SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman accused in a stabbing made her first court appearance in the case June 9.

Mykala McAlpine, 20, of Wichita, is charged with aggravated battery, according to Sedgwick County District Attorney.

Just before 2:30 a.m. June 5, police responded to a residence in the 500 Block of East Marion in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. They found a 19-year-old victim with a number of stab wounds.

EMS transported the man to a local&nbsp; hospital for treatment and police arrested McApline.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 17, according to the district attorney. She was jailed on<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20061820">&nbsp;</a>$75,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623356186156.png" alt="McApine photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>McApine photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman accused in a stabbing made her first court appearance in the case June 9.Mykala McAlpine, 20, of Wichita, is charged with aggravated battery, according to Sedgwick County District Attorney.Just before 2:30 a.m. June 5, police responded to a residence in the 500 Block of East Marion in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. They found a 19-year-old victim with a number of stab wounds.EMS transported the man to a local&nbsp; hospital for treatment and police arrested McApline.Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 17, according to the district attorney. She was jailed on<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20061820">&nbsp;</a>$75,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

Kansas woman charged for violent knife attack

BUTLER COUNTY—A Kansas teen injured in a head-on crash just before 11:30p.m. Friday in Butler County has died.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Nissan Rogue driven by Amy L. Brown, 46, Eureka, was eastbound in the westbound lanes of Kansas 254 just west of El Dorado. The Nissan&nbsp; struck a 2009 Chevy Impala driven by Dylan M. Lawson, 19, Augusta,&nbsp; head-on.

EMS transported Brown, Lawson and passengers in the Chevy&nbsp; Alexandria M. Epp, 18 and Lila Fisher, 17, both of El Dorado to Wesley Medical Center.&nbsp; Epp died Saturday night, according to the KHP.

The KHP did nor have complete seat belt information.

BUTLER COUNTY—A Kansas teen injured in a head-on crash just before 11:30p.m. Friday in Butler County has died.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Nissan Rogue driven by Amy L. Brown, 46, Eureka, was eastbound in the westbound lanes of Kansas 254 just west of El Dorado. The Nissan&nbsp; struck a 2009 Chevy Impala driven by Dylan M. Lawson, 19, Augusta,&nbsp; head-on.EMS transported Brown, Lawson and passengers in the Chevy&nbsp; Alexandria M. Epp, 18 and Lila Fisher, 17, both of El Dorado to Wesley Medical Center.&nbsp; Epp died Saturday night, according to the KHP.The KHP did nor have complete seat belt information.

Kan. teen dies from injuries after wrong-way, head-on crash

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man who called 911 to aid his mother was charged in federal court Thursday after police officers responded to their residence and found evidence of drug trafficking and illegal firearms, according to the United States Attorney's office.

Michael Cummings II, 39, was charged with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking in a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. Cummings remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on June 14.

According to an affidavit filed in support of today’s federal criminal complaint, police officers were called to Cummings’s residence on Monday night, June 7, when Cummings called 911 for emergency medical assistance for his mother. Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures on Cummings’s mother but she was unresponsive, and pronounced dead at approximately 12:04 a.m. on Tuesday, June 8.

Officers saw a loaded Heckler &amp; Koch .40-caliber handgun on the dining room table, next to a pile of cash, and an SKS-style assault rifle with a magazine leaning against the wall of a stairwell. Officers arrested Cummings, who is a convicted felon, for illegally possessing the firearms.

Officers then obtained a warrant and searched the residence. In addition to the two firearms, officers also seized $618 found on the table and under the couch cushion.

In one bedroom, officers found a Pioneer Arms 7.62 x 39mm AKM-47-style pistol in the closet, a baggie that contained .24 grams of a fentanyl/heroin compound, baggies that contained a total of 351.37 grams of methamphetamine, two plastic baggies that contained a total of 28.1 grams of crack cocaine, a baggie that contained marijuana, and approximately $3,512 in cash.

In another bedroom, officers found a Ruger .22-caliber pistol on a shelf.

&nbsp;In another bedroom, officers found a Smith and Wesson AR-15 style assault rifle in the closet and a safe that contained $175,100 in cash and a Ruger revolver that had previously been reported as stolen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623349053824.png" alt="Cummings-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Cummings-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man who called 911 to aid his mother was charged in federal court Thursday after police officers responded to their residence and found evidence of drug trafficking and illegal firearms, according to the United States Attorney's office.Michael Cummings II, 39, was charged with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking in a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. Cummings remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on June 14.According to an affidavit filed in support of today’s federal criminal complaint, police officers were called to Cummings’s residence on Monday night, June 7, when Cummings called 911 for emergency medical assistance for his mother. Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures on Cummings’s mother but she was unresponsive, and pronounced dead at approximately 12:04 a.m. on Tuesday, June 8.Officers saw a loaded Heckler &amp; Koch .40-caliber handgun on the dining room table, next to a pile of cash, and an SKS-style assault rifle with a magazine leaning against the wall of a stairwell. Officers arrested Cummings, who is a convicted felon, for illegally possessing the firearms.Officers then obtained a warrant and searched the residence. In addition to the two firearms, officers also seized $618 found on the table and under the couch cushion.In one bedroom, officers found a Pioneer Arms 7.62 x 39mm AKM-47-style pistol in the closet, a baggie that contained .24 grams of a fentanyl/heroin compound, baggies that contained a total of 351.37 grams of methamphetamine, two plastic baggies that contained a total of 28.1 grams of crack cocaine, a baggie that contained marijuana, and approximately $3,512 in cash.In another bedroom, officers found a Ruger .22-caliber pistol on a shelf.&nbsp;In another bedroom, officers found a Smith and Wesson AR-15 style assault rifle in the closet and a safe that contained $175,100 in cash and a Ruger revolver that had previously been reported as stolen.

KC man charged with drug trafficking after 911 call

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman's death in Wyandotte County.

Just before 7a.m. Saturday, a patron at the Turner Boat Access&nbsp; on the Kansas River called 911 to report finding the body of a woman on the ground, according to a media release.

Kansas City police and the Wyandotte County Sheriff's deputies responded and found a black woman in her mid 60s dead of an apparent homicide, according to the sheriff's department.

Authorities have not released her identity or additional details. The Wyandotte County Sheriff's Department is in charge of the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623606833583.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Saturday photo courtesy Fox4 Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Saturday photo courtesy Fox4 Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman's death in Wyandotte County.Just before 7a.m. Saturday, a patron at the Turner Boat Access&nbsp; on the Kansas River called 911 to report finding the body of a woman on the ground, according to a media release.Kansas City police and the Wyandotte County Sheriff's deputies responded and found a black woman in her mid 60s dead of an apparent homicide, according to the sheriff's department.Authorities have not released her identity or additional details. The Wyandotte County Sheriff's Department is in charge of the investigation.

Homicide: Woman's body found near Kan. River boat ramp 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A one-time certified public accountant in south-central Missouri has been sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for conducting a Ponzi scheme that swindled millions of dollars from dozens of victims.

Douglas Richardson, 47, of Lebanon, was sentenced Thursday in Springfield’s federal court to 188 months and ordered to pay more than $8.8 million in restitution to his victims across the country, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri said in a news release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

A jury convicted Richardson in 2019 of six counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering. As a part of this scheme, Richardson knowingly fleeced several elderly victims out of most or all of their retirement savings, prosecutors said.

Richardson used the proceeds from the scheme to support a lavish lifestyle that included a $1 million home, regular family vacations to Disney World and expensive cars, motorhomes and motorcycles, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors also presented evidence at Richardson's sentencing hearing on Thursday that Richardson continued to swindle money from people even as he awaited sentencing. That included defrauding one victim of nearly $100,000 and taking $800 from a victim’s bank account during his jury trial without the victim’s knowledge, prosecutors said

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A one-time certified public accountant in south-central Missouri has been sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for conducting a Ponzi scheme that swindled millions of dollars from dozens of victims.Douglas Richardson, 47, of Lebanon, was sentenced Thursday in Springfield’s federal court to 188 months and ordered to pay more than $8.8 million in restitution to his victims across the country, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri said in a news release.There is no parole in the federal system.A jury convicted Richardson in 2019 of six counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering. As a part of this scheme, Richardson knowingly fleeced several elderly victims out of most or all of their retirement savings, prosecutors said.Richardson used the proceeds from the scheme to support a lavish lifestyle that included a $1 million home, regular family vacations to Disney World and expensive cars, motorhomes and motorcycles, prosecutors said.Prosecutors also presented evidence at Richardson's sentencing hearing on Thursday that Richardson continued to swindle money from people even as he awaited sentencing. That included defrauding one victim of nearly $100,000 and taking $800 from a victim’s bank account during his jury trial without the victim’s knowledge, prosecutors said

Former CPA sentenced for Ponzi scheme

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a robbery have made an arrest.

The robbery occurred on May 2 in the 2000 Block of NW Tyler Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Shane Hilton.

On May 14th, the Topeka Police Department put out an Attempt to Identify suspects in the case and identified 36-year-old James Clelland of Topeka.

On Friday, Topeka Police Detectives served a Search Warrant in the 1100 block of SW High and located Clelland and took him into custody. They later booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Assault, according to Hilton.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623457601755.png" alt="James Clelland photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>James Clelland photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a robbery have made an arrest.The robbery occurred on May 2 in the 2000 Block of NW Tyler Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Shane Hilton.On May 14th, the Topeka Police Department put out an Attempt to Identify suspects in the case and identified 36-year-old James Clelland of Topeka.On Friday, Topeka Police Detectives served a Search Warrant in the 1100 block of SW High and located Clelland and took him into custody. They later booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Assault, according to Hilton.

Police track down Kan. man wanted for aggravated burglary

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/06/10/federal-telehealth-bill-heightens-conversation-about-broadband-access-in-rural-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — New
 federal legislation to make pandemic-based telehealth allowances 
permanent has researchers, broadband advocates and lawmakers talking 
about the importance of bridging the digital divide in rural Kansas.

The <a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/7/3/731ce77f-3a7c-4ad7-832b-bcf856fab8eb/6E171F608CA0F4B9DDA15D41687F8971.protecting-rural-telehealth-access-act-bill-text.pdf">Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act</a>
 championed by U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), alongside Sens. Joe 
Manchin (D-W.Va.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), is 
aimed at ensuring “rural and underserved” health care providers can 
offer telehealth services after the pandemic. Services would include 
audio-only telehealth appointments, acknowledging many rural areas lack 
reliable broadband.

Changes
 would include allowing payment-parity for audio-only health services, 
waive any restrictions to allow patients to be treated from home and 
permanently allow rural health clinics and qualified health centers to 
serve as distance sites for telehealth services.

“The
 COVID-19 pandemic reiterated the effective and efficient access to care
 telehealth provides to patients, especially those in rural 
communities,” Moran said. “Even after the pandemic ends, our health care
 system should bolster telehealth services as a reliable option to serve
 patients and help expand health care options and availability for rural
 America.”

The
 effort may provide relief for those in need of telehealth options, but 
it also acknowledges the digital divide present in rural Kansas. Through
 audio-only options, the proposed legislation is working to circumvent 
gaps in broadband Internet access, something doctors, educators and 
researchers are working to do nationwide and in Kansas

Kansas
 currently ranks 28th in the country for broadband connectivity when 
only four years ago it ranked 40th. This improvement comes after the 
establishment of a broadband expansion task force, millions in funding 
for broadband infrastructure construction grants and pandemic relief 
aid.

Gov.
 Laura Kelly also established the Office of Broadband Development to 
focus on coverage and gaps in Kansas. Funds from the federal American 
Rescue Plan will go toward broadband improvements.

At
 the Institute for Policy and Social Research at the University of 
Kansas, a team of researchers surveyed students who attend Kansas Board 
of Regents colleges and universities about access to the internet. They 
hope to address data from the Federal Communications Commission 
suggesting Kansas residents, especially rural areas, lack stable 
connections.

Now, Kansas residents can <a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/broadband/kansas.shtml">fill out the survey online</a> and contribute to their work.

“The
 information we’ve received about uneven and inadequate internet access 
among KBOR students has been valuable, but there are still a lot of 
geographic areas of Kansas that we know very little about in terms of 
internet access and options for service provision,” said Germaine 
Halegoua, an associate professor at KU. “Policymakers still lack 
essential knowledge about internet affordability and quality in rural as
 well as urban areas. We’re hoping that our statewide survey fills in 
those gaps.”

The
 expanded survey will gather more information on slow connection areas 
and data on service availability and cost. Results will be shared with 
residents, internet service providers and state lawmakers to address 
policy or infrastructure needs.

Although the <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2134/">Legislature last month imposed restrictions</a> on the number of remote learning hours, addressing these needs could prove crucial for educators and Kansas students.&nbsp;

There
 are still up to 40 hours provided of remote learning, or more in 
certain cases if waived by the school board. With the internet becoming 
increasingly important in education, advocates nationwide are pushing 
for increased funding to bridge the digital divide.

“When
 I think about personalized learning, when I think about digital 
learning, to me it comes down to opportunities. Are we offering the 
opportunities that our kids need to thrive?” said Thomas C. Murray, director of innovation for <a href="https://futureready.org/">Future Ready Schools</a>.

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/06/10/federal-telehealth-bill-heightens-conversation-about-broadband-access-in-rural-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — New
 federal legislation to make pandemic-based telehealth allowances 
permanent has researchers, broadband advocates and lawmakers talking 
about the importance of bridging the digital divide in rural Kansas.The <a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/7/3/731ce77f-3a7c-4ad7-832b-bcf856fab8eb/6E171F608CA0F4B9DDA15D41687F8971.protecting-rural-telehealth-access-act-bill-text.pdf">Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act</a>
 championed by U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), alongside Sens. Joe 
Manchin (D-W.Va.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), is 
aimed at ensuring “rural and underserved” health care providers can 
offer telehealth services after the pandemic. Services would include 
audio-only telehealth appointments, acknowledging many rural areas lack 
reliable broadband.Changes
 would include allowing payment-parity for audio-only health services, 
waive any restrictions to allow patients to be treated from home and 
permanently allow rural health clinics and qualified health centers to 
serve as distance sites for telehealth services.“The
 COVID-19 pandemic reiterated the effective and efficient access to care
 telehealth provides to patients, especially those in rural 
communities,” Moran said. “Even after the pandemic ends, our health care
 system should bolster telehealth services as a reliable option to serve
 patients and help expand health care options and availability for rural
 America.”The
 effort may provide relief for those in need of telehealth options, but 
it also acknowledges the digital divide present in rural Kansas. Through
 audio-only options, the proposed legislation is working to circumvent 
gaps in broadband Internet access, something doctors, educators and 
researchers are working to do nationwide and in KansasKansas
 currently ranks 28th in the country for broadband connectivity when 
only four years ago it ranked 40th. This improvement comes after the 
establishment of a broadband expansion task force, millions in funding 
for broadband infrastructure construction grants and pandemic relief 
aid.Gov.
 Laura Kelly also established the Office of Broadband Development to 
focus on coverage and gaps in Kansas. Funds from the federal American 
Rescue Plan will go toward broadband improvements.At
 the Institute for Policy and Social Research at the University of 
Kansas, a team of researchers surveyed students who attend Kansas Board 
of Regents colleges and universities about access to the internet. They 
hope to address data from the Federal Communications Commission 
suggesting Kansas residents, especially rural areas, lack stable 
connections.Now, Kansas residents can <a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/broadband/kansas.shtml">fill out the survey online</a> and contribute to their work.“The
 information we’ve received about uneven and inadequate internet access 
among KBOR students has been valuable, but there are still a lot of 
geographic areas of Kansas that we know very little about in terms of 
internet access and options for service provision,” said Germaine 
Halegoua, an associate professor at KU. “Policymakers still lack 
essential knowledge about internet affordability and quality in rural as
 well as urban areas. We’re hoping that our statewide survey fills in 
those gaps.”The
 expanded survey will gather more information on slow connection areas 
and data on service availability and cost. Results will be shared with 
residents, internet service providers and state lawmakers to address 
policy or infrastructure needs.Although the <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2134/">Legislature last month imposed restrictions</a> on the number of remote learning hours, addressing these needs could prove crucial for educators and Kansas students.&nbsp;There
 are still up to 40 hours provided of remote learning, or more in 
certain cases if waived by the school board. With the internet becoming 
increasingly important in education, advocates nationwide are pushing 
for increased funding to bridge the digital divide.“When
 I think about personalized learning, when I think about digital 
learning, to me it comes down to opportunities. Are we offering the 
opportunities that our kids need to thrive?” said Thomas C. Murray, director of innovation for <a href="https://futureready.org/">Future Ready Schools</a>.

Telehealth bill heightens conversation about broadband access in rural Kan.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Former Kansas Attorney General Vern Miller, who gained notoriety for several law enforcement stunts during nearly 50 years in law enforcement, has died.

Miller died Friday at his home in Mesa, Arizona. He was 92.

His son, Marty Miller, attributed the death to old age but said his father had several cardiac issues over the years.

During his law enforcement career, spent mostly in Sedgwick County, Miller would hide in undercover officer’s cars and jump out to grab suspects. He also raided illegal gambling operations across the state and enforced the state’s then-ban on public drinking by stopping alcohol-serving passenger trains in their tracks and seizing booze on planes crossing into Kansas.

Miller was elected Kansas Attorney General in 1970, despite having never tried a case in court. He was so popular he won all 105 Kansas counties when he ran for re-election in 1972.

He ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1974, losing to Robert Frederick Bennett. He then opened a private law practice in Wichita, and served as Sedgwick County district attorney from 1976 to 1980.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623593989379.png" alt="Vern Miller -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Vern Miller -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Former Kansas Attorney General Vern Miller, who gained notoriety for several law enforcement stunts during nearly 50 years in law enforcement, has died.Miller died Friday at his home in Mesa, Arizona. He was 92.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“Vern Miller’s four years of service as Kansas Attorney General left an indelible mark on the office. …&mdash; Kansas AG&#39;s Office (@KSAGOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSAGOffice/status/1403520653999980545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His son, Marty Miller, attributed the death to old age but said his father had several cardiac issues over the years.During his law enforcement career, spent mostly in Sedgwick County, Miller would hide in undercover officer’s cars and jump out to grab suspects. He also raided illegal gambling operations across the state and enforced the state’s then-ban on public drinking by stopping alcohol-serving passenger trains in their tracks and seizing booze on planes crossing into Kansas.Miller was elected Kansas Attorney General in 1970, despite having never tried a case in court. He was so popular he won all 105 Kansas counties when he ran for re-election in 1972.He ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1974, losing to Robert Frederick Bennett. He then opened a private law practice in Wichita, and served as Sedgwick County district attorney from 1976 to 1980.

Former Kansas sheriff, Attorney General dies at 92

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/controversy-over-critical-race-theory-creeping-kansas-schools">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — Kansas schools find themselves entangled in a 
debate about the past and whether critical race theory — the left's 
notion that America has yet to atone for its white supremacist origins 
and the right’s allergy to that world view — ought to guide the teaching
 of history and politics.

The theory marks the latest academic concept to become intensely politicized.

<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/04/19/523563345/a-theory-to-better-understand-diversity-and-who-really-benefits" target="_blank">Critical race theory</a>
 emerged out of the civil rights movement of the 1960s and ’70s. Its 
core idea holds that racism isn’t an individual trait, but rather one 
embedded in American culture and policies.

It became more widely 
known and talked about after the killing of George Floyd, when many 
Americans argued that the police officer convicted of his murder was not
 just “one bad cop,” but part of a racist system in need of fundamental 
reform.

Academics and politicians also pointed to — and clashed over — <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html" target="_blank">The 1619 Project</a>, a New York Times Magazine piece by Nikole Hannah-Jones that explored the legacy and history of Black Americans and slavery.

According
 to The Times, the project “aims to reframe the country’s history by 
placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black 
Americans at the very center of our national narrative.” Since its 
publication in 2019, it has been debated in Congress and state 
legislatures and held up as an example of critical race theory.

Some
 conservatives argue that the concept is unnecessarily divisive, 
portraying white Americans as oppressors and the United States as 
inherently wicked.

In a recent email to supporters, Kansas Attorney General Derek 
Schmidt, a Republican candidate for governor, called critical race 
theory “a radical new curriculum” and called on the U.S. Department of 
Education to “withdraw its priorities” to teach it in classrooms.

“It’s
 the Far Left’s new strategy to teach our students that they should be 
ashamed of America,” Schmidt said in the email, “and that our skin color
 should define who we are.”

Earlier this month, state Sen. Brenda
 Dietrich, a Topeka Republican, asked the Board of Regents to produce a 
list of courses at Kansas universities that teach critical race theory. 
That sparked a backlash. Some professors and others called it a threat 
to academic freedom.

Journalist David M. Perry posted a screenshot of an email sent to faculty at Pittsburg State University.

“Imagine receiving an email from your chair about whether you teach 
any other set of ideas, a theory, a concept,” Perry wrote. “Even these 
days, an email saying ‘do you teach marxism’ is unlikely (note: We have 
lots of classes on Marxism pretty much everywhere).”

He added that Pittsburg State University leaders “should refuse to comply with this attempt at censorship.”

Dietrich,
 the state lawmaker who made the request, is considered by most to be a 
moderate in the Kansas Statehouse. She said the request wasn’t an 
attempt to quash university courses or discussion, but only to seek 
general information so she could answer constituent emails.

“That’s
 really one of the most important things we do as legislators: we find 
out information and we pass it on to our constituents. I think we have 
an obligation to make sure it’s accurate,” Dietrich <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article251898553.html" target="_blank">told The Kansas City Star</a>.

Kansas university leaders said <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article252001133.html" target="_blank">few if any courses focus on critical race theory</a>, but some professors address it during discussions on race and equity.

Shirley
 Lefever, interim provost at Wichita State University, described 
critical race theory as “an area of study that explores racial 
disparities and their origins, as well as the impact of those 
disparities over time.”

Lefever said the topic could be included 
in various courses or programs at Wichita State. Debates about it should
 be expected, she said.

“History is always in the eyes of the 
beholder,” Lefever said in an email. “When a person’s perspective or 
experience is different from someone else’s, it can create discord or 
discomfort. However, those are also opportunities for learning.

“To see something from another person’s perspective can be enlightening and powerful.”

Lawmakers
 in at least 16 states have introduced or passed legislation seeking to 
limit the teaching of critical race theory. The bills, including <a href="https://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills211/hlrbillspdf/2087H.02C.pdf" target="_blank">one introduced in Missouri</a>, resemble a now-defunct executive order by then-President Donald Trump that prohibited federally funded institutions from <a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/10/07/colleges-cancel-diversity-programs-response-trump-order" target="_blank">teaching “divisive concepts” about race and gender</a>.

Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson said opposition to critical race theory is becoming an issue for local districts.

“All
 of you are getting on probably a daily, weekly basis: What are you 
gonna do about critical race theory?” Watson told state Board of 
Education members at their June meeting. “That is a curriculum that may 
or may not be taught, but it’s not in our standards at all. But they 
want you to do something about it.”

Watson’s comments came during a discussion about legislative action — and potential overreach — in the education realm.

Over the past year, Kansas lawmakers have pushed for curriculum changes or new graduation requirements focused on <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2301/" target="_blank">financial literacy</a>, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-immigration-topeka-bills-a9aa34d63eca9d061a3487f6ccfb07f5" target="_blank">civics</a> and <a href="https://www.ksde.org/Home/Quick-Links/News-Room/board-votes-to-allow-computer-science-to-count-as-core-math-science-credit-1" target="_blank">computer science</a>. Prior to that, the Kansas Legislature weighed in on <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article1134825.html" target="_blank">Common Core standards</a> for math and reading.

Now the hot topic is critical race theory, Watson said.

“But
 that’s just the topic of the week. I mean, next week it’ll be something
 else,” Watson said. “Because whoever’s emailing you doesn’t like that 
topic. That’s what makes this difficult. Because then if you don’t 
react, where do they go? The Legislature.”

On June 12, educators in more than a dozen states plan to demonstrate as part of <a href="https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/pledge-to-teach-truth#sign" target="_blank">a “Teach the Truth” rally</a> organized by the <a href="https://www.zinnedproject.org/" target="_blank">Zinn Education Project</a> and <a href="https://www.blacklivesmatteratschool.com/" target="_blank">Black Lives Matter at School</a>.
 The groups are urging teachers to sign a pledge saying they “refuse to 
lie to young people about U.S. history and current events— regardless of
 the law.”

“When young people see the inequalities that persist 
today — in income, or education, or justice — they ask, ‘Why?’” said 
Deborah Menkart, co-director of the Zinn Education Project, in a news 
release about the event.

“Under these current laws or proposals, 
teachers would be banned from answering these important questions. 
That’s not teaching history. That’s hiding it.”

Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT&nbsp;or email her at perez@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623421888455.png" alt="Chris, flickr Creative Commons" />
 <figcaption>Chris, flickr Creative Commons</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/controversy-over-critical-race-theory-creeping-kansas-schools">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — Kansas schools find themselves entangled in a 
debate about the past and whether critical race theory — the left's 
notion that America has yet to atone for its white supremacist origins 
and the right’s allergy to that world view — ought to guide the teaching
 of history and politics.The theory marks the latest academic concept to become intensely politicized.<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/04/19/523563345/a-theory-to-better-understand-diversity-and-who-really-benefits" target="_blank">Critical race theory</a>
 emerged out of the civil rights movement of the 1960s and ’70s. Its 
core idea holds that racism isn’t an individual trait, but rather one 
embedded in American culture and policies.It became more widely 
known and talked about after the killing of George Floyd, when many 
Americans argued that the police officer convicted of his murder was not
 just “one bad cop,” but part of a racist system in need of fundamental 
reform.Academics and politicians also pointed to — and clashed over — <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html" target="_blank">The 1619 Project</a>, a New York Times Magazine piece by Nikole Hannah-Jones that explored the legacy and history of Black Americans and slavery.According
 to The Times, the project “aims to reframe the country’s history by 
placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black 
Americans at the very center of our national narrative.” Since its 
publication in 2019, it has been debated in Congress and state 
legislatures and held up as an example of critical race theory.Some
 conservatives argue that the concept is unnecessarily divisive, 
portraying white Americans as oppressors and the United States as 
inherently wicked.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623421939632.png" alt=" Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who is running for governor in 2022, has been a vocal opponent of critical race theory in schools. Credit Kansas News Service/File photo" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who is running for governor in 2022, has been a vocal opponent of critical race theory in schools. Credit Kansas News Service/File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>In a recent email to supporters, Kansas Attorney General Derek 
Schmidt, a Republican candidate for governor, called critical race 
theory “a radical new curriculum” and called on the U.S. Department of 
Education to “withdraw its priorities” to teach it in classrooms.“It’s
 the Far Left’s new strategy to teach our students that they should be 
ashamed of America,” Schmidt said in the email, “and that our skin color
 should define who we are.”Earlier this month, state Sen. Brenda
 Dietrich, a Topeka Republican, asked the Board of Regents to produce a 
list of courses at Kansas universities that teach critical race theory. 
That sparked a backlash. Some professors and others called it a threat 
to academic freedom.Journalist David M. Perry posted a screenshot of an email sent to faculty at Pittsburg State University.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623421968759.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Imagine receiving an email from your chair about whether you teach 
any other set of ideas, a theory, a concept,” Perry wrote. “Even these 
days, an email saying ‘do you teach marxism’ is unlikely (note: We have 
lots of classes on Marxism pretty much everywhere).”He added that Pittsburg State University leaders “should refuse to comply with this attempt at censorship.”Dietrich,
 the state lawmaker who made the request, is considered by most to be a 
moderate in the Kansas Statehouse. She said the request wasn’t an 
attempt to quash university courses or discussion, but only to seek 
general information so she could answer constituent emails.“That’s
 really one of the most important things we do as legislators: we find 
out information and we pass it on to our constituents. I think we have 
an obligation to make sure it’s accurate,” Dietrich <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article251898553.html" target="_blank">told The Kansas City Star</a>.Kansas university leaders said <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article252001133.html" target="_blank">few if any courses focus on critical race theory</a>, but some professors address it during discussions on race and equity.Shirley
 Lefever, interim provost at Wichita State University, described 
critical race theory as “an area of study that explores racial 
disparities and their origins, as well as the impact of those 
disparities over time.”Lefever said the topic could be included 
in various courses or programs at Wichita State. Debates about it should
 be expected, she said.“History is always in the eyes of the 
beholder,” Lefever said in an email. “When a person’s perspective or 
experience is different from someone else’s, it can create discord or 
discomfort. However, those are also opportunities for learning.“To see something from another person’s perspective can be enlightening and powerful.”Lawmakers
 in at least 16 states have introduced or passed legislation seeking to 
limit the teaching of critical race theory. The bills, including <a href="https://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills211/hlrbillspdf/2087H.02C.pdf" target="_blank">one introduced in Missouri</a>, resemble a now-defunct executive order by then-President Donald Trump that prohibited federally funded institutions from <a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/10/07/colleges-cancel-diversity-programs-response-trump-order" target="_blank">teaching “divisive concepts” about race and gender</a>.Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson said opposition to critical race theory is becoming an issue for local districts.“All
 of you are getting on probably a daily, weekly basis: What are you 
gonna do about critical race theory?” Watson told state Board of 
Education members at their June meeting. “That is a curriculum that may 
or may not be taught, but it’s not in our standards at all. But they 
want you to do something about it.”Watson’s comments came during a discussion about legislative action — and potential overreach — in the education realm.Over the past year, Kansas lawmakers have pushed for curriculum changes or new graduation requirements focused on <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2301/" target="_blank">financial literacy</a>, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-immigration-topeka-bills-a9aa34d63eca9d061a3487f6ccfb07f5" target="_blank">civics</a> and <a href="https://www.ksde.org/Home/Quick-Links/News-Room/board-votes-to-allow-computer-science-to-count-as-core-math-science-credit-1" target="_blank">computer science</a>. Prior to that, the Kansas Legislature weighed in on <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article1134825.html" target="_blank">Common Core standards</a> for math and reading.Now the hot topic is critical race theory, Watson said.“But
 that’s just the topic of the week. I mean, next week it’ll be something
 else,” Watson said. “Because whoever’s emailing you doesn’t like that 
topic. That’s what makes this difficult. Because then if you don’t 
react, where do they go? The Legislature.”On June 12, educators in more than a dozen states plan to demonstrate as part of <a href="https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/pledge-to-teach-truth#sign" target="_blank">a “Teach the Truth” rally</a> organized by the <a href="https://www.zinnedproject.org/" target="_blank">Zinn Education Project</a> and <a href="https://www.blacklivesmatteratschool.com/" target="_blank">Black Lives Matter at School</a>.
 The groups are urging teachers to sign a pledge saying they “refuse to 
lie to young people about U.S. history and current events— regardless of
 the law.”“When young people see the inequalities that persist 
today — in income, or education, or justice — they ask, ‘Why?’” said 
Deborah Menkart, co-director of the Zinn Education Project, in a news 
release about the event.“Under these current laws or proposals, 
teachers would be banned from answering these important questions. 
That’s not teaching history. That’s hiding it.”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT&nbsp;or email her at perez@kmuw.org.

Controversy over critical race theory creeping into Kan. schools 

By LIBBY HANSSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2021-06-09/road-trip-your-guide-to-summer-adventures-across-central-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>

This story was first published in KCUR's Creative Adventure newsletter. You can <a href="https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/1925875/1916404/" target="_blank">sign up to receive stories like this in your inbox every Tuesday.</a>

While
 it may not be first in mind when you think of a road trip destination, 
the key to a good Kansas adventure is to get off the beaten track — and 
by track, we mean Interstate 70. The straight shot west makes the whole 
state seem like an endless track of asphalt and billboards, but that’s 
hardly the case.

Travel by state routes and back roads to get 
closer to the scenery. By moving at a slightly slower pace, you can 
better appreciate the changing environment on your journey.

You'll
 catch glimpses of wildlife — falcons, prairie chickens, bison and 
jackrabbits — against the backdrop of farms and wildflowers. And the 
state is peppered with mini-museums, scenic byways and nature preserves.

Here
 are a few day trips and some overnight options to explore the great 
wide west. Or, string these options together for a weeklong sojourn.

Abilene, Kansas — about 150 miles outside of Kansas City — has a handful of interesting sights, but the most prominent is the <a href="https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/" target="_blank">Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum &amp; Boyhood Home.</a> At this time, only the museum is available to visitors, with limited hours and online programming.

But Abilene also shares a Wild West history, with events at the <a href="https://oldabilenetown.org/" target="_blank">Old Abilene Town</a>, which recently opened a new trail center.

Want to feel centered? Kansas offers a few options. About 130 miles northwest of Abilene lies the <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/geographicalcenter.htm" target="_blank">Geographic Center of the United States</a> (if you don’t count Alaska and Hawaii) in Lebanon. Learn about what this designation means for the people of the town <a href="https://www.kcur.org/show/central-standard/2016-10-13/for-this-kansas-town-being-the-geographic-center-of-the-u-s-may-be-a-lifeline">in this story by KCUR.</a>

From there, the <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/geodeticcenter.htm" target="_blank">Geodetic Center of North America</a> is about 45 minutes south, in Tipton. (Geodetic relates to the geometric shape of the globe, not a 2D map.)

Kansas
 has a long history of folk and outsider art, and nowhere is that more 
prominent than in Lucas: “Grassroots Art Capital of the World.” It’s the
 home of — among other sights — the United States' oldest intact art 
environment, <a href="http://www.gardenofedenlucas.org/" target="_blank">Garden of Eden</a>, and the <a href="http://www.worldslargestthings.com/" target="_blank">World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things</a>, which reopens “by chance or appointment” in July.

While you're in the area, why not do a little rock climbing? Located between Abilene and Lucas is <a href="https://geokansas.ku.edu/rock-city" target="_blank">Rock City</a>, a field of huge concretions — sandstone spheres deposited 100 million years ago — ripe for exploring by all ages.

Kansas history reaches back millions of years. Once the bottom of a 
vast inland sea, this history was rediscovered by farmers, scientists 
and adventurers through the search for fossils. Many of those have made 
their way into the <a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/index.html" target="_blank">Sternberg Museum of Natural History</a> in Hays. Hays is about an hour from Lucas and four hours from Kansas City.

Much of Kansas’ story is one of perseverance and the search for a better place. That’s apparent in the history of <a href="https://www.nps.gov/nico/index.htm" target="_blank">Nicodemus</a>,
 an African American community founded in 1877. Today, remnants of the 
town are part of the National Parks Service as a National Historic Site.
 The landmark is open 24 hours a day, though the buildings have limited 
hours.

While exploring Kansas, don’t hesitate to turn off for a town’s small museum or roadside attraction, like the <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/balloftwine.htm" target="_blank">World’s Largest Ball of Twine</a>, in Cawker City. Visitors can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7S9daHwipU" target="_blank">add twine</a>, too, and contribute to maintaining that world record.

Personal
 passions and unique perspectives are captured in these out-of-the-way 
curiosities and serve as testaments to the complex history of the land 
and people.

Although there are no coasts, no mountains, nor many forests in 
western Kansas, the landscape is nevertheless breathtaking. Strangely, 
the state isn’t well known for its geological wonders, but it boasts 
quite a few.

Opened in 2019, <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/little-jerusalem-badlands-state-park/" target="_blank">Little Jerusalem Badland State Park</a>
 is a relative newcomer to the Kansas tourism scene — even though its 
chalk towers were formed approximately 85 million years ago. Hike the 
trails to overlook points, or <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Little-Jerusalem-Badlands" target="_blank">sign up for a guided tour</a>
 into the formations on select dates and times. A $5 vehicle park permit
 is required and can be paid at the self-service station, so have some 
cash on hand.

Nearby, a bit north of Scott City, the famous <a href="https://www.washburn.edu/cas/art/cyoho/archive/KStravel/bigrocks/pyramids.html" target="_blank">Monument Rocks</a> (which are on private land, but with allowed public access) were declared a National Natural Landmark in 1968.

Another
 aspect of the Kansas landscape is human intervention, which converted 
the prairie and near-desert conditions into farmland. Remember those 
quirky museums we mentioned? Take a <a href="https://www.travelks.com/blog/stories/post/adventure-awaits-on-the-kansas-byways/" target="_blank">scenic byway</a> to La Crosse and visit the <a href="http://www.rushcounty.org/BarbedWireMuseum/index.html" target="_blank">Kansas Barbed Wire Museum</a>, located next door to the <a href="http://www.rushcounty.org/PostRockMuseum/" target="_blank">Post Rock Museum</a>, for more background into the resources and inventions used to subdue the wildlands.

Do some road trip research or learn more about these places in George Frazier’s <a href="https://www.kansas.com/sports/outdoors/article121510582.html" target="_blank">“The Last Wild Places in Kansas,”</a> which deftly combines the author’s explorations around the state and the history that shaped it to what we know today.

If you think Kansas is just hot, dry and flat, think again. The Wetlands &amp; Wildlife National Scenic Byway takes you from <a href="https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area</a> (the largest inland wetland in the United States) to the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/quivira/" target="_blank">Quivira National Wildlife Refuge</a> (a bird watcher’s <a href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2021-05-28/photos-quivira-wildlife-refuge-is-a-hidden-treasure-for-birdwatchers-any-time-of-year">wonderland</a>). Before your trip, download this <a href="https://www.kansaswetlandsandwildlifescenicbyway.com/vnews/display.v/SEC/About%20the%20Byway%7CAudio%20Tour" target="_blank">audio tour</a> that explains the ecology and history of the area.

The city of Hutchinson — located three hours from Kansas City — offers activities from the stars to the subterranean. The <a href="https://cosmo.org/" target="_blank">Cosmosphere</a> has
 artifacts from space exploration, an interactive kids’ area, space 
movies and more. If you really want to sink deep into Kansas, <a href="https://www.underkansas.org/" target="_blank">Strataca</a> is an underground salt mine-turned-museum.

<a href="https://www.lindsborgcity.org/" target="_blank">Lindsborg</a> is another interesting town that honors its Swedish heritage with huge Dala horses along the main street.

Not too far away is <a href="http://kansastravel.org/coronadoheights.htm" target="_blank">Coronado Heights</a>,
 a small castle-like structure built on a hill by the Works Progress 
Administration in 1936. It’s a great viewing and picnic spot with some 
surrounding trails (though the outhouse-style restrooms are not great). 
Coronado Heights was built to commemorate Francisco Vásquez de 
Coronado’s attempt to find the legendary city of gold in 1541.

Of course, Kansas is best known for its prairie. The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/tapr/index.htm" target="_blank">Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve</a>
 is one of the last remaining intact prairie lands that used to run from
 Mexico to Canada. Only about 4% of the prairie remains, with most of it
 located just two hours from Kansas City.

There you'll find miles
 of hiking trails, a herd of bison (use caution when in the bison 
pasture), wildflowers, birds and a sunset you won't soon forget. The 
preserve is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Although there is no
 camping or overnight parking allowed in the preserve, it makes an 
excellent spot for stargazing, with a 360° view of the Milky Way. Ad 
Astra!

Driving through backroads and byways, you’ll be certain to 
spot barn quilts — large wooden quilt squares attached to barns, fences 
and homes. Learn more about these folk art treasures by following the <a href="http://ksflinthillsquilttrail.blogspot.com/p/home.html" target="_blank">Flint Hills Barn Quilt Trail</a>, and learn how you can make your own, as a testament to your Kansas adventure. No barn necessary.

Originally from Indiana, Libby Hanssen covers the performing arts in Kansas City. She's written for KCUR, KC Studio, The Kansas City Star, The Pitch, and KCMetropolis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623422127163.png" alt="Sunset over Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park in Logan County. The Nature Conservancy" />
 <figcaption>Sunset over Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park in Logan County. The Nature Conservancy</figcaption>
 </figure>By LIBBY HANSSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2021-06-09/road-trip-your-guide-to-summer-adventures-across-central-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>This story was first published in KCUR's Creative Adventure newsletter. You can <a href="https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/1925875/1916404/" target="_blank">sign up to receive stories like this in your inbox every Tuesday.</a>While
 it may not be first in mind when you think of a road trip destination, 
the key to a good Kansas adventure is to get off the beaten track — and 
by track, we mean Interstate 70. The straight shot west makes the whole 
state seem like an endless track of asphalt and billboards, but that’s 
hardly the case.Travel by state routes and back roads to get 
closer to the scenery. By moving at a slightly slower pace, you can 
better appreciate the changing environment on your journey.You'll
 catch glimpses of wildlife — falcons, prairie chickens, bison and 
jackrabbits — against the backdrop of farms and wildflowers. And the 
state is peppered with mini-museums, scenic byways and nature preserves.Here
 are a few day trips and some overnight options to explore the great 
wide west. Or, string these options together for a weeklong sojourn.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623422197048.png" alt="The Garden of Eden in Lucas is the oldest intact art environment in the U.S. Kansas Tourism Office" />
 <figcaption>The Garden of Eden in Lucas is the oldest intact art environment in the U.S. Kansas Tourism Office</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Day One</h2>Abilene, Kansas — about 150 miles outside of Kansas City — has a handful of interesting sights, but the most prominent is the <a href="https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/" target="_blank">Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum &amp; Boyhood Home.</a> At this time, only the museum is available to visitors, with limited hours and online programming. But Abilene also shares a Wild West history, with events at the <a href="https://oldabilenetown.org/" target="_blank">Old Abilene Town</a>, which recently opened a new trail center.Want to feel centered? Kansas offers a few options. About 130 miles northwest of Abilene lies the <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/geographicalcenter.htm" target="_blank">Geographic Center of the United States</a> (if you don’t count Alaska and Hawaii) in Lebanon. Learn about what this designation means for the people of the town <a href="https://www.kcur.org/show/central-standard/2016-10-13/for-this-kansas-town-being-the-geographic-center-of-the-u-s-may-be-a-lifeline">in this story by KCUR.</a> From there, the <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/geodeticcenter.htm" target="_blank">Geodetic Center of North America</a> is about 45 minutes south, in Tipton. (Geodetic relates to the geometric shape of the globe, not a 2D map.)Kansas
 has a long history of folk and outsider art, and nowhere is that more 
prominent than in Lucas: “Grassroots Art Capital of the World.” It’s the
 home of — among other sights — the United States' oldest intact art 
environment, <a href="http://www.gardenofedenlucas.org/" target="_blank">Garden of Eden</a>, and the <a href="http://www.worldslargestthings.com/" target="_blank">World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things</a>, which reopens “by chance or appointment” in July.While you're in the area, why not do a little rock climbing? Located between Abilene and Lucas is <a href="https://geokansas.ku.edu/rock-city" target="_blank">Rock City</a>, a field of huge concretions — sandstone spheres deposited 100 million years ago — ripe for exploring by all ages.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623422247620.png" alt="Fossils on display at Sternberg Museum in Hays reveal the state's unique prehistoric past. James St. John | Flickr" />
 <figcaption>Fossils on display at Sternberg Museum in Hays reveal the state's unique prehistoric past. James St. John | Flickr</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Day Two</h2>Kansas history reaches back millions of years. Once the bottom of a 
vast inland sea, this history was rediscovered by farmers, scientists 
and adventurers through the search for fossils. Many of those have made 
their way into the <a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/index.html" target="_blank">Sternberg Museum of Natural History</a> in Hays. Hays is about an hour from Lucas and four hours from Kansas City.Much of Kansas’ story is one of perseverance and the search for a better place. That’s apparent in the history of <a href="https://www.nps.gov/nico/index.htm" target="_blank">Nicodemus</a>,
 an African American community founded in 1877. Today, remnants of the 
town are part of the National Parks Service as a National Historic Site.
 The landmark is open 24 hours a day, though the buildings have limited 
hours.While exploring Kansas, don’t hesitate to turn off for a town’s small museum or roadside attraction, like the <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/balloftwine.htm" target="_blank">World’s Largest Ball of Twine</a>, in Cawker City. Visitors can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7S9daHwipU" target="_blank">add twine</a>, too, and contribute to maintaining that world record. Personal
 passions and unique perspectives are captured in these out-of-the-way 
curiosities and serve as testaments to the complex history of the land 
and people.<h2>Day Three</h2>Although there are no coasts, no mountains, nor many forests in 
western Kansas, the landscape is nevertheless breathtaking. Strangely, 
the state isn’t well known for its geological wonders, but it boasts 
quite a few.Opened in 2019, <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/little-jerusalem-badlands-state-park/" target="_blank">Little Jerusalem Badland State Park</a>
 is a relative newcomer to the Kansas tourism scene — even though its 
chalk towers were formed approximately 85 million years ago. Hike the 
trails to overlook points, or <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Little-Jerusalem-Badlands" target="_blank">sign up for a guided tour</a>
 into the formations on select dates and times. A $5 vehicle park permit
 is required and can be paid at the self-service station, so have some 
cash on hand.Nearby, a bit north of Scott City, the famous <a href="https://www.washburn.edu/cas/art/cyoho/archive/KStravel/bigrocks/pyramids.html" target="_blank">Monument Rocks</a> (which are on private land, but with allowed public access) were declared a National Natural Landmark in 1968.Another
 aspect of the Kansas landscape is human intervention, which converted 
the prairie and near-desert conditions into farmland. Remember those 
quirky museums we mentioned? Take a <a href="https://www.travelks.com/blog/stories/post/adventure-awaits-on-the-kansas-byways/" target="_blank">scenic byway</a> to La Crosse and visit the <a href="http://www.rushcounty.org/BarbedWireMuseum/index.html" target="_blank">Kansas Barbed Wire Museum</a>, located next door to the <a href="http://www.rushcounty.org/PostRockMuseum/" target="_blank">Post Rock Museum</a>, for more background into the resources and inventions used to subdue the wildlands.Do some road trip research or learn more about these places in George Frazier’s <a href="https://www.kansas.com/sports/outdoors/article121510582.html" target="_blank">“The Last Wild Places in Kansas,”</a> which deftly combines the author’s explorations around the state and the history that shaped it to what we know today.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623422332567.png" alt="Coronado Heights Park near Lindsborg boasts spectacular views and a small castle-like structure built by the Works Progress Administration in 1936." />
 <figcaption>Coronado Heights Park near Lindsborg boasts spectacular views and a small castle-like structure built by the Works Progress Administration in 1936.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Day Four</h2>If you think Kansas is just hot, dry and flat, think again. The Wetlands &amp; Wildlife National Scenic Byway takes you from <a href="https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area</a> (the largest inland wetland in the United States) to the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/quivira/" target="_blank">Quivira National Wildlife Refuge</a> (a bird watcher’s <a href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2021-05-28/photos-quivira-wildlife-refuge-is-a-hidden-treasure-for-birdwatchers-any-time-of-year">wonderland</a>). Before your trip, download this <a href="https://www.kansaswetlandsandwildlifescenicbyway.com/vnews/display.v/SEC/About%20the%20Byway%7CAudio%20Tour" target="_blank">audio tour</a> that explains the ecology and history of the area.The city of Hutchinson — located three hours from Kansas City — offers activities from the stars to the subterranean. The <a href="https://cosmo.org/" target="_blank">Cosmosphere</a> has
 artifacts from space exploration, an interactive kids’ area, space 
movies and more. If you really want to sink deep into Kansas, <a href="https://www.underkansas.org/" target="_blank">Strataca</a> is an underground salt mine-turned-museum.<a href="https://www.lindsborgcity.org/" target="_blank">Lindsborg</a> is another interesting town that honors its Swedish heritage with huge Dala horses along the main street. Not too far away is <a href="http://kansastravel.org/coronadoheights.htm" target="_blank">Coronado Heights</a>,
 a small castle-like structure built on a hill by the Works Progress 
Administration in 1936. It’s a great viewing and picnic spot with some 
surrounding trails (though the outhouse-style restrooms are not great). 
Coronado Heights was built to commemorate Francisco Vásquez de 
Coronado’s attempt to find the legendary city of gold in 1541.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623422377312.png" alt="Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve north of Strong City is a significant remnant of the once vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Patrick Emerson | Flickr" />
 <figcaption>Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve north of Strong City is a significant remnant of the once vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Patrick Emerson | Flickr</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Day Five</h2>Of course, Kansas is best known for its prairie. The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/tapr/index.htm" target="_blank">Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve</a>
 is one of the last remaining intact prairie lands that used to run from
 Mexico to Canada. Only about 4% of the prairie remains, with most of it
 located just two hours from Kansas City. There you'll find miles
 of hiking trails, a herd of bison (use caution when in the bison 
pasture), wildflowers, birds and a sunset you won't soon forget. The 
preserve is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Although there is no
 camping or overnight parking allowed in the preserve, it makes an 
excellent spot for stargazing, with a 360° view of the Milky Way. Ad 
Astra!Driving through backroads and byways, you’ll be certain to 
spot barn quilts — large wooden quilt squares attached to barns, fences 
and homes. Learn more about these folk art treasures by following the <a href="http://ksflinthillsquilttrail.blogspot.com/p/home.html" target="_blank">Flint Hills Barn Quilt Trail</a>, and learn how you can make your own, as a testament to your Kansas adventure. No barn necessary.Originally from Indiana, Libby Hanssen covers the performing arts in Kansas City. She's written for KCUR, KC Studio, The Kansas City Star, The Pitch, and KCMetropolis.

Road trip! Your guide to summer adventures across NW, central Kan.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A 27-year-old man is now facing manslaughter charges for an accident in May that killed a man in Kansas City, Kansas. Police say Diquan P. Fant was driving a Ford Thunderbird at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light on May 9 and collided with a Kia Soul driven by 53-year-old Henry C. Fletcher of Kansas City, Kansas. 

Fletcher’s vehicle rolled several times. He died at the scene. Fant’s vehicle eventually crashed into a retaining wall. He was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Fant is jailed on $100,000 bail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623425202252.png" alt="Fant photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Fant photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A 27-year-old man is now facing manslaughter charges for an accident in May that killed a man in Kansas City, Kansas. Police say Diquan P. Fant was driving a Ford Thunderbird at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light on May 9 and collided with a Kia Soul driven by 53-year-old Henry C. Fletcher of Kansas City, Kansas. Fletcher’s vehicle rolled several times. He died at the scene. Fant’s vehicle eventually crashed into a retaining wall. He was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Fant is jailed on $100,000 bail.

Kan. man charged in crash that killed 53-year-old 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas firefighter was injured while fighting a house fire Friday night in Wichita.

The firefighter went down in the home in the 4300 Block of West Douglas and a Mayday was called, according to a social media report from the Wichita Fire Department.

 Crews removed the firefighter within seconds and began CPR. Emergency crews&nbsp; transported him to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

On Saturday, the Wichita Fire Department reported the firefighter remains in serious condition but has stabilized. He is undergoing further evaluation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623539237119.png" alt="Fire crews late Friday working the house fire -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Fire crews late Friday working the house fire -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas firefighter was injured while fighting a house fire Friday night in Wichita.The firefighter went down in the home in the 4300 Block of West Douglas and a Mayday was called, according to a social media report from the Wichita Fire Department. Crews removed the firefighter within seconds and began CPR. Emergency crews&nbsp; transported him to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries.On Saturday, the Wichita Fire Department reported the firefighter remains in serious condition but has stabilized. He is undergoing further evaluation.&nbsp;

Injured Kansas firefighter remains in serious condition 

RENO COUNTY— A Kansas City man who was part of a shooting that injured two people near the Hutchinson Walmart will spend a little more than a year in prison.

Deante Watley-Jones, 22,&nbsp; pleaded to two counts of aggravated assault in the shooting of Darin Rodriguez Nov. 9, 2019, during a confrontation between occupants of two vehicles.&nbsp;

Watley-Jones could have received a much longer sentence, but the state and defense agreed to the plea on a less-severe charge. The defense asked for probation in the case, but Judge Joe McCarville noted that he could not find enough reason to support the defendant's claim of self-defense.

According to police, the argument started near the intersection of Ring Road and 17th Avenue. When Rodriguez got out of the vehicle, he was allegedly shot by Jones, who was sitting in the back seat of the vehicle. The bullet then went through the open door of the victim's car, ricocheted off the interior, and grazed the driver of the suspect's car, 74-year-old Paula Thomas.

Both victims were taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where they were treated and released

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623458142645.png" alt="Watley-Jones from a previous arrest in Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Watley-Jones from a previous arrest in Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY— A Kansas City man who was part of a shooting that injured two people near the Hutchinson Walmart will spend a little more than a year in prison.Deante Watley-Jones, 22,&nbsp; pleaded to two counts of aggravated assault in the shooting of Darin Rodriguez Nov. 9, 2019, during a confrontation between occupants of two vehicles.&nbsp;Watley-Jones could have received a much longer sentence, but the state and defense agreed to the plea on a less-severe charge. The defense asked for probation in the case, but Judge Joe McCarville noted that he could not find enough reason to support the defendant's claim of self-defense.According to police, the argument started near the intersection of Ring Road and 17th Avenue. When Rodriguez got out of the vehicle, he was allegedly shot by Jones, who was sitting in the back seat of the vehicle. The bullet then went through the open door of the victim's car, ricocheted off the interior, and grazed the driver of the suspect's car, 74-year-old Paula Thomas.Both victims were taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where they were treated and released

Man sentenced for Kansas road-rage shooting

By MIRANDA DAVIS <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/06/11/kansas-clinics-look-for-creative-ways-to-connect-with-residents-who-need-covid-19-vaccine/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA
 — As health officials across the country aim for a national 70% adult 
vaccination rate against COVID-19 by July 4, health centers in Kansas 
are finding ways to reach the most vulnerable populations in the state.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations">reports</a> that 50.9% of Kansans ages 18 and older have received at least one dose of vaccine. About 2.2 million doses of the vaccines have been administered in the state, <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment</a>, and more than 2.8 million doses have been distributed to health care providers.

Alice Weingartner, chief
 strategy officer for the Community Care Network of Kansas, said the 
network’s clinics are finding creative ways to connect to patients who 
may not have easy access to the vaccine. That includes working with ride
 sharing service Uber to bring people to vaccine appointments at no 
cost, as well as clinics setting up vaccine sites at places like 
laundromats and grocery stores.

“They’re really working hard to meet people where they are,” she said.&nbsp;

Weingartner
 said this push by the network is especially important because of the 
need to vaccinate at-risk populations, low income individuals, those 
with preexisting conditions and those without health insurance, given 
that those with underlying health conditions can be most susceptible to a
 severe case of COVID-19.

As of Friday, 5,106 
Kansans have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, and 
more than 315,000 have been infected with the virus.

Clinics
 across Kansas are seeing greater access to more vaccines through both 
state and federal distribution channels, and it’s much easier to access a
 vaccine than it was several months ago.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Weingartner
 said the network is currently focused on the entire state, because both
 rural and urban areas have challenges in getting residents vaccinated. 
However, the network is focused on bridging the gap between the 
percentage of white individuals that are vaccinated and the percentage 
of people of color that are vaccinated. For those who identify as white,
 the vaccination rate is 350 per thousand, while the rate for those who 
identify as Black is 256 per thousand.

That’s
 part of the reason the clinics are given the ability to choose 
solutions that work for their specific communities. The network’s 
partnership with Uber is valuable to its inoculation efforts, because it
 allows for more certainty that a patient can return and get a second 
dose, even if the patient doesn’t have access to reliable 
transportation.&nbsp;

Other
 specialty events include church vaccination sites in Wyandotte and 
Sedgwick counties, and a middle school vaccination site in the Flint 
Hills. At a southeast Kansas clinic, a couple getting married can 
arrange for wedding guests to get vaccinated before their wedding.

For those still debating the vaccine, Weingartner recommended learning more through an accurate source, like the <a href="https://www.immunizekansascoalition.org/resources-to-answer-common-questions.asp">Kansas Vaccine Coalition</a>,
 and added that the network clinics are here to help keep these 
communities healthy and safe, and the vaccination efforts are part of 
that.&nbsp;

“We will encourage people to do what needs to be done to ensure the health and wellbeing of our communities,” she said. 

Miranda Davis is a freelance writer living in the Kansa City area. She is originally from Lawrence and has previously covered real estate, state and local politics, and economic development. Follow her on Twitter @mirandardavis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623442333610.png" alt="A Department of Health and Human Services employee holds a COVID-19 vaccine record card Nov. 13, 2020, at Operation Warp Speed headquarters in Washington, D.C.. The cards were sent out as part of vaccination kits. (EJ Hersom/U.S. Department of Defense)" />
 <figcaption>A Department of Health and Human Services employee holds a COVID-19 vaccine record card Nov. 13, 2020, at Operation Warp Speed headquarters in Washington, D.C.. The cards were sent out as part of vaccination kits. (EJ Hersom/U.S. Department of Defense)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIRANDA DAVIS <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/06/11/kansas-clinics-look-for-creative-ways-to-connect-with-residents-who-need-covid-19-vaccine/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA
 — As health officials across the country aim for a national 70% adult 
vaccination rate against COVID-19 by July 4, health centers in Kansas 
are finding ways to reach the most vulnerable populations in the state.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations">reports</a> that 50.9% of Kansans ages 18 and older have received at least one dose of vaccine. About 2.2 million doses of the vaccines have been administered in the state, <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment</a>, and more than 2.8 million doses have been distributed to health care providers.Alice Weingartner, chief
 strategy officer for the Community Care Network of Kansas, said the 
network’s clinics are finding creative ways to connect to patients who 
may not have easy access to the vaccine. That includes working with ride
 sharing service Uber to bring people to vaccine appointments at no 
cost, as well as clinics setting up vaccine sites at places like 
laundromats and grocery stores.“They’re really working hard to meet people where they are,” she said.&nbsp;Weingartner
 said this push by the network is especially important because of the 
need to vaccinate at-risk populations, low income individuals, those 
with preexisting conditions and those without health insurance, given 
that those with underlying health conditions can be most susceptible to a
 severe case of COVID-19.As of Friday, 5,106 
Kansans have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, and 
more than 315,000 have been infected with the virus.Clinics
 across Kansas are seeing greater access to more vaccines through both 
state and federal distribution channels, and it’s much easier to access a
 vaccine than it was several months ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;Weingartner
 said the network is currently focused on the entire state, because both
 rural and urban areas have challenges in getting residents vaccinated. 
However, the network is focused on bridging the gap between the 
percentage of white individuals that are vaccinated and the percentage 
of people of color that are vaccinated. For those who identify as white,
 the vaccination rate is 350 per thousand, while the rate for those who 
identify as Black is 256 per thousand.That’s
 part of the reason the clinics are given the ability to choose 
solutions that work for their specific communities. The network’s 
partnership with Uber is valuable to its inoculation efforts, because it
 allows for more certainty that a patient can return and get a second 
dose, even if the patient doesn’t have access to reliable 
transportation.&nbsp;Other
 specialty events include church vaccination sites in Wyandotte and 
Sedgwick counties, and a middle school vaccination site in the Flint 
Hills. At a southeast Kansas clinic, a couple getting married can 
arrange for wedding guests to get vaccinated before their wedding.For those still debating the vaccine, Weingartner recommended learning more through an accurate source, like the <a href="https://www.immunizekansascoalition.org/resources-to-answer-common-questions.asp">Kansas Vaccine Coalition</a>,
 and added that the network clinics are here to help keep these 
communities healthy and safe, and the vaccination efforts are part of 
that.&nbsp;“We will encourage people to do what needs to be done to ensure the health and wellbeing of our communities,” she said. Miranda Davis is a freelance writer living in the Kansa City area. She is originally from Lawrence and has previously covered real estate, state and local politics, and economic development. Follow her on Twitter @mirandardavis.

Kan. clinics look for creative ways to connect with those who need vaccine

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal Friday shooting in Junction City of 23-year-old&nbsp; Lavincent Perdue of Grandview Plaza have made an arrest.

Just before 4p.m. Friday, police responded to the Elite Cuts Barbershop in reference to shots that had been fired, according to Police Captain Cory Odell

Upon arrival officers located Perdue suffering from gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to Geary Community Hospital where he died.

On Saturday police reported the arrest of 21-year-old&nbsp; Willie Powell Jr., from Grandview Plaza, on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder. Powell was taken into custody after turning himself into the Topeka Police Department early Saturday morning.

Powell is being held at the Geary County Detention Center pending his first appearance.&nbsp;The shooting incident occurred primarily in the parking lot of the business and there were no other injuries, according to Odell. This is the first homicide this year in Junction City

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623518539114.png" alt="Powell photo Geary Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Powell photo Geary Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal Friday shooting in Junction City of 23-year-old&nbsp; Lavincent Perdue of Grandview Plaza have made an arrest.Just before 4p.m. Friday, police responded to the Elite Cuts Barbershop in reference to shots that had been fired, according to Police Captain Cory OdellUpon arrival officers located Perdue suffering from gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to Geary Community Hospital where he died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623457133412.jpeg" alt="A view of the parking lot crime scene in Junction City" />
 <figcaption>A view of the parking lot crime scene in Junction City</figcaption>
 </figure>On Saturday police reported the arrest of 21-year-old&nbsp; Willie Powell Jr., from Grandview Plaza, on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder. Powell was taken into custody after turning himself into the Topeka Police Department early Saturday morning.Powell is being held at the Geary County Detention Center pending his first appearance.&nbsp;The shooting incident occurred primarily in the parking lot of the business and there were no other injuries, according to Odell. This is the first homicide this year in Junction City

Suspect in Kan. barber shop parking lot shooting turns himself in

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A plant in Manhattan that prints sewing patterns for most of national sewing pattern companies is closing after more than 50 years. McCall Pattern Company officials announced this week the plant will close by the end of the year. It currently employs 85 workers. 

A spokeswoman for Design Group, which owns McCall, says the work will be transferred to Neenah, Wisconsin. At its height the plant printed and folded about 200 million patterns a year. That's dropped to 20 million to 30 million today. McCall’s printing plant has been based in Manhattan since 1969.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A plant in Manhattan that prints sewing patterns for most of national sewing pattern companies is closing after more than 50 years. McCall Pattern Company officials announced this week the plant will close by the end of the year. It currently employs 85 workers. A spokeswoman for Design Group, which owns McCall, says the work will be transferred to Neenah, Wisconsin. At its height the plant printed and folded about 200 million patterns a year. That's dropped to 20 million to 30 million today. McCall’s printing plant has been based in Manhattan since 1969.

Kan. plant that prints national sewing patterns to close

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged child sex crime and have made an arrest.

The Riley County Police Department reported on Saturday that just before 3:30p.m. June 3, the Johnson County Sheriff's Department arrested 22-year-old Matthew Daniel Smith of Overland Park while he was in Manhattan for an alleged sex crime.

Deputies booked Smith on a $100,000 bond into jail in Johnson County on requested charges of rape of a victim under the age of 14, according to the report.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is no longer in custody. Authorities released no additional details Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623507469402.png" alt="Smith photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Smith photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged child sex crime and have made an arrest.The Riley County Police Department reported on Saturday that just before 3:30p.m. June 3, the Johnson County Sheriff's Department arrested 22-year-old Matthew Daniel Smith of Overland Park while he was in Manhattan for an alleged sex crime.Deputies booked Smith on a $100,000 bond into jail in Johnson County on requested charges of rape of a victim under the age of 14, according to the report.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is no longer in custody. Authorities released no additional details Saturday.

Police report arrest of child sex crime suspect in Manhattan

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A federal judge has halted a loan forgiveness program for farmers of color in response to a lawsuit alleging the program discriminates against white farmers.

U.S. District Judge William Griesbach in Milwaukee issued a temporary restraining order Thursday suspending the program for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2021/06/10/judge-suspends-biden-debt-relief-program-farmers-color/7646187002/">Milwaukee Journal Sentinel</a>&nbsp;reported.

The program pays up to 120% of direct or guaranteed farm loan balances for Black, American Indian, Hispanic, Asian American or Pacific Islander farmers. President Joe Biden's administration created the loan forgiveness program as part of its COVID-19 pandemic relief plan.

Minority farmers have maintained for decades that they have been unfairly denied farm loans and other government assistance. Federal agriculture officials in 1999 and 2010 settled lawsuits from Black farmers accusing the agency of discriminating against them.

Conservative law firm Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-lawsuits-business-31e568255f85fb7655d20319d8dc271d">filed suit in April</a>&nbsp;arguing white farmers aren’t eligible, amounting to a violation of their constitutional rights. The firm sued on behalf of 12 farmers from Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Missouri, Iowa, Arkansas, Oregon and Kentucky.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A federal judge has halted a loan forgiveness program for farmers of color in response to a lawsuit alleging the program discriminates against white farmers.U.S. District Judge William Griesbach in Milwaukee issued a temporary restraining order Thursday suspending the program for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2021/06/10/judge-suspends-biden-debt-relief-program-farmers-color/7646187002/">Milwaukee Journal Sentinel</a>&nbsp;reported.The program pays up to 120% of direct or guaranteed farm loan balances for Black, American Indian, Hispanic, Asian American or Pacific Islander farmers. President Joe Biden's administration created the loan forgiveness program as part of its COVID-19 pandemic relief plan.Minority farmers have maintained for decades that they have been unfairly denied farm loans and other government assistance. Federal agriculture officials in 1999 and 2010 settled lawsuits from Black farmers accusing the agency of discriminating against them.Conservative law firm Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-lawsuits-business-31e568255f85fb7655d20319d8dc271d">filed suit in April</a>&nbsp;arguing white farmers aren’t eligible, amounting to a violation of their constitutional rights. The firm sued on behalf of 12 farmers from Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Missouri, Iowa, Arkansas, Oregon and Kentucky.

Judge pauses loan forgiveness program for farmers of color

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly sent a letter on Friday urging Senate President Ty Masterson and members of the Legislative Coordinating Council to extend the current State of Disaster Emergency Declaration.&nbsp;

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MTEuNDE4Mzc1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDYvR292LUtlbGx5LUFwcGxpY2F0aW9uLXRvLUxDQy1mb3ItRXh0ZW5zaW9uLW9mLUVtZXJnZW5jeS1EZWNsYXJhdGlvbi02LjExLjIxLnBkZiJ9.HU3tPZHppveXRPUGgCLGO7UPcAuaEVysno2JxCPXzWg/s/1303160919/br/107831157338-l" target="_blank">Click here to view a PDF of the letter</a>

On May 24, 2021, I submitted my first application for a 30-day extension of the COVID-19 state of disaster emergency to the Legislative Coordinating Council (“LCC”) pursuant to Senate Bill 40’s amendments to the Kansas Emergency Management Act (“KEMA”).&nbsp; K.S.A. 48-924(b)(3).&nbsp; Please consider this letter my specific application to extend the COVID-19 state of disaster emergency up to and including July 15, 2021.

While these conversations took place back in March, I do want to point out that my Chief of Staff discussed with legislators during session that the objective has been to get to the fall of 2021 and the start of the new school year to ensure that vaccine efforts are not stalled or impeded.&nbsp; To build on those conversations, I am including with this specific application an outline of the current plan regarding the State Emergency Operations Center (“SEOC”) and a timeline for demobilization of those efforts.&nbsp; This plan will include the following components:

The plan I present to you in this application continues to reduce the number of activities and pandemic emergency executive orders as we move closer ending the emergency declaration. Ultimately, this plan will require extensions from the LCC to August 30, 2021 as outlined below.

Priorities and Objectives to be Completed by August 30, 2021

There are several priorities that continue to need the attention of the State of Kansas and that require an extension of the state of disaster emergency declaration.&nbsp; First, we need to continue efforts to vaccinate school-aged children to allow schools to resume normal activities beginning this fall.&nbsp; As of June 11, 2021, Kansas has vaccinated 48,045 (20.1%) of children age 12-17. Based on current projections, we anticipate being able to have between 100,000 (42%) to 118,000 (49%) of this age group vaccinated by the end of August. There was a notable decline in the rate of children vaccinations as school ended for the summer. Vaccination efforts planned around the back to school period of early to mid-August will greatly increase the rate of vaccinations for this age group.&nbsp;

Second, we need KDEM to continue to support the distribution and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine through our mobile clinics.&nbsp; The Kansas National Guard (“KSNG”) has administered 122,323 vaccines with 4,360 of those being administered since May 28, 2021.&nbsp; These efforts are directly tied to Executive Order 21-21 through the use of contract nurses who are able to perform vaccinations more easily under the order’s provisions.&nbsp; These contract nurses have delivered 45,981 vaccines across the state of Kansas.&nbsp; We continue to receive requests from employers to do onsite vaccination clinics, which is important to continue to vaccinate the workforce.&nbsp; To date, we have completed vaccine clinics at 47 employer locations across the state.&nbsp; The total number of employees who have had the opportunity to get vaccinated through this employer-partnership exceeds 40,000 Kansans.&nbsp; And, as of the writing of this letter, there are an additional 12 employers who have requested vaccination clinics for their nearly 5,000 (total) employees that are being scheduled. We have an additional 20 community vaccination clinics already scheduled between June 12 and July 27, 2021.

Third, we continue to receive resource requests from counties and hospitals that need to be fulfilled.&nbsp; We have received 5,090 resource requests for personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies, personnel and equipment.&nbsp; We have delivered 114,234 cases of PPE through these requests.&nbsp; Since May 28, 2021, there have been 26 requests, totaling 28,976 cases of PPE. &nbsp;Some of this equipment, such as ventilators, will need to be returned, inventoried, and receive maintenance work.&nbsp; Having a scheduled ramp-down will give counties and hospitals time to plan and understand that these resources will become unavailable after August 30th.

Fourth, as outlined below regarding executive orders, we need to continue requiring testing at our adult care homes and underserved populations.&nbsp; KSNG has tested over 30,603 individuals and transported over 26,304 samples to Kansas Health and Environment Laboratory (KHEL) with 297 of those samples since May 28, 2021. While these efforts will ultimately become part of KDHE’s normal operation, we need to continue to support these efforts through August 30th.

Without a disaster declaration in place, these priorities and objectives cannot be effectively accomplished. As you know, aside from removing the legal basis for conducting much of these efforts, the federal emergency response funding Kansas receives may be immediately imperiled if the disaster declaration expires. Pursuant to KEMA, the Adjutant General loses his authority to mission assign agencies such as the Civil Air Patrol, Highway Patrol, and others as part of the state response.&nbsp; These agencies do not have liability protection for work conducted in these efforts absent the emergency declaration.

Additionally, some of our most vulnerable Kansans would lose the emergency allotment of SNAP benefits the federal government provides to states with active COVID-19 emergency responses. Approximately 63,000 Kansas households would be affected by a loss of this additional financial support, and a total of around $14.5 million in additional benefits to those vulnerable Kansans and to our economy would be lost. While many of the elements of our emergency response from last summer are no longer essential, the disaster declaration itself is still essential.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly sent a letter on Friday urging Senate President Ty Masterson and members of the Legislative Coordinating Council to extend the current State of Disaster Emergency Declaration.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MTEuNDE4Mzc1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDYvR292LUtlbGx5LUFwcGxpY2F0aW9uLXRvLUxDQy1mb3ItRXh0ZW5zaW9uLW9mLUVtZXJnZW5jeS1EZWNsYXJhdGlvbi02LjExLjIxLnBkZiJ9.HU3tPZHppveXRPUGgCLGO7UPcAuaEVysno2JxCPXzWg/s/1303160919/br/107831157338-l" target="_blank">Click here to view a PDF of the letter</a>The Governor wrote:On May 24, 2021, I submitted my first application for a 30-day extension of the COVID-19 state of disaster emergency to the Legislative Coordinating Council (“LCC”) pursuant to Senate Bill 40’s amendments to the Kansas Emergency Management Act (“KEMA”).&nbsp; K.S.A. 48-924(b)(3).&nbsp; Please consider this letter my specific application to extend the COVID-19 state of disaster emergency up to and including July 15, 2021.While these conversations took place back in March, I do want to point out that my Chief of Staff discussed with legislators during session that the objective has been to get to the fall of 2021 and the start of the new school year to ensure that vaccine efforts are not stalled or impeded.&nbsp; To build on those conversations, I am including with this specific application an outline of the current plan regarding the State Emergency Operations Center (“SEOC”) and a timeline for demobilization of those efforts.&nbsp; This plan will include the following components:<ul>
 <li>Priorities and objectives to be completed by August 30, 2021;</li><li>SEOC COVID-19 activities closure timeline;</li><li>Rescinding or sunsetting of current executive orders based on the priorities and objectives to be achieved by August 30, 2021.</li>
 </ul>The plan I present to you in this application continues to reduce the number of activities and pandemic emergency executive orders as we move closer ending the emergency declaration. Ultimately, this plan will require extensions from the LCC to August 30, 2021 as outlined below.Priorities and Objectives to be Completed by August 30, 2021There are several priorities that continue to need the attention of the State of Kansas and that require an extension of the state of disaster emergency declaration.&nbsp; First, we need to continue efforts to vaccinate school-aged children to allow schools to resume normal activities beginning this fall.&nbsp; As of June 11, 2021, Kansas has vaccinated 48,045 (20.1%) of children age 12-17. Based on current projections, we anticipate being able to have between 100,000 (42%) to 118,000 (49%) of this age group vaccinated by the end of August. There was a notable decline in the rate of children vaccinations as school ended for the summer. Vaccination efforts planned around the back to school period of early to mid-August will greatly increase the rate of vaccinations for this age group.&nbsp;Second, we need KDEM to continue to support the distribution and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine through our mobile clinics.&nbsp; The Kansas National Guard (“KSNG”) has administered 122,323 vaccines with 4,360 of those being administered since May 28, 2021.&nbsp; These efforts are directly tied to Executive Order 21-21 through the use of contract nurses who are able to perform vaccinations more easily under the order’s provisions.&nbsp; These contract nurses have delivered 45,981 vaccines across the state of Kansas.&nbsp; We continue to receive requests from employers to do onsite vaccination clinics, which is important to continue to vaccinate the workforce.&nbsp; To date, we have completed vaccine clinics at 47 employer locations across the state.&nbsp; The total number of employees who have had the opportunity to get vaccinated through this employer-partnership exceeds 40,000 Kansans.&nbsp; And, as of the writing of this letter, there are an additional 12 employers who have requested vaccination clinics for their nearly 5,000 (total) employees that are being scheduled. We have an additional 20 community vaccination clinics already scheduled between June 12 and July 27, 2021.Third, we continue to receive resource requests from counties and hospitals that need to be fulfilled.&nbsp; We have received 5,090 resource requests for personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies, personnel and equipment.&nbsp; We have delivered 114,234 cases of PPE through these requests.&nbsp; Since May 28, 2021, there have been 26 requests, totaling 28,976 cases of PPE. &nbsp;Some of this equipment, such as ventilators, will need to be returned, inventoried, and receive maintenance work.&nbsp; Having a scheduled ramp-down will give counties and hospitals time to plan and understand that these resources will become unavailable after August 30th.Fourth, as outlined below regarding executive orders, we need to continue requiring testing at our adult care homes and underserved populations.&nbsp; KSNG has tested over 30,603 individuals and transported over 26,304 samples to Kansas Health and Environment Laboratory (KHEL) with 297 of those samples since May 28, 2021. While these efforts will ultimately become part of KDHE’s normal operation, we need to continue to support these efforts through August 30th.Without a disaster declaration in place, these priorities and objectives cannot be effectively accomplished. As you know, aside from removing the legal basis for conducting much of these efforts, the federal emergency response funding Kansas receives may be immediately imperiled if the disaster declaration expires. Pursuant to KEMA, the Adjutant General loses his authority to mission assign agencies such as the Civil Air Patrol, Highway Patrol, and others as part of the state response.&nbsp; These agencies do not have liability protection for work conducted in these efforts absent the emergency declaration.Additionally, some of our most vulnerable Kansans would lose the emergency allotment of SNAP benefits the federal government provides to states with active COVID-19 emergency responses. Approximately 63,000 Kansas households would be affected by a loss of this additional financial support, and a total of around $14.5 million in additional benefits to those vulnerable Kansans and to our economy would be lost. While many of the elements of our emergency response from last summer are no longer essential, the disaster declaration itself is still essential.SEOC COVID-19 Activities Closure TimelineWhile there are certain activities that need to continue as described above, the list below indicates the mission assignments and activities that have been closed and which ones would be re-opened under an extension of the emergency declaration.<figure>
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 </figure>The time to conclude our emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic under KEMA and to transition to a new normal for dealing with COVID-19 through standard authorities is approaching, but that time has not yet arrived. At the LCC’s May 28, 2021 meeting, some LCC members indicated that they wanted to see a plan for how we wind the emergency responsedown and return to normal. Our administration has now provided that plan. It will take until August 30, 2021, to execute it.As circumstances have changed, we have transitioned to an emergency response that has been trimmed down to vaccination efforts, logistical support to local communities, finishing an orderly return to normal in state agencies, and securing federal financial support for our efforts.While COVID-19 could become an ever-present threat to public health if vaccination rates continue to decline, our emergency response will not be permanent. We owe it to Kansans to finish the job and wind down the state of disaster emergency responsibly.As with the LCC’s previous meeting to consider an extension, at next Tuesday’s meeting Major General Weishaar, Dr. Norman, and members of my staff will be present to answer any questions the LCC may have.