GREENWOOD COUNTY —A Missouri man died in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Thursday in Greenwood County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a marked law enforcement 2020 Ford Explorer driven by Greenwood County Deputy James S. Cude, 52, Fall River, was responding to an injury crash with lights and sirens, northbound on CC50 Road just north of Fall River.

The Deputy attempted a left turn onto westbound U.S. 400. An eastbound 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Karl R. Sturm, 58, Republic, Missouri and the Ford Explorer collided in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 400.

Sturm was pronounced dead at the scene. Cude was not transported for treatment of a minor injury. Sturm was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

GREENWOOD COUNTY —A Missouri man died in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Thursday in Greenwood County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a marked law enforcement 2020 Ford Explorer driven by Greenwood County Deputy James S. Cude, 52, Fall River, was responding to an injury crash with lights and sirens, northbound on CC50 Road just north of Fall River.The Deputy attempted a left turn onto westbound U.S. 400. An eastbound 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Karl R. Sturm, 58, Republic, Missouri and the Ford Explorer collided in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 400.Sturm was pronounced dead at the scene. Cude was not transported for treatment of a minor injury. Sturm was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Mortorcyclist dead after crash with Kan. deputy responding to another crash

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today explained how 
expanded tax benefits can help both individuals and businesses give to 
charity before the end of this year.

The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, enacted 
last December, provides several provisions to help individuals and 
businesses who give to charity. The new law generally extends through 
the end of 2021 four temporary tax changes originally enacted by the 
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Here is a 
rundown of these changes.

Deduction for individuals who don't itemize; cash donations up to $600 qualify

Ordinarily, individuals who elect to take the standard deduction 
cannot claim a deduction for their charitable contributions. The law now
 permits these individuals to claim a limited deduction on their 2021 
federal income tax returns for cash contributions made to certain 
qualifying charitable organizations. Nearly nine in 10 taxpayers now 
take the standard deduction and could potentially qualify to claim a 
limited deduction for cash contributions.

These individuals, including married individuals filing separate 
returns, can claim a deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions made
 to qualifying charities during 2021. The maximum deduction is increased
 to $600 for married individuals filing joint returns.

Cash contributions to most charitable organizations qualify. However,
 cash contributions made either to supporting organizations or to 
establish or maintain a donor advised fund do not qualify. Cash 
contributions carried forward from prior years do not qualify, nor do 
cash contributions to most private foundations and most cash 
contributions to charitable remainder trusts. In general, a 
donor-advised fund is a fund or account maintained by a charity in which
 a donor can, because of being a donor, advise the fund on how to 
distribute or invest amounts contributed by the donor and held in the 
fund. A supporting organization is a charity that carries out its exempt
 purposes by supporting other exempt organizations, usually other public
 charities. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-526">Publication 526, Charitable Contributions</a> for more information on the types of organizations that qualify.

Cash contributions include those made by check, credit card or debit 
card as well as amounts incurred by an individual for unreimbursed 
out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the individual's volunteer 
services to a qualifying charitable organization. Cash contributions 
don't include the value of volunteer services, securities, household 
items or other property.

100% limit on eligible cash contributions made by itemizers in 2021

Subject to certain limits, individuals who itemize may generally 
claim a deduction for charitable contributions made to qualifying 
charitable organizations. These limits typically range from 20% to 60% 
of adjusted gross income (AGI) and vary by the type of contribution and 
type of charitable organization. For example, a cash contribution made 
by an individual to a qualifying public charity is generally limited to 
60% of the individual's AGI. Excess contributions may be carried forward
 for up to five tax years.

The law now permits electing individuals to apply an increased limit 
("Increased Individual Limit"), up to 100% of their AGI, for qualified 
contributions made during calendar-year 2021. Qualified contributions 
are contributions made in cash to qualifying charitable organizations.

As with the new limited deduction for nonitemizers, cash 
contributions to most charitable organizations qualify, but, cash 
contributions made either to supporting organizations or to establish or
 maintain a donor advised fund, do not. Nor do cash contributions to 
private foundations and most cash contributions to charitable remainder 
trusts

Unless an individual makes the election for any given qualified cash 
contribution, the usual percentage limit applies. Keep in mind that an 
individual's other allowed charitable contribution deductions reduce the
 maximum amount allowed under this election. Eligible individuals must 
make their elections with their 2021 Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR.

Corporate limit increased to 25% of taxable income

The law now permits C corporations to apply an increased limit 
(Increased Corporate Limit) of 25% of taxable income for charitable 
contributions of cash they make to eligible charities during 
calendar-year 2021. Normally, the maximum allowable deduction is limited
 to 10% of a corporation's taxable income.

Again, the Increased Corporate Limit does not automatically apply. C 
corporations must elect the Increased Corporate Limit on a 
contribution-by-contribution basis.

Increased limits on amounts deductible by businesses for certain donated food inventory

Businesses donating food inventory that are eligible for the existing
 enhanced deduction (for contributions for the care of the ill, needy 
and infants) may qualify for increased deduction limits. For 
contributions made in 2021, the limit for these contribution deductions 
is increased from 15% to 25%. For C corporations, the 25% limit is based
 on their taxable income. For other businesses, including sole 
proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations, the limit is based on
 their aggregate net income for the year from all trades or businesses 
from which the contributions are made. A special method for computing 
the enhanced deduction continues to apply, as do food quality standards 
and other requirements.

The IRS reminds individuals and businesses that special recordkeeping
 rules apply to any taxpayer claiming a charitable contribution 
deduction. Usually, this includes obtaining an acknowledgment letter 
from the charity before filing a return and retaining a cancelled check 
or credit card receipt for contributions of cash. For donations of 
property, additional recordkeeping rules apply, and may include filing a
 Form 8283 and obtaining a qualified appraisal in some instances.

For details on how to apply the percentage limits and a description 
of the recordkeeping rules for substantiating gifts to charity, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-526">Publication 526</a>, available on IRS.gov.

The IRS also encourages employers to help get the word out about the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">advance payments of the Child Tax Credit</a> because they have direct access to many employees and individuals who receive this credit.

For more information about other Coronavirus-related tax relief, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments">IRS.gov/coronavirus</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today explained how 
expanded tax benefits can help both individuals and businesses give to 
charity before the end of this year.The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, enacted 
last December, provides several provisions to help individuals and 
businesses who give to charity. The new law generally extends through 
the end of 2021 four temporary tax changes originally enacted by the 
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Here is a 
rundown of these changes.<h2>Deduction for individuals who don't itemize; cash donations up to $600 qualify</h2>Ordinarily, individuals who elect to take the standard deduction 
cannot claim a deduction for their charitable contributions. The law now
 permits these individuals to claim a limited deduction on their 2021 
federal income tax returns for cash contributions made to certain 
qualifying charitable organizations. Nearly nine in 10 taxpayers now 
take the standard deduction and could potentially qualify to claim a 
limited deduction for cash contributions.These individuals, including married individuals filing separate 
returns, can claim a deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions made
 to qualifying charities during 2021. The maximum deduction is increased
 to $600 for married individuals filing joint returns.Cash contributions to most charitable organizations qualify. However,
 cash contributions made either to supporting organizations or to 
establish or maintain a donor advised fund do not qualify. Cash 
contributions carried forward from prior years do not qualify, nor do 
cash contributions to most private foundations and most cash 
contributions to charitable remainder trusts. In general, a 
donor-advised fund is a fund or account maintained by a charity in which
 a donor can, because of being a donor, advise the fund on how to 
distribute or invest amounts contributed by the donor and held in the 
fund. A supporting organization is a charity that carries out its exempt
 purposes by supporting other exempt organizations, usually other public
 charities. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-526">Publication 526, Charitable Contributions</a> for more information on the types of organizations that qualify.Cash contributions include those made by check, credit card or debit 
card as well as amounts incurred by an individual for unreimbursed 
out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the individual's volunteer 
services to a qualifying charitable organization. Cash contributions 
don't include the value of volunteer services, securities, household 
items or other property.<h2>100% limit on eligible cash contributions made by itemizers in 2021</h2>Subject to certain limits, individuals who itemize may generally 
claim a deduction for charitable contributions made to qualifying 
charitable organizations. These limits typically range from 20% to 60% 
of adjusted gross income (AGI) and vary by the type of contribution and 
type of charitable organization. For example, a cash contribution made 
by an individual to a qualifying public charity is generally limited to 
60% of the individual's AGI. Excess contributions may be carried forward
 for up to five tax years.The law now permits electing individuals to apply an increased limit 
("Increased Individual Limit"), up to 100% of their AGI, for qualified 
contributions made during calendar-year 2021. Qualified contributions 
are contributions made in cash to qualifying charitable organizations.As with the new limited deduction for nonitemizers, cash 
contributions to most charitable organizations qualify, but, cash 
contributions made either to supporting organizations or to establish or
 maintain a donor advised fund, do not. Nor do cash contributions to 
private foundations and most cash contributions to charitable remainder 
trustsUnless an individual makes the election for any given qualified cash 
contribution, the usual percentage limit applies. Keep in mind that an 
individual's other allowed charitable contribution deductions reduce the
 maximum amount allowed under this election. Eligible individuals must 
make their elections with their 2021 Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR.<h2>Corporate limit increased to 25% of taxable income</h2>The law now permits C corporations to apply an increased limit 
(Increased Corporate Limit) of 25% of taxable income for charitable 
contributions of cash they make to eligible charities during 
calendar-year 2021. Normally, the maximum allowable deduction is limited
 to 10% of a corporation's taxable income.Again, the Increased Corporate Limit does not automatically apply. C 
corporations must elect the Increased Corporate Limit on a 
contribution-by-contribution basis.<h2>Increased limits on amounts deductible by businesses for certain donated food inventory</h2>Businesses donating food inventory that are eligible for the existing
 enhanced deduction (for contributions for the care of the ill, needy 
and infants) may qualify for increased deduction limits. For 
contributions made in 2021, the limit for these contribution deductions 
is increased from 15% to 25%. For C corporations, the 25% limit is based
 on their taxable income. For other businesses, including sole 
proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations, the limit is based on
 their aggregate net income for the year from all trades or businesses 
from which the contributions are made. A special method for computing 
the enhanced deduction continues to apply, as do food quality standards 
and other requirements.<h2>Keep good records</h2>The IRS reminds individuals and businesses that special recordkeeping
 rules apply to any taxpayer claiming a charitable contribution 
deduction. Usually, this includes obtaining an acknowledgment letter 
from the charity before filing a return and retaining a cancelled check 
or credit card receipt for contributions of cash. For donations of 
property, additional recordkeeping rules apply, and may include filing a
 Form 8283 and obtaining a qualified appraisal in some instances.For details on how to apply the percentage limits and a description 
of the recordkeeping rules for substantiating gifts to charity, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-526">Publication 526</a>, available on IRS.gov.The IRS also encourages employers to help get the word out about the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">advance payments of the Child Tax Credit</a> because they have direct access to many employees and individuals who receive this credit.For more information about other Coronavirus-related tax relief, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments">IRS.gov/coronavirus</a>.

Expanded tax benefits help individuals, businesses give to charity during 2021

PRATT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a police officer for alleged child abuse..

Just before 6:30 p.m. Thursday, KBI agents arrested 33-year-old Tate M. Rosenbaum at his residence in Pratt, Kansas, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

 He was arrested on requested charges abuse of a child, and one count of battery. The charges are connected to an incident that occurred on July 22.

After his arrest, Rosenbaum was booked into the Pratt County Jail.

The KBI initiated this investigation on July 23, after the Pratt Police Department requested KBI assistance. The Pratt County Attorney is expected to prosecute the case.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631842748867.png" alt="Rosenbaum-photo Pratt County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Rosenbaum-photo Pratt County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a police officer for alleged child abuse..Just before 6:30 p.m. Thursday, KBI agents arrested 33-year-old Tate M. Rosenbaum at his residence in Pratt, Kansas, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. He was arrested on requested charges abuse of a child, and one count of battery. The charges are connected to an incident that occurred on July 22.After his arrest, Rosenbaum was booked into the Pratt County Jail.The KBI initiated this investigation on July 23, after the Pratt Police Department requested KBI assistance. The Pratt County Attorney is expected to prosecute the case.&nbsp;

KBI: Police officer accused of child abuse

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration’s embattled plan to dispense COVID-19 booster shots to most Americans faced its first major hurdle Friday as a government advisory panel met to decide whether to endorse extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Scientists inside and outside the government have been divided in recent days over the need for boosters and who should get them, and the World Health Organization has strongly objected to rich nations giving a third round of shots when poor countries don’t have enough vaccine for their first.

The panel, made up of outside experts who advise the Food and Drug Administration, weighed a less than clear-cut case: While research suggests immunity levels in those who have been vaccinated wane over time and boosters can reverse that, the Pfizer vaccine is still highly protective against severe illness and death, even amid the spread of the highly contagious delta variant.

The FDA experts were scheduled to vote on one basic question: Does the evidence show that a Pfizer booster would be safe and effective for people 16 and older? In the event of a yes vote, the FDA is expected to quickly approve boosters for Pfizer’s shot.

But that is just one step in the process. The more thorny question of who should get the shots and when will be debated next week by advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC generally adopts the recommendations of the group, which sets policy for U.S. vaccination campaigns.

Some group members have made clear they favor giving third doses to older people, nursing home residents and front-line health care workers, rather than all adults.

Separate FDA and CDC decisions will be needed in order for people who received the Moderna or J&amp;J shots to get boosters.

Friday’s meeting came as the delta variant continues to drive U.S. cases and deaths back to levels not seen since last winter. That has given urgency to efforts by top health officials to shore up Americans’ protection against the virus.

Dr. Peter Marks, FDA’s top vaccine regulator, acknowledged the intense disagreements in opening remarks to the advisory panel.

“We know there may be differing opinions in interpreting the data,” he said. “We strongly encourage all the different viewpoints to be voiced and discussed regarding the data, which is complex and evolving.”

President Joe Biden’s top health advisers, including the heads of the FDA and CDC, first announced plans for widespread booster shots a month ago, targeting the week of Sept. 20 as an all-but-certain start date. It said boosters would be dispensed eight months after the second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

But that was before FDA staff scientists had completed their own assessments of the data. Some experts questioned whether Biden was breaking his own pledge to “follow the science” on COVID-19 by getting out ahead of government scientists.

Earlier this week, two top FDA vaccine reviewers joined a group of international scientists in publishing an editorial rejecting the need for boosters in healthy people. The scientists said continuing studies show the shots are working well despite the delta variant.

The editorial came two weeks after the two reviewers announced plans to retire from the FDA. One of them, Dr. Marian Gruber, addressed the American people directly in her opening remarks Friday but gave no reason for her retirement.

“All my actions and decisions over my 32-year FDA career have been grounded in science with you in mind and in the best interest of your health and safety,” Gruber said.

The Biden booster plan has raised major ethical concerns, given the dire shortages of vaccine in impoverished parts of the world. But the administration has argued that the plan is not an us-or-them choice and noted that the U.S. is supplying large quantities of vaccine to the rest of the globe.

The U.S. has already approved Pfizer and Moderna boosters for certain people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients and transplant recipients. And some Americans, healthy or not, have managed to get boosters on the sly by going to clinics and pretending they have yet to get their initial shots.

Pfizer was expected Friday to present data suggesting immunity from its vaccine begins to wane somewhere around six to eight months after the second dose.

The panel was also set to hear from Israeli health officials, who began offering boosters over the summer. Officials there tracked about 1 million people 60 and older and found that those who got the extra shot were far less likely to become infected soon afterward.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration’s embattled plan to dispense COVID-19 booster shots to most Americans faced its first major hurdle Friday as a government advisory panel met to decide whether to endorse extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine.Scientists inside and outside the government have been divided in recent days over the need for boosters and who should get them, and the World Health Organization has strongly objected to rich nations giving a third round of shots when poor countries don’t have enough vaccine for their first.The panel, made up of outside experts who advise the Food and Drug Administration, weighed a less than clear-cut case: While research suggests immunity levels in those who have been vaccinated wane over time and boosters can reverse that, the Pfizer vaccine is still highly protective against severe illness and death, even amid the spread of the highly contagious delta variant.The FDA experts were scheduled to vote on one basic question: Does the evidence show that a Pfizer booster would be safe and effective for people 16 and older? In the event of a yes vote, the FDA is expected to quickly approve boosters for Pfizer’s shot.But that is just one step in the process. The more thorny question of who should get the shots and when will be debated next week by advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC generally adopts the recommendations of the group, which sets policy for U.S. vaccination campaigns.Some group members have made clear they favor giving third doses to older people, nursing home residents and front-line health care workers, rather than all adults.Separate FDA and CDC decisions will be needed in order for people who received the Moderna or J&amp;J shots to get boosters.Friday’s meeting came as the delta variant continues to drive U.S. cases and deaths back to levels not seen since last winter. That has given urgency to efforts by top health officials to shore up Americans’ protection against the virus.Dr. Peter Marks, FDA’s top vaccine regulator, acknowledged the intense disagreements in opening remarks to the advisory panel.“We know there may be differing opinions in interpreting the data,” he said. “We strongly encourage all the different viewpoints to be voiced and discussed regarding the data, which is complex and evolving.”President Joe Biden’s top health advisers, including the heads of the FDA and CDC, first announced plans for widespread booster shots a month ago, targeting the week of Sept. 20 as an all-but-certain start date. It said boosters would be dispensed eight months after the second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.But that was before FDA staff scientists had completed their own assessments of the data. Some experts questioned whether Biden was breaking his own pledge to “follow the science” on COVID-19 by getting out ahead of government scientists.Earlier this week, two top FDA vaccine reviewers joined a group of international scientists in publishing an editorial rejecting the need for boosters in healthy people. The scientists said continuing studies show the shots are working well despite the delta variant.The editorial came two weeks after the two reviewers announced plans to retire from the FDA. One of them, Dr. Marian Gruber, addressed the American people directly in her opening remarks Friday but gave no reason for her retirement.“All my actions and decisions over my 32-year FDA career have been grounded in science with you in mind and in the best interest of your health and safety,” Gruber said.The Biden booster plan has raised major ethical concerns, given the dire shortages of vaccine in impoverished parts of the world. But the administration has argued that the plan is not an us-or-them choice and noted that the U.S. is supplying large quantities of vaccine to the rest of the globe.The U.S. has already approved Pfizer and Moderna boosters for certain people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients and transplant recipients. And some Americans, healthy or not, have managed to get boosters on the sly by going to clinics and pretending they have yet to get their initial shots.Pfizer was expected Friday to present data suggesting immunity from its vaccine begins to wane somewhere around six to eight months after the second dose.The panel was also set to hear from Israeli health officials, who began offering boosters over the summer. Officials there tracked about 1 million people 60 and older and found that those who got the extra shot were far less likely to become infected soon afterward.___

FDA scientists debate controversial COVID-19 booster shot plan

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A former Sedgwick County Sheriff's sergeant has been sentenced to a year of probation after pleading no contest to stalking an ex-girlfriend. Justin Maxfield was sentenced Wednesday for the misdemeanor charge. 

An affidavit says Maxfield was charged after his ex-girlfriend told police in April that he sent unwanted text messages to her and had visited her home and workplace after being asked to stay away. 

Maxfield, a 12-year veteran of the sheriff's department, was suspended when he was arrested in April. He resigned in May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617981475188.png" alt="Maxfield photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Maxfield photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A former Sedgwick County Sheriff's sergeant has been sentenced to a year of probation after pleading no contest to stalking an ex-girlfriend. Justin Maxfield was sentenced Wednesday for the misdemeanor charge. An affidavit says Maxfield was charged after his ex-girlfriend told police in April that he sent unwanted text messages to her and had visited her home and workplace after being asked to stay away. Maxfield, a 12-year veteran of the sheriff's department, was suspended when he was arrested in April. He resigned in May.

Former Kan. sheriff's sergeant sentenced for stalking

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. issued the following statement after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-afghanistan-evacuees-262203820a617808f4a40a130e2d179a" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;of the Biden Administration announcing 490 Afghan refugees are slated to be resettled in Kansas.

“While we try to show compassion, this Administration must not waiver in its efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Kansans and all Americans. Period. Having already seen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/sep/16/second-major-felon-found-on-afghan-evacuation-flig/" target="_blank">felons</a>, as well as a number of individuals with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/13/afghan-evacuee-flights-will-be-halted-for-a-week-after-measles-cases.html" target="_blank">measles</a>&nbsp;make it through the vetting process, Governor Kelly must ensure ALL refugees stepping foot in Kansas have been vetted to the highest degree in a third country to safeguard our national and state’s security,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.

 “We must protect against those who may wish to do Americans harm and the potential public health threat that accompanies individuals relocating from a nation that has minimal numbers of COVID vaccinations administered and concerning numbers of other infectious diseases such as polio, mumps, rubella, and tuberculosis.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629986318422.png" alt="Afghan evacuees boarding&nbsp; a transport plane last month in Kabul-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Afghan evacuees boarding&nbsp; a transport plane last month in Kabul-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington, D.C.&nbsp;&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. issued the following statement after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-afghanistan-evacuees-262203820a617808f4a40a130e2d179a" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;of the Biden Administration announcing 490 Afghan refugees are slated to be resettled in Kansas.“While we try to show compassion, this Administration must not waiver in its efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Kansans and all Americans. Period. Having already seen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/sep/16/second-major-felon-found-on-afghan-evacuation-flig/" target="_blank">felons</a>, as well as a number of individuals with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/13/afghan-evacuee-flights-will-be-halted-for-a-week-after-measles-cases.html" target="_blank">measles</a>&nbsp;make it through the vetting process, Governor Kelly must ensure ALL refugees stepping foot in Kansas have been vetted to the highest degree in a third country to safeguard our national and state’s security,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “We must protect against those who may wish to do Americans harm and the potential public health threat that accompanies individuals relocating from a nation that has minimal numbers of COVID vaccinations administered and concerning numbers of other infectious diseases such as polio, mumps, rubella, and tuberculosis.”

Sen. Marshall has concerns about Afghan refugees coming to Kansas

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a suspect for alleged criminal threat have filed charges of attempted aggravated arson against&nbsp;34-year old Delvin Debnam, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Just before 7p.m. Saturday police responded to a residence in the 1500 block Commercial Street in Atchison to investigate a report of a man trying to set the house on fire, according to Wilson.

Officers located 34-year old Delvin Debnam at the residence. A 38-year old woman had left the residence. Officers found her several blocks away.

It was determined that a disturbance had occurred at the residence between Debnam and the woman who both reside at the home. During the disturbance Debnam threatened to burn the house down. There was no fire found at the house. However, the investigation determined that Debnam had attempted several times to start a fire in the house, according to Wilson.

Police took Debnam into custody. He remains in the Atchison County Jail, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631541206480.png" alt="Debnam photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Debnam photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a suspect for alleged criminal threat have filed charges of attempted aggravated arson against&nbsp;34-year old Delvin Debnam, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Just before 7p.m. Saturday police responded to a residence in the 1500 block Commercial Street in Atchison to investigate a report of a man trying to set the house on fire, according to Wilson.Officers located 34-year old Delvin Debnam at the residence. A 38-year old woman had left the residence. Officers found her several blocks away.It was determined that a disturbance had occurred at the residence between Debnam and the woman who both reside at the home. During the disturbance Debnam threatened to burn the house down. There was no fire found at the house. However, the investigation determined that Debnam had attempted several times to start a fire in the house, according to Wilson.Police took Debnam into custody. He remains in the Atchison County Jail, according to online jail records.

Arson: Kansas man charged with trying to burn house down

NEOSHO COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in Neosho County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Hyundai Accent driven by Hazel Evelene Burgess, 78, Imboden, Arkansas, was northbound on U.S. 59 at Kansas 39 Highway.&nbsp;

The driver failed to yield to an eastbound 2006 Nissan Altima driven by&nbsp; Diego Perez, 35, Crete, Nebraska.

Burgess was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

EMS transported Perez, a passenger in the Hyundai Glenn E. Burgess, 39, Imboden, Arkansas, and a passenger in the Nissan Raymundo&nbsp;Perez Mendez, 26, Crete, Nebraska, to the Neosho County Hospital. The KHP did not have complete seat belt usage information.

NEOSHO COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in Neosho County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Hyundai Accent driven by Hazel Evelene Burgess, 78, Imboden, Arkansas, was northbound on U.S. 59 at Kansas 39 Highway.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield to an eastbound 2006 Nissan Altima driven by&nbsp; Diego Perez, 35, Crete, Nebraska.Burgess was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;EMS transported Perez, a passenger in the Hyundai Glenn E. Burgess, 39, Imboden, Arkansas, and a passenger in the Nissan Raymundo&nbsp;Perez Mendez, 26, Crete, Nebraska, to the Neosho County Hospital. The KHP did not have complete seat belt usage information.

1 dead, 3 hospitalized after crash on Kansas highway

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Cities and urban counties across the U.S. are raising concerns that a recent rule from President Joe Biden’s administration could preclude them from tapping into $350 billion of coronavirus relief aid to expand high-speed internet connections.

Biden has set a goal of delivering fast, affordable internet to every American household. The massive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-government-and-politics-92f86843f2197f52838164cd9fbe6bfb">American Rescue Plan took a step toward that</a>&nbsp;by including broadband infrastructure among the primary uses for pandemic aid flowing to each city, county and state.

But an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-05-17/pdf/2021-10283.pdf" target="_blank">interim rule published by the U.S. Treasury Department</a>&nbsp;has narrowed the broadband eligibility. It focuses on areas that lack reliable broadband, which connects devices to the internet through a cable or data line, at download speeds of at least 25 megabits per second and upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps.

That threshold ensures funding for remote, rural areas that have slow or no internet service, and it matches the definition of broadband set by the Federal Communications Commission in 2015. But cities contend the eligibility mark overlooks the realities of today’s internet needs.

Though most cities already have broadband available, the speed still might not be fast enough to handle multiple people in a home trying to work, study and stream entertainment simultaneously — a common scenario during the coronavirus pandemic. The price also can be more than lower-income residents can afford.

“They’re basically prioritizing those rural areas over the underserved urban areas where there is more population,” said Detta Kissel, a retired Treasury Department attorney who helped write agency rules and now advocates for better internet service in the Washington, D.C., suburb of Arlington, Virginia.

Several cities, including Washington, Los Angeles, Milwaukee and San Antonio, have submitted public comments to the Treasury Department urging it to loosen the eligibility standard for spending pandemic relief money on broadband. Some want the Treasury to define underserved areas as anything less than download and upload speeds of 100 Mbps.

That would increase the number of locations eligible for funding from about 11 million to 82 million households and businesses nationwide, according to a study conducted for America’s Communications Association, which represents small and medium-sized internet providers.

Cities argue that the Treasury should use a 100/100 Mbps eligibility threshold because that’s the same speed projects are supposed to achieve if they receive funding. A separate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-54bd38c58aaa30114eee72f352998fa4">infrastructure bill working its way through Congress</a>&nbsp;is more flexible, allowing some of its $65 billion in broadband funding to go to “underserved” areas lacking download speeds of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps.

If the Treasury goes forward with its rule as originally written, sparsely populated areas currently lacking broadband could leapfrog certain urban areas in their internet speeds. That doesn’t sit well with some mayors.

“The inner city of Memphis is as in a dire need of broadband connection as rural Tennessee,” said Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, who wants Treasury Department assurance before spending $20 million from the American Rescue Plan on a broadband project.

Residents almost anywhere in Milwaukee already have access to at least one internet provider offering download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps. But in parts of the city, fewer than half the households subscribe to internet service because of its cost, said David Henke, the city’s chief information officer.

“If you don’t have a job and you can’t afford broadband, that’s kind of a cycle,” Henke said. “You’re locked out of remote learning, remote work, telemedicine and participating basically in a modern society.”

Milwaukee has applied for a $12.5 million grant from Wisconsin’s share of the American Rescue Plan and would chip in $2.5 million of its own pandemic relief money to expand affordable broadband into more parts of the city, Henke said. But the city wants the Treasury Department to broaden “the narrow wording” of its rule.

Although the public comment period ended in July, the Treasury has set no date for when it will publish the rule’s final version. A Treasury official said the department is undertaking a thorough review of the comments that is likely “to continue into the fall.”

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, is among those urging the Treasury Department to adopt a broader eligibility threshold. He wrote that it would be “severely misguided” to assume that communities are adequately served by the “woefully outdated” broadband benchmark the department has set.

Broadband industry groups generally have urged the Treasury to stick with its original plan of targeting money at areas with the slowest internet speeds.

“Rather than reinvesting in locations that already have broadband to make it better,” the pandemic relief money should go to “places that don’t have any broadband at all,” said Patrick Halley, general counsel at USTelecom, whose membership includes AT&amp;T, Verizon and others.

The cable industry group NCTA urged treasury officials to tighten eligibility even further. It wants to limit the number of households that already have faster service that can be included in areas targeted for improvements. It also wants to remove the potential for locally subjective decisions about areas that lack reliable service.

Allowing improvements in areas that already meet minimum speed thresholds could siphon money away from the neediest, hard-to-reach areas — potentially leaving them without service once the federal money is spent, industry groups said.

To bring super-fast internet service to every place currently lacking 25/3 Mbps speeds could cost between $20 billion and $37 billion, according to the study for America’s Communications Association. That cost jumps to between $106 billion to $179 billion when covering all areas currently lacking speeds of 100/100 Mbps.

“As a matter of prioritization, we think it’s best to start with the areas that have the least,” said Ross Lieberman, the association’s senior vice president of government affairs.

Though most of the complaints about the Treasury Department rule have come from larger cities, some residents in rural areas also have raised concerns.

Charlie Hopkins, a retired computer hardware and software designer, owns a home on a Maine island that is accessible only by boat. The internet speeds at his house registered barely 5 Mbps for downloading and just 0.4 Mbps for uploading when tested recently for The Associated Press.

Because some homes have faster speeds, Hopkins is concerned the Treasury Department rule could make it difficult for the island to get funding to improve its internet. He said broadband is essential to attract and retain residents.

“Other cities and towns in Maine, especially the cities, are getting higher-speed fiberoptic-based internet,” Hopkins said. “I don’t like being in a position where we’re essentially being told, `Well, you’re at the end of the Earth, so you don’t qualify.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627553548845.png" alt="President Biden has set a goal of delivering fast, affordable internet to every American household-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden has set a goal of delivering fast, affordable internet to every American household-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —Cities and urban counties across the U.S. are raising concerns that a recent rule from President Joe Biden’s administration could preclude them from tapping into $350 billion of coronavirus relief aid to expand high-speed internet connections.Biden has set a goal of delivering fast, affordable internet to every American household. The massive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-government-and-politics-92f86843f2197f52838164cd9fbe6bfb">American Rescue Plan took a step toward that</a>&nbsp;by including broadband infrastructure among the primary uses for pandemic aid flowing to each city, county and state.But an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-05-17/pdf/2021-10283.pdf" target="_blank">interim rule published by the U.S. Treasury Department</a>&nbsp;has narrowed the broadband eligibility. It focuses on areas that lack reliable broadband, which connects devices to the internet through a cable or data line, at download speeds of at least 25 megabits per second and upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps.That threshold ensures funding for remote, rural areas that have slow or no internet service, and it matches the definition of broadband set by the Federal Communications Commission in 2015. But cities contend the eligibility mark overlooks the realities of today’s internet needs.Though most cities already have broadband available, the speed still might not be fast enough to handle multiple people in a home trying to work, study and stream entertainment simultaneously — a common scenario during the coronavirus pandemic. The price also can be more than lower-income residents can afford.“They’re basically prioritizing those rural areas over the underserved urban areas where there is more population,” said Detta Kissel, a retired Treasury Department attorney who helped write agency rules and now advocates for better internet service in the Washington, D.C., suburb of Arlington, Virginia.Several cities, including Washington, Los Angeles, Milwaukee and San Antonio, have submitted public comments to the Treasury Department urging it to loosen the eligibility standard for spending pandemic relief money on broadband. Some want the Treasury to define underserved areas as anything less than download and upload speeds of 100 Mbps.That would increase the number of locations eligible for funding from about 11 million to 82 million households and businesses nationwide, according to a study conducted for America’s Communications Association, which represents small and medium-sized internet providers.Cities argue that the Treasury should use a 100/100 Mbps eligibility threshold because that’s the same speed projects are supposed to achieve if they receive funding. A separate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-54bd38c58aaa30114eee72f352998fa4">infrastructure bill working its way through Congress</a>&nbsp;is more flexible, allowing some of its $65 billion in broadband funding to go to “underserved” areas lacking download speeds of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps.If the Treasury goes forward with its rule as originally written, sparsely populated areas currently lacking broadband could leapfrog certain urban areas in their internet speeds. That doesn’t sit well with some mayors.“The inner city of Memphis is as in a dire need of broadband connection as rural Tennessee,” said Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, who wants Treasury Department assurance before spending $20 million from the American Rescue Plan on a broadband project.Residents almost anywhere in Milwaukee already have access to at least one internet provider offering download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps. But in parts of the city, fewer than half the households subscribe to internet service because of its cost, said David Henke, the city’s chief information officer.“If you don’t have a job and you can’t afford broadband, that’s kind of a cycle,” Henke said. “You’re locked out of remote learning, remote work, telemedicine and participating basically in a modern society.”Milwaukee has applied for a $12.5 million grant from Wisconsin’s share of the American Rescue Plan and would chip in $2.5 million of its own pandemic relief money to expand affordable broadband into more parts of the city, Henke said. But the city wants the Treasury Department to broaden “the narrow wording” of its rule.Although the public comment period ended in July, the Treasury has set no date for when it will publish the rule’s final version. A Treasury official said the department is undertaking a thorough review of the comments that is likely “to continue into the fall.”U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, is among those urging the Treasury Department to adopt a broader eligibility threshold. He wrote that it would be “severely misguided” to assume that communities are adequately served by the “woefully outdated” broadband benchmark the department has set.Broadband industry groups generally have urged the Treasury to stick with its original plan of targeting money at areas with the slowest internet speeds.“Rather than reinvesting in locations that already have broadband to make it better,” the pandemic relief money should go to “places that don’t have any broadband at all,” said Patrick Halley, general counsel at USTelecom, whose membership includes AT&amp;T, Verizon and others.The cable industry group NCTA urged treasury officials to tighten eligibility even further. It wants to limit the number of households that already have faster service that can be included in areas targeted for improvements. It also wants to remove the potential for locally subjective decisions about areas that lack reliable service.Allowing improvements in areas that already meet minimum speed thresholds could siphon money away from the neediest, hard-to-reach areas — potentially leaving them without service once the federal money is spent, industry groups said.To bring super-fast internet service to every place currently lacking 25/3 Mbps speeds could cost between $20 billion and $37 billion, according to the study for America’s Communications Association. That cost jumps to between $106 billion to $179 billion when covering all areas currently lacking speeds of 100/100 Mbps.“As a matter of prioritization, we think it’s best to start with the areas that have the least,” said Ross Lieberman, the association’s senior vice president of government affairs.Though most of the complaints about the Treasury Department rule have come from larger cities, some residents in rural areas also have raised concerns.Charlie Hopkins, a retired computer hardware and software designer, owns a home on a Maine island that is accessible only by boat. The internet speeds at his house registered barely 5 Mbps for downloading and just 0.4 Mbps for uploading when tested recently for The Associated Press.Because some homes have faster speeds, Hopkins is concerned the Treasury Department rule could make it difficult for the island to get funding to improve its internet. He said broadband is essential to attract and retain residents.“Other cities and towns in Maine, especially the cities, are getting higher-speed fiberoptic-based internet,” Hopkins said. “I don’t like being in a position where we’re essentially being told, `Well, you’re at the end of the Earth, so you don’t qualify.’”

Biden's internet funding rule could favor rural areas over cities

SALINA —When Salina Tech graduates a nurse, welder or machinist, that typically means one person is on the path to a better career.

But with the college’s newest program, each new graduate may mean new careers for several people, with the impact still being felt decades from now. Working in cooperation with local employers, school districts and child-care advocates, Salina Tech is launching an Early Childhood Education program, with a “soft launch” planned for January, according to a media release from the school.

The program was approved Thursday by the Kansas Board of Regents. It has already been approved by the Kansas Technical Education Authority, and by the Chicago-based Higher Learning Commission.

This program will be important to the community in a number of ways, said Eric Brown, President and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Lack of child care has become one of the top five obstacles to growing the workforce,” Brown said, explaining that without adequate and affordable child care, many parents who could be working opt to stay home with their children.

Brown was part of the college’s Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee, and said that while the immediate effects of a community having high-quality child care are obvious, other benefits take years to be seen.

“There are 50 years of studies about the importance of early childhood education,” Brown said. “It’s important for kids under the age of five to have access — the zero to five time frame is very important.”

“If you don’t have a quality start, it affects their education throughout their life,” Brown added.

“Research shows an ROI of every dollar spent on early childhood education brings $11 back into a community,” said Lori Blake, Executive Director of Child Advocacy and Parenting Services of Salina.

Blake also served on the college’s committee that helped get the program started, and is a member of the Southeast of Saline School Board.

“We have had a long-standing initiative in Saline County since 2000, working on increasing the quality of child care, called Partners In Early Childhood Education — PIECE, and we’ve been trying to address the issue of access to child care.”

“With the new jobs coming at Kubota and Tony’s we already don’t have enough people in the workforce,” Blake added. “By getting Salina Tech involved, we’re training skilled people for our early childhood centers.”

The Early Childhood Education program will allow students to earn a variety of certifications in specialized areas, and an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Certifications include one in Infant and Toddler Education, for 17 credit-hours, a certification in Pre-School Education, for 19 credit-hours, a 33 credit-hour certification in Early Childhood Education, and a 62 credit-hour Associate of Applied Science degree, which includes several general education classes.

Many of the credits earned in the program will transfer to other colleges, should a student decide later to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in education.

To learn more about the program, contact the college’s admissions office at 785-309-3100 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admissions@salinatech.edu">admissions@salinatech.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602978799004.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA —When Salina Tech graduates a nurse, welder or machinist, that typically means one person is on the path to a better career.But with the college’s newest program, each new graduate may mean new careers for several people, with the impact still being felt decades from now. Working in cooperation with local employers, school districts and child-care advocates, Salina Tech is launching an Early Childhood Education program, with a “soft launch” planned for January, according to a media release from the school.The program was approved Thursday by the Kansas Board of Regents. It has already been approved by the Kansas Technical Education Authority, and by the Chicago-based Higher Learning Commission.This program will be important to the community in a number of ways, said Eric Brown, President and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.“Lack of child care has become one of the top five obstacles to growing the workforce,” Brown said, explaining that without adequate and affordable child care, many parents who could be working opt to stay home with their children.Brown was part of the college’s Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee, and said that while the immediate effects of a community having high-quality child care are obvious, other benefits take years to be seen.“There are 50 years of studies about the importance of early childhood education,” Brown said. “It’s important for kids under the age of five to have access — the zero to five time frame is very important.”“If you don’t have a quality start, it affects their education throughout their life,” Brown added.“Research shows an ROI of every dollar spent on early childhood education brings $11 back into a community,” said Lori Blake, Executive Director of Child Advocacy and Parenting Services of Salina.Blake also served on the college’s committee that helped get the program started, and is a member of the Southeast of Saline School Board.“We have had a long-standing initiative in Saline County since 2000, working on increasing the quality of child care, called Partners In Early Childhood Education — PIECE, and we’ve been trying to address the issue of access to child care.”“With the new jobs coming at Kubota and Tony’s we already don’t have enough people in the workforce,” Blake added. “By getting Salina Tech involved, we’re training skilled people for our early childhood centers.”The Early Childhood Education program will allow students to earn a variety of certifications in specialized areas, and an Associate of Applied Science degree.Certifications include one in Infant and Toddler Education, for 17 credit-hours, a certification in Pre-School Education, for 19 credit-hours, a 33 credit-hour certification in Early Childhood Education, and a 62 credit-hour Associate of Applied Science degree, which includes several general education classes.Many of the credits earned in the program will transfer to other colleges, should a student decide later to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in education.To learn more about the program, contact the college’s admissions office at 785-309-3100 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admissions@salinatech.edu">admissions@salinatech.edu</a>.

Regents approve early childhood program for Salina Tech

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search continues for the suspect accused in the nightclub shooting in Wichita that killed one man and injured five women.

During a Wednesday afternoon news conference, members of the community including Wichita Vice Mayor Brandon Johnson asked the suspect 22-year-old Keshawn Dawson to turn himself in. Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens said authorities do not know where Dawson is in hiding. Police have received information that suggests he may be in south Wichita, according to Stephens.&nbsp; 

There is a reward of up to $2500 through Crime Stoppers for information in the case that leads to an arrest.&nbsp;

Police say Dawson is armed and dangerous. He was released from prison in December of 2020 after serving time for weapons violations.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Sept. 7, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; One victim identified as 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita died from his injuries. Friends and family held his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-kendra-and-the-spencer-family?fbclid=IwAR1CeDwwCQIfSCoQNv5hK0sgu10mWuhu3Tv8iapl8Qnv-1Q6hJWoNgFeDag">memorial service</a>&nbsp;on Monday.

The other victims, all women ages, 22, Two age 24, 28 and 40, received non life-threatening injuries, according to Stephens. Most of the injuries were to the legs. One had an injury to an arm and her lower back.&nbsp; All of the women are expected to survive.

The investigation revealed a male suspect identified as Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.

Anyone with information on Dawson is asked to call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631032156553.png" alt="Dawson photo from an earlier arrest in Sedgwick County.&nbsp; He is described as 5-foot-11, and 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes." />
 <figcaption>Dawson photo from an earlier arrest in Sedgwick County.&nbsp; He is described as 5-foot-11, and 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search continues for the suspect accused in the nightclub shooting in Wichita that killed one man and injured five women.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F415078036812791%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=51" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>During a Wednesday afternoon news conference, members of the community including Wichita Vice Mayor Brandon Johnson asked the suspect 22-year-old Keshawn Dawson to turn himself in. Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens said authorities do not know where Dawson is in hiding. Police have received information that suggests he may be in south Wichita, according to Stephens.&nbsp; There is a reward of up to $2500 through Crime Stoppers for information in the case that leads to an arrest.&nbsp;Police say Dawson is armed and dangerous. He was released from prison in December of 2020 after serving time for weapons violations.Just after 12:30 a.m. Sept. 7, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; One victim identified as 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita died from his injuries. Friends and family held his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-kendra-and-the-spencer-family?fbclid=IwAR1CeDwwCQIfSCoQNv5hK0sgu10mWuhu3Tv8iapl8Qnv-1Q6hJWoNgFeDag">memorial service</a>&nbsp;on Monday.The other victims, all women ages, 22, Two age 24, 28 and 40, received non life-threatening injuries, according to Stephens. Most of the injuries were to the legs. One had an injury to an arm and her lower back.&nbsp; All of the women are expected to survive.The investigation revealed a male suspect identified as Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.Anyone with information on Dawson is asked to call 911.---------------

🎥  Reward offered: Search continues for Kan. club shooting suspect

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

GREAT BEND —&nbsp;Great Bend Airfest is Sept. 17-19 at the Great Bend Municipal 
Airport. Listen below to the interview with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster 
and one of the performers coming to Great Bend, U.S. Army Sgt. Slyer 
Romberg who is part of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team..

The interview aired Sept. 14, 2021 on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631812305959.png" alt="The U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute team will be coming to Great Bend Airfest this weekend." />
 <figcaption>The U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute team will be coming to Great Bend Airfest this weekend.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND —&nbsp;Great Bend Airfest is Sept. 17-19 at the Great Bend Municipal 
Airport. Listen below to the interview with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster 
and one of the performers coming to Great Bend, U.S. Army Sgt. Slyer 
Romberg who is part of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team..The interview aired Sept. 14, 2021 on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/pxhuavds/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

🎤Great Bend Airfest performer: Sgt. Skyler Romberg

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid is scheduled to face trial in April on a charge of driving while intoxicated after a crash last year that seriously injured a 5-year-old girl.

Reid's trial on the felony charge was scheduled for April 18 during a virtual hearing on Thursday. The trial is expected to last a week.

Reid, the son of Chiefs Coach Andy Reid,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-football-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-d43b085c56ac1d0ec8445f30faa6a4d0">was charged after he hit two stopped cars</a>&nbsp;on an entrance ramp near Arrowhead stadium in February, prosecutors said. A girl in one of the cars, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Prosecutors allege Reid was speeding and intoxicated when he hit the cars. He had a blood alcohol reading of 0.113 about two hours after the crash, according to court records.

Reid underwent emergency surgery for a groin injury after the crash. He&nbsp;was placed on administrative leave and the Chiefs allowed his contract to expire, ending his employment with the team.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618277826304.png" alt="Britt Reid-photo Kansas City Police" />
 <figcaption>Britt Reid-photo Kansas City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid is scheduled to face trial in April on a charge of driving while intoxicated after a crash last year that seriously injured a 5-year-old girl.Reid's trial on the felony charge was scheduled for April 18 during a virtual hearing on Thursday. The trial is expected to last a week.Reid, the son of Chiefs Coach Andy Reid,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-football-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-d43b085c56ac1d0ec8445f30faa6a4d0">was charged after he hit two stopped cars</a>&nbsp;on an entrance ramp near Arrowhead stadium in February, prosecutors said. A girl in one of the cars, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612784011749.png" alt="Ariel Young photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Ariel Young photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>Prosecutors allege Reid was speeding and intoxicated when he hit the cars. He had a blood alcohol reading of 0.113 about two hours after the crash, according to court records.Reid underwent emergency surgery for a groin injury after the crash. He&nbsp;was placed on administrative leave and the Chiefs allowed his contract to expire, ending his employment with the team.

Trial date set: Former Chiefs coach charged in crash that injured girl

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com/">Hutch Post</a>


HUTCHINSON — 
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday that vaccine mandates are not a direction she plans to go right now.

"I don't have any intention of going down that road right now," Kelly said. "I think what we are doing with vaccines and taking them out to the community, taking them out to places where people feel comfortable and trust those around them is the road that we're going to continue on down now."

Kelly acknowledged that different jurisdictions and different businesses will make their own policy in that regard.

"I was just in New York on a trade mission," Kelly said. "In order to get into a restaurant in New York, I had to show my vaccine card. There's a lot of that going on, just sort of organically. I'm fully aware that the President has announced the mandate for businesses with over 100 employees. We don't really know what that means. We haven't seen the guidelines. The mandate is also softened though, by, if you don't want to get vaccinated, at least get tested."

Pfizer has said it will seek emergency use authorization for children. Kelly plans to make sure the rollout happens if approved.

"When the vaccines are available for our 5- to 12-year-olds, then you can trust that we will make sure that we get those vaccines into our schools and hopefully into the arms of all of our schoolchildren," Kelly said. 

Kelly was in Hutchinson for the Governor's Day at the Kansas State Fair and to speak to students at Hutchinson Community College.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631819791493.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly on a tour of Centennial Hall Thursday at the Kansas State Fair" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly on a tour of Centennial Hall Thursday at the Kansas State Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com/">Hutch Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — 
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday that vaccine mandates are not a direction she plans to go right now."I don't have any intention of going down that road right now," Kelly said. "I think what we are doing with vaccines and taking them out to the community, taking them out to places where people feel comfortable and trust those around them is the road that we're going to continue on down now."Kelly acknowledged that different jurisdictions and different businesses will make their own policy in that regard."I was just in New York on a trade mission," Kelly said. "In order to get into a restaurant in New York, I had to show my vaccine card. There's a lot of that going on, just sort of organically. I'm fully aware that the President has announced the mandate for businesses with over 100 employees. We don't really know what that means. We haven't seen the guidelines. The mandate is also softened though, by, if you don't want to get vaccinated, at least get tested."Pfizer has said it will seek emergency use authorization for children. Kelly plans to make sure the rollout happens if approved."When the vaccines are available for our 5- to 12-year-olds, then you can trust that we will make sure that we get those vaccines into our schools and hopefully into the arms of all of our schoolchildren," Kelly said. Kelly was in Hutchinson for the Governor's Day at the Kansas State Fair and to speak to students at Hutchinson Community College.&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly: 'Don't have any intention' of mandating vaccines

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Two people have now died from West Nile virus in eastern Nebraska this year. The state Department of Health and Human Services said both deaths were confirmed this week within the territory served by the Three Rivers District Health Department, which includes Dodge, Saunders and Washington counties in eastern Nebraska. 

Officials said both people who died with the mosquito-borne virus were older adults with underlying health conditions,. So far this year, West Nile virus has been found in 12 Nebraska counties, and 27 human cases have been confirmed. Last year, the state reported 15 human cases of the virus and one death.

In August the CDC reported the state's first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Kansas this year was in Saline County, <a href="https://wwwn.cdc.gov/arbonet/Maps/ADB_Diseases_Map/index.html">according to the</a> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency has not reported additional cases in the state.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment's<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm"> weekly report</a> indicates most counties in the state are at high risk&nbsp;for West Nile infections.

<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/epi/download/west_nile_archive/2021/WNV_Risk_Level_Week_2021_32.pdf">Click here t</a>o view the Kansas West Nile Virus Weekly Surveillance and Transmission Risk Report

West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Kansas and the United States.

The risk of acquiring a West Nile infection depends on various factors including time of year, number and location of infected&nbsp; species of mosquitoes, and the number of days with sufficient heat, according to the KDHE web site.

Warm temperatures increase the rate of mosquito larvae development which increases the mosquito population size. The risk of WNV transmission usually reaches peak transmission during July, August, and September.

The KDHE says to avoid mosquito bites, follow the three Ds:

DRAIN ●Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes live and breed.

●Empty standing water from tarps, old tires, buckets, and other places where rainwater collects. Use larvicide in low-lying areas where water cannot be removed.

●Refresh water for bird baths, pet bowls, and wading pools at least every three days

DRESS ●Cover your skin with clothing when outdoors. Wear protective clothing when practical (long sleeves and pants).

●Limit outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.

DEET ●Use insect repellents that contact DEET or other EPA-approved repellents. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631801953092.png" alt="West Nile virus risk level map for the week of Sept. 11, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>West Nile virus risk level map for the week of Sept. 11, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Two people have now died from West Nile virus in eastern Nebraska this year. The state Department of Health and Human Services said both deaths were confirmed this week within the territory served by the Three Rivers District Health Department, which includes Dodge, Saunders and Washington counties in eastern Nebraska. Officials said both people who died with the mosquito-borne virus were older adults with underlying health conditions,. So far this year, West Nile virus has been found in 12 Nebraska counties, and 27 human cases have been confirmed. Last year, the state reported 15 human cases of the virus and one death.In August the CDC reported the state's first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Kansas this year was in Saline County, <a href="https://wwwn.cdc.gov/arbonet/Maps/ADB_Diseases_Map/index.html">according to the</a> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency has not reported additional cases in the state.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment's<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm"> weekly report</a> indicates most counties in the state are at high risk&nbsp;for West Nile infections.<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/epi/download/west_nile_archive/2021/WNV_Risk_Level_Week_2021_32.pdf">Click here t</a>o view the Kansas West Nile Virus Weekly Surveillance and Transmission Risk ReportWest Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Kansas and the United States.The risk of acquiring a West Nile infection depends on various factors including time of year, number and location of infected&nbsp; species of mosquitoes, and the number of days with sufficient heat, according to the KDHE web site.Warm temperatures increase the rate of mosquito larvae development which increases the mosquito population size. The risk of WNV transmission usually reaches peak transmission during July, August, and September.The KDHE says to avoid mosquito bites, follow the three Ds:DRAIN ●Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes live and breed. ●Empty standing water from tarps, old tires, buckets, and other places where rainwater collects. Use larvicide in low-lying areas where water cannot be removed.●Refresh water for bird baths, pet bowls, and wading pools at least every three daysDRESS ●Cover your skin with clothing when outdoors. Wear protective clothing when practical (long sleeves and pants).●Limit outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.DEET ●Use insect repellents that contact DEET or other EPA-approved repellents. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Two Nebraskans die from West Nile virus this week

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of child sex crimes is due back in court Thursday afternoon.

Jamie Torres-Cordero, 39 of Wichita, is charged with rape, 5 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, and 2 counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

On Sept. 7, law enforcement authorities booked Torres-Cordero into the Sedgwick County Jail after&nbsp;detectives with the Exploited and Missing Children's Unit investigated possible sexual abuse occurring at a home in the 600 block of North Battin in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Police believe Torres-Cordero had engaged in unlawful sexual activity with a minor in the home multiple times over the past six years, according to Macy&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;He remains jailed on a bond of $250,000, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631312554368.png" alt="Torres-Cordero-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Torres-Cordero-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of child sex crimes is due back in court Thursday afternoon.Jamie Torres-Cordero, 39 of Wichita, is charged with rape, 5 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, and 2 counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.On Sept. 7, law enforcement authorities booked Torres-Cordero into the Sedgwick County Jail after&nbsp;detectives with the Exploited and Missing Children's Unit investigated possible sexual abuse occurring at a home in the 600 block of North Battin in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Police believe Torres-Cordero had engaged in unlawful sexual activity with a minor in the home multiple times over the past six years, according to Macy&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He remains jailed on a bond of $250,000, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. man charged in child sex abuse that lasted 6 years

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A top Republican lawmaker in Kansas said Wednesday that he’s concerned about President Joe Biden’s plan to resettle almost 500 Afghan evacuees in the state because he doesn’t know how well they’re being vetted.

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said he’s worried both that the evacuees could come to Kansas with COVID-19 infections and that vetting by Biden’s administration won’t keep terrorists or terrorist sympathizers out.

Masterson’s remarks could signal wariness within the GOP-controlled Legislature about Kansas taking evacuees. The Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-alabama-united-states-district-of-columbia-262203820a617808f4a40a130e2d179a">began notifying governors</a>&nbsp;Wednesday of&nbsp;<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/embeds/5nF9C/1/" target="_blank">where it plans to resettle</a>&nbsp;nearly 37,000 Afghan evacuees, and 490 are set to come to Kansas.

Masterson said he’s “all for taking care of those in trouble.”

But the Andover Republican also told The Associated Press: “If there was no real vetting, it could be dangerous to have them in our state.”

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s office declined comment. However, she pledged last month that Kansas “would welcome refugees and families who supported American troops, our operations, and our cause” during the 20-year war in Afghanistan.

In 2016, then-Republican Gov. Sam Brownback&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-migration-barack-obama-kansas-topeka-f84adb519f1442e693df3d4fbd89063f">withdrew Kansas</a>&nbsp;from the federal government’s refugee resettlement program when then-President Barack Obama pledged to take 10,000 people fleeing Syria’s civil war.

&nbsp;About 1,200 evacuees from Afghanistan are expected to settle in Missouri as part of the first group arriving in the U.S., according to U.S. State Department data.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-religion-kansas-city-kansas-193dc411408a5e14356f452678fd1110">Three resettlement agencies in the Kansas City area</a>&nbsp;have said they have the capacity to welcome 625 people from Afghanistan but those numbers could change.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629403212055.png" alt="Afghan evacuees boarding a military transport plane in Kabul last month-photo U.S. Dept. of Defense." />
 <figcaption>Afghan evacuees boarding a military transport plane in Kabul last month-photo U.S. Dept. of Defense.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A top Republican lawmaker in Kansas said Wednesday that he’s concerned about President Joe Biden’s plan to resettle almost 500 Afghan evacuees in the state because he doesn’t know how well they’re being vetted.Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said he’s worried both that the evacuees could come to Kansas with COVID-19 infections and that vetting by Biden’s administration won’t keep terrorists or terrorist sympathizers out.Masterson’s remarks could signal wariness within the GOP-controlled Legislature about Kansas taking evacuees. The Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-alabama-united-states-district-of-columbia-262203820a617808f4a40a130e2d179a">began notifying governors</a>&nbsp;Wednesday of&nbsp;<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/embeds/5nF9C/1/" target="_blank">where it plans to resettle</a>&nbsp;nearly 37,000 Afghan evacuees, and 490 are set to come to Kansas.Masterson said he’s “all for taking care of those in trouble.”But the Andover Republican also told The Associated Press: “If there was no real vetting, it could be dangerous to have them in our state.”Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s office declined comment. However, she pledged last month that Kansas “would welcome refugees and families who supported American troops, our operations, and our cause” during the 20-year war in Afghanistan.In 2016, then-Republican Gov. Sam Brownback&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-migration-barack-obama-kansas-topeka-f84adb519f1442e693df3d4fbd89063f">withdrew Kansas</a>&nbsp;from the federal government’s refugee resettlement program when then-President Barack Obama pledged to take 10,000 people fleeing Syria’s civil war.&nbsp;About 1,200 evacuees from Afghanistan are expected to settle in Missouri as part of the first group arriving in the U.S., according to U.S. State Department data.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-religion-kansas-city-kansas-193dc411408a5e14356f452678fd1110">Three resettlement agencies in the Kansas City area</a>&nbsp;have said they have the capacity to welcome 625 people from Afghanistan but those numbers could change.

Lawmaker questions plans to put Afghan evacuees in Kansas

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. —Authorities reported early Thursday that Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans succumbed to his injuries and died.

On Wednesday Officer Madrid-Evans, a 22-year-old officer with the Independence Police Department, was shot by a suspect and critically injured during a call for service.

Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Andy Bell said Madrid-Evans and another officer went to a residence in Independence about 11:30 a.m. in response to a call to dispatch and were met by a man who fired a handgun at the officers. Madrid-Evans was injured and taken to a hospital with a serious injury. The other officer returned fire and the suspect identified as 33-year-old Cody L. Harrison of Gladstone, MO. was pronounced dead at the scene. The highway patrol's division of drug and crime control is investigating.

Officer Madrid-Evans recently began his career with the Independence Police Department at the Kansas City Regional Police Academy on January 4, 2021, and graduated July 8, 2021.

After receiving his police commission, Officer Madrid-Evans entered IPD’s Field Training Officer (FTO) program and was still in training.

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — An Independence, Missouri, police officer is hospitalized with critical injuries and another man is dead after a shooting Wednesday morning.

Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Andy Bell said two officers went to a residence in Independence about 11:30 a.m. in response to a call to dispatch and were met by a man who fired a handgun at the officers.

One of the officers was injured and taken to a hospital with a serious injury. The other officer returned fire and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The highway patrol's division of drug and crime control is investigating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631741409098.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>INDEPENDENCE, Mo. —Authorities reported early Thursday that Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans succumbed to his injuries and died.On Wednesday Officer Madrid-Evans, a 22-year-old officer with the Independence Police Department, was shot by a suspect and critically injured during a call for service.Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Andy Bell said Madrid-Evans and another officer went to a residence in Independence about 11:30 a.m. in response to a call to dispatch and were met by a man who fired a handgun at the officers. Madrid-Evans was injured and taken to a hospital with a serious injury. The other officer returned fire and the suspect identified as 33-year-old Cody L. Harrison of Gladstone, MO. was pronounced dead at the scene. The highway patrol's division of drug and crime control is investigating.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631787288577.png" alt="Blaize Madrid-Evans-photo courtesy Independence Police Dept." />
 <figcaption>Blaize Madrid-Evans-photo courtesy Independence Police Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>Officer Madrid-Evans recently began his career with the Independence Police Department at the Kansas City Regional Police Academy on January 4, 2021, and graduated July 8, 2021.After receiving his police commission, Officer Madrid-Evans entered IPD’s Field Training Officer (FTO) program and was still in training.--------INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — An Independence, Missouri, police officer is hospitalized with critical injuries and another man is dead after a shooting Wednesday morning.Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Andy Bell said two officers went to a residence in Independence about 11:30 a.m. in response to a call to dispatch and were met by a man who fired a handgun at the officers.One of the officers was injured and taken to a hospital with a serious injury. The other officer returned fire and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The highway patrol's division of drug and crime control is investigating.No other details about the officer's injuries or the suspect were released.