TOPEKA – A former Shawnee County employee has pleaded guilty to theft of county funds and been ordered to repay $13,216 in restitution, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Jessica Jean Marie Schwerdt, 38, pleaded guilty April 30 to one count of misdemeanor theft in Shawnee County District Court. Judge Jason Geier accepted the plea and sentenced Schwerdt to 12 months of probation and restitution to the county, which was paid at the time the plea was entered.

The case was investigated by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. Schwerdt was formerly employed in the county’s human resources department and admitted to taking cash that was intended for retiree insurance payments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620071147900.png" alt="Schwerdt photo Shawnee Co. Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Schwerdt photo Shawnee Co. Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – A former Shawnee County employee has pleaded guilty to theft of county funds and been ordered to repay $13,216 in restitution, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Jessica Jean Marie Schwerdt, 38, pleaded guilty April 30 to one count of misdemeanor theft in Shawnee County District Court. Judge Jason Geier accepted the plea and sentenced Schwerdt to 12 months of probation and restitution to the county, which was paid at the time the plea was entered.The case was investigated by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. Schwerdt was formerly employed in the county’s human resources department and admitted to taking cash that was intended for retiree insurance payments.

Former employee sentenced in Kan. for theft of county funds

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been found guilty of conspiring to hire someone to kill an assistant Geary County attorney and a confidential informant.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Tuesday that 31-year-old Samuel Ibarra-Chu of Grandview Plaza was convicted on 21 counts, including conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, after a trial that ended late last month.

The plot was developed between July 11, 2018, and Aug. 21, 2018, but “was discovered before the murders were carried out,” Schmidt said in a news release.

Ibarra-Chu is scheduled for sentencing on June 25.

Court cases are pending for two others charged in the conspiracy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620160461135.png" alt="Ibarra-Chu is in custody in Geary County" />
 <figcaption>Ibarra-Chu is in custody in Geary County</figcaption>
 </figure>JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been found guilty of conspiring to hire someone to kill an assistant Geary County attorney and a confidential informant.Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Tuesday that 31-year-old Samuel Ibarra-Chu of Grandview Plaza was convicted on 21 counts, including conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, after a trial that ended late last month.The plot was developed between July 11, 2018, and Aug. 21, 2018, but “was discovered before the murders were carried out,” Schmidt said in a news release.Ibarra-Chu is scheduled for sentencing on June 25.Court cases are pending for two others charged in the conspiracy.

Kan. man convicted in plot to kill assistant county attorney

BY NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/04/kansas-house-panel-passes-more-restrictive-medical-marijuana-plan/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A medical 
marijuana proposal is headed back to the House floor for debate after a 
panel of legislators on Tuesday kicked out an amended and slightly more 
restrictive version of the measure.

The legislation creates 
the framework for legalized cannabis for people with qualifying 
conditions, including chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. 
To make the bill more palatable to the full chamber, members of the 
House Federal and State Affairs Committee made multiple amendments.

The most significant and 
wide-ranging change came from Rep. Blake Carpenter, R-Derby, after 
discussion with Rep. Randy Garber, R-Sabetha, who previously championed 
an amendment loosening restrictions on the patient-physician 
relationship, qualifying conditions and THC limits.

The Carpenter amendment 
would protect the gun rights of those with a medical marijuana license, 
remove protections against housing and employment discrimination and 
require a six-month relationship between a patient and physician — with 
some exceptions.

“If you are a veteran and 
you get your care from the VA and you’ve never seen a physician 
regarding your condition, you can go to a physician, and your six-month 
wait is waived,” Carpenter said. “So if that individual has PTSD or what
 have you, they could get help immediately.”

The committee adopted Carpenter’s amendment in addition to a few other changes before advancing the bill by a 12 to 8 vote.

This is the second time in
 just over a month the panel has approved a plan to legalize marijuana 
for medicinal use. After the panel passed the act in late March, the 
measure was referred back to the committee for further consideration.

Kansas is one of three 
states yet to have legalized marijuana in some form, and three bordering
 states allow at least medical marijuana. Development of a medical 
marijuana program in Kansas has moved at a slow pace for years, but amid
 a growing black market, there appears to be bipartisan interest in the 
development of such a bill.

Other changes to the bill 
proposed by Carpenter include grandfathering in dispensaries established
 before a county opts out of allowing these businesses in the area, 
clarifications on advertising and adding back a previously removed 
provision regarding negligence when leaving cannabis products around 
minors.

It also considers the 
possibility that marijuana may be rescheduled at the federal level by 
enacting a provision that would change any references to 
“recommendation” to “prescription” should that occur.

An amendment proposed by 
the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control office 
would add several definitions rather than have regulators determine them
 at a later date. It also moves the deadline to adopt regulations back 
by a year to July 1, 2023.

The committee chose to 
reject an amendment brought by Rep. Steven Howe, R-Salina, that would 
have required dispensaries to be operated by a licensed pharmacy and 
that the pharmacist be licensed through the board of pharmacy. He also 
proposed requiring the board to establish requirements for the pharmacy 
to register as a dispensary and report transactions to the prescription 
monitoring database.

“Given the fact we are 
legislating a medicine for medical purposes, I do think it would be wise
 to treat it as such,” Howe said. “It would be the easiest transition to
 approve medical marijuana … to ensure the safety and integrity of the 
medical field.”

In voting to reject the 
amendment, Rep. John Eplee, a Republican physician from Atchison, said 
this could open the door to litigation issues for pharmacies as it is 
still against federal policy. The board of pharmacy is monitored by the 
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

With a little under a week
 likely remaining in the legislative session, the fate of the bill 
remains uncertain. Rep. John Barker, an Abilene Republican and chairman 
of the House Federal and State Affairs Committee, said if the plan 
passes the House and were to get consideration by the Senate, it likely 
would return in different form.

“If we should at some 
point in time run this on the floor, there will be a number of 
amendments. Some will get attached, some will not,” Barker said. “When 
it comes back from the Senate, many of us will not be able to even 
recognize the original bill.”

BY NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/04/kansas-house-panel-passes-more-restrictive-medical-marijuana-plan/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A medical 
marijuana proposal is headed back to the House floor for debate after a 
panel of legislators on Tuesday kicked out an amended and slightly more 
restrictive version of the measure.The legislation creates 
the framework for legalized cannabis for people with qualifying 
conditions, including chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. 
To make the bill more palatable to the full chamber, members of the 
House Federal and State Affairs Committee made multiple amendments.The most significant and 
wide-ranging change came from Rep. Blake Carpenter, R-Derby, after 
discussion with Rep. Randy Garber, R-Sabetha, who previously championed 
an amendment loosening restrictions on the patient-physician 
relationship, qualifying conditions and THC limits.The Carpenter amendment 
would protect the gun rights of those with a medical marijuana license, 
remove protections against housing and employment discrimination and 
require a six-month relationship between a patient and physician — with 
some exceptions.“If you are a veteran and 
you get your care from the VA and you’ve never seen a physician 
regarding your condition, you can go to a physician, and your six-month 
wait is waived,” Carpenter said. “So if that individual has PTSD or what
 have you, they could get help immediately.”The committee adopted Carpenter’s amendment in addition to a few other changes before advancing the bill by a 12 to 8 vote.This is the second time in
 just over a month the panel has approved a plan to legalize marijuana 
for medicinal use. After the panel passed the act in late March, the 
measure was referred back to the committee for further consideration.Kansas is one of three 
states yet to have legalized marijuana in some form, and three bordering
 states allow at least medical marijuana. Development of a medical 
marijuana program in Kansas has moved at a slow pace for years, but amid
 a growing black market, there appears to be bipartisan interest in the 
development of such a bill.Other changes to the bill 
proposed by Carpenter include grandfathering in dispensaries established
 before a county opts out of allowing these businesses in the area, 
clarifications on advertising and adding back a previously removed 
provision regarding negligence when leaving cannabis products around 
minors.It also considers the 
possibility that marijuana may be rescheduled at the federal level by 
enacting a provision that would change any references to 
“recommendation” to “prescription” should that occur.An amendment proposed by 
the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control office 
would add several definitions rather than have regulators determine them
 at a later date. It also moves the deadline to adopt regulations back 
by a year to July 1, 2023.The committee chose to 
reject an amendment brought by Rep. Steven Howe, R-Salina, that would 
have required dispensaries to be operated by a licensed pharmacy and 
that the pharmacist be licensed through the board of pharmacy. He also 
proposed requiring the board to establish requirements for the pharmacy 
to register as a dispensary and report transactions to the prescription 
monitoring database.“Given the fact we are 
legislating a medicine for medical purposes, I do think it would be wise
 to treat it as such,” Howe said. “It would be the easiest transition to
 approve medical marijuana … to ensure the safety and integrity of the 
medical field.”In voting to reject the 
amendment, Rep. John Eplee, a Republican physician from Atchison, said 
this could open the door to litigation issues for pharmacies as it is 
still against federal policy. The board of pharmacy is monitored by the 
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.With a little under a week
 likely remaining in the legislative session, the fate of the bill 
remains uncertain. Rep. John Barker, an Abilene Republican and chairman 
of the House Federal and State Affairs Committee, said if the plan 
passes the House and were to get consideration by the Senate, it likely 
would return in different form.“If we should at some 
point in time run this on the floor, there will be a number of 
amendments. Some will get attached, some will not,” Barker said. “When 
it comes back from the Senate, many of us will not be able to even 
recognize the original bill.”

Kan. House panel passes more restrictive medical marijuana plan

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A judge refused to reduce the $1 million bond for a man charged in the 2016 killings of a man, woman and an unborn child at a Topeka apartment complex. 

Shawnee County District Judge Bill Ossmann rejected Yanez Sanford’s request for his bond to be reduced to $500,000 on Friday. Ossmann said $1 million bonds are typical in murder cases. 

Ossmann also rejected a motion to have Sanford moved to a different jail for his safety because there was no evidence that he was in danger in the Shawnee County facility. 

The thirty-eight-year-old Sanford has been charged with the shooting deaths of 23-year-old Dominique Ray, 20-year-old Camrah Trotter and her unborn child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1619985436678.png" alt="Sanford photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Sanford photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A judge refused to reduce the $1 million bond for a man charged in the 2016 killings of a man, woman and an unborn child at a Topeka apartment complex. Shawnee County District Judge Bill Ossmann rejected Yanez Sanford’s request for his bond to be reduced to $500,000 on Friday. Ossmann said $1 million bonds are typical in murder cases. Ossmann also rejected a motion to have Sanford moved to a different jail for his safety because there was no evidence that he was in danger in the Shawnee County facility. The thirty-eight-year-old Sanford has been charged with the shooting deaths of 23-year-old Dominique Ray, 20-year-old Camrah Trotter and her unborn child.

Suspect remains jailed on $1M bond for Kan. triple-murder

Even if you already bought a health plan this year, you may qualify for a steeper discount

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-05-04/coronavirus-stimulus-plan-means-many-more-kansans-can-get-free-or-cheap-health-insurance">Kansas News Service</a>

Tens of thousands of uninsured Kansans qualify for enough government subsidies to get free health insurance.

That
 was the case even before the passage of Congress' latest stimulus 
package in March, but now those benefits are available to many more 
people.

For some, the potential savings for 2021 and 2022 health plans on the Affordable Care Act marketplace are dramatic.

The Kaiser Family Foundation says a 60-year-old Kansan earning $55,000 a year can save <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/impact-of-key-provisions-of-the-american-rescue-plan-act-of-2021-covid-19-relief-on-marketplace-premiums/" target="_blank">more than $7,000</a> on this year’s premiums.

Most people who already bought plans this year on the ACA,
 or Obamacare, marketplace can lower their monthly premium or zero it 
out as part of a two-year expansion of subsidies included in the <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/how-the-american-rescue-plan-will-improve-affordability-of-private-health-coverage/" target="_blank">American Rescue Plan</a> stimulus package.

Even some people who earn more than four times the federal poverty rate will now get financial help.

Here are two quick and easy ways to check whether the stimulus deal affects premiums for you:

If
 you already bought your 2021 coverage but now qualify for steeper 
discounts, the change won’t kick in automatically mid-year. You have to 
reapply through healthcare.gov. The deadline to <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/" target="_blank">apply</a> is mid-August.

Or you can get the savings <a href="https://www.healthinsurance.org/blog/how-the-american-rescue-plan-act-would-boost-marketplace-premium-subsidies/" target="_blank">retroactively</a> next spring when you file your taxes.

If
 you bought your health plan this year without going through the federal
 marketplace, you’ll have to go through the marketplace now to get the 
subsidies.

Normally, the annual window for buying or switching 
insurance plans on the federal exchange happens each fall. But people 
get a second chance this year because of the pandemic.

The new 
window for 2021 coverage closes Aug. 15. The window for buying 2022 
plans opens a few months later, and the expanded subsidies will count 
toward those, too.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer 
health for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter 
@celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620154881642.png" alt="David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Even if you already bought a health plan this year, you may qualify for a steeper discount</h2>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-05-04/coronavirus-stimulus-plan-means-many-more-kansans-can-get-free-or-cheap-health-insurance">Kansas News Service</a>Tens of thousands of uninsured Kansans qualify for enough government subsidies to get free health insurance.That
 was the case even before the passage of Congress' latest stimulus 
package in March, but now those benefits are available to many more 
people.For some, the potential savings for 2021 and 2022 health plans on the Affordable Care Act marketplace are dramatic.The Kaiser Family Foundation says a 60-year-old Kansan earning $55,000 a year can save <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/impact-of-key-provisions-of-the-american-rescue-plan-act-of-2021-covid-19-relief-on-marketplace-premiums/" target="_blank">more than $7,000</a> on this year’s premiums.Most people who already bought plans this year on the ACA,
 or Obamacare, marketplace can lower their monthly premium or zero it 
out as part of a two-year expansion of subsidies included in the <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/how-the-american-rescue-plan-will-improve-affordability-of-private-health-coverage/" target="_blank">American Rescue Plan</a> stimulus package.Even some people who earn more than four times the federal poverty rate will now get financial help.Here are two quick and easy ways to check whether the stimulus deal affects premiums for you:<ul>
 <li>Kaiser Family Foundation’s <a href="https://www.kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/" target="_blank">subsidy calculator</a></li><li>Healthcare.gov’s <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/#/" target="_blank">estimate tool</a></li>
 </ul>If
 you already bought your 2021 coverage but now qualify for steeper 
discounts, the change won’t kick in automatically mid-year. You have to 
reapply through healthcare.gov. The deadline to <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/" target="_blank">apply</a> is mid-August.Or you can get the savings <a href="https://www.healthinsurance.org/blog/how-the-american-rescue-plan-act-would-boost-marketplace-premium-subsidies/" target="_blank">retroactively</a> next spring when you file your taxes.If
 you bought your health plan this year without going through the federal
 marketplace, you’ll have to go through the marketplace now to get the 
subsidies.Normally, the annual window for buying or switching 
insurance plans on the federal exchange happens each fall. But people 
get a second chance this year because of the pandemic.The new 
window for 2021 coverage closes Aug. 15. The window for buying 2022 
plans opens a few months later, and the expanded subsidies will count 
toward those, too.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer 
health for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter 
@celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

COVID stimulus plan means free or cheap health insurance for many more

U.S. Small Business Administration

SBA will present a webinar on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) hosted by the Kansas Office of Recovery, Kansas Department of Commerce, and Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MDQuMzk5MDIyNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvdmlkLmtzLmdvdi9ycmYvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.iQ8dATnWZ3QzH5JUClAmipRopg67-Ff0ajiJ4Rvp8p8/s/1045497324/br/105825686419-l" target="_blank">Register Here:</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620158123117.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Small Business AdministrationSBA will present a webinar on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) hosted by the Kansas Office of Recovery, Kansas Department of Commerce, and Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MDQuMzk5MDIyNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvdmlkLmtzLmdvdi9ycmYvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.iQ8dATnWZ3QzH5JUClAmipRopg67-Ff0ajiJ4Rvp8p8/s/1045497324/br/105825686419-l" target="_blank">Register Here:</a>&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Wednesday, May 5th, 9:00-10:00 a.m. CT</li><li>Zoom Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MDQuMzk5MDIyNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2JjZy56b29tLnVzL2ovOTI3MjMxMDk5MzI_cHdkPVRUZDJlRVJLWWtoRVRVeERaMnhWV21KWWRFRlRVVDA5JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.Rifc3eoAKdDgyu6e_uXSXDl2zm5RIAAAw7BOXWw4vgM/s/1045497324/br/105825686419-l">Click to join Zoom Meeting</a></li><li>For questions, please e-mail:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KansasCOVIDSupport@ks.gov">KansasCOVIDSupport@ks.gov</a></li><li>Learn more at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MDQuMzk5MDIyNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvdmlkLmtzLmdvdi9ycmYvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.cJU0oN9kOKpJYBNR4-GoddcR6K_Uy6sibSKLaMhrWrY/s/1045497324/br/105825686419-l">covid.ks.gov/rrf</a></li>
 </ul>

SBA will host webinar on Restaurant Revitalization Fund

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a teen has died after being shot at a south Wichita car wash. The shooting happened just before midnight Monday, when police were called to the area for a report of a shooting. Officers who arrived on the scene found the teen with a gunshot wound to his neck. 

Police say the teen was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His name was not immediately released. Homicide detectives are investigating and say they don't believe the shooting was random. No arrests had been reported or suspects named by Tuesday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620125603847.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Tuesday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Tuesday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a teen has died after being shot at a south Wichita car wash. The shooting happened just before midnight Monday, when police were called to the area for a report of a shooting. Officers who arrived on the scene found the teen with a gunshot wound to his neck. Police say the teen was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His name was not immediately released. Homicide detectives are investigating and say they don't believe the shooting was random. No arrests had been reported or suspects named by Tuesday morning.

Police: Officers found Kan. teen fatally shot at car wash

DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai is recalling more than 390,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada for two problems that can cause engine fires. In one recall, owners are being told to park their vehicles outdoors until repairs are made.

The largest recall covers more than 203,000 Santa Fe Sport SUVs from 2013 through 2015. Some are being recalled a second time. Brake fluid can leak into the anti-lock brake computer, causing an electrical short that can lead to fires. Owners should park outdoors and away from structures until the problem is fixed, according to documents posted Tuesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Dealers will replace a fuse and replace the computer if necessary. Owners will be notified in June.

The brake computer problem has caused 18 fires in the U.S., but no injuries, according to documents.

Hyundai says the recall “enhances the remedy” from one issued in September of 2020. The company says it kept investigating after the September recall and found that replacing the fuse would reduce the safety risk. “Hyundai is conducting this new recall to ensure the safety of its customers,” the company said in a statement.

The other recall covers nearly 187,000 2019 and 2020 Elantras, and 2019 through 2021 Konas and Velosters. All have 2-liter engines.

The piston rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause engine damage, oil leaks and possible fires. Hyundai says the rings can be too hard and can be chipped, scuffing the engine cylinder. The piston problem has caused five fires but no injuries, according to documents.

Dealers will inspect and replace the engine if necessary. They’ll also install piston noise sensing software. Owners will be notified in late June.

Engine failure and fire problems at Hyundai and affiliated Korean automaker Kia have plagued the companies for more than five years, affecting the owners of more than 8 million vehicles.

DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai is recalling more than 390,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada for two problems that can cause engine fires. In one recall, owners are being told to park their vehicles outdoors until repairs are made.The largest recall covers more than 203,000 Santa Fe Sport SUVs from 2013 through 2015. Some are being recalled a second time. Brake fluid can leak into the anti-lock brake computer, causing an electrical short that can lead to fires. Owners should park outdoors and away from structures until the problem is fixed, according to documents posted Tuesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.Dealers will replace a fuse and replace the computer if necessary. Owners will be notified in June.The brake computer problem has caused 18 fires in the U.S., but no injuries, according to documents.Hyundai says the recall “enhances the remedy” from one issued in September of 2020. The company says it kept investigating after the September recall and found that replacing the fuse would reduce the safety risk. “Hyundai is conducting this new recall to ensure the safety of its customers,” the company said in a statement.The other recall covers nearly 187,000 2019 and 2020 Elantras, and 2019 through 2021 Konas and Velosters. All have 2-liter engines.The piston rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause engine damage, oil leaks and possible fires. Hyundai says the rings can be too hard and can be chipped, scuffing the engine cylinder. The piston problem has caused five fires but no injuries, according to documents.Dealers will inspect and replace the engine if necessary. They’ll also install piston noise sensing software. Owners will be notified in late June.Engine failure and fire problems at Hyundai and affiliated Korean automaker Kia have plagued the companies for more than five years, affecting the owners of more than 8 million vehicles.

Hyundai recalls over 390K vehicles for possible engine fires

TOPEKA, Kansas –&nbsp;El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) resident Frazier Glenn Cross, Jr., 80,&nbsp; died Monday at the facility, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

In August of 2015, Cross admitted killing three people at two suburban Kansas City Jewish sites and gave jurors a Nazi salute after they convicted him of murder and other charges for the shootings, which he said would allow him to “die a martyr.”

He had been imprisoned with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) since November of 2015.

The cause of death is pending an autopsy. Preliminary assessment indicates the death was due to natural causes. Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Miller, of Aurora, Missouri, was a Vietnam War veteran who founded the Carolina Knights of the Ku Klux Klan in his native North Carolina and later the White Patriot Party. He also ran for the U.S. House in 2006 and the U.S. Senate in 2010 in Missouri, each time espousing a white-power platform, according to the Associated Press.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620139823013.png" alt="Frazier Glenn Cross, Jr. photo Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Frazier Glenn Cross, Jr. photo Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kansas –&nbsp;El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) resident Frazier Glenn Cross, Jr., 80,&nbsp; died Monday at the facility, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.In August of 2015, Cross admitted killing three people at two suburban Kansas City Jewish sites and gave jurors a Nazi salute after they convicted him of murder and other charges for the shootings, which he said would allow him to “die a martyr.”He had been imprisoned with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) since November of 2015.The cause of death is pending an autopsy. Preliminary assessment indicates the death was due to natural causes. Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Miller, of Aurora, Missouri, was a Vietnam War veteran who founded the Carolina Knights of the Ku Klux Klan in his native North Carolina and later the White Patriot Party. He also ran for the U.S. House in 2006 and the U.S. Senate in 2010 in Missouri, each time espousing a white-power platform, according to the Associated Press.

Man convicted of killing 3 at Kan. Jewish sites dies in prison

JUNCTION CITY —Combining two destination and legacy restaurants into one location is the goal of Chuck and Deanna Munson of Junction City, Munson Angus Farms and Munson's Prime steakhouse, according to a media release.

The Brookville Hotel restaurant in Abilene was a central Kansas staple for many years with their chicken dinners, but last fall during the pandemic the business closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now the restaurant will make a comeback. Chuck and Deanna Munson have purchased the restaurant from Mark and Connie Martin.

Deanna Munson said it will be a combination of the former Munson's Prime,&nbsp; which was destroyed by fire in February, and the Brookville Hotel." The restaurant will be called Legacy Kansas.&nbsp; Munson noted that there will be some changes but many things will remain exactly the same.

The restaurant will open June 23. Munson said at the beginning they will observe the traditional limited hours for the Brookville Hotel Wednesday through Sunday. "And it will be serving the traditional chicken dinner, but people will now have a choice of having chicken or chicken fried steak but everything else will stay the same. The meals will include the traditional side dishes as well.

In the future there will be other additions including steaks, hamburgers and homemade ice cream, which were staples in the former Munson's Prime steakhouse.

“It is important for us to reopen for the summer travel season,” said Deanna Munson to the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau. “We will continue to work over the coming months to expand our menu featuring our locally-raised Angus beef.”

Legacy Kansas customers will also see familiar faces when they dine. Former Brookville Hotel owners, Mark and Connie Martin, are returning to support the reopening and new concept.

“Munson Angus Farms started in 1869 and the Brookville Hotel opened in 1870,” Munson said. “It is important for both the Munson and Martin families to continue their legacies.”

Legacy Kansas plans to hire thirty employees and offer meeting space for large groups, noon meetings, and special events. Catering options will also be available including the new “Grill and Go” catering option that will deliver a grill on-site and staff will grill burgers for special events. The restaurant’s popular curbside pickup will also continue, and horse-drawn carriage or trolly rides are also in the works.

Named Best Small Town to Visit by Smithsonian Magazine and #1 True Western Town of the Year by True West Magazine, Munson acknowledges Abilene’s tourism industry as a draw.

“We want to partner with the tourist attractions and nearby hotels to provide a unique experience for guests visiting the area,” Munson said.

While much of the Brookville Hotel’s interior will remain, the same, the restaurant will add a ranch gate to the entrance and upgrades to the building’s façade.

According to Munson, the restaurant wants to celebrate agriculture and serve as a hub for ag groups from across the state. She says partnerships will also continue with Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture and Research and Extension, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Livestock Association, and other ag groups to promote and feature Kansas farms and ranches in videos in the restaurant.

The “End of the Chisholm Trail” Bar located inside the restaurant, will also feature a video wall (a giant panorama) from International Artist Hugh Livingston’s Livingston Sound project with farm and ranch footage captured in Geary, Riley, and Dickinson Counties.

“We are excited for Munson’s Prime steakhouse and the Brookville Hotel family style chicken house to return and we appreciate the support from all of our customers,” Munson said. “Together, we will continue the legacy.”

Legacy Kansas will be open Wednesday thru Friday from 5-8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 8 pm. Reservations are encouraged. For more information about Legacy Kansas, visit @BrookvilleChicken on Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620134695687.jpeg" alt="Brookville Hotel restaurant building in Abilene" />
 <figcaption>Brookville Hotel restaurant building in Abilene</figcaption>
 </figure>JUNCTION CITY —Combining two destination and legacy restaurants into one location is the goal of Chuck and Deanna Munson of Junction City, Munson Angus Farms and Munson's Prime steakhouse, according to a media release.The Brookville Hotel restaurant in Abilene was a central Kansas staple for many years with their chicken dinners, but last fall during the pandemic the business closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now the restaurant will make a comeback. Chuck and Deanna Munson have purchased the restaurant from Mark and Connie Martin.Deanna Munson said it will be a combination of the former Munson's Prime,&nbsp; which was destroyed by fire in February, and the Brookville Hotel." The restaurant will be called Legacy Kansas.&nbsp; Munson noted that there will be some changes but many things will remain exactly the same.The restaurant will open June 23. Munson said at the beginning they will observe the traditional limited hours for the Brookville Hotel Wednesday through Sunday. "And it will be serving the traditional chicken dinner, but people will now have a choice of having chicken or chicken fried steak but everything else will stay the same. The meals will include the traditional side dishes as well.In the future there will be other additions including steaks, hamburgers and homemade ice cream, which were staples in the former Munson's Prime steakhouse.“It is important for us to reopen for the summer travel season,” said Deanna Munson to the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau. “We will continue to work over the coming months to expand our menu featuring our locally-raised Angus beef.”Legacy Kansas customers will also see familiar faces when they dine. Former Brookville Hotel owners, Mark and Connie Martin, are returning to support the reopening and new concept.“Munson Angus Farms started in 1869 and the Brookville Hotel opened in 1870,” Munson said. “It is important for both the Munson and Martin families to continue their legacies.”Legacy Kansas plans to hire thirty employees and offer meeting space for large groups, noon meetings, and special events. Catering options will also be available including the new “Grill and Go” catering option that will deliver a grill on-site and staff will grill burgers for special events. The restaurant’s popular curbside pickup will also continue, and horse-drawn carriage or trolly rides are also in the works.Named Best Small Town to Visit by Smithsonian Magazine and #1 True Western Town of the Year by True West Magazine, Munson acknowledges Abilene’s tourism industry as a draw.“We want to partner with the tourist attractions and nearby hotels to provide a unique experience for guests visiting the area,” Munson said.While much of the Brookville Hotel’s interior will remain, the same, the restaurant will add a ranch gate to the entrance and upgrades to the building’s façade.According to Munson, the restaurant wants to celebrate agriculture and serve as a hub for ag groups from across the state. She says partnerships will also continue with Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture and Research and Extension, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Livestock Association, and other ag groups to promote and feature Kansas farms and ranches in videos in the restaurant.The “End of the Chisholm Trail” Bar located inside the restaurant, will also feature a video wall (a giant panorama) from International Artist Hugh Livingston’s Livingston Sound project with farm and ranch footage captured in Geary, Riley, and Dickinson Counties.“We are excited for Munson’s Prime steakhouse and the Brookville Hotel family style chicken house to return and we appreciate the support from all of our customers,” Munson said. “Together, we will continue the legacy.”Legacy Kansas will be open Wednesday thru Friday from 5-8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 8 pm. Reservations are encouraged. For more information about Legacy Kansas, visit @BrookvilleChicken on Facebook.

Two legacy restaurants will combine into new establishment

By ALLISON WINTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/02/new-funding-to-curb-wildfires-pushed-in-congress-as-another-fire-season-looms/">Kansas Reflector</a>

WASHINGTON — As wildfires 
across the United States grow in size, intensity and duration each 
summer, members of Congress from the West are pushing for massive new 
investments in ecosystem management and wildfire mitigation.

With dry conditions across
 the country, 2021 could see significant fires. Currently Florida and 
parts of Kansas, Arizona, Minnesota and Montana are at high risk for 
“significant wildland fire potential,” according to a <a href="https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/maps">forecast</a> from the National Interagency Fire Center.

Western states are in a period of moderate to “exceptional” drought, according to the <a href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/">U.S. Drought Monitor</a>. In Montana, over 60 percent of the state is facing drought conditions, according to a <a href="http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/water/management/docs/montana-water-supply-drought-outlook-report-spring-2021.pdf">report</a> Gov. Greg Gianforte released this week.

House lawmakers called for
 more attention to wildfire management and support for wildland 
firefighters at a hearing Thursday before a House Natural Resources 
Committee panel. It was just the second hearing this year for the 
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, and 
Subcommittee Chairman Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) said that early attention 
exemplifies the importance of the issue.

“For those of us that live
 in the West, wildfires are one of the most immediate and obvious 
impacts of climate change. Wildfires today are nearly a year-round risk,
 burning larger areas at a higher intensity. This is only projected to 
increase as the climate continues to warm,” Neguse said.

Neguse has an ambitious 
plan to create a Civilian Climate Corps, dedicated to bolstering 
wildfire prevention and managing forests. The Biden administration 
included $10 billion for the jobs plan in its massive infrastructure 
proposal, the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/31/fact-sheet-the-american-jobs-plan/">American Jobs Plan</a>.

Natural Resources 
Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) said climate change and the 
higher risk of wildfire from drought is changing the decades-old debate 
on whether to manage wildfire risk with forest thinning.

“One of the issues in this
 committee has been it was always an either-or proposition when it comes
 to dealing with fire: Either you cut your way out of the problem or the
 other issue is that it is a phenomenon that cannot be controlled,” 
Grijalva said. “Climate change has changed that whole debate entirely.”

Grijalva said the Biden 
administration’s goals to reduce carbon emissions and create jobs offer 
new opportunities to move on legislation to support forest management 
and firefighters.

“Having this hearing is 
important as we address the Biden administration’s American Jobs Plan 
and what resources we can use to match the need,” Grijalva told 
lawmakers at the virtual hearing.

The issue is close to home
 for Neguse and other Westerners. The two largest wildfires in Colorado 
history both blazed through Neguse’s district last summer.

Wildfires provoked a year 
of devastating losses in 2020. More acres burned in Arizona in 2020 than
 the previous two years combined. Montana lost more structures to fire 
last year than it had since 2012.

Nevada had fewer fires than in recent summers but still issued air quality advisories due to California fires.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In total, wildfires burned about 10.3 million acres in the United States last year, according to <a href="https://www.nifc.gov/fireInfo/nfn.htm">the National Interagency Fire Center</a>, a government group dedicated to fire management. That was just a few thousand acres short of the record set in 2015.

It added to the 
significant toll of wildfires over the past 15 years. Since NIFC started
 its modern record-keeping of wildfires in 1983, there have been 10 
years when 8 million acres or more burned. All of those records occurred
 since 2004.

Riva Duncan, a retired 
fire staff officer for the Forest Service who now advocates for 
firefighters, said the firefighting season changed drastically in her 
years in federal service

“Over 30 years ago, when I
 started, the fire season was July and August … and it was not every 
year. There were some years with no big fires,” Duncan said. “The 
wildfire season today is closer to what we are starting to call a ‘fire 
year.’”

Wildfires are now beginning as early as March and continue until November.

Scientists say climate 
change amplifies the risk from wildfire, with less snowpack, changing 
precipitation patterns and plants that dry up during record heat waves.

Democrats and Republicans 
in Congress are in general agreement on the threat of wildfires and the 
need for better forest management.

But while Grijalva and 
other Democrats see an opportunity to move more aggressively because of 
climate change, that approach doesn’t sit well with some Republicans.

“Too frequently many of my
 friends on the other side of the aisle have blamed climate change for 
an ever-growing multitude of sins, including wildfires, while ignoring 
the real culprit of our present disaster,”&nbsp; Idaho Republican Russ 
Fulcher said at the hearing. “Decades of insufficient forest management,
 not climate change, have led to overgrown, diseased and dying forests.”

Fulcher and other 
Republicans blame the National Forest Service for the 68 million acres 
of high-risk forest in its care. They think the federal government 
should more actively manage its land and allow more timber companies to 
selectively harvest trees before they catch on fire.

The conflict comes with 
how much logging or “fuel reduction” the federal government should allow
 and for what types of trees. Larger trees are more valuable for timber 
companies. But environmental scientists favor selective thinning of 
small trees, seedlings and underbrush to manage for fire — a slow and 
more expensive process.

“Broadscale thinning of 
forest to manage for fire conflicts with climate goals, because the 
amount of carbon removed by thinning is much larger than that saved,” 
said Beverly Law, a professor emeritus at Oregon State University who 
studies carbon and forests. She recommended targeted removal of 
seedlings and saplings on high-risk land.

Earlier this year, Neguse and Utah Republican Rep. John Curtis <a href="https://www.nevadacurrent.com/blog/bipartisan-members-of-congress-launch-wildfire-caucus/">formed a bipartisan wildfire caucus</a> to try to reach consensus on the issue. Their press release did not mention climate change.

“I do think there are 
bipartisan solutions that can address the wildfire problems that are 
becoming so pervasive across the United States,” Neguse told colleagues 
at the hearing, after some Republican pushback on climate change. “I 
pledge to approach these questions in good faith, and we ought not to 
focus simply on what we need to do from a suppression standpoint.”

“Climate change, drought, 
we have to consider these as part of the larger equation and the impetus
 for why this is happening with such intensity,” Neguse said.

Lawmakers have floated numerous other bills dealing with wildfires.

For instance, a targeted <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/938/text">proposal</a>
 from Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) would create an official job title of
 “wildland firefighter,” a distinction from the current practice of 
hiring people as “forest technicians” to fight fires for as little as 
$14 an hour.

LaMalfa said the bill, 
which he introduced in February with only three cosponsors, is a first 
step to getting more benefits for firefighters.

“Once we remedy that, we can get to the pay schedule. It’s one step at a time around here,” LaMalfa told the committee.

Allison Winter is a Washington, D.C., correspondent for States Newsroom, a network of state-based nonprofit news outlets that includes Kansas Reflector.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620062733694.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON WINTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/02/new-funding-to-curb-wildfires-pushed-in-congress-as-another-fire-season-looms/">Kansas Reflector</a>WASHINGTON — As wildfires 
across the United States grow in size, intensity and duration each 
summer, members of Congress from the West are pushing for massive new 
investments in ecosystem management and wildfire mitigation.With dry conditions across
 the country, 2021 could see significant fires. Currently Florida and 
parts of Kansas, Arizona, Minnesota and Montana are at high risk for 
“significant wildland fire potential,” according to a <a href="https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/maps">forecast</a> from the National Interagency Fire Center.Western states are in a period of moderate to “exceptional” drought, according to the <a href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/">U.S. Drought Monitor</a>. In Montana, over 60 percent of the state is facing drought conditions, according to a <a href="http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/water/management/docs/montana-water-supply-drought-outlook-report-spring-2021.pdf">report</a> Gov. Greg Gianforte released this week.House lawmakers called for
 more attention to wildfire management and support for wildland 
firefighters at a hearing Thursday before a House Natural Resources 
Committee panel. It was just the second hearing this year for the 
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, and 
Subcommittee Chairman Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) said that early attention 
exemplifies the importance of the issue.“For those of us that live
 in the West, wildfires are one of the most immediate and obvious 
impacts of climate change. Wildfires today are nearly a year-round risk,
 burning larger areas at a higher intensity. This is only projected to 
increase as the climate continues to warm,” Neguse said.Neguse has an ambitious 
plan to create a Civilian Climate Corps, dedicated to bolstering 
wildfire prevention and managing forests. The Biden administration 
included $10 billion for the jobs plan in its massive infrastructure 
proposal, the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/31/fact-sheet-the-american-jobs-plan/">American Jobs Plan</a>.Natural Resources 
Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) said climate change and the 
higher risk of wildfire from drought is changing the decades-old debate 
on whether to manage wildfire risk with forest thinning.“One of the issues in this
 committee has been it was always an either-or proposition when it comes
 to dealing with fire: Either you cut your way out of the problem or the
 other issue is that it is a phenomenon that cannot be controlled,” 
Grijalva said. “Climate change has changed that whole debate entirely.”Grijalva said the Biden 
administration’s goals to reduce carbon emissions and create jobs offer 
new opportunities to move on legislation to support forest management 
and firefighters.“Having this hearing is 
important as we address the Biden administration’s American Jobs Plan 
and what resources we can use to match the need,” Grijalva told 
lawmakers at the virtual hearing.<h2>Dry, flammable conditions</h2>The issue is close to home
 for Neguse and other Westerners. The two largest wildfires in Colorado 
history both blazed through Neguse’s district last summer.Wildfires provoked a year 
of devastating losses in 2020. More acres burned in Arizona in 2020 than
 the previous two years combined. Montana lost more structures to fire 
last year than it had since 2012.Nevada had fewer fires than in recent summers but still issued air quality advisories due to California fires.&nbsp;&nbsp;In total, wildfires burned about 10.3 million acres in the United States last year, according to <a href="https://www.nifc.gov/fireInfo/nfn.htm">the National Interagency Fire Center</a>, a government group dedicated to fire management. That was just a few thousand acres short of the record set in 2015.It added to the 
significant toll of wildfires over the past 15 years. Since NIFC started
 its modern record-keeping of wildfires in 1983, there have been 10 
years when 8 million acres or more burned. All of those records occurred
 since 2004.Riva Duncan, a retired 
fire staff officer for the Forest Service who now advocates for 
firefighters, said the firefighting season changed drastically in her 
years in federal service“Over 30 years ago, when I
 started, the fire season was July and August … and it was not every 
year. There were some years with no big fires,” Duncan said. “The 
wildfire season today is closer to what we are starting to call a ‘fire 
year.’”Wildfires are now beginning as early as March and continue until November.Scientists say climate 
change amplifies the risk from wildfire, with less snowpack, changing 
precipitation patterns and plants that dry up during record heat waves.<h2>A conflict over climate change</h2>Democrats and Republicans 
in Congress are in general agreement on the threat of wildfires and the 
need for better forest management.But while Grijalva and 
other Democrats see an opportunity to move more aggressively because of 
climate change, that approach doesn’t sit well with some Republicans.“Too frequently many of my
 friends on the other side of the aisle have blamed climate change for 
an ever-growing multitude of sins, including wildfires, while ignoring 
the real culprit of our present disaster,”&nbsp; Idaho Republican Russ 
Fulcher said at the hearing. “Decades of insufficient forest management,
 not climate change, have led to overgrown, diseased and dying forests.”Fulcher and other 
Republicans blame the National Forest Service for the 68 million acres 
of high-risk forest in its care. They think the federal government 
should more actively manage its land and allow more timber companies to 
selectively harvest trees before they catch on fire.The conflict comes with 
how much logging or “fuel reduction” the federal government should allow
 and for what types of trees. Larger trees are more valuable for timber 
companies. But environmental scientists favor selective thinning of 
small trees, seedlings and underbrush to manage for fire — a slow and 
more expensive process.“Broadscale thinning of 
forest to manage for fire conflicts with climate goals, because the 
amount of carbon removed by thinning is much larger than that saved,” 
said Beverly Law, a professor emeritus at Oregon State University who 
studies carbon and forests. She recommended targeted removal of 
seedlings and saplings on high-risk land.Earlier this year, Neguse and Utah Republican Rep. John Curtis <a href="https://www.nevadacurrent.com/blog/bipartisan-members-of-congress-launch-wildfire-caucus/">formed a bipartisan wildfire caucus</a> to try to reach consensus on the issue. Their press release did not mention climate change.“I do think there are 
bipartisan solutions that can address the wildfire problems that are 
becoming so pervasive across the United States,” Neguse told colleagues 
at the hearing, after some Republican pushback on climate change. “I 
pledge to approach these questions in good faith, and we ought not to 
focus simply on what we need to do from a suppression standpoint.”“Climate change, drought, 
we have to consider these as part of the larger equation and the impetus
 for why this is happening with such intensity,” Neguse said.Lawmakers have floated numerous other bills dealing with wildfires.For instance, a targeted <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/938/text">proposal</a>
 from Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) would create an official job title of
 “wildland firefighter,” a distinction from the current practice of 
hiring people as “forest technicians” to fight fires for as little as 
$14 an hour.LaMalfa said the bill, 
which he introduced in February with only three cosponsors, is a first 
step to getting more benefits for firefighters.“Once we remedy that, we can get to the pay schedule. It’s one step at a time around here,” LaMalfa told the committee.Allison Winter is a Washington, D.C., correspondent for States Newsroom, a network of state-based nonprofit news outlets that includes Kansas Reflector.

New funding to curb wildfires pushed in Congress, as fire season looms

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Vaccinations to protect the public from COVID-19 slowed last month in Kansas, even as more contagious variants of the coronavirus surged and hospitalizations from the disease rose in the state, according Kansas health officials.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment numbers show about 91,000 fewer people received first doses of the available vaccines in April than in March.

 There were 520 new hospitalizations and 157 new ICU admissions in April, compared with 438 new hospitalizations and 150 new ICU admissions in March, officials said.

“Almost exclusively, the answer is those needing hospitalized are un-vaccinated,” Dr. David Wild with the University of Kansas Health System said Friday.

Statewide, children account for a growing share of the new cases. Of the more than 6,750 new cases in April, more than 1 in 5 were patients younger than 18, according to health department numbers. Children accounted for about 12% of all cases in March.

Meanwhile, confirmed variant cases nearly tripled over the last three weeks of April, officials said.

Officials did see a decrease in deaths from COVID-19 in April, at 69, compared with 170 deaths in March.

Since the beginning of the pandemic last year, Kansas has seen more than 309,000 coronavirus cases and nearly 5,000 deaths. By April 30, there were more than 1.9 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered out of nearly 2.58 million doses distributed to the state, state figures showed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620073236885.png" alt="hCOV-19 tracking of variants. As of Monday Kansas reported 408 and there were 436 in Missouri -image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>hCOV-19 tracking of variants. As of Monday Kansas reported 408 and there were 436 in Missouri -image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Vaccinations to protect the public from COVID-19 slowed last month in Kansas, even as more contagious variants of the coronavirus surged and hospitalizations from the disease rose in the state, according Kansas health officials.Kansas Department of Health and Environment numbers show about 91,000 fewer people received first doses of the available vaccines in April than in March. There were 520 new hospitalizations and 157 new ICU admissions in April, compared with 438 new hospitalizations and 150 new ICU admissions in March, officials said.“Almost exclusively, the answer is those needing hospitalized are un-vaccinated,” Dr. David Wild with the University of Kansas Health System said Friday.Statewide, children account for a growing share of the new cases. Of the more than 6,750 new cases in April, more than 1 in 5 were patients younger than 18, according to health department numbers. Children accounted for about 12% of all cases in March.Meanwhile, confirmed variant cases nearly tripled over the last three weeks of April, officials said.Officials did see a decrease in deaths from COVID-19 in April, at 69, compared with 170 deaths in March.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620061406952.png" alt="Monday May 3, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday May 3, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Since the beginning of the pandemic last year, Kansas has seen more than 309,000 coronavirus cases and nearly 5,000 deaths. By April 30, there were more than 1.9 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered out of nearly 2.58 million doses distributed to the state, state figures showed.

Coronavirus variants surge, vaccines slow in Kansas

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — One of the jurors who convicted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauvin-jurors-george-floyd-c35cff601d97deb328c0fcafe121367b">Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;is&nbsp;defending his participation in a protest last summer in Washington, D.C., following online speculation about his motives for serving on the jury and whether it might be grounds for appeal.

A photo, posted on social media, shows Brandon Mitchell, who is Black, attending the Aug. 28 event to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-race-and-ethnicity-ny-state-wire-dc-wire-ahmaud-arbery-e99f9bfcca9cb388054486fa41192194">commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech</a>&nbsp;during the 1963 March on Washington. Floyd’s brother and sister, Philonise and Bridgett Floyd, and relatives of others who have been shot by police addressed the crowd.

It shows Mitchell standing with two cousins and wearing a T-shirt with a picture of King and the words, “GET YOUR KNEE OFF OUR NECKS” and “BLM,” for Black Lives Matter. Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes, 29 seconds last May as Floyd said repeatedly that he couldn’t breathe.

Mitchell, 31, acknowledged being at the event and that his uncle posted the photo, but said he doesn’t recall wearing or owning the shirt.

Mitchell was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-convicted-george-floyd-killing-d93d1f9fc61a5261e179240dc16924dc">one of 12 jurors who convicted Chauvin&nbsp;</a>of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Mitchell, the first juror to go public, spoke to several media outlets last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauvin-jurors-george-floyd-c35cff601d97deb328c0fcafe121367b">including The Associated Press</a>.

“I’d never been to D.C.,” Mitchell said of his reasons for attending the event. “The opportunity to go to D.C., the opportunity to be around thousands and thousands of Black people; I just thought it was a good opportunity to be a part of something.”

Mitchell and Chauvin’s attorney, Eric Nelson, have not returned messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Mike Brandt, a Minneapolis defense attorney not involved in the case, told the AP the revelation alone wasn’t nearly enough to overturn Chauvin’s conviction, but it could be combined with other issues — the announcement of a massive civil settlement to Floyd’s family during jury selection, the shooting of Daunte Wright, the judge’s refusal to move the trial — in an appeal to say Chauvin was denied a fair trial.

Ted Sampsell-Jones, a professor at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, told the AP that the photo of Mitchell was “evidence that Chauvin can point to in order to establish that his right to an impartial jury was denied.”

He added: “Speaking frankly, Chauvin did not have a fully impartial jury in the sense we usually give criminal defendants. That wasn’t the fault of the judge or the prosecutors, it was simply a function of the incredible publicity and public pressure” surrounding the trial.

Mitchell said he answered “no” to two questions about demonstrations on the questionnaire sent out before jury selection.

The first question asked: “Did you, or someone close to you, participate in any of the demonstrations or marches against police brutality that took place in Minneapolis after George Floyd’s death?” The second asked: “Other than what you have already described above, have you, or anyone close to you, participated in protests about police use of force or police brutality?”

Mitchell told Nelson during jury selection that he had a “very favorable” opinion of Black Lives Matter, that he knew some police officers at his gym who are “great guys,” and that he felt neutral about Blue Lives Matter, a pro-police group. He also said he had watched clips of bystander video of Floyd being pinned and had wondered why three other officers at the scene didn’t intervene.

Mitchell told the Star Tribune that last summer’s protest was “100% not” a march for Floyd.

“It was directly related to MLK’s March on Washington from the ’60s … The date of the March on Washington is the date … It was literally called the anniversary of the March on Washington,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618953264612.png" alt="Ex-officer Derek Chauvin is handcuffed moments after the judge read the guilty verdict&nbsp; on April 20-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Ex-officer Derek Chauvin is handcuffed moments after the judge read the guilty verdict&nbsp; on April 20-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — One of the jurors who convicted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauvin-jurors-george-floyd-c35cff601d97deb328c0fcafe121367b">Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;is&nbsp;defending his participation in a protest last summer in Washington, D.C., following online speculation about his motives for serving on the jury and whether it might be grounds for appeal.A photo, posted on social media, shows Brandon Mitchell, who is Black, attending the Aug. 28 event to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-race-and-ethnicity-ny-state-wire-dc-wire-ahmaud-arbery-e99f9bfcca9cb388054486fa41192194">commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech</a>&nbsp;during the 1963 March on Washington. Floyd’s brother and sister, Philonise and Bridgett Floyd, and relatives of others who have been shot by police addressed the crowd.That photo recently recirculated online.It shows Mitchell standing with two cousins and wearing a T-shirt with a picture of King and the words, “GET YOUR KNEE OFF OUR NECKS” and “BLM,” for Black Lives Matter. Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes, 29 seconds last May as Floyd said repeatedly that he couldn’t breathe.Mitchell, 31, acknowledged being at the event and that his uncle posted the photo, but said he doesn’t recall wearing or owning the shirt.Mitchell was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-convicted-george-floyd-killing-d93d1f9fc61a5261e179240dc16924dc">one of 12 jurors who convicted Chauvin&nbsp;</a>of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Mitchell, the first juror to go public, spoke to several media outlets last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauvin-jurors-george-floyd-c35cff601d97deb328c0fcafe121367b">including The Associated Press</a>.“I’d never been to D.C.,” Mitchell said of his reasons for attending the event. “The opportunity to go to D.C., the opportunity to be around thousands and thousands of Black people; I just thought it was a good opportunity to be a part of something.”Mitchell and Chauvin’s attorney, Eric Nelson, have not returned messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619012623324.png" alt="Chauvin booking photo following the verdict-photo Minnesota Dpt. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Chauvin booking photo following the verdict-photo Minnesota Dpt. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>Mike Brandt, a Minneapolis defense attorney not involved in the case, told the AP the revelation alone wasn’t nearly enough to overturn Chauvin’s conviction, but it could be combined with other issues — the announcement of a massive civil settlement to Floyd’s family during jury selection, the shooting of Daunte Wright, the judge’s refusal to move the trial — in an appeal to say Chauvin was denied a fair trial.Ted Sampsell-Jones, a professor at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, told the AP that the photo of Mitchell was “evidence that Chauvin can point to in order to establish that his right to an impartial jury was denied.”He added: “Speaking frankly, Chauvin did not have a fully impartial jury in the sense we usually give criminal defendants. That wasn’t the fault of the judge or the prosecutors, it was simply a function of the incredible publicity and public pressure” surrounding the trial.Mitchell said he answered “no” to two questions about demonstrations on the questionnaire sent out before jury selection.The first question asked: “Did you, or someone close to you, participate in any of the demonstrations or marches against police brutality that took place in Minneapolis after George Floyd’s death?” The second asked: “Other than what you have already described above, have you, or anyone close to you, participated in protests about police use of force or police brutality?”Mitchell told Nelson during jury selection that he had a “very favorable” opinion of Black Lives Matter, that he knew some police officers at his gym who are “great guys,” and that he felt neutral about Blue Lives Matter, a pro-police group. He also said he had watched clips of bystander video of Floyd being pinned and had wondered why three other officers at the scene didn’t intervene.He said he could be neutral at trial.Mitchell told the Star Tribune that last summer’s protest was “100% not” a march for Floyd.“It was directly related to MLK’s March on Washington from the ’60s … The date of the March on Washington is the date … It was literally called the anniversary of the March on Washington,” he said.

George Floyd trial juror who attended rally may jeopardize guilty verdict

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two men have been charged with second-degree murder after their accomplice in a home invasion and robbery attempt in suburban Kansas City was shot and killed by a resident in the home, prosecutors said.

Antonio Johnson, 18, and Andre Mays Jr., 19, were charged following the fatal shooting Wednesday of 17-year-old Elijah Lockhart.

Police said the three were trying to force their way into an Independence home around 2 a.m. Wednesday when they were confronted by the home’s residents.

Police said Lockhart pointed a gun at one of the residents, who then shot the teen. Lockhart was later found dead outside the house.

Johnson and Mays have also been charged with first-degree attempted robbery and armed criminal action, prosecutors said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620068523962.png" alt="Mays photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Mays photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two men have been charged with second-degree murder after their accomplice in a home invasion and robbery attempt in suburban Kansas City was shot and killed by a resident in the home, prosecutors said.Antonio Johnson, 18, and Andre Mays Jr., 19, were charged following the fatal shooting Wednesday of 17-year-old Elijah Lockhart.Police said the three were trying to force their way into an Independence home around 2 a.m. Wednesday when they were confronted by the home’s residents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620068672765.png" alt="Johnson photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police said Lockhart pointed a gun at one of the residents, who then shot the teen. Lockhart was later found dead outside the house.Johnson and Mays have also been charged with first-degree attempted robbery and armed criminal action, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors: Teens charged for robbery, accomplice killed by homeowner

GEARY COUNTY —The Junction City /Geary County Drug Operations Group is waring the public about OxyContin pills laced with fentanyl, according to a media release from the organization.

 The pills are round, blue in color, and stamped with an "M" and "30."&nbsp; Area law enforcement have seen an increase in these pills laced with fentanyl which is 50 to 100 times more potent than Morphine.&nbsp;

Often these pills are mistaken for prescription medication, but they are counterfeit pills pressed to resemble prescription OxyContin.

Police said that the lack of quality control used when the pills are pressed leads to high amounts of fentanyl in certain pills and often to an overdose death of the person taking the pill. These pills have led to countless overdoses and deaths throughout the nation.

Police asked that you inform your friends and family about the dangers associated with taking these pills. Only take pills prescribed for you by a doctor and that are purchased from an actual pharmacy.

If anyone has information regarding these pills call the Junction City Police Department at 785-762-5912, or Crime Stoppers tip line at 785-762-8477. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.&nbsp;

GEARY COUNTY —The Junction City /Geary County Drug Operations Group is waring the public about OxyContin pills laced with fentanyl, according to a media release from the organization. The pills are round, blue in color, and stamped with an "M" and "30."&nbsp; Area law enforcement have seen an increase in these pills laced with fentanyl which is 50 to 100 times more potent than Morphine.&nbsp;Often these pills are mistaken for prescription medication, but they are counterfeit pills pressed to resemble prescription OxyContin.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620077726771.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Police said that the lack of quality control used when the pills are pressed leads to high amounts of fentanyl in certain pills and often to an overdose death of the person taking the pill. These pills have led to countless overdoses and deaths throughout the nation.Police asked that you inform your friends and family about the dangers associated with taking these pills. Only take pills prescribed for you by a doctor and that are purchased from an actual pharmacy.If anyone has information regarding these pills call the Junction City Police Department at 785-762-5912, or Crime Stoppers tip line at 785-762-8477. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.&nbsp;

Police warn of more counterfeit Oxycodone with Fentanyl in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a high speed chase in Shawnee County.

Just after 3 a.m. Monday, a sheriff’s deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a red Chevy Aveo for an equipment violation near the intersection of SW Topeka Boulevard and University Boulevard, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 The driver failed to stop for the deputy, initiating a pursuit. The Chevy Aveo traveled south on SW Topeka Boulevard and then west on Gary Ormsby Drive. The pursuit continued west on SW 77th Street and north on SW Wanamaker Road when a deputy completed a controlled vehicle intervention maneuver which ended the pursuit.

The driver, James A. Frye, 25, Emporia, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested&nbsp;charges of Flee or attempt to elude; avoid tire deflating device (felony), Reckless driving, Defective headlamps, Possession of stolen property; value less than $1500, Driving while suspended; misdemeanor and Other driving violations, according to Christian.

The passenger, Sarah L. Utech, 33, of Emporia, was booked into jail on requested charges that include Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620072409742.png" alt="Frye photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Frye photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a high speed chase in Shawnee County.Just after 3 a.m. Monday, a sheriff’s deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a red Chevy Aveo for an equipment violation near the intersection of SW Topeka Boulevard and University Boulevard, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The driver failed to stop for the deputy, initiating a pursuit. The Chevy Aveo traveled south on SW Topeka Boulevard and then west on Gary Ormsby Drive. The pursuit continued west on SW 77th Street and north on SW Wanamaker Road when a deputy completed a controlled vehicle intervention maneuver which ended the pursuit.The driver, James A. Frye, 25, Emporia, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested&nbsp;charges of Flee or attempt to elude; avoid tire deflating device (felony), Reckless driving, Defective headlamps, Possession of stolen property; value less than $1500, Driving while suspended; misdemeanor and Other driving violations, according to Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620072301558.png" alt="Utech-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Utech-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The passenger, Sarah L. Utech, 33, of Emporia, was booked into jail on requested charges that include Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Kansas couple jailed after high-speed chase

BY DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-05-03/ransomware-attack-on-midwest-transplant-network-affects-more-than-17-000">Kansas News Service</a>

Families of organ, eye and tissue donors are receiving letters this 
week from the Midwest Transplant Network informing them of a data breach
 affecting more than 17,000 individuals.

The breach, a malicious 
ransomware attack, occurred in February and locked Midwest Transplant 
Network out of its files for a brief period before it was able to regain
 access.

According to the letter, which was sent out on Friday, 
the ransomware attackers were able to obtain some personal health 
information about deceased donors and organ recipients, including names,
 dates of birth and types of organ donation or transplantation 
procedures.

“As soon as we learned about the data security 
incident on Feb. 11, we began working with a team of security experts to
 quickly halt the unauthorized access,” said Michala Stoker, a 
spokeswoman for Midwest Transplant Network. “We also notified the FBI 
and we continue to communicate and work with them regularly.”

Stoker was unable to say whether Midwest Transplant Network paid a ransom in order to regain access to its files.

“That’s technical information that I’m unable to answer,” she said.

The
 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines ransomware as a 
type of malicious software that “attempts to deny access to a user’s 
data, usually by encrypting the data with a key known only to the hacker
 who deployed the malware, until a ransom is paid.”

Health care 
organizations have been particularly ripe targets for ransomware 
attacks, according to Beazley, an insurer that provides cyber coverage 
for hospitals and other clients.

Truman Medical Centers in Kansas City <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2019-08-07/truman-medical-centers-paid-ransomware-attackers-to-unlock-its-computer-system" target="_blank">got hit with a ransomware attack</a> about two years ago, locking the hospital network out of parts of its computer system.

Truman said it agreed to pay the attackers “a small amount” to regain access to unlock the data.

And a ransomware attack about three years ago <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2018-08-03/ransomware-attack-at-blue-springs-medical-practice-exposes-45-000-patient-records" target="_blank">targeted Blue Springs Family Care</a>
 in Blue Springs, Mo., affecting nearly 45,000 patients. The medical 
practice did not pay a ransom and was able to regain access to its 
system by using backups, according to a spokeswoman for the practice.

Stoker
 said Midwest Transplant Network had no reason to believe the 
cyberattackers sold or otherwise distributed the data they obtained. But
 the network has, “out of an abundance of caution,” contracted with 
cybersecurity firm Kroll to address inquiries about the incident.

Stoker said that following the attack, “We were able to continue to do our life-saving work.”

She
 said the letter informing families of the attack only went out last 
week because “we wanted to make sure we got a correct list of those 
individuals who had been impacted.”

“It wasn’t something that just
 happened overnight,” Stoker said. “We needed to continue to work with 
authorities, and we also wanted to make sure that all of our information
 was safe and secure, so that was a priority.”

Midwest Transplant 
Network is based in the Kansas City suburb of Westwood, Kansas. 
Established in 1973, it provides laboratory, organ procurement and 
tissue recovery services.

In 2019, it was responsible for transplanting 929 organs from a total of 282 organ donors, <a href="https://mwtn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MTN-Annual-Report-2019-9x23-75-FINAL_web.pdf" target="_blank">according to its 2019 annual report</a>, the last one available. It also oversaw eye and tissue donations from a total of 1,896 donors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620062501408.png" alt="Midwest Transplant Network sent a letter to families notifying them that it suffered a ransomware attack in February. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Midwest Transplant Network sent a letter to families notifying them that it suffered a ransomware attack in February. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>BY DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-05-03/ransomware-attack-on-midwest-transplant-network-affects-more-than-17-000">Kansas News Service</a>Families of organ, eye and tissue donors are receiving letters this 
week from the Midwest Transplant Network informing them of a data breach
 affecting more than 17,000 individuals.The breach, a malicious 
ransomware attack, occurred in February and locked Midwest Transplant 
Network out of its files for a brief period before it was able to regain
 access.According to the letter, which was sent out on Friday, 
the ransomware attackers were able to obtain some personal health 
information about deceased donors and organ recipients, including names,
 dates of birth and types of organ donation or transplantation 
procedures.“As soon as we learned about the data security 
incident on Feb. 11, we began working with a team of security experts to
 quickly halt the unauthorized access,” said Michala Stoker, a 
spokeswoman for Midwest Transplant Network. “We also notified the FBI 
and we continue to communicate and work with them regularly.”Stoker was unable to say whether Midwest Transplant Network paid a ransom in order to regain access to its files.“That’s technical information that I’m unable to answer,” she said.The
 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines ransomware as a 
type of malicious software that “attempts to deny access to a user’s 
data, usually by encrypting the data with a key known only to the hacker
 who deployed the malware, until a ransom is paid.”Health care 
organizations have been particularly ripe targets for ransomware 
attacks, according to Beazley, an insurer that provides cyber coverage 
for hospitals and other clients.Truman Medical Centers in Kansas City <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2019-08-07/truman-medical-centers-paid-ransomware-attackers-to-unlock-its-computer-system" target="_blank">got hit with a ransomware attack</a> about two years ago, locking the hospital network out of parts of its computer system.Truman said it agreed to pay the attackers “a small amount” to regain access to unlock the data.And a ransomware attack about three years ago <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2018-08-03/ransomware-attack-at-blue-springs-medical-practice-exposes-45-000-patient-records" target="_blank">targeted Blue Springs Family Care</a>
 in Blue Springs, Mo., affecting nearly 45,000 patients. The medical 
practice did not pay a ransom and was able to regain access to its 
system by using backups, according to a spokeswoman for the practice.Stoker
 said Midwest Transplant Network had no reason to believe the 
cyberattackers sold or otherwise distributed the data they obtained. But
 the network has, “out of an abundance of caution,” contracted with 
cybersecurity firm Kroll to address inquiries about the incident.Stoker said that following the attack, “We were able to continue to do our life-saving work.”She
 said the letter informing families of the attack only went out last 
week because “we wanted to make sure we got a correct list of those 
individuals who had been impacted.”“It wasn’t something that just
 happened overnight,” Stoker said. “We needed to continue to work with 
authorities, and we also wanted to make sure that all of our information
 was safe and secure, so that was a priority.”Midwest Transplant 
Network is based in the Kansas City suburb of Westwood, Kansas. 
Established in 1973, it provides laboratory, organ procurement and 
tissue recovery services.In 2019, it was responsible for transplanting 929 organs from a total of 282 organ donors, <a href="https://mwtn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MTN-Annual-Report-2019-9x23-75-FINAL_web.pdf" target="_blank">according to its 2019 annual report</a>, the last one available. It also oversaw eye and tissue donations from a total of 1,896 donors.Dan Margolies is senior reporter and editor at KCUR. He can be reached by email at dan@kcur.org or on Twitter @DanMargolies.&nbsp;