SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a victim to the hospital.

Just after 6p.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting call in the 2600 block of N Broadway in Wichita, according to officer Trevor Macy.

 After arriving on scene, officers located a 34-year-old man inside a business at the location with multiple gunshot wounds. 

EMS transported him to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries, but he is expected to survive. Police did not release the victim's name or report an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617381429956.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a victim to the hospital.Just after 6p.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting call in the 2600 block of N Broadway in Wichita, according to officer Trevor Macy. After arriving on scene, officers located a 34-year-old man inside a business at the location with multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries, but he is expected to survive. Police did not release the victim's name or report an arrest.

Police find man with gunshot wounds at Kan. business

SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have rescued a man who fell into a grain storage facility near Salina and became trapped. Salina Fire Department Fire Marshal Troy Long said the man was apparently trying to remove a clog when he fell into a grain mover system at the Scoular grain elevator. 

The machinery was quickly shut down. Long said crews were able were able to remove part of that grain mover system and safely get the man out. He then was taken to a hospital with unknown injuries. Long said the department trains for situations like this often.

SALINE COUNTY —One person was rescued after an incident at the Scoular Grain elevator, 2880 East Country Club Road in Salina on Thursday, according to Sheriff's Lt. Jeremiah Hayes.

EMS transported the man to the hospital in Salina.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.&nbsp; 

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617306805267.jpeg" alt="Emergency crews responded to Scoular Grain elevator east of Salina this afternoon.Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Emergency crews responded to Scoular Grain elevator east of Salina this afternoon.Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have rescued a man who fell into a grain storage facility near Salina and became trapped. Salina Fire Department Fire Marshal Troy Long said the man was apparently trying to remove a clog when he fell into a grain mover system at the Scoular grain elevator. The machinery was quickly shut down. Long said crews were able were able to remove part of that grain mover system and safely get the man out. He then was taken to a hospital with unknown injuries. Long said the department trains for situations like this often.------------SALINE COUNTY —One person was rescued after an incident at the Scoular Grain elevator, 2880 East Country Club Road in Salina on Thursday, according to Sheriff's Lt. Jeremiah Hayes.EMS transported the man to the hospital in Salina.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Update: Man freed after entrapment at Kan. grain elevator 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman for an April Fool's Day&nbsp; prank.

Just after 8:30 a.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a shooting at a home in the 4800 block of East Arlene in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Multiple officers responded to the call along with the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS.&nbsp;

Officers surrounded the home, blocked streets, and attempted to make contact with anyone inside.&nbsp; After they were not able to contact anyone, officers wearing shields and with weapons drawn, broke down the door.

Through further investigation, it was learned that&nbsp; 58-year-old Arnthia Willis of Wichita  had called a family member claiming to be shot as an April fool’s joke. The family member called 911. 

Police in Derby located Willis and arrested her without incident.

Willis was booked and remained in jail overnight on a charge of unlawful request for emergency service assistance in violation of K.S.A. 21-6207(b3), according to Davidson.&nbsp;

Wichita Polict Lt. Ron Hunt said the prank was dangerous and the woman could face charges. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617363315226.png" alt="Willis photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Willis photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman for an April Fool's Day&nbsp; prank.Just after 8:30 a.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a shooting at a home in the 4800 block of East Arlene in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Multiple officers responded to the call along with the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS.&nbsp;Officers surrounded the home, blocked streets, and attempted to make contact with anyone inside.&nbsp; After they were not able to contact anyone, officers wearing shields and with weapons drawn, broke down the door.Through further investigation, it was learned that&nbsp; 58-year-old Arnthia Willis of Wichita had called a family member claiming to be shot as an April fool’s joke. The family member called 911. Police in Derby located Willis and arrested her without incident.Willis was booked and remained in jail overnight on a charge of unlawful request for emergency service assistance in violation of K.S.A. 21-6207(b3), according to Davidson.&nbsp;Wichita Polict Lt. Ron Hunt said the prank was dangerous and the woman could face charges. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.------------

Kansas woman jailed for April Fools' Day joke 

HOUSTON (AP) — A&nbsp;federal judge did not immediately rule this week on a closely watched case over the fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which confers limited protections on hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought into the U.S. as children.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen set an early April deadline for lawyers on both sides to provide more information.

Texas&nbsp;heads a coalition of Republican-led states that want Hanen to invalidate the DACA program, instituted in 2012 by then-President Barack Obama. Defending the program is the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the state of&nbsp;New Jersey.

DACA recipients are granted a two-year reprieve from deportation that can be extended and receive a work permit and a Social Security number. The more than 600,000 people currently in the program must meet several requirements, including having no criminal record. Immigrants who are accepted and later get arrested face deportation to their country of origin.

Hanen declined in 2018 to issue a preliminary injunction, saying Texas and other states had waited too long to sue. But in that ruling, he said he believed DACA was unconstitutional and called on Congress to enact legislation shielding people under the program, often known as “Dreamers." Separate federal court rulings barred former President Donald Trump from ending the program and required him to reinstitute admissions.

But the program remains on potentially precarious ground. Lawyers for Texas&nbsp; pushed Hanen to quickly invalidate DACA. MALDEF has asked Hanen to delay any new order as President Joe Biden's administration and Congress consider legislation addressing DACA recipients.

Proposals on Capitol Hill have already faced strong Republican opposition and the politics of immigration have been complicated by a sharp increase in border crossings by immigrant children unaccompanied by a parent. GOP lawmakers have alleged Biden's limited reversal of Trump immigration restrictions have driven families to attempt to cross the border, though migrant families and experts interviewed by The Associated Press have offered a multitude of reasons.

Hanen noted that there had been dozens of failed proposals in the years since Obama enacted DACA

HOUSTON (AP) — A&nbsp;federal judge did not immediately rule this week on a closely watched case over the fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which confers limited protections on hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought into the U.S. as children.U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen set an early April deadline for lawyers on both sides to provide more information.Texas&nbsp;heads a coalition of Republican-led states that want Hanen to invalidate the DACA program, instituted in 2012 by then-President Barack Obama. Defending the program is the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the state of&nbsp;New Jersey.DACA recipients are granted a two-year reprieve from deportation that can be extended and receive a work permit and a Social Security number. The more than 600,000 people currently in the program must meet several requirements, including having no criminal record. Immigrants who are accepted and later get arrested face deportation to their country of origin.Hanen declined in 2018 to issue a preliminary injunction, saying Texas and other states had waited too long to sue. But in that ruling, he said he believed DACA was unconstitutional and called on Congress to enact legislation shielding people under the program, often known as “Dreamers." Separate federal court rulings barred former President Donald Trump from ending the program and required him to reinstitute admissions.But the program remains on potentially precarious ground. Lawyers for Texas&nbsp; pushed Hanen to quickly invalidate DACA. MALDEF has asked Hanen to delay any new order as President Joe Biden's administration and Congress consider legislation addressing DACA recipients.Proposals on Capitol Hill have already faced strong Republican opposition and the politics of immigration have been complicated by a sharp increase in border crossings by immigrant children unaccompanied by a parent. GOP lawmakers have alleged Biden's limited reversal of Trump immigration restrictions have driven families to attempt to cross the border, though migrant families and experts interviewed by The Associated Press have offered a multitude of reasons.Hanen noted that there had been dozens of failed proposals in the years since Obama enacted DACA

Judge delays ruling on DACA immigration program

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has called on the CEOs of three online platforms to act immediately to prevent the sale of fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards.

Schmidt joined a coalition of 44 other state and territorial attorneys general who wrote the CEOs of Twitter, eBay and Shopify as reports of fraudulent cards that have the appearance of being issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began appearing in online marketplaces.

“The false and deceptive marketing and sales of fake COVID vaccine cards threatens the health of our communities, slows progress in getting our residents protected from the virus, and are a violation of the laws of many states,” the attorneys general wrote. “Multiple states’ laws provide for injunctive relief, damages, penalties, and other remedies for such conduct.”

Legitimate vaccination cards are given by health care providers when they administer the vaccine. People who buy fake cards can have their own information added to the card or add it in themselves, making it appear they have been vaccinated when they have not.&nbsp;

In their letter, the attorneys general ask the CEOs to:

Schmidt’s Consumer Protection Division has worked over the past year to protect the public from pandemic-related scams, including the sale of bogus cures, price gouging and attempts to steal federally approved COVID-19 payments. More information on how to protect yourself from these and other scams is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.&nbsp;

Schmidt joins Attorneys General of North Carolina, Tennessee, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/naag-vaccine-cards-letter---final.pdf?sfvrsn=675caa1a_2">Click here to read </a>a copy of the letter sent to the CEOs regarding fake vaccination cards.

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has called on the CEOs of three online platforms to act immediately to prevent the sale of fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards.Schmidt joined a coalition of 44 other state and territorial attorneys general who wrote the CEOs of Twitter, eBay and Shopify as reports of fraudulent cards that have the appearance of being issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began appearing in online marketplaces.“The false and deceptive marketing and sales of fake COVID vaccine cards threatens the health of our communities, slows progress in getting our residents protected from the virus, and are a violation of the laws of many states,” the attorneys general wrote. “Multiple states’ laws provide for injunctive relief, damages, penalties, and other remedies for such conduct.”Legitimate vaccination cards are given by health care providers when they administer the vaccine. People who buy fake cards can have their own information added to the card or add it in themselves, making it appear they have been vaccinated when they have not.&nbsp;In their letter, the attorneys general ask the CEOs to:<ul>
 <li>Monitor their platforms for ads or links selling blank or fraudulently-completed vaccination cards.</li><li>Promptly take down ads or links that are selling cards.</li><li>Preserve records and information about the ads and the people who were selling them.</li>
 </ul>Schmidt’s Consumer Protection Division has worked over the past year to protect the public from pandemic-related scams, including the sale of bogus cures, price gouging and attempts to steal federally approved COVID-19 payments. More information on how to protect yourself from these and other scams is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.&nbsp;Schmidt joins Attorneys General of North Carolina, Tennessee, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/naag-vaccine-cards-letter---final.pdf?sfvrsn=675caa1a_2">Click here to read </a>a copy of the letter sent to the CEOs regarding fake vaccination cards.

Kan. fights sale of fake COVID-19 vaccination cards

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting say the wounded officer is out of the hospital, according to a social media report from police.

The shooting suspect identified as Aaron C. Pouche, 35, from independence, Missouri died in the exchange of gunfire, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Just before 11:30p.m. Wednesday, Independence police&nbsp;were notified of a person shooting a rifle into a residence on Carlisle Avenue, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol who is in charge of the investigation.

 Upon arrival the suspect fired a weapon and one Independence police officer was shot in the head and was transported to the hospital.

The suspect later identified as Pouche was transported to the hospital and subsequently pronounced dead. The initial call was the result of a dispute between neighbors, according to the Patrol.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the name of the officer.

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an officer-involved shooting have identified the suspect as Aaron C. Pouche, 35, from independence, Missouri, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.&nbsp;

Officers also have located a rifle at the scene.

 Upon arrival the suspect fired a weapon and one Independence police officer was shot in the head and was transported to the hospital. 

 He was reportedly conscious and in stable condition, according to the Patrol.

The suspect later identified as Pouche was transported to the hospital and subsequently pronounced dead.  The initial call was the result of a dispute between neighbors, according to the Patrol.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617285987523.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting say the wounded officer is out of the hospital, according to a social media report from police.The shooting suspect identified as Aaron C. Pouche, 35, from independence, Missouri died in the exchange of gunfire, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.Just before 11:30p.m. Wednesday, Independence police&nbsp;were notified of a person shooting a rifle into a residence on Carlisle Avenue, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol who is in charge of the investigation. Upon arrival the suspect fired a weapon and one Independence police officer was shot in the head and was transported to the hospital.The suspect later identified as Pouche was transported to the hospital and subsequently pronounced dead. The initial call was the result of a dispute between neighbors, according to the Patrol.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the name of the officer.-------JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an officer-involved shooting have identified the suspect as Aaron C. Pouche, 35, from independence, Missouri, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.&nbsp;Officers also have located a rifle at the scene.Just before 11:30p.m. Wednesday, Independence police&nbsp;were notified of a person shooting a rifle into a residence on Carlisle Avenue, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol who is in charge of the investigation. Upon arrival the suspect fired a weapon and one Independence police officer was shot in the head and was transported to the hospital. He was reportedly conscious and in stable condition, according to the Patrol.The suspect later identified as Pouche was transported to the hospital and subsequently pronounced dead. The initial call was the result of a dispute between neighbors, according to the Patrol.&nbsp;

KC-area officer shot in dispute between neighbors is out of hospital

TOPEKA —Law enforcement are investigating a violent domestic altercation and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 2a.m. March 30, police responded to a home SW 9th Street and SW Tyler Street in Topeka on a report of a possible domestic disturbance involving an armed suspect, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.

Upon arrival, officers located a woman with several serious injuries. The suspect had left the scene prior to officers arrival.

On Wednesday, police located the suspect, later identified as Winston T. Roberts, 25, of Auburn in the 3800 block of SW Topeka Blvd, according to Johnson.

 Roberts remains in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness/Victim, Criminal Discharge of a firearm, Criminal Damage to Property, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

The victim and suspect are known to one another, according to Johnson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617364478687.png" alt="Roberts has previous convictions for ID theft, burglary, theft and possession of&nbsp; of paraphernailia to consume controlled substances, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Roberts has previous convictions for ID theft, burglary, theft and possession of&nbsp; of paraphernailia to consume controlled substances, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Law enforcement are investigating a violent domestic altercation and have a suspect in custody.Just after 2a.m. March 30, police responded to a home SW 9th Street and SW Tyler Street in Topeka on a report of a possible domestic disturbance involving an armed suspect, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.Upon arrival, officers located a woman with several serious injuries. The suspect had left the scene prior to officers arrival.On Wednesday, police located the suspect, later identified as Winston T. Roberts, 25, of Auburn in the 3800 block of SW Topeka Blvd, according to Johnson. Roberts remains in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness/Victim, Criminal Discharge of a firearm, Criminal Damage to Property, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonThe victim and suspect are known to one another, according to Johnson.

Police arrest Kan. felon for violent attack on a woman

WASHINGTON — Today, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department
 of the Treasury and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they are
 disbursing several million more payments in the third batch of Economic
 Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan. This brings the total 
disbursed so far to more than 130 million payments worth approximately 
$335 billion.

As <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">announced</a>
 on March 12, Economic Impact Payments continue to roll out in batches 
to millions of Americans. The third batch of payments began processing 
on Friday, March 26, with an official payment date of March 31, with 
some people receiving direct payments in their accounts earlier as 
provisional or pending deposits. Here is additional information on this 
batch of payments:

For the first two batches of payments (which began processing on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disbursed-90-million-economic-impact-payments-from-the-american-rescue-plan">March 12</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-another-37-million-economic-impact-payments-from-the-american-rescue-plan">March 19</a>),
 payments were primarily sent to eligible taxpayers who filed 2019 or 
2020 returns. People who don't typically file a return but who 
successfully used the Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov last year were also 
sent payments in these first two batches, either as a direct deposit or 
by paper check or an EIP Card, a prepaid debit card.

Starting Friday, a large set of payments will begin going to Social 
Security and other federal beneficiaries who didn't file a 2020 or 2019 
tax return and didn't use the Non-Filers tool last year. These payments 
will go to Social Security retirement, survivor or disability (SSDI), 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) 
beneficiaries. As <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-projects-stimulus-payments-to-non-filer-social-security-and-other-federal-beneficiaries-will-be-disbursed-later-this-week">announced</a>
 previously, these payments will begin to be issued this weekend, with 
the projection that the majority of these payments will be sent 
electronically and received on April 7.

No action is needed by most people to obtain this round of Economic Impact Payments. People can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>
 tool on IRS.gov on to see if&nbsp;their payment has been scheduled. The IRS 
notes that the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov will not be updated until 
the weekend of April 3-4 with information for Social Security and other 
federal beneficiaries expecting payments next week.

The IRS continues to review data received for Veterans Affairs (VA) 
benefit recipients and expects to determine a payment date and provide 
more details soon. Currently, the IRS estimates that Economic Impact 
Payments for VA beneficiaries who do not regularly file tax returns 
could be disbursed by mid-April. VA beneficiary payment information will
 be available in the Get My Payment tool at a future date

Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return

Some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020 tax return, 
even if they don't usually file, to provide information the IRS needs to
 send payments for any qualified dependent. Eligible individuals in this
 group should file a 2020 tax return to be considered for an additional 
payment for their qualified dependent as quickly as possible.

People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing homelessness, the rural poor, and others. For those 
eligible individuals who didn't get a first or second Economic Impact 
Payment or got less than the full amounts, they may be eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.

Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of
 Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.

Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a> tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — Today, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department
 of the Treasury and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they are
 disbursing several million more payments in the third batch of Economic
 Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan. This brings the total 
disbursed so far to more than 130 million payments worth approximately 
$335 billion.As <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">announced</a>
 on March 12, Economic Impact Payments continue to roll out in batches 
to millions of Americans. The third batch of payments began processing 
on Friday, March 26, with an official payment date of March 31, with 
some people receiving direct payments in their accounts earlier as 
provisional or pending deposits. Here is additional information on this 
batch of payments:<ul>
 <li>This batch includes the first of ongoing supplemental payments 
for people who earlier in March received payments based on their 2019 
tax returns but are eligible for a new or larger payment based on their 
recently processed 2020 tax returns. These "plus-up" payments could 
include a situation where a person's income dropped in 2020 compared to 
2019, or a person had a new child or dependent on their 2020 tax return,
 and other situations.</li><li>The payments announced today also include payments for people for 
whom the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but 
who recently filed a tax return and qualify for an Economic Impact 
Payment. Payments to this group -- and the "plus-up" payments noted 
above -- will continue on a weekly basis going forward, as the IRS 
continues processing tax returns from 2020 and 2019.</li><li>In total, this third batch includes more than 4 million payments, with a total value of more than $10 billion.</li><li>This batch of payments contains more than 2 million direct deposit 
payments (with a total value of more than $5 billion) and approximately 2
 million paper check payments (with a total value of nearly $5 billion).</li>
 </ul>For the first two batches of payments (which began processing on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disbursed-90-million-economic-impact-payments-from-the-american-rescue-plan">March 12</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-another-37-million-economic-impact-payments-from-the-american-rescue-plan">March 19</a>),
 payments were primarily sent to eligible taxpayers who filed 2019 or 
2020 returns. People who don't typically file a return but who 
successfully used the Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov last year were also 
sent payments in these first two batches, either as a direct deposit or 
by paper check or an EIP Card, a prepaid debit card.Starting Friday, a large set of payments will begin going to Social 
Security and other federal beneficiaries who didn't file a 2020 or 2019 
tax return and didn't use the Non-Filers tool last year. These payments 
will go to Social Security retirement, survivor or disability (SSDI), 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) 
beneficiaries. As <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-projects-stimulus-payments-to-non-filer-social-security-and-other-federal-beneficiaries-will-be-disbursed-later-this-week">announced</a>
 previously, these payments will begin to be issued this weekend, with 
the projection that the majority of these payments will be sent 
electronically and received on April 7.No action is needed by most people to obtain this round of Economic Impact Payments. People can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>
 tool on IRS.gov on to see if&nbsp;their payment has been scheduled. The IRS 
notes that the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov will not be updated until 
the weekend of April 3-4 with information for Social Security and other 
federal beneficiaries expecting payments next week.The IRS continues to review data received for Veterans Affairs (VA) 
benefit recipients and expects to determine a payment date and provide 
more details soon. Currently, the IRS estimates that Economic Impact 
Payments for VA beneficiaries who do not regularly file tax returns 
could be disbursed by mid-April. VA beneficiary payment information will
 be available in the Get My Payment tool at a future date<h2>Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return</h2>Some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020 tax return, 
even if they don't usually file, to provide information the IRS needs to
 send payments for any qualified dependent. Eligible individuals in this
 group should file a 2020 tax return to be considered for an additional 
payment for their qualified dependent as quickly as possible.People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing homelessness, the rural poor, and others. For those 
eligible individuals who didn't get a first or second Economic Impact 
Payment or got less than the full amounts, they may be eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of
 Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a> tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

IRS: Third batch of COVID stimulus checks being sent

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities continue working to determine the cause of a house fire in Topeka.

Just after 10:30a.m., Wednesday firefighters responded to the fire in a home at 1601 NW Taylor Street, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from a two story residential house. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack, but due to the condition of the house and the advanced fire conditions, firefighters were forced to evacuate and continue with a defensive fire attack.&nbsp; 

A single occupant who was inside the residence was evacuated to safety by two bystanders, who are members of the United Steel Workers Local 307. 

American Medical response transported the occupant to an area hospital with medical issues not related to the fire, according to Harrison.

The estimated dollar loss – $26,260.00; of which $21,260.00 is associated with a total structural loss and $5,000.00 associated with contents loss.

It is unknown if the home had working smoke detectors. Authorities released no additional details.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities continue working to determine the cause of a house fire in Topeka.Just after 10:30a.m., Wednesday firefighters responded to the fire in a home at 1601 NW Taylor Street, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from a two story residential house. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack, but due to the condition of the house and the advanced fire conditions, firefighters were forced to evacuate and continue with a defensive fire attack.&nbsp; A single occupant who was inside the residence was evacuated to safety by two bystanders, who are members of the United Steel Workers Local 307. American Medical response transported the occupant to an area hospital with medical issues not related to the fire, according to Harrison.The estimated dollar loss – $26,260.00; of which $21,260.00 is associated with a total structural loss and $5,000.00 associated with contents loss.It is unknown if the home had working smoke detectors. Authorities released no additional details.

Fire Marshal: Bystanders rescue resident from burning home

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal judge has thrown out a rule allowing pork plants to speed up production lines because the U.S. Department of Agriculture didn’t properly consider the risks to workers.

The judge in Minnesota ruled Wednesday that the agency’s Food Safety and Inspection Service didn’t follow proper procedures before President Donald Trump’s administration issued the rule in 2019. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7e2dc2b3c13c4fd1b857cfab0962f89e">lawsuit&nbsp;</a>was filed by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union along with local unions in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Oklahoma and the nonprofit consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.

U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen said the agency “expressly identified worker safety as an important consideration and requested public comment on whether increasing line speeds would harm workers. Then, after receiving many comments raising worker safety concerns, FSIS rejected the comments and eliminated line speed limits without considering worker safety.”

The USDA said Thursday that the agency is reviewing the ruling, and it remains “deeply committed to worker safety and a safe, reliable food supply.”

Union officials praised the ruling because they say faster line speeds at pork plants increase the risk of knife injuries, knee, back, shoulder and neck traumas, and repetitive motion injuries for workers.

“With the success of this lawsuit, our country’s essential workers have sent a powerful message that the safety of America’s food and workers is not for sale and that these companies will finally be forced to stop these dangerous practices,” UFCW International President Marc Perrone said.

Public Citizen attorney Adam Pulver, who represented the unions, said the agency should have considered worker safety.

“An agency can’t put its hands over its ears and refuse to consider facts that cut against its policy preferences, as USDA did here in ignoring workers and public health advocates, and blindly following industry’s wishes,” Pulver said.

The judge said her ruling won’t take effect for 90 days to allow regulators time to determine how the change will affect plants that already switched to faster line speeds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589997771819.png" alt="Photo courtesy Tyson Foods" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Tyson Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal judge has thrown out a rule allowing pork plants to speed up production lines because the U.S. Department of Agriculture didn’t properly consider the risks to workers.The judge in Minnesota ruled Wednesday that the agency’s Food Safety and Inspection Service didn’t follow proper procedures before President Donald Trump’s administration issued the rule in 2019. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7e2dc2b3c13c4fd1b857cfab0962f89e">lawsuit&nbsp;</a>was filed by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union along with local unions in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Oklahoma and the nonprofit consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen said the agency “expressly identified worker safety as an important consideration and requested public comment on whether increasing line speeds would harm workers. Then, after receiving many comments raising worker safety concerns, FSIS rejected the comments and eliminated line speed limits without considering worker safety.”The USDA said Thursday that the agency is reviewing the ruling, and it remains “deeply committed to worker safety and a safe, reliable food supply.”Union officials praised the ruling because they say faster line speeds at pork plants increase the risk of knife injuries, knee, back, shoulder and neck traumas, and repetitive motion injuries for workers.“With the success of this lawsuit, our country’s essential workers have sent a powerful message that the safety of America’s food and workers is not for sale and that these companies will finally be forced to stop these dangerous practices,” UFCW International President Marc Perrone said.Public Citizen attorney Adam Pulver, who represented the unions, said the agency should have considered worker safety.“An agency can’t put its hands over its ears and refuse to consider facts that cut against its policy preferences, as USDA did here in ignoring workers and public health advocates, and blindly following industry’s wishes,” Pulver said.The judge said her ruling won’t take effect for 90 days to allow regulators time to determine how the change will affect plants that already switched to faster line speeds.

Judge rejects rule that let pork plants speed up production

ANDERSON, Mo. (AP) — A woman who was named “Grace Doe” after her remains were found in 1990 in southwest Missouri has been identified, McDonald County authorities announced Wednesday.

Investigators and f<a href="https://dnasolves.com/articles/grace_doe/">orensic science identified </a>the remains as Shawna Beth Garber, 53, formerly of Kansas.

Her body was found on Dec. 2, 1990 in farmland in McDonald County. An autopsy determined she was raped and strangled about two months before the discovery.

In September 2020, the remains were sent to Othram, a forensics company, which extracted DNA and built a profile to find distant relatives, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

In January, Othram notified the McDonald County sheriff’s office that possible relatives had been located.

A detective eventually located Danielle Pixler, who said she had a half-sister named Shawna Garber who had been in foster care in Garnett, Kansas, before going back into state care. Pixler said she didn’t know what had happened to Garber after she left foster care.

Pixler donated DNA in February. Othram notified the McDonald County sheriff’s office on Monday that Pixler’s DNA was a match as a half-sibling for “Grace Doe.”

The sheriff’s office said it will try to trace Garber’s movements before her death to determine what happened to her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617274045546.png" alt="'Grace Doe' photo McDonald Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>'Grace Doe' photo McDonald Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>ANDERSON, Mo. (AP) — A woman who was named “Grace Doe” after her remains were found in 1990 in southwest Missouri has been identified, McDonald County authorities announced Wednesday.Investigators and f<a href="https://dnasolves.com/articles/grace_doe/">orensic science identified </a>the remains as Shawna Beth Garber, 53, formerly of Kansas.Her body was found on Dec. 2, 1990 in farmland in McDonald County. An autopsy determined she was raped and strangled about two months before the discovery.In September 2020, the remains were sent to Othram, a forensics company, which extracted DNA and built a profile to find distant relatives, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.In January, Othram notified the McDonald County sheriff’s office that possible relatives had been located.A detective eventually located Danielle Pixler, who said she had a half-sister named Shawna Garber who had been in foster care in Garnett, Kansas, before going back into state care. Pixler said she didn’t know what had happened to Garber after she left foster care.Pixler donated DNA in February. Othram notified the McDonald County sheriff’s office on Monday that Pixler’s DNA was a match as a half-sibling for “Grace Doe.”The sheriff’s office said it will try to trace Garber’s movements before her death to determine what happened to her.

Authorities ID 'Grace Doe' found in 1990 as Kan. woman

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.

&nbsp;Shortly before 4 pm Tuesday,  a Sheriff’s deputy stopped a 1995 Chevrolet Blazer near 150th and U.S. Highway 75 for an alleged registration violation, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Further investigation during the traffic stop led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia. 

The occupants of the vehicle were arrested by deputies. The driver, Ronald Jeffery Bonham, 38, of Topeka, is being held on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

 A passenger, Andre Carlos Brown, 31, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Another passenger, Tiffany Lynn Williams, 43, of Topeka, was arrested on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. All three suspects were booked into the Jackson County Jail, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617213510802.png" alt="Brown photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.&nbsp;Shortly before 4 pm Tuesday, a Sheriff’s deputy stopped a 1995 Chevrolet Blazer near 150th and U.S. Highway 75 for an alleged registration violation, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617213539629.png" alt="Bonham photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Bonham photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Further investigation during the traffic stop led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested by deputies. The driver, Ronald Jeffery Bonham, 38, of Topeka, is being held on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. A passenger, Andre Carlos Brown, 31, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617213488367.png" alt="Williams photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Williams photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Another passenger, Tiffany Lynn Williams, 43, of Topeka, was arrested on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. All three suspects were booked into the Jackson County Jail, according to Morse.

Sheriff: 3 caught with drugs during Kan. traffic stop

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer shooting and have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Jennifer Miller of Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

CAUTION: Graphic video of Wednesday's officer-involved shooting in Wichita.&nbsp;

Just before 9a.m. Wednesday, two police officers were proactively checking the Red Roof Inn, 7335 East Kellogg and Sky Palace, 7321 East Kellogg after numerous calls and complaints over several months involving assaults, burglaries, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the businesses.

While checking the businesses, the officers saw a stolen Subaru Legacy behind the Red Roof Inn. The car had been reported stolen on Tuesday. As they approached the car, they saw Miller enter the car's trunk, grab items and walk toward her room at the Sky Palace.

One officer approached Miller. A second officer arrived to assist and asked Miller for identification. Miller reached into her purse, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at both officers, according to Stephens.

One officer pulled his handgun and fired one shot striking Miller in the neck. The officers began life saving measures and called EMS.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

When she is released from the hospital in a couple of days she will be booked on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, auto theft and felon in possession of a firearm, according to Stephens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617291763952.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer shooting and have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Jennifer Miller of Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.CAUTION: Graphic video of Wednesday's officer-involved shooting in Wichita.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F293964315460951%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Just before 9a.m. Wednesday, two police officers were proactively checking the Red Roof Inn, 7335 East Kellogg and Sky Palace, 7321 East Kellogg after numerous calls and complaints over several months involving assaults, burglaries, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the businesses.While checking the businesses, the officers saw a stolen Subaru Legacy behind the Red Roof Inn. The car had been reported stolen on Tuesday. As they approached the car, they saw Miller enter the car's trunk, grab items and walk toward her room at the Sky Palace.One officer approached Miller. A second officer arrived to assist and asked Miller for identification. Miller reached into her purse, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at both officers, according to Stephens.One officer pulled his handgun and fired one shot striking Miller in the neck. The officers began life saving measures and called EMS.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617293757915.png" alt="Miller has previous convictions that include ID theft, forgery, theft and flee and elude, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick County&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Miller has previous convictions that include ID theft, forgery, theft and flee and elude, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick County&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>When she is released from the hospital in a couple of days she will be booked on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, auto theft and felon in possession of a firearm, according to Stephens.

🎥 Police ID Kan. woman shot after pointing gun at officer

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas outperformed the March estimate by $52.3 million, or 9.7%, with $590.1 million received in total tax collections. That is $66.7 million more than last March, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Recenue.

“While this revenue growth is encouraging, we must continue practicing fiscal responsibility – particularly as we’re getting a clearer picture of how federal and state tax legislation could impact the state’s ending balance,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We cannot risk passing any tax bill that would put Kansas back into a self-inflicted budget crisis, and jeopardize our COVID-19 recovery efforts.”

With the late start of tax season and refunds going out in March, individual income tax collections were lower than the estimate by $4.8 million, or 1.9%, with $255.2 million collected. Corporate income tax collections were $25.3 million, beating the estimate by 26.7%, or $5.3 million.

Consumer spending has not slowed down as both retail sales tax and compensating use tax collections were more than estimated. Retail sales tax collections were up $19.2 million for the month, with $194.2 million collected. Compensating use sales tax was $2.6 million more than the estimate with $42.6 million collected.

The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group will meet later this month to reassess future estimates and consider the impact COVID-19 related federal legislation has on revenue number

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas outperformed the March estimate by $52.3 million, or 9.7%, with $590.1 million received in total tax collections. That is $66.7 million more than last March, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Recenue.“While this revenue growth is encouraging, we must continue practicing fiscal responsibility – particularly as we’re getting a clearer picture of how federal and state tax legislation could impact the state’s ending balance,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We cannot risk passing any tax bill that would put Kansas back into a self-inflicted budget crisis, and jeopardize our COVID-19 recovery efforts.”With the late start of tax season and refunds going out in March, individual income tax collections were lower than the estimate by $4.8 million, or 1.9%, with $255.2 million collected. Corporate income tax collections were $25.3 million, beating the estimate by 26.7%, or $5.3 million.Consumer spending has not slowed down as both retail sales tax and compensating use tax collections were more than estimated. Retail sales tax collections were up $19.2 million for the month, with $194.2 million collected. Compensating use sales tax was $2.6 million more than the estimate with $42.6 million collected.The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group will meet later this month to reassess future estimates and consider the impact COVID-19 related federal legislation has on revenue number

Kan. tax collections $66.7M ahead of March 2020

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Kansas legislators on Thursday revoked an order aimed at encouraging counties to keep mask mandates amid the coronavirus pandemic, just hours after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued it.

<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EO-21-14-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">Kelly’s order</a>&nbsp;required people to wear masks indoors at businesses and public spaces and outdoors when they can’t socially distance. State law gives counties the final say, but her order meant that elected county commissions had to vote to set less restrictive rules or opt out.

The governor said in a statement that the order would ensure that past efforts to check the virus “will not have been wasted.”

The order was similar to a mask policy she issued in November. She was required to reissue it under&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_sb40_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a new Kansas law&nbsp;</a>that also gives eight top legislators the power to revoke an order issued by the governor because of a pandemic or other emergency. And they immediately did so.

Their vote came after Republicans in both chambers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-92837a6b1f26af90f8429fa816a17909">approved resolutions</a>&nbsp;this week directing legislative leaders to rescind any statewide mask policy.

Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch, of Ottawa, said the earlier order was issued as case numbers soared and things have changed drastically since.

“Thankfully they have come down, and we just want to encourage people to be safe and practice infection control. But the numbers don’t support a statewide mandate at this time,” he said.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said counties can still pass and enforce their own rules.

“I would like to remind everyone that this is simply a revocation of a statewide mandate,” he said. “It does not prevent anyone from wearing a mask. The local controls are all still in place.”

But the two Democrats in the group — Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, and House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, of Wichita — voted against overturning Kelly’s order, saying it sent a stronger message than any individual county orders.

“It just sends a better message and it is protecting the economy and it is boosting consumer confidence instead of just those counties because it is a broader,” Skyes said.

Sawyer said most residents still aren’t fully vaccinated and that virus numbers are creeping up in some areas of the country as variants spread.

“We don’t want to declare victory too soon,” he said. “If people quit being careful then cases are going to go up and more people are going to get sick and unfortunately some of them are going to die.”

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Kansas legislators on Thursday revoked an order aimed at encouraging counties to keep mask mandates amid the coronavirus pandemic, just hours after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued it.<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EO-21-14-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">Kelly’s order</a>&nbsp;required people to wear masks indoors at businesses and public spaces and outdoors when they can’t socially distance. State law gives counties the final say, but her order meant that elected county commissions had to vote to set less restrictive rules or opt out.The governor said in a statement that the order would ensure that past efforts to check the virus “will not have been wasted.”The order was similar to a mask policy she issued in November. She was required to reissue it under&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_sb40_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a new Kansas law&nbsp;</a>that also gives eight top legislators the power to revoke an order issued by the governor because of a pandemic or other emergency. And they immediately did so.Their vote came after Republicans in both chambers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-92837a6b1f26af90f8429fa816a17909">approved resolutions</a>&nbsp;this week directing legislative leaders to rescind any statewide mask policy.Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch, of Ottawa, said the earlier order was issued as case numbers soared and things have changed drastically since.“Thankfully they have come down, and we just want to encourage people to be safe and practice infection control. But the numbers don’t support a statewide mandate at this time,” he said.Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said counties can still pass and enforce their own rules.“I would like to remind everyone that this is simply a revocation of a statewide mandate,” he said. “It does not prevent anyone from wearing a mask. The local controls are all still in place.”But the two Democrats in the group — Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, and House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, of Wichita — voted against overturning Kelly’s order, saying it sent a stronger message than any individual county orders.“It just sends a better message and it is protecting the economy and it is boosting consumer confidence instead of just those counties because it is a broader,” Skyes said.Sawyer said most residents still aren’t fully vaccinated and that virus numbers are creeping up in some areas of the country as variants spread.“We don’t want to declare victory too soon,” he said. “If people quit being careful then cases are going to go up and more people are going to get sick and unfortunately some of them are going to die.”___

Kan. lawmakers topple governor’s new mask order

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A woman has died and a child remained in critical condition after they were pulled from a house fire on Kansas City's southeast side, police there said.

Firefighters were called to the scene around 5 p.m. Wednesday by someone who called 911 seeking help, police say in a news release. By the time officers arrived on the scene, firefighters had already found the woman and child inside the burning home, police said.

Both were taken to nearby hospitals, where the woman was pronounced dead. The child was listed in critical condition. Authorities have not released their names.

The fire and the woman’s death are being investigated as suspicious, police said. Detectives with the police department’s bomb and arson unit are investigating alongside homicide detectives, officials said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617296272418.png" alt="The fire and the woman’s death are being investigated as suspicious, police said. Photo KCK fire department" />
 <figcaption>The fire and the woman’s death are being investigated as suspicious, police said. Photo KCK fire department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A woman has died and a child remained in critical condition after they were pulled from a house fire on Kansas City's southeast side, police there said.Firefighters were called to the scene around 5 p.m. Wednesday by someone who called 911 seeking help, police say in a news release. By the time officers arrived on the scene, firefighters had already found the woman and child inside the burning home, police said.Both were taken to nearby hospitals, where the woman was pronounced dead. The child was listed in critical condition. Authorities have not released their names.The fire and the woman’s death are being investigated as suspicious, police said. Detectives with the police department’s bomb and arson unit are investigating alongside homicide detectives, officials said.

Woman dies, child critically injured in Kansas City house fire 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The new transportation infrastructure plan could mean the largest increase in Amtrak rail passenger service since the railroad came into being 50 years ago.

<a href="http://media.amtrak.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Amtrak-Connects-Us-Fact-Sheet-for-Statement.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;to see more from Amtrak

The Amtrak Connects US plan would bring back service to Wichita with the extension of the Heartland Flyer from Oklahoma City to Newton. The route has been studied for the past several years, but this is the most traction it has received. Currently, Amtrak runs bus services from Newton to Oklahoma City.

Other cities that have long lost rail service could also see trains again including Phoenix, Las Vegas, Duluth, Minnesota, and Pueblo, Colorado. The plan also calls for more service on existing routes. Wichita hasn’t had Amtrak service since the Lone Star was eliminated from the Amtrak fleet in 1979.

Amtrak is preparing to restore full-service to its long-distance routes including the Southwest Chief, which serves Kansas starting May 31.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617303464438.png" alt="Amtrak-Connects-Us-Map" />
 <figcaption>Amtrak-Connects-Us-Map</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The new transportation infrastructure plan could mean the largest increase in Amtrak rail passenger service since the railroad came into being 50 years ago.<a href="http://media.amtrak.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Amtrak-Connects-Us-Fact-Sheet-for-Statement.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;to see more from AmtrakThe Amtrak Connects US plan would bring back service to Wichita with the extension of the Heartland Flyer from Oklahoma City to Newton. The route has been studied for the past several years, but this is the most traction it has received. Currently, Amtrak runs bus services from Newton to Oklahoma City.Other cities that have long lost rail service could also see trains again including Phoenix, Las Vegas, Duluth, Minnesota, and Pueblo, Colorado. The plan also calls for more service on existing routes. Wichita hasn’t had Amtrak service since the Lone Star was eliminated from the Amtrak fleet in 1979.Amtrak is preparing to restore full-service to its long-distance routes including the Southwest Chief, which serves Kansas starting May 31.

Amtrak could expand service in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a hit and run accident have made an arrest.

Just after 7:30 m Wednesday,&nbsp; police witnessed the hit and run accident in the 2700 block of South Meridian, according to officer Charley Davidson.

 Witnesses on scene reported seeing two trucks racing southbound on Meridian and one of the trucks striking a 9-year-old child.&nbsp; EMS transported the child&nbsp; to an area hospital with serious injuries. The child is expected to survive.

Through follow-up investigation, officers were able to locate both trucks and their drivers. One driver, a 16-year-old boy was booked into the Sedgwick County Juvenile Detention Facility (JDF) on charges of Reckless Driving and No Driver’s License. The

The other driver, a 17-year-old boy, was booked into JDF on charges of Aggravated Battery, Reckless Driving, Hit and Run and Violation of Driver’s License Restrictions.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a hit and run accident have made an arrest.Just after 7:30 m Wednesday,&nbsp; police witnessed the hit and run accident in the 2700 block of South Meridian, according to officer Charley Davidson. Witnesses on scene reported seeing two trucks racing southbound on Meridian and one of the trucks striking a 9-year-old child.&nbsp; EMS transported the child&nbsp; to an area hospital with serious injuries. The child is expected to survive.Through follow-up investigation, officers were able to locate both trucks and their drivers. One driver, a 16-year-old boy was booked into the Sedgwick County Juvenile Detention Facility (JDF) on charges of Reckless Driving and No Driver’s License. TheThe other driver, a 17-year-old boy, was booked into JDF on charges of Aggravated Battery, Reckless Driving, Hit and Run and Violation of Driver’s License Restrictions.

Kan. teens arrested after hit and run that injured child

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall is concerned about the budget priorities being shown by the new so-called infrastructure proposal President Joe Biden announced this week.

"I think they should call this the grab your wallet, raise your taxes bill," Marshall said Thursday. "It's certainly anything but infrastructure. Only six percent of this bill is going to go to typical infrastructure like roads and bridges, things that you and I think of as infrastructure."

Senator Marshall sees this as something else entirely.

"The rest of it is really a hodgepodge and a lot of it Green New Deal," Marshall said. "Their idea of infrastructure would be to put a wind turbine in everyone's backyard, a solar panel on every roof and an electric charger for cars at every street corner. I just don't think that is what America is ready for."

There are many other priorities that could come first, in Marshall's view.

"We've got plenty of challenges with our roads and bridges," Marshall said. "Frankly, high speed internet would be my next big project. Of course, there's plenty of water and sewage issues for many of our communities as they are aging out. I'm pretty disappointed."

Marshall notes that there has been progress on carbon emissions already. We're at 14 percent less than a decade ago without the kind of measures being proposed in this legislation.

By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall is concerned about the budget priorities being shown by the new so-called infrastructure proposal President Joe Biden announced this week."I think they should call this the grab your wallet, raise your taxes bill," Marshall said Thursday. "It's certainly anything but infrastructure. Only six percent of this bill is going to go to typical infrastructure like roads and bridges, things that you and I think of as infrastructure."Senator Marshall sees this as something else entirely."The rest of it is really a hodgepodge and a lot of it Green New Deal," Marshall said. "Their idea of infrastructure would be to put a wind turbine in everyone's backyard, a solar panel on every roof and an electric charger for cars at every street corner. I just don't think that is what America is ready for."There are many other priorities that could come first, in Marshall's view."We've got plenty of challenges with our roads and bridges," Marshall said. "Frankly, high speed internet would be my next big project. Of course, there's plenty of water and sewage issues for many of our communities as they are aging out. I'm pretty disappointed."Marshall notes that there has been progress on carbon emissions already. We're at 14 percent less than a decade ago without the kind of measures being proposed in this legislation.

Marshall: Biden's infrastructure bill isn't really about infrastructure

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Legislature passed a Republican-backed bill Wednesday that would require graduating high school students to have passed a civics test with questions such as, “What is one way Americans can serve their country?”

The GOP-controlled Senate voted 24-15 for the bill and sent it to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. The Republican-controlled House narrowly approved it in early March.

The measure would require public and private school students to pass a test or series of tests consisting of 60 randomly selected questions from the U.S. citizenship test. The bill does not set a passing grade, leaving that up to teachers. Students would be able to take the test multiple times until they pass.

Supporters say the test would give students basic knowledge to become engaged citizens. Nineteen states require high school students to take a civics test in order to graduate, according to the Legislature’s research staff.

“By providing this test, we are just ensuring that the principles of our government and the foundations of our Constitution are taught in our schools,” said freshman state Sen. Alicia Straub, an Ellinwood Republican.

Kelly has not said whether she will sign the bill, and fellow Democrats opposed it, questioning whether it would be effective in getting young people engaged.

The U.S. citizenship test includes questions that require applicants to name three branches of government, a document that influenced the U.S. Constitution, and who appoints federal judges.

Straub, who led the move to pass the bill in the Senate, said if students are already being taught about the U.S. Constitution and the federal government, they should be able to easily pass the test.

But the Kansas State Board of Education opposed the bill, saying it encroaches on its authority under the state constitution to set graduation requirements. The measure has also faced criticism from some education groups, including the Kansas National Education Association, which says students are already getting a civics education in government and history classes.

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said that she has encouraged students to work for campaigns and become poll workers. She pointed to a national program called Civics Unplugged in which high school students are trained to work on civics projects.

“I think there are programs like this that actually will help with the intent of making sure kids know about the civics process, getting them engaged and actually having an experience that will be much more influential than to take a citizenship, the naturalization exam,” Sykes said.

However, Sen. Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican, said she disagrees with political activism substituting for the knowledge students would have to demonstrate in a civics test.

“We can disagree on politics and culture but if we don’t have a united understanding about where our country came from and its history and how it is structured. We’re going to have difficulties moving forward and getting things done,” Warren said.

During its debate Wednesday, the Senate included an amendment from Democrat Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, Kansas, requiring the State Board of Education to develop curriculum standards for personal financial literacy classes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583163846371.jpeg" alt="State Senator Alicia Straub, who led the move to pass the bill in the Senate, said if students are already being taught about the U.S. Constitution and the federal government, they should be able to easily pass the test." />
 <figcaption>State Senator Alicia Straub, who led the move to pass the bill in the Senate, said if students are already being taught about the U.S. Constitution and the federal government, they should be able to easily pass the test.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Legislature passed a Republican-backed bill Wednesday that would require graduating high school students to have passed a civics test with questions such as, “What is one way Americans can serve their country?”The GOP-controlled Senate voted 24-15 for the bill and sent it to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. The Republican-controlled House narrowly approved it in early March.The measure would require public and private school students to pass a test or series of tests consisting of 60 randomly selected questions from the U.S. citizenship test. The bill does not set a passing grade, leaving that up to teachers. Students would be able to take the test multiple times until they pass.Supporters say the test would give students basic knowledge to become engaged citizens. Nineteen states require high school students to take a civics test in order to graduate, according to the Legislature’s research staff.“By providing this test, we are just ensuring that the principles of our government and the foundations of our Constitution are taught in our schools,” said freshman state Sen. Alicia Straub, an Ellinwood Republican.Kelly has not said whether she will sign the bill, and fellow Democrats opposed it, questioning whether it would be effective in getting young people engaged.The U.S. citizenship test includes questions that require applicants to name three branches of government, a document that influenced the U.S. Constitution, and who appoints federal judges.Straub, who led the move to pass the bill in the Senate, said if students are already being taught about the U.S. Constitution and the federal government, they should be able to easily pass the test.But the Kansas State Board of Education opposed the bill, saying it encroaches on its authority under the state constitution to set graduation requirements. The measure has also faced criticism from some education groups, including the Kansas National Education Association, which says students are already getting a civics education in government and history classes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616069152124.png" alt="Senator Dinah Sykes" />
 <figcaption>Senator Dinah Sykes</figcaption>
 </figure>Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said that she has encouraged students to work for campaigns and become poll workers. She pointed to a national program called Civics Unplugged in which high school students are trained to work on civics projects.“I think there are programs like this that actually will help with the intent of making sure kids know about the civics process, getting them engaged and actually having an experience that will be much more influential than to take a citizenship, the naturalization exam,” Sykes said.However, Sen. Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican, said she disagrees with political activism substituting for the knowledge students would have to demonstrate in a civics test.“We can disagree on politics and culture but if we don’t have a united understanding about where our country came from and its history and how it is structured. We’re going to have difficulties moving forward and getting things done,” Warren said.During its debate Wednesday, the Senate included an amendment from Democrat Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, Kansas, requiring the State Board of Education to develop curriculum standards for personal financial literacy classes.

Kan. lawmakers OK bill mandating civics test for students

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man inside his home was killed by a stray bullet from a gun battle that took place outside on the street in Kansas City, Kansas, police there said.

The shooting happened shortly after 3 p.m., when an argument involving a group of people erupted in gunfire, police said. Authorities did not given other details of the shooting, but witnesses along the stretch of Farrow Avenue told news outlets they heard at least a dozen gunshots.

Police had not released the name of the man killed by Thursday morning..

The death marked the city’s fifth homicide this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article250349551.html" target="_blank">according&nbsp;</a>to data kept by the Kansas City Star. Kansas City, Kansas, saw 55 homicides in all of 2020.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man inside his home was killed by a stray bullet from a gun battle that took place outside on the street in Kansas City, Kansas, police there said.The shooting happened shortly after 3 p.m., when an argument involving a group of people erupted in gunfire, police said. Authorities did not given other details of the shooting, but witnesses along the stretch of Farrow Avenue told news outlets they heard at least a dozen gunshots.Police had not released the name of the man killed by Thursday morning..The death marked the city’s fifth homicide this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article250349551.html" target="_blank">according&nbsp;</a>to data kept by the Kansas City Star. Kansas City, Kansas, saw 55 homicides in all of 2020.

Police: Man in Kan. home killed by stray bullet from gun battle

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Kansas are joining GOP colleagues nationwide in trying to tighten voting laws, advancing a measure Wednesday that would make it harder for churches, civic groups, neighbors and candidates to collect and return absentee ballots for voters.

The state Senate approved, 28-12,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2183_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill&nbsp;</a>that would make it a felony for someone to deliver more than five absentee ballots for other people to election officials. Candidates would be limited to delivering ballots for immediate family members.

Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature argue that they’re trying to prevent “ballot harvesting,” particularly by candidates or campaign workers. They have presented no evidence that the state’s policy that allows someone to deliver an unlimited number of ballots for others has resulted in fraudulent voting.

The Kansas measure is part of a wave of Republican-backed election bills introduced in states after former President Donald Trump stoked false claims that fraud led to his 2020 election defeat. Kansas already had strict voter ID laws, though a federal appeals court last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/816aaaa51ff9ca49a173ec7e60417d83">struck down</a>&nbsp;a requirement that new voters provide citizenship documents when registering.

The vote Wednesday sent the bill to the House, which also has a GOP supermajority and could vote on it as early as next week.

By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Kansas are joining GOP colleagues nationwide in trying to tighten voting laws, advancing a measure Wednesday that would make it harder for churches, civic groups, neighbors and candidates to collect and return absentee ballots for voters.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NFDn_G9U9ZE?start=21515" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The state Senate approved, 28-12,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2183_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill&nbsp;</a>that would make it a felony for someone to deliver more than five absentee ballots for other people to election officials. Candidates would be limited to delivering ballots for immediate family members.Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature argue that they’re trying to prevent “ballot harvesting,” particularly by candidates or campaign workers. They have presented no evidence that the state’s policy that allows someone to deliver an unlimited number of ballots for others has resulted in fraudulent voting.The Kansas measure is part of a wave of Republican-backed election bills introduced in states after former President Donald Trump stoked false claims that fraud led to his 2020 election defeat. Kansas already had strict voter ID laws, though a federal appeals court last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/816aaaa51ff9ca49a173ec7e60417d83">struck down</a>&nbsp;a requirement that new voters provide citizenship documents when registering.The vote Wednesday sent the bill to the House, which also has a GOP supermajority and could vote on it as early as next week.“What we’re talking about here is voter suppression, nothing less,” said Democratic state Sen. Mary Ware, of Wichita.Advocates for voting rights and the disabled argue that the measure on absentee ballots would make it less likely that disabled voters or older voters living in nursing homes would get their ballots delivered.The Kansas Senate’s debate came less than a week after Georgia’s Republican governor signed new voting restrictions into law, including a ban on outside groups handing out food or water to people in line to vote.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602937208880.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In Kansas, absentee ballots are known as “advance” ballots. Voters have until three days after the election to return ballots by mail. They also can deliver them to local election offices in person or have them delivered by family members, neighbors, churches, care givers, civic groups or even candidates themselves.GOP lawmakers have cited the case of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-bills-legislation-kansas-voting-rights-5f4ec0db443f4eb96d181df0146ac87d">former Democratic state Rep. Tim Hodge,</a>&nbsp;of North Newton, who won his 2018 race by only 88 votes, before losing his 2020 contest by a wide margin. He collected voters’ ballots and said in an interview this year, “It’s called campaigning, not cheating.”Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, a Galena Republican, said its important to have an adequate “chain of custody” to be sure that sealed ballot envelopes aren’t being tampered with or thrown away.“If they’re going out and collecting 100 ballots, how do you know that they’re turning in 100 ballots?” he said.Kansas had a small number of highly publicized election fraud cases prosecuted by former Secretary of State Kris Kobach in the past six years. Most were people who were caught or who mistakenly voted in two states in one election. Republican lawmakers are influenced by Trump and his allies’ persistent but unfounded allegations of fraud elsewhere.“I want to make sure these elections are secure, fair and transparent,” said Sen. Larry Alley, a Winfield Republican.Democratic Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, of Wichita, asked several times whether she would be allowed to deliver the ballot of a disabled 80-year-old constituent. Each time, she was told no, and concluded the last time with, “I hear it loud and clear.”“I’m elected to assist in some manner some constituencies,” she said. “If this 80-year-old woman has outlived her spouse, she has no children — you know, she needs help.”