing up that fire, another fire crew was dispatched to fire at a home at 322 E. Osborne Street in Hutchinson.Search and Rescue efforts confirmed the structure was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The fire was brought under control in about 30-minutes.. The resident of the structure was displaced and is receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Both fires are still under investigation.This is the fifth fire in Hutchinson in the past three days

Explosions from stored fireworks challenge firefighters

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of phones from a retailer in Manhattan.

Just after 2p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for theft in the 300 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd. in Manhattan, according to the RCPD activity report.

Best Buy reported three unknown suspects, 2 men and a woman, stole multiple Apple iPhones. The devices were demonstration models and according to a store&nbsp; source, store employees were dealing with another incident when the suspects snapped the iPhones directly from the Apple display at the back of the store and tried to make a hasty, inconspicuous exit.&nbsp;The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $4,600. 

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

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of phones from a retailer in Manhattan.Just after 2p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for theft in the 300 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd. in Manhattan, according to the RCPD activity report.Best Buy reported three unknown suspects, 2 men and a woman, stole multiple Apple iPhones. The devices were demonstration models and according to a store&nbsp; source, store employees were dealing with another incident when the suspects snapped the iPhones directly from the Apple display at the back of the store and tried to make a hasty, inconspicuous exit.&nbsp;The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $4,600. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Suspects stole iPhones from store in Manhattan

SEDGWICK COUNTY— An autopsy report says that a Black youth’s death following a physical struggle with staff at a Kansas juvenile center was a homicide. The autopsy report released Monday contradicts an earlier, preliminary finding that 17-year-old Cedric Lofton hadn’t suffered life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Tuesday, December 28, attorneys and investigative staff with the Office of the Sedgwick County District Attorney met with agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigations and detectives with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to discuss the investigation into the death of Cedric Lofton, according to a statement from District Attorney Marc Bennett.

This marked the sixth time members of the Office of the District Attorney have met with investigators from one or both agencies since September. &nbsp;The District Attorney is in the process of reviewing over 90 items of evidence including interviews, transcripts, surveillance videos and axon (body camera) videos provided by investigators throughout the investigation.

Contrary to multiple public comments since the release of the autopsy report prepared by the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center, the determination that the manner of death was “homicide” does not reflect a legal determination on the part of the pathologist regarding the viability of criminal charges. &nbsp;

Whether or not criminal charges can be brought is a separate, legal determination to be made by the Office of the District Attorney based on the laws of the State of Kansas and the evidence collected by law enforcement.

“A Guide for Medical Examiners” published by the National Association of Medical Examiners, recognizes there are typically 5 descriptors utilized in autopsy reports when listing a manner of death: &nbsp;(1) Natural; (2) Accident; (3) Suicide; (4) Homicide; and (5) &nbsp;Undetermined. &nbsp;The term “homicide” reflects a determination that a volitional (non-accidental) act was committed by a person other than the deceased that contributed to the death of the deceased.&nbsp; The finding does not reflect a dispositive legal conclusion that the elements of murder or homicide are present. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

An assessment of “intent” does relate to manner-of-death classification: it necessarily underlies the quasi-judicial responsibility derived from the enabling law in the relevant jurisdiction of the death certifier. However, the legal view of intent may differ from the death investigator’s viewpoint. It is sometimes agonizingly difficult, and occasionally impossible, for the unbiased investigator to infer a victim’s or “perpetrator’s” intent. Intent is also much more apparent in some cases than others. For this reason, the concept of “voluntary acts” or “volition” may be useful. In general, if a person’s death results at the “hands of another” who committed a harmful volitional act directed at the victim, the death may be considered a homicide from the death investigation standpoint. . . Although there may not have been intent to kill the victim, the victim died because of the harmful, intentional, volitional act committed by another person. Thus, the manner of death may be classified as homicide because of the intentional or volitional act—not because there was intent to kill.

Deaths due to positional restraint induced by law enforcement personnel or to choke holds or other measures to subdue may be classified as Homicide. In such cases, there may not be intent to kill, but the death results from one or more intentional, volitional, potentially harmful acts directed at the decedent (without consent, of course). Further, there is some value to the homicide classification toward reducing the public perception that a “cover up” is being perpetrated by the death investigation agency.

Though the identification of a cause of death set forth in the autopsy report is a necessary step in the investigative process, the legal determination as to the viability of criminal charges requires a separate legal examination.&nbsp; That work is ongoing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Absent some unforeseen circumstance, the Office of the District Attorney anticipates completing the review in the next 10-15&nbsp;business days.&nbsp; &nbsp;The public will be notified at that time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633046927211.png" alt="Cedric Lofton-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Cedric Lofton-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— An autopsy report says that a Black youth’s death following a physical struggle with staff at a Kansas juvenile center was a homicide. The autopsy report released Monday contradicts an earlier, preliminary finding that 17-year-old Cedric Lofton hadn’t suffered life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Tuesday, December 28, attorneys and investigative staff with the Office of the Sedgwick County District Attorney met with agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigations and detectives with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to discuss the investigation into the death of Cedric Lofton, according to a statement from District Attorney Marc Bennett.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640808525195.png" alt="Courtesy Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center</figcaption>
 </figure>This marked the sixth time members of the Office of the District Attorney have met with investigators from one or both agencies since September. &nbsp;The District Attorney is in the process of reviewing over 90 items of evidence including interviews, transcripts, surveillance videos and axon (body camera) videos provided by investigators throughout the investigation.Contrary to multiple public comments since the release of the autopsy report prepared by the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center, the determination that the manner of death was “homicide” does not reflect a legal determination on the part of the pathologist regarding the viability of criminal charges. &nbsp;Whether or not criminal charges can be brought is a separate, legal determination to be made by the Office of the District Attorney based on the laws of the State of Kansas and the evidence collected by law enforcement.“A Guide for Medical Examiners” published by the National Association of Medical Examiners, recognizes there are typically 5 descriptors utilized in autopsy reports when listing a manner of death: &nbsp;(1) Natural; (2) Accident; (3) Suicide; (4) Homicide; and (5) &nbsp;Undetermined. &nbsp;The term “homicide” reflects a determination that a volitional (non-accidental) act was committed by a person other than the deceased that contributed to the death of the deceased.&nbsp; The finding does not reflect a dispositive legal conclusion that the elements of murder or homicide are present. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The guide explains,An assessment of “intent” does relate to manner-of-death classification: it necessarily underlies the quasi-judicial responsibility derived from the enabling law in the relevant jurisdiction of the death certifier. However, the legal view of intent may differ from the death investigator’s viewpoint. It is sometimes agonizingly difficult, and occasionally impossible, for the unbiased investigator to infer a victim’s or “perpetrator’s” intent. Intent is also much more apparent in some cases than others. For this reason, the concept of “voluntary acts” or “volition” may be useful. In general, if a person’s death results at the “hands of another” who committed a harmful volitional act directed at the victim, the death may be considered a homicide from the death investigation standpoint. . . Although there may not have been intent to kill the victim, the victim died because of the harmful, intentional, volitional act committed by another person. Thus, the manner of death may be classified as homicide because of the intentional or volitional act—not because there was intent to kill.The guide further recognizes,Deaths due to positional restraint induced by law enforcement personnel or to choke holds or other measures to subdue may be classified as Homicide. In such cases, there may not be intent to kill, but the death results from one or more intentional, volitional, potentially harmful acts directed at the decedent (without consent, of course). Further, there is some value to the homicide classification toward reducing the public perception that a “cover up” is being perpetrated by the death investigation agency.Though the identification of a cause of death set forth in the autopsy report is a necessary step in the investigative process, the legal determination as to the viability of criminal charges requires a separate legal examination.&nbsp; That work is ongoing. &nbsp;&nbsp;Absent some unforeseen circumstance, the Office of the District Attorney anticipates completing the review in the next 10-15&nbsp;business days.&nbsp; &nbsp;The public will be notified at that time.

DA: Homicide opinion in death of Kan. teen not a legal determination

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects on drug charges and traffic stops in southwest Kansas.

On Monday, deputies stopped a vehicle in the 2300 block of west Wyatt Earp Blvd. in Dodge City, according to a media release from the Ford County Sheriff.&nbsp;

 Deputies contacted the driver identified as 59-year-old Sandy Marks and a a passenger identified as 45-year-old Jennifer Ortiz both of Wichita.

Marks did not have a valid driver’s license and Ortiz was transporting an open container. When she exited the vehicle deputies noticed a cracker box with a crystal substance in it. A search of the vehicle was conducted which resulted in the seizure of multiple narcotics and drug paraphernalia. They arrested Marks and Ortiz who remain in the Ford County Jail, according to online records.

The second traffic stop was conducted in the 800 block of Wilroads Garden Road in Dodge City. Deputies contacted two occupants of the vehicle. The passenger of the vehicle had an active Ford County warrant. Upon search of the passenger, he was found to be in possession of narcotics. A search of the vehicle was conducted resulting in the seizure of multiple narcotics and drug paraphernalia and a firearm.

Deputies arrested Miquel L. McPhaul Jr., 32 and Dennis Crosby, 41, both of Wichita, who remain in custody.

The two traffic stops resulted in the seizure of approximately 915.5 grams of marijuana, 38 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded 9mm pistol, and 575 suspected fentanyl pills.

The cases will be presented to the Ford County Attorney’s Office for review and charging decisions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640799892212.png" alt="Marks-photo Ford Co." />
 <figcaption>Marks-photo Ford Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects on drug charges and traffic stops in southwest Kansas.On Monday, deputies stopped a vehicle in the 2300 block of west Wyatt Earp Blvd. in Dodge City, according to a media release from the Ford County Sheriff.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640799933195.png" alt="Ortiz photo Ford Co." />
 <figcaption>Ortiz photo Ford Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Deputies contacted the driver identified as 59-year-old Sandy Marks and a a passenger identified as 45-year-old Jennifer Ortiz both of Wichita.Marks did not have a valid driver’s license and Ortiz was transporting an open container. When she exited the vehicle deputies noticed a cracker box with a crystal substance in it. A search of the vehicle was conducted which resulted in the seizure of multiple narcotics and drug paraphernalia. They arrested Marks and Ortiz who remain in the Ford County Jail, according to online records.The second traffic stop was conducted in the 800 block of Wilroads Garden Road in Dodge City. Deputies contacted two occupants of the vehicle. The passenger of the vehicle had an active Ford County warrant. Upon search of the passenger, he was found to be in possession of narcotics. A search of the vehicle was conducted resulting in the seizure of multiple narcotics and drug paraphernalia and a firearm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640800032875.png" alt="Crosby-photo Ford County" />
 <figcaption>Crosby-photo Ford County</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies arrested Miquel L. McPhaul Jr., 32 and Dennis Crosby, 41, both of Wichita, who remain in custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640800167007.png" alt="McPhaul-photo Ford Co." />
 <figcaption>McPhaul-photo Ford Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The two traffic stops resulted in the seizure of approximately 915.5 grams of marijuana, 38 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded 9mm pistol, and 575 suspected fentanyl pills.The cases will be presented to the Ford County Attorney’s Office for review and charging decisions.

Deputies find fentanyl pills, loaded handgun in SW Kan. traffic stop

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri">Missouri</a>&nbsp;boarding school doctor accused of several child sex crimes has been taken into custody in&nbsp;Arkansas.

57-year-old David Smock was arrested Tuesday night in Harrison, Arkansas, not far from the Missouri border. Authorities said they considered him a fugitive for several days.

However, Smock's attorney said Wednesday that his client had been returning to Missouri to turn himself in when he was arrested. He had been visiting his son in&nbsp;Louisiana&nbsp;when he learned of the charges, attorney Craig Heidemann said.

Smock began feeling ill on his return to Missouri and tested positive for COVID-19 at the Arkansas jail, said Heidemann, who was representing Smock on charges filed in Cedar County.

“Dr. Smock’s concern is that law enforcement has wrongly painted him as a fugitive when in fact he’s a COVID victim trying to get back to deal with these charges.”

Smock is the longtime physician for Agape Boarding School, a Christian school that remains under scrutiny after five other employees were charged in September with assaulting students, amounting to a total of 13 third-degree felony assault counts. The school is in Stockton, in Cedar County.

The Missouri Attorney General’s office last week filed eight felony charges against Smock in Cedar County, including four counts of statutory sodomy or attempted sodomy involving a child younger than 14; and one count of second-degree statutory sodomy or attempted sodomy. He also was charged with one count each of sexual misconduct involving a child younger than 15, fourth-degree molestation of a child younger than 17, and first-degree stalking.

Smock was also charged Dec. 23 in Greene County with second-degree statutory sodomy, third-degree child molestation of a child less than 14 years of age and enticement or attempted enticement of a child less than 15 years of age, court records show. According to a probable cause affidavit, this charge related to Smock’s alleged grooming and sexual abuse of a 13-year-old boy at a rental home owned by the doctor in Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri boarding school doctor accused of several child sex crimes has been taken into custody in Arkansas.

 David Smock, 57,&nbsp; was captured Tuesday night in Harrison, Arkansas, not far from the Missouri border. He had been considered a fugitive for several days.

Smock has been the longtime physician for Agape Boarding School, a Christian school that remains under scrutiny after five staffers were charged in September with assaulting students.

Smock was charged Dec. 23 with second-degree statutory sodomy, third-degree child molestation of a child less than 14 years of age and enticement or attempted enticement of a child less than 15 years of age, court records show.

A phone message left Wednesday with Smock's attorney wasn't immediately returned.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640791631814.png" alt="Smock -photo Boone Co. Arkansas Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Smock -photo Boone Co. Arkansas Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri">Missouri</a>&nbsp;boarding school doctor accused of several child sex crimes has been taken into custody in&nbsp;Arkansas.57-year-old David Smock was arrested Tuesday night in Harrison, Arkansas, not far from the Missouri border. Authorities said they considered him a fugitive for several days.However, Smock's attorney said Wednesday that his client had been returning to Missouri to turn himself in when he was arrested. He had been visiting his son in&nbsp;Louisiana&nbsp;when he learned of the charges, attorney Craig Heidemann said.Smock began feeling ill on his return to Missouri and tested positive for COVID-19 at the Arkansas jail, said Heidemann, who was representing Smock on charges filed in Cedar County.“Dr. Smock’s concern is that law enforcement has wrongly painted him as a fugitive when in fact he’s a COVID victim trying to get back to deal with these charges.”Smock is the longtime physician for Agape Boarding School, a Christian school that remains under scrutiny after five other employees were charged in September with assaulting students, amounting to a total of 13 third-degree felony assault counts. The school is in Stockton, in Cedar County.The Missouri Attorney General’s office last week filed eight felony charges against Smock in Cedar County, including four counts of statutory sodomy or attempted sodomy involving a child younger than 14; and one count of second-degree statutory sodomy or attempted sodomy. He also was charged with one count each of sexual misconduct involving a child younger than 15, fourth-degree molestation of a child younger than 17, and first-degree stalking.Smock was also charged Dec. 23 in Greene County with second-degree statutory sodomy, third-degree child molestation of a child less than 14 years of age and enticement or attempted enticement of a child less than 15 years of age, court records show. According to a probable cause affidavit, this charge related to Smock’s alleged grooming and sexual abuse of a 13-year-old boy at a rental home owned by the doctor in Springfield.-------------SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri boarding school doctor accused of several child sex crimes has been taken into custody in Arkansas. David Smock, 57,&nbsp; was captured Tuesday night in Harrison, Arkansas, not far from the Missouri border. He had been considered a fugitive for several days.Smock has been the longtime physician for Agape Boarding School, a Christian school that remains under scrutiny after five staffers were charged in September with assaulting students.Smock was charged Dec. 23 with second-degree statutory sodomy, third-degree child molestation of a child less than 14 years of age and enticement or attempted enticement of a child less than 15 years of age, court records show.A phone message left Wednesday with Smock's attorney wasn't immediately returned.

Fugitive Christian boarding school doctor captured, accused of sex crimes 

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.

Just before 11 p.m. on December 24, a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a Chevy Malibu near 142nd and U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

  The traffic stop ended with the driver being arrested on drug charges.  Eris Shamer Hopkins, 27, of Topeka, remains in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking contraband into a correctional facility and felony interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640778308400.png" alt="Hopkins photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hopkins photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.Just before 11 p.m. on December 24, a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a Chevy Malibu near 142nd and U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The traffic stop ended with the driver being arrested on drug charges. Eris Shamer Hopkins, 27, of Topeka, remains in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking contraband into a correctional facility and felony interference with law enforcement.

Sheriff: Kansas deputy makes Christmas Eve meth arrest

By MARGARET STAFFORD Associated Press

A federal lawsuit alleges that a Missouri firearms store and gun range refused to let a Muslim woman use a shooting range unless she removed her hijab. 

A Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization and an Independence law firm filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against Frontier Justice in Lee's Summit, alleging the gun range's dress code discriminates against Muslim women who wear the religious head covering. 

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Rania Barakat, who went to the gun range on Jan. 1.]

The lawsuit contends Frontier Justice enforces its dress code to discriminate against Muslims. Store officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

By MARGARET STAFFORD Associated PressA federal lawsuit alleges that a Missouri firearms store and gun range refused to let a Muslim woman use a shooting range unless she removed her hijab. A Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization and an Independence law firm filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against Frontier Justice in Lee's Summit, alleging the gun range's dress code discriminates against Muslim women who wear the religious head covering. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Rania Barakat, who went to the gun range on Jan. 1.]The lawsuit contends Frontier Justice enforces its dress code to discriminate against Muslims. Store officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Suit: Missouri shooting range made Muslim woman remove hijab

The University of Kansas Health System

The number of COVID 
patients at The University of Kansas Health System continues to be 
concerning. 69 with the active virus are being treated. Only five of 
those active cases are patients who are fully vaccinated. 13 COVID 
patients are in the ICU and 12 are on ventilators. 

“Overall,
 it is a very low percentage of hospitalized patients who are 
vaccinated,” said Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection 
Prevention and Control at The University of Kansas Hospital. “This 
continues to be a pandemic of two populations – the vaccinated and the 
unvaccinated.”

Despite
 the rising number of cases, the vaccine still works at helping prevent 
hospitalizations and death. Dr. Hawkinson said boosters have shown a 
good response to Omicron with an increase in neutralizing antibodies.

“We
 are steeper than at any point during this pandemic,” said Dr. Steve 
Stites, chief medical officer of The University of Kansas Health System 
in reference to the graph showing the steep rise in national COVID-19 
cases. “And it’s still going straight up.”

A 
reporter question included asking about how to determine what symptoms 
should prompt people to stay home from work or school to help prevent 
the spread of COVID-19.

“Symptoms
 alone cannot distinguish between a common cold, Omicron and Delta,” Dr.
 Stites said. He said they’ve seen patients present with a variety of 
symptoms so testing is important. Special guest Dr. Rachael Liesman, 
Director, Clinical Microbiology at The University of Kansas Health 
System, said that rapid antigen tests may have decreased sensitivity to 
detecting Omicron, based on a recent summary released by the CDC. This 
could be a challenge.

If 
that rapid antigen test is positive for COVID-19, you now have 
information to begin treating it. You can also see a false negative with
 a rapid antigen test, so if that happens and you still feel ill, you 
should get a PCR test to confirm if it is COVID-19, she said.

She
 confirmed that it may be harder to get tests and results because of the
 high demand. “The laboratories are as overwhelmed as the rest of the 
healthcare workers,” she said. “We are struggling to staff our 
laboratories and that is a nationwide shortage.”

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr. Liesman
 also reminded people that flu could impact lab capacity for testing, 
but masking, social distancing and vaccinations – getting the flu 
vaccine too – can help.

Dr.
 Stites and Dr. Hawkinson discussed the recent CDC revised guidance 
around shortening isolation times for asymptomatic positive people from 
10 days to five days. They said it is important to understand why this 
change was made and what the new guidance really says. Dr. Stites 
explained that the CDC recognized there is a shortage of essential 
workers, so this new guidance may help people in important positions get
 back to work after five days if they are not presenting symptoms. It is
 also important to note that the CDC instructed those who are returning 
from isolation to wear a mask to help prevent any potential spread. 

A 
question was asked about overall masking protocols and if masks continue
 to work. Dr. Hawkinson reiterated that CDC guidance on masks have not 
changed and masking is still essential in helping to prevent spread. He 
said the fit needs to be good and that while cloth masks may not be as 
effective as surgical masks, they still can reduce spread. Wear what you
 can.

Dr.
 Stites shared a sobering statistic about seniors. 1 in 100 Americans 
over the age of 65 have died from COVID-19. Dr. Jessica Kalender-Rich, 
Geriatric Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, The University 
of Kansas Health System, joined the special edition program to provide 
an update on the nursing home community.

“We
 are seeing case numbers lower for the fully vaccinated and 
hospitalizations lower for those fully vaccinated,” she said. “What’s 
great is that the vaccination rates among residents is high, but the 
booster rates are pretty low. We really have to get these folks 
boosted.”

She
 also said that new federal rules mean nursing facilities cannot 
restrict visitors now, except in dire circumstances. “So we have to rely
 on visitors to not come when they are sick or exposed,” she said.

She
 is also worried about staffing in nursing facilities. Vaccination rates
 and booster rates for staff are not optimal, so there is fear that they
 could get sick. It mirrors the potential issues facing all health care 
workers who are risking getting infected, are stressed, and sometimes 
even villainized for trying to help patients.

Overall,
 she said that senior care situation is still much better now than when 
the pandemic began. “We’re in an overall better situation because we 
have more knowledge,” said Dr. Kalender-Rich. “Nursing facilities now 
have the tools that they need -- access to testing, PPE, and plans for 
staffing shortages.”

A 
community question was asked about the lack of urgency around antiviral 
drugs, but both Dr. Stites and Dr. Hawkinson challenged the lack of 
urgency claim by praising the new drugs that are coming out now. “There 
are great drugs coming out. There is urgency. The amount of new 
antivirals coming out so quickly is amazing,” said Dr. Stites. One drug 
that shows data around reducing hospitalization among unvaccinated by 
about 80 percent is groundbreaking, said Dr. Stites. He reminded people 
that these drugs need to undergo testing and meet all rigors and 
standards of the FDA.

A 
follow-up question was asked about monoclonal antibodies and why they 
aren’t used more. While there are a lot of complexities, the simple 
answer is there are not enough monoclonal antibody treatments and not 
enough beds. It takes time and staff. And some do not have good activity
 toward Omicron. 

“Vaccines work. The boosters work. The data shows it does help reduce hospitalizations,” said Dr. Hawkinson. 

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jl7ViARYNrc"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The University of Kansas Health SystemThe number of COVID 
patients at The University of Kansas Health System continues to be 
concerning. 69 with the active virus are being treated. Only five of 
those active cases are patients who are fully vaccinated. 13 COVID 
patients are in the ICU and 12 are on ventilators. “Overall,
 it is a very low percentage of hospitalized patients who are 
vaccinated,” said Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection 
Prevention and Control at The University of Kansas Hospital. “This 
continues to be a pandemic of two populations – the vaccinated and the 
unvaccinated.”Despite
 the rising number of cases, the vaccine still works at helping prevent 
hospitalizations and death. Dr. Hawkinson said boosters have shown a 
good response to Omicron with an increase in neutralizing antibodies.“We
 are steeper than at any point during this pandemic,” said Dr. Steve 
Stites, chief medical officer of The University of Kansas Health System 
in reference to the graph showing the steep rise in national COVID-19 
cases. “And it’s still going straight up.”A 
reporter question included asking about how to determine what symptoms 
should prompt people to stay home from work or school to help prevent 
the spread of COVID-19.“Symptoms
 alone cannot distinguish between a common cold, Omicron and Delta,” Dr.
 Stites said. He said they’ve seen patients present with a variety of 
symptoms so testing is important. Special guest Dr. Rachael Liesman, 
Director, Clinical Microbiology at The University of Kansas Health 
System, said that rapid antigen tests may have decreased sensitivity to 
detecting Omicron, based on a recent summary released by the CDC. This 
could be a challenge.If 
that rapid antigen test is positive for COVID-19, you now have 
information to begin treating it. You can also see a false negative with
 a rapid antigen test, so if that happens and you still feel ill, you 
should get a PCR test to confirm if it is COVID-19, she said.She
 confirmed that it may be harder to get tests and results because of the
 high demand. “The laboratories are as overwhelmed as the rest of the 
healthcare workers,” she said. “We are struggling to staff our 
laboratories and that is a nationwide shortage.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr. Liesman
 also reminded people that flu could impact lab capacity for testing, 
but masking, social distancing and vaccinations – getting the flu 
vaccine too – can help.Dr.
 Stites and Dr. Hawkinson discussed the recent CDC revised guidance 
around shortening isolation times for asymptomatic positive people from 
10 days to five days. They said it is important to understand why this 
change was made and what the new guidance really says. Dr. Stites 
explained that the CDC recognized there is a shortage of essential 
workers, so this new guidance may help people in important positions get
 back to work after five days if they are not presenting symptoms. It is
 also important to note that the CDC instructed those who are returning 
from isolation to wear a mask to help prevent any potential spread. A 
question was asked about overall masking protocols and if masks continue
 to work. Dr. Hawkinson reiterated that CDC guidance on masks have not 
changed and masking is still essential in helping to prevent spread. He 
said the fit needs to be good and that while cloth masks may not be as 
effective as surgical masks, they still can reduce spread. Wear what you
 can.Dr.
 Stites shared a sobering statistic about seniors. 1 in 100 Americans 
over the age of 65 have died from COVID-19. Dr. Jessica Kalender-Rich, 
Geriatric Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, The University 
of Kansas Health System, joined the special edition program to provide 
an update on the nursing home community.“We
 are seeing case numbers lower for the fully vaccinated and 
hospitalizations lower for those fully vaccinated,” she said. “What’s 
great is that the vaccination rates among residents is high, but the 
booster rates are pretty low. We really have to get these folks 
boosted.”She
 also said that new federal rules mean nursing facilities cannot 
restrict visitors now, except in dire circumstances. “So we have to rely
 on visitors to not come when they are sick or exposed,” she said.She
 is also worried about staffing in nursing facilities. Vaccination rates
 and booster rates for staff are not optimal, so there is fear that they
 could get sick. It mirrors the potential issues facing all health care 
workers who are risking getting infected, are stressed, and sometimes 
even villainized for trying to help patients.Overall,
 she said that senior care situation is still much better now than when 
the pandemic began. “We’re in an overall better situation because we 
have more knowledge,” said Dr. Kalender-Rich. “Nursing facilities now 
have the tools that they need -- access to testing, PPE, and plans for 
staffing shortages.”A 
community question was asked about the lack of urgency around antiviral 
drugs, but both Dr. Stites and Dr. Hawkinson challenged the lack of 
urgency claim by praising the new drugs that are coming out now. “There 
are great drugs coming out. There is urgency. The amount of new 
antivirals coming out so quickly is amazing,” said Dr. Stites. One drug 
that shows data around reducing hospitalization among unvaccinated by 
about 80 percent is groundbreaking, said Dr. Stites. He reminded people 
that these drugs need to undergo testing and meet all rigors and 
standards of the FDA.A 
follow-up question was asked about monoclonal antibodies and why they 
aren’t used more. While there are a lot of complexities, the simple 
answer is there are not enough monoclonal antibody treatments and not 
enough beds. It takes time and staff. And some do not have good activity
 toward Omicron. “Vaccines work. The boosters work. The data shows it does help reduce hospitalizations,” said Dr. Hawkinson.

🎥'Pandemic of two populations — the vaccinated and unvaccinated

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 7,083 to a total of 519,544, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 37 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,001

<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 7,083 to a total of 519,544, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 37 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,001<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640805043111.png" alt="Wednesday Dec. 29, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Dec. 29, 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: Statewide COVID death toll tops 7,000

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The man who killed former NFL player Joe McKnight cannot be tried again on a murder charge, now that his conviction on the lesser charge of manslaughter has been overturned, a Louisiana appeal court ruled Thursday.

Authorities in the New Orleans suburb of Jefferson Parish originally charged Ronald Gasser with second-degree murder in the road rage shooting of McKnight, a standout high school football player in Louisiana who later played in the NFL.

The jury came back with a lesser manslaughter conviction. But that verdict came on a 10-2 vote. It was thrown out, along with Gasser's 30-year prison term, and a new trial was ordered after the Supreme Court ruled non-unanimous verdicts unconstitutional.

Prosecutors wanted another chance at seeking a murder conviction. But state District Judge Ellen Shirer Kovach ruled in February that trying Gasser for murder again would violate his constitutional protection against double jeopardy.

On Thursday, the state 5th Circuit Court of Appeal agreed in a 2-1 panel ruling.

“At the time of defendant’s trial in the present case, a unanimous verdict was not required by Louisiana law in order to acquit a defendant,” Judge Hans Liljeberg wrote in an opinion joined by Judge Robert Chaisson. “Therefore, when the jury returned a ten to two verdict of guilty of manslaughter, it served as a valid acquittal of the second degree murder charge, precluding retrial of defendant for second degree murder based on the principles of double jeopardy.”

Judge Marc Johnson dissented. “To vacate a jury verdict convicting a defendant because it was a non-unanimous jury verdict then uphold the implied acquittal of a defendant resulting from the same non-unanimous jury verdict is rationally irreconcilable,” he wrote.

The Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office declined comment on Thursday.

“It seemed fairly obvious to us that the Double Jeopardy clause prevented the state from trying Mr. Gasser for murder a second time after his prior acquittal on that charge," Gasser's attorney, Dane Ciolino, wrote in an email Thursday night. "We are glad that both the district judge and appellate court agreed. We hope that the state doesn’t waste any more time and money to appeal this any further.”

McKnight was a high school football hero at Louisiana’s John Curtis Christian School who played three seasons for the New York Jets and one with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Gasser fatally shot McKnight on Dec. 1, 2016, after what authorities described as a rolling a 5-mile traffic dispute and chase over a New Orleans area bridge.

Witnesses at the 2018 trial said McKnight had been weaving in and out of traffic at high speed before the shooting — one prosecutor acknowledged to the jury that he was “driving like a jerk.” But prosecutors argued that Gasser escalated the conflict, following McKnight down an exit that he would not ordinarily have taken.

Gasser's defense team insisted he fired at McKnight in self-defense.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594918451537.png" alt="Deputies at the scene of Gasser's arrest in 2016 photo courtesy WWL-TV" />
 <figcaption>Deputies at the scene of Gasser's arrest in 2016 photo courtesy WWL-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The man who killed former NFL player Joe McKnight cannot be tried again on a murder charge, now that his conviction on the lesser charge of manslaughter has been overturned, a Louisiana appeal court ruled Thursday.Authorities in the New Orleans suburb of Jefferson Parish originally charged Ronald Gasser with second-degree murder in the road rage shooting of McKnight, a standout high school football player in Louisiana who later played in the NFL.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594910560020.png" alt="Gasser-photo Jefferson Parish" />
 <figcaption>Gasser-photo Jefferson Parish</figcaption>
 </figure>The jury came back with a lesser manslaughter conviction. But that verdict came on a 10-2 vote. It was thrown out, along with Gasser's 30-year prison term, and a new trial was ordered after the Supreme Court ruled non-unanimous verdicts unconstitutional.Prosecutors wanted another chance at seeking a murder conviction. But state District Judge Ellen Shirer Kovach ruled in February that trying Gasser for murder again would violate his constitutional protection against double jeopardy.On Thursday, the state 5th Circuit Court of Appeal agreed in a 2-1 panel ruling.“At the time of defendant’s trial in the present case, a unanimous verdict was not required by Louisiana law in order to acquit a defendant,” Judge Hans Liljeberg wrote in an opinion joined by Judge Robert Chaisson. “Therefore, when the jury returned a ten to two verdict of guilty of manslaughter, it served as a valid acquittal of the second degree murder charge, precluding retrial of defendant for second degree murder based on the principles of double jeopardy.”Judge Marc Johnson dissented. “To vacate a jury verdict convicting a defendant because it was a non-unanimous jury verdict then uphold the implied acquittal of a defendant resulting from the same non-unanimous jury verdict is rationally irreconcilable,” he wrote.The Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office declined comment on Thursday.“It seemed fairly obvious to us that the Double Jeopardy clause prevented the state from trying Mr. Gasser for murder a second time after his prior acquittal on that charge," Gasser's attorney, Dane Ciolino, wrote in an email Thursday night. "We are glad that both the district judge and appellate court agreed. We hope that the state doesn’t waste any more time and money to appeal this any further.”Gasser remains jailed pending trial.McKnight was a high school football hero at Louisiana’s John Curtis Christian School who played three seasons for the New York Jets and one with the Kansas City Chiefs.Gasser fatally shot McKnight on Dec. 1, 2016, after what authorities described as a rolling a 5-mile traffic dispute and chase over a New Orleans area bridge.Witnesses at the 2018 trial said McKnight had been weaving in and out of traffic at high speed before the shooting — one prosecutor acknowledged to the jury that he was “driving like a jerk.” But prosecutors argued that Gasser escalated the conflict, following McKnight down an exit that he would not ordinarily have taken.Gasser's defense team insisted he fired at McKnight in self-defense.

Court: Killer of former KC Chief can't face 2nd murder trial

PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man has been charged with four misdemeanor counts of motor vehicle in connection with a crash that killed four people from Kansas earlier this year. 

Ronald Dubas of La Vista was charged in Cass County earlier this month. Dubas posted bail and is out of jail ahead of a Jan. 11 hearing, but court records don't list an attorney representing him.

  Prosecutors said the 56-year-old Dubas’ pickup truck crossed the centerline and collided with a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt on U.S. Highway 75 just south of Union, Nebraska on Jan. 31. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640800728187.png" alt="January fatal crash scene photo courtesy WIBW-TV" />
 <figcaption>January fatal crash scene photo courtesy WIBW-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man has been charged with four misdemeanor counts of motor vehicle in connection with a crash that killed four people from Kansas earlier this year. Ronald Dubas of La Vista was charged in Cass County earlier this month. Dubas posted bail and is out of jail ahead of a Jan. 11 hearing, but court records don't list an attorney representing him. Prosecutors said the 56-year-old Dubas’ pickup truck crossed the centerline and collided with a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt on U.S. Highway 75 just south of Union, Nebraska on Jan. 31. Two young women and two children from Kansas died in the crash. A 20-year-old woman who was riding in the front passenger seat survived the wreck.