KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two people were killed and three others injured after a house fire Wednesday in northwest Kansas City, Missouri, police said.

Police spokeswoman Donna Drake confirmed the two deaths and said two of the other victims suffered critical injuries.

The victims' names and ages were not immediately available.

Earlier in the day, fire officials said three children and one adult had been taken to local hospitals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626295203087.png" alt="Wednesday fatal fire in Kansas City -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday fatal fire in Kansas City -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two people were killed and three others injured after a house fire Wednesday in northwest Kansas City, Missouri, police said.Police spokeswoman Donna Drake confirmed the two deaths and said two of the other victims suffered critical injuries.The victims' names and ages were not immediately available.Earlier in the day, fire officials said three children and one adult had been taken to local hospitals.

Police: 2 killed, 3 injured in Kansas City house fire

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Wichita City Council has put off a decision on a proposed anti-discrimination ordinance, saying it needed more community input even after  two marathon public listening sessions. 

The proposal bans discrimination in employment, housing and businesses. 

About 40 people weighed in Tuesday during the three-hour meeting. Some described how discrimination has impacted their lives and others said that the ordinance would infringe on their religious liberties. 

The discussion focused mainly on sexual orientation and gender identity. The council tentatively agreed to take the proposal up again on Oct. 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626278607681.png" alt="Tuesday's discussion focused mainly on sexual orientation and gender identity. Photo courtesy city of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Tuesday's discussion focused mainly on sexual orientation and gender identity. Photo courtesy city of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Wichita City Council has put off a decision on a proposed anti-discrimination ordinance, saying it needed more community input even after two marathon public listening sessions. The proposal bans discrimination in employment, housing and businesses. About 40 people weighed in Tuesday during the three-hour meeting. Some described how discrimination has impacted their lives and others said that the ordinance would infringe on their religious liberties. The discussion focused mainly on sexual orientation and gender identity. The council tentatively agreed to take the proposal up again on Oct. 12.

Wichita delays vote on anti-discrimination ordinance

By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-07-13/booming-turkey-vulture-populations-could-be-another-sign-climate-change-is-circling-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>

For the past five years or so, state Sen. Randall Hardy has watched a
 few dozen turkey vultures roost in a tree next to his garage.

He can tell when the migratory birds return to his central Salina neighborhood each spring as the colors begin to change.

“The
 roof is colored with white,” the District 24 Republican said, “and if 
you aren't careful where you park your car in the driveway, it can 
change colors overnight as well.”

The vultures clean up 
dead carcasses, the carrion that make up their diet, well enough. But 
with avian scavengers comes all that whitish guano.

Hardy 
hears some grumbling around town from others who see the vultures as 
ugly, a nuisance. One neighbor has tried to scare the birds away by 
clanging two garbage can lids together. But that’s only a temporary fix.

Each year, the turkey vultures return. And Hardy welcomes them.

“We're richer, frankly, in Salina for having them,” Hardy said. “The rain will take care of the poop.”

If
 you’ve noticed more of these foreboding figures circling in the skies 
above you lately, you’re not imagining things. It might have something 
to do with climate change and the stench of rotting flesh.

Chuck
 Otte, secretary of the Kansas Bird Records Committee and a Kansas State
 University extension agent in Geary County, described the scene in 
central Salina as one that’s become increasingly common across central 
and western Kansas.

“Go back into the ‘80s and ‘90s,” Otte 
said, “and we just didn't see that many turkey vultures in urban areas, 
even small towns.”

But over the past two decades, committees of vultures have begun to descend upon Kansas in greater numbers.

While other species of birds have seen their populations <a href="https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/bring-birds-back/" target="_blank">freefall</a>,
 Otte said the population of turkey vultures has doubled nationwide 
since 1966. And because the birds are federally protected, harming them 
or their nests is prohibited.

So for anyone in Kansas who 
wishes the vultures in their area would just go somewhere else, there’s 
not a lot they can do. But that hasn’t stopped some towns from trying.

With six-foot black 
wingspans and featherless red heads, turkey vultures are hard to miss. 
They’re often seen perched by the dozens on water towers, trees, barns 
and anywhere else they can get a high vantage point to spot their 
favorite meal: rotting meat.

Their taste for dead animals 
often gives vultures a bad rap. But Otte said that even in their growing
 numbers, the scavengers play a vital role in the ecosystem by gobbling 
up carcasses before they spread disease.

“They are nature’s
 cleanup crew,” Otte said. “I often wonder how many feet of dead animals
 we'd have if it wasn't for turkey vultures.”

Not everyone shares Otte’s sunny view. Some people are <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/article/20100417/NEWS/304179896" target="_blank">bothered</a> by the bird's ominous appearance. For others, it’s <a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/vultures-taking-over-mo-town/" target="_blank">the smell</a>.

About
 40 miles west of Salina, Ellsworth Treasurer Angela Mueller said the 
town often gets complaints from residents who are tired of seeing and 
smelling the dozens of vultures that roost around town.

“They
 leave a mess. They're not clean. … They smell because they’re eating 
the dead critters,” Mueller said. “People don't like them.”

So, the central Kansas town of roughly 3,000 people has tried to take matters into its own hands, with mixed results.

In 2019, city administrator Scott Moore <a href="https://www.ellsworthks.net/files/documents/CityCouncilMinutes10-28-19104444072320AM1.pdf" target="_blank">presented</a>
 the city council with a plan for installing LED lights to shine on one 
water tower that had become a favorite haunt of the vultures. His idea 
was the lights would keep the birds away, but Mueller said that didn’t 
pan out.

“They put in lights,” Mueller said. “But they do nothing to discourage birds.”

So
 the town turned to sonic persuasion. Ellsworth police have begun using 
noisemakers that create a racket loud enough to startle the vultures 
away from the water tower. Mueller compared the sound to the boom of a 
firework.

But she said the noise usually just sends the 
birds to the town’s other water tower or to a nearby tree. And over 
time, the vultures have gotten so used to the sound that they’re not 
scared anymore.

“We just have to live with them,” she said. “This is their home station. They chose Ellsworth.”

Otte
 of the K-State extension office said researchers are still trying to 
pinpoint why vulture populations are growing so rapidly. But he said 
human causes, like climate change and urban sprawl, could be 
contributing to the birds’ surge in Kansas.

Vultures only 
stay part of the year here, generally from March through November. In 
the winter, they head south in search of warmer temperatures — not for 
their comfort, but for their cuisine.

“For dead animals to start decaying,” Otte said, “you need to have heat.”

Turkey vultures have the <a href="https://www.chattnaturecenter.org/visit/experience/wildlife/animal-facts/turkey-vulture/" target="_blank">largest olfactory systems</a>
 of all birds and can smell decaying flesh from over a mile away. But 
during colder months, Kansas roads can’t warm roadkill enough to get it 
rotting.

So historically, winter sightings of turkey 
vultures in Kansas were virtually unheard of. But Otte said climate 
change could eventually make Kansas a welcoming year-round habitat.

“About
 every other year, we've got a bird showing up in January or maybe 
lingering into December,” he said. “So it's already happening.”

The
 growth and spread of civilization can also invite vultures to set up 
shop in cities and towns where maybe there didn’t used to be much 
rotting meat lying around.

“We have more cars, and cars and animals have collisions on the roadways,” Otte said. “That provides more food for them.”

And
 once turkey vultures find a favorite place to roost, they remember it. 
Otte described the birds as “site-faithful.” That means they tend to 
return to the same spot every year, whether it’s Hardy’s tree in Salina 
or a water tower in Ellsworth.

In extreme cases, Otte said 
homeowners who want to discourage the birds from roosting nearby could 
remove dead trees from their property. But ultimately, he said Kansans 
should learn to live with — and maybe even appreciate — the new 
neighbors.

“We've got to get past that stigma that they're associated with death,” he said. “They're necessary.”

David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626289206150.png" alt="A turkey vulture perches on top of a tree branch. US Fish and Wildlife Service" />
 <figcaption>A turkey vulture perches on top of a tree branch. US Fish and Wildlife Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-07-13/booming-turkey-vulture-populations-could-be-another-sign-climate-change-is-circling-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>For the past five years or so, state Sen. Randall Hardy has watched a
 few dozen turkey vultures roost in a tree next to his garage.He can tell when the migratory birds return to his central Salina neighborhood each spring as the colors begin to change.“The
 roof is colored with white,” the District 24 Republican said, “and if 
you aren't careful where you park your car in the driveway, it can 
change colors overnight as well.”The vultures clean up 
dead carcasses, the carrion that make up their diet, well enough. But 
with avian scavengers comes all that whitish guano.Hardy 
hears some grumbling around town from others who see the vultures as 
ugly, a nuisance. One neighbor has tried to scare the birds away by 
clanging two garbage can lids together. But that’s only a temporary fix.Each year, the turkey vultures return. And Hardy welcomes them.“We're richer, frankly, in Salina for having them,” Hardy said. “The rain will take care of the poop.”If
 you’ve noticed more of these foreboding figures circling in the skies 
above you lately, you’re not imagining things. It might have something 
to do with climate change and the stench of rotting flesh.Chuck
 Otte, secretary of the Kansas Bird Records Committee and a Kansas State
 University extension agent in Geary County, described the scene in 
central Salina as one that’s become increasingly common across central 
and western Kansas.“Go back into the ‘80s and ‘90s,” Otte 
said, “and we just didn't see that many turkey vultures in urban areas, 
even small towns.”But over the past two decades, committees of vultures have begun to descend upon Kansas in greater numbers.While other species of birds have seen their populations <a href="https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/bring-birds-back/" target="_blank">freefall</a>,
 Otte said the population of turkey vultures has doubled nationwide 
since 1966. And because the birds are federally protected, harming them 
or their nests is prohibited.So for anyone in Kansas who 
wishes the vultures in their area would just go somewhere else, there’s 
not a lot they can do. But that hasn’t stopped some towns from trying.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626289281289.png" alt="Dozens of turkey vultures roost in a tree near state Sen. Randall Hardy's Salina home. Courtesy Randall Hardy" />
 <figcaption>Dozens of turkey vultures roost in a tree near state Sen. Randall Hardy's Salina home. Courtesy Randall Hardy</figcaption>
 </figure>Unwelcoming committeesWith six-foot black 
wingspans and featherless red heads, turkey vultures are hard to miss. 
They’re often seen perched by the dozens on water towers, trees, barns 
and anywhere else they can get a high vantage point to spot their 
favorite meal: rotting meat.Their taste for dead animals 
often gives vultures a bad rap. But Otte said that even in their growing
 numbers, the scavengers play a vital role in the ecosystem by gobbling 
up carcasses before they spread disease.“They are nature’s
 cleanup crew,” Otte said. “I often wonder how many feet of dead animals
 we'd have if it wasn't for turkey vultures.”Not everyone shares Otte’s sunny view. Some people are <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/article/20100417/NEWS/304179896" target="_blank">bothered</a> by the bird's ominous appearance. For others, it’s <a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/vultures-taking-over-mo-town/" target="_blank">the smell</a>.About
 40 miles west of Salina, Ellsworth Treasurer Angela Mueller said the 
town often gets complaints from residents who are tired of seeing and 
smelling the dozens of vultures that roost around town.“They
 leave a mess. They're not clean. … They smell because they’re eating 
the dead critters,” Mueller said. “People don't like them.”So, the central Kansas town of roughly 3,000 people has tried to take matters into its own hands, with mixed results.In 2019, city administrator Scott Moore <a href="https://www.ellsworthks.net/files/documents/CityCouncilMinutes10-28-19104444072320AM1.pdf" target="_blank">presented</a>
 the city council with a plan for installing LED lights to shine on one 
water tower that had become a favorite haunt of the vultures. His idea 
was the lights would keep the birds away, but Mueller said that didn’t 
pan out.“They put in lights,” Mueller said. “But they do nothing to discourage birds.”So
 the town turned to sonic persuasion. Ellsworth police have begun using 
noisemakers that create a racket loud enough to startle the vultures 
away from the water tower. Mueller compared the sound to the boom of a 
firework.But she said the noise usually just sends the 
birds to the town’s other water tower or to a nearby tree. And over 
time, the vultures have gotten so used to the sound that they’re not 
scared anymore.“We just have to live with them,” she said. “This is their home station. They chose Ellsworth.”Warm meatOtte
 of the K-State extension office said researchers are still trying to 
pinpoint why vulture populations are growing so rapidly. But he said 
human causes, like climate change and urban sprawl, could be 
contributing to the birds’ surge in Kansas.Vultures only 
stay part of the year here, generally from March through November. In 
the winter, they head south in search of warmer temperatures — not for 
their comfort, but for their cuisine.“For dead animals to start decaying,” Otte said, “you need to have heat.”Turkey vultures have the <a href="https://www.chattnaturecenter.org/visit/experience/wildlife/animal-facts/turkey-vulture/" target="_blank">largest olfactory systems</a>
 of all birds and can smell decaying flesh from over a mile away. But 
during colder months, Kansas roads can’t warm roadkill enough to get it 
rotting.So historically, winter sightings of turkey 
vultures in Kansas were virtually unheard of. But Otte said climate 
change could eventually make Kansas a welcoming year-round habitat.“About
 every other year, we've got a bird showing up in January or maybe 
lingering into December,” he said. “So it's already happening.”The
 growth and spread of civilization can also invite vultures to set up 
shop in cities and towns where maybe there didn’t used to be much 
rotting meat lying around.“We have more cars, and cars and animals have collisions on the roadways,” Otte said. “That provides more food for them.”And
 once turkey vultures find a favorite place to roost, they remember it. 
Otte described the birds as “site-faithful.” That means they tend to 
return to the same spot every year, whether it’s Hardy’s tree in Salina 
or a water tower in Ellsworth.In extreme cases, Otte said 
homeowners who want to discourage the birds from roosting nearby could 
remove dead trees from their property. But ultimately, he said Kansans 
should learn to live with — and maybe even appreciate — the new 
neighbors.“We've got to get past that stigma that they're associated with death,” he said. “They're necessary.”David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

Booming vulture population could be sign climate change is circling Kan.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats announced late Tuesday that they’d reached a budget agreement envisioning spending an enormous $3.5 trillion over the coming decade, paving the way for their drive to pour federal resources into climate change, health care and family-service programs sought by President Joe Biden.

The accord marks a major step in the party’s push to meet Biden’s goal of bolstering an economy that was ravaged by the pandemic and setting it on course for long-term growth — and includes a Medicare expansion of vision, hearing and dental benefits for older Americans, a goal of progressives.

But Democrats behind the agreement face possible objections from their rival moderate and progressive factions, and will have to work hard to convert their plans into legislation they can push through the closely divided Congress over what could be unanimous Republican opposition.

“We are very proud of this plan,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters. “We know we have a long road to go. We’re going to get this done for the sake of making average Americans’ lives a whole lot better.”

Biden was set to attend a closed-door lunch at the Capitol on Wednesday with all Senate Democrats “to lead us on to getting this wonderful plan” enacted, Schumer said.

All told, the ambitious proposal reflects Biden’s vision for making the most substantive potential investments in the nation in years, some say on par with the New Deal of the 1930s. Together with a slimmer, $1 trillion bipartisan effort of traditional road, highway and public works also being negotiated, they represent close to the president’s initial $4 trillion-plus effort that could reach almost every corner of the country.

The Democrats’ goal is to push a budget resolution reflecting Tuesday’s agreement through the House and Senate before lawmakers leave for their August recess. The resolution sets only broad spending and revenue parameters, leaving the actual funding and specific decisions about which programs are affected — and by exactly how much — for later legislation.

Nonetheless, approving a budget will be a major boon for the Democrats’ effort to enact their subsequent funding bill. That’s because the budget contains language that would let Democrats move the follow-up spending measure through the 50-50 Senate with just a simple majority, not the 60 votes Republicans could demand by using a bill-killing filibuster.

The later spending legislation will likely not start moving through Congress until the fall.

Separately Tuesday, a bipartisan group of senators continued working on a third measure that would spend around $1 trillion on roads, water systems and other infrastructure projects, another Biden priority. Biden and 10 senators — five from each party — had agreed to an outline of that compromise measure last month, and bargainers have worked ever since to flesh it out.

In discussing the budget agreement, Schumer and other lawmakers did not respond when asked if they had the support of all 50 Democratic senators, which they will need to succeed. They also have virtually no margin for error in the House, where they will be able to lose no more than three Democratic votes and still prevail.

Moderates like Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., might still demand further changes to reduce the plan’s price tag and impact on already huge federal deficits. Progressives in both chambers might insist on beefing it up or other changes.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the Budget Committee chairman, and other progressives pushed initially for a $6 trillion budget top line while party moderates insisted on a far lower price tag. Biden had proposed around $4.5 trillion.

The Democrats’ announcement Tuesday left many questions about their budget accord unanswered. These included how much it would raise through tax increases on the wealthy and corporations and other revenue to pay for its costs; how much would be spent on specific programs; and how Biden’s proposals would be curtailed or eliminated to fit into the legislation.

Schumer said the proposal would call for financing Biden’s budget priorities “in a robust way.” He also said it would include a priority of Sanders and other progressives: an expansion of Medicare, the federal health insurance program for older people, to cover dental, vision and hearing services.

Sanders said the agreement would end an era in which, he said, rich people and big companies weren’t bearing enough of the burden of financing government programs.

“Those days are gone,” he said. “The wealthy and large corporations are going to start paying their fair share of taxes, so that we can protect the working families of this country.”

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., a leading moderate who helped shape the budget package, said the measure would be fully paid for with offsetting revenue but provided no detail. Biden has proposed financing the measure with higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations and beefing up the IRS’s budget so it can collect more revenue from scofflaws.

The budget will include language calling for no tax increases on people making less than $400,000 a year, a Biden demand, or on small businesses. The provision was described by a Democratic aide who requested anonymity to discuss the negotiations.

On infrastructure, senators from both parties met Tuesday evening and their bipartisan deal appeared back on track, after days of disputes. Lawmakers said they were aiming for a new Thursday deadline to wrap up the details despite opposition from business leaders, outside activists and some GOP senators over how to pay for it.

The bipartisan infrastructure effort was thrown into doubt earlier Tuesday when Republicans said it was unlikely it would be ready for a vote next week, as hoped.

But senators exiting the meeting suggested they hadn’t so much resolved the questions over how to pay for the package but moved past them — apparently accepting that some of the proposed revenue streams may not pass muster in formal assessments by the Congressional Budget Office, the lawmakers’ nonpartisan fiscal scorekeeper.

Manchin said he hoped that the CBO’s score, as it is called, would show that “everything’s paid for. If not, we’ll have to make some adjustments.”

Even if the bipartisan group can meet its new deadline for agreement, it’s still a long shot the bill would be ready for a vote next week.

Senators have struggled to agree to revenue streams to fund the $1 trillion plan, which includes about $579 billion in new spending beyond regular expenditures already funded by gas taxes and other sources.

At least 10 Republican senators would be needed to back the infrastructure bill, joining with all 50 Democrats to reach the 60-vote threshold because it would still be vulnerable to a filibuster.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626283910947.png" alt="President Joe Biden is stepping up his bid to push his multitrillion-dollar domestic agenda through Congress. He had lunch with Senate Democrats at the Capitol on Wednesday. The gathering comes a day after party leaders announced a compromise for pouring federal resources into climate change, health care and family service programs.-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden is stepping up his bid to push his multitrillion-dollar domestic agenda through Congress. He had lunch with Senate Democrats at the Capitol on Wednesday. The gathering comes a day after party leaders announced a compromise for pouring federal resources into climate change, health care and family service programs.-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats announced late Tuesday that they’d reached a budget agreement envisioning spending an enormous $3.5 trillion over the coming decade, paving the way for their drive to pour federal resources into climate change, health care and family-service programs sought by President Joe Biden.The accord marks a major step in the party’s push to meet Biden’s goal of bolstering an economy that was ravaged by the pandemic and setting it on course for long-term growth — and includes a Medicare expansion of vision, hearing and dental benefits for older Americans, a goal of progressives.But Democrats behind the agreement face possible objections from their rival moderate and progressive factions, and will have to work hard to convert their plans into legislation they can push through the closely divided Congress over what could be unanimous Republican opposition.“We are very proud of this plan,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters. “We know we have a long road to go. We’re going to get this done for the sake of making average Americans’ lives a whole lot better.”Biden was set to attend a closed-door lunch at the Capitol on Wednesday with all Senate Democrats “to lead us on to getting this wonderful plan” enacted, Schumer said.All told, the ambitious proposal reflects Biden’s vision for making the most substantive potential investments in the nation in years, some say on par with the New Deal of the 1930s. Together with a slimmer, $1 trillion bipartisan effort of traditional road, highway and public works also being negotiated, they represent close to the president’s initial $4 trillion-plus effort that could reach almost every corner of the country.The Democrats’ goal is to push a budget resolution reflecting Tuesday’s agreement through the House and Senate before lawmakers leave for their August recess. The resolution sets only broad spending and revenue parameters, leaving the actual funding and specific decisions about which programs are affected — and by exactly how much — for later legislation.Nonetheless, approving a budget will be a major boon for the Democrats’ effort to enact their subsequent funding bill. That’s because the budget contains language that would let Democrats move the follow-up spending measure through the 50-50 Senate with just a simple majority, not the 60 votes Republicans could demand by using a bill-killing filibuster.The later spending legislation will likely not start moving through Congress until the fall.Separately Tuesday, a bipartisan group of senators continued working on a third measure that would spend around $1 trillion on roads, water systems and other infrastructure projects, another Biden priority. Biden and 10 senators — five from each party — had agreed to an outline of that compromise measure last month, and bargainers have worked ever since to flesh it out.In discussing the budget agreement, Schumer and other lawmakers did not respond when asked if they had the support of all 50 Democratic senators, which they will need to succeed. They also have virtually no margin for error in the House, where they will be able to lose no more than three Democratic votes and still prevail.Moderates like Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., might still demand further changes to reduce the plan’s price tag and impact on already huge federal deficits. Progressives in both chambers might insist on beefing it up or other changes.Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the Budget Committee chairman, and other progressives pushed initially for a $6 trillion budget top line while party moderates insisted on a far lower price tag. Biden had proposed around $4.5 trillion.The Democrats’ announcement Tuesday left many questions about their budget accord unanswered. These included how much it would raise through tax increases on the wealthy and corporations and other revenue to pay for its costs; how much would be spent on specific programs; and how Biden’s proposals would be curtailed or eliminated to fit into the legislation.Schumer said the proposal would call for financing Biden’s budget priorities “in a robust way.” He also said it would include a priority of Sanders and other progressives: an expansion of Medicare, the federal health insurance program for older people, to cover dental, vision and hearing services.Sanders said the agreement would end an era in which, he said, rich people and big companies weren’t bearing enough of the burden of financing government programs.“Those days are gone,” he said. “The wealthy and large corporations are going to start paying their fair share of taxes, so that we can protect the working families of this country.”Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., a leading moderate who helped shape the budget package, said the measure would be fully paid for with offsetting revenue but provided no detail. Biden has proposed financing the measure with higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations and beefing up the IRS’s budget so it can collect more revenue from scofflaws.The budget will include language calling for no tax increases on people making less than $400,000 a year, a Biden demand, or on small businesses. The provision was described by a Democratic aide who requested anonymity to discuss the negotiations.On infrastructure, senators from both parties met Tuesday evening and their bipartisan deal appeared back on track, after days of disputes. Lawmakers said they were aiming for a new Thursday deadline to wrap up the details despite opposition from business leaders, outside activists and some GOP senators over how to pay for it.The bipartisan infrastructure effort was thrown into doubt earlier Tuesday when Republicans said it was unlikely it would be ready for a vote next week, as hoped.But senators exiting the meeting suggested they hadn’t so much resolved the questions over how to pay for the package but moved past them — apparently accepting that some of the proposed revenue streams may not pass muster in formal assessments by the Congressional Budget Office, the lawmakers’ nonpartisan fiscal scorekeeper.Manchin said he hoped that the CBO’s score, as it is called, would show that “everything’s paid for. If not, we’ll have to make some adjustments.”Even if the bipartisan group can meet its new deadline for agreement, it’s still a long shot the bill would be ready for a vote next week.Senators have struggled to agree to revenue streams to fund the $1 trillion plan, which includes about $579 billion in new spending beyond regular expenditures already funded by gas taxes and other sources.At least 10 Republican senators would be needed to back the infrastructure bill, joining with all 50 Democrats to reach the 60-vote threshold because it would still be vulnerable to a filibuster.___

President Biden's infrastructure bill swells past $3.5T

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,155 to a total of 322,264, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported eight new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,196.

<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.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,155 to a total of 322,264, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported eight new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,196.<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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626287651031.png" alt="Wednesday July 14, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday July 14, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

Kansas reports significant number of new COVID cases

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.

A Honda motorcycle driven by Evan Williams, 34, Wichita, was southbound at the intersection of 119th Street West and 31st Street South, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

Williams was attempting to pass a southbound Ford F150 driven by a 74-year-old man who was making a left turn on 31st Street South.&nbsp; The motorcycle struck the pickup.

Williams was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Blick.&nbsp;

The accident remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626282713417.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.A Honda motorcycle driven by Evan Williams, 34, Wichita, was southbound at the intersection of 119th Street West and 31st Street South, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.Williams was attempting to pass a southbound Ford F150 driven by a 74-year-old man who was making a left turn on 31st Street South.&nbsp; The motorcycle struck the pickup.Williams was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Blick.&nbsp;The accident remains under investigation.

Sheriff IDs Kan. man who died after motorcycle crash

GEARY COUNTY —A 30-year-old former athletic trainer at Junction City High School, has entered a no contest plea in Geary County District Court and been found guilty of one felony count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child according to Krista Blaisdell, County Attorney.

Brandon Martino entered the plea on Tuesday as part of an agreement that other charges, including one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and two counts of Promoting Obscenity to Minors, were dismissed.

Sentencing in the case is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 16.

The Kansas Board of Healing Arts reported earlier in July that they had&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksbha.org/boardactions/Documents/martino_21.pdf">indefinitely suspended</a>&nbsp;his license. According to the order from the Board a student patient under the age of 18 had received sexually explicit text messages from Martino, including a nude image of himself.

At the time of his arrest, USD 475 suspended Martino from all duties and responsibilities.&nbsp;

GEARY COUNTY—The Kansas Board of Healing Arts on Thursday reported they had <a href="http://www.ksbha.org/boardactions/Documents/martino_21.pdf">indefinitely suspended</a> the license of 30-year-old athletic trainer Brandon M. Martino.&nbsp;

In February, officials in Geary County charged Martino, a former trainer at junction City High School with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and two counts of promoting obscenity to minors.

&nbsp;A student patient under age 18 received sexually explicit text messages from Martino, including a nude image of himself, <a href="http://www.ksbha.org/boardactions/Documents/martino_21.pdf">according to the order </a>from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.&nbsp;

At the time of his arrest, USD 475 suspended Martino from all duties and responsibilities. "Any behavior that jeopardizes the safety and integrity of our students and staff is unacceptable."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626275623413.png" alt="Martino photo Geary County" />
 <figcaption>Martino photo Geary County</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —A 30-year-old former athletic trainer at Junction City High School, has entered a no contest plea in Geary County District Court and been found guilty of one felony count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child according to Krista Blaisdell, County Attorney.Brandon Martino entered the plea on Tuesday as part of an agreement that other charges, including one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and two counts of Promoting Obscenity to Minors, were dismissed.Sentencing in the case is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 16.The Kansas Board of Healing Arts reported earlier in July that they had&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksbha.org/boardactions/Documents/martino_21.pdf">indefinitely suspended</a>&nbsp;his license. According to the order from the Board a student patient under the age of 18 had received sexually explicit text messages from Martino, including a nude image of himself.At the time of his arrest, USD 475 suspended Martino from all duties and responsibilities.&nbsp;----------GEARY COUNTY—The Kansas Board of Healing Arts on Thursday reported they had <a href="http://www.ksbha.org/boardactions/Documents/martino_21.pdf">indefinitely suspended</a> the license of 30-year-old athletic trainer Brandon M. Martino.&nbsp;In February, officials in Geary County charged Martino, a former trainer at junction City High School with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and two counts of promoting obscenity to minors.&nbsp;A student patient under age 18 received sexually explicit text messages from Martino, including a nude image of himself, <a href="http://www.ksbha.org/boardactions/Documents/martino_21.pdf">according to the order </a>from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.&nbsp;At the time of his arrest, USD 475 suspended Martino from all duties and responsibilities. "Any behavior that jeopardizes the safety and integrity of our students and staff is unacceptable."------

Kan. school athletic trainer enters plea deal for sexting

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating following four suspected drug overdose deaths&nbsp; over a nine-day period in Wichita.

In each case, evidence of crack cocaine use was found, according to a media release from police.

A 38-year-old woman was the first to die on July 5, followed by a 48-year-old woman on July 11. 

On July 12, police found a 56-year-old man dead, and on Tuesday, a 67-year-old man likely overdosed at a Wichita motel and died. Police did not give the names of those who died. Police said autopsies and toxicology reports would determine the cause of each of the deaths.

Overdose deaths soared to a record 93,000 last year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government estimate released Wednesday eclipses the 72,000 drug overdose deaths in 2019 and amounts to a 29% increase.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating following four suspected drug overdose deaths&nbsp; over a nine-day period in Wichita.In each case, evidence of crack cocaine use was found, according to a media release from police.A 38-year-old woman was the first to die on July 5, followed by a 48-year-old woman on July 11. On July 12, police found a 56-year-old man dead, and on Tuesday, a 67-year-old man likely overdosed at a Wichita motel and died. Police did not give the names of those who died. Police said autopsies and toxicology reports would determine the cause of each of the deaths.Overdose deaths soared to a record 93,000 last year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government estimate released Wednesday eclipses the 72,000 drug overdose deaths in 2019 and amounts to a 29% increase.&nbsp;

Police probing 4 overdose deaths in Wichita since July 5

By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — A new proposed rule, which actually is an old rule renewed,
has emerged that supporters say would protect the nation’s water supply, but
opponents contend would give the EPA too much power.

The Waters of the United States proposal has returned under
the Biden Administration much to the dismay of Republican Congressman Sam
Graves.

“It’s just a bad nightmare, continuing or starting all over
again,” Graves tells St. Joseph Post. “And I thought we had put this to bed.”

Graves fought the rule, commonly called WOTUS, during the
Obama Administration and thought had arrived at a resolution two years ago,
clearly defining and limiting the EPA jurisdiction over waterways.

“And here we go again, they’re going to come back and open that
up, make it as vague as possible, which means the EPA could have jurisdiction
over every square inch of ground that a farmer or rancher is going to use,”
according to Graves.

Opponents contend the Clean Water Act limits the EPA jurisdiction
to navigable waters and Congress never intended it to be expanded beyond that.
Those who favor WOTUS say the EPA must be given jurisdiction to water sources
that feed navigable waters.

WOTUS was first proposed by the Obama Administration. Court
battles kept it from ever being implemented.

Graves claims input is missing in the latest process to
implement the rule.

“It’s absolutely missing,” Graves says. “They aren’t asking
the stakeholders and that’s the landowners what their thought is and how it’s
going to impact them. They are just moving forward with this rule change.”

Graves says WOTUS violates the Takings Clause of the
Constitution’s 5th Amendment.

“This is truly a takings,” Graves asserts. “It’s a takings
issue, taking the use of that property that farmers and ranchers have been producing
on for generations, hundreds of years, and saying you can’t do that anymore,
because we’ve determined that we have jurisdiction over it.”

Graves favors the Navigable Waters Protection Rule implemented
during the Trump Administration, which limits EPA jurisdiction to navigable
waters under the Clean Water Act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626276567996.jpeg" alt="Image by Mike Gattorna from Pixabay " />
 <figcaption>Image by Mike Gattorna from Pixabay </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — A new proposed rule, which actually is an old rule renewed,
has emerged that supporters say would protect the nation’s water supply, but
opponents contend would give the EPA too much power.The Waters of the United States proposal has returned under
the Biden Administration much to the dismay of Republican Congressman Sam
Graves.“It’s just a bad nightmare, continuing or starting all over
again,” Graves tells St. Joseph Post. “And I thought we had put this to bed.”Graves fought the rule, commonly called WOTUS, during the
Obama Administration and thought had arrived at a resolution two years ago,
clearly defining and limiting the EPA jurisdiction over waterways.“And here we go again, they’re going to come back and open that
up, make it as vague as possible, which means the EPA could have jurisdiction
over every square inch of ground that a farmer or rancher is going to use,”
according to Graves.Opponents contend the Clean Water Act limits the EPA jurisdiction
to navigable waters and Congress never intended it to be expanded beyond that.
Those who favor WOTUS say the EPA must be given jurisdiction to water sources
that feed navigable waters.WOTUS was first proposed by the Obama Administration. Court
battles kept it from ever being implemented.Graves claims input is missing in the latest process to
implement the rule.“It’s absolutely missing,” Graves says. “They aren’t asking
the stakeholders and that’s the landowners what their thought is and how it’s
going to impact them. They are just moving forward with this rule change.”Graves says WOTUS violates the Takings Clause of the
Constitution’s 5th Amendment.“This is truly a takings,” Graves asserts. “It’s a takings
issue, taking the use of that property that farmers and ranchers have been producing
on for generations, hundreds of years, and saying you can’t do that anymore,
because we’ve determined that we have jurisdiction over it.”Graves favors the Navigable Waters Protection Rule implemented
during the Trump Administration, which limits EPA jurisdiction to navigable
waters under the Clean Water Act.

WOTUS returns, sparking as much controversy as before

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.

On July 10, a deputy sheriff conducted&nbsp;a traffic stop on a Cadillac passenger car near 150th and Q.4 Road, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

Following an investigation, the deputy arrested the passenger, Gretchen Ranae Cabrera, 42, of Topeka and booked her into the Jackson County Jail on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626207283701.png" alt="Cabrera has previous convictions for theft, drugs and for evading a road block; reckless driving, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Cabrera has previous convictions for theft, drugs and for evading a road block; reckless driving, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.On July 10, a deputy sheriff conducted&nbsp;a traffic stop on a Cadillac passenger car near 150th and Q.4 Road, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.Following an investigation, the deputy arrested the passenger, Gretchen Ranae Cabrera, 42, of Topeka and booked her into the Jackson County Jail on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Passenger in traffic stop was Kan. felon with drugs


HUTCHINSON— 
The Kansas State Fair board on Wednesday morning named Bryan Schulz the fair's next general manager.&nbsp;

Prior to this, Bryan served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the&nbsp; Red River Valley Fair Association in West Fargo, North Dakota. He served in this&nbsp; capacity from January 2008 to December 2019. He is a 1991 graduate of North Dakota&nbsp; State University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, Speech and Animal&nbsp; Science.&nbsp;

In addition to his work with the Red River Valley Fair Association, Bryan was also active&nbsp; within the International Association of Fairs and Expos (IAFE) where he graduated from&nbsp; the Institute of Fair Management in 2012 and received his Certified Fair Executive (CFE)&nbsp; designation in 2013. He was a member of the North Dakota Association of Fairs Board&nbsp; of Directors from 2011 to 2019 and served as President in 2016.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bryan also served as a West Fargo City Commissioner for 8 years where he served as&nbsp; Vice-Mayor for two years, and as a member of the 119th Fighter Wing of the North&nbsp; Dakota Air National Guard.&nbsp;

He is active in the community serving on several committees and boards. Bryan, his wife Lisa and two daughters Karli and Katie live in Las Cruces, New Mexico.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Schulz replaces&nbsp; interim GM Ed Berger, who stepped in for Robin Jennison, who resigned from the fair after the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp; Schulz will be paid a salary of $125,000 plus benefits. He begins his duties August 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626269696039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON— 
The Kansas State Fair board on Wednesday morning named Bryan Schulz the fair's next general manager.&nbsp;Prior to this, Bryan served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the&nbsp; Red River Valley Fair Association in West Fargo, North Dakota. He served in this&nbsp; capacity from January 2008 to December 2019. He is a 1991 graduate of North Dakota&nbsp; State University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, Speech and Animal&nbsp; Science.&nbsp;In addition to his work with the Red River Valley Fair Association, Bryan was also active&nbsp; within the International Association of Fairs and Expos (IAFE) where he graduated from&nbsp; the Institute of Fair Management in 2012 and received his Certified Fair Executive (CFE)&nbsp; designation in 2013. He was a member of the North Dakota Association of Fairs Board&nbsp; of Directors from 2011 to 2019 and served as President in 2016.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bryan also served as a West Fargo City Commissioner for 8 years where he served as&nbsp; Vice-Mayor for two years, and as a member of the 119th Fighter Wing of the North&nbsp; Dakota Air National Guard.&nbsp;He is active in the community serving on several committees and boards. Bryan, his wife Lisa and two daughters Karli and Katie live in Las Cruces, New Mexico.&nbsp;&nbsp;Schulz replaces&nbsp; interim GM Ed Berger, who stepped in for Robin Jennison, who resigned from the fair after the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp; Schulz will be paid a salary of $125,000 plus benefits. He begins his duties August 2.

Kansas State Fair names new general manager

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Republican lawmaker questioned Tuesday whether Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration made unemployment fraud worse by not conducting adequate background checks on hundreds of people hired to help with a surge of claims during the pandemic.

Sen. Caryn Tyson, of Parker, raised the issue as the state prepared to launch a new investigation of unemployment fraud. Tyson serves on a new council&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/summary_hb_2196_2021" target="_blank">created by the GOP-controlled Legislature</a>&nbsp;to oversee a modernization of the Kansas Department of Labor’s aged computer system and to audit fraud and its effects.

Kansas and other states saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-health-coronavirus-pandemic-asia-pacific-ohio-b651def05a8a049637c4a1047f788631">a flood of fraudulent claims</a>&nbsp;when the federal government expanded benefits in response to economic problems tied to COVID-19 and efforts to check its spread. The state Department of Labor estimated that fraudulent claims last year totaled $290 million, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-2ff466a95e0e08fec896b9fcac161312">a report by the Legislature’s auditing arm</a>&nbsp;estimated $600 million.

The council on Tuesday discussed the scope of its audit so the state can take bids from private firms for the work, with a preliminary report due May 1, 2022. The final report is expected by September next year. The council expects to set the audit’s scope next week, but Tyson said auditors should examine possible “holes or flaws in the human side” of computer security, particularly given the big expansion of the department’s workforce.

“Did they have policies and practices when hiring?” she said. “We brought on so many people for that call center so quickly. What kinds of checks were in place?”

Tyson’s comments and the council’s discussion came hours before Kelly issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/.https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/EO-21-25-Cybersecurity-Task-Force-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">an executive order</a>&nbsp;forming a Cybersecurity Task Force to develop better security for state and local governments.

Deputy Labor Secretary Peter Brady said his department would benefit from an examination of possible issues in the unemployment system. But he also said the federal government requires background checks of anyone who has access to sensitive data, general tax information and Social Security data.

The department has said it had 20 people answering calls about unemployment when the pandemic reached Kansas in March 2020 and by February 2021 it had 450 people assisting jobless workers.

Several lawmakers on the council worried that Tyson’s suggestions could balloon the cost of the audit.

And Rep. Stephanie Clayton, an Overland Park Democrat and another council member, said the Department of Labor expanded staffing quickly because legislators complained that people were having trouble getting benefits.

“Hello? We, the legislators, we asked for that,” Clayton said in an interview. “We clamored and said, ‘You need to do this right away.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597413216509.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican a (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican a (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Republican lawmaker questioned Tuesday whether Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration made unemployment fraud worse by not conducting adequate background checks on hundreds of people hired to help with a surge of claims during the pandemic.Sen. Caryn Tyson, of Parker, raised the issue as the state prepared to launch a new investigation of unemployment fraud. Tyson serves on a new council&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/summary_hb_2196_2021" target="_blank">created by the GOP-controlled Legislature</a>&nbsp;to oversee a modernization of the Kansas Department of Labor’s aged computer system and to audit fraud and its effects.Kansas and other states saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-health-coronavirus-pandemic-asia-pacific-ohio-b651def05a8a049637c4a1047f788631">a flood of fraudulent claims</a>&nbsp;when the federal government expanded benefits in response to economic problems tied to COVID-19 and efforts to check its spread. The state Department of Labor estimated that fraudulent claims last year totaled $290 million, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-2ff466a95e0e08fec896b9fcac161312">a report by the Legislature’s auditing arm</a>&nbsp;estimated $600 million.The council on Tuesday discussed the scope of its audit so the state can take bids from private firms for the work, with a preliminary report due May 1, 2022. The final report is expected by September next year. The council expects to set the audit’s scope next week, but Tyson said auditors should examine possible “holes or flaws in the human side” of computer security, particularly given the big expansion of the department’s workforce.“Did they have policies and practices when hiring?” she said. “We brought on so many people for that call center so quickly. What kinds of checks were in place?”Tyson’s comments and the council’s discussion came hours before Kelly issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/.https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/EO-21-25-Cybersecurity-Task-Force-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">an executive order</a>&nbsp;forming a Cybersecurity Task Force to develop better security for state and local governments.Deputy Labor Secretary Peter Brady said his department would benefit from an examination of possible issues in the unemployment system. But he also said the federal government requires background checks of anyone who has access to sensitive data, general tax information and Social Security data.The department has said it had 20 people answering calls about unemployment when the pandemic reached Kansas in March 2020 and by February 2021 it had 450 people assisting jobless workers.Several lawmakers on the council worried that Tyson’s suggestions could balloon the cost of the audit.And Rep. Stephanie Clayton, an Overland Park Democrat and another council member, said the Department of Labor expanded staffing quickly because legislators complained that people were having trouble getting benefits.“Hello? We, the legislators, we asked for that,” Clayton said in an interview. “We clamored and said, ‘You need to do this right away.’”___

State Senator asks if ‘human side’ worsened unemployment fraud

SUMNER COUNTY —Ten days after a fatal pedestrian accident, law enforcement authorities released the identity of the victim as Joseph R. Felton, 72, of Wichita, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Just after 10:30p.m. July 3, a 2020 Volvo semi driven by Rosca&nbsp;Corneliu, 38, Glendale, AZ., was northbound on the Kansas Turnpike in southern Sumner County, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

The semi struck Felton who was in the right lane. He was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Cornejo Funeral Home and Crematory. Corneliu was not injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SUMNER COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Sumner County.

Just after 10:30 p.m. Saturday, a northbound vehicle struck a pedestrian who was in the right hand lane of the Kansas Turnpike in southern Sumner County.&nbsp;

Authorities released no additional details early Sunday.

SUMNER COUNTY —Ten days after a fatal pedestrian accident, law enforcement authorities released the identity of the victim as Joseph R. Felton, 72, of Wichita, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.Just after 10:30p.m. July 3, a 2020 Volvo semi driven by Rosca&nbsp;Corneliu, 38, Glendale, AZ., was northbound on the Kansas Turnpike in southern Sumner County, according to the KHP.&nbsp;The semi struck Felton who was in the right lane. He was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Cornejo Funeral Home and Crematory. Corneliu was not injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;----------SUMNER COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Sumner County.Just after 10:30 p.m. Saturday, a northbound vehicle struck a pedestrian who was in the right hand lane of the Kansas Turnpike in southern Sumner County.&nbsp;Authorities released no additional details early Sunday.

KHP IDs Kansas man who died in pedestrian accident

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The
 Internal Revenue Service announced today it will issue another round of
 refunds this week to nearly 4 million taxpayers who overpaid their 
taxes on unemployment compensation received last year.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which became law in March, 
excluded up to $10,200 in 2020 unemployment compensation from taxable 
income calculations. The exclusion applied to individuals and married 
couples whose modified adjusted gross income was less than $150,000.

Refunds by direct deposit will begin July 14 and refunds by paper 
check will begin July 16. The IRS previously issued refunds related to 
unemployment compensation exclusion in May and June, and it will 
continue to issue refunds throughout the summer.

To ease the burden on taxpayers, the IRS has been reviewing the Forms
 1040 and 1040SR that were filed prior to the law's enactment to 
identify those people who are due an adjustment. For taxpayers who 
overpaid, the IRS will either refund the overpayment, apply it to other 
outstanding taxes or other federal or state debts owed.

For this round, the IRS identified approximately 4.6 million 
taxpayers who may be due an adjustment. Of that number, approximately 4 
million taxpayers are expected to receive a refund. The refund average 
is $1,265, which means some will receive more and some will receive 
less.

Most taxpayers need not take any action and there is no need to call 
the IRS. However, if, as a result of the excluded unemployment 
compensation, taxpayers are now eligible for deductions or credits not 
claimed on the original return, they should file a Form 1040-X, Amended 
U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

Taxpayers should file an amended return if they:

Taxpayers do not need to file an amended return if they:

Taxpayers will generally receive letters from the IRS within 30 days 
of the adjustment, informing them of what kind of adjustment was made 
(such as refund, payment of IRS debt payment or payment offset for other
 authorized debts) and the amount of the adjustment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The
 Internal Revenue Service announced today it will issue another round of
 refunds this week to nearly 4 million taxpayers who overpaid their 
taxes on unemployment compensation received last year.The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which became law in March, 
excluded up to $10,200 in 2020 unemployment compensation from taxable 
income calculations. The exclusion applied to individuals and married 
couples whose modified adjusted gross income was less than $150,000.Refunds by direct deposit will begin July 14 and refunds by paper 
check will begin July 16. The IRS previously issued refunds related to 
unemployment compensation exclusion in May and June, and it will 
continue to issue refunds throughout the summer.To ease the burden on taxpayers, the IRS has been reviewing the Forms
 1040 and 1040SR that were filed prior to the law's enactment to 
identify those people who are due an adjustment. For taxpayers who 
overpaid, the IRS will either refund the overpayment, apply it to other 
outstanding taxes or other federal or state debts owed.For this round, the IRS identified approximately 4.6 million 
taxpayers who may be due an adjustment. Of that number, approximately 4 
million taxpayers are expected to receive a refund. The refund average 
is $1,265, which means some will receive more and some will receive 
less.Most taxpayers need not take any action and there is no need to call 
the IRS. However, if, as a result of the excluded unemployment 
compensation, taxpayers are now eligible for deductions or credits not 
claimed on the original return, they should file a Form 1040-X, Amended 
U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.Taxpayers should file an amended return if they:<ul>
 <li>did not submit a Schedule 8812 with the original return to claim 
the Additional Child Tax Credit and are now eligible for the credit 
after the unemployment compensation exclusion;</li><li>did not submit a Schedule EIC with the original return to claim the
 Earned Income Tax Credit (with qualifying dependents) and are now 
eligible for the credit after the unemployment compensation exclusion;</li><li>are now eligible for any other credits and/or deductions not 
mentioned below. Make sure to include any required forms or schedules.</li>
 </ul>Taxpayers do not need to file an amended return if they:<ul>
 <li>already filed a tax return and did not claim the unemployment 
exclusion; the IRS will determine the correct taxable amount of 
unemployment compensation and tax;</li><li>have an adjustment, because of the exclusion, that will result in 
an increase in any non-refundable or refundable credits reported on the 
original return;</li><li>did not claim the following credits on their tax return but are now
 eligible when the unemployment exclusion is applied: Recovery Rebate 
Credit, Earned Income Credit with no qualifying dependents or the 
Advance Premium Tax Credit. The IRS will calculate the credit and 
include it in any overpayment;</li><li>filed a married filing joint return, live in a community property 
state, and entered a smaller exclusion amount than entitled on Schedule 
1, line 8.</li>
 </ul>Taxpayers will generally receive letters from the IRS within 30 days 
of the adjustment, informing them of what kind of adjustment was made 
(such as refund, payment of IRS debt payment or payment offset for other
 authorized debts) and the amount of the adjustment.

IRS set to send 4M refunds for unemployment overpayments

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly has created the Governor’s Cybersecurity Task Force to protect Kansas’ digital infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks.

C<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.jZfWPIV1C5b8ixunvl-6qNGILeyutZBl5gmtUe0HhQU/s/1303160919/br/109252810330-l" target="_blank">lick here to view E.O. #21-25&nbsp;</a>

The bipartisan task force is charged with developing a comprehensive plan to address potential cybercrime, and protect essential services that Kansans and businesses depend on, according to a media release from the governor's office.

“As cyber-attacks become more sophisticated, it’s critical that we prevent disruptions in essential public services,&nbsp;and protect Kansans’ privacy, economic activity, and public safety,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Through this bipartisan, collaborative effort, with partners from both the private and public sectors, we will develop a plan to protect our digital infrastructure and improve cybersecurity statewide.”

The Task Force’s specific duties are as follows:

The group must submit an initial report to the Governor within the next 90 days, detailing recommendations and proposals for the Task Force’s work. A comprehensive report and recommendations are due to the Governor by December 5, 2021.

The members of the Cybersecurity Task Force are:

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly has created the Governor’s Cybersecurity Task Force to protect Kansas’ digital infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks.C<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.jZfWPIV1C5b8ixunvl-6qNGILeyutZBl5gmtUe0HhQU/s/1303160919/br/109252810330-l" target="_blank">lick here to view E.O. #21-25&nbsp;</a>The bipartisan task force is charged with developing a comprehensive plan to address potential cybercrime, and protect essential services that Kansans and businesses depend on, according to a media release from the governor's office.“As cyber-attacks become more sophisticated, it’s critical that we prevent disruptions in essential public services,&nbsp;and protect Kansans’ privacy, economic activity, and public safety,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Through this bipartisan, collaborative effort, with partners from both the private and public sectors, we will develop a plan to protect our digital infrastructure and improve cybersecurity statewide.”The Task Force’s specific duties are as follows:<ul>
 <li>Facilitate cross-industry and cross-government collaboration to share best practices and mitigate cybersecurity risks related to critical infrastructure and protected systems;</li><li>Identify opportunities to improve the overall cyber security posture across all levels of government within Kansas;</li><li>Identify partnerships and avenues to maximize and leverage existing cybersecurity resources within the state;</li><li>Develop a framework for coordinated information sharing, response, simulation, testing, and mutual assistance between the government and private sectors;</li><li>Develop a coordinated and collaborative State of Kansas Cyber Response Plan;</li><li>Recommend appropriate and cost-effective safeguards to reduce, eliminate, or recover from identified threats to data;</li><li>Recommend resources and possible methods to accomplish the recommendations identified above.</li>
 </ul>The group must submit an initial report to the Governor within the next 90 days, detailing recommendations and proposals for the Task Force’s work. A comprehensive report and recommendations are due to the Governor by December 5, 2021.The members of the Cybersecurity Task Force are:<ul>
 <li>State Chief Information Technology Officer or designee (ex-officio):&nbsp;Secretary Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace</li><li>State Chief Information Security Officer or designee (ex-officio):&nbsp;Jeff Maxon, Topeka</li><li>The Adjutant General of the Kansas National Guard or designee (ex-officio):&nbsp;Col. David Hewlett, Wichita</li><li>The Attorney General or designee (ex-officio):&nbsp;Jay Emler, Lindsborg</li><li>The Secretary of State or designee (ex-officio):&nbsp;Kevin Comstock, Topeka</li><li>Representative from the Kansas Department of Emergency Management:&nbsp;Jonathan York, Topeka</li><li>Director of Kansas Criminal Justice Information System (ex-officio):&nbsp;David Marshall, Topeka</li><li>Director of the Kansas Intelligence Fusion Center (ex-officio):&nbsp;William (Bill) Glynn, Topeka</li><li>Representative from a municipal governments:&nbsp;Mike Mayta, Wichita</li><li>Representative from the Regents institution:&nbsp;John Godfrey, Shawnee</li><li>Representative from critical infrastructure:&nbsp;Charles King, Overland Park</li><li>Representative from critical infrastructure:&nbsp;John Berghuis, Salina</li><li>Representative from the joint committee on Information Technology:&nbsp;Representative Kyle Hoffman, Coldwater</li><li>Representative from the joint committee on Information Technology:&nbsp;Senator Jeff Pittman, Leavenworth</li><li>Representative of county governments:&nbsp;Doug Peters, (Garden City, Finney County)</li>
 </ul>

Gov. has plan for protecting state's digital infrastructure 

PAWNEE COUNTY —John Freeman Colt escaped from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program on the campus of Larned State Hospital (LSH) the morning of June 30 and remains at large.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the Pawnee County Local Emergency Preparedness Committee received an update from Sheriff Scott King regarding the basic timeline of Colt's escape, according to a media release from the&nbsp; Pawnee County Attorney's office.

This timeline included a nearly 5 1/2 hour delay between Colt leaving the facility and law enforcement first being notified. Colt walked out of the building at approximately 7:08 a.m. by disguising himself as hospital staff. He was last seen on private security cameras walking south in the 1300 block on Broadway, Larned, Kansas at approximately 11:20 a.m. on June 30, 2021. The Pawnee County Sheriff's Department was not notified of the escape until 12:47 p.m. At that same time LSH activated their notification system for area residence.

Officials from LSH and KDADS were in attendance to answer questions and explain changes made since the escape to prevent this from happening in the future.

Sheriff King, along with the assisting law enforcement agencies, also advised those in attendance as to the efforts law enforcement have made to date, the importance of timely notification and his frustration in getting timely access to video and documentation. Those concerns included an inquiry by KDADS legal department as to the need to obtain a HIPAA related protective order.

"I have full confidence in the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and the assisting law enforcement agencies to pursue all legal means at their disposal to locate and apprehend the escaped violent sexual predator, John Freeman Colt. To that end, on July 6th Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King made the decision a search warrant was necessary to expedite the securing of critical evidence related to the investigation. 

As Sheriff King so passionately express Tuesday, law enforcement should at the very least expect KDADS, the agency actually responsible for the escape and delayed reporting, to show the same level of urgency as the investigators tasked with capturing him. 

For the administration in Topeka to inquire at this point about a need for an order to protect “health information” illustrates a total lack of the sense of priorities. The 5 ½ hour delay between the actual escape and the first notification to law enforcement resulted in the loss of their best window of opportunity to capture the escapee. Each minute hereafter potentially places the public in greater danger."

If anyone has information as to the whereabouts of John Freeman Colt, they should contact law enforcement immediately. Do not approach this individual as he is considered dangerous.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626191603052.jpeg" alt="John Freeman Colt-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>John Freeman Colt-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —John Freeman Colt escaped from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program on the campus of Larned State Hospital (LSH) the morning of June 30 and remains at large.&nbsp;On Tuesday, the Pawnee County Local Emergency Preparedness Committee received an update from Sheriff Scott King regarding the basic timeline of Colt's escape, according to a media release from the&nbsp; Pawnee County Attorney's office.This timeline included a nearly 5 1/2 hour delay between Colt leaving the facility and law enforcement first being notified. Colt walked out of the building at approximately 7:08 a.m. by disguising himself as hospital staff. He was last seen on private security cameras walking south in the 1300 block on Broadway, Larned, Kansas at approximately 11:20 a.m. on June 30, 2021. The Pawnee County Sheriff's Department was not notified of the escape until 12:47 p.m. At that same time LSH activated their notification system for area residence.Officials from LSH and KDADS were in attendance to answer questions and explain changes made since the escape to prevent this from happening in the future.Sheriff King, along with the assisting law enforcement agencies, also advised those in attendance as to the efforts law enforcement have made to date, the importance of timely notification and his frustration in getting timely access to video and documentation. Those concerns included an inquiry by KDADS legal department as to the need to obtain a HIPAA related protective order."I have full confidence in the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and the assisting law enforcement agencies to pursue all legal means at their disposal to locate and apprehend the escaped violent sexual predator, John Freeman Colt. To that end, on July 6th Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King made the decision a search warrant was necessary to expedite the securing of critical evidence related to the investigation. As Sheriff King so passionately express Tuesday, law enforcement should at the very least expect KDADS, the agency actually responsible for the escape and delayed reporting, to show the same level of urgency as the investigators tasked with capturing him. For the administration in Topeka to inquire at this point about a need for an order to protect “health information” illustrates a total lack of the sense of priorities. The 5 ½ hour delay between the actual escape and the first notification to law enforcement resulted in the loss of their best window of opportunity to capture the escapee. Each minute hereafter potentially places the public in greater danger."If anyone has information as to the whereabouts of John Freeman Colt, they should contact law enforcement immediately. Do not approach this individual as he is considered dangerous.

Sheriff updates search for Kan. felon from sexual predator program

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and JOSH FUNK, Associated Press

The COVID-19 curve in the U.S. is rising again after months of decline, with the number of new cases per day doubling over the past three weeks, driven by the fast-spreading delta variant, lagging vaccination rates and Fourth of July gatherings.

Confirmed infections climbed to an average of about 23,600 a day on Monday, up from 11,300 on June 23, according to Johns Hopkins University data. And all but two states — Maine and South Dakota — reported that case numbers have gone up over the past two weeks.

“It is certainly no coincidence that we are looking at exactly the time that we would expect cases to be occurring after the July Fourth weekend," said Dr. Bill Powderly, co-director of the infectious-disease division at Washington University’s School of Medicine in St. Louis.

At the same time, parts of the country are running up against deep vaccine resistance, while the highly contagious mutant version of the coronavirus that was first detected in India is accounting for an ever-larger share of infections.

Nationally, 55.6% of all Americans have received at least one COVID-19 shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The five states with the biggest two-week jump in cases per capita all had lower vaccination rates: Missouri, 45.9%; Arkansas, 43%; Nevada, 50.9%; Louisiana, 39.2%; and Utah, 49.5%.

Even with the latest surge, cases in the U.S. are nowhere near their peak of a quarter-million per day in January. And deaths are running at under 260 per day on average after topping out at more than 3,400 over the winter — a testament to how effectively the vaccine can prevent serious illness and death in those who happen to become infected.

Still, amid the rise, health authorities in places such as Los Angeles County and St. Louis are begging even immunized people to resume wearing masks in public. And Chicago officials announced Tuesday that unvaccinated travelers from Missouri and Arkansas must either quarantine for 10 days or have a negative COVID-19 test.

Meanwhile, the Health Department in Mississippi, which ranks dead last nationally for vaccinations, began blocking posts about COVID-19 on its Facebook page because of a “rise of misinformation” about the virus and the vaccine.

Mississippi officials are also recommending that people 65 and older and those with chronic underlying conditions stay away from large indoor gatherings because of a 150% rise in hospitalizations over the past three weeks.

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and JOSH FUNK, Associated PressThe COVID-19 curve in the U.S. is rising again after months of decline, with the number of new cases per day doubling over the past three weeks, driven by the fast-spreading delta variant, lagging vaccination rates and Fourth of July gatherings.Confirmed infections climbed to an average of about 23,600 a day on Monday, up from 11,300 on June 23, according to Johns Hopkins University data. And all but two states — Maine and South Dakota — reported that case numbers have gone up over the past two weeks.“It is certainly no coincidence that we are looking at exactly the time that we would expect cases to be occurring after the July Fourth weekend," said Dr. Bill Powderly, co-director of the infectious-disease division at Washington University’s School of Medicine in St. Louis.At the same time, parts of the country are running up against deep vaccine resistance, while the highly contagious mutant version of the coronavirus that was first detected in India is accounting for an ever-larger share of infections.Nationally, 55.6% of all Americans have received at least one COVID-19 shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The five states with the biggest two-week jump in cases per capita all had lower vaccination rates: Missouri, 45.9%; Arkansas, 43%; Nevada, 50.9%; Louisiana, 39.2%; and Utah, 49.5%.Even with the latest surge, cases in the U.S. are nowhere near their peak of a quarter-million per day in January. And deaths are running at under 260 per day on average after topping out at more than 3,400 over the winter — a testament to how effectively the vaccine can prevent serious illness and death in those who happen to become infected.Still, amid the rise, health authorities in places such as Los Angeles County and St. Louis are begging even immunized people to resume wearing masks in public. And Chicago officials announced Tuesday that unvaccinated travelers from Missouri and Arkansas must either quarantine for 10 days or have a negative COVID-19 test.Meanwhile, the Health Department in Mississippi, which ranks dead last nationally for vaccinations, began blocking posts about COVID-19 on its Facebook page because of a “rise of misinformation” about the virus and the vaccine.Mississippi officials are also recommending that people 65 and older and those with chronic underlying conditions stay away from large indoor gatherings because of a 150% rise in hospitalizations over the past three weeks.In Louisiana, which also has one of the nation's lowest vaccination rates, officials in the city of New Orleans said Tuesday that they are likely to extend until fall virus-mitigation efforts currently in place at large sporting and entertainment gatherings, including mask mandates or requirements that attendees be vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test. State health officials said cases of the coronavirus are surging, largely among nonvaccinated people.But the political will may not be there in many states fatigued by months of restrictions.In Michigan, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is facing a drive to repeal a law that she used to set major restrictions during the early stages of the pandemic.And Republican Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama pushed back against the idea that the state might need to reimpose preventive measures as vaccinations lag and hospitalizations rise.“Alabama is OPEN for business. Vaccines are readily available, and I encourage folks to get one. The state of emergency and health orders have expired. We are moving forward,” she said on social media.Dr. James Lawler, a leader of the Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, said bringing back masks and limiting gatherings would help. But he acknowledged that most of the places seeing higher rates of the virus “are exactly the areas of the country that don’t want to do any of these things.”Lawler warned that what is happening in Britain is a preview of what's to come in the U.S.“The descriptions from regions of the world where the delta variant has taken hold and become the predominant virus are pictures of ICUs full of 30-year-olds. That’s what the critical care doctors describe and that’s what’s coming to the U.S.," he said.He added: “I think people have no clue what’s about to hit us.”President Joe Biden is putting a dose of star power behind the administration’s efforts to get young people vaccinated. Eighteen-year-old actress, singer and songwriter Olivia Rodrigo will meet with Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci on Wednesday.While the administration has had success vaccinating older Americans, young adults have shown less urgency to get the shots.Some, at least, are heeding the call in Missouri after weeks of begging, said Erik Frederick, chief administrative officer of Mercy Hospital Springfield. He tweeted that the number of people getting immunized at its vaccine clinic has jumped from 150 to 250 daily.“That gives me hope,” he said.