UPDATE: Junction City officials have issued a boil water advisory.

By DEWEY TERRILL <a href="https://jcpost.com">JC Post</a>

JUNCTION CITY —&nbsp;Just after 10 a.m. water remained at least six feet deep in the basement of the Junction City Water Plant following an overnight flooding problem at the facility. Fire crews are working to remove the water down to a level where officials can get in to inspect the pumps.

At this point City Manager Allen Dinkel said there is no problem with
 the water ( service ) but people need to conserve usage to a minimum, 
"so we can conserve everything we have. If we do that we'll probably get
 along in good shape and move through this. "

City officials 
planned to meet with the local Emergency Operations Center Board to 
discuss the option of bringing in water if that becomes necessary. 
Dinkel confirmed that in addition to the plant there is still water 
remaining in the water towers. He estimated that as of mid-morning they 
were about half full. " There are also underground water sources and the
 city manager noted that an engineering firm is looking at possible 
options there.

Geary County Emergency Management Director GarryBerges explained earlier on Wednesday why a&nbsp;conserve water request was issued by the City to local residents.
 "The generator when it shut down when power was restored back to that 
water treatment plant last night, a valve didn't close and allowed water
 to flow into the basement. They estimate about 600,000 gallons of water is in the basement
 that they need to get out of there so that they can inspect the pumps 
and the equipment down there to get everything back running again."

Berges
 said the estimate on reducing the water level back down before 
officials could begin inspecting the equipment was six to eight hours. 
The work to remove the water was under way early Thursday morning.&nbsp;

Junction
 City Manager Allen Dinkel told JC Post when power was switched off the 
generator at the water plant to Evergy there were problems. "And then 
water started coming into the bottom of the building from the pumps. " 
Once the water level is lowered damage will be assessed. "Right now we 
need people to conserve ( water ) as much as possible. We've worked with
 our biggest water users in town, and of course school is not open&nbsp; 
today so that helps. " Dinkel added that the larger water users are 
cutting back on usage.

Water in the towers is being used right now
 and the city manager noted that they are looking at the alternative of 
pumping water out of underground storage, and the City has an 
engineering firm working on that as well. Dinkel added the damage to the
 pumps in the basement of the Water Plant may or may not be bad.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639689362580.jpeg" alt="Water being pumped out of the basement of the Junction City Water Plant." />
 <figcaption>Water being pumped out of the basement of the Junction City Water Plant.</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: Junction City officials have issued a boil water advisory.By DEWEY TERRILL <a href="https://jcpost.com">JC Post</a>JUNCTION CITY —&nbsp;Just after 10 a.m. water remained at least six feet deep in the basement of the Junction City Water Plant following an overnight flooding problem at the facility. Fire crews are working to remove the water down to a level where officials can get in to inspect the pumps.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639689438660.jpeg" alt="A worker checks the depth of the water at mid-morning. At that location just entering the basement the water was about six feet deep." />
 <figcaption>A worker checks the depth of the water at mid-morning. At that location just entering the basement the water was about six feet deep.</figcaption>
 </figure>At this point City Manager Allen Dinkel said there is no problem with
 the water ( service ) but people need to conserve usage to a minimum, 
"so we can conserve everything we have. If we do that we'll probably get
 along in good shape and move through this. "City officials 
planned to meet with the local Emergency Operations Center Board to 
discuss the option of bringing in water if that becomes necessary. 
Dinkel confirmed that in addition to the plant there is still water 
remaining in the water towers. He estimated that as of mid-morning they 
were about half full. " There are also underground water sources and the
 city manager noted that an engineering firm is looking at possible 
options there.---Geary County Emergency Management Director GarryBerges explained earlier on Wednesday why a&nbsp;conserve water request was issued by the City to local residents.
 "The generator when it shut down when power was restored back to that 
water treatment plant last night, a valve didn't close and allowed water
 to flow into the basement. They estimate about 600,000 gallons of water is in the basement
 that they need to get out of there so that they can inspect the pumps 
and the equipment down there to get everything back running again."Berges
 said the estimate on reducing the water level back down before 
officials could begin inspecting the equipment was six to eight hours. 
The work to remove the water was under way early Thursday morning.&nbsp;Junction
 City Manager Allen Dinkel told JC Post when power was switched off the 
generator at the water plant to Evergy there were problems. "And then 
water started coming into the bottom of the building from the pumps. " 
Once the water level is lowered damage will be assessed. "Right now we 
need people to conserve ( water ) as much as possible. We've worked with
 our biggest water users in town, and of course school is not open&nbsp; 
today so that helps. " Dinkel added that the larger water users are 
cutting back on usage.Water in the towers is being used right now
 and the city manager noted that they are looking at the alternative of 
pumping water out of underground storage, and the City has an 
engineering firm working on that as well. Dinkel added the damage to the
 pumps in the basement of the Water Plant may or may not be bad.&nbsp;

Crews attempt to clean up flooded Junction City water plant

KANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Three people were killed after a firetruck collided with a sport utility vehicle, then plowed over a sidewalk and into a building in a Kansas City entertainment district.

Police said the collision happened Wednesday night in the Westport area as the pumper was headed to an emergency call with its lights and sirens flashing. The impact forced the pumper and the SUV over a sidewalk, where a woman who was walking was hit. The vehicles came to a stop in building that had been home to the Riot Room, a bar and music venue that recently closed.

Two of the victims were found soon after the crash in a sport utility vehicle. The pedestrian's body was buried in the rubble and found Thursday, police said.

No firefighters were injured. Police have not released the names of those killed.

Kansas City Fire Chief Donna Lake said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KCMOFireDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">tweet&nbsp;</a>that the department's “hearts, prayers, and thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of everyone involved."

“As first responders, we are entrusted to respond to incidents and help people, and we are heartbroken by last night’s tragic collision," she said.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two people in a vehicle were killed and a pedestrian was feared buried under rubble after a firetruck collided with another vehicle, then plowed over a sidewalk and into a building a Kansas City entertainment district.

Police said two people in a sport utility vehicle hit by the firetruck Wednesday night died in the crash, and a pedestrian struck during the collision was believed to be buried under the wreckage and rubble from the partially-collapsed building.

The crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. as the firetruck headed to an emergency call with its lights and siren on, hitting the SUV at an intersection in the Westport entertainment district, police said. The collision forced both vehicles over a sidewalk, where a woman who was walking was hit, and into a building that had been home to the Riot Room, a bar and music venue that recently closed.

No firefighters were injured. Police have not released the names of those killed or the missing pedestrian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639665850854.png" alt="The crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday as the firetruck headed to an emergency call with its lights and siren on-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday as the firetruck headed to an emergency call with its lights and siren on-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Three people were killed after a firetruck collided with a sport utility vehicle, then plowed over a sidewalk and into a building in a Kansas City entertainment district.Police said the collision happened Wednesday night in the Westport area as the pumper was headed to an emergency call with its lights and sirens flashing. The impact forced the pumper and the SUV over a sidewalk, where a woman who was walking was hit. The vehicles came to a stop in building that had been home to the Riot Room, a bar and music venue that recently closed.Two of the victims were found soon after the crash in a sport utility vehicle. The pedestrian's body was buried in the rubble and found Thursday, police said.No firefighters were injured. Police have not released the names of those killed.Kansas City Fire Chief Donna Lake said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KCMOFireDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">tweet&nbsp;</a>that the department's “hearts, prayers, and thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of everyone involved."“As first responders, we are entrusted to respond to incidents and help people, and we are heartbroken by last night’s tragic collision," she said.-----------KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two people in a vehicle were killed and a pedestrian was feared buried under rubble after a firetruck collided with another vehicle, then plowed over a sidewalk and into a building a Kansas City entertainment district.Police said two people in a sport utility vehicle hit by the firetruck Wednesday night died in the crash, and a pedestrian struck during the collision was believed to be buried under the wreckage and rubble from the partially-collapsed building.The crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. as the firetruck headed to an emergency call with its lights and siren on, hitting the SUV at an intersection in the Westport entertainment district, police said. The collision forced both vehicles over a sidewalk, where a woman who was walking was hit, and into a building that had been home to the Riot Room, a bar and music venue that recently closed.No firefighters were injured. Police have not released the names of those killed or the missing pedestrian.

Update: 3 dead after firetruck, SUV crash in Kansas City

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on Thursday announced that the state Health and Environmental Laboratories has found the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in one Kansas resident.

The Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories are screening all current positive PCR COVID-19 samples received at the lab to look for a specific genetic characteristic that would indicate the Omicron variant. Any samples that screen positive will be sequenced for confirmation of the Omicron variant. Additionally, the lab sequences a random sample of PCR positive COVID-19 samples regardless of whether they pass this screening process. This multi-pronged approach led to the detection of the variant.

“Since the Omicron variant was classified as a Variant of Concern, KDHE’s Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories has been working to identify the variant in the state. Through genomic sequencing, they were able to confirm the first case of the Omicron variant in Kansas,”&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary, said.&nbsp;“The detection of the variant does not come as a surprise. This virus is highly infectious and transmittable. We must do our part to protect ourselves and those around us by using the tools available to us.”&nbsp;

The individual with the Omicron variant is a vaccinated adult in Franklin County. This individual has not received a booster dose. No additional details will be released to protect the privacy of the individual.

Health officials urge Kansans to use the following tools to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638148803210.png" alt="3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron -photo courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron -photo courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on Thursday announced that the state Health and Environmental Laboratories has found the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in one Kansas resident.The Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories are screening all current positive PCR COVID-19 samples received at the lab to look for a specific genetic characteristic that would indicate the Omicron variant. Any samples that screen positive will be sequenced for confirmation of the Omicron variant. Additionally, the lab sequences a random sample of PCR positive COVID-19 samples regardless of whether they pass this screening process. This multi-pronged approach led to the detection of the variant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639685332683.png" alt="Omicron detected in over half of U.S. states-image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>Omicron detected in over half of U.S. states-image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>“Since the Omicron variant was classified as a Variant of Concern, KDHE’s Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories has been working to identify the variant in the state. Through genomic sequencing, they were able to confirm the first case of the Omicron variant in Kansas,”&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary, said.&nbsp;“The detection of the variant does not come as a surprise. This virus is highly infectious and transmittable. We must do our part to protect ourselves and those around us by using the tools available to us.”&nbsp;The individual with the Omicron variant is a vaccinated adult in Franklin County. This individual has not received a booster dose. No additional details will be released to protect the privacy of the individual.Health officials urge Kansans to use the following tools to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.<ul>
 <li>Get vaccinated and boosted.&nbsp;Vaccines remain the best tool to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. The three authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations, and death. Scientists expect the vaccines to prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and death in people infected with the Omicron variant. COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for people ages 5 and over. The COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for all individuals ages 16 and over. To find a vaccine near you, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTYuNTA0MzMzNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnZhY2NpbmVzLmdvdj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.SXN96rC71L7U-Gl7rZ4x1d-Dsdn1EvouZgZdKG41bPk/s/1305913448/br/123296004070-l" target="_blank">Vaccines.gov</a>.</li><li>Wear a mask.&nbsp;Masks offer protection against all variants. It is recommended that people wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings in Kansas, where COVID-19 transmission remains high, regardless of vaccination status.</li><li>Get tested.&nbsp;If you are sick or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, it is recommended that you get tested for COVID-19. COVID-19 tests are available across Kansas. Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTYuNTA0MzMzNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lmtub3diZWZvcmV5b3Vnb2tzLmNvbS8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.7w6dgJFBcZfLiw-HfEmluWBIWYGzpij5RSfEDlNpCSU/s/1305913448/br/123296004070-l" target="_blank">KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com</a>&nbsp;to find a free testing location near you. At-home tests are available for purchase at grocery stores and pharmacies. These can be used at home, work or anywhere and can provide rapid results. If a positive result is received through an at-home test, individuals should follow up with a health care provider about a confirmation test.</li><li>Social distance.&nbsp;When in public settings, stay at least 6 feet from other people, especially if you are at higher risk of getting sick.</li>
 </ul>

First Kansan with Omicron variant is vaccinated adult 

By FRANK MORRIS and CARLOS MORENO <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-15/the-storms-across-kansas-fanned-fires-and-smoke-that-carried-as-far-as-the-great-lakes">Kansas News Service</a>

High winds scraping across the Kansas landscape Wednesday ripped down
 power lines, sparked fires and fanned flames that blew smoke from the 
Flint Hills through Kansas City and as far as the Great Lakes.

In 
Trego County west of Hays, Kansas, exhausted volunteer firefighters 
battled what they could well into the night and prepared to head back 
out Thursday morning to tame grass fires singing acres of prairie and 
farmland.

At times, the winds gusted more than 100 mph in parts of
 Kansas, stoking wildfires from the Great Plains to the Missouri River 
Valley.

“It’s just crazy,” said Kathleen Fabrizius, the emergency 
management director for Trego County. “I would have never ever thought 
that something like this could have happened.”

Fabrizius said she’s seen some of the largest Kansas wildfires in recent years.

“But
 this is not like those because it’s just across the entire county,” she
 said. “It was all sparked by power lines, and it was just one after the
 other. You don’t know which way to even go.”

Fabrizius said all the downed power lines presented their own 
dangers. Firefighters couldn’t cross them until they were sure the lines
 were dead.

She said Trego County fires destroyed at least three 
homes along with outbuildings and several abandoned farmsteads. And she 
said flames were sprouting in all the nearby counties, too. That meant 
volunteer fire departments that ordinarily would have traveled in to 
help found themselves occupied battling flames closer to home.

“Normally
 we would have backups from other counties,” Fabrizius said. “We just 
don’t have that. They’re all dealing with the same thing we are.”

Meanwhile,
 the winds blew down trees, ripped away roofs and tangled enough power 
lines that Evergy, the state’s largest electric utility, reported as 
many as 170,000 customers without power.

“We will not get 
everybody back on tonight. We will not be able to get everybody back on 
tomorrow,” said Evergy spokesman Chuck Caisley, <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/article256640446.html" target="_blank">according to The Kansas City Star</a>.
 “This outage is going to extend in some areas into multiple days as the
 amount of damage would just be impossible to get done in a 24-hour 
period.”

The wind storm came with hail and triggered a series of tornado 
watches across the region. Caisley said the weather brought “some of the
 most widespread damage across our service territory that Evergy has 
ever seen.”

Some flights to Kansas City International Airport were
 diverted and outgoing flights were delayed after air traffic 
controllers were briefly evacuated from the cab of the tower.

Across
 Kansas, the winds limited visibility and sent semitractor-trailers 
weaving. Interstate 70 and a handful of other highways in western Kansas
 were closed down for hours.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639666917994.png" alt="Reno County Fire District No. 6 / Courtesy KNS" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Fire District No. 6 / Courtesy KNS</figcaption>
 </figure>By FRANK MORRIS and CARLOS MORENO <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-15/the-storms-across-kansas-fanned-fires-and-smoke-that-carried-as-far-as-the-great-lakes">Kansas News Service</a>High winds scraping across the Kansas landscape Wednesday ripped down
 power lines, sparked fires and fanned flames that blew smoke from the 
Flint Hills through Kansas City and as far as the Great Lakes.In 
Trego County west of Hays, Kansas, exhausted volunteer firefighters 
battled what they could well into the night and prepared to head back 
out Thursday morning to tame grass fires singing acres of prairie and 
farmland.At times, the winds gusted more than 100 mph in parts of
 Kansas, stoking wildfires from the Great Plains to the Missouri River 
Valley.“It’s just crazy,” said Kathleen Fabrizius, the emergency 
management director for Trego County. “I would have never ever thought 
that something like this could have happened.”Fabrizius said she’s seen some of the largest Kansas wildfires in recent years.“But
 this is not like those because it’s just across the entire county,” she
 said. “It was all sparked by power lines, and it was just one after the
 other. You don’t know which way to even go.”Fabrizius said all the downed power lines presented their own 
dangers. Firefighters couldn’t cross them until they were sure the lines
 were dead.She said Trego County fires destroyed at least three 
homes along with outbuildings and several abandoned farmsteads. And she 
said flames were sprouting in all the nearby counties, too. That meant 
volunteer fire departments that ordinarily would have traveled in to 
help found themselves occupied battling flames closer to home.“Normally
 we would have backups from other counties,” Fabrizius said. “We just 
don’t have that. They’re all dealing with the same thing we are.”Meanwhile,
 the winds blew down trees, ripped away roofs and tangled enough power 
lines that Evergy, the state’s largest electric utility, reported as 
many as 170,000 customers without power.“We will not get 
everybody back on tonight. We will not be able to get everybody back on 
tomorrow,” said Evergy spokesman Chuck Caisley, <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/article256640446.html" target="_blank">according to The Kansas City Star</a>.
 “This outage is going to extend in some areas into multiple days as the
 amount of damage would just be impossible to get done in a 24-hour 
period.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Heads up to eastern Kansas: this is what’s coming your way <a href="https://t.co/Dg7JPgFUc0">pic.twitter.com/Dg7JPgFUc0</a>&mdash; David Condos (@davidcondos) <a href="https://twitter.com/davidcondos/status/1471248069840842759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>The wind storm came with hail and triggered a series of tornado 
watches across the region. Caisley said the weather brought “some of the
 most widespread damage across our service territory that Evergy has 
ever seen.”Some flights to Kansas City International Airport were
 diverted and outgoing flights were delayed after air traffic 
controllers were briefly evacuated from the cab of the tower.Across
 Kansas, the winds limited visibility and sent semitractor-trailers 
weaving. Interstate 70 and a handful of other highways in western Kansas
 were closed down for hours.

Kan. storms fanned fires and smoke that carried as far as the Great Lakes

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) encourages Kansans to celebrate the upcoming holiday safely. 

Whether you are celebrating with family or friends, it is important to know what COVID-19 precautions you can take to protect yourself and others this holiday season, according to a media release from the agency.

“The end of the year is an extremely busy time for us all and it is important that we continue to make our health and safety a priority,”&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary. “We encourage all Kansans to work together this holiday season and take the necessary steps to keep ourselves and others safe. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday.”&nbsp;

In order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTUuNTAzNjA2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9kYWlseS1saWZlLWNvcGluZy9ob2xpZGF5cy9jZWxlYnJhdGlvbnMuaHRtbD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.h014bL6TLTm4aR9A5eoBcVJ2aj-JGtCPh8Y1DfBZwgo/s/1305913448/br/123223438287-l" target="_blank">Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a>&nbsp;recommends taking the following precautions:&nbsp;

Help keep our communities stay safe by getting tested regularly. To find a free testing location near you, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTUuNTAzNjA2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy5rZGhla3MuZ292LzI4MC9DT1ZJRC0xOS1UZXN0aW5nP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.hM52F9CIKFLur21Jqcp_R-vKS2O2tAATr687ZYrM9Qc/s/1305913448/br/123223438287-l" target="_blank">knowbeforeyougoKS.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To learn more about the vaccines, who is eligible to get vaccinated (or receive a booster shot), and schedule a vaccination appointment, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTUuNTAzNjA2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXN2YWNjaW5lLmdvdi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.CYdsWfGoS9EUeQa1fkwjEcrkFF9dnyszy8JtRmegzeo/s/1305913448/br/123223438287-l" target="_blank">kansasvaccine.gov</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612200579953.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) encourages Kansans to celebrate the upcoming holiday safely. Whether you are celebrating with family or friends, it is important to know what COVID-19 precautions you can take to protect yourself and others this holiday season, according to a media release from the agency.“The end of the year is an extremely busy time for us all and it is important that we continue to make our health and safety a priority,”&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary. “We encourage all Kansans to work together this holiday season and take the necessary steps to keep ourselves and others safe. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday.”&nbsp;In order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTUuNTAzNjA2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9kYWlseS1saWZlLWNvcGluZy9ob2xpZGF5cy9jZWxlYnJhdGlvbnMuaHRtbD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.h014bL6TLTm4aR9A5eoBcVJ2aj-JGtCPh8Y1DfBZwgo/s/1305913448/br/123223438287-l" target="_blank">Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a>&nbsp;recommends taking the following precautions:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Get vaccinated&nbsp;and boosted.&nbsp;Vaccines remain the best tool to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. The three authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death and scientists expect they will also prevent serious illness, hospitalizations and death in people infected with the Omicron variant. COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for people ages&nbsp;5 and over. The COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for&nbsp;people ages&nbsp;16&nbsp;and over.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Get tested.&nbsp;Even if someone is not showing symptoms, they can still spread the virus. Protect your loved ones by getting tested for COVID-19 before spending the holidays with friends and family.&nbsp;</li><li>Wear a mask.&nbsp;It is recommended that you wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth in public indoor settings, even if you are fully vaccinated. If you or someone you are celebrating with has a weakened immune system,&nbsp;is at an increased risk for severe disease or is unvaccinated, wear a mask while gathering as an added precaution.&nbsp;</li><li>Take travel precautions.&nbsp;It is recommended to delay travel until you are fully vaccinated. Whether you are fully vaccinated or not, it is important to know the travel recommendations and restrictions before your trip. For information about domestic and international travel guidance for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTUuNTAzNjA2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi90cmF2ZWxlcnMvaW5kZXguaHRtbD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.yWkJ2Ll-7XNFpIpKx7plOscoBbDMr4KKaAwsw7il3XI/s/1305913448/br/123223438287-l" target="_blank">CDC’s Travel page</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Help keep our communities stay safe by getting tested regularly. To find a free testing location near you, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTUuNTAzNjA2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy5rZGhla3MuZ292LzI4MC9DT1ZJRC0xOS1UZXN0aW5nP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.hM52F9CIKFLur21Jqcp_R-vKS2O2tAATr687ZYrM9Qc/s/1305913448/br/123223438287-l" target="_blank">knowbeforeyougoKS.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;To learn more about the vaccines, who is eligible to get vaccinated (or receive a booster shot), and schedule a vaccination appointment, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTUuNTAzNjA2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXN2YWNjaW5lLmdvdi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.CYdsWfGoS9EUeQa1fkwjEcrkFF9dnyszy8JtRmegzeo/s/1305913448/br/123223438287-l" target="_blank">kansasvaccine.gov</a>.&nbsp;

KDHE: Masks this Christmas even if you are vaccinated 

TOPEKA — Three people died in motor vehicle accidents Wednesday as a powerful storm system swept across Kansas with hurricane-force wind gusts.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Troopers worked 51 non injury accidents across the state Wednesday and 20 injury accidents.

In addition, the patrol assisted on the scene of two fatal accidents that resulted in the death of three people including a 47-year-old woman at U.S. 83 and County Road 230 in Haskell County.&nbsp;

Rocio Marieno- Sanz died when a semi rear-ended the SUV she was driving just before 1p.m.

The Kansas Department of Transportation closed portions of Interstate 70 for most of the afternoon. Kansas 156, between U.S. 283 and U.S 183 was also closed temporarily. All across the state Thursday, tow services will be removing vehicles from ditches and medians as Kansas cleans up from the storm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639654931125.png" alt="First responders on the scene of a rollover crash on Interstate 70 Wednesday-photo courtesy KHP" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of a rollover crash on Interstate 70 Wednesday-photo courtesy KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Three people died in motor vehicle accidents Wednesday as a powerful storm system swept across Kansas with hurricane-force wind gusts.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Troopers worked 51 non injury accidents across the state Wednesday and 20 injury accidents.In addition, the patrol assisted on the scene of two fatal accidents that resulted in the death of three people including a 47-year-old woman at U.S. 83 and County Road 230 in Haskell County.&nbsp;Rocio Marieno- Sanz died when a semi rear-ended the SUV she was driving just before 1p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639666308394.png" alt="US 183 in Phillips County Wednesday-photo Phillips County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>US 183 in Phillips County Wednesday-photo Phillips County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Transportation closed portions of Interstate 70 for most of the afternoon. Kansas 156, between U.S. 283 and U.S 183 was also closed temporarily. All across the state Thursday, tow services will be removing vehicles from ditches and medians as Kansas cleans up from the storm.

KHP worked over 70 accidents on windy Wednesday

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — The remaining members of a missionary group who were kidnapped two months ago have been freed, Haiti police and the group said Thursday.

The spokesman for Haiti’s National Police, Gary Desrosiers, confirmed to The Associated Press that the remaining hostages had been released, but did not immediately provide additional details.

“We glorify God for answered prayer — the remaining 12 hostages are FREE!” Christian Aid Ministries said in a statement. “Join us in praising God that all 17 of our loved ones are now safe.”

The Ohio group said it hopes to provide more information later.

The missionaries were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang on Oct. 16. There were five children in the group of 16 U.S. citizens and one Canadian, including an 8-month-old. Their Haitian driver also was abducted, according to a local human rights organization.

The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang had threatened to kill the hostages unless his demands are met. Authorities had said the gang was demanding $1 million per person, although it wasn’t immediately clear that included the children in the group.

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634471859759.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — The remaining members of a missionary group who were kidnapped two months ago have been freed, Haiti police and the group said Thursday.The spokesman for Haiti’s National Police, Gary Desrosiers, confirmed to The Associated Press that the remaining hostages had been released, but did not immediately provide additional details.“We glorify God for answered prayer — the remaining 12 hostages are FREE!” Christian Aid Ministries said in a statement. “Join us in praising God that all 17 of our loved ones are now safe.”The Ohio group said it hopes to provide more information later.The missionaries were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang on Oct. 16. There were five children in the group of 16 U.S. citizens and one Canadian, including an 8-month-old. Their Haitian driver also was abducted, according to a local human rights organization.The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang had threatened to kill the hostages unless his demands are met. Authorities had said the gang was demanding $1 million per person, although it wasn’t immediately clear that included the children in the group.Check the Post for more information as it becomes available

Police: All from kidnapped US missionary group freed in Haiti

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police say the drummer of the rock band Tool has been arrested and charged with a municipal assault violation for allegedly using an anti-gay slur during a confrontation at Missouri's Kansas City International Airport. 

Court documents show airport police arrested 60-year-old Malibu, California, resident Danny Carey on Sunday. Police say Carey used an anti-gay slur and repeatedly jabbed someone in the chest with two fingers. 

The municipal assault violation is punishable by 180 days in jail, a $250 to $1,000 fine, or both. A spokeswoman for the band Tool says neither Carey nor the band are commenting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639618211100.png" alt="Carey photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Carey photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police say the drummer of the rock band Tool has been arrested and charged with a municipal assault violation for allegedly using an anti-gay slur during a confrontation at Missouri's Kansas City International Airport. Court documents show airport police arrested 60-year-old Malibu, California, resident Danny Carey on Sunday. Police say Carey used an anti-gay slur and repeatedly jabbed someone in the chest with two fingers. The municipal assault violation is punishable by 180 days in jail, a $250 to $1,000 fine, or both. A spokeswoman for the band Tool says neither Carey nor the band are commenting.

Rock band drummer arrested at KCI for assault, anti-gay slur

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today that millions of American families will soon receive 
their final advance Child Tax Credit (CTC) payment for the month of 
December. Eligible families who did not receive advance payments can 
claim the Child Tax Credit on their 2021 federal tax return to receive 
missed payments and the other half of the credit.

This final batch of advance monthly payments for 2021, totaling about
 $16 billion, will reach more than 36 million families across the 
country.&nbsp;Most payments are being made by direct deposit.

Under the American Rescue Plan, eligible families have received more 
than 200 million payments totaling more than $93 billion. Most eligible 
families received payments dated July 15, August 13, September 15, 
October 15, November 15 and December 15. For eligible families, 
each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up 
to $250 per month for each child ages 6 through 17.

Here are more details on the December payments:

Claim the full Child Tax Credit on the 2021 tax return

Eligible families who did not receive any <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">advance Child Tax Credit payments</a>
 can claim the full amount of the Child Tax Credit on their 2021 federal
 tax return, filed in 2022. This includes families who don't normally 
need to file a return.

Families who received advance payments will need to file a 2021 tax 
return and compare the advance Child Tax Credit payments they received 
in 2021 with the amount of the Child Tax Credit they can properly claim 
on their 2021 tax return.

To help taxpayers reconcile the advance payments, the IRS will send 
Letter 6419 in January 2022 with the total amount of advance Child Tax 
Credit payments taxpayers received in 2021 and the number of qualifying 
children used to calculate the advance payments. People should keep this
 and any other IRS letters about advance Child Tax Credit payments with 
their tax records.

See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">Reconciling Your Advance Child Tax Credit Payments on Your 2021 Tax Return</a> for more information.

Links to online tools, answers to frequently asked questions and other helpful resources are available on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS's special advance CTC 2021 page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today that millions of American families will soon receive 
their final advance Child Tax Credit (CTC) payment for the month of 
December. Eligible families who did not receive advance payments can 
claim the Child Tax Credit on their 2021 federal tax return to receive 
missed payments and the other half of the credit.This final batch of advance monthly payments for 2021, totaling about
 $16 billion, will reach more than 36 million families across the 
country.&nbsp;Most payments are being made by direct deposit.Under the American Rescue Plan, eligible families have received more 
than 200 million payments totaling more than $93 billion. Most eligible 
families received payments dated July 15, August 13, September 15, 
October 15, November 15 and December 15. For eligible families, 
each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up 
to $250 per month for each child ages 6 through 17.Here are more details on the December payments:<ul>
 <li>Families will see the direct deposit payments in their accounts 
starting December 15. Like the prior payments, the vast majority of 
families will receive them by direct deposit.</li><li>For those receiving payments by paper check, be sure to allow extra time, through the end of December, for delivery by mail.</li><li>Payments are going to eligible families who filed a 2019 or 2020 
federal income tax return. Returns processed by December 1 are reflected
 in these payments. This includes people who don't typically file a 
return but either during 2020 successfully filed a return to register 
for Economic Impact Payments using the IRS Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov, 
or in 2021 successfully filed a return by using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool for advance CTC</a>.</li><li>Families who did not get a July, August, September, October or 
November payment and are getting their first monthly payment this month 
will still receive their total advance payment amount for the year 
(which is half of their total Child Tax Credit). This means that the 
total advance payment amount will be made in one December payment.</li>
 </ul><h2>Claim the full Child Tax Credit on the 2021 tax return</h2>Eligible families who did not receive any <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">advance Child Tax Credit payments</a>
 can claim the full amount of the Child Tax Credit on their 2021 federal
 tax return, filed in 2022. This includes families who don't normally 
need to file a return.Families who received advance payments will need to file a 2021 tax 
return and compare the advance Child Tax Credit payments they received 
in 2021 with the amount of the Child Tax Credit they can properly claim 
on their 2021 tax return.To help taxpayers reconcile the advance payments, the IRS will send 
Letter 6419 in January 2022 with the total amount of advance Child Tax 
Credit payments taxpayers received in 2021 and the number of qualifying 
children used to calculate the advance payments. People should keep this
 and any other IRS letters about advance Child Tax Credit payments with 
their tax records.See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">Reconciling Your Advance Child Tax Credit Payments on Your 2021 Tax Return</a> for more information.Links to online tools, answers to frequently asked questions and other helpful resources are available on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS's special advance CTC 2021 page</a>.

Miss a Child Tax Credit payment? Claim  it on 2021 tax return

WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Archives on Wednesday made public nearly 1,500 documents related to the U.S. government’s investigation into the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/research/jfk/release2021" target="_blank">disclosure&nbsp;</a>of secret cables, internal memos and other documents satisfies a deadline set in October by President Joe Biden and is in keeping with a federal statute that calls for the government to release records in its possession concerning the Kennedy assassination. Additional documents are expected to be made public next year.

There was no immediate indication that the records contained new revelations that could radically reshape the public’s understanding of the events surrounding the Nov. 22, 1963, assassination of Kennedy in Dallas at the hands of gunman Lee Harvey Oswald.

But the latest tranche of documents was nonetheless eagerly anticipated by historians and others who, decades after the Kennedy killing, remain skeptical that at the height of the Cold War, a troubled young man with a mail-order rifle was solely responsible for an assassination that changed the course of American history.

The documents include CIA cables and memos discussing Oswald’s previously disclosed but never fully explained visits to the Soviet and Cuban embassies in Mexico City as well as discussion, in the days after the assassination, of the potential for Cuban involvement in the killing of Kennedy.

One CIA memo describes how Oswald phoned the Soviet embassy while in Mexico City to ask for a visa to visit the Soviet Union. He also visited the Cuban embassy, apparently interested in a travel visa that would permit him to visit Cuba and wait there for a Soviet visa. On Oct. 3, more than one month before the assassination, he drove back into the United States through a crossing point at the Texas border.

Another memo, dated the day after Kennedy’s assassination, says that according to an intercepted phone call in Mexico City, Oswald communicated with a KGB officer while at the Soviet embassy that September.

After Kennedy was killed, Mexican authorities arrested a Mexican employee of the Cuban embassy with whom Oswald had communicated, and she said Oswald had “professed to be a Communist and an admirer of Castro,” according to the memo. That’s a reference to Fidel Castro, the Cuban leader at the time and an adversary of the Kennedy White House.

One CIA document marked “Secret Eyes Only” details what it says were U.S. government plots to assassinate Castro, including a 1960 scheme “that involved the use of the criminal underworld with contacts inside Cuba.”

Another document made public Wednesday shows the U.S. government evaluating whether Oswald, while living in New Orleans, may have been swayed or affected in any way by the publication in the local newspaper of an interview an Associated Press correspondent conducted with Castro in which Castro warned of retribution if the U.S. were to try to help take out Cuban leaders.

The new files include several FBI reports on the bureau’s efforts to investigate and surveil major mafia figures like Santo Trafficante Jr. and Sam Giancana, who are often mentioned in conspiracy theories surrounding Kennedy’s assassination. The files also include several FBI reports showing the bureau kept regular tabs on anti-Castro groups operating in southern Florida and Puerto Rico in the 1960s.

Apart from the Kennedy investigation, some of the material would be of interest to scholars or anyone interested in the minutiae of 1960s counterespionage, with pages and pages of arcane details on such things as the methods, equipment and personnel used to surveil the Cuban and Soviet embassies in Mexico City.

In blocking the release of hundreds of records in 2017 because of concerns from the FBI and the CIA, President Donald Trump cited “potentially irreversible harm.” Even so, about 2,800 other records were released at that time.

The Warren Commission in 1964 concluded that Oswald had been the lone gunman, and another congressional probe in 1979 found no evidence to support the theory that the CIA had been involved. But other interpretations have persisted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639658580146.png" alt="Image courtesy National Archives" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy National Archives</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Archives on Wednesday made public nearly 1,500 documents related to the U.S. government’s investigation into the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/research/jfk/release2021" target="_blank">disclosure&nbsp;</a>of secret cables, internal memos and other documents satisfies a deadline set in October by President Joe Biden and is in keeping with a federal statute that calls for the government to release records in its possession concerning the Kennedy assassination. Additional documents are expected to be made public next year.There was no immediate indication that the records contained new revelations that could radically reshape the public’s understanding of the events surrounding the Nov. 22, 1963, assassination of Kennedy in Dallas at the hands of gunman Lee Harvey Oswald.But the latest tranche of documents was nonetheless eagerly anticipated by historians and others who, decades after the Kennedy killing, remain skeptical that at the height of the Cold War, a troubled young man with a mail-order rifle was solely responsible for an assassination that changed the course of American history.The documents include CIA cables and memos discussing Oswald’s previously disclosed but never fully explained visits to the Soviet and Cuban embassies in Mexico City as well as discussion, in the days after the assassination, of the potential for Cuban involvement in the killing of Kennedy.One CIA memo describes how Oswald phoned the Soviet embassy while in Mexico City to ask for a visa to visit the Soviet Union. He also visited the Cuban embassy, apparently interested in a travel visa that would permit him to visit Cuba and wait there for a Soviet visa. On Oct. 3, more than one month before the assassination, he drove back into the United States through a crossing point at the Texas border.Another memo, dated the day after Kennedy’s assassination, says that according to an intercepted phone call in Mexico City, Oswald communicated with a KGB officer while at the Soviet embassy that September.After Kennedy was killed, Mexican authorities arrested a Mexican employee of the Cuban embassy with whom Oswald had communicated, and she said Oswald had “professed to be a Communist and an admirer of Castro,” according to the memo. That’s a reference to Fidel Castro, the Cuban leader at the time and an adversary of the Kennedy White House.One CIA document marked “Secret Eyes Only” details what it says were U.S. government plots to assassinate Castro, including a 1960 scheme “that involved the use of the criminal underworld with contacts inside Cuba.”Another document made public Wednesday shows the U.S. government evaluating whether Oswald, while living in New Orleans, may have been swayed or affected in any way by the publication in the local newspaper of an interview an Associated Press correspondent conducted with Castro in which Castro warned of retribution if the U.S. were to try to help take out Cuban leaders.The new files include several FBI reports on the bureau’s efforts to investigate and surveil major mafia figures like Santo Trafficante Jr. and Sam Giancana, who are often mentioned in conspiracy theories surrounding Kennedy’s assassination. The files also include several FBI reports showing the bureau kept regular tabs on anti-Castro groups operating in southern Florida and Puerto Rico in the 1960s.Apart from the Kennedy investigation, some of the material would be of interest to scholars or anyone interested in the minutiae of 1960s counterespionage, with pages and pages of arcane details on such things as the methods, equipment and personnel used to surveil the Cuban and Soviet embassies in Mexico City.In blocking the release of hundreds of records in 2017 because of concerns from the FBI and the CIA, President Donald Trump cited “potentially irreversible harm.” Even so, about 2,800 other records were released at that time.The Warren Commission in 1964 concluded that Oswald had been the lone gunman, and another congressional probe in 1979 found no evidence to support the theory that the CIA had been involved. But other interpretations have persisted._____

Additional secret JFK assassination files released

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Gas prices continue to trickle lower in Kansas.

"Pump prices have continued their slow seasonal descent," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "The Kansas average is back a little bit under $3, settling in Thursday at $2.99 a gallon. That's down from the $3.10 mark that we saw a month ago.&nbsp;

There has been a slight rebound in crude oil prices lately.

"Gas prices tend to fall this time of year, due to shorter days," Steward said. "This trend was helped by the recent steep drop in oil prices due to fears over Omicron. The variant's impact on pricing appears to be fading a little bit. It remains to be seen if oil prices are going to stabilize or move higher."

Kansas is still a relatively inexpensive state in which to buy gas.

"The average Kansas gas price is about a dollar higher this year than we saw last year," Steward said. "Kansas is 32 cents less than the national average, which is today $3.31 a gallon. That puts us at 7th cheapest in the nation."

The cheapest state as of Thursday is Texas at $2.91 a gallon.

By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Gas prices continue to trickle lower in Kansas."Pump prices have continued their slow seasonal descent," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "The Kansas average is back a little bit under $3, settling in Thursday at $2.99 a gallon. That's down from the $3.10 mark that we saw a month ago.&nbsp;There has been a slight rebound in crude oil prices lately."Gas prices tend to fall this time of year, due to shorter days," Steward said. "This trend was helped by the recent steep drop in oil prices due to fears over Omicron. The variant's impact on pricing appears to be fading a little bit. It remains to be seen if oil prices are going to stabilize or move higher."Kansas is still a relatively inexpensive state in which to buy gas."The average Kansas gas price is about a dollar higher this year than we saw last year," Steward said. "Kansas is 32 cents less than the national average, which is today $3.31 a gallon. That puts us at 7th cheapest in the nation."The cheapest state as of Thursday is Texas at $2.91 a gallon.

Report: Gas prices in Kansas down from a month ago

By LAURA UNGAR and CARLA K. JOHNSON, Associated Press

The new omicron coronavirus mutant speeding around the world may bring another wave of chaos, threatening to further stretch hospital workers already struggling with a surge of delta cases and upend holiday plans for the second year in a row.

The White House on Wednesday insisted there was no need for a lockdown because vaccines are widely available and appear to offer protection against the worst consequences of the virus. But even if omicron proves milder on the whole than delta, it may disarm some of the lifesaving tools available and put immune-compromised and elderly people at particular risk as it begins a rapid assault on the United States.

“Our delta surge is ongoing and, in fact, accelerating. And on top of that, we’re going to add an omicron surge,” said Dr. Jacob Lemieux, who monitors variants for a research collaboration led by Harvard Medical School.

“That’s alarming, because our hospitals are already filling up. Staff are fatigued,” leaving limited capacity for a potential crush of COVID-19 cases “from an omicron wave superimposed on a delta surge.”

Most likely, he and other experts said at a news briefing Tuesday, an omicron surge is already under way in the United States, with the latest mutant coronavirus outpacing the nation’s ability to track it.

Based on specimens collected last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said omicron accounted for about 3% of genetically-sequenced coronaviruses nationally. Percentages vary by region, with the highest — 13% — in the New York/New Jersey area.

But Harvard experts said these are likely underestimates because omicron is moving so fast that surveillance attempts can’t keep up.

Globally, more than 75 countries have reported confirmed cases of omicron. In the United States, 36 states have detected the variant. Meanwhile, delta is surging in many places, with hot spots in New England and the upper Midwest. The five states with the highest two-week rolling average of cases per 100,000 people are New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Michigan, Minnesota and Vermont.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-new-york-syracuse-6686dfd1111baea6fb54791a26d232b4">Universities are abruptly closing classrooms</a>&nbsp;during finals week with infections multiplying at a fast rate. Both t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-nba-nhl-soccer-nfl-d70f4a30261997e4716214cf97abdcf1">he NBA and NHL have had to postpone games, and the NFL had its worst two-day outbreak&nbsp;</a>since the start of the pandemic, with dozens of players infected.

Outside the U.S.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-europe-executive-branch-8bb518aaf1e15f6516e15f649ccccd19">the president of the European Union said omicron will become the dominant variant in a month</a>&nbsp;and declared that “once again, this Christmas will be overshadowed by the pandemic.”

Scientists around the world are racing to understand omicron, which has a large number of worrisome mutations in important regions of its genetic structure that could affect how it spreads from person to person. How quickly the number of cases doubles, known as “doubling time,” can give a preview of what the disease burden could be in a few weeks.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said Wednesday that early data suggests omicron is more transmissible than delta, with a doubling time of about two days.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-europe-london-england-9a2793178ffdd8859e9cff252dde8433">In Britain, where omicron cases are doubling every two to three days,&nbsp;</a>the variant is expected to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-europe-london-boris-johnson-c0cc2eda79f94bde2762d946744285fa">soon replace delta as the dominant strain in the country.</a>

The U.K. on Wednesday recorded the highest number of confirmed new COVID-19 infections since the pandemic began, and England’s chief medical officer warned that the situation is likely to get worse as omicron drives a new wave of illness during the holidays.

“The data out of the UK are quite alarming at this point,” and foreshadow what’s to come in the United States, said Bronwyn MacInnis, director of pathogen genomic surveillance at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. For example, she said, by Tuesday afternoon, omicron was already the most common variant in London.

In many ways, omicron remains a mystery. Hints are emerging from South Africa, where it was first reported, indicating it may cause less severe disease than delta but be better at evading vaccines.

But, MacInnis warned: “There’s much more that we don’t know about this variant than we do, including the severity.”

At the same time, Lemieux said, there seem to be fewer tools to fight it. Some monoclonal antibody treatments don’t work as well against omicron in lab tests, Lemieux said. Vaccines appear to offer less protection, although CDC officials said booster shots strengthen that protection.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said Wednesday there is no need, for now, for an omicron-specific booster shot. The two-dose mRNA vaccines, the Pfizer and Moderna shots, still appear to offer considerable protection against hospitalization from omicron, Fauci said.

“If we didn’t have these tools, I would be telling you to really, really be worried,” Fauci said.

Jeff Zients, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said the U.S. has the tools to fight the virus, including omicron, and “there is no need to lock down.” With vaccines available now for 95% of Americans, “we know how to keep our kids in schools and our businesses open. And we’re not going to shut down.”

Health officials called on Americans to get vaccinated, get their booster shots, wear masks indoors and get tested before traveling and before holiday gatherings.

“Hospital capacity is already at a breaking point in many states because of severe cases of COVID-19,” Michael Fraser, CEO of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, said in a statement.

Given the high level of transmission, MacInnis said there will undoubtedly be severe cases.

“No matter how severely it affects healthy, fully vaccinated and boosted populations, it will hit the most vulnerable among us the hardest still,” she said. “So the elderly, the immunocompromised, other vulnerable populations will still be at greatest risk and still bear the brunt of this.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638148803210.png" alt="3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron -photo courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron -photo courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURA UNGAR and CARLA K. JOHNSON, Associated PressThe new omicron coronavirus mutant speeding around the world may bring another wave of chaos, threatening to further stretch hospital workers already struggling with a surge of delta cases and upend holiday plans for the second year in a row.The White House on Wednesday insisted there was no need for a lockdown because vaccines are widely available and appear to offer protection against the worst consequences of the virus. But even if omicron proves milder on the whole than delta, it may disarm some of the lifesaving tools available and put immune-compromised and elderly people at particular risk as it begins a rapid assault on the United States.“Our delta surge is ongoing and, in fact, accelerating. And on top of that, we’re going to add an omicron surge,” said Dr. Jacob Lemieux, who monitors variants for a research collaboration led by Harvard Medical School.“That’s alarming, because our hospitals are already filling up. Staff are fatigued,” leaving limited capacity for a potential crush of COVID-19 cases “from an omicron wave superimposed on a delta surge.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639492484125.png" alt="Omicron detected in over half of U.S. states-image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>Omicron detected in over half of U.S. states-image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>Most likely, he and other experts said at a news briefing Tuesday, an omicron surge is already under way in the United States, with the latest mutant coronavirus outpacing the nation’s ability to track it.Based on specimens collected last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said omicron accounted for about 3% of genetically-sequenced coronaviruses nationally. Percentages vary by region, with the highest — 13% — in the New York/New Jersey area.But Harvard experts said these are likely underestimates because omicron is moving so fast that surveillance attempts can’t keep up.Globally, more than 75 countries have reported confirmed cases of omicron. In the United States, 36 states have detected the variant. Meanwhile, delta is surging in many places, with hot spots in New England and the upper Midwest. The five states with the highest two-week rolling average of cases per 100,000 people are New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Michigan, Minnesota and Vermont.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-new-york-syracuse-6686dfd1111baea6fb54791a26d232b4">Universities are abruptly closing classrooms</a>&nbsp;during finals week with infections multiplying at a fast rate. Both t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-nba-nhl-soccer-nfl-d70f4a30261997e4716214cf97abdcf1">he NBA and NHL have had to postpone games, and the NFL had its worst two-day outbreak&nbsp;</a>since the start of the pandemic, with dozens of players infected.Outside the U.S.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-europe-executive-branch-8bb518aaf1e15f6516e15f649ccccd19">the president of the European Union said omicron will become the dominant variant in a month</a>&nbsp;and declared that “once again, this Christmas will be overshadowed by the pandemic.”Scientists around the world are racing to understand omicron, which has a large number of worrisome mutations in important regions of its genetic structure that could affect how it spreads from person to person. How quickly the number of cases doubles, known as “doubling time,” can give a preview of what the disease burden could be in a few weeks.CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said Wednesday that early data suggests omicron is more transmissible than delta, with a doubling time of about two days.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-europe-london-england-9a2793178ffdd8859e9cff252dde8433">In Britain, where omicron cases are doubling every two to three days,&nbsp;</a>the variant is expected to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-europe-london-boris-johnson-c0cc2eda79f94bde2762d946744285fa">soon replace delta as the dominant strain in the country.</a>The U.K. on Wednesday recorded the highest number of confirmed new COVID-19 infections since the pandemic began, and England’s chief medical officer warned that the situation is likely to get worse as omicron drives a new wave of illness during the holidays.“The data out of the UK are quite alarming at this point,” and foreshadow what’s to come in the United States, said Bronwyn MacInnis, director of pathogen genomic surveillance at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. For example, she said, by Tuesday afternoon, omicron was already the most common variant in London.In many ways, omicron remains a mystery. Hints are emerging from South Africa, where it was first reported, indicating it may cause less severe disease than delta but be better at evading vaccines.But, MacInnis warned: “There’s much more that we don’t know about this variant than we do, including the severity.”At the same time, Lemieux said, there seem to be fewer tools to fight it. Some monoclonal antibody treatments don’t work as well against omicron in lab tests, Lemieux said. Vaccines appear to offer less protection, although CDC officials said booster shots strengthen that protection.Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said Wednesday there is no need, for now, for an omicron-specific booster shot. The two-dose mRNA vaccines, the Pfizer and Moderna shots, still appear to offer considerable protection against hospitalization from omicron, Fauci said.“If we didn’t have these tools, I would be telling you to really, really be worried,” Fauci said.Jeff Zients, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said the U.S. has the tools to fight the virus, including omicron, and “there is no need to lock down.” With vaccines available now for 95% of Americans, “we know how to keep our kids in schools and our businesses open. And we’re not going to shut down.”Health officials called on Americans to get vaccinated, get their booster shots, wear masks indoors and get tested before traveling and before holiday gatherings.“Hospital capacity is already at a breaking point in many states because of severe cases of COVID-19,” Michael Fraser, CEO of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, said in a statement.Given the high level of transmission, MacInnis said there will undoubtedly be severe cases.“No matter how severely it affects healthy, fully vaccinated and boosted populations, it will hit the most vulnerable among us the hardest still,” she said. “So the elderly, the immunocompromised, other vulnerable populations will still be at greatest risk and still bear the brunt of this.”__

US faces a double coronavirus surge as omicron advances

Major fires were reported in Trego, Ellis and Russell counties, which were fanned by winds reported up to 100 mph in Russell County.&nbsp;

Multiple structures were reported burned in the wild fires.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NNtFm0009DY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639614036313.jpeg" alt="A fire burns a structure on Codell Road northeast of Hays. Photos by Gary Shorman/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>A fire burns a structure on Codell Road northeast of Hays. Photos by Gary Shorman/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639614262266.jpeg" alt="A fire burns a structure on Codell Road northeast of Hays." />
 <figcaption>A fire burns a structure on Codell Road northeast of Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639614208796.jpeg" alt="A fire burns a structure on Codell Road northeast of Hays." />
 <figcaption>A fire burns a structure on Codell Road northeast of Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>Major fires were reported in Trego, Ellis and Russell counties, which were fanned by winds reported up to 100 mph in Russell County.&nbsp;Multiple structures were reported burned in the wild fires.

Homes lost as fires ravage northwest Kansas counties

BARTON COUNTY —After assessing the impact of Wednesday's extreme winds, USD 428 updated families on operations for the rest of the week.

Officials canceled classes at Great Bend High School Thursday due to roof damage to the building and the disconnection of gas service/heat. There will also be no remote learning.&nbsp;

Great Bend Middle School, Elementary School and Little Panthers Preschool&nbsp; are in session.

USD 428 officials released no additional details late Wednesday. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639606757492.jpeg" alt="Significant damage from the windstorm at Great Bend High School" />
 <figcaption>Significant damage from the windstorm at Great Bend High School</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —After assessing the impact of Wednesday's extreme winds, USD 428 updated families on operations for the rest of the week.Officials canceled classes at Great Bend High School Thursday due to roof damage to the building and the disconnection of gas service/heat. There will also be no remote learning.&nbsp;Great Bend Middle School, Elementary School and Little Panthers Preschool&nbsp; are in session.USD 428 officials released no additional details late Wednesday. There were no injuries reported.

Classes canceled after roof blown off Great Bend High School

HASKELL COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 1p.m. Wednesday in Haskell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Peterbilt semi driven by Thomas J. Lear, 66, Garden City, was traveling on U.S. 83 at County Road 230.&nbsp;

The driver could not see a 2014 GMC Terrain driven by 47-year-old Rocio&nbsp;Marieno- Sanz, stopped in the roadway. The semi rear-ended the SUV.

Marieno- Sanz was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Swaims Funeral Home. EMS transported a passenger identified as 55-year-old Jose M&nbsp; Quinonez to Satanta District Hospital. Lear was not injured.&nbsp; 

Quinonez was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. The KHP did not report where Marieno-Sanz or Quinonez lived.

HASKELL COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 1p.m. Wednesday in Haskell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Peterbilt semi driven by Thomas J. Lear, 66, Garden City, was traveling on U.S. 83 at County Road 230.&nbsp;The driver could not see a 2014 GMC Terrain driven by 47-year-old Rocio&nbsp;Marieno- Sanz, stopped in the roadway. The semi rear-ended the SUV.Marieno- Sanz was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Swaims Funeral Home. EMS transported a passenger identified as 55-year-old Jose M&nbsp; Quinonez to Satanta District Hospital. Lear was not injured.&nbsp; Quinonez was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. The KHP did not report where Marieno-Sanz or Quinonez lived.

Woman dies after semi rear-ends SUV in dust storm on Kan. highway

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man has been convicted of killing four of his family members — including an infant — whose bodies were discovered in the aftermath of a 2016 house fire in northwestern Missouri.

A Platte County jury on Tuesday found 30-year-old Grayden Lane Denham guilty of four counts first-degree murder, four counts of armed criminal action and several other counts.

Killed were his grandparents, 82-year-old Russell Denham and 81-year-old Shirley Denham; his sister, 32-year-old Heather Ager; and Ager’s 3-month-old son, Mason Schiavoni. 

Their burned bodies were found outside a home near Edgerton, Missouri, on February 19, 2016, and investigators said they all had been shot to death. Prosecutors said Denham torched the home they all shared after the killings.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e7079be18f184ac9accd09010ae1c489">Prosecutors said Denham was found walking naked</a>&nbsp;in northern Arizona two days after the bodies were found. Prosecutors said Denham had stolen his grandmother's car after the killings and drove it to Arizona, changing the license plates twice along the way.

Denham's case faced multiple delays, including in 2020 when he was deemed not mentally fit to stand trial. The court later found him restored to competency, allowing the trial to proceed.

Denham faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole when he's sentenced on Feb. 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639604794631.png" alt="Denham-photo Platte Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Denham-photo Platte Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man has been convicted of killing four of his family members — including an infant — whose bodies were discovered in the aftermath of a 2016 house fire in northwestern Missouri.A Platte County jury on Tuesday found 30-year-old Grayden Lane Denham guilty of four counts first-degree murder, four counts of armed criminal action and several other counts.Killed were his grandparents, 82-year-old Russell Denham and 81-year-old Shirley Denham; his sister, 32-year-old Heather Ager; and Ager’s 3-month-old son, Mason Schiavoni. Their burned bodies were found outside a home near Edgerton, Missouri, on February 19, 2016, and investigators said they all had been shot to death. Prosecutors said Denham torched the home they all shared after the killings.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e7079be18f184ac9accd09010ae1c489">Prosecutors said Denham was found walking naked</a>&nbsp;in northern Arizona two days after the bodies were found. Prosecutors said Denham had stolen his grandmother's car after the killings and drove it to Arizona, changing the license plates twice along the way.Denham's case faced multiple delays, including in 2020 when he was deemed not mentally fit to stand trial. The court later found him restored to competency, allowing the trial to proceed.Denham faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole when he's sentenced on Feb. 25.

Man guilty in killing of grandparents, sister and her infant son

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City-area school district must pay a transgender student $4 million after it refused to let him use the boys' restrooms or locker rooms, a Jackson County jury decided.

The jury on Monday found the Blue Springs school district had discriminated against the student, KSHB-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/blues-springs-school-district-owes-over-4-million-in-damages-to-transgender-student">reported.</a>

The school district said in a statement that it disagreed with the verdict and would be “seeking appropriate relief from the trial court and court of appeals if necessary.”

The student had legally changed his name in 2010 and amended his birth certificate to reflect his new name and gender in 2014, according to the lawsuit. He filed the lawsuit in 2015.

Although the state recognized him as a boy, the district denied the student access to the boys' restrooms and locker rooms at Delta Woods Middle School and the Freshman Center, the lawsuit said.

The student participated in boy's physical education and athletics in middle schools but was required to use a single person bathroom outside the boys' locker room, according to court documents.

He did not participate in fall sports at the Freshman Center because he could not use the boys' locker room or restrooms.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City-area school district must pay a transgender student $4 million after it refused to let him use the boys' restrooms or locker rooms, a Jackson County jury decided.The jury on Monday found the Blue Springs school district had discriminated against the student, KSHB-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/blues-springs-school-district-owes-over-4-million-in-damages-to-transgender-student">reported.</a>The school district said in a statement that it disagreed with the verdict and would be “seeking appropriate relief from the trial court and court of appeals if necessary.”The student had legally changed his name in 2010 and amended his birth certificate to reflect his new name and gender in 2014, according to the lawsuit. He filed the lawsuit in 2015.Although the state recognized him as a boy, the district denied the student access to the boys' restrooms and locker rooms at Delta Woods Middle School and the Freshman Center, the lawsuit said.The student participated in boy's physical education and athletics in middle schools but was required to use a single person bathroom outside the boys' locker room, according to court documents.He did not participate in fall sports at the Freshman Center because he could not use the boys' locker room or restrooms.

Bathroom fight: KC-area district to pay $4M to transgender student 

UPDATE 1:25 p.m. Wednesday:&nbsp;Another earthquake has struck southwest of Gypsum.

The 12:17 p.m., 3.4 magnitude quake.&nbsp;Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey

The Kansas Geological Survey reported that a 3.4 magnitude quake struck at 12:17 p.m. Wednesday. It was centered south-southwest of the S. Niles Road/E. Assaria Road intersection.

UPDATE 10:30 a.m. Wednesday:&nbsp;The Kansas Geological Survey has reported that a 3.8 magnitude earthquake struck southwest of Gypsum at 9:03 a.m. Wednesday.

The 9:03 a.m., 3.8 magnitude quake.&nbsp;Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey

It was centered east-northeast of the E. Hedberg Road/S. Niles Road intersection.

UPDATE 9:25 a.m. Wednesday:&nbsp;The Kansas Geological Service has reported that two more small earthquakes have rattled southeastern Saline County, bringing to eight the total number of quakes that have struck the area this morning.

The 8:34 a.m. Wednesday, 2.5 magnitude quake.&nbsp;Maps courtesy Kansas Geological Survey

At 8:34 a.m. Wednesday, a 2.5 magnitude quake struck southwest of Gypsum. It was centered just southeast of the E. Assaria Road/S. Niles Road intersection.

The 8:54 a.m., 2.3 magnitude quake.

At 8:54 a.m. Wednesday, a 2.3 magnitude quake was reported southwest of Gypsum. It was centered east of S Cunningham Road between E. Hedberg Road and E. Assaria Road.

UPDATE 8:55 a.m. Wednesday:&nbsp;Seismic activity continued in southeastern Saline County after a 4.0 earthquake was reported early this morning.

The 4:08 a.m., 2.7 magnitude quake.Maps courtesy Kansas Geological Survey

According to the Kansas Geological Survey, a 2.7 magnitude earthquake struck southwest of Gypsum at 4:08 a.m. Wednesday. It was centered just west of S. Niles Road between E. Hedberg Road and E. Assaria Road.

The 4:16 a.m., 2.3 magnitude quake.

At 4:16 a.m. Wednesday, a 2.3 magnitude quake was reported east-southeast of Assaria. It was centered east of S. Woodward Road between E. Hedberg Road and E. Assaria Road.

The 5:14 a.m., 2.1 magnitude quake.

At 5:14 a.m. Wednesday, a 2.1 magnitude quake was reported north of E. Hedberg Road between S. Niles Road and S. Cunningham Road.

The 6:35 a.m., 2.2 magnitude quake.

At 6:35 a.m. Wednesday, a 2.2 magnitude quake was reported east of S. Woodward Road between E. Hedberg Road and E. Assaria Road.

The 7:23 a.m., 2.3 magnitude quake.

Then, at 7:23 a.m. Wednesday, a 2.3 magnitude quake struck southwest of Gypsum. It was centered just southeast of the E. Assaria Road/S. Niles Road intersection.

The 3:58 a.m., 4.0 magnitude quake. Gypsum is in the upper right of the map.&nbsp;Map courtesy USGS&nbsp;&nbsp;

GYPSUM —A series of earthquakes continues to shake central Kansas. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 4.0 magnitude quake&nbsp; hit southwest of Gypsum just before 4 a.m. Wednesday.

The quake struck at 3:58 a.m. Wednesday and was centered just east-northeast of the E. Assaria Road/S. Kipp Road intersection.

By SALINA POSTUPDATE 1:25 p.m. Wednesday:&nbsp;Another earthquake has struck southwest of Gypsum.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639596475260.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 12:17 p.m., 3.4 magnitude quake.&nbsp;Map courtesy Kansas Geological SurveyThe Kansas Geological Survey reported that a 3.4 magnitude quake struck at 12:17 p.m. Wednesday. It was centered south-southwest of the S. Niles Road/E. Assaria Road intersection.. . .UPDATE 10:30 a.m. Wednesday:&nbsp;The Kansas Geological Survey has reported that a 3.8 magnitude earthquake struck southwest of Gypsum at 9:03 a.m. Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639585983547.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 9:03 a.m., 3.8 magnitude quake.&nbsp;Map courtesy Kansas Geological SurveyIt was centered east-northeast of the E. Hedberg Road/S. Niles Road intersection.. . .UPDATE 9:25 a.m. Wednesday:&nbsp;The Kansas Geological Service has reported that two more small earthquakes have rattled southeastern Saline County, bringing to eight the total number of quakes that have struck the area this morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639581973024.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 8:34 a.m. Wednesday, 2.5 magnitude quake.&nbsp;Maps courtesy Kansas Geological SurveyAt 8:34 a.m. Wednesday, a 2.5 magnitude quake struck southwest of Gypsum. It was centered just southeast of the E. Assaria Road/S. Niles Road intersection.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639582033182.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 8:54 a.m., 2.3 magnitude quake.At 8:54 a.m. Wednesday, a 2.3 magnitude quake was reported southwest of Gypsum. It was centered east of S Cunningham Road between E. Hedberg Road and E. Assaria Road.. . .UPDATE 8:55 a.m. Wednesday:&nbsp;Seismic activity continued in southeastern Saline County after a 4.0 earthquake was reported early this morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639580272723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 4:08 a.m., 2.7 magnitude quake.Maps courtesy Kansas Geological SurveyAccording to the Kansas Geological Survey, a 2.7 magnitude earthquake struck southwest of Gypsum at 4:08 a.m. Wednesday. It was centered just west of S. Niles Road between E. Hedberg Road and E. Assaria Road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639580335522.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 4:16 a.m., 2.3 magnitude quake.At 4:16 a.m. Wednesday, a 2.3 magnitude quake was reported east-southeast of Assaria. It was centered east of S. Woodward Road between E. Hedberg Road and E. Assaria Road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639580385730.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 5:14 a.m., 2.1 magnitude quake.At 5:14 a.m. Wednesday, a 2.1 magnitude quake was reported north of E. Hedberg Road between S. Niles Road and S. Cunningham Road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639580431724.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 6:35 a.m., 2.2 magnitude quake.At 6:35 a.m. Wednesday, a 2.2 magnitude quake was reported east of S. Woodward Road between E. Hedberg Road and E. Assaria Road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639580474334.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 7:23 a.m., 2.3 magnitude quake.Then, at 7:23 a.m. Wednesday, a 2.3 magnitude quake struck southwest of Gypsum. It was centered just southeast of the E. Assaria Road/S. Niles Road intersection.. . .<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639573900036.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 3:58 a.m., 4.0 magnitude quake. Gypsum is in the upper right of the map.&nbsp;Map courtesy USGS&nbsp;&nbsp;GYPSUM —A series of earthquakes continues to shake central Kansas. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 4.0 magnitude quake&nbsp; hit southwest of Gypsum just before 4 a.m. Wednesday.The quake struck at 3:58 a.m. Wednesday and was centered just east-northeast of the E. Assaria Road/S. Kipp Road intersection.The Wednesday morning temblor follows several dozen smaller earthquakes in Saline County over the past week and a 4.3 magnitude quake on Dec. 8, that was felt over a wide area.&nbsp; There are no reports of damage or injury.