MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) — Police were justified in fatally shooting a man during a chase and gun battle in east central Indiana, a prosecutor said Wednesday.

Jonathan Levi Allen, 28, a former Muncie resident who was living in Wichita, Kansas, died March 10 , one week after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-police-kansas-wichita-crime-6fc9cd6ceea69d48ff9d1e5b55dc9353">March 3 shooting</a>, Indiana State Police said. Allen was shot in the head by a Muncie officer and crashed his SUV into a parked vehicle, police said.

The officer who shot Allen and a second officer who also fired upon the suspect “unquestionably and without a doubt did so in self-defense and in the defense of others,” Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman said in a report.

When confronted by officers, Allen “chose to open fire at the police officers and civilians,” Hoffman said.

Muncie officers responding to a report of a suspect in an SUV firing gunshots tried to pull the vehicle over but Allen didn’t stop and a short pursuit ensued before police ended it because school buses were nearby, authorities said. The chase resumed when authorities learned Allen was holding a female passenger against her will in his vehicle, state police said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617377519398.png" alt="Allen had two previous drug convictions in Kansas, according to the Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Allen had two previous drug convictions in Kansas, according to the Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) — Police were justified in fatally shooting a man during a chase and gun battle in east central Indiana, a prosecutor said Wednesday.Jonathan Levi Allen, 28, a former Muncie resident who was living in Wichita, Kansas, died March 10 , one week after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-police-kansas-wichita-crime-6fc9cd6ceea69d48ff9d1e5b55dc9353">March 3 shooting</a>, Indiana State Police said. Allen was shot in the head by a Muncie officer and crashed his SUV into a parked vehicle, police said.The officer who shot Allen and a second officer who also fired upon the suspect “unquestionably and without a doubt did so in self-defense and in the defense of others,” Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman said in a report.When confronted by officers, Allen “chose to open fire at the police officers and civilians,” Hoffman said.Muncie officers responding to a report of a suspect in an SUV firing gunshots tried to pull the vehicle over but Allen didn’t stop and a short pursuit ensued before police ended it because school buses were nearby, authorities said. The chase resumed when authorities learned Allen was holding a female passenger against her will in his vehicle, state police said.

Prosecutor: Police justified in fatal shooting of Kan. man during chase

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City-area man who sat behind bars for 17 months awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge has been acquitted by a jury.

A jury took less than an hour earlier this month to find Terrance Wright, 25, Grandview, not guilty of the charge in the death of 49-year-old Benson Lewis on Nov. 23, 2019.

Police had said the fatal shooting occurred outside Lewis’ home during a custody dispute involving Wright’s child. Lewis was the child’s maternal grandfather. Wright maintained that he shot Lewis in self-defense.

Wright was arrested at the scene and held until his trial, because he was unable to raise the $250,000 cash bond set. In that time, Wright lost his job and said he has been left with no means to pay hundreds of dollars to get his car released from police impound.

“For now, I’m trying to play catch up and get at least to where I was,” Wright said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574647790424.png" alt="Terrance Wright photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Terrance Wright photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City-area man who sat behind bars for 17 months awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge has been acquitted by a jury.A jury took less than an hour earlier this month to find Terrance Wright, 25, Grandview, not guilty of the charge in the death of 49-year-old Benson Lewis on Nov. 23, 2019.Police had said the fatal shooting occurred outside Lewis’ home during a custody dispute involving Wright’s child. Lewis was the child’s maternal grandfather. Wright maintained that he shot Lewis in self-defense.Wright was arrested at the scene and held until his trial, because he was unable to raise the $250,000 cash bond set. In that time, Wright lost his job and said he has been left with no means to pay hundreds of dollars to get his car released from police impound.“For now, I’m trying to play catch up and get at least to where I was,” Wright said.

KC-area man acquitted of murder in 2019 killing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sheriff: 2 dead in shooting at Kansas home

HUTCHINSON — A Kansas man whose robbery and kidnapping convictions were recently overturned by the Kansas Court of Appeals and who was then convicted in a second trial was sentenced to 26 years in prison Friday.

In March, a jury convicted 60-year-old Leroy Randall on five counts including aggravated robbery and two counts of kidnapping.

Randall was originally sentenced to nearly 25 years for the robbery of a Dollar General store in 2015. During the case, Randall tried to represent himself after going through six attorneys. His case and first trial wandered through the court system for more than two years. When Randall suffered numerous health issues, a judge appointed an attorney and refused to let him represent himself. The Court of Appeals ruled that McCarville erred in that action and granted a new trial.&nbsp;

On Friday Randall was sentenced to 247 months on the aggravated robbery conviction, then handed consecutive sentences on one of the two kidnapping charges and one aggravated battery count.

The defense for Randall asked for a lesser sentence but this was the defendant's fifth criminal conviction, therefore, the motion was denied.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619198622604.png" alt="Randall photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Randall photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — A Kansas man whose robbery and kidnapping convictions were recently overturned by the Kansas Court of Appeals and who was then convicted in a second trial was sentenced to 26 years in prison Friday.In March, a jury convicted 60-year-old Leroy Randall on five counts including aggravated robbery and two counts of kidnapping.Randall was originally sentenced to nearly 25 years for the robbery of a Dollar General store in 2015. During the case, Randall tried to represent himself after going through six attorneys. His case and first trial wandered through the court system for more than two years. When Randall suffered numerous health issues, a judge appointed an attorney and refused to let him represent himself. The Court of Appeals ruled that McCarville erred in that action and granted a new trial.&nbsp;On Friday Randall was sentenced to 247 months on the aggravated robbery conviction, then handed consecutive sentences on one of the two kidnapping charges and one aggravated battery count.The defense for Randall asked for a lesser sentence but this was the defendant's fifth criminal conviction, therefore, the motion was denied.

Kan. man sentenced again for robbery, kidnapping

TOPEKA - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has released its third annual report from the Kansas Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), according to a media release from the agency.

The&nbsp;2019 PRAMS Surveillance Report&nbsp;provides insight from women who were interviewed in the months following the birth of their infant, about their health and experiences around the time of pregnancy. Forty-seven states participate in the PRAMS survey, covering about 83% of all live births in the United States.

Kansas joined the PRAMS project in 2016 and began data collection in 2017. The PRAMS survey helps shed light on issues that affect the well-being of mothers and infants. Some of these issues, such as postpartum depression and stressors experienced around the time of pregnancy, had never been studied at the statewide level in Kansas before the PRAMS study.

Some notable findings from the 2019 Kansas PRAMS survey include:

This report also includes information on trends and demographic disparities for some outcomes, from survey years 2017 through 2019. For instance, the prevalence of reporting that prenatal care started in the first trimester increased, from 85.7% among women with a live birth in 2017, to 90.0% among women with a live birth in 2019. However, racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities were observed. For instance, non-Hispanic Black women and Hispanic women with a live birth in 2017-2019 had a lower prevalence of self-reported first-trimester prenatal care, compared to non-Hispanic White women.

“This report reveals many gaps that still need to be addressed,” said Dr. Farah Ahmed, Environmental Health Officer and State Epidemiologist with KDHE. “For instance, we continue to see many women reporting needing counseling for depression after having a baby and not receiving it. We also see missed opportunities to advise all pregnant women who smoke to quit smoking during prenatal care visits.”

“Current data validates the collaborative work underway to support mothers in accessing the care they need at a time that’s right for them,” said Rachel Sisson, Director of the KDHE Bureau of Family Health. “Mothers reported they did not receive prenatal care when they wanted it. For some, a contributing factor to timely prenatal care was not knowing they were pregnant. It’s critical that community providers caring for women of childbearing age conduct comprehensive assessments at every visit to determine their goals and needs.”

The report is available online at: &nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTYuMzg5MTQ0NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHJhbXMvZG93bmxvYWRzL0thbnNhc19QUkFNU18yMDE5X1N1cnZlaWxsYW5jZV9SZXBvcnQucGRmP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.FiD96u0PMxrCncqo49M-Pffls7eVIBukC9ckcv3ObOA/s/1305913542/br/102464213101-l" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/prams/downloads/Kansas_PRAMS_2019_Surveillance_Report.pdf</a>. &nbsp;For more information about the PRAMS project in Kansas, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTYuMzg5MTQ0NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHJhbXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.da2M-bWoUUdo7xbauUlWKIGIkG3XJAG_L5zZk-TOECo/s/1305913542/br/102464213101-l" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/prams</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618843726730.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has released its third annual report from the Kansas Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), according to a media release from the agency.The&nbsp;2019 PRAMS Surveillance Report&nbsp;provides insight from women who were interviewed in the months following the birth of their infant, about their health and experiences around the time of pregnancy. Forty-seven states participate in the PRAMS survey, covering about 83% of all live births in the United States.Kansas joined the PRAMS project in 2016 and began data collection in 2017. The PRAMS survey helps shed light on issues that affect the well-being of mothers and infants. Some of these issues, such as postpartum depression and stressors experienced around the time of pregnancy, had never been studied at the statewide level in Kansas before the PRAMS study.Some notable findings from the 2019 Kansas PRAMS survey include:<ul>
 <li>Nearly 1 in 8 mothers who went for prenatal care (12.1%) reported not receiving prenatal care when they wanted it. Among those who either did not get prenatal care when they wanted it, or did not have any prenatal care, the most frequently reported barriers were that they couldn’t get an appointment when they wanted one (36.4%), and that they didn’t know they were pregnant (32.5%).</li><li>More than 1 in 6 mothers (16.9%) had smoked cigarettes in the 3 months before pregnancy. Among those who smoked 3 months before pregnancy and went for prenatal care, 79.4% reported that a healthcare worker had advised during a prenatal care visit that they quit smoking.</li><li>More than 1 in 8 mothers (13.8%) reported that there was a time after their infant was born that they thought they needed treatment or counseling for depression, but did not get it.</li><li>Nearly 3 in 4 mothers (72.1%) reported breastfeeding their infants for at least 8 weeks.</li><li>More than 1 in 17 women (6.1%) reported having at least “a lot” of difficulty with at least one of six tasks (seeing, hearing, walking, remembering or concentrating, self care, or communicating).</li>
 </ul>This report also includes information on trends and demographic disparities for some outcomes, from survey years 2017 through 2019. For instance, the prevalence of reporting that prenatal care started in the first trimester increased, from 85.7% among women with a live birth in 2017, to 90.0% among women with a live birth in 2019. However, racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities were observed. For instance, non-Hispanic Black women and Hispanic women with a live birth in 2017-2019 had a lower prevalence of self-reported first-trimester prenatal care, compared to non-Hispanic White women.“This report reveals many gaps that still need to be addressed,” said Dr. Farah Ahmed, Environmental Health Officer and State Epidemiologist with KDHE. “For instance, we continue to see many women reporting needing counseling for depression after having a baby and not receiving it. We also see missed opportunities to advise all pregnant women who smoke to quit smoking during prenatal care visits.”“Current data validates the collaborative work underway to support mothers in accessing the care they need at a time that’s right for them,” said Rachel Sisson, Director of the KDHE Bureau of Family Health. “Mothers reported they did not receive prenatal care when they wanted it. For some, a contributing factor to timely prenatal care was not knowing they were pregnant. It’s critical that community providers caring for women of childbearing age conduct comprehensive assessments at every visit to determine their goals and needs.”The report is available online at: &nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTYuMzg5MTQ0NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHJhbXMvZG93bmxvYWRzL0thbnNhc19QUkFNU18yMDE5X1N1cnZlaWxsYW5jZV9SZXBvcnQucGRmP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.FiD96u0PMxrCncqo49M-Pffls7eVIBukC9ckcv3ObOA/s/1305913542/br/102464213101-l" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/prams/downloads/Kansas_PRAMS_2019_Surveillance_Report.pdf</a>. &nbsp;For more information about the PRAMS project in Kansas, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTYuMzg5MTQ0NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHJhbXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.da2M-bWoUUdo7xbauUlWKIGIkG3XJAG_L5zZk-TOECo/s/1305913542/br/102464213101-l" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/prams</a>.

Survey of Kan. mothers: 12% not receiving prenatal care when wanted

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged drug distribution.

On April 20, police&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop in the 3800 Block of S. Topeka boulevard, which led to a narcotics search warrant service in the 2400 Block of SE Ohio in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

During the investigation, officers located heroin, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. They also arrested Charles Handley, 40, of Topeka, and booked him on requested&nbsp;charges that include Possession of heroin with the intent of distribution, Possession of methamphetamine with the intent of distribution and Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent of distribution, according Monasmith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619183651006.png" alt="Handley photo Shawnee County Detention Center" />
 <figcaption>Handley photo Shawnee County Detention Center</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged drug distribution.On April 20, police&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop in the 3800 Block of S. Topeka boulevard, which led to a narcotics search warrant service in the 2400 Block of SE Ohio in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.During the investigation, officers located heroin, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. They also arrested Charles Handley, 40, of Topeka, and booked him on requested&nbsp;charges that include Possession of heroin with the intent of distribution, Possession of methamphetamine with the intent of distribution and Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent of distribution, according Monasmith.

Kansas man accused of heroin distribution

SMITH COUNTY —A pair of earthquakes shook north central Kansas on Friday afternoon and on Saturday morning.

Just after 4p.m. Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported a quake that measured a magnitude 2.9 was centered seven miles north of Downs. 

A preliminary report from the Kansas Geological Survey indicated the quake measured 3.5 magnitude and said it was centered just east of the Smith County line in Jewell County.

KSGS also reported a 2.6 magnitude quake at 8:16 a.m. on Saturday in Smith County.&nbsp; There are no reports of damage.&nbsp;The threshold for damage usually starts at a magnitude 4.0.

SMITH COUNTY —A pair of earthquakes shook north central Kansas on Friday afternoon and on Saturday morning.Just after 4p.m. Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported a quake that measured a magnitude 2.9 was centered seven miles north of Downs. A preliminary report from the Kansas Geological Survey indicated the quake measured 3.5 magnitude and said it was centered just east of the Smith County line in Jewell County.KSGS also reported a 2.6 magnitude quake at 8:16 a.m. on Saturday in Smith County.&nbsp; There are no reports of damage.&nbsp;The threshold for damage usually starts at a magnitude 4.0.

Pair of earthquakes shake north-central Kansas

WASHINGTON — The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that pregnant people receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Agency Director Rochelle Walensky announced the recommendation during an update on the pandemic at a White House briefing. 

She noted that a CDC study published this week found no safety concerns with Moderna and Pfizer vaccinations given during the third trimester of pregnancy.

‘’We know that this is a deeply personal decision, and I encourage people to talk to their doctors or primary care providers to determine what is best for them and for their baby,’’ Walensky said.

Her recommendation seems to go farther than advice on CDC’s website, which says the vaccines are unlikely to pose a safety risk during pregnancy but doesn’t flat-out recommend the shots.

The new study is based on reports from pregnant women who got shots soon after the vaccines became available. The researchers called for more data, including from vaccination earlier in pregnancy.

COVID-19 can be dangerous in pregnancy, raising risks for complications and even death.

Pregnant women were excluded from COVID-19 vaccination studies although there is limited safety data on some who became pregnant after enrolling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613699035300.png" alt="Dr. Rachel Walensky " />
 <figcaption>Dr. Rachel Walensky </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that pregnant people receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Agency Director Rochelle Walensky announced the recommendation during an update on the pandemic at a White House briefing. She noted that a CDC study published this week found no safety concerns with Moderna and Pfizer vaccinations given during the third trimester of pregnancy.‘’We know that this is a deeply personal decision, and I encourage people to talk to their doctors or primary care providers to determine what is best for them and for their baby,’’ Walensky said.Her recommendation seems to go farther than advice on CDC’s website, which says the vaccines are unlikely to pose a safety risk during pregnancy but doesn’t flat-out recommend the shots.The new study is based on reports from pregnant women who got shots soon after the vaccines became available. The researchers called for more data, including from vaccination earlier in pregnancy.COVID-19 can be dangerous in pregnancy, raising risks for complications and even death.Pregnant women were excluded from COVID-19 vaccination studies although there is limited safety data on some who became pregnant after enrolling.

CDC: COVID vaccines now recommended for pregnant women

ATCHISON COUNTY— The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Atchison Police Department assisted Atchison County Sherriff's Deputies to take 20-year-old Taggart Lee into custody shortly after 2:00a.m. Saturday. morning.&nbsp;

The sheriff's department released no additional details.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Authorities&nbsp; continue their search for aggravated robbery suspect 20-year-old Taggart Darnell Lee who is accused of threatening an officer with a piece of lumber after escaping from the jail in Atchison Kansas on Thursday.&nbsp; At 5a.m. Friday, authorities at the jail reported Lee was still missing.

ATCHISON, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are searching for an aggravated robbery suspect who is accused of threatening an officer with piece of lumber after escaping from a Kansas jail. 

The Atchison County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post that 20-year-old Taggart Darnell Lee was able to manipulate a door lock and make his way into an unsecured area of the Atchison County Jail around 1:30 a.m. Thursday after staff failed to follow several security procedures. 

From there he made his made outside, where an officer chased him for several blocks. The post said Lee, who had been in custody since January, got away after picking up the 2x4 foot piece of lumber and using it to threaten the unarmed officer. The post said the sheriff’s office considers Lee dangerous and that he has a history of being armed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619114059788.jpeg" alt="Lee photo Atchison County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Lee photo Atchison County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY— The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Atchison Police Department assisted Atchison County Sherriff's Deputies to take 20-year-old Taggart Lee into custody shortly after 2:00a.m. Saturday. morning.&nbsp;The sheriff's department released no additional details.---------ATCHISON COUNTY —Authorities&nbsp; continue their search for aggravated robbery suspect 20-year-old Taggart Darnell Lee who is accused of threatening an officer with a piece of lumber after escaping from the jail in Atchison Kansas on Thursday.&nbsp; At 5a.m. Friday, authorities at the jail reported Lee was still missing.----------ATCHISON, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are searching for an aggravated robbery suspect who is accused of threatening an officer with piece of lumber after escaping from a Kansas jail. The Atchison County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post that 20-year-old Taggart Darnell Lee was able to manipulate a door lock and make his way into an unsecured area of the Atchison County Jail around 1:30 a.m. Thursday after staff failed to follow several security procedures. From there he made his made outside, where an officer chased him for several blocks. The post said Lee, who had been in custody since January, got away after picking up the 2x4 foot piece of lumber and using it to threaten the unarmed officer. The post said the sheriff’s office considers Lee dangerous and that he has a history of being armed.

Inmate who escaped Kansas jail captured

By LAURA OLSON <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/20/pushback-against-vaccine-passports-puts-colleges-in-a-quandary/">Kansas Reflector</a>

WASHINGTON
 — Florida’s Nova Southeastern University joined a small group of U.S. 
colleges on April 1 when the private research university announced that 
it would require all students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated 
against COVID-19 before returning to campus this fall.

In <a href="https://news.nova.edu/news-releases/nsu-planning-to-return-to-in-person-on-campus-instruction-for-fall-2021/">a message posted on the university’s website</a>,
 NSU president and CEO George Hanbury wrote that the vaccination 
requirement “will enable us to return to a ‘partial pre-pandemic’ 
environment.”

But the next day, Gov. Ron DeSantis scrambled those plans. The Republican governor <a href="https://www.floridaphoenix.com/2021/04/02/gov-desantis-bans-vaccine-passports-in-fl-citing-the-the-fundamental-rights-and-privacies-of-floridians/">issued an executive order</a>
 barring any state or local government agency from issuing, or any 
private business from requiring, a “vaccine passport” — a broad term 
being used to describe documentation of an individual’s COVID-19 
vaccination status.

The
 order left NSU in limbo over whether it can proceed with plans to 
require vaccinations. The South Florida school isn’t alone in its 
uncertainty over how to balance politics and public health concerns as 
colleges and universities that have already weathered a difficult year 
look ahead to the fall semester.

Along
 with NSU, at least 33 colleges across the country have announced plans 
to require a COVID-19 shot for the fall semester, according to <a href="https://www.chronicle.com/blogs/live-coronavirus-updates/heres-a-list-of-colleges-that-will-require-students-to-be-vaccinated-against-covid-19?bc_nonce=y3c2chqovp93swv762q2j&amp;cid=reg_wall_signup">a tally by the Chronicle of Higher Education</a>.
 That list includes large universities like Rutgers and Cornell, as well
 as smaller schools like Iowa’s Grinnell College, in states with both 
Democratic and Republican governors.

Other
 colleges so far have sought to encourage, rather than mandate, that 
students receive a vaccine, with varying degrees of success.&nbsp;

Universities
 have hosted vaccination clinics on their campuses, but also have 
struggled to find doses. Many are racing to vaccinate students — most in
 age groups that only recently became eligible — before the spring 
semester ends.

There’s
 legal precedent suggesting that colleges — which already require 
students to receive other vaccinations — are within their bounds to 
require a COVID-19 shot, allowing for limited exemptions. But there are 
also a number of reasons that schools might not require the new vaccine,
 including hesitancy among certain groups and questions about 
availability for international students.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/03/16/vaccine-passports-that-show-youre-inoculated-are-on-the-way/">the federal government has offered little guidance</a> to states and colleges navigating increasingly controversial terrain.

At
 Nova Southeastern, college officials hadn’t yet detailed how exactly 
the requirement would work when DeSantis issued his executive order, and
 school officials said they are reviewing it.

“Our
 priority has always been to save lives, to prevent the spread of 
COVID-19, to deliver the best educational experience, and to protect our
 students and employees to the best of our ability,” Hanbury said in an 
April 8 statement.

The
 possibility that Americans will be required to prove they’ve received a
 COVID-19 vaccine in order to return to their office, school or 
entertainment venues has sparked a politically polarizing response.&nbsp;

Conservatives
 in D.C. and state capitals have seized on the idea of vaccination 
passports, blasting them as violating health privacy.&nbsp;

Several governors, including <a href="https://www.floridaphoenix.com/2021/04/02/gov-desantis-bans-vaccine-passports-in-fl-citing-the-the-fundamental-rights-and-privacies-of-floridians/">DeSantis</a> and <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/04/07/reynolds-vows-to-prohibit-vaccine-passports-in-iowa/">Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds</a>,
 either have banned vaccine passports or vowed to support bills doing 
so. (DeSantis’ office did not respond to questions about whether his ban
 was intended to prohibit colleges from vaccination requirements.)

Meanwhile,
 Democratic-run New York has forged ahead with a free digital app to 
prove you’ve been vaccinated or recently received a negative coronavirus
 test result. Designed by IBM, New York’s Excelsior Pass gives a special
 code that businesses can scan, allowing people to leave their paper 
vaccination cards at home.&nbsp;

Democratic
 officials in Hawaii, a state that relies deeply on tourists and 
business owners feeling safe about in-person dining and entertainment, 
also have said they’re considering a passport system.

President
 Joe Biden’s administration has largely sidestepped the issue, saying 
they believe it’s not the government’s role to create a centralized 
database on which Americans have and have not been vaccinated.&nbsp;

Federal
 officials have deferred to the range of private-sector companies that 
are attempting to build vaccination apps, advising only that the apps 
must ensure data is kept secure and that there are non-digital options 
available so no one is excluded from traveling or entering businesses.

That’s
 offered little support for colleges weighing a requirement, or clarity 
on the type of exemptions that they might need to allow.

The
 lack of guidance has left states — and the colleges within those states
 — on their own to consider both public health and personal freedoms.

In Colorado, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis’ administration is not looking at creating a state-run passport system.&nbsp;

But
 his spokeswoman, Shelby Wieman, also said in an emailed statement that 
state officials are considering how to make immunization records 
“available digitally to Coloradans,” an option that would make it easier
 for those who lose their vaccination card to replace that record.

As
 for colleges, Wieman said Polis “has made returning to in-person 
education a priority, and is actively discussing how to ensure herd 
immunity on college campuses this fall.”

Colorado’s
 Fort Lewis College is among the handful of U.S. colleges that already 
have announced a vaccination requirement for students this fall.

For
 faculty and staff, vaccinations are “strongly encouraged,” and school 
officials say that “many” have already received at least one shot.

“COVID-19
 has made it very clear just how impactful and necessary it is for us to
 have an educational experience in person, and vaccines are our way of 
ensuring that we can be together for a normal fall semester,” Tom 
Stritikus, president of Fort Lewis College, wrote in a letter posted 
online about the requirement.

Students at the school <a href="https://www.fortlewis.edu/life-at-flc/health-safety/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine-requirements#139741593-are-faculty-and-staff-required-to-get-a-covid-19-vaccine">are instructed to upload a copy of their vaccination card</a> to a secure document portal or the Fort Lewis app.

It’s not yet clear if the policies at Fort Lewis will be the exception or the rule when the fall semester begins.

The
 American College Health Association was working on guidance to campuses
 about vaccine mandates when federal officials last week paused use of 
Johnson &amp; Johnson’s one-shot vaccine — which had been seen as an 
ideal option allowing colleges to quickly vaccinate students before they
 depart for the summer.

The
 organization intends to offer a statement on vaccination requirements 
within the next week or so, said Gerri Taylor, co-chair of the American 
College Health Association’s COVID-19 Task Force. She said schools are 
on a tight timeline to make decisions on their rules for the fall, and 
she credited the schools that have done so already.

“I
 do think it’s very important for colleges to be clear, consistent and 
communicate what their requirements are for the fall to families as soon
 as possible,” Taylor said. Students will need notice to make 
vaccination appointments or determine if they still plan to attend.

Characterizing
 the debate over vaccine passports as “emotionally charged,” Taylor said
 schools have used electronic health records to track vaccines for 
measles, mumps and rubella in case of an outbreak requiring that 
unvaccinated students be contacted.&nbsp;

Decisions
 on mandating COVID-19 shots will be made at the state level for public 
schools, while the private schools are able to decide for themselves.

Colleges
 and their legal teams will make decisions internally about vaccine 
requirements, Taylor said. They’ll have to weigh any state regulations, 
the availability of doses both domestically and internationally and 
timing challenges for those who get the two-shot versions, as well as 
work on dispelling rumors about the vaccines.

<a href="https://www.acha.org/documents/ncha/NCHA-III_Fall_2020_Reference_Group_Data_Report.pdf">According to ACHA-National College Health Assessment data</a>
 gathered last fall, before any COVID-19 vaccines had been federally 
authorized, 77% of undergraduate and graduate students said they were 
very or somewhat likely to get vaccinated, and 23% were somewhat 
unlikely or very unlikely to be vaccinated.

Colleges already have outlined a range of options for how they’ll handle vaccination mandates.&nbsp;

For example, Cleveland State University <a href="http://newsletter.csuohio.edu/president/210192/index.html?_ga=2.234255582.1934664053.1618854215-421741356.1618706330">recently announced</a> that vaccinations will be required for all students living on campus.&nbsp;

In
 a message to students, CSU President Harlan Sands said the school will 
“do our best to ensure all faculty, staff and students are vaccinated,” 
adding that school officials will “continue to adjust plans based upon 
what transpires with COVID-19 spread in the coming months.”

Florida’s Saint Leo University <a href="https://www.saintleo.edu/news-events/its-family-time-as-saint-leo-university-begins-vaccinating-students-their-families">has reached out beyond just enrolled students</a>, inviting both students and members of their households to be vaccinated on campus.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In <a href="https://www.acenet.edu/Documents/Issue-Brief-COVID-Vaccines-March-2021.pdf">an issue brief for college officials</a>,
 the American Council on Education offered some approaches to consider, 
including encouraging students who opt out of a vaccine to enroll in 
online classes instead.&nbsp;

Another
 idea? Telling students that a COVID-19 vaccine is required, but instead
 of requiring a copy of their vaccine cards, allowing students to simply
 agree as part of a broader honor code that they have in fact complied.

Laura covers the nation's capital as a senior reporter for States Newsroom, a network of nonprofit outlets that includes Kansas Reflector.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618940922609.png" alt="A Department of Health and Human Services employee holds a COVID-19 vaccine record card Nov. 13, 2020, at Operation Warp Speed headquarters in Washington, D.C.. The cards were sent out as part of vaccination kits. (EJ Hersom/U.S. Department of Defense)" />
 <figcaption>A Department of Health and Human Services employee holds a COVID-19 vaccine record card Nov. 13, 2020, at Operation Warp Speed headquarters in Washington, D.C.. The cards were sent out as part of vaccination kits. (EJ Hersom/U.S. Department of Defense)</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURA OLSON <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/20/pushback-against-vaccine-passports-puts-colleges-in-a-quandary/">Kansas Reflector</a>WASHINGTON
 — Florida’s Nova Southeastern University joined a small group of U.S. 
colleges on April 1 when the private research university announced that 
it would require all students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated 
against COVID-19 before returning to campus this fall.In <a href="https://news.nova.edu/news-releases/nsu-planning-to-return-to-in-person-on-campus-instruction-for-fall-2021/">a message posted on the university’s website</a>,
 NSU president and CEO George Hanbury wrote that the vaccination 
requirement “will enable us to return to a ‘partial pre-pandemic’ 
environment.”But the next day, Gov. Ron DeSantis scrambled those plans. The Republican governor <a href="https://www.floridaphoenix.com/2021/04/02/gov-desantis-bans-vaccine-passports-in-fl-citing-the-the-fundamental-rights-and-privacies-of-floridians/">issued an executive order</a>
 barring any state or local government agency from issuing, or any 
private business from requiring, a “vaccine passport” — a broad term 
being used to describe documentation of an individual’s COVID-19 
vaccination status.The
 order left NSU in limbo over whether it can proceed with plans to 
require vaccinations. The South Florida school isn’t alone in its 
uncertainty over how to balance politics and public health concerns as 
colleges and universities that have already weathered a difficult year 
look ahead to the fall semester.Along
 with NSU, at least 33 colleges across the country have announced plans 
to require a COVID-19 shot for the fall semester, according to <a href="https://www.chronicle.com/blogs/live-coronavirus-updates/heres-a-list-of-colleges-that-will-require-students-to-be-vaccinated-against-covid-19?bc_nonce=y3c2chqovp93swv762q2j&amp;cid=reg_wall_signup">a tally by the Chronicle of Higher Education</a>.
 That list includes large universities like Rutgers and Cornell, as well
 as smaller schools like Iowa’s Grinnell College, in states with both 
Democratic and Republican governors.Other
 colleges so far have sought to encourage, rather than mandate, that 
students receive a vaccine, with varying degrees of success.&nbsp;Universities
 have hosted vaccination clinics on their campuses, but also have 
struggled to find doses. Many are racing to vaccinate students — most in
 age groups that only recently became eligible — before the spring 
semester ends.There’s
 legal precedent suggesting that colleges — which already require 
students to receive other vaccinations — are within their bounds to 
require a COVID-19 shot, allowing for limited exemptions. But there are 
also a number of reasons that schools might not require the new vaccine,
 including hesitancy among certain groups and questions about 
availability for international students.Meanwhile, <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/03/16/vaccine-passports-that-show-youre-inoculated-are-on-the-way/">the federal government has offered little guidance</a> to states and colleges navigating increasingly controversial terrain.At
 Nova Southeastern, college officials hadn’t yet detailed how exactly 
the requirement would work when DeSantis issued his executive order, and
 school officials said they are reviewing it.“Our
 priority has always been to save lives, to prevent the spread of 
COVID-19, to deliver the best educational experience, and to protect our
 students and employees to the best of our ability,” Hanbury said in an 
April 8 statement.<h2>Partisan divide</h2>The
 possibility that Americans will be required to prove they’ve received a
 COVID-19 vaccine in order to return to their office, school or 
entertainment venues has sparked a politically polarizing response.&nbsp;Conservatives
 in D.C. and state capitals have seized on the idea of vaccination 
passports, blasting them as violating health privacy.&nbsp;Several governors, including <a href="https://www.floridaphoenix.com/2021/04/02/gov-desantis-bans-vaccine-passports-in-fl-citing-the-the-fundamental-rights-and-privacies-of-floridians/">DeSantis</a> and <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/04/07/reynolds-vows-to-prohibit-vaccine-passports-in-iowa/">Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds</a>,
 either have banned vaccine passports or vowed to support bills doing 
so. (DeSantis’ office did not respond to questions about whether his ban
 was intended to prohibit colleges from vaccination requirements.)Meanwhile,
 Democratic-run New York has forged ahead with a free digital app to 
prove you’ve been vaccinated or recently received a negative coronavirus
 test result. Designed by IBM, New York’s Excelsior Pass gives a special
 code that businesses can scan, allowing people to leave their paper 
vaccination cards at home.&nbsp;Democratic
 officials in Hawaii, a state that relies deeply on tourists and 
business owners feeling safe about in-person dining and entertainment, 
also have said they’re considering a passport system.President
 Joe Biden’s administration has largely sidestepped the issue, saying 
they believe it’s not the government’s role to create a centralized 
database on which Americans have and have not been vaccinated.&nbsp;Federal
 officials have deferred to the range of private-sector companies that 
are attempting to build vaccination apps, advising only that the apps 
must ensure data is kept secure and that there are non-digital options 
available so no one is excluded from traveling or entering businesses.That’s
 offered little support for colleges weighing a requirement, or clarity 
on the type of exemptions that they might need to allow.<h2>On their own</h2>The
 lack of guidance has left states — and the colleges within those states
 — on their own to consider both public health and personal freedoms.In Colorado, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis’ administration is not looking at creating a state-run passport system.&nbsp;But
 his spokeswoman, Shelby Wieman, also said in an emailed statement that 
state officials are considering how to make immunization records 
“available digitally to Coloradans,” an option that would make it easier
 for those who lose their vaccination card to replace that record.As
 for colleges, Wieman said Polis “has made returning to in-person 
education a priority, and is actively discussing how to ensure herd 
immunity on college campuses this fall.”Colorado’s
 Fort Lewis College is among the handful of U.S. colleges that already 
have announced a vaccination requirement for students this fall.For
 faculty and staff, vaccinations are “strongly encouraged,” and school 
officials say that “many” have already received at least one shot.“COVID-19
 has made it very clear just how impactful and necessary it is for us to
 have an educational experience in person, and vaccines are our way of 
ensuring that we can be together for a normal fall semester,” Tom 
Stritikus, president of Fort Lewis College, wrote in a letter posted 
online about the requirement.Students at the school <a href="https://www.fortlewis.edu/life-at-flc/health-safety/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine-requirements#139741593-are-faculty-and-staff-required-to-get-a-covid-19-vaccine">are instructed to upload a copy of their vaccination card</a> to a secure document portal or the Fort Lewis app.It’s not yet clear if the policies at Fort Lewis will be the exception or the rule when the fall semester begins.The
 American College Health Association was working on guidance to campuses
 about vaccine mandates when federal officials last week paused use of 
Johnson &amp; Johnson’s one-shot vaccine — which had been seen as an 
ideal option allowing colleges to quickly vaccinate students before they
 depart for the summer.The
 organization intends to offer a statement on vaccination requirements 
within the next week or so, said Gerri Taylor, co-chair of the American 
College Health Association’s COVID-19 Task Force. She said schools are 
on a tight timeline to make decisions on their rules for the fall, and 
she credited the schools that have done so already.“I
 do think it’s very important for colleges to be clear, consistent and 
communicate what their requirements are for the fall to families as soon
 as possible,” Taylor said. Students will need notice to make 
vaccination appointments or determine if they still plan to attend.Characterizing
 the debate over vaccine passports as “emotionally charged,” Taylor said
 schools have used electronic health records to track vaccines for 
measles, mumps and rubella in case of an outbreak requiring that 
unvaccinated students be contacted.&nbsp;Decisions
 on mandating COVID-19 shots will be made at the state level for public 
schools, while the private schools are able to decide for themselves.Colleges
 and their legal teams will make decisions internally about vaccine 
requirements, Taylor said. They’ll have to weigh any state regulations, 
the availability of doses both domestically and internationally and 
timing challenges for those who get the two-shot versions, as well as 
work on dispelling rumors about the vaccines.<a href="https://www.acha.org/documents/ncha/NCHA-III_Fall_2020_Reference_Group_Data_Report.pdf">According to ACHA-National College Health Assessment data</a>
 gathered last fall, before any COVID-19 vaccines had been federally 
authorized, 77% of undergraduate and graduate students said they were 
very or somewhat likely to get vaccinated, and 23% were somewhat 
unlikely or very unlikely to be vaccinated.<h2>Other options</h2>Colleges already have outlined a range of options for how they’ll handle vaccination mandates.&nbsp;For example, Cleveland State University <a href="http://newsletter.csuohio.edu/president/210192/index.html?_ga=2.234255582.1934664053.1618854215-421741356.1618706330">recently announced</a> that vaccinations will be required for all students living on campus.&nbsp;In
 a message to students, CSU President Harlan Sands said the school will 
“do our best to ensure all faculty, staff and students are vaccinated,” 
adding that school officials will “continue to adjust plans based upon 
what transpires with COVID-19 spread in the coming months.”Florida’s Saint Leo University <a href="https://www.saintleo.edu/news-events/its-family-time-as-saint-leo-university-begins-vaccinating-students-their-families">has reached out beyond just enrolled students</a>, inviting both students and members of their households to be vaccinated on campus.&nbsp;&nbsp;In <a href="https://www.acenet.edu/Documents/Issue-Brief-COVID-Vaccines-March-2021.pdf">an issue brief for college officials</a>,
 the American Council on Education offered some approaches to consider, 
including encouraging students who opt out of a vaccine to enroll in 
online classes instead.&nbsp;Another
 idea? Telling students that a COVID-19 vaccine is required, but instead
 of requiring a copy of their vaccine cards, allowing students to simply
 agree as part of a broader honor code that they have in fact complied.Laura covers the nation's capital as a senior reporter for States Newsroom, a network of nonprofit outlets that includes Kansas Reflector.

Pushback against ‘vaccine passports’ puts colleges in a quandary

LAWRENCE—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Lawrence.

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

Despite life saving measures by police, the victim, a 60-year-old Lawrence woman was pronounced deceased at the scene.

West 19th from Ousdahl Rd. to Naismith Drive remained closed as as officers investigate the incident.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim.

LAWRENCE—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Lawrence.Just after 8:30p.m. Friday, police&nbsp; responded to the 1400 block of W. 19th Street in response to reports that a pedestrian that had been struck while crossing the street, according to police spokesperson Patrick Compton.Despite life saving measures by police, the victim, a 60-year-old Lawrence woman was pronounced deceased at the scene.West 19th from Ousdahl Rd. to Naismith Drive remained closed as as officers investigate the incident.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim.

60-year-old Kan. woman dead in pedestrian accident

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday reversed the first-degree murder conviction of a Wichita man. 

Mark Holley III was convicted in the 2017 death of 18-year-old D’Shaun Smith during a botched drug deal. The court said the Sedgwick County District Court should have presented a self-defense argument during jury instructions. Holley argued that he shot Smith after Smith tried to rob him and pointed a gun at him. 

The court upheld Holley's convictions on child endangerment charges, arising from a separate incident in which Holley robbed a man while the victim's young children were sitting in the backseat of his car. The murder case now goes back to the district court for further proceedings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619199960232.png" alt="Holley photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Holley photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday reversed the first-degree murder conviction of a Wichita man. Mark Holley III was convicted in the 2017 death of 18-year-old D’Shaun Smith during a botched drug deal. The court said the Sedgwick County District Court should have presented a self-defense argument during jury instructions. Holley argued that he shot Smith after Smith tried to rob him and pointed a gun at him. The court upheld Holley's convictions on child endangerment charges, arising from a separate incident in which Holley robbed a man while the victim's young children were sitting in the backseat of his car. The murder case now goes back to the district court for further proceedings.

Supreme Court reverses murder conviction in Kan. death

PAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating 6 suspects on a variety of drug charges in Pawnee County.

Patrick Jones, 43, Jeanette Moore, 43, Sara Pivonka, 32, Nathanael Harris, 32, Faith Dinning, 26, and Jamil Shoemaker, 25, all of Larned, appeared before Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell Friday afternoon via Zoom in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff for Felony First Appearance, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

On Thursday The Pawnee County Sheriff's Department arrested all six Larned area residents were arrested without incident during the execution of three separate search warrants. Also arrested at one of the residences was Kenneth Patterson, Jr, 26 of Larned, for a parole violation. No additional charges have been filed against Patterson at this time.

At the First Appearance each defendant was advised of their charges, the possible penalties if convicted and their constitutional rights, including their right to counsel.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619220758523.png" alt="Faith Dinning is charged with (1) Possession of at least 3.5 grams, but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; (2) No Kansas Drug Stamp; (3) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to distribute a Controlled Substance; (4) Possession of Marijuana; and (5) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to ingest a controlled substance. Bond is set at $90,000 cash or surety-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Faith Dinning is charged with (1) Possession of at least 3.5 grams, but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; (2) No Kansas Drug Stamp; (3) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to distribute a Controlled Substance; (4) Possession of Marijuana; and (5) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to ingest a controlled substance. Bond is set at $90,000 cash or surety-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating 6 suspects on a variety of drug charges in Pawnee County.Patrick Jones, 43, Jeanette Moore, 43, Sara Pivonka, 32, Nathanael Harris, 32, Faith Dinning, 26, and Jamil Shoemaker, 25, all of Larned, appeared before Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell Friday afternoon via Zoom in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff for Felony First Appearance, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.On Thursday The Pawnee County Sheriff's Department arrested all six Larned area residents were arrested without incident during the execution of three separate search warrants. Also arrested at one of the residences was Kenneth Patterson, Jr, 26 of Larned, for a parole violation. No additional charges have been filed against Patterson at this time.At the First Appearance each defendant was advised of their charges, the possible penalties if convicted and their constitutional rights, including their right to counsel.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619220417812.png" alt="Patrick&nbsp;Jones is charged with (1) Possession of at least 3.5 grams, but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; (2) Possession of at least 450 grams, but less than 30 kilograms of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; (3) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to distribute a Controlled Substance; (4) No Kansas Drug Stamp and (5) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to ingest a controlled substance. Bond is set at $90,000 cash or surety-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Patrick&nbsp;Jones is charged with (1) Possession of at least 3.5 grams, but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; (2) Possession of at least 450 grams, but less than 30 kilograms of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; (3) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to distribute a Controlled Substance; (4) No Kansas Drug Stamp and (5) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to ingest a controlled substance. Bond is set at $90,000 cash or surety-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619220466273.png" alt="Jeanette Moore was charged with (1) Possession of at least 3.5 grams, but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; (2) Possession of at least 450 grams, but less than 30 kilograms of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; (3) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to distribute a Controlled Substance; (4) No Kansas Drug Stamp and (5) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to ingest a controlled substance. Bond is set at $90,000 cash or surety-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jeanette Moore was charged with (1) Possession of at least 3.5 grams, but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; (2) Possession of at least 450 grams, but less than 30 kilograms of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; (3) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to distribute a Controlled Substance; (4) No Kansas Drug Stamp and (5) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to ingest a controlled substance. Bond is set at $90,000 cash or surety-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619220597549.png" alt="Sara&nbsp;Pivokna is charged with (1) Possession of at least 3.5 grams, but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; (2) Conspiracy to Distribute at least 3.5 grams, but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine; (3) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to distribute a Controlled Substance; and (4) Possession of Marijuana. Bond is set at $90,000 cash or surety-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Sara&nbsp;Pivokna is charged with (1) Possession of at least 3.5 grams, but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; (2) Conspiracy to Distribute at least 3.5 grams, but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine; (3) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to distribute a Controlled Substance; and (4) Possession of Marijuana. Bond is set at $90,000 cash or surety-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619220672108.png" alt="Nathanael&nbsp;Harris is charged with (1) Possession of at least 3.5 grams, but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; (2) Conspiracy to Distribute at least 3.5 grams, but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine; and (3) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to distribute a Controlled Substance. Bond is set at $90,000 cash or surety-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Nathanael&nbsp;Harris is charged with (1) Possession of at least 3.5 grams, but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; (2) Conspiracy to Distribute at least 3.5 grams, but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine; and (3) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to distribute a Controlled Substance. Bond is set at $90,000 cash or surety-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619220835260.png" alt="Shoemaker – (1) Possession of less than 1.00 grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; (2) Possession of less than 25 grams of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; (3) Possession of Drug" />
 <figcaption>Shoemaker – (1) Possession of less than 1.00 grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; (2) Possession of less than 25 grams of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; (3) Possession of Drug</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619221048022.png" alt="&nbsp;No additional charges have been filed against Patterson, according to the Pawnee County Attorney." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;No additional charges have been filed against Patterson, according to the Pawnee County Attorney.</figcaption>
 </figure>

County Attorney: 6 Kansas drug suspects make court appearance 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed a bill Friday that would have allowed people as young as 18 to carry concealed weapons, after legislators approved the bill by margins that weren’t large enough to override a veto.

The legislation would have created a provisional license for those 18 to 21, issued by the state attorney general. Permit holders would have had to complete a background check and undergo gun safety training, which is currently required for those 21 and older seeking a permit.

The bill would have significantly increased the number of students eligible to carry concealed weapons on university campuses which, until 2017, were exempt from a 2013 law allowing them in public buildings. But education groups such as the Kansas Association of School Boards say the measure wouldn’t have changed current laws that allow high schools to prohibit guns on school grounds.

“Throughout my time in public office, I have been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and of Kansans’ right to own firearms,” the Democratic governor said in a statement. “But we can respect and defend the rights of Kansas gun owners while also taking effective steps to keep our children and families safe. Legislation that allows more guns on campus is neither safe nor effective, and it will drive prospective students away from our schools.”

The bill gained the two-thirds majority necessary in the Senate in a vote this month, but supporters were four votes short of the required supermajority in the House after five Republicans voted against the bill.

State Rep. Charles Smith, a Pittsburg Republican who voted against the proposal, told The Associated Press that there’s “no hurry” for 18, 19-, and 20-year-olds to carry a concealed firearm.

“When you’re 18 years old, 19, you do silly stuff. And gosh, I’d hate for some kid to make a mistake and be in jail for 10 years, or the rest of their life,” Smith said.

Eleven states allow those who are 18 to carry a concealed firearm, according to the United States Concealed Carry Association, one of the largest firearm-owner groups in the country.

Supporters say 18-year-old Kansans can already carry firearms in the open and those as young as 18 are allowed to serve in the military. Some Republican legislators say the bill would allow young people to protect themselves from threats.

Democratic lawmakers argued that those under 21 are less mature and more prone to risk-taking. Opponents have also said that federal law requires someone to be at least 21 to buy a handgun from a licensed dealer.

“We are allowing 18 year olds who are high school seniors to have guns concealed at parties, where there may or may not be alcohol,” Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said in a legislative debate this month.

In March, the measure was amended into legislation to expand Kansas’ recognition of other states’ concealed carry permits after another bill to lower the legal age to carry concealed firearms in Kansas from 21 to 18 stalled in a House committee.

Supporters of the reciprocity measure include Kansas Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who said that the bill would have helped the state maintain reciprocity agreements with other states so that Kansans can carry concealed firearms elsewhere.

This month, the bill was amended by Kansas legislators to allow people who have been convicted of some crimes that include aggravated battery and misdemeanor domestic battery to possess firearms if those records are expunged.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619210947266.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly during her back to school, back to work tour stop in Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly during her back to school, back to work tour stop in Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANDY TSUBASA FIELDTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed a bill Friday that would have allowed people as young as 18 to carry concealed weapons, after legislators approved the bill by margins that weren’t large enough to override a veto.The legislation would have created a provisional license for those 18 to 21, issued by the state attorney general. Permit holders would have had to complete a background check and undergo gun safety training, which is currently required for those 21 and older seeking a permit.The bill would have significantly increased the number of students eligible to carry concealed weapons on university campuses which, until 2017, were exempt from a 2013 law allowing them in public buildings. But education groups such as the Kansas Association of School Boards say the measure wouldn’t have changed current laws that allow high schools to prohibit guns on school grounds.“Throughout my time in public office, I have been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and of Kansans’ right to own firearms,” the Democratic governor said in a statement. “But we can respect and defend the rights of Kansas gun owners while also taking effective steps to keep our children and families safe. Legislation that allows more guns on campus is neither safe nor effective, and it will drive prospective students away from our schools.”The bill gained the two-thirds majority necessary in the Senate in a vote this month, but supporters were four votes short of the required supermajority in the House after five Republicans voted against the bill.State Rep. Charles Smith, a Pittsburg Republican who voted against the proposal, told The Associated Press that there’s “no hurry” for 18, 19-, and 20-year-olds to carry a concealed firearm.“When you’re 18 years old, 19, you do silly stuff. And gosh, I’d hate for some kid to make a mistake and be in jail for 10 years, or the rest of their life,” Smith said.Eleven states allow those who are 18 to carry a concealed firearm, according to the United States Concealed Carry Association, one of the largest firearm-owner groups in the country.Supporters say 18-year-old Kansans can already carry firearms in the open and those as young as 18 are allowed to serve in the military. Some Republican legislators say the bill would allow young people to protect themselves from threats.Democratic lawmakers argued that those under 21 are less mature and more prone to risk-taking. Opponents have also said that federal law requires someone to be at least 21 to buy a handgun from a licensed dealer.“We are allowing 18 year olds who are high school seniors to have guns concealed at parties, where there may or may not be alcohol,” Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said in a legislative debate this month.In March, the measure was amended into legislation to expand Kansas’ recognition of other states’ concealed carry permits after another bill to lower the legal age to carry concealed firearms in Kansas from 21 to 18 stalled in a House committee.Supporters of the reciprocity measure include Kansas Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who said that the bill would have helped the state maintain reciprocity agreements with other states so that Kansans can carry concealed firearms elsewhere.This month, the bill was amended by Kansas legislators to allow people who have been convicted of some crimes that include aggravated battery and misdemeanor domestic battery to possess firearms if those records are expunged.___

Kan. governor vetoes bill to lower concealed carry age

WASHINGTON (AP) –U.S. health officials have lifted an 11-day pause on Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccinations following a recommendation by an expert panel. 

Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday the benefits of the single-dose COVID-19 shot outweigh a rare risk of blood clots. Panel members said it’s critical that younger women be told about that risk so they can decide if they’d rather choose another vaccine. The CDC and Food and Drug Administration agreed. 

European regulators earlier this week made a similar decision, deciding the clot risk was small enough to allow the rollout of J&amp;J’s shot.

WASHINGTON (AP) – A U.S. health panel says it’s time to resume use of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine, despite a very rare risk of blood clots.

Out of nearly 8 million people vaccinated before the U.S. suspended J&amp;J’s shot, health officials uncovered 15 cases of a highly unusual kind of blood clot, three of them fatal.

All were women, most younger than 50. But advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday the vaccine’s benefits outweigh that serious but small risk — especially against a virus that’s still infecting tens of thousands of Americans every day.

The government will rapidly weigh that recommendation in deciding next steps.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602590971875.png" alt="Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) –U.S. health officials have lifted an 11-day pause on Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccinations following a recommendation by an expert panel. Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday the benefits of the single-dose COVID-19 shot outweigh a rare risk of blood clots. Panel members said it’s critical that younger women be told about that risk so they can decide if they’d rather choose another vaccine. The CDC and Food and Drug Administration agreed. European regulators earlier this week made a similar decision, deciding the clot risk was small enough to allow the rollout of J&amp;J’s shot.------WASHINGTON (AP) – A U.S. health panel says it’s time to resume use of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine, despite a very rare risk of blood clots.Out of nearly 8 million people vaccinated before the U.S. suspended J&amp;J’s shot, health officials uncovered 15 cases of a highly unusual kind of blood clot, three of them fatal.All were women, most younger than 50. But advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday the vaccine’s benefits outweigh that serious but small risk — especially against a virus that’s still infecting tens of thousands of Americans every day.The government will rapidly weigh that recommendation in deciding next steps.

US to resume J&J COVID vaccinations despite rare clot risk

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a pedestrian accident that critically injured a man in Wichita.

Just before 7a.m. Friday., deputies responded to a vehicle/pedestrian collision on Spirit AeroSystems campus near Gate 13 at 4400 E MacArthur in Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

 During the investigation deputies learned an eastbound GMC truck driven by a 39-year-old man struck a 48-year-old man walking northbound. The driver of the GMC stopped after the collision and remained at the scene.

EMS transported the pedestrian to a local hospital with critical injuries. The driver of the GMC was not injured. Authorities released no additional details early Friday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619201129342.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the accident on Friday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the accident on Friday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a pedestrian accident that critically injured a man in Wichita.Just before 7a.m. Friday., deputies responded to a vehicle/pedestrian collision on Spirit AeroSystems campus near Gate 13 at 4400 E MacArthur in Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick. During the investigation deputies learned an eastbound GMC truck driven by a 39-year-old man struck a 48-year-old man walking northbound. The driver of the GMC stopped after the collision and remained at the scene.EMS transported the pedestrian to a local hospital with critical injuries. The driver of the GMC was not injured. Authorities released no additional details early Friday afternoon.

Truck strikes man walking on campus of Kan. aircraft parts maker

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — The Kansas City police department has unveiled several new policies designed to improve community relationships after months of complaints arising from confrontations during last summer's racial injustice protests but some community activists immediately rejected the changes as insufficient and demanded stronger action.

The department's First Amendment policy emphasizes that officers should protect citizens' rights to gather and protest. It lays out the chain of command for determining how officers should respond to the gatherings, and encourages efforts to communicate with organizers of the demonstrations.

As part of the initiative, the department announced Thursday that about 900 of its patrol, tactical and traffic officers are now equipped with body cameras, which community groups have been demanding for years.

That announcement came after Mayor Quinton Lucas and Police Chief Rick Smith met privately Wednesday with some community activists to discuss the new policies and how the city could respond if more protests are held.

The effort to improve relationships did not impress several of the civil rights organizations that had demanded changes, particularly that Smith either resign or be fired.

On Thursday, seven groups sent a letter to Lucas, Smith, and Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker saying they would not attend the meetings, which they called “performative politics.” They said the police department remains a racist organization that disregards the humanity of Black people.

The letter from Black Rainbow, the NAACP, the Southern Christian Leadership Council-Greater Kansas City, Urban League, National Black United Front, Operation Liberation, and Urban Summit said Lucas had not met one of their demands and had engaged in “political posturing” since May 2020.

“Furthermore, the recent reforms announced by KCPD are miniscule, ineffective, inadequate, and don’t produce structural change,” the letter said. “Moreover, they do nothing to dismantle systemic racism in the execution of policies, practices and procedures.”

Henry Service, an attorney and community activist who attended Wednesday’s meeting, said in an interview that any progress that has been made was only because of protests and other actions of activists.

He remains skeptical of city and police leaders’ determination to follow through with changes, although he will continue to attend the monthly gatherings.

“My complaint is that they are now saying they are doing things that they are required (by law) to do in the first place,” Service said. “I just don’t believe the police are going to change unless they are forced to. It’s going to take legislation, it’s going to take media exposure. They won’t do it because they want to.”

Lucas said Thursday he was optimistic the city is making progress in healing its divisions. He said those who attended the meeting talked openly about their concerns, with one participant frankly telling Smith why she wanted him fired. He noted the groups who sent the letter were invited to participate in the meeting but chose not to do so.

“I'm not going to stop meeting with people,” Lucas said.

The mayor said Kansas City compares favorably with any other city in positive changes, citing the decriminalization of most marijuana possession laws, which disproportionately affect Black citizens. He also said he agrees the city needs an independent office for citizen complaints in the police department and local control of its police force.

During a news conference Thursday announcing progress on the body cameras, Smith said the body cameras were a “win-win” for the public and police.

“The community wanted it, our officers wanted it. ... Everyone is trying to get to the truth and the camera will help provide that,” said Smith, who has said repeatedly that he does not intend to resign.

Private donations allowed the city to purchase the cameras, which will cost about $4 million annually. The department has received a federal grant to add cameras for about 400 more detectives.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd, who was on the committee setting policy for the cameras, said the cameras would help police and prosecutors secure justice. But he explained that under Missouri law, video evidence from the cameras will not be released for the public to see in a criminal case until the case is concluded, unless a judge orders the videos' release.

The department's other policies require police to refrain from deploying less-lethal weapons, munitions or chemical agents unless there is an immediate need to protect themselves or others from injury. Less-lethal weapons — such as rubber bullets — will not be used to disperse crowds, although chemical agents such as tear gas can be used for dispersal.

Other changes made by the department include having outside law enforcement agencies investigate police shootings, and requiring officers to intervene if another officer is using excessive force.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606271500828.png" alt="Mayor Quinton Lucas and Police Chief Rick Smith met privately Wednesday with some community activists to discuss the new policies and how the city could respond if more protests are held-photo courtesy KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Mayor Quinton Lucas and Police Chief Rick Smith met privately Wednesday with some community activists to discuss the new policies and how the city could respond if more protests are held-photo courtesy KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARGARET STAFFORDKANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — The Kansas City police department has unveiled several new policies designed to improve community relationships after months of complaints arising from confrontations during last summer's racial injustice protests but some community activists immediately rejected the changes as insufficient and demanded stronger action.The department's First Amendment policy emphasizes that officers should protect citizens' rights to gather and protest. It lays out the chain of command for determining how officers should respond to the gatherings, and encourages efforts to communicate with organizers of the demonstrations.As part of the initiative, the department announced Thursday that about 900 of its patrol, tactical and traffic officers are now equipped with body cameras, which community groups have been demanding for years.That announcement came after Mayor Quinton Lucas and Police Chief Rick Smith met privately Wednesday with some community activists to discuss the new policies and how the city could respond if more protests are held.The effort to improve relationships did not impress several of the civil rights organizations that had demanded changes, particularly that Smith either resign or be fired.On Thursday, seven groups sent a letter to Lucas, Smith, and Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker saying they would not attend the meetings, which they called “performative politics.” They said the police department remains a racist organization that disregards the humanity of Black people.The letter from Black Rainbow, the NAACP, the Southern Christian Leadership Council-Greater Kansas City, Urban League, National Black United Front, Operation Liberation, and Urban Summit said Lucas had not met one of their demands and had engaged in “political posturing” since May 2020.“Furthermore, the recent reforms announced by KCPD are miniscule, ineffective, inadequate, and don’t produce structural change,” the letter said. “Moreover, they do nothing to dismantle systemic racism in the execution of policies, practices and procedures.”Henry Service, an attorney and community activist who attended Wednesday’s meeting, said in an interview that any progress that has been made was only because of protests and other actions of activists.He remains skeptical of city and police leaders’ determination to follow through with changes, although he will continue to attend the monthly gatherings.“My complaint is that they are now saying they are doing things that they are required (by law) to do in the first place,” Service said. “I just don’t believe the police are going to change unless they are forced to. It’s going to take legislation, it’s going to take media exposure. They won’t do it because they want to.”Lucas said Thursday he was optimistic the city is making progress in healing its divisions. He said those who attended the meeting talked openly about their concerns, with one participant frankly telling Smith why she wanted him fired. He noted the groups who sent the letter were invited to participate in the meeting but chose not to do so.“I'm not going to stop meeting with people,” Lucas said.The mayor said Kansas City compares favorably with any other city in positive changes, citing the decriminalization of most marijuana possession laws, which disproportionately affect Black citizens. He also said he agrees the city needs an independent office for citizen complaints in the police department and local control of its police force.During a news conference Thursday announcing progress on the body cameras, Smith said the body cameras were a “win-win” for the public and police.“The community wanted it, our officers wanted it. ... Everyone is trying to get to the truth and the camera will help provide that,” said Smith, who has said repeatedly that he does not intend to resign.Private donations allowed the city to purchase the cameras, which will cost about $4 million annually. The department has received a federal grant to add cameras for about 400 more detectives.Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd, who was on the committee setting policy for the cameras, said the cameras would help police and prosecutors secure justice. But he explained that under Missouri law, video evidence from the cameras will not be released for the public to see in a criminal case until the case is concluded, unless a judge orders the videos' release.The department's other policies require police to refrain from deploying less-lethal weapons, munitions or chemical agents unless there is an immediate need to protect themselves or others from injury. Less-lethal weapons — such as rubber bullets — will not be used to disperse crowds, although chemical agents such as tear gas can be used for dispersal.Other changes made by the department include having outside law enforcement agencies investigate police shootings, and requiring officers to intervene if another officer is using excessive force.

Kansas City police set new policies to improve interactions

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 489&nbsp; to a total of 307,372, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4968, an increase of 5.

<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 489&nbsp; to a total of 307,372, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4968, an increase of 5.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619199530719.png" alt="Friday April 23, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday April 23, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says a preliminary autopsy indicated a 35-year-old female inmate at the Topeka Correctional Facility died of natural causes related to heart failure. Jessica Chapman died Monday after she collapsed at a scheduled appointment at the prison's medical clinic. 

The KBI says Chapman had received medical treatment the previous weekend for chest pains. A corrections department spokeswoman says Chapman's death is not believed to be related to COVID-19. 

The KBI investigates all deaths of inmates at prisons or jails, unless the person is under the care of a doctor. Chapman was serving time for a drug conviction in Barton County and forgery from Rice County.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Officials with Kansas’ state policing agency have begun an investigation into the death of an inmate at the women’s prison in Topeka, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation confirmed.

Jessica Chapman, 35, died Monday at the Kansas Department of Corrections’ TCF women’s prison.&nbsp; The death was initially confirmed through the KBI, because the Kansas prisons system did not send out a news release announcing the death — a departure from the agency’s normal procedure when an inmate dies in custody.

Officials have not released any details on how Chapman died. A spokeswoman for the prisons system did not immediately return email and phone messages left Wednesday by The Associated Press seeking comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619014791151.png" alt="Chapman had convictions that include forgery, criminal use of a financial card and for drug distribution, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Chapman had convictions that include forgery, criminal use of a financial card and for drug distribution, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says a preliminary autopsy indicated a 35-year-old female inmate at the Topeka Correctional Facility died of natural causes related to heart failure. Jessica Chapman died Monday after she collapsed at a scheduled appointment at the prison's medical clinic. The KBI says Chapman had received medical treatment the previous weekend for chest pains. A corrections department spokeswoman says Chapman's death is not believed to be related to COVID-19. The KBI investigates all deaths of inmates at prisons or jails, unless the person is under the care of a doctor. Chapman was serving time for a drug conviction in Barton County and forgery from Rice County.-------------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Officials with Kansas’ state policing agency have begun an investigation into the death of an inmate at the women’s prison in Topeka, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation confirmed.Jessica Chapman, 35, died Monday at the Kansas Department of Corrections’ TCF women’s prison.&nbsp; The death was initially confirmed through the KBI, because the Kansas prisons system did not send out a news release announcing the death — a departure from the agency’s normal procedure when an inmate dies in custody.Officials have not released any details on how Chapman died. A spokeswoman for the prisons system did not immediately return email and phone messages left Wednesday by The Associated Press seeking comment.

Autopsy: Kansas inmate died from natural causes

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Lawrence will no longer allow licensed providers to practice conversion therapy on minors in the city.

The city commission voted unanimously this week to ban the practice, which is designed to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Commissioners said research has shown the practice is harmful to children’s mental health and increases the risk of suicide.

“The very most basic thing that we have to do is to protect each other and to protect children, and I feel that this does that,” said Vice Mayor Courtney Shipley, who originally proposed the ban.

Assistant City Attorney Maria Garcia previously told the commission that 20 states and numerous municipalities, including Roeland Park in suburban Kansas City, have banned conversion therapy.

Barry Foster, senior pastor at First Christian Church,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawrence-gender-identity-e297a8ebc1d8cfea5ac3dbc5a3a532fa">raised concerns</a>&nbsp;in a letter that the ordinance violated religious and other freedoms.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Lawrence will no longer allow licensed providers to practice conversion therapy on minors in the city.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AYGVoci01bY?start=2739" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The city commission voted unanimously this week to ban the practice, which is designed to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.Commissioners said research has shown the practice is harmful to children’s mental health and increases the risk of suicide.“The very most basic thing that we have to do is to protect each other and to protect children, and I feel that this does that,” said Vice Mayor Courtney Shipley, who originally proposed the ban.Assistant City Attorney Maria Garcia previously told the commission that 20 states and numerous municipalities, including Roeland Park in suburban Kansas City, have banned conversion therapy.Barry Foster, senior pastor at First Christian Church,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawrence-gender-identity-e297a8ebc1d8cfea5ac3dbc5a3a532fa">raised concerns</a>&nbsp;in a letter that the ordinance violated religious and other freedoms.Garcia said the ban applies only to licensed counselors, not clergy or religious figures who counsel children without a license.