WILSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Fredonia Police Department, and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office arrested two individuals this week related to the distribution of illegal narcotics.

Just after 5p.m. Tuesday, authorities conducted search warrants at 811 N. 15th&nbsp;Street in Fredonia, according to a media release from the KBI.

Methamphetamine, with an approximate street value of $24,000, as well as marijuana and other narcotics were discovered. They also located over $9,000 in cash.

Andrew D. Black, 38, of Fredonia was arrested on requested charges of possession with the intent to sell methamphetamine, possession with the intent to sell marijuana, possession with the intent to sell narcotics, possession of drug sales paraphernalia, and possession of drug use paraphernalia.

Stephanie M. Hanson, 21, also of Fredonia, was arrested on requested charges of possession with the intent to sell methamphetamine, possession with the intent to sell marijuana, possession with the intent to sell narcotics, possession of drug sales paraphernalia, and possession of drug use paraphernalia.

Following their arrests, Black and Hanson were booked into the Wilson County Jail.&nbsp;

The joint operation represented a coordinated law enforcement effort to reduce the accessibility of illegal drugs impacting southeast Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617221555522.png" alt="Black photo Wilson Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Black photo Wilson Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>WILSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Fredonia Police Department, and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office arrested two individuals this week related to the distribution of illegal narcotics.Just after 5p.m. Tuesday, authorities conducted search warrants at 811 N. 15th&nbsp;Street in Fredonia, according to a media release from the KBI.Methamphetamine, with an approximate street value of $24,000, as well as marijuana and other narcotics were discovered. They also located over $9,000 in cash.Andrew D. Black, 38, of Fredonia was arrested on requested charges of possession with the intent to sell methamphetamine, possession with the intent to sell marijuana, possession with the intent to sell narcotics, possession of drug sales paraphernalia, and possession of drug use paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617221614709.png" alt="Hanson photo Wilson Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Hanson photo Wilson Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Stephanie M. Hanson, 21, also of Fredonia, was arrested on requested charges of possession with the intent to sell methamphetamine, possession with the intent to sell marijuana, possession with the intent to sell narcotics, possession of drug sales paraphernalia, and possession of drug use paraphernalia.Following their arrests, Black and Hanson were booked into the Wilson County Jail.&nbsp;The joint operation represented a coordinated law enforcement effort to reduce the accessibility of illegal drugs impacting southeast Kansas.

KBI, Postal Inspection Service help make Kan. drug bust

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in Manhattan.

Just before 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Riley County Communications Center received a report of shots fired outside of Dillard’s in the 100 block of Manhattan Town Center in Manhattan, according to police spokesperson Aaron Wintermote.

When officers arrived on scene, they identified a 20-year-old female and a 21-year-old male that were involved in an isolated altercation with a 33-year-old male, who was later located at a secondary scene near the intersection of 3rd&nbsp;St. and Kearney St. in Manhattan. 

The 33-year-old male was found to be suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and was transported to Via Christi for treatment of his injuries, then later transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka.

Officers were still on scene, as this is an active investigation. No suspect has been arrested at this time. There is no threat to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617238867679.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Wednesday evening investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Wednesday evening investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in Manhattan.Just before 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Riley County Communications Center received a report of shots fired outside of Dillard’s in the 100 block of Manhattan Town Center in Manhattan, according to police spokesperson Aaron Wintermote.When officers arrived on scene, they identified a 20-year-old female and a 21-year-old male that were involved in an isolated altercation with a 33-year-old male, who was later located at a secondary scene near the intersection of 3rd&nbsp;St. and Kearney St. in Manhattan. The 33-year-old male was found to be suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and was transported to Via Christi for treatment of his injuries, then later transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka.Officers were still on scene, as this is an active investigation. No suspect has been arrested at this time. There is no threat to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police: Man wounded in shooting outside mall in Manhattan 

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man has been indicted on a federal charge accusing him of tampering with a public water system, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard.

WYATT A. TRAVNICHEK,&nbsp;22, of Ellsworth County, Kansas is charged with one count of tampering with a public water system and one count of reckless damage to a protected computer during unauthorized access.

“Our office is committed to maintaining and improving its partnership with the state of Kansas in the administration and implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “Drinking water that is considered safe is essential to the protection of the public’s health.”

The indictment alleges that on or about March 27, 2019, in the District of Kansas, Travnichek knowingly accessed the Ellsworth County Rural Water District’s protected computer system without authorization. During this unauthorized access, it is alleged Travnichek performed activities that shut down the processes at the facility which affect the facilities cleaning and disinfecting procedures with the intention of harming the Ellsworth Rural Water District No. 1, also known as Post Rock Rural Water District.

“By illegally tampering with a public drinking water system, the defendant threatened the safety and health of an entire community,” said Lance Ehrig, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Kansas. “EPA and its law enforcement partners are committed to upholding the laws designed to protect our drinking water systems from harm or threat of harm. Today’s indictment sends a clear message that individuals who intentionally violate these laws will be vigorously prosecuted.”

Upon conviction, the alleged crimes carry the following penalties:

Tampering with a Public Water System: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Reckless Damage to a Protected Computer During Unauthorized Access: Up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man has been indicted on a federal charge accusing him of tampering with a public water system, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard.WYATT A. TRAVNICHEK,&nbsp;22, of Ellsworth County, Kansas is charged with one count of tampering with a public water system and one count of reckless damage to a protected computer during unauthorized access.“Our office is committed to maintaining and improving its partnership with the state of Kansas in the administration and implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “Drinking water that is considered safe is essential to the protection of the public’s health.”The indictment alleges that on or about March 27, 2019, in the District of Kansas, Travnichek knowingly accessed the Ellsworth County Rural Water District’s protected computer system without authorization. During this unauthorized access, it is alleged Travnichek performed activities that shut down the processes at the facility which affect the facilities cleaning and disinfecting procedures with the intention of harming the Ellsworth Rural Water District No. 1, also known as Post Rock Rural Water District.“By illegally tampering with a public drinking water system, the defendant threatened the safety and health of an entire community,” said Lance Ehrig, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Kansas. “EPA and its law enforcement partners are committed to upholding the laws designed to protect our drinking water systems from harm or threat of harm. Today’s indictment sends a clear message that individuals who intentionally violate these laws will be vigorously prosecuted.”Upon conviction, the alleged crimes carry the following penalties:Tampering with a Public Water System: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.Reckless Damage to a Protected Computer During Unauthorized Access: Up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Indictment: Man tampered with Ellsworth Co. water system computer

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities including the Salina Police Department SWAT team arrested a person on the Salina Most Wanted list Wednesday afternoon.

Just after noon, officers arrested 30-year-old Andre Jerome Satterfield at a residence in the 200 block of Indiana Avenue, According to a social media report from Salina Police.

"The SWAT Team was utilized due to Satterfield’s history of violence," the police Facebook post noted. "Satterfield was also believed to be armed. Satterfield exited the resident shortly after our arrival and was taken into custody without incident."

Satterfield was wanted for multiple active warrants including&nbsp; District court, fail to appear; domestic battery, criminal threat.&nbsp; District court, parole violation; distributing marijuana, use communication facility in felony, distributing cocaine, interference with a law enforcement officer, domestic battery. District court, fail to appear; aggravated kidnapping, kidnapping, possession of a weapon by felon, aggravated assault, domestic battery, endanger child, reckless driving, damage to property, violation of a protection order. $100,000 cash surety bond. District court, fail to appear; speeding, driving while suspended. $1,500 cash/surety Municipal Court, fail to appear; FTA. $50 cash.Municipal court, fail to appear; FTA. $500, according to police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617223167312.jpeg" alt="Salina Police Department SWAT team responded to an arrest in east-central Salina Wednesday afternoon.Photo Salina Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Salina Police Department SWAT team responded to an arrest in east-central Salina Wednesday afternoon.Photo Salina Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities including the Salina Police Department SWAT team arrested a person on the Salina Most Wanted list Wednesday afternoon.Just after noon, officers arrested 30-year-old Andre Jerome Satterfield at a residence in the 200 block of Indiana Avenue, According to a social media report from Salina Police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601817968206.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Satterfield has numerous drug convictions and one for domestic battery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Satterfield has numerous drug convictions and one for domestic battery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>"The SWAT Team was utilized due to Satterfield’s history of violence," the police Facebook post noted. "Satterfield was also believed to be armed. Satterfield exited the resident shortly after our arrival and was taken into custody without incident."Satterfield was wanted for multiple active warrants including&nbsp; District court, fail to appear; domestic battery, criminal threat.&nbsp; District court, parole violation; distributing marijuana, use communication facility in felony, distributing cocaine, interference with a law enforcement officer, domestic battery. District court, fail to appear; aggravated kidnapping, kidnapping, possession of a weapon by felon, aggravated assault, domestic battery, endanger child, reckless driving, damage to property, violation of a protection order. $100,000 cash surety bond. District court, fail to appear; speeding, driving while suspended. $1,500 cash/surety Municipal Court, fail to appear; FTA. $50 cash.Municipal court, fail to appear; FTA. $500, according to police.

SWAT team finds wanted Kan. felon at Salina home

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/31/behemoth-public-education-policy-budget-measure-narrowly-approved-by-kansas-house/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A bill with 
wide-ranging impacts to education policy and the public school budget 
passed the Kansas House by a narrow margin Tuesday despite bipartisan 
concerns over several provisions.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2119/">House Bill 2119</a>,
 the Student Empowerment Act, would take the per-pupil amount of money 
normally given to public schools and place it into education savings 
accounts for students to use toward private school tuition. The bill 
would also limit funding for remote learning options by providing a 
finance formula based on virtual school rather than in-person 
instruction.

A provision added in the 
House K-12 Budget Committee would expand the state’s school choice 
efforts by reimbursing organizations that grant scholarships for private
 schools up to $8,000 in tax credits per student per year. While only 
about 600 students from low-income families in poorly performing schools
 are currently eligible, the proposed legislation would expand 
eligibility greatly.

The bill was amended in 
committee to soften some enrollment eligibility concerns, but public 
education advocates remain skeptical. Critics have dubbed the measure a 
“Frankenstein bill” for the way public education policy and 
appropriations were stitched together. They argued private schools are 
not held to the same standards as public schools in many respects.

Proponents, however, say 
the bill is a necessary response to growing achievement gaps since the 
onset of the pandemic. Many pointed to frustrations among parents who 
feel school districts are not listening to them or are prioritizing 
teachers over students.

Of those who are upset 
with the way their school has served them, only those who have the money
 to pick up and move can exercise educational choice, said Rep. Susan 
Humphries, R-Wichita.

“It is unconscionable to 
me that anyone would deny that opportunity and freedom to other students
 and families so that their children can be better served,” Humphries 
said. “This bill offers hope for the most vulnerable and those who need 
it most.”

The behemoth bill held off
 scrutiny from both sides of the aisle on a 65-58 vote. Eighteen 
Republicans joined all House Democrats in opposing the legislation.

Several who voted in favor
 of the bill expressed a desire to see certain kinks ironed out when the
 House and Senate come together to discuss their stances on the 
education budget.

Rep. Valdenia Winn, 
D-Kansas City, Kansas, said in passing the bill, her colleagues were 
casting a blind eye to potential cost ramifications and a bevy of other 
education issues needing attention. For example, she argued teacher 
education standards were out of date.

For all the discussions on
 how to best serve students and state education, Winn said curriculum 
and educational opportunity are not being considered.

“There are a lot of issues
 that could help explain low achievement. We haven’t talked about them,”
 she said. “I’m not willing to give up on public schools. I’m here 
waiting to reform public education.”

Instead, HB2119 would 
undermine public schools, she said. Winn argued private schools are not 
required to meet the same standards in reporting data and choosing 
students.

House Minority Leader Tom 
Sawyer, D-Wichita, tacked on the argument that the bill’s policy would 
shift public tax dollars to private schools with no strings attached.

Rep. Kristey Williams, 
R-Augusta, and chairwoman of the House K-12 Budget Committee, countered 
those concerns by saying the bill would fully fund public education as 
requested in the governor’s budget for 2021, 2022 and the estimate for 
2023.

The bill also calls for 
$10 million in federal funds to be directed toward mental health 
programs, school safety grants and community schools, Williams said.

“This bill addresses the 
issue of school finance, along with student achievement, in an effort to
 cast light on an ever-expanding achievement gap between the haves and 
the have nots,” Williams said. “It forces us to take time to consider 
accountability, transparency and student outcomes.”

Public school advocates, however, pointed to the 71-52 passage of <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2397/">House Bill 2397</a>,
 as a reason to doubt the promise of fully funding public education. The
 measure,&nbsp;a budget bill dealing with appropriations from 2021 to 2024, 
calls for a 2% cut across the board, including public education.

Many who voted for those 
cuts were the same lawmakers on the House education budget committee who
 touted the full funding in House Bill 2119, said Mark Desseti, of the 
Kansas National Education Association

“Here they are with their 
bill that they count as fully funding the governor’s budget, and then 
they vote to cut the governor’s budget 2% across the board (which) takes
 it out of schools,” Dessert said. “So, the bill now comes out, with 
that, possibly worse than it was at the beginning of the debate.”

The House and Senate will 
now have to reconcile over distinctions in their budget bills. The 
process may be an unusual one as the K-12 budget in the House resides in
 both House Bill 2119 and House Bill 2397.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 267, the proposal coming from across the rotunda, holds off on $570 million for K-12 education.

As a House Bill, the 
Senate cannot simply concur, but it is subject to a conference 
committee, where legislators from both chambers can hash out their 
differences.

Apart from financial 
implications, some who voted to support the mega bill hoped certain 
policy issues would be worked on during those forthcoming deliberations.
 Rep. Mark Samsel, R-Wellsville, said he had already jeopardized trust 
between superintendents and others in his district by voting in favor of
 the bill, but would not continue to do so if changes were not made.

“I’m putting my trust in 
our own leadership,” Samsel said. “… I have faith and trust that we’ll 
work that out as we go to conference committee and further on.”

Even if the sizable bill 
should pass in its current form, the bill seems certain to be vetoed by 
Gov. Laura Kelly. Legislators appear to lack the votes to override that 
action should it occur based on the narrow vote margin in the House.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617227213494.png" alt="Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita, said House Bill 2119, which passed 65-58, would open the door for lower-income families dissatisfied with school board decisions to choose a better option for their children. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita, said House Bill 2119, which passed 65-58, would open the door for lower-income families dissatisfied with school board decisions to choose a better option for their children. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/31/behemoth-public-education-policy-budget-measure-narrowly-approved-by-kansas-house/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A bill with 
wide-ranging impacts to education policy and the public school budget 
passed the Kansas House by a narrow margin Tuesday despite bipartisan 
concerns over several provisions.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2119/">House Bill 2119</a>,
 the Student Empowerment Act, would take the per-pupil amount of money 
normally given to public schools and place it into education savings 
accounts for students to use toward private school tuition. The bill 
would also limit funding for remote learning options by providing a 
finance formula based on virtual school rather than in-person 
instruction.A provision added in the 
House K-12 Budget Committee would expand the state’s school choice 
efforts by reimbursing organizations that grant scholarships for private
 schools up to $8,000 in tax credits per student per year. While only 
about 600 students from low-income families in poorly performing schools
 are currently eligible, the proposed legislation would expand 
eligibility greatly.The bill was amended in 
committee to soften some enrollment eligibility concerns, but public 
education advocates remain skeptical. Critics have dubbed the measure a 
“Frankenstein bill” for the way public education policy and 
appropriations were stitched together. They argued private schools are 
not held to the same standards as public schools in many respects.Proponents, however, say 
the bill is a necessary response to growing achievement gaps since the 
onset of the pandemic. Many pointed to frustrations among parents who 
feel school districts are not listening to them or are prioritizing 
teachers over students.Of those who are upset 
with the way their school has served them, only those who have the money
 to pick up and move can exercise educational choice, said Rep. Susan 
Humphries, R-Wichita.“It is unconscionable to 
me that anyone would deny that opportunity and freedom to other students
 and families so that their children can be better served,” Humphries 
said. “This bill offers hope for the most vulnerable and those who need 
it most.”The behemoth bill held off
 scrutiny from both sides of the aisle on a 65-58 vote. Eighteen 
Republicans joined all House Democrats in opposing the legislation.Several who voted in favor
 of the bill expressed a desire to see certain kinks ironed out when the
 House and Senate come together to discuss their stances on the 
education budget.Rep. Valdenia Winn, 
D-Kansas City, Kansas, said in passing the bill, her colleagues were 
casting a blind eye to potential cost ramifications and a bevy of other 
education issues needing attention. For example, she argued teacher 
education standards were out of date.For all the discussions on
 how to best serve students and state education, Winn said curriculum 
and educational opportunity are not being considered.“There are a lot of issues
 that could help explain low achievement. We haven’t talked about them,”
 she said. “I’m not willing to give up on public schools. I’m here 
waiting to reform public education.”Instead, HB2119 would 
undermine public schools, she said. Winn argued private schools are not 
required to meet the same standards in reporting data and choosing 
students.House Minority Leader Tom 
Sawyer, D-Wichita, tacked on the argument that the bill’s policy would 
shift public tax dollars to private schools with no strings attached.Rep. Kristey Williams, 
R-Augusta, and chairwoman of the House K-12 Budget Committee, countered 
those concerns by saying the bill would fully fund public education as 
requested in the governor’s budget for 2021, 2022 and the estimate for 
2023.The bill also calls for 
$10 million in federal funds to be directed toward mental health 
programs, school safety grants and community schools, Williams said.“This bill addresses the 
issue of school finance, along with student achievement, in an effort to
 cast light on an ever-expanding achievement gap between the haves and 
the have nots,” Williams said. “It forces us to take time to consider 
accountability, transparency and student outcomes.”Public school advocates, however, pointed to the 71-52 passage of <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2397/">House Bill 2397</a>,
 as a reason to doubt the promise of fully funding public education. The
 measure,&nbsp;a budget bill dealing with appropriations from 2021 to 2024, 
calls for a 2% cut across the board, including public education.Many who voted for those 
cuts were the same lawmakers on the House education budget committee who
 touted the full funding in House Bill 2119, said Mark Desseti, of the 
Kansas National Education Association“Here they are with their 
bill that they count as fully funding the governor’s budget, and then 
they vote to cut the governor’s budget 2% across the board (which) takes
 it out of schools,” Dessert said. “So, the bill now comes out, with 
that, possibly worse than it was at the beginning of the debate.”The House and Senate will 
now have to reconcile over distinctions in their budget bills. The 
process may be an unusual one as the K-12 budget in the House resides in
 both House Bill 2119 and House Bill 2397.Meanwhile, Senate Bill 267, the proposal coming from across the rotunda, holds off on $570 million for K-12 education.As a House Bill, the 
Senate cannot simply concur, but it is subject to a conference 
committee, where legislators from both chambers can hash out their 
differences.Apart from financial 
implications, some who voted to support the mega bill hoped certain 
policy issues would be worked on during those forthcoming deliberations.
 Rep. Mark Samsel, R-Wellsville, said he had already jeopardized trust 
between superintendents and others in his district by voting in favor of
 the bill, but would not continue to do so if changes were not made.“I’m putting my trust in 
our own leadership,” Samsel said. “… I have faith and trust that we’ll 
work that out as we go to conference committee and further on.”Even if the sizable bill 
should pass in its current form, the bill seems certain to be vetoed by 
Gov. Laura Kelly. Legislators appear to lack the votes to override that 
action should it occur based on the narrow vote margin in the House.

Behemoth education policy, budget narrowly approved by Kan. House

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that injured a woman on Wednesday in Wichita.

Officers in the crime reduction and community policing teams were on the scene and responded to report of a stolen car in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn in the 7300 Block of East Kellogg in Wichita, according to Police Captain Kevin Kochenderfer.

While conducting that investigation, another citizen contacted officers about a vehicle that had been broken into and provided officers with a suspect description.

Police contacted a white female, approximately 35-years of age, according Kochenderfer, who was in the alleged stolen car and she was also a suspect in the vehicle burglaries.&nbsp; 

One officer was at the back of the car and another was with the woman at the front of the car.

The woman brandished a handgun, according to Kochenderfer, and pointed it at one of the officers.&nbsp; The officer's partner fired his weapon at the woman. EMS transported her to a local hospital for treatment. She was&nbsp; conscious and alert, according to Kochenderfer. "It doesn't look like her injuries are going to be serious," he said.

Kochenderfer said police were on the scene because they have responded to an, "overload of calls to the location over the past several months involving assaults, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the business."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617216440689.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that injured a woman on Wednesday in Wichita.Officers in the crime reduction and community policing teams were on the scene and responded to report of a stolen car in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn in the 7300 Block of East Kellogg in Wichita, according to Police Captain Kevin Kochenderfer.While conducting that investigation, another citizen contacted officers about a vehicle that had been broken into and provided officers with a suspect description.Police contacted a white female, approximately 35-years of age, according Kochenderfer, who was in the alleged stolen car and she was also a suspect in the vehicle burglaries.&nbsp; One officer was at the back of the car and another was with the woman at the front of the car.The woman brandished a handgun, according to Kochenderfer, and pointed it at one of the officers.&nbsp; The officer's partner fired his weapon at the woman. EMS transported her to a local hospital for treatment. She was&nbsp; conscious and alert, according to Kochenderfer. "It doesn't look like her injuries are going to be serious," he said.Kochenderfer said police were on the scene because they have responded to an, "overload of calls to the location over the past several months involving assaults, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the business."

Suspect shot after she points gun at Kan. officer

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City Council member Brandon Ellington was charged Wednesday with assault after an alleged confrontation with an activist earlier this month.

Municipal Court records say Ellington “inflicted bodily injury or cause an unlawful offensive contact” by poking someone in the chest several times.

He was scheduled to be in court April 29.

Rodney Bland, a member of Freedom Inc., a Black political club in Kansas City, said Ellington confronted him outside a restaurant in the city’s 18th and Vine District on March 20.

He said he was surprised by the confrontation, during which Ellington physically threatened him. Bland reported the incident to police. He declined to provide further specifics.

Ellington denied the accusations, saying he never physically threatened anyone.

“I plan on engaging the court full fledged to ensure justice is done in all categories,” Ellington said.

Ellington is serving his first term on the Kansas City Council. He previously served in the Missouri House of Representatives.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617221123916.png" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Council member Brandon Ellington answered questions on his twitter account" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Council member Brandon Ellington answered questions on his twitter account</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City Council member Brandon Ellington was charged Wednesday with assault after an alleged confrontation with an activist earlier this month.Municipal Court records say Ellington “inflicted bodily injury or cause an unlawful offensive contact” by poking someone in the chest several times.He was scheduled to be in court April 29.Rodney Bland, a member of Freedom Inc., a Black political club in Kansas City, said Ellington confronted him outside a restaurant in the city’s 18th and Vine District on March 20.He said he was surprised by the confrontation, during which Ellington physically threatened him. Bland reported the incident to police. He declined to provide further specifics.Ellington denied the accusations, saying he never physically threatened anyone.“I plan on engaging the court full fledged to ensure justice is done in all categories,” Ellington said.Ellington is serving his first term on the Kansas City Council. He previously served in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Kansas City Council member charged with assault

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY <a href="https://salinapost.com">Salina Post</a>

SALINA — Saline County will keep its mask mandate in effect for at least one more week.

That was the consensus of the county commissioners during their meeting this morning. 

During
 his COVID-19 report to the commissioners, County Health Department 
Director Jason Tiller recommended that the mask mandate continue. A 
component that was built into the mask mandate when it was adopted was 
that the commissioners review the the county's COVID-19 situation every 
two weeks and upon that review decide to rescind the mandate or do 
nothing and keep it in place for another two weeks. 

Commissioner 
Robert Vidricksen noted that even if the commissioners voted today to 
repeal the mask mandate, the City of Salina would still have a mask 
resolution in place. He also noted that the state has a mask order in 
place, though the commission could vote to opt out of the state order.

"I
 agree with Commissioner Vidricksen. The city is really driving this 
bus. When I voted for the mask ordinance and made it 3-2, my reasonings 
were two things. One was to stay consistent with the city. I didn't see 
that there was any reason for the rural areas to be different than the 
city areas as far as law enforcement. And then second of all, my third 
vote was also predicated on my worry that we were overwhelming the 
hospital. That is obviously not happening. I'm not saying that it 
couldn't take an uptick, but that's why I was in support of this," 
Commissioner Monte Shadwick said. "I agree with Commissioner Vidricksen.
 There's no reason for us to vote today, or next week, if the city 
hasn't done anything."

During his presentation, Tiller noted that 
COVID-19 cases and deaths in the United States continue to trend 
downward, although he noted a rise in some states. That decrease is 
reflected in the state numbers, as well as those of Saline County.

"Erradication is certainly not likely, but we are still trending in the right direction," Tiller said.

For
 the two-week update, 44 new cases were reported, bringing the county 
total to 6,061. Additionally one new COVID-19 related death was reported
 and Salina Regional Health Center reported one COVID-19 inpatient.

"Due
 to the lack of continued demand at the testing site that was at the 
Church of the Cross, that site has been closed down by the state," 
Tiller told the commissioners. "There are other places still if someone 
is looking to get tested they can either call their primary care 
provider or go to that website <a href="http://gogettested.com/kansas">gogettested.com/kansas</a> and be able to find a site and contact information for a place to get tested."

Tiller said that the county is now registering and vaccinating all phases of the vaccine plan. 

"You
 can either go to the vaccinatesalinecountyks.com website to register. 
There are also other places such as Dillons Pharmacy, B&amp;K, Key 
Rexall, the hospital, I believe, is receiving some this week. There is 
continued widespread availability of vaccine for those who want it," 
Tiller said.

He also said that people who wanted to get vaccinated could go to <a href="http://vaccinefinder.org">vaccinefinder.org</a> and find a location offering vaccinations.

According to Tiller, 33 to 34 percent of the adults in the county will be vaccinated by the end of this week. 

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY <a href="https://salinapost.com">Salina Post</a>SALINA — Saline County will keep its mask mandate in effect for at least one more week.That was the consensus of the county commissioners during their meeting this morning. During
 his COVID-19 report to the commissioners, County Health Department 
Director Jason Tiller recommended that the mask mandate continue. A 
component that was built into the mask mandate when it was adopted was 
that the commissioners review the the county's COVID-19 situation every 
two weeks and upon that review decide to rescind the mandate or do 
nothing and keep it in place for another two weeks. Commissioner 
Robert Vidricksen noted that even if the commissioners voted today to 
repeal the mask mandate, the City of Salina would still have a mask 
resolution in place. He also noted that the state has a mask order in 
place, though the commission could vote to opt out of the state order."I
 agree with Commissioner Vidricksen. The city is really driving this 
bus. When I voted for the mask ordinance and made it 3-2, my reasonings 
were two things. One was to stay consistent with the city. I didn't see 
that there was any reason for the rural areas to be different than the 
city areas as far as law enforcement. And then second of all, my third 
vote was also predicated on my worry that we were overwhelming the 
hospital. That is obviously not happening. I'm not saying that it 
couldn't take an uptick, but that's why I was in support of this," 
Commissioner Monte Shadwick said. "I agree with Commissioner Vidricksen.
 There's no reason for us to vote today, or next week, if the city 
hasn't done anything."During his presentation, Tiller noted that 
COVID-19 cases and deaths in the United States continue to trend 
downward, although he noted a rise in some states. That decrease is 
reflected in the state numbers, as well as those of Saline County."Erradication is certainly not likely, but we are still trending in the right direction," Tiller said.For
 the two-week update, 44 new cases were reported, bringing the county 
total to 6,061. Additionally one new COVID-19 related death was reported
 and Salina Regional Health Center reported one COVID-19 inpatient."Due
 to the lack of continued demand at the testing site that was at the 
Church of the Cross, that site has been closed down by the state," 
Tiller told the commissioners. "There are other places still if someone 
is looking to get tested they can either call their primary care 
provider or go to that website <a href="http://gogettested.com/kansas">gogettested.com/kansas</a> and be able to find a site and contact information for a place to get tested."Tiller said that the county is now registering and vaccinating all phases of the vaccine plan. "You
 can either go to the vaccinatesalinecountyks.com website to register. 
There are also other places such as Dillons Pharmacy, B&amp;K, Key 
Rexall, the hospital, I believe, is receiving some this week. There is 
continued widespread availability of vaccine for those who want it," 
Tiller said.He also said that people who wanted to get vaccinated could go to <a href="http://vaccinefinder.org">vaccinefinder.org</a> and find a location offering vaccinations.According to Tiller, 33 to 34 percent of the adults in the county will be vaccinated by the end of this week.

Saline Co. mask mandate extended at least a week

SHAWNEE COUNTY— A 7-month old baby died and three others were critically injured in a crash Tuesday evening in Topeka.&nbsp;

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the accident at the intersection of SW 5th Street and SW Polk Street in involving two vehicles, according to police Lt. Ron Ekis.

A preliminary investigation of the crash indicates the driver of a light colored SUV was driving the wrong way on SW Polk Street at a high rate of speed when it crashed into a second dark gray colored vehicle.

In addition to the baby,&nbsp; three other adults remain in critical, but stable condition at a local hospital, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

The driver and single occupant of the light colored SUV is also in the hospital and remains in stable condition. Police officers were not in pursuit of either vehicle, according to Spiker.

The accident remains under investigation. Police have not released names of those involved.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident critically four people.

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a serious injury accident at the intersection of SW 5th Street and SW Polk Street in Topeka involving two vehicles, according to police Lt. Ron Ekis. Four occupants were transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Officers are on scene investigating the accident and the circumstances leading up to the accident. Police asked the public to avoid the area of 5th street from Taylor to Polk and the 400 Blk of SW Polk as the area is closed to vehicle and foot traffic, according to Ekis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617206593208.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal crash photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal crash photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— A 7-month old baby died and three others were critically injured in a crash Tuesday evening in Topeka.&nbsp;Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the accident at the intersection of SW 5th Street and SW Polk Street in involving two vehicles, according to police Lt. Ron Ekis.A preliminary investigation of the crash indicates the driver of a light colored SUV was driving the wrong way on SW Polk Street at a high rate of speed when it crashed into a second dark gray colored vehicle.In addition to the baby,&nbsp; three other adults remain in critical, but stable condition at a local hospital, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.The driver and single occupant of the light colored SUV is also in the hospital and remains in stable condition. Police officers were not in pursuit of either vehicle, according to Spiker.The accident remains under investigation. Police have not released names of those involved.----------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident critically four people.Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a serious injury accident at the intersection of SW 5th Street and SW Polk Street in Topeka involving two vehicles, according to police Lt. Ron Ekis. Four occupants were transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.Officers are on scene investigating the accident and the circumstances leading up to the accident. Police asked the public to avoid the area of 5th street from Taylor to Polk and the 400 Blk of SW Polk as the area is closed to vehicle and foot traffic, according to Ekis.

Police: Baby dies in Kan. crash involving wrong-way driver

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden wants $2 trillion to reengineer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-c98de9fe006e508c59857e32fd12ca1a">America’s infrastructure</a>&nbsp;and expects the nation’s corporations to pay for it.

The president travels to Pittsburgh on Wednesday to unveil what would be a hard-hatted transformation of the U.S. economy as grand in scale as the New Deal or Great Society programs that shaped the 20th century.

White House officials say the spending over eight years would generate millions of new jobs as the country shifts away from fossil fuels and combats the perils of climate change. It is also an effort to compete against the technology and public investments made by China, the world’s second-largest economy and fast gaining on the United States’ dominant position.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the plan is “about making an investment in America — not just modernizing our roads or railways or bridges but building an infrastructure of the future.”

Biden’s choice of Pittsburgh for unveiling the plan carries important economic and political resonance. He not only won Pittsburgh and its surrounding county to help secure the presidency, but he launched his campaign there in 2019. The city famed for steel mills that powered America’s industrial rise has steadily pivoted toward technology and health care, drawing in college graduates from western Pennsylvania in a sign of how economies can change.

The Democratic president’s infrastructure projects would be financed by higher corporate taxes — a trade-off that could lead to fierce resistance from the business community and thwart any attempts to work with Republicans lawmakers. Biden hopes to pass an infrastructure plan by summer, which could mean relying solely on the slim Democratic majorities in the House and the Senate.

The White House says the largest chunk of the proposal includes $621 billion for roads, bridges, public transit, electric vehicle charging stations and other transportation infrastructure. The spending would push the country away from internal combustion engines that the auto industry views as an increasingly antiquated technology.

Another $111 billion would go to replace lead water pipes and upgrade sewers. Broadband internet would blanket the country for $100 billion. Separately, $100 billion would upgrade the power grid to deliver clean electricity. Homes would get retrofitted, schools modernized, workers trained and hospitals renovated under the plan, which also seeks to strengthen U.S. manufacturing.

The new construction could keep the economy running hot, coming on the heels of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-first-prime-time-speech-next-phase-pandemic-85d1ae52bc61abffd3ae91c324e58308">Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package</a>&nbsp;— economists already estimate it could push growth above 6% this year.

Separately, Biden will propose in the coming weeks a series of soft infrastructure investments in child care, family tax credits and other domestic programs, another expenditure of roughly $2 trillion to be paid for by tax hikes on wealthy individuals and families, according to people familiar with the proposal.

Funding the first $2 trillion for construction and “hard” infrastructure projects would be a hike on corporate taxes that would raise the necessary sum over 15 years and then reduce the deficit going forward, according to a White House outline of the plan. Biden would undo the signature policy achievement of the Trump administration by lifting the corporate tax rate to 28% from the 21% rate set in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2d9e099660064f2b8a8fc2237b4e7e4e">a 2017 overhaul</a>.

To keep companies from shifting profits overseas to avoid taxation, a 21% global minimum tax would be imposed. The tax code would also be updated so that companies could not merge with a foreign business and avoid taxes by moving their headquarters to a tax haven. And among other provisions, it would increase IRS audits of corporations.

White House officials led by National Economic Council Director Brian Deese offered a private briefing Tuesday for top lawmakers in both parties. But key GOP and business leaders are already panning the package.

“It seems like President Biden has an insatiable appetite to spend more money and raise people’s taxes,” Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the GOP whip, said in an interview.

Scalise predicted that, if approved, the new spending and taxes would “start having a negative impact on the economy, which we’re very concerned about.”

The business community favors updating U.S. infrastructure, but it dislikes higher tax rates. An official at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce who insisted on anonymity to discuss the private talks said the organization fears the proposed tax hikes could undermine the gains from new infrastructure. The Business Roundtable, a group of CEOs, would rather have infrastructure funded with user fees such as tolls.

Pittsburgh is a series of steep hills and three intersecting rivers. Its steel mills once covered the sky in enough soot that men needed to take spare white shirts to work because their button downs would turn to gray by lunch. Only last year the city, amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>, met Environmental Protection Agency standards for air quality, even though it is increasingly the home of tech and health care workers with college degrees.

Infrastructure spending usually holds the promise of juicing economic growth, but by how much remains a subject of political debate. Commutes and shipping times could be shortened, while public health would be improved and construction jobs would bolster consumer spending.

Standard &amp; Poor’s chief U.S. economist, Beth Ann Bovino, estimated last year that a $2.1 trillion boost in infrastructure spending could add as much as $5.7 trillion in income to the entire economy over a decade. Those kinds of analyses have led liberal Democrats in Congress such as Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal to conclude Tuesday, “The economic consensus is that infrastructure pays for itself over time.”

But the Biden administration is taking a more cautious approach than some Democrats might like. After $1.9 trillion in pandemic aid and $4 trillion in relief last year, the administration is trying to avoid raising the debt to levels that would trigger higher interest rates and make it harder to repay.

Psaki said Tuesday that Biden believes it’s “the responsible thing to do” to pay for infrastructure through taxes instead of borrowing. But the White House in its outline of the plan also couched the tax hikes as a matter of fairness, noting that 91 Fortune 500 companies paid $0 in federal corporate taxes in 2018.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden wants $2 trillion to reengineer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-c98de9fe006e508c59857e32fd12ca1a">America’s infrastructure</a>&nbsp;and expects the nation’s corporations to pay for it.The president travels to Pittsburgh on Wednesday to unveil what would be a hard-hatted transformation of the U.S. economy as grand in scale as the New Deal or Great Society programs that shaped the 20th century.White House officials say the spending over eight years would generate millions of new jobs as the country shifts away from fossil fuels and combats the perils of climate change. It is also an effort to compete against the technology and public investments made by China, the world’s second-largest economy and fast gaining on the United States’ dominant position.White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the plan is “about making an investment in America — not just modernizing our roads or railways or bridges but building an infrastructure of the future.”Biden’s choice of Pittsburgh for unveiling the plan carries important economic and political resonance. He not only won Pittsburgh and its surrounding county to help secure the presidency, but he launched his campaign there in 2019. The city famed for steel mills that powered America’s industrial rise has steadily pivoted toward technology and health care, drawing in college graduates from western Pennsylvania in a sign of how economies can change.The Democratic president’s infrastructure projects would be financed by higher corporate taxes — a trade-off that could lead to fierce resistance from the business community and thwart any attempts to work with Republicans lawmakers. Biden hopes to pass an infrastructure plan by summer, which could mean relying solely on the slim Democratic majorities in the House and the Senate.The White House says the largest chunk of the proposal includes $621 billion for roads, bridges, public transit, electric vehicle charging stations and other transportation infrastructure. The spending would push the country away from internal combustion engines that the auto industry views as an increasingly antiquated technology.Another $111 billion would go to replace lead water pipes and upgrade sewers. Broadband internet would blanket the country for $100 billion. Separately, $100 billion would upgrade the power grid to deliver clean electricity. Homes would get retrofitted, schools modernized, workers trained and hospitals renovated under the plan, which also seeks to strengthen U.S. manufacturing.The new construction could keep the economy running hot, coming on the heels of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-first-prime-time-speech-next-phase-pandemic-85d1ae52bc61abffd3ae91c324e58308">Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package</a>&nbsp;— economists already estimate it could push growth above 6% this year.Separately, Biden will propose in the coming weeks a series of soft infrastructure investments in child care, family tax credits and other domestic programs, another expenditure of roughly $2 trillion to be paid for by tax hikes on wealthy individuals and families, according to people familiar with the proposal.Funding the first $2 trillion for construction and “hard” infrastructure projects would be a hike on corporate taxes that would raise the necessary sum over 15 years and then reduce the deficit going forward, according to a White House outline of the plan. Biden would undo the signature policy achievement of the Trump administration by lifting the corporate tax rate to 28% from the 21% rate set in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2d9e099660064f2b8a8fc2237b4e7e4e">a 2017 overhaul</a>.To keep companies from shifting profits overseas to avoid taxation, a 21% global minimum tax would be imposed. The tax code would also be updated so that companies could not merge with a foreign business and avoid taxes by moving their headquarters to a tax haven. And among other provisions, it would increase IRS audits of corporations.White House officials led by National Economic Council Director Brian Deese offered a private briefing Tuesday for top lawmakers in both parties. But key GOP and business leaders are already panning the package.“It seems like President Biden has an insatiable appetite to spend more money and raise people’s taxes,” Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the GOP whip, said in an interview.Scalise predicted that, if approved, the new spending and taxes would “start having a negative impact on the economy, which we’re very concerned about.”The business community favors updating U.S. infrastructure, but it dislikes higher tax rates. An official at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce who insisted on anonymity to discuss the private talks said the organization fears the proposed tax hikes could undermine the gains from new infrastructure. The Business Roundtable, a group of CEOs, would rather have infrastructure funded with user fees such as tolls.Pittsburgh is a series of steep hills and three intersecting rivers. Its steel mills once covered the sky in enough soot that men needed to take spare white shirts to work because their button downs would turn to gray by lunch. Only last year the city, amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>, met Environmental Protection Agency standards for air quality, even though it is increasingly the home of tech and health care workers with college degrees.Infrastructure spending usually holds the promise of juicing economic growth, but by how much remains a subject of political debate. Commutes and shipping times could be shortened, while public health would be improved and construction jobs would bolster consumer spending.Standard &amp; Poor’s chief U.S. economist, Beth Ann Bovino, estimated last year that a $2.1 trillion boost in infrastructure spending could add as much as $5.7 trillion in income to the entire economy over a decade. Those kinds of analyses have led liberal Democrats in Congress such as Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal to conclude Tuesday, “The economic consensus is that infrastructure pays for itself over time.”But the Biden administration is taking a more cautious approach than some Democrats might like. After $1.9 trillion in pandemic aid and $4 trillion in relief last year, the administration is trying to avoid raising the debt to levels that would trigger higher interest rates and make it harder to repay.Psaki said Tuesday that Biden believes it’s “the responsible thing to do” to pay for infrastructure through taxes instead of borrowing. But the White House in its outline of the plan also couched the tax hikes as a matter of fairness, noting that 91 Fortune 500 companies paid $0 in federal corporate taxes in 2018.ADVERTISEMENTTrending on AP News<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-pence-groundwork-2024-presidential-run-df46fb0af0c353a2f13d265bd041cffe">Trump’s heir? Pence reemerges, lays groundwork for 2024 run</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-jill-biden-dogs-2b1d3f05f2ed91b611998d7363b1ccae">‘Major’ pain: Biden’s dog involved in 2nd biting incident</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-legislature-scholarships-coronavirus-pandemic-kentucky-13b08c29aa086f42b877e2ab8db531b7">Republican lawmakers plunge into veto overrides in Kentucky</a><a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=organic-thumbnails-rr:Right%20Rail%20Thumbnails:" target="_blank">by Taboola</a>ADVERTISEMENT<figure>
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Biden's tax hike will pay for $2T infrastructure plan

WASHINGTON — To help taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service 
announced today that it will take steps to automatically refund money 
this spring and summer to people who filed their tax return reporting 
unemployment compensation before the recent changes made by the American
 Rescue Plan.

The legislation, signed on March 11, allows taxpayers who earned less
 than $150,000 in modified adjusted gross income to exclude unemployment
 compensation up to $20,400 if married filing jointly and $10,200 for 
all other eligible taxpayers. The legislation excludes only 2020 
unemployment benefits from taxes.

Because the change occurred after some people filed their taxes, the 
IRS will take steps in the spring and summer to make the appropriate 
change to their return, which may result in a refund. The first refunds 
are expected to be made in May and will continue into the summer.

For those taxpayers who already have filed and figured their tax 
based on the full amount of unemployment compensation, the IRS will 
determine the correct taxable amount of unemployment compensation and 
tax. Any resulting overpayment of tax will be either refunded or applied
 to other outstanding taxes owed.

For those who have already filed, the IRS will do these 
recalculations in two phases, starting with those taxpayers eligible for
 the up to $10,200 exclusion. The IRS will then adjust returns for those
 married filing jointly taxpayers who are eligible for the up to $20,400
 exclusion and others with more complex returns.

There is no need for taxpayers to file an amended return unless the 
calculations make the taxpayer newly eligible for additional federal 
credits and deductions not already included on the original tax return.

For example, the IRS can adjust returns for those taxpayers who 
claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and, because the exclusion 
changed the income level, may now be eligible for an increase in the 
EITC amount which may result in a larger refund. However, taxpayers 
would have to file an amended return if they did not originally claim 
the EITC or other credits but now are eligible because the exclusion 
changed their income.

These taxpayers may want to review their state tax returns as well.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 23 million U.S. 
workers nationwide filed for unemployment last year. For the first time,
 some self-employed workers qualified for unemployed benefits as well. 
The IRS is working to determine how many workers affected by the tax 
change already have filed their tax returns.

The new IRS guidance also includes details for those eligible taxpayers who have not yet filed.

The IRS has worked with the tax return preparation software industry 
to reflect these updates so people who choose to file electronically 
simply need to respond to the related questions when electronically 
preparing their tax returns. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/new-exclusion-of-up-to-10200-of-unemployment-compensation">New Exclusion of up to $10,200 of Unemployment Compensation</a>
 for information and examples. For others, instructions and an updated 
worksheet about the exclusion were available in March and posted to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">IRS.gov/form1040</a>. These instructions can assist taxpayers who have not yet filed to prepare returns correctly.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — To help taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service 
announced today that it will take steps to automatically refund money 
this spring and summer to people who filed their tax return reporting 
unemployment compensation before the recent changes made by the American
 Rescue Plan.The legislation, signed on March 11, allows taxpayers who earned less
 than $150,000 in modified adjusted gross income to exclude unemployment
 compensation up to $20,400 if married filing jointly and $10,200 for 
all other eligible taxpayers. The legislation excludes only 2020 
unemployment benefits from taxes.Because the change occurred after some people filed their taxes, the 
IRS will take steps in the spring and summer to make the appropriate 
change to their return, which may result in a refund. The first refunds 
are expected to be made in May and will continue into the summer.For those taxpayers who already have filed and figured their tax 
based on the full amount of unemployment compensation, the IRS will 
determine the correct taxable amount of unemployment compensation and 
tax. Any resulting overpayment of tax will be either refunded or applied
 to other outstanding taxes owed.For those who have already filed, the IRS will do these 
recalculations in two phases, starting with those taxpayers eligible for
 the up to $10,200 exclusion. The IRS will then adjust returns for those
 married filing jointly taxpayers who are eligible for the up to $20,400
 exclusion and others with more complex returns.There is no need for taxpayers to file an amended return unless the 
calculations make the taxpayer newly eligible for additional federal 
credits and deductions not already included on the original tax return.For example, the IRS can adjust returns for those taxpayers who 
claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and, because the exclusion 
changed the income level, may now be eligible for an increase in the 
EITC amount which may result in a larger refund. However, taxpayers 
would have to file an amended return if they did not originally claim 
the EITC or other credits but now are eligible because the exclusion 
changed their income.These taxpayers may want to review their state tax returns as well.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 23 million U.S. 
workers nationwide filed for unemployment last year. For the first time,
 some self-employed workers qualified for unemployed benefits as well. 
The IRS is working to determine how many workers affected by the tax 
change already have filed their tax returns.The new IRS guidance also includes details for those eligible taxpayers who have not yet filed.The IRS has worked with the tax return preparation software industry 
to reflect these updates so people who choose to file electronically 
simply need to respond to the related questions when electronically 
preparing their tax returns. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/new-exclusion-of-up-to-10200-of-unemployment-compensation">New Exclusion of up to $10,200 of Unemployment Compensation</a>
 for information and examples. For others, instructions and an updated 
worksheet about the exclusion were available in March and posted to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">IRS.gov/form1040</a>. These instructions can assist taxpayers who have not yet filed to prepare returns correctly.

IRS will recalculate taxes on unemployment benefits; refunds to start in May

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 510 to a total of 302,372, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4913, an increase of 11.

<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 510 to a total of 302,372, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4913, an increase of 11.<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/2021/3/1617210132057.png" alt="Wednesday March 31, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday March 31, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent domestic incident and after asking the public for help to locate&nbsp; a suspect now have 34-year-old Stefon C. Butler in custody.

On Tuesday evening, Butler turned himself in to authorities, according to Lt. Shane Hilton.

 He was&nbsp;booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated battery, Aggravated assault, Rape and Criminal Restraint.

On March 24, police responded to the 1300 block of SW Lincoln Street in Topeka on a report of a violent domestic disturbance.

Throughout the course of the investigation, Butler had been identified as a person of interest in this incident.

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent domestic violence incident and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

On Tuesday evening, police responded to the 1300 block of SW Lincoln Street in Topeka on a report of a violent domestic disturbance.

Throughout the course of the investigation, 34-year-old Stefon C. Butler has been identified as a person of interest in this incident. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616615447991.png" alt="Butler is described a 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal possession of a firearm,&nbsp;Violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act and for drugs." />
 <figcaption>Butler is described a 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal possession of a firearm,&nbsp;Violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act and for drugs.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent domestic incident and after asking the public for help to locate&nbsp; a suspect now have 34-year-old Stefon C. Butler in custody.On Tuesday evening, Butler turned himself in to authorities, according to Lt. Shane Hilton. He was&nbsp;booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated battery, Aggravated assault, Rape and Criminal Restraint.On March 24, police responded to the 1300 block of SW Lincoln Street in Topeka on a report of a violent domestic disturbance.Throughout the course of the investigation, Butler had been identified as a person of interest in this incident.------TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent domestic violence incident and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.On Tuesday evening, police responded to the 1300 block of SW Lincoln Street in Topeka on a report of a violent domestic disturbance.Throughout the course of the investigation, 34-year-old Stefon C. Butler has been identified as a person of interest in this incident.

Police: After a week, Kan. rape suspect turns himself in

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal motorcycle crash have identified the victim as 29-year-old Kyle Eaton of Wichita.

&nbsp;Just after 9p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to an injury accident at Pawnee and Mosley, according to officer Trevor Macey. When they arrived, they located a three-vehicle accident with an injured victim later identified Eaton.

 Despite life-saving efforts by witnesses and EMS crews, he died at the scene.

The investigation revealed that Eaton was stopped on Eastbound Pawnee on a motorcycle, waiting to turn left onto Mosley when he was struck from behind by another vehicle. 

This impact pushed Eaton's motorcycle into Westbound Pawnee, and a westbound vehicle struck him.&nbsp;

Inattentive driving is suspected to be the cause. This is the first motorcycle traffic fatality of the year and the 15th overall traffic fatality.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617203503013.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal accident -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal accident -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal motorcycle crash have identified the victim as 29-year-old Kyle Eaton of Wichita.&nbsp;Just after 9p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to an injury accident at Pawnee and Mosley, according to officer Trevor Macey. When they arrived, they located a three-vehicle accident with an injured victim later identified Eaton. Despite life-saving efforts by witnesses and EMS crews, he died at the scene.The investigation revealed that Eaton was stopped on Eastbound Pawnee on a motorcycle, waiting to turn left onto Mosley when he was struck from behind by another vehicle. This impact pushed Eaton's motorcycle into Westbound Pawnee, and a westbound vehicle struck him.&nbsp;Inattentive driving is suspected to be the cause. This is the first motorcycle traffic fatality of the year and the 15th overall traffic fatality.

Police ID Kan. man who died in 3-vehicle motorcycle crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused of in a hit and run shooting made her first court appearance Tuesday.

Charity Blackmon, 31, is charged with Murder in the 1st degree and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 4:30 p.m. March 26, police were dispatched to 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue for a shooting call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arriving, they located&nbsp;54-year-old <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2blv6y22g0?qid=7f0e4807b16464f4303f8d95ed764ff1">Merrill Rabus of Wichita</a> unconscious and receiving life-saving measures.

Rabus had undetermined injuries, including what appeared to be a single gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The investigation revealed Rabus was on his bicycle at the intersection of 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue when he was struck by a white Plymouth van driven by 31-year-old Charity Blackmon. 

Blackmon then got out of her vehicle and fired a shot from a handgun, striking Rabus. Blackmon fled the scene and was followed by witnesses who provided her location. She was located and arrested at 14th&nbsp;Street North and Green Street by a Wichita State University police officer, according to Cruz.

 Blackmon and Rabus were not known to each other. Officers also recovered a handgun through this investigation.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a fatal shooting.

Just before 4:30 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue for a shooting call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arriving, they located&nbsp;54-year-old Merrill Rabus of Wichita unconscious and receiving life-saving measures.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a bicyclist is dead after a woman struck him with her van as he crossed a Wichita street and then apparently shot him. 

&nbsp;Charity Charmon Blackmon, 31,&nbsp; was booked into jail Friday night on suspicion of first-degree murder, driving with a suspended license, unsafe turning or stopping and failure to give proper signal. 

Wichita police chief Gordon Ramsay said the victim was either riding or walking his bicycle when he was hit Friday afternoon. Ramsay said the initial reports were that the suspect got out to shoot the man after the crash. 

Ramsay said police would know definitively if he was shot after an autopsy. The man’s name wasn’t immediately released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616855135199.png" alt="Blackmon photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Blackmon photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused of in a hit and run shooting made her first court appearance Tuesday.Charity Blackmon, 31, is charged with Murder in the 1st degree and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616871807743.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation on Friday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation on Friday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 4:30 p.m. March 26, police were dispatched to 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue for a shooting call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arriving, they located&nbsp;54-year-old <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2blv6y22g0?qid=7f0e4807b16464f4303f8d95ed764ff1">Merrill Rabus of Wichita</a> unconscious and receiving life-saving measures.Rabus had undetermined injuries, including what appeared to be a single gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.The investigation revealed Rabus was on his bicycle at the intersection of 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue when he was struck by a white Plymouth van driven by 31-year-old Charity Blackmon. Blackmon then got out of her vehicle and fired a shot from a handgun, striking Rabus. Blackmon fled the scene and was followed by witnesses who provided her location. She was located and arrested at 14th&nbsp;Street North and Green Street by a Wichita State University police officer, according to Cruz. Blackmon and Rabus were not known to each other. Officers also recovered a handgun through this investigation.&nbsp;--------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a fatal shooting.Just before 4:30 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue for a shooting call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arriving, they located&nbsp;54-year-old Merrill Rabus of Wichita unconscious and receiving life-saving measures.Rabus had undetermined injuries, including what appeared to be a single gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.The investigation revealed Rabus was on his bicycle at the intersection of 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue when he was struck by a white Plymouth van driven by 31-year-old Charity Blackmon. Blackmon then got out of her vehicle and fired a shot from a handgun, striking Rabus. Blackmon fled the scene and was followed by witnesses who provided her location. She was located and arrested at 14th&nbsp;Street North and Green Street by a Wichita State University police officer, according to Cruz. Blackmon and Rabus were not known to each other. Officers also recovered a handgun through this investigation.&nbsp;---------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a bicyclist is dead after a woman struck him with her van as he crossed a Wichita street and then apparently shot him. &nbsp;Charity Charmon Blackmon, 31,&nbsp; was booked into jail Friday night on suspicion of first-degree murder, driving with a suspended license, unsafe turning or stopping and failure to give proper signal. Wichita police chief Gordon Ramsay said the victim was either riding or walking his bicycle when he was hit Friday afternoon. Ramsay said the initial reports were that the suspect got out to shoot the man after the crash. Ramsay said police would know definitively if he was shot after an autopsy. The man’s name wasn’t immediately released.

Kan. woman charged in fatal hit-and-run and shooting

Chamber adopts ‘our-fiscal-policy-stinks’ motion for 2% budget cut

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/30/house-gop-kills-off-another-medicaid-expansion-attempt-by-democrats/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Republican 
majority in the Kansas House stiff-armed Tuesday the latest in a long 
series of attempts by Democrats to expand eligibility for Medicaid to at
 least 120,000 lower-income Kansans.

The minority party 
attempted to amend expansion into a state budget bill because GOP 
leadership in the House had successfully blocked bills in committee that
 would commit the state to a bigger Medicaid program under the 2010 
Affordable Care Act. The amendment offered by Overland Park Rep. Brett 
Parker was rejected 46-78, after Republicans tried to avoid the public 
vote through a procedural maneuver.

Democratic Gov. Laura 
Kelly has made Medicaid expansion a top policy priority. She also 
proposed the state’s share of expansion costs could be covered by 
revenue from passage of a medicinal marijuana law.

Thirty-eight states have 
implemented Medicaid expansion or passed expansion measures, including 
Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado and Nebraska. At this point, the federal 
government would cover 90% of a state’s cost of increasing coverage 
under Medicaid. In addition, the federal stimulus law would deliver to 
Kansas approximately $450 million in additional funding over the next 
two years if it went ahead with Medicaid reform.

Proponents of expansion 
said the amendment would draw to Kansas a projected $460 million 
annually in federal funding to serve 120,000 to 160,000 people at 
clinics and hospitals statewide. By stopping adoption of Medicaid 
growth, Kansas lawmakers have turned away $4.6 billion in federal aid 
for preventative health care.

“I’ve been here for five 
years now,” said Parker, the Overland Park Democrat. “I don’t think 
we’ve worked an expansion bill in the health committee in those five 
years. Medicaid expansion is the right thing to do. It’s been available 
for too long. We’ve not taken action for too long.”

Rep. Susan Humphries, 
R-Wichita, urged her colleagues to oppose the amendment because Medicaid
 would be available to pay for abortions. However, the state Medicaid 
director said federal funding could be relied upon for abortions under 
expanded Medicaid only in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of 
the woman.

After the dust settled on 
Medicaid, Rep. Troy Waymaster, the House budget committee chairman, 
continued to battle through debate on the budget blueprint. A reduction 
of about $20 in the state fee for a concealed firearm license was 
adopted by House members. An amendment lifting a moratorium on filling 
more beds at the Osawatomie state hospital was defeated.

Then, Rep. Henry 
Helgerson, D-Wichita, proposed an amendment slashing the state general 
fund budget by 2%, or $161 million, across the board except for debt 
service. His cut would take no prisoners — it would even hammer the K-12
 education budget. Shockingly, it passed on a voice vote.

He said the state of 
Kansas was prepared to spend $650 million more annually than it took in 
through tax revenue, producing a $35 million shortfall by the end of 
June. It is unconstitutional for the state to operate with a deficit.

“I really haven’t heard 
anybody talking about doing anything,” said Helgerson, who referred to 
himself a “flaming” fiscal conservative while pointing to Republican and
 Democratic incompetence that wasted millions of dollars in state tax 
dollars. “Our fiscal policy stinks. We spend money like drunken sailors,
 except that it does a disservice to sailors. Financially, we’re out of 
whack.”

Helgerson’s subsequent 
motion to send the House budget bill back to the House Appropriations 
Committee to deal with the spending rollback was soundly rejected. In 
the end, the massive reduction in state spending will likely be removed 
in negotiations with the Senate.

Before adjourning for the evening, the House approved the budget bill — House Bill 2397 — on a vote of 71-52.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617197834568.png" alt="Overland Park Democratic Rep. Brett Parker, at center in glasses, failed in an attempt to convince the Kansas House to pass an amendment on Medicaid expansion extending health care to 120,000 to 160,000 Kansans. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Overland Park Democratic Rep. Brett Parker, at center in glasses, failed in an attempt to convince the Kansas House to pass an amendment on Medicaid expansion extending health care to 120,000 to 160,000 Kansans. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Chamber adopts ‘our-fiscal-policy-stinks’ motion for 2% budget cut</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/30/house-gop-kills-off-another-medicaid-expansion-attempt-by-democrats/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Republican 
majority in the Kansas House stiff-armed Tuesday the latest in a long 
series of attempts by Democrats to expand eligibility for Medicaid to at
 least 120,000 lower-income Kansans.The minority party 
attempted to amend expansion into a state budget bill because GOP 
leadership in the House had successfully blocked bills in committee that
 would commit the state to a bigger Medicaid program under the 2010 
Affordable Care Act. The amendment offered by Overland Park Rep. Brett 
Parker was rejected 46-78, after Republicans tried to avoid the public 
vote through a procedural maneuver.Democratic Gov. Laura 
Kelly has made Medicaid expansion a top policy priority. She also 
proposed the state’s share of expansion costs could be covered by 
revenue from passage of a medicinal marijuana law.Thirty-eight states have 
implemented Medicaid expansion or passed expansion measures, including 
Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado and Nebraska. At this point, the federal 
government would cover 90% of a state’s cost of increasing coverage 
under Medicaid. In addition, the federal stimulus law would deliver to 
Kansas approximately $450 million in additional funding over the next 
two years if it went ahead with Medicaid reform.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617197889941.jpeg" alt="Wichita Democratic Rep. Henry Helgerson, left, chatting with Rep. Shannon Francis, R-Liberal, gained House approval of an amendment making a 2% or $161 million across-the-board reduction in the state budget. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Democratic Rep. Henry Helgerson, left, chatting with Rep. Shannon Francis, R-Liberal, gained House approval of an amendment making a 2% or $161 million across-the-board reduction in the state budget. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Proponents of expansion 
said the amendment would draw to Kansas a projected $460 million 
annually in federal funding to serve 120,000 to 160,000 people at 
clinics and hospitals statewide. By stopping adoption of Medicaid 
growth, Kansas lawmakers have turned away $4.6 billion in federal aid 
for preventative health care.“I’ve been here for five 
years now,” said Parker, the Overland Park Democrat. “I don’t think 
we’ve worked an expansion bill in the health committee in those five 
years. Medicaid expansion is the right thing to do. It’s been available 
for too long. We’ve not taken action for too long.”Rep. Susan Humphries, 
R-Wichita, urged her colleagues to oppose the amendment because Medicaid
 would be available to pay for abortions. However, the state Medicaid 
director said federal funding could be relied upon for abortions under 
expanded Medicaid only in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of 
the woman.After the dust settled on 
Medicaid, Rep. Troy Waymaster, the House budget committee chairman, 
continued to battle through debate on the budget blueprint. A reduction 
of about $20 in the state fee for a concealed firearm license was 
adopted by House members. An amendment lifting a moratorium on filling 
more beds at the Osawatomie state hospital was defeated.Then, Rep. Henry 
Helgerson, D-Wichita, proposed an amendment slashing the state general 
fund budget by 2%, or $161 million, across the board except for debt 
service. His cut would take no prisoners — it would even hammer the K-12
 education budget. Shockingly, it passed on a voice vote.He said the state of 
Kansas was prepared to spend $650 million more annually than it took in 
through tax revenue, producing a $35 million shortfall by the end of 
June. It is unconstitutional for the state to operate with a deficit.“I really haven’t heard 
anybody talking about doing anything,” said Helgerson, who referred to 
himself a “flaming” fiscal conservative while pointing to Republican and
 Democratic incompetence that wasted millions of dollars in state tax 
dollars. “Our fiscal policy stinks. We spend money like drunken sailors,
 except that it does a disservice to sailors. Financially, we’re out of 
whack.”Helgerson’s subsequent 
motion to send the House budget bill back to the House Appropriations 
Committee to deal with the spending rollback was soundly rejected. In 
the end, the massive reduction in state spending will likely be removed 
in negotiations with the Senate.Before adjourning for the evening, the House approved the budget bill — House Bill 2397 — on a vote of 71-52.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;