By SHERMAN SMITH and NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/07/kansas-data-doesnt-reflect-reality-as-covid-19-rips-through-schools/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — School districts across 
the state independently reported hundreds of infections of COVID-19 
among students and staff in the first two weeks of school, while the 
state’s official ledger showed just two small outbreaks.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s data on school 
infections is unreliable because of the difficulty in tracing sources of
 infections and communication between the agency and local health 
officials. In its most recent update, the agency’s official accounting 
attributed just 75 new cases to outbreaks at public schools.

The number of outbreaks is actually much higher, but nobody is 
attempting to tally statewide numbers. Gov. Laura Kelly last week 
announced a new workgroup would produce a weekly report with active 
outbreaks, but the governor’s office didn’t say when the first report 
would be released. It isn’t clear whether the report will rely on the 
same incomplete data.

County health departments determine the source of outbreaks, but the 
task is made difficult by the surge in COVID-19 cases attributed to the 
delta variant and restrictions imposed by the Legislature last year that
 allow infected residents to opt out of contact tracing. Because of 
widespread community transmission, it can be difficult to determine 
whether children who test positive at school were infected there or 
showed up with the virus.

Craig Barnes, division manager for community health outreach and 
planning at the Shawnee County Health Department, said keeping track of 
cases at schools is complicated. The department is able to investigate 
just 20% of the cases countywide.

“The large number of cases coming in both via schools and the 
community has made investigations and contact tracing rather difficult,”
 Barnes said. “There are schools that have multiple cases. However, 
without an epidemiological link between the cases at the physical 
school, we would not list this as an outbreak or cluster.”

Barnes provided a hypothetical example: “Let’s say a school 
basketball team had a sleepover, and from that sleepover five-plus kids 
were infected. These would be COVID-positive students with an 
epidemiological linkage. However, the exposure and linkage was outside 
the school setting, and as such, the cluster would be the sleepover, not
 the school.”

It is also possible, he said, that health officials won’t recognize the link between cases and a school until much later.

KDHE provides a list of outbreaks involving five or more people 
within the past 14 days, and updates the list on Wednesdays. The only 
schools to show up on the list in recent weeks are Mount Olive Lutheran 
School in Overland Park, with eight cases, and USD 405 Central 
Elementary School in Lyons, with six cases.

“We also see the numerous news reports of entire classrooms being 
quarantined and schools closing,” said Matt Lara, spokesman for KDHE. 
“When we see these, we reach out to local health departments to find out
 if there is an active outbreak that we have not been notified about. 
Again, KDHE relies on communication and cooperation between students, 
teachers, staff, parents, schools and the local health departments to 
identify these outbreaks.”

The Wellington school district <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/27/house-leader-warned-of-mask-madness-in-kansas-schools-downplayed-risk-of-covid-19-to-kids/">closed schools from Aug. 27 until Tuesday</a>
 after more than 40 students and staff members tested positive in the 
first eight days of school. The Sumner County Health Department 
recommended closing after tracing three separate outbreaks of infections
 to district schools.

The Valley Center school district said 45 students and staff had 
tested positive for COVID-19 as of Sept. 1, up from eight a week before,
 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.arkvalleynews.com/web/isite.dll?1629992528439">the Ark Valley News reported</a>.

Last week, the Andover school district imposed a mask mandate at 
public schools after 38 students tested positive for the virus, up from 
19 the previous week, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kwch.com/2021/08/31/andover-public-schools-discuss-rising-covid-19-cases-mask-requirement/">KWCH-TV reported</a>.

In the Wichita school district, 194 students and 51 staff tested 
positive before Aug. 23, when the school board required students to wear
 masks. The district had 1,612 students in quarantine at that time, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/news/coronavirus/article253690228.html">the Wichita Eagle reported</a>.

In Garden City, the school district had seven cases in the first week
 of school, 15 the following week, and 13 on Aug. 23 alone, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gctelegram.com/story/news/2021/08/24/usd-457-board-discusses-district-covid-impact/8250987002/">the Garden City Telegram reported</a>.

In the Gardner Edgerton school district, 50 students and staff tested
 positive for the virus, and 200 students had to be quarantined, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/education/article253703143.html">the Kansas City Star reported</a>.

The Auburn-Washburn school district in Shawnee County had 47 students
 and three staff members test positive in the first week of school, 
requiring 163 students and four staff members to be quarantined, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/2021/08/22/auburn-washburn-usd-437-mask-mandate-kansas-schools-board-members-vote-6-0-approve-covid-19/8237310002/">the Topeka Capital-Journal reported</a>.

Mulvane and Ark City schools boards imposed mask mandates last week in response to an increase in the number of cases, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kake.com/story/44633828/mulvane-ark-city-schools-vote-to-require-face-masks">KAKE-TV reported</a>.

In the Turner school district in Kansas City, Kansas, 23 students and
 four staff members tested positive in the first week of class.

Mark Tallman, associate executive director of the Kansas Association 
of School Boards, said schools prepared for the school year with the 
hope of returning to normal. School officials didn’t want to 
over-respond to the rising threat of the delta variant, he said.

“No one wants to go back to mandates. No one wants to have kids in 
quarantine. No one wants to think about closing schools,” Tallman said. 
“The idea is to live as close to normal as possible to get the best 
possible environment.”

The governor said the new Safer Classrooms Workgroup would bring 
together pediatricians, family physicians, school nurses, pharmacists, 
school psychologists, and other health professionals to meet weekly. The
 group will produce a report to serve as a resource for schools, 
parents, media and policymakers.

The report will provide a list of active outbreaks at schools, as 
well as timely information about testing and masking policies, including
 best practices; information about vaccination clinics; and county-level
 data on youth vaccination status, hospitalizations, cases and deaths.

Kelly “has a crackerjack team of physicians and epidemiologist that 
are studying the outbreak county by county and looking at transmission 
in schools and how we can keep schools open,” said Kansas education 
commissioner Randy Watson. “That really is the key. Because everyone’s 
worried if this trends like last year as we get into the winter months, 
it may get worse. We hope not.

“So I know that the simple answer is if we can vaccinate and we can 
mask, we can test, we can start to diminish it. But I think that group’s
 going to look at a lot of things.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631038433388.png" alt="Photo by Sherman Smith / Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Sherman Smith / Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH and NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/07/kansas-data-doesnt-reflect-reality-as-covid-19-rips-through-schools/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — School districts across 
the state independently reported hundreds of infections of COVID-19 
among students and staff in the first two weeks of school, while the 
state’s official ledger showed just two small outbreaks.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s data on school 
infections is unreliable because of the difficulty in tracing sources of
 infections and communication between the agency and local health 
officials. In its most recent update, the agency’s official accounting 
attributed just 75 new cases to outbreaks at public schools.The number of outbreaks is actually much higher, but nobody is 
attempting to tally statewide numbers. Gov. Laura Kelly last week 
announced a new workgroup would produce a weekly report with active 
outbreaks, but the governor’s office didn’t say when the first report 
would be released. It isn’t clear whether the report will rely on the 
same incomplete data.County health departments determine the source of outbreaks, but the 
task is made difficult by the surge in COVID-19 cases attributed to the 
delta variant and restrictions imposed by the Legislature last year that
 allow infected residents to opt out of contact tracing. Because of 
widespread community transmission, it can be difficult to determine 
whether children who test positive at school were infected there or 
showed up with the virus.Craig Barnes, division manager for community health outreach and 
planning at the Shawnee County Health Department, said keeping track of 
cases at schools is complicated. The department is able to investigate 
just 20% of the cases countywide.“The large number of cases coming in both via schools and the 
community has made investigations and contact tracing rather difficult,”
 Barnes said. “There are schools that have multiple cases. However, 
without an epidemiological link between the cases at the physical 
school, we would not list this as an outbreak or cluster.”Barnes provided a hypothetical example: “Let’s say a school 
basketball team had a sleepover, and from that sleepover five-plus kids 
were infected. These would be COVID-positive students with an 
epidemiological linkage. However, the exposure and linkage was outside 
the school setting, and as such, the cluster would be the sleepover, not
 the school.”It is also possible, he said, that health officials won’t recognize the link between cases and a school until much later.KDHE provides a list of outbreaks involving five or more people 
within the past 14 days, and updates the list on Wednesdays. The only 
schools to show up on the list in recent weeks are Mount Olive Lutheran 
School in Overland Park, with eight cases, and USD 405 Central 
Elementary School in Lyons, with six cases.“We also see the numerous news reports of entire classrooms being 
quarantined and schools closing,” said Matt Lara, spokesman for KDHE. 
“When we see these, we reach out to local health departments to find out
 if there is an active outbreak that we have not been notified about. 
Again, KDHE relies on communication and cooperation between students, 
teachers, staff, parents, schools and the local health departments to 
identify these outbreaks.”The Wellington school district <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/27/house-leader-warned-of-mask-madness-in-kansas-schools-downplayed-risk-of-covid-19-to-kids/">closed schools from Aug. 27 until Tuesday</a>
 after more than 40 students and staff members tested positive in the 
first eight days of school. The Sumner County Health Department 
recommended closing after tracing three separate outbreaks of infections
 to district schools.The Valley Center school district said 45 students and staff had 
tested positive for COVID-19 as of Sept. 1, up from eight a week before,
 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.arkvalleynews.com/web/isite.dll?1629992528439">the Ark Valley News reported</a>.Last week, the Andover school district imposed a mask mandate at 
public schools after 38 students tested positive for the virus, up from 
19 the previous week, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kwch.com/2021/08/31/andover-public-schools-discuss-rising-covid-19-cases-mask-requirement/">KWCH-TV reported</a>.In the Wichita school district, 194 students and 51 staff tested 
positive before Aug. 23, when the school board required students to wear
 masks. The district had 1,612 students in quarantine at that time, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/news/coronavirus/article253690228.html">the Wichita Eagle reported</a>.In Garden City, the school district had seven cases in the first week
 of school, 15 the following week, and 13 on Aug. 23 alone, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gctelegram.com/story/news/2021/08/24/usd-457-board-discusses-district-covid-impact/8250987002/">the Garden City Telegram reported</a>.In the Gardner Edgerton school district, 50 students and staff tested
 positive for the virus, and 200 students had to be quarantined, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/education/article253703143.html">the Kansas City Star reported</a>.The Auburn-Washburn school district in Shawnee County had 47 students
 and three staff members test positive in the first week of school, 
requiring 163 students and four staff members to be quarantined, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/2021/08/22/auburn-washburn-usd-437-mask-mandate-kansas-schools-board-members-vote-6-0-approve-covid-19/8237310002/">the Topeka Capital-Journal reported</a>.Mulvane and Ark City schools boards imposed mask mandates last week in response to an increase in the number of cases, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kake.com/story/44633828/mulvane-ark-city-schools-vote-to-require-face-masks">KAKE-TV reported</a>.In the Turner school district in Kansas City, Kansas, 23 students and
 four staff members tested positive in the first week of class.Mark Tallman, associate executive director of the Kansas Association 
of School Boards, said schools prepared for the school year with the 
hope of returning to normal. School officials didn’t want to 
over-respond to the rising threat of the delta variant, he said.“No one wants to go back to mandates. No one wants to have kids in 
quarantine. No one wants to think about closing schools,” Tallman said. 
“The idea is to live as close to normal as possible to get the best 
possible environment.”The governor said the new Safer Classrooms Workgroup would bring 
together pediatricians, family physicians, school nurses, pharmacists, 
school psychologists, and other health professionals to meet weekly. The
 group will produce a report to serve as a resource for schools, 
parents, media and policymakers.The report will provide a list of active outbreaks at schools, as 
well as timely information about testing and masking policies, including
 best practices; information about vaccination clinics; and county-level
 data on youth vaccination status, hospitalizations, cases and deaths.Kelly “has a crackerjack team of physicians and epidemiologist that 
are studying the outbreak county by county and looking at transmission 
in schools and how we can keep schools open,” said Kansas education 
commissioner Randy Watson. “That really is the key. Because everyone’s 
worried if this trends like last year as we get into the winter months, 
it may get worse. We hope not.“So I know that the simple answer is if we can vaccinate and we can 
mask, we can test, we can start to diminish it. But I think that group’s
 going to look at a lot of things.”

Kansas data doesn’t reflect reality as COVID rips through schools

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Two people including a Kansas sheriff's deputy were injured in an accident during a pursuit just before 12:30a.m. Monday in Sedgwick County.

A deputy had observed suspicious activity between individuals at a gas station at Seneca and McCormick in Wichita, according to Sedgwick County Undersheriff Brian White during a Tuesday press conference.&nbsp;

The deputy requested assistance and another deputy responded to the location. As the deputy neared the location, the individuals involved in the suspicious activity left the area eastbound on McCormick in a Chevy HHR without headlights on.

Both deputies pulled in behind the SUV and attempted a traffic stop near Lincoln and McLean. The driver refused to stop and the chase was underway. The pursuit continued for approximately 7 minutes and 30 seconds at speeds from 70-80 miles per hour, according to White.&nbsp;

At one point the fleeing driver turned north on Topeka, a one-way street for southbound traffic.&nbsp; The pursuit continued until the the 2014 Dodge Charger driven by Deputy Justin Mixon, 32, collided at the intersection with a westbound 2020 Honda CRV driven by Muktaben&nbsp;Bhakta, 52, Wichita, and then struck a building. Immediately after the crash, the second deputy involved ended the pursuit, requested EMS and rendered aid to Bhatka.&nbsp;

EMS transported Bhatka and Deputy Mixon to an area hospital in serious condition. Mixon has been released from the hospital, according to White. He had no update on the Bhatka's condition Tuesday afternoon.

Officers continue to search for the suspect wanted in the pursuit.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas deputy was injured in a crash during pursuit just before 12:30a.m. Monday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Charger driven by Deputy Justin Mixon, 32, Derby, was&nbsp;northbound on Topeka Street at Douglas in pursuit of another vehicle.

The Charger collided at the intersection with a westbound 2020 Honda CRV driven by Muktaben&nbsp;Bhakta, 52, Wichita, and then struck a building.

EMS transported both drivers to a Wichita hospital. Officers continue to search for the suspect wanted in the pursuit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630973561276.png" alt="The Sedgwick County deputies's Dodge Charger as it is removed from the crash scene. -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>The Sedgwick County deputies's Dodge Charger as it is removed from the crash scene. -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Two people including a Kansas sheriff's deputy were injured in an accident during a pursuit just before 12:30a.m. Monday in Sedgwick County.A deputy had observed suspicious activity between individuals at a gas station at Seneca and McCormick in Wichita, according to Sedgwick County Undersheriff Brian White during a Tuesday press conference.&nbsp;The deputy requested assistance and another deputy responded to the location. As the deputy neared the location, the individuals involved in the suspicious activity left the area eastbound on McCormick in a Chevy HHR without headlights on.Both deputies pulled in behind the SUV and attempted a traffic stop near Lincoln and McLean. The driver refused to stop and the chase was underway. The pursuit continued for approximately 7 minutes and 30 seconds at speeds from 70-80 miles per hour, according to White.&nbsp;At one point the fleeing driver turned north on Topeka, a one-way street for southbound traffic.&nbsp; The pursuit continued until the the 2014 Dodge Charger driven by Deputy Justin Mixon, 32, collided at the intersection with a westbound 2020 Honda CRV driven by Muktaben&nbsp;Bhakta, 52, Wichita, and then struck a building. Immediately after the crash, the second deputy involved ended the pursuit, requested EMS and rendered aid to Bhatka.&nbsp;EMS transported Bhatka and Deputy Mixon to an area hospital in serious condition. Mixon has been released from the hospital, according to White. He had no update on the Bhatka's condition Tuesday afternoon.Officers continue to search for the suspect wanted in the pursuit.--------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas deputy was injured in a crash during pursuit just before 12:30a.m. Monday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Charger driven by Deputy Justin Mixon, 32, Derby, was&nbsp;northbound on Topeka Street at Douglas in pursuit of another vehicle.The Charger collided at the intersection with a westbound 2020 Honda CRV driven by Muktaben&nbsp;Bhakta, 52, Wichita, and then struck a building.EMS transported both drivers to a Wichita hospital. Officers continue to search for the suspect wanted in the pursuit.

Update: Kan. woman, deputy injured after crash during chase

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary that included over two dozen guns from a home in Manhattan.

Just after 7:30p.m. Sunday, officers filed a report for burglary in the 900 block of De Hoff Drive in Manhattan.

A 42-year-old man reported an unknown suspect entered his unoccupied house and stole a black AK47 rifle, a Bear Creek Arsenal rifle, two Palmetto State Armory rifles, a Bravo Company USA rifle, a Stagg Arms AR rifle, an AKV PSA rifle, a Tavor IWI rifle, a Keltec Bullpup rifle, a CZ Scorpion rifle, a Patrol AR10 rifle, a 20 gauge shotgun, an EOTech 512 sight, Vortex and Bushnell red dot sights, Seymour, Trijicon and Primary scopes, Glock 17 and 19 handguns, and Walter PP22 and PPK handguns. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $15,250. 

Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary that included over two dozen guns from a home in Manhattan.Just after 7:30p.m. Sunday, officers filed a report for burglary in the 900 block of De Hoff Drive in Manhattan.A 42-year-old man reported an unknown suspect entered his unoccupied house and stole a black AK47 rifle, a Bear Creek Arsenal rifle, two Palmetto State Armory rifles, a Bravo Company USA rifle, a Stagg Arms AR rifle, an AKV PSA rifle, a Tavor IWI rifle, a Keltec Bullpup rifle, a CZ Scorpion rifle, a Patrol AR10 rifle, a 20 gauge shotgun, an EOTech 512 sight, Vortex and Bushnell red dot sights, Seymour, Trijicon and Primary scopes, Glock 17 and 19 handguns, and Walter PP22 and PPK handguns. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $15,250. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Police: Over a dozen guns taken from Kan. home

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY- A house in the rural Saline County community of Brookville was a total loss after a fire Saturday afternoon.

Just after 4:30p.m. Saturday, deputies and firefighters were sent to the 100 block of W. Third in Brookville&nbsp; for the report of a structure fire. Firefighters from both Rural Fire District No. 3 and Rural Fire District No. 7 responded to the blaze, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander.

The occupant of the house left a pot on the stove and also must have left the stove on. The house was a total loss, he noted.

Two cats died in the fire, Melander reported. Two dogs and a cat are missing, he added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631029249608.jpeg" alt="Fire destroyed this Brookville house Saturday.Photo&nbsp; Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Fire destroyed this Brookville house Saturday.Photo&nbsp; Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY- A house in the rural Saline County community of Brookville was a total loss after a fire Saturday afternoon.Just after 4:30p.m. Saturday, deputies and firefighters were sent to the 100 block of W. Third in Brookville&nbsp; for the report of a structure fire. Firefighters from both Rural Fire District No. 3 and Rural Fire District No. 7 responded to the blaze, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander.The occupant of the house left a pot on the stove and also must have left the stove on. The house was a total loss, he noted.Two cats died in the fire, Melander reported. Two dogs and a cat are missing, he added.

Rural Kan. home a total loss after pot left on stove

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department said Monday that it will not tolerate violence against anyone who is trying to obtain an abortion in Texas as federal officials explore options to challenge a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-health-texas-us-supreme-court-85f0a113234774771bb6c2a7e51391cc">new state law that bans most abortions</a>.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department would “protect those seeking to obtain or provide reproductive health services” under a federal law known as the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

Garland said in a statement that federal prosecutors are still urgently exploring options to challenge the Texas law. He said the Justice Department would enforce the federal law “in order to protect the constitutional rights of women and other persons, including access to an abortion.”

The federal law, commonly known as the FACE Act, prohibits physically obstructing or using the threat of force to intimidate or interfere with a person seeking reproductive health services. The law also prohibits damaging property at abortion clinics and other reproductive health centers.

The new Texas law prohibits abortions once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity, usually around six weeks — before some women know they’re pregnant. Courts have blocked other states from imposing similar restrictions, but Texas’ law differs significantly because it leaves enforcement up to private citizens through lawsuits instead of criminal prosecutors.

Justice Department officials have also been in contact with U.S. attorneys in Texas and the FBI field offices in the state to discuss enforcing the federal provisions.

“The department will provide support from federal law enforcement when an abortion clinic or reproductive health center is under attack,” Garland said. “We will not tolerate violence against those seeking to obtain or provide reproductive health services, physical obstruction or property damage in violation of the FACE Act.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617900442566.png" alt="Attorney General Garland said in a statement that federal prosecutors are still urgently exploring options to challenge the Texas law. -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Garland said in a statement that federal prosecutors are still urgently exploring options to challenge the Texas law. -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department said Monday that it will not tolerate violence against anyone who is trying to obtain an abortion in Texas as federal officials explore options to challenge a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-health-texas-us-supreme-court-85f0a113234774771bb6c2a7e51391cc">new state law that bans most abortions</a>.Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department would “protect those seeking to obtain or provide reproductive health services” under a federal law known as the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.Garland said in a statement that federal prosecutors are still urgently exploring options to challenge the Texas law. He said the Justice Department would enforce the federal law “in order to protect the constitutional rights of women and other persons, including access to an abortion.”The federal law, commonly known as the FACE Act, prohibits physically obstructing or using the threat of force to intimidate or interfere with a person seeking reproductive health services. The law also prohibits damaging property at abortion clinics and other reproductive health centers.The new Texas law prohibits abortions once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity, usually around six weeks — before some women know they’re pregnant. Courts have blocked other states from imposing similar restrictions, but Texas’ law differs significantly because it leaves enforcement up to private citizens through lawsuits instead of criminal prosecutors.Justice Department officials have also been in contact with U.S. attorneys in Texas and the FBI field offices in the state to discuss enforcing the federal provisions.“The department will provide support from federal law enforcement when an abortion clinic or reproductive health center is under attack,” Garland said. “We will not tolerate violence against those seeking to obtain or provide reproductive health services, physical obstruction or property damage in violation of the FACE Act.”

Justice Department takes action in latest abortion battle

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal nightclub shooting in Wichita are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as 23-year-old Keshawn Dawson, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, 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. 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.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that fatally injured 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita and injured five other woman who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, 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;

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

Police are expected to release additional details later Tuesday, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631032156553.png" alt="Dawson photo from an earlier arrest in Sedgwick County. He is currently wanted on two Felony Sedgwick County warrants and is prohibited from having a firearm, according to Captain Jason Stephens." />
 <figcaption>Dawson photo from an earlier arrest in Sedgwick County. He is currently wanted on two Felony Sedgwick County warrants and is prohibited from having a firearm, according to Captain Jason Stephens.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal nightclub shooting in Wichita are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as 23-year-old Keshawn Dawson, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.Just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, 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. 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.---------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that fatally injured 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita and injured five other woman who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, 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;The investigation revealed a male suspect got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; The suspect returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.Police are expected to release additional details later Tuesday, according to Davidson.

Police search for gunman in fatal Kan. club shooting

TOPEKA —Senator Roger Marshall announced Tuesday he is going to support Attorney General Derek Schmidt's bid for Governor.

Marshall wrote on social media, "I was saddened to hear of the diagnosis of my friend Dr. Jeff Colyer. His health and family are top priority, and he will be in our family prayers as he’s begins his cancer treatment. He has an excellent prognosis and I know he will defeat this disease."

"With Colyer’s exit from the Republican Primary for Governor, there is a clear path and opportunity for Kansas Republicans to coalesce behind one solid candidate, avoiding a costly, contentious, and detrimental primary race.

Doing so will save Republicans precious resources to defeat the real opponent: Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp; whose administration has turned its back on the values of Kansas&nbsp; since day one. Attorney General Derek Schmidt will be the man for the job and he has our full and complete endorsement and support."

Schmidt followed the news with his own social media statement, "U.S. Senator Marshall has endorsed my campaign for governor.&nbsp; Roger fights every day in Washington D.C. to represent Kansas families, and together we’ll fight for our conservative values here at home. Thank you for the support, Doc."

TOPEKA —Senator Roger Marshall announced Tuesday he is going to support Attorney General Derek Schmidt's bid for Governor.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. Senator <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerMarshallMD</a> has endorsed my campaign for governor! Roger fights every day in Washington D.C. to represent Kansas families, and together we’ll fight for our conservative values here at home. Thank you for the support, Doc! <a href="https://t.co/tNGytjIhBs">pic.twitter.com/tNGytjIhBs</a>&mdash; Derek Schmidt (@DerekSchmidtKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DerekSchmidtKS/status/1435249005181784069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Marshall wrote on social media, "I was saddened to hear of the diagnosis of my friend Dr. Jeff Colyer. His health and family are top priority, and he will be in our family prayers as he’s begins his cancer treatment. He has an excellent prognosis and I know he will defeat this disease.""With Colyer’s exit from the Republican Primary for Governor, there is a clear path and opportunity for Kansas Republicans to coalesce behind one solid candidate, avoiding a costly, contentious, and detrimental primary race.Doing so will save Republicans precious resources to defeat the real opponent: Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp; whose administration has turned its back on the values of Kansas&nbsp; since day one. Attorney General Derek Schmidt will be the man for the job and he has our full and complete endorsement and support."Schmidt followed the news with his own social media statement, "U.S. Senator Marshall has endorsed my campaign for governor.&nbsp; Roger fights every day in Washington D.C. to represent Kansas families, and together we’ll fight for our conservative values here at home. Thank you for the support, Doc."

Sen. Marshall endorses Schmidt campaign for governor

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


HUTCHINSON — 
Mark Tallman with the Kansas Association of School Boards has attended 
most of the meetings on the Kansans Can success tour and the X factor as
 he sees it is we don't know what kids are going to need to know 
throughout their careers.

"We think about what they know, what you
 can measure on a test," Tallman said. "That is important, but that 
doesn't tell us what they can actually do. It doesn't tell us how 
they'll be able to change, because preparing in a certain way with a 
certain set of knowledge doesn't help you, if what you need to know 
changes in the future."

There are many skills kids got outside of the formal classroom, that are just as important as the knowledge they may gain there.

"Adaptability
 and problem solving and the ability to be more self directed, those are
 all things that we don't really think about as part of the mission of 
schools," Tallman said. "What we are hearing from parents and business 
and others is to say, that's what young people really need to have."

Teaching
 the ability to pivot when you need to synthesize new information is the
 educational holy grail that makes someone employable throughout their 
career.

"How do you teach a child to say, I don't know how to do 
this, how do I figure that out?" Tallman said. "What many people seem to
 be saying is, you do that by making school more about projects, more 
about things to accomplish than it has traditionally been. When you're 
confronted with a whole new thing you didn't study, instead of just kind
 of giving up or saying that's not my job or that's not what I was 
trained to do, you have a whole set of skills that says, I need to 
figure this out, here's tools I can use to figure it out, here's how I 
can get help, here's how I can work with other people. I'm going to take
 responsibility for this."

Extracurricular activities and 
community activities can help, but for kids who struggle academically, 
they might not get those opportunities, because they're still trying to 
get the actual school work done. 

Also, because of financial 
hardship, they may not get the chance to put themselves in new 
situations through things like travel that force them to learn to pivot 
to gain knowledge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582221969260.jpeg" alt="Mark Tallman, Kansas Association of School Boards" />
 <figcaption>Mark Tallman, Kansas Association of School Boards</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — 
Mark Tallman with the Kansas Association of School Boards has attended 
most of the meetings on the Kansans Can success tour and the X factor as
 he sees it is we don't know what kids are going to need to know 
throughout their careers."We think about what they know, what you
 can measure on a test," Tallman said. "That is important, but that 
doesn't tell us what they can actually do. It doesn't tell us how 
they'll be able to change, because preparing in a certain way with a 
certain set of knowledge doesn't help you, if what you need to know 
changes in the future."There are many skills kids got outside of the formal classroom, that are just as important as the knowledge they may gain there."Adaptability
 and problem solving and the ability to be more self directed, those are
 all things that we don't really think about as part of the mission of 
schools," Tallman said. "What we are hearing from parents and business 
and others is to say, that's what young people really need to have."Teaching
 the ability to pivot when you need to synthesize new information is the
 educational holy grail that makes someone employable throughout their 
career."How do you teach a child to say, I don't know how to do 
this, how do I figure that out?" Tallman said. "What many people seem to
 be saying is, you do that by making school more about projects, more 
about things to accomplish than it has traditionally been. When you're 
confronted with a whole new thing you didn't study, instead of just kind
 of giving up or saying that's not my job or that's not what I was 
trained to do, you have a whole set of skills that says, I need to 
figure this out, here's tools I can use to figure it out, here's how I 
can get help, here's how I can work with other people. I'm going to take
 responsibility for this."Extracurricular activities and 
community activities can help, but for kids who struggle academically, 
they might not get those opportunities, because they're still trying to 
get the actual school work done. Also, because of financial 
hardship, they may not get the chance to put themselves in new 
situations through things like travel that force them to learn to pivot 
to gain knowledge.

Tallman: Teaching kids how to adapt key to employability

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp; Governor Laura Kelly sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging Congress to pass legislation that would create a Medicaid expansion work-around in non-expansion states, according to a media release from her office. Congress is currently in recess. The Senate returns to work next week and the House will return to work in two weeks.

&nbsp;C<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.9lW22caAt8L9I838xi9x-uksYPsusV_uwXL7txKjaEw/s/1303160919/br/111809491076-l" target="_blank">lick here</a>&nbsp;to see a copy of the letter.

“Kansas is one of twelve states that has failed to expand Medicaid, and this political obstruction has prevented 165,000 Kansans from accessing quality, affordable health care,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“My administration will continue to fight for Medicaid expansion at the state level, but until then, this federal legislation will allow us to bypass the self-destructive politics pushed by the Republican leaders in the statehouse and bring resources, jobs, and life-saving health care to our state.”

Passing H.R. 4595, the&nbsp;Medicaid Saves Lives Act, or including similar provisions in the pending budget and reconciliation process, would allow eligible residents of non-expansion states like Kansas to access full Medicaid coverage at no additional cost to states or the federal government. Additionally, this legislation would increase federal medical assistance percentages by ten percent for states that expand Medicaid, providing states like Kansas ten years to access full funding if they choose to expand Medicaid at the state level.

Currently, Kansas is one of twelve states that has failed to expand Medicaid – despite overwhelming public approval and the predicted economic benefits, including:

Additionally, Medicaid expansion in Kansas would:

“The&nbsp;Medicaid Saves Lives Act&nbsp;is the chance Kansans have been waiting for. It’s the right thing to do to support our people, our communities, and our economy,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp; Governor Laura Kelly sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging Congress to pass legislation that would create a Medicaid expansion work-around in non-expansion states, according to a media release from her office. Congress is currently in recess. The Senate returns to work next week and the House will return to work in two weeks.&nbsp;C<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.9lW22caAt8L9I838xi9x-uksYPsusV_uwXL7txKjaEw/s/1303160919/br/111809491076-l" target="_blank">lick here</a>&nbsp;to see a copy of the letter.“Kansas is one of twelve states that has failed to expand Medicaid, and this political obstruction has prevented 165,000 Kansans from accessing quality, affordable health care,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“My administration will continue to fight for Medicaid expansion at the state level, but until then, this federal legislation will allow us to bypass the self-destructive politics pushed by the Republican leaders in the statehouse and bring resources, jobs, and life-saving health care to our state.”Passing H.R. 4595, the&nbsp;Medicaid Saves Lives Act, or including similar provisions in the pending budget and reconciliation process, would allow eligible residents of non-expansion states like Kansas to access full Medicaid coverage at no additional cost to states or the federal government. Additionally, this legislation would increase federal medical assistance percentages by ten percent for states that expand Medicaid, providing states like Kansas ten years to access full funding if they choose to expand Medicaid at the state level.Currently, Kansas is one of twelve states that has failed to expand Medicaid – despite overwhelming public approval and the predicted economic benefits, including:<ul>
 <li>Adding nearly 23,000 new jobs in the state of Kansas;</li><li>Creating $17 billion in economic output through 2025;</li><li>Raising personal income by $6.3 billion; and</li><li>Saving private-sector employers up to $80.6 million.</li>
 </ul>Additionally, Medicaid expansion in Kansas would:<ul>
 <li>Provide affordable health care to 165,000 Kansans who currently fall into a health coverage gap - including 7,400 veterans and their spouses;</li><li>Support Kansas’ rural hospitals and communities; and</li><li>Enhance services for mental health and substance use disorders.</li>
 </ul>“The&nbsp;Medicaid Saves Lives Act&nbsp;is the chance Kansans have been waiting for. It’s the right thing to do to support our people, our communities, and our economy,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.

Gov. wants federal workaround for Medicaid expansion 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police in the southeastern Kansas city of Wichita say one person was killed and seven others were injured in a shooting at a downtown nightclub. Wichita police Capt. Wendell Nicholson says the shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Enigma Club &amp; Lounge. 

Police believe a man who had been kicked out of the club returned with a gun. Television station KAKE reports that the man opened fire on club patrons from the sidewalk. 

Television station KSN reports that a 30-year-old man died from his injuries and seven others were injured. Police say they're searching for a suspect in his 20s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631010543843.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting early Tuesday photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting early Tuesday photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that fatally injured 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita and injured five other woman who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, 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;The investigation revealed a male suspect got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; The suspect returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.Police are expected to release additional details later Tuesday, according to Davidson.------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police in the southeastern Kansas city of Wichita say one person was killed and seven others were injured in a shooting at a downtown nightclub. Wichita police Capt. Wendell Nicholson says the shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Enigma Club &amp; Lounge. Police believe a man who had been kicked out of the club returned with a gun. Television station KAKE reports that the man opened fire on club patrons from the sidewalk. Television station KSN reports that a 30-year-old man died from his injuries and seven others were injured. Police say they're searching for a suspect in his 20s.

Update: Police ID Kan. man killed in club shooting

NEW YORK (AP) — Millions of jobless Americans lost their unemployment benefits on Monday, leaving only a handful of economic support programs for those who are still being hit financially by the year-and-a-half-old coronavirus pandemic.

Two critical programs expired on Monday. One provided jobless aid to self-employed and gig workers and another provided benefits to those who have been unemployed more than six months. Further, the Biden administration’s $300 weekly supplemental unemployment benefit also ran out on Monday.

It’s estimated that roughly 8.9 million Americans will lose all or some of these benefits.

While the White House has encouraged states to keep paying the $300 weekly benefit by using money from the stimulus bills, no states have opted to do so. Many states even opted out of the federal program early after some businesses complained that they couldn’t find enough people to hire. The data have shown minimal economic benefits from cutting off aid early in those states.

Economists Peter McCrory and Daniel Silver of JPMorgan found “zero correlation″ between job growth and state decisions to drop the federal unemployment aid, at least so far. An economist at Columbia University, Kyle Coombs, found only minimal benefits.

The amount of money injected by the federal government into jobless benefits since the pandemic began is nothing short of astronomical. The roughly $650 billion, according to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, kept millions of Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own in their apartments, paying for food and gasoline, and keeping up with their bills. The banking industry has largely attributed the few defaults on loans this past 18 months to the government relief efforts.

“The end of the pandemic unemployment benefits will be an abrupt jolt to millions of Americans who won’t find a job in time for this arbitrary end to assistance,” Andrew Stettner with the Century Foundation said in a report.

The ending of these programs comes as the U.S. economy has recovered from the pandemic, but with substantial gaps in the recovery. The Labor Department says there are still 5.7 million fewer jobs than before the pandemic. Yet the department also estimated, last month, that there were roughly 10 million job openings.

These benefits are also ending sooner than during the previous crisis, the Great Recession. In that downturn, jobless benefits in various forms were extended from the start of the recession in 2008-2009 all the way until 2013. When those benefits finally ended, just 1.3 million people were still receiving aid.

Americans still financially struggling in the pandemic will find a smaller patchwork of social support programs, both at the state level and through the federal government.

The White House approved last month a 25% increase in food stamp assistance, also known as SNAP benefits. That increase will continue indefinitely for those 42.7 million Americans who receive those payments.

While the federal eviction moratorium has expired, roughly a dozen states — all controlled by Democrats — have extended their moratoriums, including California, New York, Washington, Illinois and Minnesota. New York’s eviction moratorium was extended until Jan. 15.

The Biden administration also pushed the restart of federal student loan repayments until January. Those were supposed to have restarted this month.

Those unemployed less than six months will still be able to collect their benefits, but the amount will fall back to the level that each state pays. The average weekly check is roughly $387, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, but varies greatly state by state.

But none of these programs will have the flexibility or direct impact as unemployment benefits being paid directly to jobless Americans, wrote JPMorgan economists McCrory and Silver. They say the loss of benefits could lead to job losses that potentially could offset any of the job gains made as the economy recovers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628346834944.png" alt="Pres. Biden has encouraged states to keep paying the $300 weekly benefit by using money from the stimulus bills, no states have opted to do so.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Pres. Biden has encouraged states to keep paying the $300 weekly benefit by using money from the stimulus bills, no states have opted to do so.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Millions of jobless Americans lost their unemployment benefits on Monday, leaving only a handful of economic support programs for those who are still being hit financially by the year-and-a-half-old coronavirus pandemic.Two critical programs expired on Monday. One provided jobless aid to self-employed and gig workers and another provided benefits to those who have been unemployed more than six months. Further, the Biden administration’s $300 weekly supplemental unemployment benefit also ran out on Monday.It’s estimated that roughly 8.9 million Americans will lose all or some of these benefits.While the White House has encouraged states to keep paying the $300 weekly benefit by using money from the stimulus bills, no states have opted to do so. Many states even opted out of the federal program early after some businesses complained that they couldn’t find enough people to hire. The data have shown minimal economic benefits from cutting off aid early in those states.Economists Peter McCrory and Daniel Silver of JPMorgan found “zero correlation″ between job growth and state decisions to drop the federal unemployment aid, at least so far. An economist at Columbia University, Kyle Coombs, found only minimal benefits.The amount of money injected by the federal government into jobless benefits since the pandemic began is nothing short of astronomical. The roughly $650 billion, according to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, kept millions of Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own in their apartments, paying for food and gasoline, and keeping up with their bills. The banking industry has largely attributed the few defaults on loans this past 18 months to the government relief efforts.“The end of the pandemic unemployment benefits will be an abrupt jolt to millions of Americans who won’t find a job in time for this arbitrary end to assistance,” Andrew Stettner with the Century Foundation said in a report.The ending of these programs comes as the U.S. economy has recovered from the pandemic, but with substantial gaps in the recovery. The Labor Department says there are still 5.7 million fewer jobs than before the pandemic. Yet the department also estimated, last month, that there were roughly 10 million job openings.These benefits are also ending sooner than during the previous crisis, the Great Recession. In that downturn, jobless benefits in various forms were extended from the start of the recession in 2008-2009 all the way until 2013. When those benefits finally ended, just 1.3 million people were still receiving aid.Americans still financially struggling in the pandemic will find a smaller patchwork of social support programs, both at the state level and through the federal government.The White House approved last month a 25% increase in food stamp assistance, also known as SNAP benefits. That increase will continue indefinitely for those 42.7 million Americans who receive those payments.While the federal eviction moratorium has expired, roughly a dozen states — all controlled by Democrats — have extended their moratoriums, including California, New York, Washington, Illinois and Minnesota. New York’s eviction moratorium was extended until Jan. 15.The Biden administration also pushed the restart of federal student loan repayments until January. Those were supposed to have restarted this month.Those unemployed less than six months will still be able to collect their benefits, but the amount will fall back to the level that each state pays. The average weekly check is roughly $387, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, but varies greatly state by state.But none of these programs will have the flexibility or direct impact as unemployment benefits being paid directly to jobless Americans, wrote JPMorgan economists McCrory and Silver. They say the loss of benefits could lead to job losses that potentially could offset any of the job gains made as the economy recovers.____

Jobless Americans have few options as benefits expire

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds people that 
September&nbsp;15, 2021, is the deadline for third quarter estimated tax 
payments. This generally applies to people who are self-employed and 
some investors, retirees and those who may not normally have taxes 
withheld from their paycheck by their employers.

The U.S. tax system operates on a pay-as-you-go basis. This means 
taxpayers are to pay most of their tax during the year, as they earn or 
receive income. Therefore, individuals not subject to withholding may 
need to make quarterly estimated tax payments.

In most cases, taxpayers should make <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">quarterly estimated tax payments</a> for 2021 if both of the following apply:

Taxpayers with income not subject to withholding, including interest, dividends, capital gains, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc452">alimony</a>, cryptocurrency and rental income, normally make estimated tax payments.

Special rules apply to some groups of taxpayers, such as farmers, fishermen, casualty and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/disaster-assistance-and-emergency-relief-for-individuals-and-businesses">disaster victims</a>, those who recently became disabled, recent retirees and those who receive income unevenly during the year. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p505">Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax</a>, provides more information on estimated tax rules. The worksheet in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-es">Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals</a>, or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1120-w">Form 1120-W, Estimated Tax for Corporations</a>, has details on who must pay estimated tax.

If a taxpayer underpaid their taxes, they may have to pay a penalty. 
This applies whether they paid through withholding or through estimated 
tax payments. A penalty may also apply for late estimated tax payments 
even if someone is due a refund when they file their tax return.

To see if they owe a penalty, taxpayers should use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-2210">Form 2210</a>. The IRS may waive the penalty if someone underpaid because of unusual circumstances and not willful neglect. Examples include:

To figure estimated tax, an individual must figure their expected 
adjusted gross income (AGI), taxable income, taxes, deductions and 
credits for the year. When figuring 2021 estimated tax, it may be 
helpful to use income, deductions and credits for 2020 as a starting 
point. Use the 2020 federal tax return as a guide. Taxpayers can use 
Form 1040-ES to figure their estimated tax. Nonresident aliens use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-es-nr">Form 1040-ES (NR)</a> to figure estimated tax.

Taxpayers must make adjustments both for changes in their own 
situation and for recent changes in the tax law. For instance, tax 
provisions in the American Rescue Plan of 2021 may impact an individual 
taxpayer's situation. For more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p505.pdf">Publication 505 under What's New for 2021</a>.

For information about these and other changes in the law, visit 
IRS.gov. The instructions for Form 1040-ES include a worksheet to help 
taxpayers figure their estimated tax. Keep the worksheet for records.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 on IRS.gov offers taxpayers a clear, step-by-step method to have the 
right amount of tax withheld from wages and pensions. It also has 
instructions to file a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4">Form W-4</a> to give to their employer to adjust the amount withheld each payday.

The fourth and final 2021 estimated tax payment is due January&nbsp;17, 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRS<h2>IRS YouTube Video:</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PWcQGMdvP8">Estimated Tax Payments</a></li>
 </ul>IR-2021-177, September 7, 2021WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds people that 
September&nbsp;15, 2021, is the deadline for third quarter estimated tax 
payments. This generally applies to people who are self-employed and 
some investors, retirees and those who may not normally have taxes 
withheld from their paycheck by their employers.The U.S. tax system operates on a pay-as-you-go basis. This means 
taxpayers are to pay most of their tax during the year, as they earn or 
receive income. Therefore, individuals not subject to withholding may 
need to make quarterly estimated tax payments.<h2>Who should pay quarterly?</h2>In most cases, taxpayers should make <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">quarterly estimated tax payments</a> for 2021 if both of the following apply:<ul>
 <li>Individuals expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for 2021 after subtracting their withholding and tax credits.</li><li>They expect their withholding and tax credits to be less than the smaller of:
	90% of the tax to be shown on their 2021 tax return or100% of the tax shown on their 2020 tax return. Their 2020 tax return must cover all 12 months.</li><li>90% of the tax to be shown on their 2021 tax return or</li><li>100% of the tax shown on their 2020 tax return. Their 2020 tax return must cover all 12 months.</li>
 </ul>Taxpayers with income not subject to withholding, including interest, dividends, capital gains, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc452">alimony</a>, cryptocurrency and rental income, normally make estimated tax payments.Special rules apply to some groups of taxpayers, such as farmers, fishermen, casualty and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/disaster-assistance-and-emergency-relief-for-individuals-and-businesses">disaster victims</a>, those who recently became disabled, recent retirees and those who receive income unevenly during the year. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p505">Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax</a>, provides more information on estimated tax rules. The worksheet in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-es">Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals</a>, or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1120-w">Form 1120-W, Estimated Tax for Corporations</a>, has details on who must pay estimated tax.<h2>Penalty for underpayment</h2>If a taxpayer underpaid their taxes, they may have to pay a penalty. 
This applies whether they paid through withholding or through estimated 
tax payments. A penalty may also apply for late estimated tax payments 
even if someone is due a refund when they file their tax return.To see if they owe a penalty, taxpayers should use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-2210">Form 2210</a>. The IRS may waive the penalty if someone underpaid because of unusual circumstances and not willful neglect. Examples include:<ul>
 <li>casualty, disaster or another unusual situation,</li><li>an individual retired after reaching age 62 during a tax year when estimated tax payments applied and</li><li>an individual became disabled during a tax year when estimated tax payments applied.</li>
 </ul><h2>How to figure estimated tax</h2>To figure estimated tax, an individual must figure their expected 
adjusted gross income (AGI), taxable income, taxes, deductions and 
credits for the year. When figuring 2021 estimated tax, it may be 
helpful to use income, deductions and credits for 2020 as a starting 
point. Use the 2020 federal tax return as a guide. Taxpayers can use 
Form 1040-ES to figure their estimated tax. Nonresident aliens use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-es-nr">Form 1040-ES (NR)</a> to figure estimated tax.Taxpayers must make adjustments both for changes in their own 
situation and for recent changes in the tax law. For instance, tax 
provisions in the American Rescue Plan of 2021 may impact an individual 
taxpayer's situation. For more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p505.pdf">Publication 505 under What's New for 2021</a>.For information about these and other changes in the law, visit 
IRS.gov. The instructions for Form 1040-ES include a worksheet to help 
taxpayers figure their estimated tax. Keep the worksheet for records.The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 on IRS.gov offers taxpayers a clear, step-by-step method to have the 
right amount of tax withheld from wages and pensions. It also has 
instructions to file a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4">Form W-4</a> to give to their employer to adjust the amount withheld each payday.<h2>Other IRS.gov resources</h2><ul>
 <li>The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">Pay</a> tab on the front page of IRS.gov provides complete tax payment information, how and when to pay, payment options and more.</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-2210">Form 2210, Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Individuals, Estates, and Trusts</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-2220">Form 2220, Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Corporations</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-unemployment-compensation-is-taxable-have-tax-withheld-now-and-avoid-a-tax-time-surprise">IRS: Unemployment compensation is taxable; have tax withheld now and avoid a tax-time surprise</a></li>
 </ul>The fourth and final 2021 estimated tax payment is due January&nbsp;17, 2022.

IRS: Deadline for third quarter estimated tax payments looming

By PETE RICKETTS Nebraska governor

Twenty years ago, the United States suffered the terrorist attacks of
 9/11.&nbsp; No one old enough to remember that day will ever forget it.&nbsp; It 
was surreal to watch the Twin Towers collapse and heartbreaking to see 
images of first responders covered head to toe in dust, searching 
through the debris in Manhattan.

The 9/11 attacks claimed 2,977 innocent lives.&nbsp; The casualties included a number of individuals with ties to Nebraska.&nbsp;

These are just a
 few of the men and women with Nebraska connections who perished on 
9/11.&nbsp; While mourning their loss, Nebraskans have kept their memories 
alive.&nbsp; Jennifer Dorsey-Howley’s family and friends generously donated 
funds to renovate the Lincoln Southeast High School Performing Arts 
Center, which is named in Jennifer’s honor.&nbsp; UNL retired the jersey of 
Julie Geis and gives an annual softball scholarship in her name each 
year.&nbsp; St. Boniface Catholic School in Elgin awards a scholarship in 
memory of Captain Larry Getzfred.&nbsp; Friends of Monte Hord spearheaded an 
effort to place a memorial clock in Central City as a tribute to him and
 to all of the victims of 9/11.&nbsp;

In 2001, Columbus resident Dennis
 Hirschbrunner worked for a firm with connections to the City of New 
York’s Department of Sanitation.&nbsp; He leveraged these relationships to 
get access to steel beams from the Twin Towers.&nbsp; A flatbed truck from 
Behlen Manufacturing Company hauled the beams back to Nebraska, where 
Jim Hellbusch at Duo Lift led a team that welded them together to create
 the Freedom Memorial at Pawnee Park.&nbsp;

As terrible as 9/11 was, we
 also remember that day as an amazing display of American courage and 
bravery.&nbsp; Firefighters heroically ran&nbsp;into&nbsp;the burning towers and up 
stairways to perform rescues.&nbsp; First responders selflessly tended to the
 wounded, even as they struggled to breathe themselves due to the clouds
 of dust and ash.&nbsp; Passengers on Flight 93 sacrificed their lives to 
prevent hijackers from flying the plane into the U.S. Capitol.&nbsp; These 
stories of courage have become part of our collective memory, and 
they’ll inspire generations of Americans.

Joe Lemm was one of the 
Nebraskans who helped respond to the 9/11 tragedy.&nbsp; Joe had played high 
school football in Beemer, graduated, and joined the Air Force. &nbsp;After 
the service, he became an officer with the New York Police Department 
(NYPD). &nbsp;For weeks after 9/11, Lemm worked with his fellow NYPD 
officers, even when off duty, to dig through the rubble in search of 
survivors.

After 9/11, being one of New York’s finest wasn’t 
enough service for Joe. &nbsp;He joined the Air National Guard. &nbsp;In December 
2015, on his third combat deployment, he was killed near Bagram Air 
Force Base in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber. &nbsp;His life displayed the 
highest ideals of what it means to be a Nebraskan—bravery, service, and 
sacrifice.&nbsp;

On this anniversary of 9/11, we also remember all of 
the brave women and men who gave their lives in Operation Enduring 
Freedom (2001-2014) and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (2015-2021).&nbsp; This 
includes Marine Corporal Daegan Page, the 23-year-old Millard South 
graduate who died defending freedom last month in Kabul.&nbsp; Daegan’s 
sacrifice, and the dedicated service of heroes like him, have prevented 
terrorists from perpetrating additional attacks on the United States.

We
 can’t let the tragic and disastrous withdrawal of U.S. forces from 
Afghanistan overshadow the valor of our troops.&nbsp; Their mission has not 
been in vain. &nbsp;They’ve protected the U.S. and our allies, while rooting 
out terrorist networks across the globe.

The United States is the 
greatest nation on earth because of the dedication of those who bravely 
step up to protect our country.&nbsp; Both at home and abroad, Americans make
 tremendous sacrifices in the interest of our national security and 
public safety.&nbsp; We’re blessed by the thousands of patriots—past and 
present—who have served in the Armed Forces, Homeland Security, national
 intelligence community, law enforcement, and as first responders.&nbsp; The 
families of these courageous men and women serve alongside them and 
offer invaluable support.&nbsp; On Patriot Day, let’s express gratitude to 
our friends and neighbors who’ve served in these capacities.

Our 
greatness depends on our character and willingness to pull together to 
overcome challenges.&nbsp; After 9/11, Americans came together as one to 
grieve, heal, and respond to our enemies.&nbsp; On the 20th&nbsp;anniversary of 
9/11, let’s remember that “united we stand” and renew our commitment to 
seek patriotic unity and to reach out to our neighbors to reestablish 
friendships that may have been lost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609298844617.jpeg" alt="Neb. Gov. Pete Ricketts" />
 <figcaption>Neb. Gov. Pete Ricketts</figcaption>
 </figure>By PETE RICKETTS Nebraska governorTwenty years ago, the United States suffered the terrorist attacks of
 9/11.&nbsp; No one old enough to remember that day will ever forget it.&nbsp; It 
was surreal to watch the Twin Towers collapse and heartbreaking to see 
images of first responders covered head to toe in dust, searching 
through the debris in Manhattan.The 9/11 attacks claimed 2,977 innocent lives.&nbsp; The casualties included a number of individuals with ties to Nebraska.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Jennifer
 Dorsey-Howley, a graduate of Lincoln Southeast, worked at Aon 
Corporation on the 92nd&nbsp;floor of the South Tower.&nbsp; She was married and 
five months pregnant with her first child at the time of the attacks.</li><li>Julie
 Geis, a native of Beaver Crossing, played shortstop for the Husker 
softball team from 1976-1979 and earned her doctorate from UNL.&nbsp; She 
worked for Aon Corporation and was on the 102nd&nbsp;floor of the South 
Tower.</li><li>Navy Captain Larry Getzfred of Elgin, a married father of two daughters, was on duty at Pentagon’s Navy Command Center.</li><li>Monte
 Hord of Central City was a UNL grad and married father of three. &nbsp;A 
vice president for Cantor Fitzgerald, he was on the 104th&nbsp;floor of the 
North Tower.</li><li>Jerrold Paskins, a graduate of Omaha Central High 
School and UNO, was married with a son.&nbsp; He had traveled to New York 
City from his home in California to conduct an insurance audit and was 
temporarily working out of the Twin Towers.</li>
 </ol>These are just a
 few of the men and women with Nebraska connections who perished on 
9/11.&nbsp; While mourning their loss, Nebraskans have kept their memories 
alive.&nbsp; Jennifer Dorsey-Howley’s family and friends generously donated 
funds to renovate the Lincoln Southeast High School Performing Arts 
Center, which is named in Jennifer’s honor.&nbsp; UNL retired the jersey of 
Julie Geis and gives an annual softball scholarship in her name each 
year.&nbsp; St. Boniface Catholic School in Elgin awards a scholarship in 
memory of Captain Larry Getzfred.&nbsp; Friends of Monte Hord spearheaded an 
effort to place a memorial clock in Central City as a tribute to him and
 to all of the victims of 9/11.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In 2001, Columbus resident Dennis
 Hirschbrunner worked for a firm with connections to the City of New 
York’s Department of Sanitation.&nbsp; He leveraged these relationships to 
get access to steel beams from the Twin Towers.&nbsp; A flatbed truck from 
Behlen Manufacturing Company hauled the beams back to Nebraska, where 
Jim Hellbusch at Duo Lift led a team that welded them together to create
 the Freedom Memorial at Pawnee Park.&nbsp;As terrible as 9/11 was, we
 also remember that day as an amazing display of American courage and 
bravery.&nbsp; Firefighters heroically ran&nbsp;into&nbsp;the burning towers and up 
stairways to perform rescues.&nbsp; First responders selflessly tended to the
 wounded, even as they struggled to breathe themselves due to the clouds
 of dust and ash.&nbsp; Passengers on Flight 93 sacrificed their lives to 
prevent hijackers from flying the plane into the U.S. Capitol.&nbsp; These 
stories of courage have become part of our collective memory, and 
they’ll inspire generations of Americans.Joe Lemm was one of the 
Nebraskans who helped respond to the 9/11 tragedy.&nbsp; Joe had played high 
school football in Beemer, graduated, and joined the Air Force. &nbsp;After 
the service, he became an officer with the New York Police Department 
(NYPD). &nbsp;For weeks after 9/11, Lemm worked with his fellow NYPD 
officers, even when off duty, to dig through the rubble in search of 
survivors.After 9/11, being one of New York’s finest wasn’t 
enough service for Joe. &nbsp;He joined the Air National Guard. &nbsp;In December 
2015, on his third combat deployment, he was killed near Bagram Air 
Force Base in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber. &nbsp;His life displayed the 
highest ideals of what it means to be a Nebraskan—bravery, service, and 
sacrifice.&nbsp;On this anniversary of 9/11, we also remember all of 
the brave women and men who gave their lives in Operation Enduring 
Freedom (2001-2014) and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (2015-2021).&nbsp; This 
includes Marine Corporal Daegan Page, the 23-year-old Millard South 
graduate who died defending freedom last month in Kabul.&nbsp; Daegan’s 
sacrifice, and the dedicated service of heroes like him, have prevented 
terrorists from perpetrating additional attacks on the United States.We
 can’t let the tragic and disastrous withdrawal of U.S. forces from 
Afghanistan overshadow the valor of our troops.&nbsp; Their mission has not 
been in vain. &nbsp;They’ve protected the U.S. and our allies, while rooting 
out terrorist networks across the globe.The United States is the 
greatest nation on earth because of the dedication of those who bravely 
step up to protect our country.&nbsp; Both at home and abroad, Americans make
 tremendous sacrifices in the interest of our national security and 
public safety.&nbsp; We’re blessed by the thousands of patriots—past and 
present—who have served in the Armed Forces, Homeland Security, national
 intelligence community, law enforcement, and as first responders.&nbsp; The 
families of these courageous men and women serve alongside them and 
offer invaluable support.&nbsp; On Patriot Day, let’s express gratitude to 
our friends and neighbors who’ve served in these capacities.Our 
greatness depends on our character and willingness to pull together to 
overcome challenges.&nbsp; After 9/11, Americans came together as one to 
grieve, heal, and respond to our enemies.&nbsp; On the 20th&nbsp;anniversary of 
9/11, let’s remember that “united we stand” and renew our commitment to 
seek patriotic unity and to reach out to our neighbors to reestablish 
friendships that may have been lost.

OPINION: Remembering 9/11, renewing our patriotism

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a weekend standoff.

Just before 10:00 p.m. Friday, sheriff's deputies responded to a 911 call from 14081 Q. Road in rural Jackson, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The caller reported that the man at the residence allegedly was intoxicated and fired a weapon a number of times from the residence. 

A woman at the home was able to escape the residence without serious injury.&nbsp; The heavily armed suspect later identified as&nbsp;Daniel Charles Carlow, 63, of Hoyt  fled the residence into an adjacent wooded area. 

Deputies encountered Carlow and a standoff ensued.  After law enforcement negotiated with him for a period of time, Carlow surrendered to law enforcement.

Deputies booked Carlow into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of aggravated assault, aggravated assault on law enforcement, battery of law enforcement, criminal threat, felony interference with law enforcement, domestic battery, disorderly conduct and possession of a stolen firearm, according to Morse.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630851283231.png" alt="Carlow photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Carlow photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a weekend standoff.Just before 10:00 p.m. Friday, sheriff's deputies responded to a 911 call from 14081 Q. Road in rural Jackson, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The caller reported that the man at the residence allegedly was intoxicated and fired a weapon a number of times from the residence. A woman at the home was able to escape the residence without serious injury.&nbsp; The heavily armed suspect later identified as&nbsp;Daniel Charles Carlow, 63, of Hoyt fled the residence into an adjacent wooded area. Deputies encountered Carlow and a standoff ensued. After law enforcement negotiated with him for a period of time, Carlow surrendered to law enforcement.Deputies booked Carlow into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of aggravated assault, aggravated assault on law enforcement, battery of law enforcement, criminal threat, felony interference with law enforcement, domestic battery, disorderly conduct and possession of a stolen firearm, according to Morse.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas man jailed after standoff with deputies

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — An investigation is underway after a 6-year-old girl on vacation with her family died at an amusement park in the western Colorado town of Glenwood Springs.

Few details have been released, but Suzanne Emery with the <a href="https://www.glenwoodcaverns.com/seasonal-attractions/">Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park s</a>ays “an incident” occurred Sunday evening on the Haunted Mine Drop ride that caused the death. The Post Independent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.postindependent.com/news/fatality-reported-at-glenwood-caverns-adventure-park/" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;the park will be closed Monday and Tuesday.

“Out of respect and concern for all parties involved, we will not have further comment until all details have been confirmed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved,” Emery said in a news release.

Garfield County Coroner Robert Glassmire said park employees initiated first aid until paramedics arrived and determined the girl had died. The girl’s name has not been released.

The Haunted Mine Drop, which opened in July 2017, is billed as the first drop ride to go underground, plunging riders 110 feet (33 meters) inside of Iron Mountain. Park visitors are required to sign a release of liability waiver before going on any rides or attractions.

The sheriff’s and coroner’s offices are investigating the death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630969323925.png" alt="Photo courtesy Glenwood Cavern Adventure Park" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Glenwood Cavern Adventure Park</figcaption>
 </figure>GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — An investigation is underway after a 6-year-old girl on vacation with her family died at an amusement park in the western Colorado town of Glenwood Springs.Few details have been released, but Suzanne Emery with the <a href="https://www.glenwoodcaverns.com/seasonal-attractions/">Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park s</a>ays “an incident” occurred Sunday evening on the Haunted Mine Drop ride that caused the death. The Post Independent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.postindependent.com/news/fatality-reported-at-glenwood-caverns-adventure-park/" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;the park will be closed Monday and Tuesday.“Out of respect and concern for all parties involved, we will not have further comment until all details have been confirmed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved,” Emery said in a news release.Garfield County Coroner Robert Glassmire said park employees initiated first aid until paramedics arrived and determined the girl had died. The girl’s name has not been released.The Haunted Mine Drop, which opened in July 2017, is billed as the first drop ride to go underground, plunging riders 110 feet (33 meters) inside of Iron Mountain. Park visitors are required to sign a release of liability waiver before going on any rides or attractions.The sheriff’s and coroner’s offices are investigating the death.

Girl, 6, dies on mine drop ride at Colorado amusement park

KANSAS CITY(AP) — A man who has been in prison for more than 40 years for a triple murder in Kansas City that many legal and political officials believe he did not commit will have to wait several more weeks before a court hearing that could lead to his release.

Kevin Strickland’s chance of being released seemed to be improving earlier this week, when a judge scheduled a hearing for Thursday for prosecutors to argue that he should be free. Strickland has been imprisoned since 1979.

But Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-b9748da3015f827cc009cc10cfb2478d">argued that Strickland is guilty</a>, filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-kansas-missouri-4b11c90ec6845d9459e44ddaee5be20d">an emergency motion Wednesday to delay the hearing&nbsp;</a>to provide more time for preparation, and a Missouri Court of Appeals panel ruled in Schmitt’s favor.

Instead, during a hearing Thursday, Circuit Judge Judge Kevin Harrell set a Sept. 13 court date for attorneys to argue over motions Schmitt filed in the case. But the date for a hearing that could lead to Strickland’s freedom was not set, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article253932283.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said it was “disappointing” that Strickland’s innocence claim was not heard Thursday and that her office is pushing for an evidentiary hearing to be set as soon as possible.

“It’s just when,” Peters Baker said. “While it is not yet too late, it’s late. This is late.”

Peters Baker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-michael-brown-06e726b7ef07be53ba7bdb6088282548">announced in May that she and others believe Strickland is innocent</a>&nbsp;because evidence used to convict him in the Kansas City killings on April 25, 1978, has been disproved or recanted.

The Star reported a year ago that two men who pleaded guilty to the killings swore that Strickland was not with them and two other accomplices during the crime.

Under a new law that took effect Saturday, Peters Baker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-816410e8eab142331d08c9d750153d28">filed a motion Monday&nbsp;</a>to have a hearing to allow her office and the attorney general’s office to present arguments before Harrell would determine whether Strickland should be released.

During the Sept. 13 hearing, Harrell will consider Schmitt’s motion that the 16th Circuit Court of Jackson County and its judges will recuse themselves from Strickland’s proceedings because of perceived bias in favor of Strickland’s release.

One of Strickland’s attorneys, Bob Hoffman, of the law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, said the delay means Strickland will miss his mother’s funeral Saturday.

Peters Baker and Strickland’s attorneys have argued that the new law does not give the attorney general’s office authority to request discovery or file motions in the case. But the appeals court on Thursday rejected that argument, which will allow Schmitt to file a motion requesting discovery by Friday evening.

Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, a Democrat from Independence who sponsored the new law, said the legislation was not intended to allow the attorney general’s office to file motions in relation to the hearing.

The appeals court ruling sets “dangerous legal precedent” that the attorney general is using to “needlessly delay justice for the wrongfully imprisoned,” Rizzo said in a statement Wednesday.

The new law also could spur action in St. Louis, where Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner has said she believes Lamar Johnson has been wrongfully imprisoned for 26 years for the 1994 killing of 25-year-old Marcus Boyd in an alleged drug dispute.

The Missouri Supreme Court in March ruled against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-816410e8eab142331d08c9d750153d28">Gardner’s motion for a new trial in</a>&nbsp;March after Schmitt’s office argued successfully that Gardner lacked authority to seek a new trial so many years after the case was adjudicated.

Gardner’s spokeswoman said in a text Wednesday that Gardner “is finalizing next steps in this case and will be presenting evidence in court to deliver the justice that Lamar Johnson deserves.” Spokeswoman Allison Hawk declined further comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620695920927.png" alt="Strickland-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Strickland-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — A man who has been in prison for more than 40 years for a triple murder in Kansas City that many legal and political officials believe he did not commit will have to wait several more weeks before a court hearing that could lead to his release.Kevin Strickland’s chance of being released seemed to be improving earlier this week, when a judge scheduled a hearing for Thursday for prosecutors to argue that he should be free. Strickland has been imprisoned since 1979.But Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-b9748da3015f827cc009cc10cfb2478d">argued that Strickland is guilty</a>, filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-kansas-missouri-4b11c90ec6845d9459e44ddaee5be20d">an emergency motion Wednesday to delay the hearing&nbsp;</a>to provide more time for preparation, and a Missouri Court of Appeals panel ruled in Schmitt’s favor.Instead, during a hearing Thursday, Circuit Judge Judge Kevin Harrell set a Sept. 13 court date for attorneys to argue over motions Schmitt filed in the case. But the date for a hearing that could lead to Strickland’s freedom was not set, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article253932283.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said it was “disappointing” that Strickland’s innocence claim was not heard Thursday and that her office is pushing for an evidentiary hearing to be set as soon as possible.“It’s just when,” Peters Baker said. “While it is not yet too late, it’s late. This is late.”Peters Baker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-michael-brown-06e726b7ef07be53ba7bdb6088282548">announced in May that she and others believe Strickland is innocent</a>&nbsp;because evidence used to convict him in the Kansas City killings on April 25, 1978, has been disproved or recanted.The Star reported a year ago that two men who pleaded guilty to the killings swore that Strickland was not with them and two other accomplices during the crime.Under a new law that took effect Saturday, Peters Baker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-816410e8eab142331d08c9d750153d28">filed a motion Monday&nbsp;</a>to have a hearing to allow her office and the attorney general’s office to present arguments before Harrell would determine whether Strickland should be released.During the Sept. 13 hearing, Harrell will consider Schmitt’s motion that the 16th Circuit Court of Jackson County and its judges will recuse themselves from Strickland’s proceedings because of perceived bias in favor of Strickland’s release.One of Strickland’s attorneys, Bob Hoffman, of the law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, said the delay means Strickland will miss his mother’s funeral Saturday.Peters Baker and Strickland’s attorneys have argued that the new law does not give the attorney general’s office authority to request discovery or file motions in the case. But the appeals court on Thursday rejected that argument, which will allow Schmitt to file a motion requesting discovery by Friday evening.Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, a Democrat from Independence who sponsored the new law, said the legislation was not intended to allow the attorney general’s office to file motions in relation to the hearing.The appeals court ruling sets “dangerous legal precedent” that the attorney general is using to “needlessly delay justice for the wrongfully imprisoned,” Rizzo said in a statement Wednesday.The new law also could spur action in St. Louis, where Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner has said she believes Lamar Johnson has been wrongfully imprisoned for 26 years for the 1994 killing of 25-year-old Marcus Boyd in an alleged drug dispute.The Missouri Supreme Court in March ruled against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-816410e8eab142331d08c9d750153d28">Gardner’s motion for a new trial in</a>&nbsp;March after Schmitt’s office argued successfully that Gardner lacked authority to seek a new trial so many years after the case was adjudicated.Gardner’s spokeswoman said in a text Wednesday that Gardner “is finalizing next steps in this case and will be presenting evidence in court to deliver the justice that Lamar Johnson deserves.” Spokeswoman Allison Hawk declined further comment.

Longtime inmate waits for hearing that could lead to release

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City said two people died early Monday in a crash on Interstate 29 caused by a wrong-way driver.

The crash happened just after 5:30 a.m. Monday when a car driven by a 23-year-old woman was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of the interstate, police said. Investigators said the car then collided head-on with another car driven by a 60-year-old man.

The woman died at the scene of the crash, police said. The man was taken to a hospital, where he died a short time later. Police have not released their names.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City said two people died early Monday in a crash on Interstate 29 caused by a wrong-way driver.The crash happened just after 5:30 a.m. Monday when a car driven by a 23-year-old woman was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of the interstate, police said. Investigators said the car then collided head-on with another car driven by a 60-year-old man.The woman died at the scene of the crash, police said. The man was taken to a hospital, where he died a short time later. Police have not released their names.

Police: 2 dead after wrong-way Kansas City crash

Legislator navigates personal journey from hesitancy to acceptance of COVID vaccine

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/03/rep-howe-navigates-personal-journey-from-hesitancy-to-acceptance-of-covid-19-vaccine/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Salina Rep. Steven Howe was among Republican conservatives in the Kansas House skeptical about COVID-19 vaccines.

The virus’ attack on people he knew, including some who died, a 
comprehensive review of vaccine information, and encouragement of 
trusted friends and family convinced him to accept Pfizer’s vaccine in 
August. Rather than keeping his vaccination status private, he’s taken 
an additional step by publicly encouraging others to get the shots.

He said the decision was not to be taken lightly. He believes firmly 
in individual rights and responsibilities, but his embrace of the 
vaccine was part of keeping his family and community safe from a virus 
factoring in the death of nearly 5,600 Kansans.

“Honestly, like many, I struggled to navigate the tremendous amount 
of information and misinformation that is out there,” Howe said. “I 
wanted to do my best to make an informed decision. But ultimately, it 
finally came down to trust, and whether or not I was willing to trust 
those with the education, training and expertise regarding this 
vaccine.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 47.7% of
 eligible residents in Saline County were fully vaccinated. Overall, the
 CDC said, 57.6% of eligible Kansans have been fully vaccinated.

Howe said rising demand for hospital beds, including facilities such 
as the Salina Regional Health Center, was influential in his decision to
 receive the vaccine.

“I believe it is time to start trusting our institutions again, while
 also respecting the freedom of individuals to make health care 
decisions they’re comfortable with,” Howe said. “If you haven’t received
 your vaccine yet, please consider doing so.”

On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican seeking 
re-election, stood with Washburn University president Jerry Farley in a 
campus building to take questions from reporters. Moran said impetus of 
the visit was to learn more about how the pandemic was influencing 
higher education, especially in terms of federal funding that flowed to 
colleges and universities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630694346403.png" alt="State Rep. Steven Howe, a conservative Republican from Salina, says he agonized over the science of vaccines before accepting a shot for COVID-19 and public urging others to do likewise. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Steven Howe, a conservative Republican from Salina, says he agonized over the science of vaccines before accepting a shot for COVID-19 and public urging others to do likewise. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislator navigates personal journey from hesitancy to acceptance of COVID vaccine</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/03/rep-howe-navigates-personal-journey-from-hesitancy-to-acceptance-of-covid-19-vaccine/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Salina Rep. Steven Howe was among Republican conservatives in the Kansas House skeptical about COVID-19 vaccines.The virus’ attack on people he knew, including some who died, a 
comprehensive review of vaccine information, and encouragement of 
trusted friends and family convinced him to accept Pfizer’s vaccine in 
August. Rather than keeping his vaccination status private, he’s taken 
an additional step by publicly encouraging others to get the shots.He said the decision was not to be taken lightly. He believes firmly 
in individual rights and responsibilities, but his embrace of the 
vaccine was part of keeping his family and community safe from a virus 
factoring in the death of nearly 5,600 Kansans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630694441636.jpeg" alt="Rep. Steven Howe, a Salina Republican, said his journey from vaccine hesitancy to acceptance required a filtering of conflicting information and placing faith in the expertise of health professionals urging vaccination. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Steven Howe, a Salina Republican, said his journey from vaccine hesitancy to acceptance required a filtering of conflicting information and placing faith in the expertise of health professionals urging vaccination. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Honestly, like many, I struggled to navigate the tremendous amount 
of information and misinformation that is out there,” Howe said. “I 
wanted to do my best to make an informed decision. But ultimately, it 
finally came down to trust, and whether or not I was willing to trust 
those with the education, training and expertise regarding this 
vaccine.”The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 47.7% of
 eligible residents in Saline County were fully vaccinated. Overall, the
 CDC said, 57.6% of eligible Kansans have been fully vaccinated.Howe said rising demand for hospital beds, including facilities such 
as the Salina Regional Health Center, was influential in his decision to
 receive the vaccine.“I believe it is time to start trusting our institutions again, while
 also respecting the freedom of individuals to make health care 
decisions they’re comfortable with,” Howe said. “If you haven’t received
 your vaccine yet, please consider doing so.”<h2>Non nobis solum</h2>On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican seeking 
re-election, stood with Washburn University president Jerry Farley in a 
campus building to take questions from reporters. Moran said impetus of 
the visit was to learn more about how the pandemic was influencing 
higher education, especially in terms of federal funding that flowed to 
colleges and universities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630694470752.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican seeking re-election in 2022, said he was opposed to COVID-19 vaccination mandates but was strongly supportive of the effort to convince Kansans to voluntarily accept the shot. (Tim Caprenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican seeking re-election in 2022, said he was opposed to COVID-19 vaccination mandates but was strongly supportive of the effort to convince Kansans to voluntarily accept the shot. (Tim Caprenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Both men pivoted to the issue of COVID-19 vaccination of Kansans, and
 their desire for more people to accept this preventative measure.“It’s impossible for the federal government to continue to just 
provide money to all the places that are damaged by COVID,” Moran said. 
“I’d use this opportunity to encourage students and faculty at Washburn,
 and the people of Kansas, to be vaccinated. We don’t have the resources
 just to continue trying to pay for the consequences of our health 
risks.”Farley said the motto of Washburn University was “non nobis solum,” 
which could be translated to “not for ourselves alone.” The Latin text 
is cast in bronze outside Morgan Hall where he was standing. The 
pandemic and debate about vaccines places into context the value of 
contributing to the greater good of society apart from self interests, 
he said.He said the available vaccines for COVID-19 were safe and capable of 
saving lives. And, he said, it was important for people in prominent 
positions of leadership to talk about benefits of vaccination.“I know there’s a lot of myths out there,” Farley said. “There’s a 
lot of things that are questionable, that are being bandied about on 
social media. But our students understand what it means to think 
critically.”Moran said he wasn’t in favor of mandating COVID-19 vaccinations, 
because the decision must remain with the individual. He said acceptable
 exceptions include directives by private businesses in terms of 
employees. Several large hospitals in the Kansas City area, including 
the University of Kansas Hospital System, are requiring staff to be 
vaccinated.“I would just encourage them to think it’s not just about themselves,
 but it’s also about people they know in their families, their neighbors
 and their community,” Moran said. “We continue to promote good science 
and medicine, but people need to make that determination.”<h2>‘Giving people grace’</h2>Howe said a small portion of reaction to his support of COVID-19 
vaccination had been negative. He said conservatives in health care 
professions shared appreciation for his public stand.“I would say probably 95% of reaction I’ve received has been positive,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630694509914.jpeg" alt="Washburn University president Jerry Farley said the university’s motto of “non nobis solum,” or “not for ourselves alone,” captures greater-good rationale for Kansans to be vaccinated for COVID-19. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Washburn University president Jerry Farley said the university’s motto of “non nobis solum,” or “not for ourselves alone,” captures greater-good rationale for Kansans to be vaccinated for COVID-19. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>The question of how to deal with the pandemic in Kansas became a 
partisan issue as many Republicans worked against executive orders and 
other directives tied to COVID-19. Democrats largely accepted work by 
Gov. Laura Kelly to take sweeping action in 2020 by shifting K-12 and 
college instruction to online formats, requiring wearing of face 
coverings in public as well as designating certain occupations 
nonessential so some workers remained off the job.Kelly, who has conducted a campaign to convince people to be tested 
and vaccinated, also sustained federal aid to the unemployed after state
 and federal GOP lawmakers insisted she cut off benefits. She hasn’t 
expressed interest in vaccination mandates, but recently ordered 
executive branch employees to work from home if possible as the delta 
variant of COVID-19 surged across the state.Howe joined with Moran in arguing against a vaccination mandate 
handed down by government because it would likely do more harm than 
good. He said opponents of vaccinations were likely to stiffen their 
resolve. It’s the same thought behind objection to mask mandates, he 
said.“It’s too heavy handed,” Howe said. “We have to be understanding and respectful of one another.”He said it was difficult for people to fully grasp circumstances of 
others in terms of vaccination during the pandemic. In his case, he 
said, his mother, a retired nurse, was influential in his decision.“It’s hard to understand someone else’s journey,” he said. “I always 
error on the side of giving people grace. I think we need to love thy 
neighbor.”Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;