MARSHALL, Minn. (AP) — A young child from southwestern Minnesota has died of COVID-19 complications, according to the state Department of Health.

Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Williams says the child, who died Sunday, was a first grader at Park Side Elementary.

While coronavirus deaths in children are rare, they can occur in otherwise healthy children, health officials said. “Since the start of the pandemic, three Minnesota children under age 18 have died due to COVID-19,” the health department said.

Gov. Tim Walz released a statement Monday in response to the death, calling it “heartbreaking.” Walz’s office said the child did not have underlying health conditions.

According to the school district, 22 students and staff are in quarantine at the elementary school, which will continue in-person instruction.

Department of Health officials say children under 16 years old are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. They say the best approach is making sure others are vaccinated, along with testing, social distancing, wearing face masks and frequent hand washing.

MARSHALL, Minn. (AP) — A young child from southwestern Minnesota has died of COVID-19 complications, according to the state Department of Health.Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Williams says the child, who died Sunday, was a first grader at Park Side Elementary.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m heartbroken to hear COVID has taken the life of a first grader. My thoughts are with the Minnesota family grieving the loss of their beloved child. As vaccines help us turn the page on COVID-19, we can’t forget that this deadly disease is still present in our communities.&mdash; Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz/status/1386820846967087107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>While coronavirus deaths in children are rare, they can occur in otherwise healthy children, health officials said. “Since the start of the pandemic, three Minnesota children under age 18 have died due to COVID-19,” the health department said.Gov. Tim Walz released a statement Monday in response to the death, calling it “heartbreaking.” Walz’s office said the child did not have underlying health conditions.According to the school district, 22 students and staff are in quarantine at the elementary school, which will continue in-person instruction.Department of Health officials say children under 16 years old are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. They say the best approach is making sure others are vaccinated, along with testing, social distancing, wearing face masks and frequent hand washing.

Officials: First grader in Minnesota dies of COVID complications

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a murder and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 10p.m. April 23, police responded to the 700 block of West Martin Street in Coffeyville after report of a shooting. When officers arrived on scene they learned a private vehicle transported the gunshot victim, Christopher Temple, 46, of Coffeyville to a local hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Temple was later transported to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, where he died, according to&nbsp;Captain Darin Daily.

On Monday, authorities in Torrance County New Mexico arrested the suspect identified as Ruben Alfonso Ruiz Robles, 24, of Coffeyville. He is being held in the Torrance County Jail.

Police released no additional details late Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619473809658.png" alt="Robles photo Torrance County New Mexico Jail" />
 <figcaption>Robles photo Torrance County New Mexico Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a murder and have a suspect in custody.Just after 10p.m. April 23, police responded to the 700 block of West Martin Street in Coffeyville after report of a shooting. When officers arrived on scene they learned a private vehicle transported the gunshot victim, Christopher Temple, 46, of Coffeyville to a local hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;Temple was later transported to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, where he died, according to&nbsp;Captain Darin Daily.On Monday, authorities in Torrance County New Mexico arrested the suspect identified as Ruben Alfonso Ruiz Robles, 24, of Coffeyville. He is being held in the Torrance County Jail.Police released no additional details late Monday.

Police in New Mexico capture wanted Kansas murder suspect

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas saw its population grow 3% from 2010 to 2020 and the state will keep its four U.S. House seats.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported Monday that the state had 2,937,880 residents in its most recent, once-a-decade population count. That was 84,762 more than the 2010 census figure of 2,853,118.

The state’s population growth over the decade was less than the national figure of 7.4%.

Even without the loss of a congressional seat, the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly face a contentious battle next year over adjusting political boundaries.

GOP legislators hope to redraw the 3rd Congressional District in the Kansas City area so that it’s easier for Republicans to oust the only Kansas Democrat in Congress, Rep. Sharice Davids.

The 1st District of western and central Kansas is likely to expand. Ninety of the state’s 105 counties have been losing population, while northeast Kansas has seen the most robust growth.

Legislative seats also are expected to shift from rural areas to northeast Kansas and perhaps the Wichita area.

More detailed figures will be released later this year showing population by race, Hispanic origin, gender and housing at geographic levels as small as neighborhoods. This redistricting data will be used for redrawing precise congressional and legislative districts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619481097043.png" alt="Image courtesy U.S. Census Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy U.S. Census Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas saw its population grow 3% from 2010 to 2020 and the state will keep its four U.S. House seats.The U.S. Census Bureau reported Monday that the state had 2,937,880 residents in its most recent, once-a-decade population count. That was 84,762 more than the 2010 census figure of 2,853,118.The state’s population growth over the decade was less than the national figure of 7.4%.Even without the loss of a congressional seat, the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly face a contentious battle next year over adjusting political boundaries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590523973873.png" alt="Kansas legislative districts" />
 <figcaption>Kansas legislative districts</figcaption>
 </figure>GOP legislators hope to redraw the 3rd Congressional District in the Kansas City area so that it’s easier for Republicans to oust the only Kansas Democrat in Congress, Rep. Sharice Davids.The 1st District of western and central Kansas is likely to expand. Ninety of the state’s 105 counties have been losing population, while northeast Kansas has seen the most robust growth.Legislative seats also are expected to shift from rural areas to northeast Kansas and perhaps the Wichita area.More detailed figures will be released later this year showing population by race, Hispanic origin, gender and housing at geographic levels as small as neighborhoods. This redistricting data will be used for redrawing precise congressional and legislative districts.

Kansas keeps 4 US House seats as population grows

U.S. Small Business Administration

WASHINGTON — SBA Administrator&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYmEuZ292L3BlcnNvbi9pc2FiZWxsYS1jYXNpbGxhcy1ndXptYW4_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.glBYHK-T08jCIPcXgmR46OM5HHQ1gNhp613lDd_MbDc/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l" target="_blank">Isabella Casillas Guzman</a>&nbsp;today announced the U.S. Small Business Administration will&nbsp;begin&nbsp;registrations&nbsp;on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT&nbsp;and open applications on&nbsp;Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon&nbsp;EDT&nbsp;for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will&nbsp;remain&nbsp;open to any eligible&nbsp;establishment until all funds are exhausted.&nbsp;

“Restaurants are the core of our neighborhoods and propel economic activity on main streets across the nation. They are among the businesses that have been hardest hit and need support to survive this pandemic. We want restaurants to know that help is here,” said Administrator Guzman. “The SBA has focused on the marketplace realities of our food and beverage businesses in designing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to meet businesses where they are. And we are committed to equity to ensure our smaller and underserved businesses, which have suffered the most, can access this critical relief, recover, and grow more resilient.”

Established under the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb25ncmVzcy5nb3YvMTE3L2JpbGxzL2hyMTMxOS9CSUxMUy0xMTdocjEzMTllbnIucGRmP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.0cWzQUxT7GqVitn862UlKe8YOyyUDIyZemD_Gq-Kgig/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">American Rescue Plan,</a>&nbsp;and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides a total of $28.6 billion in direct relief funds to restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments that have experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Funds must be used for allowable expenses by March 11, 2023.&nbsp;

“Recognizing the great urgency to help restaurants keep their doors open – and with a clear mandate from Congress – the SBA worked at a breakneck speed and is excited to launch this program,” said Patrick Kelley, SBA Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access. “From day one, we engaged with diverse stakeholders in the food industry community to make sure we built and delivered the program equitably, quickly, and efficiently.”

In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by:

For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and&nbsp;economically disadvantaged&nbsp;individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens.&nbsp;Following the 21 days,&nbsp;all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Consistent with the legislation and the intent of Congress, the SBA continues to take steps to ensure the equitable distribution of relief, particularly for the smallest businesses, by creating a $9.5 billion set-aside:&nbsp;$5 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $500,000; $4 billion is set aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts from $500,001 to $1,500,000; and $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts not more than $50,000.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNiYS5nb3YvcmVzdGF1cmFudHM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.Kz8Ft9euq43_qwG06Mv9LyPPHg979ikfDAbiLfAaviw/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">sba.gov/restaurants</a>&nbsp;or in Spanish at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNiYS5nb3YvcmVzdGF1cmFudGVzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.7IJ3aqEFCp_nudWvRpROF-dtLKybuEDpAlVCMWYV7Gk/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">sba.gov/restaurantes</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584386106306.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Small Business AdministrationWASHINGTON — SBA Administrator&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYmEuZ292L3BlcnNvbi9pc2FiZWxsYS1jYXNpbGxhcy1ndXptYW4_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.glBYHK-T08jCIPcXgmR46OM5HHQ1gNhp613lDd_MbDc/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l" target="_blank">Isabella Casillas Guzman</a>&nbsp;today announced the U.S. Small Business Administration will&nbsp;begin&nbsp;registrations&nbsp;on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT&nbsp;and open applications on&nbsp;Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon&nbsp;EDT&nbsp;for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will&nbsp;remain&nbsp;open to any eligible&nbsp;establishment until all funds are exhausted.&nbsp;“Restaurants are the core of our neighborhoods and propel economic activity on main streets across the nation. They are among the businesses that have been hardest hit and need support to survive this pandemic. We want restaurants to know that help is here,” said Administrator Guzman. “The SBA has focused on the marketplace realities of our food and beverage businesses in designing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to meet businesses where they are. And we are committed to equity to ensure our smaller and underserved businesses, which have suffered the most, can access this critical relief, recover, and grow more resilient.”Established under the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb25ncmVzcy5nb3YvMTE3L2JpbGxzL2hyMTMxOS9CSUxMUy0xMTdocjEzMTllbnIucGRmP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.0cWzQUxT7GqVitn862UlKe8YOyyUDIyZemD_Gq-Kgig/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">American Rescue Plan,</a>&nbsp;and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides a total of $28.6 billion in direct relief funds to restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments that have experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Funds must be used for allowable expenses by March 11, 2023.&nbsp;“Recognizing the great urgency to help restaurants keep their doors open – and with a clear mandate from Congress – the SBA worked at a breakneck speed and is excited to launch this program,” said Patrick Kelley, SBA Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access. “From day one, we engaged with diverse stakeholders in the food industry community to make sure we built and delivered the program equitably, quickly, and efficiently.”In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by:<ul>
 <li>Registering for an account in advance at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3Jlc3RhdXJhbnRzLnNiYS5nb3YvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.-8HFHFPLI4sszNt0o6AXFhjDKFeMZi8-kvgNVrY4oXU/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">sba.gov</a>&nbsp;starting Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT.</li><li>Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample.</li><li>Preparing the required documentation.</li><li>Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3Jlc3RhdXJhbnRzLnNiYS5nb3YvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.CxDbrjntmF_Fr9YzaiH1eNYoeHZVa2f2kB9heaSrQYg/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">sba.gov</a>&nbsp;to submit an application when the application portal opens. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.]</li><li>Attending a live recorded virtual training webinar.Tuesday, April 27 | 2:30 p.m. EDT&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3NiYXJlc3RhdXJhbnRzdHJhaW5pbmcuZXZlbnRicml0ZS5jb20vP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.k7lUONDm07tMTi-nuQBm3NON8a0jxzAl0iJRZlIjNAc/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">Register here</a>Wednesday, April 28 | 1 p.m. EDT |&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvbnRlbnQuZ292ZGVsaXZlcnkuY29tL2FjY291bnRzL1VTU0JBL2J1bGxldGlucy8yZDFlMmI4In0.aeSUzm5mw14iG1UvY_Wl4IzFC4JpBbYdpdquwa5R-TI/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">Register here</a>Wednesday, April 28 | 2:30 p.m. EDT&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3NiYXJlc3RhdXJhbnRzdHJhaW5pbmd0d28uZXZlbnRicml0ZS5jb20vP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.mi7ibhaF6238PM0FwhSKFrF9SrVPyYdAQQ7AocHjpjM/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">Register here</a></li><li>Tuesday, April 27 | 2:30 p.m. EDT&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3NiYXJlc3RhdXJhbnRzdHJhaW5pbmcuZXZlbnRicml0ZS5jb20vP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.k7lUONDm07tMTi-nuQBm3NON8a0jxzAl0iJRZlIjNAc/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">Register here</a></li><li>Wednesday, April 28 | 1 p.m. EDT |&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvbnRlbnQuZ292ZGVsaXZlcnkuY29tL2FjY291bnRzL1VTU0JBL2J1bGxldGlucy8yZDFlMmI4In0.aeSUzm5mw14iG1UvY_Wl4IzFC4JpBbYdpdquwa5R-TI/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">Register here</a></li><li>Wednesday, April 28 | 2:30 p.m. EDT&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3NiYXJlc3RhdXJhbnRzdHJhaW5pbmd0d28uZXZlbnRicml0ZS5jb20vP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.mi7ibhaF6238PM0FwhSKFrF9SrVPyYdAQQ7AocHjpjM/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">Register here</a></li>
 </ul>For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and&nbsp;economically disadvantaged&nbsp;individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens.&nbsp;Following the 21 days,&nbsp;all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.Consistent with the legislation and the intent of Congress, the SBA continues to take steps to ensure the equitable distribution of relief, particularly for the smallest businesses, by creating a $9.5 billion set-aside:&nbsp;$5 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $500,000; $4 billion is set aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts from $500,001 to $1,500,000; and $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts not more than $50,000.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNiYS5nb3YvcmVzdGF1cmFudHM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.Kz8Ft9euq43_qwG06Mv9LyPPHg979ikfDAbiLfAaviw/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">sba.gov/restaurants</a>&nbsp;or in Spanish at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNiYS5nb3YvcmVzdGF1cmFudGVzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.7IJ3aqEFCp_nudWvRpROF-dtLKybuEDpAlVCMWYV7Gk/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">sba.gov/restaurantes</a>.

SBA announces application opening for $28.6B restaurant revitalization fund

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nearly all coronavirus-related restrictions will be removed in Kansas City, except for mask requirements for indoor gatherings, Mayor Quinton Lucas announced Monday.

Beginning Friday, masks will no longer be required outdoors. Businesses will also no longer have to require customers to be seated, and restaurants and bars will not face capacity limits, restricted operating hours or social distancing requirements.

The order, which is in effect until May 28, includes some exceptions to requiring masks indoors. Lucas said if everyone at an indoor gathering is vaccinated, and people at the gathering know everyone is vaccinated, masks would not be required. Children younger than 5 will not have to wear masks.

The city’s current mask order required masks be worn inside or outside if people can't maintain 6 feet of social distancing.

Lucas said Kansas City is making progress in its vaccination orders. He said he hopes Monday's order will be the last one needed, but city and health officials believe it isn't time to completely eliminate indoor mask requirements.

“I know that other metropolitan counties are considering abolishing a mask requirement altogether," Lucas said. "Here in Kansas City, we do not think that it is safe to do so, especially in close, tight, indoor environments, and so we will continue to push that forward.”

Rex Archer, director of the Kansas City Health Department, said he is “100% on board” with the relaxed regulations but hoped business owners and others will see the guidelines as minimum guidelines.

“This is a good floor,” Archer said. “At the point that we have had everybody have a chance to get vaccinated who wants to get vaccinated, then I don't feel like mandating certain level of restrictions for those who won't get vaccinated. That's kind of their personal responsibility now.”

The newest order comes as 33% of Kansas City residents have received at least one vaccine shot. To date, 36.7% of the state's population has received at least one vaccine shot, according to the to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. dashboard.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619518760069.png" alt="Mayor&nbsp;Lucas said Kansas City is making progress in its vaccination orders. He said he hopes Monday's order will be the last one needed, but city and health officials believe it isn't time to completely eliminate indoor mask requirements- photo courtesy KCMO" />
 <figcaption>Mayor&nbsp;Lucas said Kansas City is making progress in its vaccination orders. He said he hopes Monday's order will be the last one needed, but city and health officials believe it isn't time to completely eliminate indoor mask requirements- photo courtesy KCMO</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nearly all coronavirus-related restrictions will be removed in Kansas City, except for mask requirements for indoor gatherings, Mayor Quinton Lucas announced Monday.Beginning Friday, masks will no longer be required outdoors. Businesses will also no longer have to require customers to be seated, and restaurants and bars will not face capacity limits, restricted operating hours or social distancing requirements.The order, which is in effect until May 28, includes some exceptions to requiring masks indoors. Lucas said if everyone at an indoor gathering is vaccinated, and people at the gathering know everyone is vaccinated, masks would not be required. Children younger than 5 will not have to wear masks.The city’s current mask order required masks be worn inside or outside if people can't maintain 6 feet of social distancing.Lucas said Kansas City is making progress in its vaccination orders. He said he hopes Monday's order will be the last one needed, but city and health officials believe it isn't time to completely eliminate indoor mask requirements.“I know that other metropolitan counties are considering abolishing a mask requirement altogether," Lucas said. "Here in Kansas City, we do not think that it is safe to do so, especially in close, tight, indoor environments, and so we will continue to push that forward.”Rex Archer, director of the Kansas City Health Department, said he is “100% on board” with the relaxed regulations but hoped business owners and others will see the guidelines as minimum guidelines.“This is a good floor,” Archer said. “At the point that we have had everybody have a chance to get vaccinated who wants to get vaccinated, then I don't feel like mandating certain level of restrictions for those who won't get vaccinated. That's kind of their personal responsibility now.”The newest order comes as 33% of Kansas City residents have received at least one vaccine shot. To date, 36.7% of the state's population has received at least one vaccine shot, according to the to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. dashboard.

Kansas City ends indoor COVID-19 restrictions, except masks

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals">tax professionals</a> to continue using electronic options to speed the processing of tax returns, refunds and payments. IRS.gov showcases many <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tools">task-based tools</a> and features to help people navigate their taxes. All are available 24/7/365.

Timely processing of tax returns and refund issuance is especially important during the pandemic. To speed <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">refunds</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc303">avoid delays</a> in processing, the IRS strongly advises taxpayers to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file electronically</a> with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a> as soon as they have the information they need.

Free options for the military and some veterans

<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>,
 Military OneSource's tax service, provides online software for eligible
 individuals to electronically file a federal return and up to three 
state returns for free.

Military OneSource is a program funded by the Department of Defense 
that provides a range of free resources for military members, veterans 
and their families. More information about OneSource is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/">MilitaryOneSource.mil</a>.

Although the tax filing deadline has been <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-extends-additional-tax-deadlines-for-individuals-to-may-17">extended to May 17, 2021</a>,
 from April 15, the IRS continues to process electronic tax returns, 
issue direct deposit refunds and accept electronic payments. As of April
 16, the IRS received over 110 million tax returns and issued over $210 
billion in refunds.

Overall, the IRS anticipates nine out of 10 taxpayers will receive 
their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically with direct
 deposit if there are no issues with their tax return.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals">tax professionals</a> to continue using electronic options to speed the processing of tax returns, refunds and payments. IRS.gov showcases many <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tools">task-based tools</a> and features to help people navigate their taxes. All are available 24/7/365.Timely processing of tax returns and refund issuance is especially important during the pandemic. To speed <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">refunds</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc303">avoid delays</a> in processing, the IRS strongly advises taxpayers to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file electronically</a> with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a> as soon as they have the information they need.<h2>Simple options to make filing easier</h2><ul>
 <li>Check IRS.gov for the latest tax information, including the latest on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/third-economic-impact-payment">Economic Impact Payments</a> and <a href="https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp">tax refund status</a>. There is no need to call. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>Consider <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>.
 Taxpayers who want to prepare and file their tax returns electronically
 for free can use IRS Free File. This program offers brand-name tax 
software for taxpayers with an income of $72,000 or less in 2020. Those 
who earned more can use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a>,
 the electronic version of IRS paper forms. Some people will need to 
file a return to get a third Economic Impact Payment and Free File gives
 people the ability to do that for free. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>Check <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">payment options</a>
 on IRS.gov. Several electronic payment options are available to 
taxpayers. View an account and learn about other ways to pay such as an 
online installment agreement. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>Find answers to many tax questions using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>. The ITA is a tool that provides answers to several tax law questions specific to an individual's circumstances. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>Online tools for tax professionals. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-services">e-Services</a>
 is a suite of web-based tools that allow tax professionals, reporting 
agents, mortgage industry, payers and others to complete transactions 
online with the IRS.</li>
 </ul><h2>Other useful tools and features</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>.
 People can find out when their third Economic Impact Payment is 
scheduled to be sent, or when and how IRS sent it with the Get My 
Payment application. Get My Payment updates once a day, usually 
overnight. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing">Filing options</a>.
 Find complete tax filing information for individuals, business and 
self-employed taxpayers, charities and non-profits, International 
taxpayers and government entities. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin">Get an Identity Protection PIN</a>.
 IP PINs are available to all taxpayers. An IP PIN is a six-digit number
 that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using another 
taxpayers' Social Security number. The IP PIN is known only to the 
taxpayer and the IRS and helps the IRS verify the identity of a taxpayer
 when filing an electronic or paper tax return. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">View an account</a>.
 Online account is an online system that allows people to securely 
access their individual account information. Taxpayers can view taxes 
owed, balance details, information on a most recent tax return, payment 
plan details and more. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript">Get a tax record</a>.
 Request a copy of a tax return online. The Get Transcript Service is 
for individual taxpayers to retrieve their own transcripts for their own
 purposes. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">Download tax forms and instructions</a>.
 Current and prior years' forms are available. Other online options 
include IRS e-Books and accessible versions for people with 
disabilities. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/tax-withholding">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>.
 Use of this tool can help people bring their taxes paid closer to what 
is owed. The IRS encourages everyone to perform a "paycheck checkup" to 
be sure the right amount of tax is withheld based on their personal 
situation.</li>
 </ul><h2>Free options for the military and some veterans</h2><a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>,
 Military OneSource's tax service, provides online software for eligible
 individuals to electronically file a federal return and up to three 
state returns for free.Military OneSource is a program funded by the Department of Defense 
that provides a range of free resources for military members, veterans 
and their families. More information about OneSource is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/">MilitaryOneSource.mil</a>.<h2>Tax deadline is May 17</h2>Although the tax filing deadline has been <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-extends-additional-tax-deadlines-for-individuals-to-may-17">extended to May 17, 2021</a>,
 from April 15, the IRS continues to process electronic tax returns, 
issue direct deposit refunds and accept electronic payments. As of April
 16, the IRS received over 110 million tax returns and issued over $210 
billion in refunds.Overall, the IRS anticipates nine out of 10 taxpayers will receive 
their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically with direct
 deposit if there are no issues with their tax return.

IRS online: Tips on filing tax return electronically

BUCHANAN COUNTY, MO —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Monday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1989 GMC Sierra driven by Christopher E. Harvey, 49, Atchison, was northbound on U.S. 59 one mile east of Atchison.

The pickup traveled off the south side of the road, vaulted from a field entrance, became airborne, struck the ground, rolled and the driver was ejected through the rear window.

Harvey was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home in Atchison. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY, MO —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Monday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1989 GMC Sierra driven by Christopher E. Harvey, 49, Atchison, was northbound on U.S. 59 one mile east of Atchison.The pickup traveled off the south side of the road, vaulted from a field entrance, became airborne, struck the ground, rolled and the driver was ejected through the rear window.Harvey was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home in Atchison. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man dies after ejected in violent pickup crash

WASHINGTON — The&nbsp;U.S. Department of Labor on Wednesday announced <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2021-08927/tip-regulations-under-the-fair-labor-standards-act-delay-of-effective-date" target="_blank">a final rule</a> delaying portions of the 2020 Tip final rule until Dec. 31, 2021.

The remainder of the 2020 Tip final rule will become effective April 30, 2021, including the rules addressing:

The eight-month extension of the effective 
date for specific portions of the 2020 tip rule allows the department 
time to address additional questions of law, policy and fact and 
complete separate rulemaking related to the assessment of civil money 
penalties, and the application of the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa">Fair Labor Standards Act</a>’s tip credit provision to tipped employees who also perform non-tipped work.

“Tipped workers are among those hardest hit 
amid the pandemic, making these essential frontline workers a priority 
for the Wage and Hour Division,” said Wage and Hour Division Deputy 
Administrator Jessica Looman. “The final rule announced today ensures 
that we have time to consider – fully and thoughtfully – all of the 
circumstances in today’s rapidly changing workplace, while allowing 
several portions of the 2020 rule beneficial to essential workers to 
take effect. Those workers deserve our careful and thoughtful 
consideration as we craft and implement rules that affect their 
well-being.”

For more information on protections for tipped workers and others under the FLSA, or <a href="http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd">learn more about the Wage and Hour Division</a>, visit <a href="http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd">www.dol.gov/agencies/whd</a>.
 You may also call toll-free 1-866-4US-WAGE to speak directly and 
confidentially to a trained Wage and Hour Division professional. The 
division protects workers regardless of immigration status, and can 
communicate with workers in more than 200 languages.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615920467817.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Department of LaborWASHINGTON — The&nbsp;U.S. Department of Labor on Wednesday announced <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2021-08927/tip-regulations-under-the-fair-labor-standards-act-delay-of-effective-date" target="_blank">a final rule</a> delaying portions of the 2020 Tip final rule until Dec. 31, 2021. The remainder of the 2020 Tip final rule will become effective April 30, 2021, including the rules addressing:<ul>
 <li>A prohibition on employers, including 
supervisors and managers, keeping tips received by workers, regardless 
of whether the employer takes a credit for workers’ tips toward their 
obligation to pay those workers minimum wage. </li><li>The recordkeeping requirements for an 
employer that does not take a tip credit to include non-tipped workers, 
such as cooks and dishwashers, in nontraditional tip-sharing 
arrangements. </li><li>An employer that collects tips for tip 
pools must distribute tips fully no later than the regular payday for 
the workweek or pay period in which the establishment collected the 
tips.</li>
 </ul>The eight-month extension of the effective 
date for specific portions of the 2020 tip rule allows the department 
time to address additional questions of law, policy and fact and 
complete separate rulemaking related to the assessment of civil money 
penalties, and the application of the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa">Fair Labor Standards Act</a>’s tip credit provision to tipped employees who also perform non-tipped work. “Tipped workers are among those hardest hit 
amid the pandemic, making these essential frontline workers a priority 
for the Wage and Hour Division,” said Wage and Hour Division Deputy 
Administrator Jessica Looman. “The final rule announced today ensures 
that we have time to consider – fully and thoughtfully – all of the 
circumstances in today’s rapidly changing workplace, while allowing 
several portions of the 2020 rule beneficial to essential workers to 
take effect. Those workers deserve our careful and thoughtful 
consideration as we craft and implement rules that affect their 
well-being.”For more information on protections for tipped workers and others under the FLSA, or <a href="http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd">learn more about the Wage and Hour Division</a>, visit <a href="http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd">www.dol.gov/agencies/whd</a>.
 You may also call toll-free 1-866-4US-WAGE to speak directly and 
confidentially to a trained Wage and Hour Division professional. The 
division protects workers regardless of immigration status, and can 
communicate with workers in more than 200 languages.

U.S. Dept. of Labor delays rule on workers' tips

MCPHERSON —&nbsp;A Kansas woman pleaded guilty Friday to a sex crime involving a minor.

Jennifer Sams, 37, McPherson, entered pleas to indecent liberties with a child and unlawfully hosting minors consuming alcohol, according to a media release from the McPherson County Attorney.

The crimes are said to have occurred April 20, 2020 at her former home in Galva, where she is said to have touched a male between the ages of 14 and 16. She also provided alcohol to minors.

As a result of the conviction for indecent liberties, Sams will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years. Sams will be sentenced July 7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619364526174.png" alt="Sams photo McPherson County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Sams photo McPherson County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON —&nbsp;A Kansas woman pleaded guilty Friday to a sex crime involving a minor.Jennifer Sams, 37, McPherson, entered pleas to indecent liberties with a child and unlawfully hosting minors consuming alcohol, according to a media release from the McPherson County Attorney.The crimes are said to have occurred April 20, 2020 at her former home in Galva, where she is said to have touched a male between the ages of 14 and 16. She also provided alcohol to minors.As a result of the conviction for indecent liberties, Sams will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years. Sams will be sentenced July 7.

Kansas woman enters plea to child sex crime charge

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a motorcycle theft and have two suspects in custody.

Just before 5:30 a.m. Friday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call that a red 1996 Honda motorcycle was just stolen from a residence in the 4200 block of SE 2nd Street in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 Deputies arrived in the area and located the suspect's white 2005 Ford Expedition pulling a trailer, at SE 2nd Street and SE Croco Road. 

Deputies located the stolen motorcycle on SE 2nd Street near the Oakland Expressway and returned it to the owner.

They also arrested 33-year-old Joshua A. Krahn and 33-year-old Ryan W. Brooks both of Topeka and transported them to the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning.

Krahn and Brooks were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for the theft of the motorcycle, according to Christian. Brooks was also charged with driving with a suspended license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619365025638.png" alt="Brooks photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Brooks photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a motorcycle theft and have two suspects in custody.Just before 5:30 a.m. Friday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call that a red 1996 Honda motorcycle was just stolen from a residence in the 4200 block of SE 2nd Street in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies arrived in the area and located the suspect's white 2005 Ford Expedition pulling a trailer, at SE 2nd Street and SE Croco Road. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619365005921.png" alt="Krahn photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Krahn photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies located the stolen motorcycle on SE 2nd Street near the Oakland Expressway and returned it to the owner.They also arrested 33-year-old Joshua A. Krahn and 33-year-old Ryan W. Brooks both of Topeka and transported them to the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning.Krahn and Brooks were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for the theft of the motorcycle, according to Christian. Brooks was also charged with driving with a suspended license.

Sheriff: 2 Kansas men arrested for motorcycle theft 

LAWRENCE—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Lawrence and have identified the victim as 60-year-old Emily Lepley of Lawrence.

Just after 8:30p.m. Friday, police&nbsp; responded to the 1400 block of W. 19th Street in response to reports that a pedestrian that had been struck while crossing the street, according to police spokesperson Patrick Compton.

Despite life saving measures by police, Lepley was pronounced deceased at the scene.

West 19th from Ousdahl Rd. to Naismith Drive remained closed as as officers investigated the incident.&nbsp; Police released no additional details on Monday afternoon.

LAWRENCE—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Lawrence and have identified the victim as 60-year-old Emily Lepley of Lawrence.Just after 8:30p.m. Friday, police&nbsp; responded to the 1400 block of W. 19th Street in response to reports that a pedestrian that had been struck while crossing the street, according to police spokesperson Patrick Compton.Despite life saving measures by police, Lepley was pronounced deceased at the scene.West 19th from Ousdahl Rd. to Naismith Drive remained closed as as officers investigated the incident.&nbsp; Police released no additional details on Monday afternoon.

Police ID Kan. woman struck, killed crossing street

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that left a teen dead.

Just before 7p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at the&nbsp;Morgan's Landing Apartments complex in the 3800 Block of West 13th Street in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

When officers arrived, they learned there were five individuals inside the apartment at the time of the incident. One who was fatally shot has been identified as 17-year-old Eric Stokes of Wichita.

EMS transported a second shooting victim identified as a 17-year-old boy was transported to a local hospital, treated for minor injuries and released, according to Stephens.

Investigators learned that three unknown, armed suspects arrived at the apartment, forced their way in and fired several shots that killed Stokes.&nbsp; The suspects fled on foot from the apartment complex.&nbsp; It was not a random incident and drugs are believed to have played a part, according to Stephens.

Police reported 267 calls to incidents in the area of Sunday's shooting in 2019, 465 in 2020 and 188 so far in 2021, according to officer Charley Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619468099880.png" alt="Wichita police vehicle at the scene of the apartment complex shooting investigation on Sunday-photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Wichita police vehicle at the scene of the apartment complex shooting investigation on Sunday-photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that left a teen dead.Just before 7p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at the&nbsp;Morgan's Landing Apartments complex in the 3800 Block of West 13th Street in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.When officers arrived, they learned there were five individuals inside the apartment at the time of the incident. One who was fatally shot has been identified as 17-year-old Eric Stokes of Wichita.EMS transported a second shooting victim identified as a 17-year-old boy was transported to a local hospital, treated for minor injuries and released, according to Stephens.Investigators learned that three unknown, armed suspects arrived at the apartment, forced their way in and fired several shots that killed Stokes.&nbsp; The suspects fled on foot from the apartment complex.&nbsp; It was not a random incident and drugs are believed to have played a part, according to Stephens.Police reported 267 calls to incidents in the area of Sunday's shooting in 2019, 465 in 2020 and 188 so far in 2021, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Suspects in Kan. teen's death forced their way into apartment

TOPEKA (AP) —Gov. Laura Kelly has signed a bipartisan bill to give the GOP-controlled Kansas Legislature more oversight of the modernization of the state’s troubled unemployment system.

The bill Kelly signed on Monday will require the Kansas Department of Labor to complete computer upgrades by the end of 2022. The new law calls for a 13-member council which will hire an independent firm to audit the impacts of fraudulent claims and improper payments beginning last year. The audit will also look into the department’s response to those issues.

The bill, drafted by Republican lawmakers, passed unanimously in the Kansas House and Senate earlier this month. Legislators in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-legislation-coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-b7a40e6dcb737927e199f6ad0a26db37">both parties</a>&nbsp;say they have been flooded with calls and emails from unemployed people who are struggling to get benefits and can’t get through to the department. The state has acknowledged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-2ff466a95e0e08fec896b9fcac161312">a flood of fraudulent claims&nbsp;</a>and attempts by scammers and internet bots to access the unemployment system.

In a statement, Kelly said the bill will ensure that the state department of labor will “truly be prepared the next time our state faces an unprecedented economic crisis.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619470475529.png" alt="Laura Kelly on the third &amp; final week of her Back to Work, Back to School tour&nbsp; with students at USD 252 in Lyon County." />
 <figcaption>Laura Kelly on the third &amp; final week of her Back to Work, Back to School tour&nbsp; with students at USD 252 in Lyon County.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP) —Gov. Laura Kelly has signed a bipartisan bill to give the GOP-controlled Kansas Legislature more oversight of the modernization of the state’s troubled unemployment system.The bill Kelly signed on Monday will require the Kansas Department of Labor to complete computer upgrades by the end of 2022. The new law calls for a 13-member council which will hire an independent firm to audit the impacts of fraudulent claims and improper payments beginning last year. The audit will also look into the department’s response to those issues.The bill, drafted by Republican lawmakers, passed unanimously in the Kansas House and Senate earlier this month. Legislators in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-legislation-coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-b7a40e6dcb737927e199f6ad0a26db37">both parties</a>&nbsp;say they have been flooded with calls and emails from unemployed people who are struggling to get benefits and can’t get through to the department. The state has acknowledged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-2ff466a95e0e08fec896b9fcac161312">a flood of fraudulent claims&nbsp;</a>and attempts by scammers and internet bots to access the unemployment system.In a statement, Kelly said the bill will ensure that the state department of labor will “truly be prepared the next time our state faces an unprecedented economic crisis.”

Kan. governor signs bill to modernize unemployment system

WASHINGTON (AP)—The Biden administration is expanding a program to feed as many as 34 million schoolchildren during the summer months, using funds from the coronavirus relief package approved in March.

The Agriculture Department is announcing that it will continue through the summer a payments program that replaced school meals because the pandemic left many children with virtual classes. Families of eligible children would receive $6.82 per child for each weekday. That adds up to $375 per child over the summer months.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called the summer benefits a “first-of-its-kind, game-changing intervention to reduce child hunger in the United States.”

The program reflects the Biden administration's attempts to nearly stamp out child poverty — an unprecedented push with money for parents, child care centers and schools that could revamp the social safety net. Conservative critics have warned that the spending, if made permanent, could undermine the willingness of poorer Americans to work.

Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services at Agriculture, said that Congress previously approved limited funding for pilot programs to test the effectiveness of the payments. But the coronavirus relief package allowed it to be rolled out nationwide.

Besides the food aid, parents will receive roughly $250 a month starting in July for each child between the ages of 6 and 17. Qualifying families with a child under 6 would receive $300 monthly. The payments are part of an enhanced child tax credit that would expire at the end of this year, according to the terms of the most recent coronavirus relief package.

President Joe Biden plans to extend the monthly payments through 2025. The extension would be part of a multitrillion-dollar plan that he intends to announce Wednesday in a joint address to Congress.

Democratic lawmakers have called for making the enhanced tax credit permanent, with Sens. Michael Bennet of Colorado, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Cory Booker of New Jersey and Reps. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, Suzan DelBene of Washington state and Ritchie Torres of New York issuing a statement last week.

“Expansion of the child tax credit is the most significant policy to come out of Washington in generations, and Congress has an historic opportunity to provide a lifeline to the middle class and to cut child poverty in half on a permanent basis," the April 20 statement said.

When the school year ends, children have traditionally shifted to other forms of food aid such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. Yet administration officials said that summer feeding programs tend to reach less than 20% of the number served during the school year.

Children could qualify for the new summer benefit if they are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year or if they are under age 6 and live in a SNAP household. Children already on SNAP would get the benefits as a supplement to what they already receive.

WASHINGTON (AP)—The Biden administration is expanding a program to feed as many as 34 million schoolchildren during the summer months, using funds from the coronavirus relief package approved in March.The Agriculture Department is announcing that it will continue through the summer a payments program that replaced school meals because the pandemic left many children with virtual classes. Families of eligible children would receive $6.82 per child for each weekday. That adds up to $375 per child over the summer months.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called the summer benefits a “first-of-its-kind, game-changing intervention to reduce child hunger in the United States.”The program reflects the Biden administration's attempts to nearly stamp out child poverty — an unprecedented push with money for parents, child care centers and schools that could revamp the social safety net. Conservative critics have warned that the spending, if made permanent, could undermine the willingness of poorer Americans to work.Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services at Agriculture, said that Congress previously approved limited funding for pilot programs to test the effectiveness of the payments. But the coronavirus relief package allowed it to be rolled out nationwide.Besides the food aid, parents will receive roughly $250 a month starting in July for each child between the ages of 6 and 17. Qualifying families with a child under 6 would receive $300 monthly. The payments are part of an enhanced child tax credit that would expire at the end of this year, according to the terms of the most recent coronavirus relief package.President Joe Biden plans to extend the monthly payments through 2025. The extension would be part of a multitrillion-dollar plan that he intends to announce Wednesday in a joint address to Congress.Democratic lawmakers have called for making the enhanced tax credit permanent, with Sens. Michael Bennet of Colorado, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Cory Booker of New Jersey and Reps. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, Suzan DelBene of Washington state and Ritchie Torres of New York issuing a statement last week.“Expansion of the child tax credit is the most significant policy to come out of Washington in generations, and Congress has an historic opportunity to provide a lifeline to the middle class and to cut child poverty in half on a permanent basis," the April 20 statement said.When the school year ends, children have traditionally shifted to other forms of food aid such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. Yet administration officials said that summer feeding programs tend to reach less than 20% of the number served during the school year.Children could qualify for the new summer benefit if they are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year or if they are under age 6 and live in a SNAP household. Children already on SNAP would get the benefits as a supplement to what they already receive.

Biden expanding summer food program for 34M schoolchildren

SALINE COUNTY, Mo. —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Sunday in Saline County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Toyota passenger vehicle driven by Peter L. Stathas, 24, Kansas City, Kansas, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the U.S. 65 exit.&nbsp;

The driver changed lanes abruptly and the vehicle traveled off the road, struck a guardrail, overturned and the driver was ejected.

Stathas was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported by the Saline County Coroner's office. He was&nbsp; not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

SALINE COUNTY, Mo. —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Sunday in Saline County, Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Toyota passenger vehicle driven by Peter L. Stathas, 24, Kansas City, Kansas, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the U.S. 65 exit.&nbsp;The driver changed lanes abruptly and the vehicle traveled off the road, struck a guardrail, overturned and the driver was ejected.Stathas was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported by the Saline County Coroner's office. He was&nbsp; not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man dies after ejected in rollover crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victims as 42-year-old Nathan Brock and 41-year-old Trisha Benjamin.

Just before 5:30a.m. Saturday, sheriff's deputies were sent to a check shots call at the Englewood mobile home park located at 3201 E MacArthur in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

While responding, deputies received information that a man and woman were inside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds.

When deputies arrived, they had to force entry to the home. Inside the home, they located Brock and Benjamin deceased, according to Blick.

Detectives are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.

When deputies arrived, they had to force entry to the home. Inside the home, they located a 42-year-old man and 41-year-old woman deceased, according to Blick.

Detectives are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have not released names of the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619305057074.png" alt="Police tape near the fatal shooting investigation on Saturday photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police tape near the fatal shooting investigation on Saturday photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victims as 42-year-old Nathan Brock and 41-year-old Trisha Benjamin.Just before 5:30a.m. Saturday, sheriff's deputies were sent to a check shots call at the Englewood mobile home park located at 3201 E MacArthur in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.While responding, deputies received information that a man and woman were inside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds.When deputies arrived, they had to force entry to the home. Inside the home, they located Brock and Benjamin deceased, according to Blick.Detectives are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just before 5:30a.m. Saturday, sheriff's deputies were sent to a check shots call at the Englewood mobile home park located at 3201 E MacArthur in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.While responding, deputies received information that a man and woman were inside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds.When deputies arrived, they had to force entry to the home. Inside the home, they located a 42-year-old man and 41-year-old woman deceased, according to Blick.Detectives are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have not released names of the victims.

Sheriff IDs Kan. man, woman who died weekend shooting

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that Kansas will resume administration of the Johnson &amp; Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine following an announcement on April 23 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encouraging resumption of the vaccine, according to a media release from the agency.

“Today, Kansas will resume administering the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “After a brief pause and a thorough review, the CDC and FDA have determined the vaccine is safe and effective. Whether it’s the Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer or Moderna, I strongly encourage every Kansan to get vaccinated as soon as they can.”

Johnson &amp; Johnson administration was paused April 13 by the CDC and FDA following reports of recipients in the United States who developed a rare disorder involving blood clots within about two weeks of vaccination. During the pause, the FDA and CDC examined available data to assess the risk of the condition as well as conducted extensive outreach to providers and clinicians to ensure they were made aware of the potential for these adverse events and could properly manage and recognize these events due to the unique treatment required for these blood clots and low platelets, also known as thrombosis-thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). Following these reviews, the two agencies have recommended that Johnson &amp; Johnson be resumed in the United States.

Kansas health care providers administering the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine and vaccine recipients or caregivers should review the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjYuMzk0NDg0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mZGEuZ292L21lZGlhLzE0NjMwNC9kb3dubG9hZD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.euVOLngo2oMVLBwIpsMBKQbCqQxY8y7MaiX2mSOwGic/s/1305913448/br/105376422214-l" target="_blank">Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers)</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjYuMzk0NDg0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mZGEuZ292L21lZGlhLzE0NjMwNS9kb3dubG9hZD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.ASNI-kVE8QcImjF2tNOJhcCgZ9iLH5m8OqyLa-SAigE/s/1305913448/br/105376422214-l" target="_blank">Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers</a>, which have been revised to include information about the risk of this syndrome, which has occurred in a very small number of people who have received the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.

The federal government will continue studying links between the vaccine and the rare blood clotting disorder. Those who have received the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine should contact their health care provider if they have any symptoms and report any illness to the VAERS Reporting System,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjYuMzk0NDg0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3ZhZXJzLmhocy5nb3Y_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.xqQZYLFP_hdXav0iMQIM9w593go20IRW_edOktJeAa8/s/1305913448/br/105376422214-l" target="_blank">https://vaers.hhs.gov</a>.

Kansas’ next supply of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is anticipated the week of May 3 with 1,700 doses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600861747887.png" alt="Kansas’ next supply of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is anticipated the week of May 3 with 1,700 doses.-photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Kansas’ next supply of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is anticipated the week of May 3 with 1,700 doses.-photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that Kansas will resume administration of the Johnson &amp; Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine following an announcement on April 23 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encouraging resumption of the vaccine, according to a media release from the agency.“Today, Kansas will resume administering the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “After a brief pause and a thorough review, the CDC and FDA have determined the vaccine is safe and effective. Whether it’s the Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer or Moderna, I strongly encourage every Kansan to get vaccinated as soon as they can.”Johnson &amp; Johnson administration was paused April 13 by the CDC and FDA following reports of recipients in the United States who developed a rare disorder involving blood clots within about two weeks of vaccination. During the pause, the FDA and CDC examined available data to assess the risk of the condition as well as conducted extensive outreach to providers and clinicians to ensure they were made aware of the potential for these adverse events and could properly manage and recognize these events due to the unique treatment required for these blood clots and low platelets, also known as thrombosis-thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). Following these reviews, the two agencies have recommended that Johnson &amp; Johnson be resumed in the United States.Kansas health care providers administering the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine and vaccine recipients or caregivers should review the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjYuMzk0NDg0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mZGEuZ292L21lZGlhLzE0NjMwNC9kb3dubG9hZD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.euVOLngo2oMVLBwIpsMBKQbCqQxY8y7MaiX2mSOwGic/s/1305913448/br/105376422214-l" target="_blank">Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers)</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjYuMzk0NDg0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mZGEuZ292L21lZGlhLzE0NjMwNS9kb3dubG9hZD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.ASNI-kVE8QcImjF2tNOJhcCgZ9iLH5m8OqyLa-SAigE/s/1305913448/br/105376422214-l" target="_blank">Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers</a>, which have been revised to include information about the risk of this syndrome, which has occurred in a very small number of people who have received the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.The federal government will continue studying links between the vaccine and the rare blood clotting disorder. Those who have received the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine should contact their health care provider if they have any symptoms and report any illness to the VAERS Reporting System,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjYuMzk0NDg0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3ZhZXJzLmhocy5nb3Y_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.xqQZYLFP_hdXav0iMQIM9w593go20IRW_edOktJeAa8/s/1305913448/br/105376422214-l" target="_blank">https://vaers.hhs.gov</a>.Kansas’ next supply of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is anticipated the week of May 3 with 1,700 doses.

Governor: Kansas will resume using Johnson & Johnson vaccine

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 493&nbsp; to a total of 307,865, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4970, an increase of 2.

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 493&nbsp; to a total of 307,865, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4970, an increase of 2.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619457869544.png" alt="Monday April 26, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday April 26, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged fraud in Manhattan.

Just before noon April 24, police filed a report for fraud in the 300 block of Highland Pointe Drive in Manhattan, according to the RCPD activity report.

A 77-year-old woman told police she was&nbsp;contacted by someone twice posing to be from a law firm.&nbsp; The suspect falsely claimed the victim needed to provide money for a family member who was in legal trouble. The victim provided this individual money in both instances.

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $21,000.00. 

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 $1,000.00.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged fraud in Manhattan.Just before noon April 24, police filed a report for fraud in the 300 block of Highland Pointe Drive in Manhattan, according to the RCPD activity report.A 77-year-old woman told police she was&nbsp;contacted by someone twice posing to be from a law firm.&nbsp; The suspect falsely claimed the victim needed to provide money for a family member who was in legal trouble. The victim provided this individual money in both instances.The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $21,000.00. 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 $1,000.00.

Kan. woman lost $21K in alleged legal trouble scam

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspicious weekend death and have identified the victim as Hester Workman, 46, of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Just after&nbsp; 7p.m. Saturday, police responded to a home in the 2800 block of SW James in Topeka after a 911 call requesting medical personnel, according to police Lt. Kelvin Johnson.

At the scene first responders located Workman who was deceased.

Officers and Detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are a suspicious death.

At the scene first responders located a woman who was deceased.

Officers and Detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.&nbsp; Police did not release the victim's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619363984890.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Saturday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Saturday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspicious weekend death and have identified the victim as Hester Workman, 46, of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Just after&nbsp; 7p.m. Saturday, police responded to a home in the 2800 block of SW James in Topeka after a 911 call requesting medical personnel, according to police Lt. Kelvin Johnson.At the scene first responders located Workman who was deceased.Officers and Detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.------------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are a suspicious death.Just after&nbsp; 7p.m. Saturday, police responded to a home in the 2800 block of SW James in Topeka after a 911 call requesting medical personnel, according to police Lt. Kelvin Johnson.At the scene first responders located a woman who was deceased.Officers and Detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.&nbsp; Police did not release the victim's name.

Police ID Kansas woman found dead in her home

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — More than half of Kansas’ counties have turned down their weekly allotment of coronavirus vaccine doses because demand for the shots has declined.

The state said 62 of Kansas’ 105 counties declined their weekly allocations of vaccines from the state last week.

A spokesperson for Gov. Laura Kelly said it appears that many Kansans are delaying getting the vaccine after there has been a steady drop in the number of new infections, hospitalizations and deaths in the state.

State officials are planning a campaign to encourage people who are indifferent or reluctant to get the vaccine to consider getting the shots. And plans are underway to target vaccine distribution more on younger people who make up a large portion of the new cases in the state.

Barton County in central Kansas is one of the places that declined its shipment of the shots. In that county, about 30% of adults have received at least one dose of a vaccine compared to 36.4% across the state.

Barton County Health Director Karen Winkelman said she plans to move away from mass vaccination clinics to using more private doctors and pharmacies that have closer relationships with their patients. The county is also offering walk-in vaccination without appointments now.

But Winkelman said she won’t twist people’s arms to get them vaccinated.

“I would like to see the number higher,” she said, “but I can also respect people’s decisions.”

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — More than half of Kansas’ counties have turned down their weekly allotment of coronavirus vaccine doses because demand for the shots has declined.The state said 62 of Kansas’ 105 counties declined their weekly allocations of vaccines from the state last week.A spokesperson for Gov. Laura Kelly said it appears that many Kansans are delaying getting the vaccine after there has been a steady drop in the number of new infections, hospitalizations and deaths in the state.State officials are planning a campaign to encourage people who are indifferent or reluctant to get the vaccine to consider getting the shots. And plans are underway to target vaccine distribution more on younger people who make up a large portion of the new cases in the state.Barton County in central Kansas is one of the places that declined its shipment of the shots. In that county, about 30% of adults have received at least one dose of a vaccine compared to 36.4% across the state.Barton County Health Director Karen Winkelman said she plans to move away from mass vaccination clinics to using more private doctors and pharmacies that have closer relationships with their patients. The county is also offering walk-in vaccination without appointments now.But Winkelman said she won’t twist people’s arms to get them vaccinated.“I would like to see the number higher,” she said, “but I can also respect people’s decisions.”

Most Kansas counties turn down latest vaccine doses 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Sometime after a January 2017 drug bust near Interstate 70′s main exit for President Dwight Eisenhower’s boyhood Kansas home, $72,000 in cash seized by the local sheriff’s department disappeared.

The state has been investigating the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department for close to four years, with two officials saying in a court filing this year that a “fear of retribution” among department employees had slowed progress. A three-term sheriff lost last year’s Republican primary decisively to a former longtime officer who told voters the department was falling apart.

The mystery has unfolded amid a national debate over whether law enforcement agencies can too easily seize cash and other assets — often without a criminal conviction. Interstate 70 has long been considered a major drug-running corridor.

Meanwhile, there’s no official explanation for what happened to the cash seized in Dickinson County.

“I would like to think that we could get some closure on that,” said Brad Homman, the county administrator.

Abilene, the county seat with 6,400 people, is about 150 miles west of Kansas City. Eisenhower’s presidential library gives the town a hint of prairie rectitude, though it had a pre-Ike past as the end of the Chisholm Trail for 1860s cattle drovers.

No criminal charges have been filed over the missing $72,000. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation closed an inquiry into the former sheriff in October 2019 and the missing funds were “fully investigated,” spokesperson Melissa Underwood said.

Yet, Underwood also wrote in a recent email to The Associated Press, “We have open cases involving Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office personnel.”

Current Sheriff Jerry Davis cited the KBI’s inquiries in declining to answer most questions. The local prosecutor, Andrea Purvis, didn’t respond to interview requests or emailed questions.

Former Sheriff Gareth Hoffman and his undersheriff didn’t respond to social media or email messages. Possible phone numbers for them weren’t answered.

Some details emerged when a lawsuit forced KBI Director Kirk Thompson and General Counsel Laura Graham to answer questions in writing in late February. They were defending the KBI’s refusal to release records five months after the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle’s parent company sued for disclosure.

Thompson and Graham said officers wouldn’t help the KBI if they knew their statements would become public. “One deputy was advised by commanding officers that he would be fired if he spoke about a theft,” the KBI officials said.

Any picture of what happened is clouded by separate allegations in early 2017 that a lieutenant improperly borrowed $25,760 over 4 1/2 years, most of it from a property room in the basement the county attorney’s office building. The officer later pleaded guilty to felony theft in a case that has prompted questions about how Hoffman ran the department.

The KBI said that the sheriff’s office asked it in late May 2017 to investigate the $72,000 missing from its property room. The sheriff has an evidence room in the county courthouse.

Dickinson County Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson believes people were satisfied then with the sheriff’s leadership and notes that it was the sheriff’s office “that uncovered the fact that money was missing and started gathering information.”

But in May 2018, nearly a year after the sheriff’s office sought KBI help, Purvis asked the state agency to investigate “possible evidence destruction and interference with law enforcement” by Hoffman or his employees.

Local officials’ requests for KBI investigations were confirmed in a September 2020 letter to the Reflector-Chronicle’s attorney from Graham, the KBI’s general counsel. The letter, now public because of the open-records lawsuit the newspaper filed days later, wasn’t more specific about what Purvis wanted investigated.

A KBI agent filed an offense report in October 2018 saying $72,020 was missing in a potential “Theft of property or services.” The report’s front page — the only page typically released in Kansas — does not name suspects.

Graham’s letter said the KBI spent about 18 months investigating the missing money and more than a year investigating allegations involving Hoffman and his employees. The state found “insufficient evidence” for charges.

Also involved was Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office, which notified Purvis in July 2019 that it wouldn’t file criminal misconduct charges in Dickinson County. The letter from Assistant Attorney General Michael Serra suggested that a case could not be proven to a jury, though an investigation remained open. He questioned local officials’ evidence-handling policies.

The sheriff’s office did have 21 pages of policies — which Davis said he’s revising — for items in its courthouse property room, including one that said cash or coins worth more than $100 were to be counted by the deputy who seized the money and a second officer before being sealed in tamper-proof packaging.

As for the missing cash, Homman, the county administrator, said it would be nice to get it back.

“It’s money that shouldn’t have been wherever it went.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619366778270.png" alt="Former Dickinson Co. Sheriff Gareth Hoffman during a June 2020 interview with Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Former Dickinson Co. Sheriff Gareth Hoffman during a June 2020 interview with Eagle Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Sometime after a January 2017 drug bust near Interstate 70′s main exit for President Dwight Eisenhower’s boyhood Kansas home, $72,000 in cash seized by the local sheriff’s department disappeared.The state has been investigating the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department for close to four years, with two officials saying in a court filing this year that a “fear of retribution” among department employees had slowed progress. A three-term sheriff lost last year’s Republican primary decisively to a former longtime officer who told voters the department was falling apart.The mystery has unfolded amid a national debate over whether law enforcement agencies can too easily seize cash and other assets — often without a criminal conviction. Interstate 70 has long been considered a major drug-running corridor.Meanwhile, there’s no official explanation for what happened to the cash seized in Dickinson County.“I would like to think that we could get some closure on that,” said Brad Homman, the county administrator.Abilene, the county seat with 6,400 people, is about 150 miles west of Kansas City. Eisenhower’s presidential library gives the town a hint of prairie rectitude, though it had a pre-Ike past as the end of the Chisholm Trail for 1860s cattle drovers.No criminal charges have been filed over the missing $72,000. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation closed an inquiry into the former sheriff in October 2019 and the missing funds were “fully investigated,” spokesperson Melissa Underwood said.Yet, Underwood also wrote in a recent email to The Associated Press, “We have open cases involving Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office personnel.”Current Sheriff Jerry Davis cited the KBI’s inquiries in declining to answer most questions. The local prosecutor, Andrea Purvis, didn’t respond to interview requests or emailed questions.Former Sheriff Gareth Hoffman and his undersheriff didn’t respond to social media or email messages. Possible phone numbers for them weren’t answered.Some details emerged when a lawsuit forced KBI Director Kirk Thompson and General Counsel Laura Graham to answer questions in writing in late February. They were defending the KBI’s refusal to release records five months after the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle’s parent company sued for disclosure.Thompson and Graham said officers wouldn’t help the KBI if they knew their statements would become public. “One deputy was advised by commanding officers that he would be fired if he spoke about a theft,” the KBI officials said.Any picture of what happened is clouded by separate allegations in early 2017 that a lieutenant improperly borrowed $25,760 over 4 1/2 years, most of it from a property room in the basement the county attorney’s office building. The officer later pleaded guilty to felony theft in a case that has prompted questions about how Hoffman ran the department.The KBI said that the sheriff’s office asked it in late May 2017 to investigate the $72,000 missing from its property room. The sheriff has an evidence room in the county courthouse.Dickinson County Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson believes people were satisfied then with the sheriff’s leadership and notes that it was the sheriff’s office “that uncovered the fact that money was missing and started gathering information.”But in May 2018, nearly a year after the sheriff’s office sought KBI help, Purvis asked the state agency to investigate “possible evidence destruction and interference with law enforcement” by Hoffman or his employees.Local officials’ requests for KBI investigations were confirmed in a September 2020 letter to the Reflector-Chronicle’s attorney from Graham, the KBI’s general counsel. The letter, now public because of the open-records lawsuit the newspaper filed days later, wasn’t more specific about what Purvis wanted investigated.A KBI agent filed an offense report in October 2018 saying $72,020 was missing in a potential “Theft of property or services.” The report’s front page — the only page typically released in Kansas — does not name suspects.Graham’s letter said the KBI spent about 18 months investigating the missing money and more than a year investigating allegations involving Hoffman and his employees. The state found “insufficient evidence” for charges.Also involved was Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office, which notified Purvis in July 2019 that it wouldn’t file criminal misconduct charges in Dickinson County. The letter from Assistant Attorney General Michael Serra suggested that a case could not be proven to a jury, though an investigation remained open. He questioned local officials’ evidence-handling policies.The sheriff’s office did have 21 pages of policies — which Davis said he’s revising — for items in its courthouse property room, including one that said cash or coins worth more than $100 were to be counted by the deputy who seized the money and a second officer before being sealed in tamper-proof packaging.As for the missing cash, Homman, the county administrator, said it would be nice to get it back.“It’s money that shouldn’t have been wherever it went.”

Sheriff department's lost $72K: 4 years of probing, few answers

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say a man was shot and killed early Sunday in Kansas City.

Officers were called to the area near East 29th Street and Jackson Avenue around 5 a.m. Sunday when gunshots were reported. said Officer Donna Drake, a spokeswoman for the police department in Kansas City, Missouri.

About a block away from where the shooting was reported officers found a man with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle. The man died at the scene.

Police did not immediately release the victim's identity and no arrests were reported Sunday morning.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say a man was shot and killed early Sunday in Kansas City.Officers were called to the area near East 29th Street and Jackson Avenue around 5 a.m. Sunday when gunshots were reported. said Officer Donna Drake, a spokeswoman for the police department in Kansas City, Missouri.About a block away from where the shooting was reported officers found a man with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle. The man died at the scene.Police did not immediately release the victim's identity and no arrests were reported Sunday morning.“Another life taken and another family devastated,” Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forte posted on Twitter from the crime scene. The shooting death is the 47th homicide reported in Kansas City so far this year.