ANDERSON COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Anderson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevy Cruz driven by&nbsp; Odyessie K. Allen, 31, Westphalia, Kan. was northbound on Colorado Road three miles southeast of Westphalia.

The vehicle traveled left of center and struck a southbound 2018 Chrysler 300 driven by Valorie L. Stewart, 49, Kincaid, head-on. 

Allen was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Feuerborn Family Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported Stewart to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

ANDERSON COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Anderson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevy Cruz driven by&nbsp; Odyessie K. Allen, 31, Westphalia, Kan. was northbound on Colorado Road three miles southeast of Westphalia.The vehicle traveled left of center and struck a southbound 2018 Chrysler 300 driven by Valorie L. Stewart, 49, Kincaid, head-on. Allen was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Feuerborn Family Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported Stewart to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman killed, another injured after head-on crash

RENO COUNTY — A Kansas man charged with murder in the shooting of two men in April&nbsp; was bound over for trial following a preliminary hearing Wednesday in Reno County District Court.

Sixty-four-year-old Sandral Wade is charged with one count of first- degree murder in the shooting death of Orlando Gipson and one count of attempted first-degree murder in the shooting of Landre Bowie. He's also charged with two alternating counts of aggravated robbery and criminal possession of a firearm. A count of conspiracy to commit first degree murder was dismissed.

Wade was arrested in connection with the early morning shooting in the 1500 block of West 12th Avenue in Hutchinson. Officers arrived at the scene and found Bowie laying in the street with gunshot wounds to his abdomen. He was transferred to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment and survived. Officers then located Gipson in the front yard of a nearby residence with a single gunshot wound to his chest. He was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Bowie testified during the hearing Wednesday saying that Wade was the person who shot him before he crawled out into the street where police who were in the area assisted him. He also told detectives that he could hear Gibson shouting “don’t shoot me.”

Also on the stand was the co-defendant in the case, Robert Legrange who in exchange for his testimony pleaded guilty to obstruction in the apprehension of a felon, interference with law enforcement and several counts of endangerment of law enforcement last Friday.

Lagrange testified that he saw Wade shoot the two men. He also said that Wade tried to give him a cell phone which he threw in the trash. The phone belonged to Bowie. Lagrange also said that he helped hide Wade at his house for two days before police found him hiding in a closet. There was also testimony from numerous Hutchinson Police officers and detectives about evidence and interviews they conducted.

Arraignment for Wade is set for Tuesday Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. before Judge Keith Schroeder.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618162821449.jpeg" alt="Wade has previous convictions for indecent liberties with a child, criminal threat, aggravated assault, four times for DUI, failure to report an injury accident and for drugs, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections. -photo Hutchinson Police" />
 <figcaption>Wade has previous convictions for indecent liberties with a child, criminal threat, aggravated assault, four times for DUI, failure to report an injury accident and for drugs, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections. -photo Hutchinson Police</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — A Kansas man charged with murder in the shooting of two men in April&nbsp; was bound over for trial following a preliminary hearing Wednesday in Reno County District Court.Sixty-four-year-old Sandral Wade is charged with one count of first- degree murder in the shooting death of Orlando Gipson and one count of attempted first-degree murder in the shooting of Landre Bowie. He's also charged with two alternating counts of aggravated robbery and criminal possession of a firearm. A count of conspiracy to commit first degree murder was dismissed.Wade was arrested in connection with the early morning shooting in the 1500 block of West 12th Avenue in Hutchinson. Officers arrived at the scene and found Bowie laying in the street with gunshot wounds to his abdomen. He was transferred to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment and survived. Officers then located Gipson in the front yard of a nearby residence with a single gunshot wound to his chest. He was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.Bowie testified during the hearing Wednesday saying that Wade was the person who shot him before he crawled out into the street where police who were in the area assisted him. He also told detectives that he could hear Gibson shouting “don’t shoot me.”Also on the stand was the co-defendant in the case, Robert Legrange who in exchange for his testimony pleaded guilty to obstruction in the apprehension of a felon, interference with law enforcement and several counts of endangerment of law enforcement last Friday.Lagrange testified that he saw Wade shoot the two men. He also said that Wade tried to give him a cell phone which he threw in the trash. The phone belonged to Bowie. Lagrange also said that he helped hide Wade at his house for two days before police found him hiding in a closet. There was also testimony from numerous Hutchinson Police officers and detectives about evidence and interviews they conducted.Arraignment for Wade is set for Tuesday Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. before Judge Keith Schroeder.&nbsp;

Kan. felon found hiding in closet will stand trial for man's murder

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 10 p.m. Monday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 Honda Odyssey minivan at SW 10th Street and SW Wanamaker Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 The minivan was reported stolen through the Topeka Police Department. There were two adult woman, an 8-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl inside the vehicle during this incident. 

Throughout the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics, according to Christian. They arrested the driver, Shalena N. Broadway, 29, of Topeka, on a warrant out of Jackson County and requested charged with possession of methamphetamine, aggravated endangering a child, felony theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, driving while license suspended, identity theft, forgery and burglary to vehicle.

The passenger, Jessica D. Riley-Perkins, 27, of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, identity theft, forgery and burglary to vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634132472471.png" alt="Broadway-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Broadway-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just before 10 p.m. Monday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 Honda Odyssey minivan at SW 10th Street and SW Wanamaker Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The minivan was reported stolen through the Topeka Police Department. There were two adult woman, an 8-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl inside the vehicle during this incident. Throughout the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics, according to Christian. They arrested the driver, Shalena N. Broadway, 29, of Topeka, on a warrant out of Jackson County and requested charged with possession of methamphetamine, aggravated endangering a child, felony theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, driving while license suspended, identity theft, forgery and burglary to vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634132536436.png" alt="Riley-Perkins" />
 <figcaption>Riley-Perkins</figcaption>
 </figure>The passenger, Jessica D. Riley-Perkins, 27, of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, identity theft, forgery and burglary to vehicle.

Sheriff: Kansas mother jailed after driving with kids in stolen van

SALINE COUNTY —Anyone who attended Monday's Salina City Commission meeting will need to monitor their health.

The Saline County Health Department reported Wednesday that it was notified that someone who attended Monday Salina City Commission meeting had tested positive for COVID-19. The unvaccinated attendee was symptomatic and unmasked during the meeting, and reported that he/she did not socially distance from other attendees.

The health department urges those in attendance to monitor for symptoms. Those who develop symptoms should do the following.

●Let the test location know you attended the Salina City Commission meeting on Monday

<a href="https://www.vaccinatesalinecountyks.com/testing">Click here for local COVID-19 testing options</a>

<a href="https://www.vaccines.gov/">Click here for vaccination locations</a>

<a href="https://files.ctctusercontent.com/55d47694801/bfe84275-dbe4-410c-a406-c02213be3f31.pdf?rdr=true">Click here for COVID-19 funeral cost assistance information</a>

SALINE COUNTY —Anyone who attended Monday's Salina City Commission meeting will need to monitor their health.The Saline County Health Department reported Wednesday that it was notified that someone who attended Monday Salina City Commission meeting had tested positive for COVID-19. The unvaccinated attendee was symptomatic and unmasked during the meeting, and reported that he/she did not socially distance from other attendees.The health department urges those in attendance to monitor for symptoms. Those who develop symptoms should do the following.●Isolate at home●Get tested●Let the test location know you attended the Salina City Commission meeting on Monday<a href="https://www.vaccinatesalinecountyks.com/testing">Click here for local COVID-19 testing options</a><a href="https://www.vaccines.gov/">Click here for vaccination locations</a><a href="https://files.ctctusercontent.com/55d47694801/bfe84275-dbe4-410c-a406-c02213be3f31.pdf?rdr=true">Click here for COVID-19 funeral cost assistance information</a>

Unvaccinated, symptomatic person attends Salina commission meeting

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A grand jury has declined to indict a man who shot and killed two other men after a dispute involving about $200 in firewood, Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said Wednesday.

Kalob Lawson, 34, of Kimberling City, and Jonathan Lutz, 44, of Kansas City, were shot on Feb. 10 in Parkville.

Lawson and Lutz were paid $200 to deliver a cord of firewood to a Platte County home. As they and another man were unloading the wood, the homeowner left. The men then left without delivering the full cord of wood, Zahnd said.

The homeowner’s 22-year-old son called his father and then chased Lawson and Lutz in his vehicle. Witnesses said Lawson and Lutz eventually stopped and got out of the vehicle, and Lawson was armed with a 9mm handgun, Zahnd said.

After Lawson threatened the son with the gun, the son retrieved a gun from his car and fired several times, Zahnd said. Lawson died at the scene and Lutz died later at a hospital.

The son returned home, called 911 and voluntarily surrendered.

Zahnd said Missouri's “stand your ground" law allows people to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves against death or serious physical injury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634155676946.png" alt="Kalob Lawson photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Kalob Lawson photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A grand jury has declined to indict a man who shot and killed two other men after a dispute involving about $200 in firewood, Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said Wednesday.Kalob Lawson, 34, of Kimberling City, and Jonathan Lutz, 44, of Kansas City, were shot on Feb. 10 in Parkville.Lawson and Lutz were paid $200 to deliver a cord of firewood to a Platte County home. As they and another man were unloading the wood, the homeowner left. The men then left without delivering the full cord of wood, Zahnd said.The homeowner’s 22-year-old son called his father and then chased Lawson and Lutz in his vehicle. Witnesses said Lawson and Lutz eventually stopped and got out of the vehicle, and Lawson was armed with a 9mm handgun, Zahnd said.After Lawson threatened the son with the gun, the son retrieved a gun from his car and fired several times, Zahnd said. Lawson died at the scene and Lutz died later at a hospital.The son returned home, called 911 and voluntarily surrendered.Zahnd said Missouri's “stand your ground" law allows people to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves against death or serious physical injury.

Stand your ground: No indictments in 2 deaths after dispute over firewood

SHARON SPRINGS, Kan. (AP) — The National Weather Service says an EF-0 tornado touched down in northwest Kansas as severe storms swept through the state Tuesday evening and early Wednesday. 

The weather service in Goodland said a twister near Sharon Springs traveled about 3.3 miles, with a peak gust of 85 mph. 

No injuries were reported. A cart and maintenance shed at the Sharon Springs Golf Course was destroyed.

Meteorologists with the weather service in Dodge City were surveying damage from at least four tornadoes in lightly-populated areas near Dodge City. Those twisters were reported near Howell, Spearville, Trousdale and between Sublette and Copeland.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634149009998.png" alt="Damage at the Sharon Springs golf course&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Damage at the Sharon Springs golf course&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SHARON SPRINGS, Kan. (AP) — The National Weather Service says an EF-0 tornado touched down in northwest Kansas as severe storms swept through the state Tuesday evening and early Wednesday. The weather service in Goodland said a twister near Sharon Springs traveled about 3.3 miles, with a peak gust of 85 mph. No injuries were reported. A cart and maintenance shed at the Sharon Springs Golf Course was destroyed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634166341781.png" alt="Damage photo courtesy Ford County Emergency manaagement" />
 <figcaption>Damage photo courtesy Ford County Emergency manaagement</figcaption>
 </figure>Meteorologists with the weather service in Dodge City were surveying damage from at least four tornadoes in lightly-populated areas near Dodge City. Those twisters were reported near Howell, Spearville, Trousdale and between Sublette and Copeland.

Weather service confirms tornadoes in western Kansas

LINCOLN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reported shooting on Interstate 70 in Lincoln County.

Just after 9:3p.m. Tuesday, authorities were advised of a possible shooting near the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly,_Kansas">Beverly</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carneiro,_Kansas">Carneiro</a>&nbsp;exit on Interstate 70, according to a media release.

Officers from the Kansas Highway Patrol and Saline County Sheriff’s Office responded and Deputies from Lincoln County located a man in his 50s with a gunshot wound to his stomach, according to the release.

EMS transported the victim to Salina Regional Health Center with serious but non-life threatening injuries. Authorities released no additional details Wednesday afternoon.

LINCOLN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reported shooting on Interstate 70 in Lincoln County.Just after 9:3p.m. Tuesday, authorities were advised of a possible shooting near the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly,_Kansas">Beverly</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carneiro,_Kansas">Carneiro</a>&nbsp;exit on Interstate 70, according to a media release.Officers from the Kansas Highway Patrol and Saline County Sheriff’s Office responded and Deputies from Lincoln County located a man in his 50s with a gunshot wound to his stomach, according to the release.EMS transported the victim to Salina Regional Health Center with serious but non-life threatening injuries. Authorities released no additional details Wednesday afternoon.

Sheriff: Man hospitalized after shooting on Interstate 70

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a gun fight that sent two men to the hospital in critical condition.

Just after 7p.m.Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 2800 block of West Maple in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located a 36-year-old man inside the home who had been shot. He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition and remains hospitalized. 

Officers also located a 32-year-old man in an alley north of the home hiding underneath a vehicle who also had been shot.&nbsp; EMS transported him to an area hospital in critical condition and he remains hospitalized, according to Davidson.

The investigation revealed the 32-year-old forced himself into the home of a 36-year-old male acquaintance earlier in the day, who was not at home.

The 32-year-old vandalized a vehicle in the driveway before leaving. At approximately 7 p.m. man came back to the home and forced his way inside again while armed with a handgun. The 36-year-old observed the suspect with the gun and retreated to a room inside where he also obtained a handgun. The two exchanged gun fire.

Multiple other individuals were inside the home at the time of the incident, according to Davidson. Only the two men were injured.

The incident stemmed from an ongoing property dispute, and detectives recovered two handguns during the investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;After the 32-year-old is released from the hospital, he will be booked into jail on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated burglary, criminal damage to property, and felon in possession of a firearm, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634156482784.png" alt="Police at the scene of the gunfight investigation-photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the gunfight investigation-photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a gun fight that sent two men to the hospital in critical condition.Just after 7p.m.Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 2800 block of West Maple in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located a 36-year-old man inside the home who had been shot. He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition and remains hospitalized. Officers also located a 32-year-old man in an alley north of the home hiding underneath a vehicle who also had been shot.&nbsp; EMS transported him to an area hospital in critical condition and he remains hospitalized, according to Davidson.The investigation revealed the 32-year-old forced himself into the home of a 36-year-old male acquaintance earlier in the day, who was not at home.The 32-year-old vandalized a vehicle in the driveway before leaving. At approximately 7 p.m. man came back to the home and forced his way inside again while armed with a handgun. The 36-year-old observed the suspect with the gun and retreated to a room inside where he also obtained a handgun. The two exchanged gun fire.Multiple other individuals were inside the home at the time of the incident, according to Davidson. Only the two men were injured.The incident stemmed from an ongoing property dispute, and detectives recovered two handguns during the investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;After the 32-year-old is released from the hospital, he will be booked into jail on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated burglary, criminal damage to property, and felon in possession of a firearm, according to Davidson.

Police: 2 in critical condition after gunfight at Kan. home

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

Manhattan residents living near Anthony Middle School are protesting plans by Kansas Gas&nbsp;Service&nbsp;to cut down and clear&nbsp;an area of&nbsp;trees&nbsp;for gas line work&nbsp;on Gary Avenue&nbsp;south of the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;

More than 50 people from the&nbsp;neighborhood&nbsp;showed up&nbsp;at the Anthony Rec Center this week for a second community discussion&nbsp;regarding the project. Kansas Gas&nbsp;sent&nbsp;the project’s manager&nbsp;James Parks&nbsp;and Lindsay Freeman,&nbsp;regional manager of community relations, to&nbsp;clarify residents’ concerns and&nbsp;help&nbsp;them&nbsp;understand&nbsp;the scope of the utility company’s plans.&nbsp;

The existing pipeline&nbsp;section&nbsp;was installed&nbsp;along an ephemeral drainage creek in the early 1980s.&nbsp;Erosion&nbsp;of the creek bed and banks&nbsp;has exposed&nbsp;parts&nbsp;of the 16-inch transmission line at the end of the tree line. Kansas Gas&nbsp;says&nbsp;it&nbsp;must&nbsp;upgrade and&nbsp;lower the pipe&nbsp;to ensure the safety and reliability of the system.&nbsp;The&nbsp;project&nbsp;requires&nbsp;the removal of trees and&nbsp;vegetation for equipment and work space on either side of the pipeline.&nbsp;

Parks said that Kansas Gas executives took residents’ comments from the first meeting very seriously, pointing out that the utility company greatly amended the original plan to now cut a much shorter length of trees on the east end of the stand - about 200 feet behind three houses.&nbsp;

Concerned locals are pushing back against the project. Originally, Kansas Gas planned to cut a swath&nbsp;through the entire length&nbsp;of trees&nbsp;behind about a dozen homes.&nbsp;

Residents voiced concerns that the tree removal would&nbsp;adversely&nbsp;affect the local ecosystem, bemoaning the loss of habitat for various frog and bird species&nbsp;as well as the negative social impact for people who enjoy the location as&nbsp;an urban&nbsp;riparian forest.&nbsp;

Among&nbsp;residents, a&nbsp;loose&nbsp;consensus&nbsp;settled&nbsp;on&nbsp;demanding the&nbsp;entire&nbsp;existing pipeline be abandoned and a replacement&nbsp;line be installed&nbsp;just beyond the tree stand –&nbsp;in&nbsp;an area that is currently outside Kansas Gas’ easement and&nbsp;property&nbsp;of USD 383.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;few&nbsp;residents claimed to have spoken with and received assurances from at least one USD 383 administrator that the school district would agree to the expansion of&nbsp;Kansas Gas’ easement&nbsp;in order to save the tree stand.

Parks told residents that rerouting the entire line north several dozen yards is a far more daunting task than it sounds.&nbsp;

"This is a major transmission line," he said. "It provides gas from this point east, all the way to Silver Lake."

Parks&nbsp;readily&nbsp;acknowledged the physical viability of that idea, but also acknowledged the&nbsp;exponential increase in cost&nbsp;versus the current plan. He told the crowd that construction&nbsp;cost for&nbsp;16-inch pipelines through barren, unpopulated&nbsp;locations is&nbsp;an average of $1 million per mile.&nbsp;Ultimately those costs are typically passed on to Kansas Gas customers.&nbsp;

Parks also noted that the work will occur on the interior of the thick stand, leaving several rows of trees and the canopy on&nbsp;both sides&nbsp;of the dig,&nbsp;so trees and vegetation&nbsp;directly adjacent to the trail and behind Gary Avenue houses&nbsp;would remain in place.&nbsp;

Several residents suggested Kansas Gas should remediate the cutting by&nbsp;employing a landscape architect to&nbsp;plant new&nbsp;vegetation&nbsp;or&nbsp;constructing a small park&nbsp;on the&nbsp;cleared areas. This was essentially dismissed out of hand&nbsp;as it&nbsp;would&nbsp;clearly&nbsp;nullify&nbsp;the concept&nbsp;and purpose&nbsp;of a utility easement.&nbsp;

Parks assured residents that he would convey their message KGS executives.

"I am empathetic to your concerns," he said. "I will present your idea to reroute the pipe to upper management."

Parks also indicated that KGS is on board with the current plan. The work is scheduled to start sometime this month.

"I have contractors standing by," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634144590949.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;Manhattan residents living near Anthony Middle School are protesting plans by Kansas Gas&nbsp;Service&nbsp;to cut down and clear&nbsp;an area of&nbsp;trees&nbsp;for gas line work&nbsp;on Gary Avenue&nbsp;south of the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;More than 50 people from the&nbsp;neighborhood&nbsp;showed up&nbsp;at the Anthony Rec Center this week for a second community discussion&nbsp;regarding the project. Kansas Gas&nbsp;sent&nbsp;the project’s manager&nbsp;James Parks&nbsp;and Lindsay Freeman,&nbsp;regional manager of community relations, to&nbsp;clarify residents’ concerns and&nbsp;help&nbsp;them&nbsp;understand&nbsp;the scope of the utility company’s plans.&nbsp;The existing pipeline&nbsp;section&nbsp;was installed&nbsp;along an ephemeral drainage creek in the early 1980s.&nbsp;Erosion&nbsp;of the creek bed and banks&nbsp;has exposed&nbsp;parts&nbsp;of the 16-inch transmission line at the end of the tree line. Kansas Gas&nbsp;says&nbsp;it&nbsp;must&nbsp;upgrade and&nbsp;lower the pipe&nbsp;to ensure the safety and reliability of the system.&nbsp;The&nbsp;project&nbsp;requires&nbsp;the removal of trees and&nbsp;vegetation for equipment and work space on either side of the pipeline.&nbsp;Parks said that Kansas Gas executives took residents’ comments from the first meeting very seriously, pointing out that the utility company greatly amended the original plan to now cut a much shorter length of trees on the east end of the stand - about 200 feet behind three houses.&nbsp;Concerned locals are pushing back against the project. Originally, Kansas Gas planned to cut a swath&nbsp;through the entire length&nbsp;of trees&nbsp;behind about a dozen homes.&nbsp;Residents voiced concerns that the tree removal would&nbsp;adversely&nbsp;affect the local ecosystem, bemoaning the loss of habitat for various frog and bird species&nbsp;as well as the negative social impact for people who enjoy the location as&nbsp;an urban&nbsp;riparian forest.&nbsp;Among&nbsp;residents, a&nbsp;loose&nbsp;consensus&nbsp;settled&nbsp;on&nbsp;demanding the&nbsp;entire&nbsp;existing pipeline be abandoned and a replacement&nbsp;line be installed&nbsp;just beyond the tree stand –&nbsp;in&nbsp;an area that is currently outside Kansas Gas’ easement and&nbsp;property&nbsp;of USD 383.&nbsp;A&nbsp;few&nbsp;residents claimed to have spoken with and received assurances from at least one USD 383 administrator that the school district would agree to the expansion of&nbsp;Kansas Gas’ easement&nbsp;in order to save the tree stand.Parks told residents that rerouting the entire line north several dozen yards is a far more daunting task than it sounds.&nbsp;"This is a major transmission line," he said. "It provides gas from this point east, all the way to Silver Lake."Parks&nbsp;readily&nbsp;acknowledged the physical viability of that idea, but also acknowledged the&nbsp;exponential increase in cost&nbsp;versus the current plan. He told the crowd that construction&nbsp;cost for&nbsp;16-inch pipelines through barren, unpopulated&nbsp;locations is&nbsp;an average of $1 million per mile.&nbsp;Ultimately those costs are typically passed on to Kansas Gas customers.&nbsp;Parks also noted that the work will occur on the interior of the thick stand, leaving several rows of trees and the canopy on&nbsp;both sides&nbsp;of the dig,&nbsp;so trees and vegetation&nbsp;directly adjacent to the trail and behind Gary Avenue houses&nbsp;would remain in place.&nbsp;Several residents suggested Kansas Gas should remediate the cutting by&nbsp;employing a landscape architect to&nbsp;plant new&nbsp;vegetation&nbsp;or&nbsp;constructing a small park&nbsp;on the&nbsp;cleared areas. This was essentially dismissed out of hand&nbsp;as it&nbsp;would&nbsp;clearly&nbsp;nullify&nbsp;the concept&nbsp;and purpose&nbsp;of a utility easement.&nbsp;Parks assured residents that he would convey their message KGS executives."I am empathetic to your concerns," he said. "I will present your idea to reroute the pipe to upper management."Parks also indicated that KGS is on board with the current plan. The work is scheduled to start sometime this month."I have contractors standing by," he said.

Residents demand Kansas Gas save trees near middle school

MOLINE, Ill. (AP) — More than 10,000 Deere &amp; Co. workers appear ready to go on strike if negotiators can't deliver a new agreement by the end of Wednesday.

The United Auto Workers union has said its members would walk off the job if no deal has been reached by 11:59 p.m. The vast majority of the union rejected a contract offer earlier this week that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others.

Thirty-five years have passed since the last major Deere strike, but workers are emboldened to demand more this year after working long hours throughout the pandemic and because companies are facing worker shortages.

Chris Laursen, who works as a painter at Deere, told the Des Moines Register that he thinks a strike is imminent and could make a significant difference.

“The whole nation’s going to be watching us,” Laursen said to the newspaper. “If we take a stand here for ourselves, our families, for basic human prosperity, it’s going to make a difference for the whole manufacturing industry. Let’s do it. Let’s not be intimidated.”

Earlier this year, another group of UAW-represented workers went on strike at a Volvo Trucks plant in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/virginia">Virginia</a>&nbsp;and wound up with better pay and lower-cost health benefits after rejecting three tentative contract offers.

The contracts being under negotiation cover 14 Deere plants across the United States, including seven in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/iowa">Iowa</a>, four in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois">Illinois</a>&nbsp;and one each in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/colorado">Colorado</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/georgia">Georgia</a>.

The contract talks at the Moline, Illinois-based company are unfolding as Deere is expecting to report record profits between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion this year. The company has been reporting strong sales of its agricultural and construction equipment this year.

The Deere production plants are an important contributors to the economy, so local officials hope any strike will be short-lived.

“We definitely want to see our economy stabilize and grow after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati said to the Quad-Cities Times. “Hopefully, these parties can come to a resolution soon.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634151279010.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>MOLINE, Ill. (AP) — More than 10,000 Deere &amp; Co. workers appear ready to go on strike if negotiators can't deliver a new agreement by the end of Wednesday.The United Auto Workers union has said its members would walk off the job if no deal has been reached by 11:59 p.m. The vast majority of the union rejected a contract offer earlier this week that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others.Thirty-five years have passed since the last major Deere strike, but workers are emboldened to demand more this year after working long hours throughout the pandemic and because companies are facing worker shortages.Chris Laursen, who works as a painter at Deere, told the Des Moines Register that he thinks a strike is imminent and could make a significant difference.“The whole nation’s going to be watching us,” Laursen said to the newspaper. “If we take a stand here for ourselves, our families, for basic human prosperity, it’s going to make a difference for the whole manufacturing industry. Let’s do it. Let’s not be intimidated.”Earlier this year, another group of UAW-represented workers went on strike at a Volvo Trucks plant in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/virginia">Virginia</a>&nbsp;and wound up with better pay and lower-cost health benefits after rejecting three tentative contract offers.The contracts being under negotiation cover 14 Deere plants across the United States, including seven in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/iowa">Iowa</a>, four in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois">Illinois</a>&nbsp;and one each in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/colorado">Colorado</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/georgia">Georgia</a>.The contract talks at the Moline, Illinois-based company are unfolding as Deere is expecting to report record profits between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion this year. The company has been reporting strong sales of its agricultural and construction equipment this year.The Deere production plants are an important contributors to the economy, so local officials hope any strike will be short-lived.“We definitely want to see our economy stabilize and grow after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati said to the Quad-Cities Times. “Hopefully, these parties can come to a resolution soon.”

Deere workers in Kan., 4 other states prepare for strike after rejecting contract

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of retirees on Social Security will get&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-social-security-cost-of-living-adjustments-will-jump-8d4ad9b73a7e1b3091ba9c9a5a7ae955">a 5.9% boost in benefits for 2022</a>. The biggest cost-of-living adjustment in 39 years follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-consumer-prices-inflation-prices-e80c0c24a6ec5ca1c977eccd6294d01b">a burst in inflation</a>&nbsp;as the economy struggles to shake off the drag of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>.

The COLA, as it’s commonly called, amounts to $92 a month for the average retired worker, according to estimates released Wednesday by the Social Security Administration. That marks an abrupt break from a long lull in inflation that saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-lifestyle-business-politics-b71b35f7cf238811342caeda8fd541ca">cost-of-living adjustments averaging just 1.65% a year</a>&nbsp;over the past 10 years.

With the increase, the estimated average Social Security payment for a retired worker will be $1,657 a month next year. A typical couple’s benefits would rise by $154 to $2,753 per month.

But that’s just to help make up for rising costs that recipients are already paying for food, gasoline and other goods and services.

“It goes pretty quickly,” retiree Cliff Rumsey said of the cost-of-living increases he’s seen. After a career in sales for a leading steel manufacturer, Rumsey lives near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. He cares at home for his wife of nearly 60 years, Judy, who has advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Since the coronavirus pandemic, Rumsey said he has also noted price increases for wages paid to caregivers who occasionally spell him and for personal care products for Judy.

The COLA affects household budgets for about 1 in 5 Americans. That includes Social Security recipients, disabled veterans and federal retirees, nearly 70 million people in all. For baby boomers who embarked on retirement within the past 15 years, it will be the biggest increase they’ve seen.

Among them is Kitty Ruderman of Queens in New York City, who retired from a career as an executive assistant and has been collecting Social Security for about 10 years. “We wait to hear every year what the increase is going to be, and every year it’s been so insignificant,” she said. “This year, thank goodness, it will make a difference.”

Ruderman says she times her grocery shopping to take advantage of midweek senior citizen discounts, but even so price hikes have been “extreme.” She says she doesn’t think she can afford a medication that her doctor has recommended.

AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins called the government payout increase “crucial for Social Security beneficiaries and their families as they try to keep up with rising costs.”

Policymakers say the COLA was designed as a safeguard to protect Social Security benefits against the loss of purchasing power, and not a pay bump for retirees. About half of seniors live in households where Social Security benefits provide at least 50% of their income, and one-quarter rely on their monthly payment for all or nearly all their income.

“Regardless of the size of the COLA, you never want to minimize the importance of the COLA,” said retirement policy expert Charles Blahous, a former public trustee helping to oversee Social Security and Medicare finances. “What people are able to purchase is very profoundly affected by the number that comes out. We are talking the necessities of living in many cases.”

This year’s Social Security trustees report amplified warnings about the long-range financial stability of the program, but there’s little talk about fixes in Congress with lawmakers’ attention consumed by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-congress-government-overhaul-public-works-9438a78ba7c7865d75428e746d1de04d">President Joe Biden’s massive domestic&nbsp;</a>legislation and partisan machinations over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-congress-bills-financial-markets-9abe4ef546f62521bcfe7dc3c9517eaf">the national debt</a>. Social Security cannot be addressed through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-financial-markets-nancy-pelosi-3b591443b048d2fbfb7a9f9b6f646f7a">the budget reconciliation process</a>&nbsp;Democrats are attempting to use to deliver Biden’s promises.

Social Security’s turn will come, said Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., chairman of the House Social Security subcommittee and author of legislation to tackle shortfalls that would leave the program unable to pay full benefits in less than 15 years. His bill would raise payroll taxes while also changing the COLA formula to give more weight to health care expenses and other costs that weigh more heavily on the elderly. Larson said he intends to press ahead next year.

“This one-time shot of COLA is not the antidote,” he said.

Although Biden’s domestic package includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-medicaid-medicare-1dda9033a7c4475ae82f679b7d964d72">a major expansion of Medicare</a>&nbsp;to cover dental, hearing and vision care, Larson said he hears from constituents that seniors are feeling neglected by the Democrats.

“In town halls and tele-town halls they’re saying, ‘We are really happy with what you did on the child tax credit, but what about us?’” Larson added. “In a midterm election, this is a very important constituency.”

The COLA is only one part of the annual financial equation for seniors. An announcement about Medicare’s Part B premium for outpatient care is expected soon. It’s usually an increase, so at least some of any Social Security raise goes for health care. The Part B premium is now $148.50 a month, and the Medicare trustees report estimated a $10 increase for 2022.

Economist Marilyn Moon, who also served as public trustee for Social Security and Medicare, said she believes the current spurt of inflation is an adjustment to highly unusual economic circumstances and the pattern of restraint on prices will reassert itself with time.

“I would think there is going to be an increase this year that you won’t see reproduced in the future,” Moon said.

Policymakers should not delay getting to work on retirement programs, she said.

“We’re at a point in time where people don’t react to policy needs until there is a sense of desperation, and both Social Security and Medicare are programs that benefit from long-range planning rather short-range machinations,” she said.

Social Security is financed by payroll taxes collected from workers and their employers. Each pays 6.2% on wages up to a cap, which is adjusted each year for inflation. Next year the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes will increase to $147,000.

The financing scheme dates to the 1930s,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-medicare-business-elizabeth-warren-politics-e75a52c8a98846f3ab2fddd335915dd2">the brainchild of President Franklin D. Roosevelt,</a>&nbsp;who believed a payroll tax would foster among average Americans a sense of ownership that would protect the program from political interference.

That argument still resonates. “Social Security is my lifeline,” said Ruderman, the New York retiree. “It’s what we’ve worked for.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634133091707.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of retirees on Social Security will get&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-social-security-cost-of-living-adjustments-will-jump-8d4ad9b73a7e1b3091ba9c9a5a7ae955">a 5.9% boost in benefits for 2022</a>. The biggest cost-of-living adjustment in 39 years follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-consumer-prices-inflation-prices-e80c0c24a6ec5ca1c977eccd6294d01b">a burst in inflation</a>&nbsp;as the economy struggles to shake off the drag of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>.The COLA, as it’s commonly called, amounts to $92 a month for the average retired worker, according to estimates released Wednesday by the Social Security Administration. That marks an abrupt break from a long lull in inflation that saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-lifestyle-business-politics-b71b35f7cf238811342caeda8fd541ca">cost-of-living adjustments averaging just 1.65% a year</a>&nbsp;over the past 10 years.With the increase, the estimated average Social Security payment for a retired worker will be $1,657 a month next year. A typical couple’s benefits would rise by $154 to $2,753 per month.But that’s just to help make up for rising costs that recipients are already paying for food, gasoline and other goods and services.—“It goes pretty quickly,” retiree Cliff Rumsey said of the cost-of-living increases he’s seen. After a career in sales for a leading steel manufacturer, Rumsey lives near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. He cares at home for his wife of nearly 60 years, Judy, who has advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Since the coronavirus pandemic, Rumsey said he has also noted price increases for wages paid to caregivers who occasionally spell him and for personal care products for Judy.The COLA affects household budgets for about 1 in 5 Americans. That includes Social Security recipients, disabled veterans and federal retirees, nearly 70 million people in all. For baby boomers who embarked on retirement within the past 15 years, it will be the biggest increase they’ve seen.Among them is Kitty Ruderman of Queens in New York City, who retired from a career as an executive assistant and has been collecting Social Security for about 10 years. “We wait to hear every year what the increase is going to be, and every year it’s been so insignificant,” she said. “This year, thank goodness, it will make a difference.”Ruderman says she times her grocery shopping to take advantage of midweek senior citizen discounts, but even so price hikes have been “extreme.” She says she doesn’t think she can afford a medication that her doctor has recommended.AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins called the government payout increase “crucial for Social Security beneficiaries and their families as they try to keep up with rising costs.”Policymakers say the COLA was designed as a safeguard to protect Social Security benefits against the loss of purchasing power, and not a pay bump for retirees. About half of seniors live in households where Social Security benefits provide at least 50% of their income, and one-quarter rely on their monthly payment for all or nearly all their income.“Regardless of the size of the COLA, you never want to minimize the importance of the COLA,” said retirement policy expert Charles Blahous, a former public trustee helping to oversee Social Security and Medicare finances. “What people are able to purchase is very profoundly affected by the number that comes out. We are talking the necessities of living in many cases.”This year’s Social Security trustees report amplified warnings about the long-range financial stability of the program, but there’s little talk about fixes in Congress with lawmakers’ attention consumed by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-congress-government-overhaul-public-works-9438a78ba7c7865d75428e746d1de04d">President Joe Biden’s massive domestic&nbsp;</a>legislation and partisan machinations over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-congress-bills-financial-markets-9abe4ef546f62521bcfe7dc3c9517eaf">the national debt</a>. Social Security cannot be addressed through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-financial-markets-nancy-pelosi-3b591443b048d2fbfb7a9f9b6f646f7a">the budget reconciliation process</a>&nbsp;Democrats are attempting to use to deliver Biden’s promises.Social Security’s turn will come, said Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., chairman of the House Social Security subcommittee and author of legislation to tackle shortfalls that would leave the program unable to pay full benefits in less than 15 years. His bill would raise payroll taxes while also changing the COLA formula to give more weight to health care expenses and other costs that weigh more heavily on the elderly. Larson said he intends to press ahead next year.“This one-time shot of COLA is not the antidote,” he said.Although Biden’s domestic package includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-medicaid-medicare-1dda9033a7c4475ae82f679b7d964d72">a major expansion of Medicare</a>&nbsp;to cover dental, hearing and vision care, Larson said he hears from constituents that seniors are feeling neglected by the Democrats.“In town halls and tele-town halls they’re saying, ‘We are really happy with what you did on the child tax credit, but what about us?’” Larson added. “In a midterm election, this is a very important constituency.”The COLA is only one part of the annual financial equation for seniors. An announcement about Medicare’s Part B premium for outpatient care is expected soon. It’s usually an increase, so at least some of any Social Security raise goes for health care. The Part B premium is now $148.50 a month, and the Medicare trustees report estimated a $10 increase for 2022.Economist Marilyn Moon, who also served as public trustee for Social Security and Medicare, said she believes the current spurt of inflation is an adjustment to highly unusual economic circumstances and the pattern of restraint on prices will reassert itself with time.“I would think there is going to be an increase this year that you won’t see reproduced in the future,” Moon said.Policymakers should not delay getting to work on retirement programs, she said.“We’re at a point in time where people don’t react to policy needs until there is a sense of desperation, and both Social Security and Medicare are programs that benefit from long-range planning rather short-range machinations,” she said.Social Security is financed by payroll taxes collected from workers and their employers. Each pays 6.2% on wages up to a cap, which is adjusted each year for inflation. Next year the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes will increase to $147,000.The financing scheme dates to the 1930s,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-medicare-business-elizabeth-warren-politics-e75a52c8a98846f3ab2fddd335915dd2">the brainchild of President Franklin D. Roosevelt,</a>&nbsp;who believed a payroll tax would foster among average Americans a sense of ownership that would protect the program from political interference.That argument still resonates. “Social Security is my lifeline,” said Ruderman, the New York retiree. “It’s what we’ve worked for.”

Social Security cost-of-living adjustment largest in decades

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2121 to a total of 421,462, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 9 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6151

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2121 to a total of 421,462, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 9 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6151<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634144976879.png" alt="Wednesday Oct. 13, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Oct. 13, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: Latest COVID-19 numbers in Kansas

KANSAS CITY—Kansas Governor Laura Kelly joined the First Lady for a bite to eat Tuesday, according to a social media report from Dr. Jill Biden.

The First Lady visited a Kansas City, Kansas, school as part of a tour to emphasize the Biden administration's interest in the Hispanic community. Biden met Tuesday with Hispanic representatives during the visit to El Centro Academy, a dual-language early childhood education program.

After the school meeting, Biden and Governor Kelly met for lunch at Poio Mexican BBQ, 800 South Seventh Street, in KCK.

Biden's visit is part of a series of stops she is making to hear the concerns of the Hispanic Americans during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Kansas 3rd District U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids also participated in the meeting and lunch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634130303247.png" alt="The First Lady and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly during the stop for lunch Tuesday-photo courtesy Poio Mexican BBQ" />
 <figcaption>The First Lady and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly during the stop for lunch Tuesday-photo courtesy Poio Mexican BBQ</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Kansas Governor Laura Kelly joined the First Lady for a bite to eat Tuesday, according to a social media report from Dr. Jill Biden.The First Lady visited a Kansas City, Kansas, school as part of a tour to emphasize the Biden administration's interest in the Hispanic community. Biden met Tuesday with Hispanic representatives during the visit to El Centro Academy, a dual-language early childhood education program.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634130207253.png" alt="Poio Mexican barbecue offers grilled chicken, pork ribs and delectable vegan options, according to the restaurant web site- photo courtesy office of the First Lady." />
 <figcaption>Poio Mexican barbecue offers grilled chicken, pork ribs and delectable vegan options, according to the restaurant web site- photo courtesy office of the First Lady.</figcaption>
 </figure>After the school meeting, Biden and Governor Kelly met for lunch at Poio Mexican BBQ, 800 South Seventh Street, in KCK.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpoiomexicanbbq%2Fposts%2F982519435673384&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="702" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Biden's visit is part of a series of stops she is making to hear the concerns of the Hispanic Americans during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Kansas 3rd District U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids also participated in the meeting and lunch.---------

Governor Kelly, First Lady meet for lunch in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Fire department officials say two people were hospitalized and several others sickened in a carbon monoxide leak inside a Kansas City, Kansas, supermarket. Officials say firefighters were called to the El Rio Bravo supermarket around noon Tuesday. 

Firefighters used handheld detectors and discovered carbon monoxide levels in the store to be potentially lethal. Crews evacuated the building, took two people to hospitals and treated several others at the scene. The Kansas Gas Company was called in to investigate the cause of the leak.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Fire department officials say two people were hospitalized and several others sickened in a carbon monoxide leak inside a Kansas City, Kansas, supermarket. Officials say firefighters were called to the El Rio Bravo supermarket around noon Tuesday. Firefighters used handheld detectors and discovered carbon monoxide levels in the store to be potentially lethal. Crews evacuated the building, took two people to hospitals and treated several others at the scene. The Kansas Gas Company was called in to investigate the cause of the leak.

2 hospitalized, others sickened in CO leak in Kansas store

VAN HORN, Texas (AP) — Hollywood’s Captain Kirk, 90-year-old William Shatner, has blasted into space and safely returned to Earth in a convergence of science fiction and science reality. He set out Wednesday morning for the final frontier aboard a ship built by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin company. 

The “Star Trek” hero becomes the oldest person to ride a rocket. The fully automatic spacecraft reached an estimated altitude of 66 miles over the West Texas desert. The up-and-down flight lasted about 10 minutes, with Shatner and his three fellow passengers parachuting back to Earth in the capsule.

VAN HORN, Texas (AP) — Hollywood’s Captain Kirk, 90-year-old William Shatner, has blasted into space in a convergence of science fiction and science reality. He set out Wednesday morning for the final frontier aboard a ship built by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin company. 

The “Star Trek” hero becomes the oldest person to ride a rocket. The fully automatic spacecraft is set to reach an altitude of 66 miles over the West Texas desert. The up-and-down flight should last about 10 minutes, with Shatner and his three fellow passengers parachuting back to Earth in the capsule.

VAN HORN, Texas (AP) — Actor William Shatner is counting down to his wildest role yet: riding a rocket into space, courtesy of “Star Trek” fan Jeff Bezos. Best known for his role as Captain Kirk, the 90-year-old Shatner is joining three other passengers for Wednesday morning's launch from West Texas. 

He will become the oldest person in space. Bezos' space travel company, Blue Origin, invited Shatner on the brief jaunt to the fringes of the final frontier. It will be Blue Origin's second passenger flight and should last just 10 minutes, like Bezos' own spaceflight in July.

VAN HORN, Texas (AP) — As William Shatner prepares to be beamed up Wednesday for his first real-life spaceflight, and to become at 90 the oldest person ever to enter the final frontier, he’s bringing out the awe in the small handful of people around a rural Texas spaceport.

Shatner’s 10-minute trip with three others on the second passenger flight from Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin will be more like the first space launches of the 1960s than the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shatner-blue-origin-2f300ec9fc37e5625d56bbc6de3f42b7">fictional galactic voyages of the Starship Enterprise</a>&nbsp;on “Star Trek,” but the very idea of him leaving the atmosphere is powerful.

“It’s time Captain Kirk actually physically got up into space. I’m kind of excited about that,” said Becky Brewster, mayor of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-technology-travel-texas-space-tourism-da559b0b6f84606829c4e79163e602d8">Van Horn, a rural town of about 1,800 people</a>&nbsp;on what was once desolate desert ranchland in far West Texas that has been transformed by the presence of the Blue Origin spaceport facilities 25 miles away.

The mayor, a lifelong “Star Trek” fan, said she was disappointed she wasn’t invited to the launch site but is savoring the moment anyway. She’s planning to watch from her backyard with the livestream playing.

“He and Mr. Spock were the ones that got me interested in space and science fiction and and everything else,” Brewster said. “So, from junior high age up to now where William Shatner is actually in our town fixing to go up into space. You know, it’s kind of like the whole circle now for me.”

Beyond his celebrity identity, Shatner being space-bound at his age is a kick for close observers.

Joseph Barra, who works as a bartender for a Los Angeles catering company, heard only that he was getting an unusual gig at a remote Texas launch site.

“I’m like stop. You had me at space. Had no clue what else,” Barra said. “And then all I heard was their gonna send some 90-year-old man into space. And I’m like, Dang, that sounds intense. Like, I wonder who that is. Then you get in site and I’m like, Oh, it’s William Shatner.”

Barra said the experience of serving drinks to Shatner and his crew mates has been surreal and then some.

“We’re seeing that the man who in a sense like made space popular or made or gave everybody dreams of going to space,” Barra said. “Now he’s the one going to space and he’s the one setting the bar. It’s inspiring. Some like here, this man is 90 years old, proving that no matter how old you are, you still have more to do and accomplish on this Earth, and you can still give people an inspiration and a source and something to aspire to.”

Barra said he heard Shatner say he plans to just gaze out the window at Earth during his minutes of weightlessness.

But he has a bit more planned apparently.

A Twitter user asked Shatner, an avid tweeter, on Tuesday whether he will post from space.

“I cannot bring my phone but I’ve prearranged a little something,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/WilliamShatner/status/1447906641823756288" target="_blank">Shatner replied</a>&nbsp;with a wink emoji.

Earlier in the week he tweeted a photo of himself and his fellow crew members in blue flight suits that are far more futuristic than the yellow leotard-style uniform he wore on the original “Star Trek.”

“Aren’t we all adorbs!”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/WilliamShatner/status/1447367260473987074" target="_blank">Shatner said</a>.

Bezos, who was on Blue Origin’s debut flight in July, is also a big “Star Trek” fan, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/william-shatner-star-trek-blue-origin-space-jeff-bezos-e10877d624a4cc0be9385585c2647cdd">invited Shatner to take the flight as a guest</a>.

He’ll join three others — two of them paying customers in the burgeoning business of space tourism — aboard a Blue Origin capsule.

The fully automated flight, delayed by a day due to weather, will take them no higher than about 66 miles (106 kilometers). The capsule will parachute back to the desert floor, not far from where it took off.

Shatner plans to get right back to his work as Captain Kirk once he’s back down to Earth.

“I’m doing Space, then Indiana Comic Con, &amp; then on Sunday Wizard World Chicago,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/WilliamShatner/status/1447759827577368578" target="_blank">he tweeted</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634138062297.png" alt="William Shatner as he emerged from the capsule after the flight-photo Blue Origin" />
 <figcaption>William Shatner as he emerged from the capsule after the flight-photo Blue Origin</figcaption>
 </figure>VAN HORN, Texas (AP) — Hollywood’s Captain Kirk, 90-year-old William Shatner, has blasted into space and safely returned to Earth in a convergence of science fiction and science reality. He set out Wednesday morning for the final frontier aboard a ship built by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin company. <div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uEhdlIor-do" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The “Star Trek” hero becomes the oldest person to ride a rocket. The fully automatic spacecraft reached an estimated altitude of 66 miles over the West Texas desert. The up-and-down flight lasted about 10 minutes, with Shatner and his three fellow passengers parachuting back to Earth in the capsule.--------VAN HORN, Texas (AP) — Hollywood’s Captain Kirk, 90-year-old William Shatner, has blasted into space in a convergence of science fiction and science reality. He set out Wednesday morning for the final frontier aboard a ship built by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin company. The “Star Trek” hero becomes the oldest person to ride a rocket. The fully automatic spacecraft is set to reach an altitude of 66 miles over the West Texas desert. The up-and-down flight should last about 10 minutes, with Shatner and his three fellow passengers parachuting back to Earth in the capsule.--------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634134056055.png" alt="Shatner in the final steps ahead of boarding the spacecraft Wednesday morning -photo Blue Origin" />
 <figcaption>Shatner in the final steps ahead of boarding the spacecraft Wednesday morning -photo Blue Origin</figcaption>
 </figure>VAN HORN, Texas (AP) — Actor William Shatner is counting down to his wildest role yet: riding a rocket into space, courtesy of “Star Trek” fan Jeff Bezos. Best known for his role as Captain Kirk, the 90-year-old Shatner is joining three other passengers for Wednesday morning's launch from West Texas. He will become the oldest person in space. Bezos' space travel company, Blue Origin, invited Shatner on the brief jaunt to the fringes of the final frontier. It will be Blue Origin's second passenger flight and should last just 10 minutes, like Bezos' own spaceflight in July.----------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634134171505.png" alt="Special delivery: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NS18?src=hashtag_click">#NS18</a> astronauts put pen to postcard ahead of their flight. When they take to the skies, they’ll boldly go where no mail carrier has gone before.-photo Blue Origin" />
 <figcaption>Special delivery: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NS18?src=hashtag_click">#NS18</a> astronauts put pen to postcard ahead of their flight. When they take to the skies, they’ll boldly go where no mail carrier has gone before.-photo Blue Origin</figcaption>
 </figure>VAN HORN, Texas (AP) — As William Shatner prepares to be beamed up Wednesday for his first real-life spaceflight, and to become at 90 the oldest person ever to enter the final frontier, he’s bringing out the awe in the small handful of people around a rural Texas spaceport.Shatner’s 10-minute trip with three others on the second passenger flight from Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin will be more like the first space launches of the 1960s than the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shatner-blue-origin-2f300ec9fc37e5625d56bbc6de3f42b7">fictional galactic voyages of the Starship Enterprise</a>&nbsp;on “Star Trek,” but the very idea of him leaving the atmosphere is powerful.“It’s time Captain Kirk actually physically got up into space. I’m kind of excited about that,” said Becky Brewster, mayor of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-technology-travel-texas-space-tourism-da559b0b6f84606829c4e79163e602d8">Van Horn, a rural town of about 1,800 people</a>&nbsp;on what was once desolate desert ranchland in far West Texas that has been transformed by the presence of the Blue Origin spaceport facilities 25 miles away.The mayor, a lifelong “Star Trek” fan, said she was disappointed she wasn’t invited to the launch site but is savoring the moment anyway. She’s planning to watch from her backyard with the livestream playing.“He and Mr. Spock were the ones that got me interested in space and science fiction and and everything else,” Brewster said. “So, from junior high age up to now where William Shatner is actually in our town fixing to go up into space. You know, it’s kind of like the whole circle now for me.”Beyond his celebrity identity, Shatner being space-bound at his age is a kick for close observers.Joseph Barra, who works as a bartender for a Los Angeles catering company, heard only that he was getting an unusual gig at a remote Texas launch site.“I’m like stop. You had me at space. Had no clue what else,” Barra said. “And then all I heard was their gonna send some 90-year-old man into space. And I’m like, Dang, that sounds intense. Like, I wonder who that is. Then you get in site and I’m like, Oh, it’s William Shatner.”Barra said the experience of serving drinks to Shatner and his crew mates has been surreal and then some.“We’re seeing that the man who in a sense like made space popular or made or gave everybody dreams of going to space,” Barra said. “Now he’s the one going to space and he’s the one setting the bar. It’s inspiring. Some like here, this man is 90 years old, proving that no matter how old you are, you still have more to do and accomplish on this Earth, and you can still give people an inspiration and a source and something to aspire to.”Barra said he heard Shatner say he plans to just gaze out the window at Earth during his minutes of weightlessness.But he has a bit more planned apparently.A Twitter user asked Shatner, an avid tweeter, on Tuesday whether he will post from space.“I cannot bring my phone but I’ve prearranged a little something,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/WilliamShatner/status/1447906641823756288" target="_blank">Shatner replied</a>&nbsp;with a wink emoji.Earlier in the week he tweeted a photo of himself and his fellow crew members in blue flight suits that are far more futuristic than the yellow leotard-style uniform he wore on the original “Star Trek.”“Aren’t we all adorbs!”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/WilliamShatner/status/1447367260473987074" target="_blank">Shatner said</a>.Bezos, who was on Blue Origin’s debut flight in July, is also a big “Star Trek” fan, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/william-shatner-star-trek-blue-origin-space-jeff-bezos-e10877d624a4cc0be9385585c2647cdd">invited Shatner to take the flight as a guest</a>.He’ll join three others — two of them paying customers in the burgeoning business of space tourism — aboard a Blue Origin capsule.The fully automated flight, delayed by a day due to weather, will take them no higher than about 66 miles (106 kilometers). The capsule will parachute back to the desert floor, not far from where it took off.Shatner plans to get right back to his work as Captain Kirk once he’s back down to Earth.“I’m doing Space, then Indiana Comic Con, &amp; then on Sunday Wizard World Chicago,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/WilliamShatner/status/1447759827577368578" target="_blank">he tweeted</a>.

🎥 William Shatner, TV's Capt. Kirk, becomes oldest in space

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after&nbsp;&nbsp;he allegedly battered a police officer and also engaged in disorderly conduct, according to a media release.

Just after 5p.m. Oct. 10, police responded to MeadowWalk Apartments, 925 W. Skyline Road in Arkansas City for a report of trespassing.

When they arrived, they made contact with deputies from the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office who already were on scene and learned that&nbsp;Issa Ahmed Moder Nemr, 38, was&nbsp;apparently very intoxicated.

The manager of MeadowWalk Apartments wanted Nemr removed from the premises because he was being very loud and disruptive. He then refused to follow commands from officers, according to the release.

Nemr made several aggressive movements toward officers and was taken into custody for disorderly conduct. He was escorted to an Arkansas City Police Department patrol vehicle for transport.

However, Nemr then head-butted one of the Arkansas City officers in the face. He subsequently was brought back under control and placed into a Cowley County Sheriff’s patrol truck for transport.

The Arkansas City police officer sustained only minor injuries and did not require medical treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nemr was booked on requested charges that include&nbsp; battery of a law enforcement officer and disorderly conduct.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634133453060.png" alt="Nemr-photo Cowley Co." />
 <figcaption>Nemr-photo Cowley Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after&nbsp;&nbsp;he allegedly battered a police officer and also engaged in disorderly conduct, according to a media release.Just after 5p.m. Oct. 10, police responded to MeadowWalk Apartments, 925 W. Skyline Road in Arkansas City for a report of trespassing.When they arrived, they made contact with deputies from the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office who already were on scene and learned that&nbsp;Issa Ahmed Moder Nemr, 38, was&nbsp;apparently very intoxicated.The manager of MeadowWalk Apartments wanted Nemr removed from the premises because he was being very loud and disruptive. He then refused to follow commands from officers, according to the release.Nemr made several aggressive movements toward officers and was taken into custody for disorderly conduct. He was escorted to an Arkansas City Police Department patrol vehicle for transport.However, Nemr then head-butted one of the Arkansas City officers in the face. He subsequently was brought back under control and placed into a Cowley County Sheriff’s patrol truck for transport.The Arkansas City police officer sustained only minor injuries and did not require medical treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nemr was booked on requested charges that include&nbsp; battery of a law enforcement officer and disorderly conduct.&nbsp;

Police: Man accused of head-butting Kansas officer during arrest

WASHINGTON — The Biden’s administration’s mandate that employers with 100 or more workers require coronavirus vaccinations or institute weekly virus testing has moved one step closer to enforcement.

On Tuesday, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration finalized the initial draft of the emergency order and sent it to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review. That’s according to the Department of Labor.

OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs will conduct a standard review of the regulation.

Officials did not immediately provide an estimate for the OMB examination. The agency has 90 days to review the rule or send it back to OSHA for revision. Text of the proposed order won’t be published until OMB completes its review.

Owing to the bureaucracy surrounding the rulemaking process, President Joe Biden has encouraged businesses to implement mandates ahead of the final rule being implemented.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629663997116.png" alt="President Joe Biden has encouraged businesses to implement mandates ahead of the final rule being implemented." />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden has encouraged businesses to implement mandates ahead of the final rule being implemented.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The Biden’s administration’s mandate that employers with 100 or more workers require coronavirus vaccinations or institute weekly virus testing has moved one step closer to enforcement.On Tuesday, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration finalized the initial draft of the emergency order and sent it to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review. That’s according to the Department of Labor.OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs will conduct a standard review of the regulation.Officials did not immediately provide an estimate for the OMB examination. The agency has 90 days to review the rule or send it back to OSHA for revision. Text of the proposed order won’t be published until OMB completes its review.Owing to the bureaucracy surrounding the rulemaking process, President Joe Biden has encouraged businesses to implement mandates ahead of the final rule being implemented.

Biden vaccine mandate another step closer to enforcement

FORD COUNTY —A line of strong to severe thunderstorms rolled across&nbsp; Kansas Tuesday night and early Wednesday producing high winds, heavy rain and tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.

Tornadoes were reported in rural areas of Wallace, Haskell and Ford counties.&nbsp; There are no injuries reported.

&nbsp;Pioneer Electric and Victory Electric are working to restore service in areas of southwest Kansas due to the storms.&nbsp;

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634149009998.png" alt="Storm damage at the Wallace County community of Sharon Springs" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage at the Wallace County community of Sharon Springs</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —A line of strong to severe thunderstorms rolled across&nbsp; Kansas Tuesday night and early Wednesday producing high winds, heavy rain and tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.Tornadoes were reported in rural areas of Wallace, Haskell and Ford counties.&nbsp; There are no injuries reported.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D6244194935653110%26id%3D1063782470361075&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="187" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>&nbsp;Pioneer Electric and Victory Electric are working to restore service in areas of southwest Kansas due to the storms.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Due to high winds and a semi being blown over, I-70 eastbound is shutdown between exit 70 to exit 76. Traffic is being routed to US 83 south to US 40, then back to I-70 eastbound at the 76 milepost for an unknown amount of time. Be mindful of the weather if you&#39;re traveling. <a href="https://t.co/I7s1Lds4rK">pic.twitter.com/I7s1Lds4rK</a>&mdash; Trooper Tod (@TrooperTodKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperTodKHP/status/1448123269895307264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Storm rolls across Kansas producing heavy rain, tornadoes

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) – Two people from New Mexico were killed Tuesday when a small plane crashed in a wooded area near a suburban Milwaukee neighborhood.

The National Transportation Safety Board tweeted about 12:30 p.m. that a GlaStar aircraft crashed near Waukesha.

The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office later reported that the plane went down in the Village of Waukesha, which lies just to the south of the city of Waukesha.

Both people aboard were killed, the sheriff’s office said.

Federal Aviation Administration officials told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the plane took off from Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport in Milwaukee and was headed to Salina Regional Airport in Salina, Kansas, when it went down at 9:35 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634122445579.png" alt="A view from above the crash scene image courtesy WITI-TV" />
 <figcaption>A view from above the crash scene image courtesy WITI-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) – Two people from New Mexico were killed Tuesday when a small plane crashed in a wooded area near a suburban Milwaukee neighborhood.The National Transportation Safety Board tweeted about 12:30 p.m. that a GlaStar aircraft crashed near Waukesha.The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office later reported that the plane went down in the Village of Waukesha, which lies just to the south of the city of Waukesha.Both people aboard were killed, the sheriff’s office said.No one on the ground was hurt.Federal Aviation Administration officials told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the plane took off from Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport in Milwaukee and was headed to Salina Regional Airport in Salina, Kansas, when it went down at 9:35 a.m.

2 dead after plane flying to Kansas crashed in rural Wisconsin

WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of the House on Tuesday pushed through a short-term increase to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-explained-8c9cbcd3d0c4a8fe989a0110f5159f7c">the nation’s debt limit</a>, ensuring the federal government can continue fully paying its bills into December and temporarily averting an unprecedented default that would have decimated the economy.

The $480 billion increase in the country’s borrowing ceiling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-congress-mitch-mcconnell-6e330d9fb94b73787ea70e7807b87151">cleared the Senate last week</a>&nbsp;on a party-line vote. The House approved it swiftly so President Joe Biden can sign it into law this week.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-congress-janet-yellen-cf59ef71fe0dfd51d8343aea84fe3bd6">Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had warned</a>&nbsp;that steps to stave off a default on the country’s debts would be exhausted by Monday, and from that point, the department would soon be unable to fully meet the government’s financial obligations.

A default would have immense fallout on global financial markets built upon the bedrock safety of U.S. government debt. Routine government payments to Social Security beneficiaries, disabled veterans and active-duty military personnel would also be called into question.

The relief provided by passage of the legislation will only be temporary though, forcing Congress to revisit the issue in December — a time when lawmakers will also be laboring to complete federal spending bills and avoid a damaging government shutdown. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-congress-filibusters-27ee5558714da1347b68d58952cc137b">yearend backlog&nbsp;</a>raises risks for both parties and threatens a tumultuous close to Biden’s first year in office.

“I’m glad that this at least allows us to prevent a totally self-made and utterly preventable economic catastrophe as we work on a longer-term plan,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634082573669.png" alt="House Speaker Nancyi Pelosi offered her hope that Congress would lift the debt ceiling in a bipartisan way this December because of the stakes involved." />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancyi Pelosi offered her hope that Congress would lift the debt ceiling in a bipartisan way this December because of the stakes involved.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of the House on Tuesday pushed through a short-term increase to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-explained-8c9cbcd3d0c4a8fe989a0110f5159f7c">the nation’s debt limit</a>, ensuring the federal government can continue fully paying its bills into December and temporarily averting an unprecedented default that would have decimated the economy.The $480 billion increase in the country’s borrowing ceiling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-congress-mitch-mcconnell-6e330d9fb94b73787ea70e7807b87151">cleared the Senate last week</a>&nbsp;on a party-line vote. The House approved it swiftly so President Joe Biden can sign it into law this week.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-congress-janet-yellen-cf59ef71fe0dfd51d8343aea84fe3bd6">Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had warned</a>&nbsp;that steps to stave off a default on the country’s debts would be exhausted by Monday, and from that point, the department would soon be unable to fully meet the government’s financial obligations.A default would have immense fallout on global financial markets built upon the bedrock safety of U.S. government debt. Routine government payments to Social Security beneficiaries, disabled veterans and active-duty military personnel would also be called into question.The relief provided by passage of the legislation will only be temporary though, forcing Congress to revisit the issue in December — a time when lawmakers will also be laboring to complete federal spending bills and avoid a damaging government shutdown. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-congress-filibusters-27ee5558714da1347b68d58952cc137b">yearend backlog&nbsp;</a>raises risks for both parties and threatens a tumultuous close to Biden’s first year in office.“I’m glad that this at least allows us to prevent a totally self-made and utterly preventable economic catastrophe as we work on a longer-term plan,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.Republicans signaled the next debt limit debate won’t be any easier and warned Democrats not to expect their help.“Unless and until Democrats give up on their dream of a big-government, socialist America, Republicans cannot and will not support raising the debt limit and help them pave the superhighway to a great entitlement society,” said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla.Procedurally, the House took a single vote Tuesday that had the effect of passing the Senate bill. The measure passed by a party-line vote of 219-206.The present standoff over the debt ceiling eased when Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., agreed to help pass the short-term increase. But he insists he won’t do so again.In a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-congress-economy-bills-f2b52bc7ff5d1f241ed12e73e382c6b8">letter sent Friday</a>&nbsp;to Biden, McConnell said Democrats will have to handle the next debt-limit increase on their own using the same process they have tried to use to pass Biden’s massive social spending and environment plan. Reconciliation allows legislation to pass the Senate with 51 votes rather than the 60 that’s typically required. In the 50-50 split Senate, Vice President Kamala Harris gives Democrats the majority with her tiebreaking vote.Lawmakers from both parties have used the debt ceiling votes as leverage for other priorities. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi threatened to vote against raising the debt ceiling when President Donald Trump was in office, saying she had no intention of supporting lifting the debt ceiling to enable Republicans to give another tax break to the rich. And Republicans in 2011 managed to coerce President Barack Obama into accepting about $2 trillion in deficit cuts as a condition for increasing the debt limit — though lawmakers later rolled back some of those cuts.Pelosi told reporters Tuesday that over the years Republicans and Democrats have voted against lifting the debt ceiling, “but never to the extent of jeopardizing it.”Pelosi offered her hope that Congress would lift the debt ceiling in a bipartisan way this December because of the stakes involved. But she also floated a bill sponsored by Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., that would transfer the duty of raising the debt limit away from Congress and vest it with the Treasury secretary, saying, “I think it has merit.”In his focus on the debt limit, McConnell has tried to link Biden’s big federal government spending boost with the nation’s rising debt load, even though they are separate and the debt ceiling will have to be increased or suspended regardless of whether Biden’s $3.5 trillion plan makes it into law.“Your lieutenants on Capitol Hill now have the time they claimed they lacked to address the debt ceiling through standalone reconciliation, and all the tools to do it,” McConnell said in a letter to the president. “They cannot invent another crisis and ask for my help.”McConnell was one of 11 Republicans who sided with Democrats to advance the debt ceiling reprieve to a final vote. Subsequently, McConnell and his GOP colleagues voted against final passage.The debate over the debt ceiling has at times gotten personal. McConnell last week suggested that Democrats were playing “Russian roulette” with the economy because they had not dealt with the debt ceiling through the process he had insisted upon. He called out Pelosi for traveling to Europe last week.“I can only presume she hopes the full faith and credit of the United States will get sorted out,” McConnell said.Pelosi did not let the shot pass. “Russian roulette from Moscow Mitch. Interesting,” she said.House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Tuesday’s vote marked the 50th time dating back to President Ronald Reagan that he has voted on extending the debt limit.“Nobody has clean hands when it comes to the debt limit,” he said.Because the Senate bill only allowed for a stopgap extension, Hoyer called it a “lousy deal.”“And then we’re going to play this game one more time, a despicable and irresponsible act for adults who know better,” Hoyer said.Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said he wanted to “thank” Hoyer for sharing that he had previously voted for raising the debt ceiling 49 times.“When he came into this body, the debt was about a trillion dollars,” Roy said. “Thank you, I guess, on behalf of the people of America who are staring at 28-and-a-half trillion dollars of debt.”The current debt ceiling is $28.4 trillion. Both parties have contributed to that load with decisions that have left the government rarely operating in the black.The calamitous ramifications of default are why lawmakers have been able to reach a compromise to lift or suspend the debt cap some 18 times since 2002, often after frequent rounds of brinkmanship.