TOPEKA–&nbsp;An El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) resident who died Thursday had tested positive for COVID-19, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 This is the second COVID-19 related resident death at EDCF, and the 14th resident death related to COVID-19 for the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC).

The resident tested positive for the virus on Dec. 26, 2020, and was transferred to the hospital on Jan. 11, 2021. He was a 60-year old white male.

The resident was serving a 25-years to life sentence for first degree murder. He had been imprisoned with KDOC since May 1999.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611350820003.png" alt="El Dorado Correctional Facility photo courtesy KSHB TV" />
 <figcaption>El Dorado Correctional Facility photo courtesy KSHB TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA–&nbsp;An El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) resident who died Thursday had tested positive for COVID-19, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. This is the second COVID-19 related resident death at EDCF, and the 14th resident death related to COVID-19 for the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC).The resident tested positive for the virus on Dec. 26, 2020, and was transferred to the hospital on Jan. 11, 2021. He was a 60-year old white male.The resident was serving a 25-years to life sentence for first degree murder. He had been imprisoned with KDOC since May 1999.

14th Kan. inmate dies after positive COVID-19 test

WASHINGTON (AP) — Images of National Guard soldiers camped in a cold parking garage after being sent to protect Washington sparked new calls Friday for investigations of the U.S. Capitol Police, now facing allegations that the agency evicted troops sent to help after its failure to stop rioting mobs two weeks ago. 

&nbsp;National guard troops from Kansas and Missouri are among those in Washington.&nbsp;

Members of both parties were irate about reports that Guardsmen were forced to take rest breaks outside the Capitol building. About 25,000 Guard members from across the country deployed to help secure President Joe Biden’s inauguration,which went off with only a handful of minor arrests.

Biden spoke Friday morning to Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, chief of the National Guard, said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. She said the president thanked Hokanson and the Guard for their help the last few weeks and offered his assistance if Hokanson needed anything. She did not say if they discussed what happened at the Capitol on Thursday.

First lady Jill Biden visited Guard troops outside the Capitol on Friday, bringing them cookies and thanking them for protecting her family. She noted that the Bidens’ late son, Beau, served in the Delaware Army National Guard.

A jittery Washington requested the aid following the riot where police were badly outnumbered, locking down the nation’s capital with soldiers, police and barricades and lawmakers and Biden took pains to thank security forces for their effort. All 25,000 Guard members were vetted by the FBI over concerns of an insider attack, and a dozen were removed from their posts including two who made extremist statements about the inauguration.

The National Guard said it originally moved troops out of the Capitol Rotunda and other spaces to garages at the behest of the Capitol Police. The Guardsmen were allowed back inside late Thursday after reports were widely shared of the conditions in the garages, with few bathrooms and little covering from the cold.

Capitol Police Interim Chief Yogananda Pittman issued a statement Friday saying her agency “did not instruct the National Guard to vacate the Capitol Building facilities.”

But two Capitol Police officers who spoke on condition of anonymity contradicted her statement, saying they were told department higher-ups had ordered the Guardsmen out. It was unclear why. The two officers spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized by the department to speak.

Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., said that “multiple members of military leadership” had told him a uniformed Capitol Police officer told them to leave the Capitol Visitor Center.

“The troops didn’t move on their own,” said Inhofe, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee. He added: “This isn’t a blame game, but I want to know what happened so we can make sure it can’t happen again.”

Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, who leads a subcommittee that oversees the Capitol Police budget, said Pittman and other commanders would eventually need to testify about their decision-making.

“If the Capitol Police in any way, shape, or form pushed the Guard out into a cold garage, then there’s going to be hell to pay,” Ryan said . “We’re already trying to re-establish trust with the Capitol Police and we’ve got to figure out exactly what happened.”

The National Guard Bureau said Thursday that of the nearly 26,000 Guard troops deployed to D.C. for the inaugural, just 10,600 remain on duty. The bureau said the Guard is helping states with coordination and the logistics so that troops can get home.

Thousands of Guard troops from all across the country poured into D.C. by the planeload and busload late last week, in response to escalating security threats and fears of more rioting. Military aircraft crowded the runways at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, carrying Guard members into the region in the wake of the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Guard forces were scattered around the city, helping to secure the Capitol, monuments, Metro entrances and the perimeter of central D.C., which was largely locked down for several days leading up to Wednesday’s inaugural ceremony.

Some local law enforcement agencies have asked for continued assistance from the Guard, so roughly 7,000 troops are expected to stay in the region through the end of the month.

The insurrection highlighted multiple failures by the Capitol Police to prepare for what became a violent mob overrunning parts of the building. Officers who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said there was little planning before the riot or guidance from department leaders once the riot began.

The riot left five people dead, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was hit in the head by a fire extinguisher. Another officer died in an apparent suicide after the attack.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Images of National Guard soldiers camped in a cold parking garage after being sent to protect Washington sparked new calls Friday for investigations of the U.S. Capitol Police, now facing allegations that the agency evicted troops sent to help after its failure to stop rioting mobs two weeks ago. &nbsp;National guard troops from Kansas and Missouri are among those in Washington.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our troops deserve the utmost honor &amp; respect for securing the Capitol &amp; defending democracy this week. This is unconscionable &amp; unsafe. Whoever’s decision this was to house our National Guardsmen &amp; women in underground parking lots must be held accountable. <a href="https://t.co/mBwpoog6YC">pic.twitter.com/mBwpoog6YC</a>&mdash; Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorTimScott/status/1352462624328454149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Members of both parties were irate about reports that Guardsmen were forced to take rest breaks outside the Capitol building. About 25,000 Guard members from across the country deployed to help secure President Joe Biden’s inauguration,which went off with only a handful of minor arrests.Biden spoke Friday morning to Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, chief of the National Guard, said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. She said the president thanked Hokanson and the Guard for their help the last few weeks and offered his assistance if Hokanson needed anything. She did not say if they discussed what happened at the Capitol on Thursday.First lady Jill Biden visited Guard troops outside the Capitol on Friday, bringing them cookies and thanking them for protecting her family. She noted that the Bidens’ late son, Beau, served in the Delaware Army National Guard.A jittery Washington requested the aid following the riot where police were badly outnumbered, locking down the nation’s capital with soldiers, police and barricades and lawmakers and Biden took pains to thank security forces for their effort. All 25,000 Guard members were vetted by the FBI over concerns of an insider attack, and a dozen were removed from their posts including two who made extremist statements about the inauguration.The National Guard said it originally moved troops out of the Capitol Rotunda and other spaces to garages at the behest of the Capitol Police. The Guardsmen were allowed back inside late Thursday after reports were widely shared of the conditions in the garages, with few bathrooms and little covering from the cold.Capitol Police Interim Chief Yogananda Pittman issued a statement Friday saying her agency “did not instruct the National Guard to vacate the Capitol Building facilities.”But two Capitol Police officers who spoke on condition of anonymity contradicted her statement, saying they were told department higher-ups had ordered the Guardsmen out. It was unclear why. The two officers spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized by the department to speak.Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., said that “multiple members of military leadership” had told him a uniformed Capitol Police officer told them to leave the Capitol Visitor Center.“The troops didn’t move on their own,” said Inhofe, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee. He added: “This isn’t a blame game, but I want to know what happened so we can make sure it can’t happen again.”Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, who leads a subcommittee that oversees the Capitol Police budget, said Pittman and other commanders would eventually need to testify about their decision-making.“If the Capitol Police in any way, shape, or form pushed the Guard out into a cold garage, then there’s going to be hell to pay,” Ryan said . “We’re already trying to re-establish trust with the Capitol Police and we’ve got to figure out exactly what happened.”The National Guard Bureau said Thursday that of the nearly 26,000 Guard troops deployed to D.C. for the inaugural, just 10,600 remain on duty. The bureau said the Guard is helping states with coordination and the logistics so that troops can get home.Thousands of Guard troops from all across the country poured into D.C. by the planeload and busload late last week, in response to escalating security threats and fears of more rioting. Military aircraft crowded the runways at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, carrying Guard members into the region in the wake of the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.Guard forces were scattered around the city, helping to secure the Capitol, monuments, Metro entrances and the perimeter of central D.C., which was largely locked down for several days leading up to Wednesday’s inaugural ceremony.Some local law enforcement agencies have asked for continued assistance from the Guard, so roughly 7,000 troops are expected to stay in the region through the end of the month.The insurrection highlighted multiple failures by the Capitol Police to prepare for what became a violent mob overrunning parts of the building. Officers who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said there was little planning before the riot or guidance from department leaders once the riot began.The riot left five people dead, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was hit in the head by a fire extinguisher. Another officer died in an apparent suicide after the attack.

Guard in DC forced to sleep in garages, sparking outcry

TOPEKA — Rep. Boog Highberger took his jacket off before addressing colleagues Thursday on the House floor.

“Don’t we have any rules around here?” he asked.

The Lawrence Democrat was trying to make a point with his flagrant violation of House decorum.

“You know how shocked you 
were when I just took my jacket off here at the podium? You know, even 
though there’s no scientific evidence that wearing a jacket helps 
prevent the spread of COVID-19? Shouldn’t you be more shocked when 
people are up here without a mask on?” Highberger said.

House Republicans resisted
 attempts by Democrats to impose a mask mandate on representatives or 
require them to quarantine following a positive test for COVID-19. Both 
parties overwhelmingly rejected an attempt by Wellington Republican Rep.
 Bill Rhiley to abolish the new socially distanced seating arrangements.

Rhiley and a small 
contingent of mask-averse Republicans are confined to gallery seating 
above the House floor, an area reserved for public observation in 
pre-pandemic times.

“This level is a hotter 
level and we don’t have air conditioning up here,” Rhiley complained. 
“The seats are short. The stairway is hard to manipulate, especially for
 our folks up here that have a hard time getting up and down.”

Rhiley’s proposal to return the 125-member body to the confines of the House floor failed on a 105-9 vote.

The House also approved 
legislation to extend the state’s disaster declaration for COVID-19 from
 next week until the end of March. The Senate already has passed the 
bill, which includes modest revisions from the compromise worked out 
during a special session in June, and now heads to Gov. Laura Kelly’s 
desk.

Discussion about COVID-19 
safety protocols came up during a debate about the chamber’s 
self-imposed rules for how representatives operate in committees and 
within the chamber.

Among the changes from 
last year: Bills introduced in the House will now be required to include
 as part of the bill text the names of individuals or organizations that
 ask for the legislation. Additionally, if the entirety of a bill is 
amended with the text of another bill — a controversial common practice 
known as a gut-and-go — the text of the new bill will have to specify 
the origin of changes.

“If a bill is gutted,” 
said Rep. Fred Patton, R-Topeka, “the rule will also now require that 
information is listed on the physical bill itself so you can go back and
 try to figure out — either now or five years from now, you can look 
back at the bill and see how it ended up where it ended up.”

Rep. Brett Parker, 
D-Overland Park, proposed amending the rules to require representatives 
to cover face and nose with a mask during committee hearings and in the 
House chamber, except when speaking into a microphone.

The issue is personal, 
Parker said. His father, a staunch Republican who also his biggest 
supporter, has struggled with memory loss in recent years. When the 
pandemic hit, the representative quarantined for two weeks so that he 
could safely visit his parents.

“Social isolation makes 
the experience of Alzheimer’s even more challenging for my dad — in 
fact, depressing,” Parker said. “It makes the burden on my mother even 
worse. Since last March, I’ve limited my indoor in-person interactions 
to my immediate family so that I can help my mother, so I can cook some 
meals or bring over carryout or just enjoy the last remaining activity 
that can keep my dad’s attention for more than an hour, which is 
watching Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.”

Now, Parker said, after 
months of carefully limiting his exposure, he faces the agonizing choice
 of not seeing his parents for months or putting them at high risk of 
catching a deadly virus.

“My story is not unique,” 
Parker said. “Everyone here, whether legislator or staff, has someone 
close to them who is at risk. We all care about the communities that we 
will return to and I offer this amendment not for myself but for all of 
us.”

The amendment failed by a 
75-46 vote. Rep. Susan Concannon, R-Beloit, Rep. John Eplee, R-Atchison,
 Rep. Russ Jennings, R-Lakin, Rep. Mark Samsel, R-Wellsville, Rep. Mark 
Schreiber, R-Emporia, and Rep. Chuck Smith, R-Pittsburg, joined 
Democrats in supporting the mask mandate.

Rep. Jarrod Ousley, 
D-Merriam, proposed a change in rules that would require any 
representative who has a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 to report
 the test result to the speaker of the House and to isolate in 
accordance with local, state and federal health authorities.

Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611329299471.png" alt="Rep. Boog Highberger, D-Lawrence, addresses colleagues without his jacket Thursday to make a point about rules that maintain a dress code but don't include a mask mandate. (Pool photo by Evert Nelson/Topeka Capital-Journal)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Boog Highberger, D-Lawrence, addresses colleagues without his jacket Thursday to make a point about rules that maintain a dress code but don't include a mask mandate. (Pool photo by Evert Nelson/Topeka Capital-Journal)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH Kansas ReflectorTOPEKA — Rep. Boog Highberger took his jacket off before addressing colleagues Thursday on the House floor.“Don’t we have any rules around here?” he asked.The Lawrence Democrat was trying to make a point with his flagrant violation of House decorum.“You know how shocked you 
were when I just took my jacket off here at the podium? You know, even 
though there’s no scientific evidence that wearing a jacket helps 
prevent the spread of COVID-19? Shouldn’t you be more shocked when 
people are up here without a mask on?” Highberger said.House Republicans resisted
 attempts by Democrats to impose a mask mandate on representatives or 
require them to quarantine following a positive test for COVID-19. Both 
parties overwhelmingly rejected an attempt by Wellington Republican Rep.
 Bill Rhiley to abolish the new socially distanced seating arrangements.Rhiley and a small 
contingent of mask-averse Republicans are confined to gallery seating 
above the House floor, an area reserved for public observation in 
pre-pandemic times.“This level is a hotter 
level and we don’t have air conditioning up here,” Rhiley complained. 
“The seats are short. The stairway is hard to manipulate, especially for
 our folks up here that have a hard time getting up and down.”Rhiley’s proposal to return the 125-member body to the confines of the House floor failed on a 105-9 vote.The House also approved 
legislation to extend the state’s disaster declaration for COVID-19 from
 next week until the end of March. The Senate already has passed the 
bill, which includes modest revisions from the compromise worked out 
during a special session in June, and now heads to Gov. Laura Kelly’s 
desk.Discussion about COVID-19 
safety protocols came up during a debate about the chamber’s 
self-imposed rules for how representatives operate in committees and 
within the chamber.Among the changes from 
last year: Bills introduced in the House will now be required to include
 as part of the bill text the names of individuals or organizations that
 ask for the legislation. Additionally, if the entirety of a bill is 
amended with the text of another bill — a controversial common practice 
known as a gut-and-go — the text of the new bill will have to specify 
the origin of changes.“If a bill is gutted,” 
said Rep. Fred Patton, R-Topeka, “the rule will also now require that 
information is listed on the physical bill itself so you can go back and
 try to figure out — either now or five years from now, you can look 
back at the bill and see how it ended up where it ended up.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611329365371.png" alt="Rep. Brett Parker, D-Overland Park, proposes an amendment Thursday that would require representatives to wear a mask in committees and the chamber. The proposal failed on a 75-46 vote. (Pool photo by Evert Nelson/Topeka Capital-Journal)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Brett Parker, D-Overland Park, proposes an amendment Thursday that would require representatives to wear a mask in committees and the chamber. The proposal failed on a 75-46 vote. (Pool photo by Evert Nelson/Topeka Capital-Journal)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rep. Brett Parker, 
D-Overland Park, proposed amending the rules to require representatives 
to cover face and nose with a mask during committee hearings and in the 
House chamber, except when speaking into a microphone.The issue is personal, 
Parker said. His father, a staunch Republican who also his biggest 
supporter, has struggled with memory loss in recent years. When the 
pandemic hit, the representative quarantined for two weeks so that he 
could safely visit his parents.“Social isolation makes 
the experience of Alzheimer’s even more challenging for my dad — in 
fact, depressing,” Parker said. “It makes the burden on my mother even 
worse. Since last March, I’ve limited my indoor in-person interactions 
to my immediate family so that I can help my mother, so I can cook some 
meals or bring over carryout or just enjoy the last remaining activity 
that can keep my dad’s attention for more than an hour, which is 
watching Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.”Now, Parker said, after 
months of carefully limiting his exposure, he faces the agonizing choice
 of not seeing his parents for months or putting them at high risk of 
catching a deadly virus.“My story is not unique,” 
Parker said. “Everyone here, whether legislator or staff, has someone 
close to them who is at risk. We all care about the communities that we 
will return to and I offer this amendment not for myself but for all of 
us.”The amendment failed by a 
75-46 vote. Rep. Susan Concannon, R-Beloit, Rep. John Eplee, R-Atchison,
 Rep. Russ Jennings, R-Lakin, Rep. Mark Samsel, R-Wellsville, Rep. Mark 
Schreiber, R-Emporia, and Rep. Chuck Smith, R-Pittsburg, joined 
Democrats in supporting the mask mandate.Rep. Jarrod Ousley, 
D-Merriam, proposed a change in rules that would require any 
representative who has a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 to report
 the test result to the speaker of the House and to isolate in 
accordance with local, state and federal health authorities.Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature.

Kan. House rejects COVID-19 precautions for lawmakers

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 3241 to a total of 266,653, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3598 an increase of 23

<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 3241 to a total of 266,653, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3598 an increase of 23<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/2021/1/1611340046854.png" alt="Friday Jan. 22, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday Jan. 22, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans on Friday pushed a proposed pro-life amendment to the Kansas Constitution through the state House on the 48th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision protecting abortion rights.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hcr5003_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">The measure&nbsp;</a>was approved 86-38, giving abortion opponents two votes more than the two-thirds majority necessary for passage. It goes next to the Senate for debate, possibly next week.

The proposal would overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">a Kansas Supreme Court decision&nbsp;</a>in 2019 declaring access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state’s Bill of Rights. It would declare that the state constitution does not grant a right to abortion.

Abortion opponents argued that the measure would simply allow the Legislature to regulate abortion as it has in the past and in line with U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

Abortion rights supporters argued that the measure would allow Kansas to ban abortion if a more conservative U.S. Supreme Court overturns its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

If the measure is approved by two-thirds majorities in both chambers, it would go on the August 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-constitutions-kansas-general-elections-elections-56b272878ee505c44931b2a1840636b7">primary ballot.&nbsp;</a>Critics said abortion opponents are choosing that timing because the smaller primary electorate tends to be more conservative than a broader November general electorate.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans on Friday pushed a proposed pro-life amendment to the Kansas Constitution through the state House on the 48th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision protecting abortion rights.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hcr5003_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">The measure&nbsp;</a>was approved 86-38, giving abortion opponents two votes more than the two-thirds majority necessary for passage. It goes next to the Senate for debate, possibly next week.The proposal would overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">a Kansas Supreme Court decision&nbsp;</a>in 2019 declaring access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state’s Bill of Rights. It would declare that the state constitution does not grant a right to abortion.Abortion opponents argued that the measure would simply allow the Legislature to regulate abortion as it has in the past and in line with U.S. Supreme Court decisions.Abortion rights supporters argued that the measure would allow Kansas to ban abortion if a more conservative U.S. Supreme Court overturns its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.If the measure is approved by two-thirds majorities in both chambers, it would go on the August 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-constitutions-kansas-general-elections-elections-56b272878ee505c44931b2a1840636b7">primary ballot.&nbsp;</a>Critics said abortion opponents are choosing that timing because the smaller primary electorate tends to be more conservative than a broader November general electorate.___

Kan. advances pro-life measure on Roe anniversary

ATLANTA (AP) — Hank Aaron, who endured racist threats with stoic dignity during his pursuit of Babe Ruth but went on to break the career home run record in the pre-steroids era, died early Friday. He was 86

The Atlanta Braves said Aaron died peacefully in his sleep. No cause of death was given.

Aaron made his last public appearance less than two weeks ago when he received the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Hammerin’ Hank” set a wide array of career hitting records during a 23-year career spent mostly with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves, including RBIs, extra-base hits and total bases.

But the Hall of Famer will be remembered for one swing above all others, the one that made him baseball’s home-run king.

It was a title he would hold for more than 33 years, a period in which the Hammer slowly but surely claimed his rightful place as one of America’s most iconic sporting figures, a true national treasure worthy of mention in the same breath with Ruth or Ali or Jordan.

ATLANTA (AP) — Hank Aaron, who endured racist threats with stoic dignity during his pursuit of Babe Ruth but went on to break the career home run record in the pre-steroids era, died early Friday. He was 86The Atlanta Braves said Aaron died peacefully in his sleep. No cause of death was given.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/4hOMsSGnRi">pic.twitter.com/4hOMsSGnRi</a>&mdash; Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1352650753920430083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Aaron made his last public appearance less than two weeks ago when he received the COVID-19 vaccine.“Hammerin’ Hank” set a wide array of career hitting records during a 23-year career spent mostly with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves, including RBIs, extra-base hits and total bases.But the Hall of Famer will be remembered for one swing above all others, the one that made him baseball’s home-run king.It was a title he would hold for more than 33 years, a period in which the Hammer slowly but surely claimed his rightful place as one of America’s most iconic sporting figures, a true national treasure worthy of mention in the same breath with Ruth or Ali or Jordan.

Baseball legend Hank Aaron has died 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans in the Kansas Senate on Thursday rejected Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s nomination of a public defender to the state’s second-highest court for the second time in eight months, despite support for him from the state’s top federal prosecutor and other attorneys.

The vote on Carl Folsom III’s nomination&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210121180102_539076/" target="_blank">was 18-17,</a>&nbsp;but he needed 21 votes in the 40-member Senate to join the Kansas Court of Appeals. It was a stinging defeat for Kelly, who said in nominating Folsom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/04c8d0e853021ca78bccbb60f88b8403">a second time&nbsp;</a>after the Senate rejected him in June that she expected senators to reverse themselves and “do the right thing.”

But in considering Folsom for a different vacancy on the 14-member court, Republican senators repeated arguments they made when they first voted against him. Some suggested he would be an activist judge, while other said his legal experience as a public defender wasn’t broad enough.

“What has changed between seven months ago and today?”said Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican who opposed Folsom’s nomination.

An array of lawyers, prosecutors, public defenders and others wrote supportive letters backing Folsom’s nomination. U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, wrote saying he was confident Folsom would not be driven by an agenda, nor would he be “political” as a judge.

Democrats said the broad support for Folsom showed that he’s well-qualified for the court. Sen. Jeff Pittman, a Leavenworth Democrat, noted that 75% of cases going to the appeals courts are criminal cases, yet the Court of Appeals doesn’t have a past, experienced public defender among its judges.

“He is fighting for the constitutional rights of people who often don’t have a lot of money to bring to the courts,” Pittman said.

Kelly said in statement that the vote shows that “legislative leaders are still putting partisan politics ahead of their constitutionally-mandated duties.”

The vote came the same day the Senate Judiciary Committee had a confirmation hearing and advanced Folsom’s nomination to the full Senate without a recommendation.

Folsom, an assistant federal public defender in Topeka, said during his confirmation hearing that his experience as a public defender would bring real value to an appeals court that is now filled with former civil litigators, former prosecutors and former district judges.

He also tried to quell Republicans’ concerns that he would be an activist judge by pledging that he would apply the law as written by the Legislature. He said a judge’s role is different than the one he now holds as a federal public defender.

“It is not the role of a judge to change the law that is in the statute or that is written in the Constitution,” Folsom said. “That power rests solely through the people of Kansas through their elected officials.”

Kelly nominated Folsom to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Steve Leben. Kansas law prohibits appointing a rejected nominee for the same vacancy again, but there is no such prohibition for a different vacancy on the same court.

Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/10615ba0313f4f0eacd31743e7eea4ac">previously nominated Folsom</a>&nbsp;to replace former appeals Judge G. Joseph Pierron Jr. When senators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3e640f3d1cdc2a336eae2b3c66b61337">rejected him in June,</a>&nbsp;some cited as the reason that Folsom once represented a man convicted of possession child pornography — an issue that didn’t come up in Senate debate Thursday.

Folsom received his law degree from the University of Kansas in 2005. He worked for the state office that defends poor defendants in appellate cases and then was an attorney in private practice before becoming a federal public defender. He worked in the federal system in Muskogee, Oklahoma, before arriving in Topeka.

Separately, the Senate&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210121180118_407491/" target="_blank">voted 37-0</a>&nbsp;to approve Kelly’s nomination of Wichita attorney Amy Cline to the Court of Appeal to fill the vacancy created by Pierron’s retirement.

She’s been practicing law since 2000, and her firm says&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twgfirm.com/amy-fellows-cline" target="_blank">on its website&nbsp;</a>that she has experience with “a wide variety” of business-related lawsuits, including representing oil and gas companies.

Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, said the vote on Cline shows that the Senate will approve a nominee who is qualified.

“It shows the difference between the breadth and depth of experience,” Suellentrop said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611280712430.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly said in statement late Thursday that the vote shows that “legislative leaders are still putting partisan politics ahead of their constitutionally-mandated duties.”" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly said in statement late Thursday that the vote shows that “legislative leaders are still putting partisan politics ahead of their constitutionally-mandated duties.”</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans in the Kansas Senate on Thursday rejected Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s nomination of a public defender to the state’s second-highest court for the second time in eight months, despite support for him from the state’s top federal prosecutor and other attorneys.The vote on Carl Folsom III’s nomination&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210121180102_539076/" target="_blank">was 18-17,</a>&nbsp;but he needed 21 votes in the 40-member Senate to join the Kansas Court of Appeals. It was a stinging defeat for Kelly, who said in nominating Folsom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/04c8d0e853021ca78bccbb60f88b8403">a second time&nbsp;</a>after the Senate rejected him in June that she expected senators to reverse themselves and “do the right thing.”But in considering Folsom for a different vacancy on the 14-member court, Republican senators repeated arguments they made when they first voted against him. Some suggested he would be an activist judge, while other said his legal experience as a public defender wasn’t broad enough.“What has changed between seven months ago and today?”said Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican who opposed Folsom’s nomination.An array of lawyers, prosecutors, public defenders and others wrote supportive letters backing Folsom’s nomination. U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, wrote saying he was confident Folsom would not be driven by an agenda, nor would he be “political” as a judge.Democrats said the broad support for Folsom showed that he’s well-qualified for the court. Sen. Jeff Pittman, a Leavenworth Democrat, noted that 75% of cases going to the appeals courts are criminal cases, yet the Court of Appeals doesn’t have a past, experienced public defender among its judges.“He is fighting for the constitutional rights of people who often don’t have a lot of money to bring to the courts,” Pittman said.Kelly said in statement that the vote shows that “legislative leaders are still putting partisan politics ahead of their constitutionally-mandated duties.”“Kansans deserve better,” she said.The vote came the same day the Senate Judiciary Committee had a confirmation hearing and advanced Folsom’s nomination to the full Senate without a recommendation.Folsom, an assistant federal public defender in Topeka, said during his confirmation hearing that his experience as a public defender would bring real value to an appeals court that is now filled with former civil litigators, former prosecutors and former district judges.He also tried to quell Republicans’ concerns that he would be an activist judge by pledging that he would apply the law as written by the Legislature. He said a judge’s role is different than the one he now holds as a federal public defender.“It is not the role of a judge to change the law that is in the statute or that is written in the Constitution,” Folsom said. “That power rests solely through the people of Kansas through their elected officials.”Kelly nominated Folsom to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Steve Leben. Kansas law prohibits appointing a rejected nominee for the same vacancy again, but there is no such prohibition for a different vacancy on the same court.Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/10615ba0313f4f0eacd31743e7eea4ac">previously nominated Folsom</a>&nbsp;to replace former appeals Judge G. Joseph Pierron Jr. When senators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3e640f3d1cdc2a336eae2b3c66b61337">rejected him in June,</a>&nbsp;some cited as the reason that Folsom once represented a man convicted of possession child pornography — an issue that didn’t come up in Senate debate Thursday.Folsom received his law degree from the University of Kansas in 2005. He worked for the state office that defends poor defendants in appellate cases and then was an attorney in private practice before becoming a federal public defender. He worked in the federal system in Muskogee, Oklahoma, before arriving in Topeka.Separately, the Senate&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210121180118_407491/" target="_blank">voted 37-0</a>&nbsp;to approve Kelly’s nomination of Wichita attorney Amy Cline to the Court of Appeal to fill the vacancy created by Pierron’s retirement.She’s been practicing law since 2000, and her firm says&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twgfirm.com/amy-fellows-cline" target="_blank">on its website&nbsp;</a>that she has experience with “a wide variety” of business-related lawsuits, including representing oil and gas companies.Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, said the vote on Cline shows that the Senate will approve a nominee who is qualified.“It shows the difference between the breadth and depth of experience,” Suellentrop said.___

Governor's appeals court nominee rejected again

GARDEN CITY, Kan. (AP) — A rare black rhinoceros has been born in captivity at the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City. The zoo says in a news release that the male rhino was born Wednesday to 10-year-old Johari and her 7-year-old mate Jabari. 

The pair were moved from zoos in Cleveland and Atlanta in 2016 as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Eastern Black Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan. 

A news release from the zoo says mother and baby will be kept indoors for bonding and until weather conditions are appropriate for them to venture outside. Eastern black rhinos are native to eastern Africa and are listed as critically endangered.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611331337500.png" alt="This is the first black rhinoceros born at the zoo.&nbsp; Photo courtesy Lee Richardson Zoo" />
 <figcaption>This is the first black rhinoceros born at the zoo.&nbsp; Photo courtesy Lee Richardson Zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>GARDEN CITY, Kan. (AP) — A rare black rhinoceros has been born in captivity at the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City. The zoo says in a news release that the male rhino was born Wednesday to 10-year-old Johari and her 7-year-old mate Jabari. The pair were moved from zoos in Cleveland and Atlanta in 2016 as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Eastern Black Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan. A news release from the zoo says mother and baby will be kept indoors for bonding and until weather conditions are appropriate for them to venture outside. Eastern black rhinos are native to eastern Africa and are listed as critically endangered.

Rare black rhinoceros born at Kansas  zoo

IRONTON, Mo. (AP) — One of three inmates who escaped from a Missouri jail last weekend has been captured in New Mexico, federal authorities said.

Tracy Brown, 57, and his girlfriend were arrested late Wednesday night at a gas station in Carrizozo, New Mexico. The other two escapees, Dwight Abernathie, 36, and Samuel Gillam, 35, remained at-large.

The three escaped from the Iron County jail on Jan. 15 or Jan. 16 by moving a block wall, climbing into an attic and escaping through an old office, officials said. Earlier in the week, Iron County Sheriff Jeff Burkett had said authorities believed the men were likely still in the area, but the U.S. Marshals Service said Brown told investigators after his arrest that the three had driven to Colorado together and split up in Denver.

Brown was jailed on burglary charges at the time of his escape, officials said. Abernathie was being held on assault and sodomy charges and Gillam on a kidnapping count.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of Abernathie and Gillam.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611322685148.png" alt="Brown-photo Ironton Police" />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo Ironton Police</figcaption>
 </figure>IRONTON, Mo. (AP) — One of three inmates who escaped from a Missouri jail last weekend has been captured in New Mexico, federal authorities said.Tracy Brown, 57, and his girlfriend were arrested late Wednesday night at a gas station in Carrizozo, New Mexico. The other two escapees, Dwight Abernathie, 36, and Samuel Gillam, 35, remained at-large.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611322739365.png" alt="Abernathie photo Ironton PD" />
 <figcaption>Abernathie photo Ironton PD</figcaption>
 </figure>The three escaped from the Iron County jail on Jan. 15 or Jan. 16 by moving a block wall, climbing into an attic and escaping through an old office, officials said. Earlier in the week, Iron County Sheriff Jeff Burkett had said authorities believed the men were likely still in the area, but the U.S. Marshals Service said Brown told investigators after his arrest that the three had driven to Colorado together and split up in Denver.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611322804186.png" alt="Gillam-photo Ironton PD" />
 <figcaption>Gillam-photo Ironton PD</figcaption>
 </figure>Brown was jailed on burglary charges at the time of his escape, officials said. Abernathie was being held on assault and sodomy charges and Gillam on a kidnapping count.A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of Abernathie and Gillam.

1 of 3 inmates who escaped Missouri jail captured in New Mexico

WASHINGTON (AP) — With a burst of executive orders, President Joe Biden served notice Thursday that America’s war on COVID-19 is under new command, promising an anxious nation progress to reduce infections and lift the siege it has endured for nearly a year.

At the same time, he tried to manage expectations in his second day in office, saying despite the best intentions “we’re going to face setbacks.” He brushed off a reporter’s question on whether his goal of 100 million coronavirus shots in 100 days should be more ambitious, a point pressed by some public health experts.

The 10 orders signed by Biden are aimed at jump starting his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-pandemics-archive-coronavirus-pandemic-2cceeb30ccf92784a84cbfa16ed6c3ca">national COVID-19 strategy</a>&nbsp;to increase vaccinations and testing, lay the groundwork for reopening schools and businesses, and immediately increase the use of masks — including a requirement that Americans mask up for travel. One directive calls for addressing health care inequities in minority communities hard hit by the virus.

“We didn’t get into this mess overnight, and it will take months to turn this around,” Biden said at the White House. U.S. deaths have have surged past 400,000, and he noted projections that they could reach 500,000 in a month.

But then, looking directly into the TV camera, Biden declared: “To a nation waiting for action, let me be clear on this point: Help is on the way.”

The new president has vowed to take far&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/National-Strategy-for-the-COVID-19-Response-and-Pandemic-Preparedness.pdf" target="_blank">more aggressive measures</a>&nbsp;to contain the virus than his predecessor, starting with stringent adherence to public health guidance. A key difference is that under Biden, the federal government is assuming full responsibility for the COVID response. And instead of delegating major tasks to states, he is offering to help them with technical backup and federal money.

He faces steep obstacles, with the virus actively spreading in most states, slow progress on the vaccine rollout and political uncertainty over whether congressional Republicans will help him pass a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-coronavirus-action-plan-3d8d5841bb9098a81ad9452fb2619024">$1.9 trillion economic relief and COVID response package.</a>

On Thursday a group influential with Republican office holders lent its support to Biden’s strategy. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said, “We support the new administration’s focus on removing roadblocks to vaccinations and reopening schools, both of which are important steps to accelerating a broad-based economic recovery for all Americans.”

Biden officials have said they’ve been hampered by a lack of cooperation from the Trump administration during the transition. They say they don’t have a complete understanding of their predecessors’ actions on vaccine distribution. And they face a litany of complaints from states that say they are not getting enough vaccine even as they are being asked to vaccinate more categories of people.

The U.S. mask order for travel implemented by Biden applies to airports and planes, ships, intercity buses, trains and public transportation. Travelers from abroad must furnish a negative COVID-19 test before departing for the U.S. and must quarantine upon arrival. Biden has already mandated masks on federal property.

Although airlines, Amtrak and other transport providers now require masks, Biden’s order makes it a federal mandate, leaving little wiggle room for passengers tempted to argue about their rights. It marks a sharp break with the culture of President Donald Trump’s administration, under which masks were optional, and Trump made a point of going maskless and hosting big gatherings of like-minded supporters. Science has shown that masks, properly worn, cut down on coronavirus transmission.

Biden is seeking to expand testing and vaccine availability, with the goal of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/a512629b3af12e89ab42097a81668960">100 million shots in his first 100 days in office</a>. But some independent experts say his administration should strive for two or three times that number. Even with the slow pace of vaccinations, the U.S. is already closing in on 1 million shots a day.

“It’s a disappointingly low bar,” said Dr. Leana Wen, a public health expert and emergency physician.

Asked about that at the White House on Thursday, Biden told a reporter: “When I announced it, you all said it’s not possible. Come on, give me a break, man.”

The Democratic president has directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to begin setting up vaccination centers, aiming to have 100 up and running in a month. He’s ordering the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to begin a program to make vaccines available through local pharmacies starting next month, building on a plan devised by the Trump administration. And he’s launching an effort to train more people to administer shots.

Biden has set a goal of having most K-8 schools reopen in his first 100 days, and he’s ordering the departments of Education and Health and Human Services to provide clear guidance for reopening them safely. States would also be able to tap FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to help get schools back open.

Getting schools and child care going will help ease the drag on the U.S. economy, making it easier for parents to return to their jobs and for restaurants to find lunch-time customers.

But administration officials stressed that reopening schools safely depends on increased testing.

Biden is giving government agencies a green light to use the Cold War-era&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/16bf293467703f6b4fceae5a7f272ab5">Defense Production Act</a>&nbsp;to direct manufacturing. It allows the government to direct private industry to produce supplies needed in times of national emergency. In this case it could be anything from swabs, to masks, to certain chemicals.

“We do not have nearly enough testing capacity in this country,” said White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients. “We need (more) money in order to really ramp up testing, which is so important to reopen schools and businesses.”

This means that efforts to boost the economy could hinge on how quickly lawmakers act on the $1.9 trillion package proposed by Biden, which includes separate planks such as $1,400 in direct payments to most working people, a $15 minimum wage and aid to state and local governments that some Republican lawmakers see as unnecessary for addressing the public health emergency.

The Biden plan estimates that a national vaccination strategy with expanded testing requires $160 billion, and he wants an additional $170 billion to aid the reopening of schools and universities. The proposal also calls for major investment in scientific research to track new variants of the virus.

As part of his strategy, Biden ordered establishment of a Health Equity Task Force to ensure that minority and underserved communities are not left out of the government’s response. Blacks, Latinos and Native Americans have borne a heavy burden of death and disease from the virus. Surveys have shown vaccine hesitancy is high among African Americans, a problem the administration plans to address through an education campaign.

But Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, the top White House health adviser on minority communities, said she’s not convinced that race is a factor in vaccination reluctance. Disparities seem to have more to do with risky jobs and other life circumstances.

“It’s not inherent to race,” she said. “It’s from the exposures.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611316225677.png" alt="President Biden discussed his COVID-19 plan Thursday -image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden discussed his COVID-19 plan Thursday -image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — With a burst of executive orders, President Joe Biden served notice Thursday that America’s war on COVID-19 is under new command, promising an anxious nation progress to reduce infections and lift the siege it has endured for nearly a year.At the same time, he tried to manage expectations in his second day in office, saying despite the best intentions “we’re going to face setbacks.” He brushed off a reporter’s question on whether his goal of 100 million coronavirus shots in 100 days should be more ambitious, a point pressed by some public health experts.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> issued a mask mandate on federal property, launching his “100 Day Masking Challenge” as part of our efforts to flatten the COVID-19 curve. <a href="https://t.co/NLGr6JHB0h">pic.twitter.com/NLGr6JHB0h</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1352086017822650368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 10 orders signed by Biden are aimed at jump starting his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-pandemics-archive-coronavirus-pandemic-2cceeb30ccf92784a84cbfa16ed6c3ca">national COVID-19 strategy</a>&nbsp;to increase vaccinations and testing, lay the groundwork for reopening schools and businesses, and immediately increase the use of masks — including a requirement that Americans mask up for travel. One directive calls for addressing health care inequities in minority communities hard hit by the virus.“We didn’t get into this mess overnight, and it will take months to turn this around,” Biden said at the White House. U.S. deaths have have surged past 400,000, and he noted projections that they could reach 500,000 in a month.But then, looking directly into the TV camera, Biden declared: “To a nation waiting for action, let me be clear on this point: Help is on the way.”The new president has vowed to take far&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/National-Strategy-for-the-COVID-19-Response-and-Pandemic-Preparedness.pdf" target="_blank">more aggressive measures</a>&nbsp;to contain the virus than his predecessor, starting with stringent adherence to public health guidance. A key difference is that under Biden, the federal government is assuming full responsibility for the COVID response. And instead of delegating major tasks to states, he is offering to help them with technical backup and federal money.He faces steep obstacles, with the virus actively spreading in most states, slow progress on the vaccine rollout and political uncertainty over whether congressional Republicans will help him pass a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-coronavirus-action-plan-3d8d5841bb9098a81ad9452fb2619024">$1.9 trillion economic relief and COVID response package.</a>On Thursday a group influential with Republican office holders lent its support to Biden’s strategy. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said, “We support the new administration’s focus on removing roadblocks to vaccinations and reopening schools, both of which are important steps to accelerating a broad-based economic recovery for all Americans.”Biden officials have said they’ve been hampered by a lack of cooperation from the Trump administration during the transition. They say they don’t have a complete understanding of their predecessors’ actions on vaccine distribution. And they face a litany of complaints from states that say they are not getting enough vaccine even as they are being asked to vaccinate more categories of people.The U.S. mask order for travel implemented by Biden applies to airports and planes, ships, intercity buses, trains and public transportation. Travelers from abroad must furnish a negative COVID-19 test before departing for the U.S. and must quarantine upon arrival. Biden has already mandated masks on federal property.Although airlines, Amtrak and other transport providers now require masks, Biden’s order makes it a federal mandate, leaving little wiggle room for passengers tempted to argue about their rights. It marks a sharp break with the culture of President Donald Trump’s administration, under which masks were optional, and Trump made a point of going maskless and hosting big gatherings of like-minded supporters. Science has shown that masks, properly worn, cut down on coronavirus transmission.Biden is seeking to expand testing and vaccine availability, with the goal of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/a512629b3af12e89ab42097a81668960">100 million shots in his first 100 days in office</a>. But some independent experts say his administration should strive for two or three times that number. Even with the slow pace of vaccinations, the U.S. is already closing in on 1 million shots a day.“It’s a disappointingly low bar,” said Dr. Leana Wen, a public health expert and emergency physician.Asked about that at the White House on Thursday, Biden told a reporter: “When I announced it, you all said it’s not possible. Come on, give me a break, man.”The Democratic president has directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to begin setting up vaccination centers, aiming to have 100 up and running in a month. He’s ordering the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to begin a program to make vaccines available through local pharmacies starting next month, building on a plan devised by the Trump administration. And he’s launching an effort to train more people to administer shots.Biden has set a goal of having most K-8 schools reopen in his first 100 days, and he’s ordering the departments of Education and Health and Human Services to provide clear guidance for reopening them safely. States would also be able to tap FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to help get schools back open.Getting schools and child care going will help ease the drag on the U.S. economy, making it easier for parents to return to their jobs and for restaurants to find lunch-time customers.But administration officials stressed that reopening schools safely depends on increased testing.Biden is giving government agencies a green light to use the Cold War-era&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/16bf293467703f6b4fceae5a7f272ab5">Defense Production Act</a>&nbsp;to direct manufacturing. It allows the government to direct private industry to produce supplies needed in times of national emergency. In this case it could be anything from swabs, to masks, to certain chemicals.“We do not have nearly enough testing capacity in this country,” said White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients. “We need (more) money in order to really ramp up testing, which is so important to reopen schools and businesses.”This means that efforts to boost the economy could hinge on how quickly lawmakers act on the $1.9 trillion package proposed by Biden, which includes separate planks such as $1,400 in direct payments to most working people, a $15 minimum wage and aid to state and local governments that some Republican lawmakers see as unnecessary for addressing the public health emergency.The Biden plan estimates that a national vaccination strategy with expanded testing requires $160 billion, and he wants an additional $170 billion to aid the reopening of schools and universities. The proposal also calls for major investment in scientific research to track new variants of the virus.As part of his strategy, Biden ordered establishment of a Health Equity Task Force to ensure that minority and underserved communities are not left out of the government’s response. Blacks, Latinos and Native Americans have borne a heavy burden of death and disease from the virus. Surveys have shown vaccine hesitancy is high among African Americans, a problem the administration plans to address through an education campaign.But Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, the top White House health adviser on minority communities, said she’s not convinced that race is a factor in vaccination reluctance. Disparities seem to have more to do with risky jobs and other life circumstances.“It’s not inherent to race,” she said. “It’s from the exposures.”___

Biden’s mask order for travel includes airports, Amtrak and more

COWLEY COUNTY—Three-month old Isabella Consul-Pierce has been located is safe, according to Arkansas City Police.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, her name was entered into National Crime Information Center as an endangered-missing person. Police have released no additional details on where they found the baby or on her mother&nbsp;Melissa Ingram-Perdue.

COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for help to locate a woman and her infant.

On Wednesday, three-month-old Isabella Consul-Pierce was entered into National Crime Information Center as an endangered-missing person, according to a media release from Arkansas City, Kansas police.

She is believed to be in the custody of her mother 34-year-old Melissa Ingram-Perdue, who resides in Arkansas City with ties to the Lawrence, Kansas area. She is 5-foot-7 and weighs approximately 175 pounds.

Numerous efforts are underway to locate Isabella and the public's assistance is also being requested.  Melissa potentially is driving a dark grey 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Kansas license plate 602NMH.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Should you come into contact with the vehicle, victim or Mrs. Ingram-Perdue, please contact your local area law enforcement agency immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611254457773.png" alt="Ingram-Perdue-photo Arkansas City PD" />
 <figcaption>Ingram-Perdue-photo Arkansas City PD</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY—Three-month old Isabella Consul-Pierce has been located is safe, according to Arkansas City Police.&nbsp;On Wednesday, her name was entered into National Crime Information Center as an endangered-missing person. Police have released no additional details on where they found the baby or on her mother&nbsp;Melissa Ingram-Perdue.-----COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for help to locate a woman and her infant.On Wednesday, three-month-old Isabella Consul-Pierce was entered into National Crime Information Center as an endangered-missing person, according to a media release from Arkansas City, Kansas police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611254548509.png" alt="IsabellaConsul-Pierce" />
 <figcaption>IsabellaConsul-Pierce</figcaption>
 </figure>She is believed to be in the custody of her mother 34-year-old Melissa Ingram-Perdue, who resides in Arkansas City with ties to the Lawrence, Kansas area. She is 5-foot-7 and weighs approximately 175 pounds.Numerous efforts are underway to locate Isabella and the public's assistance is also being requested. Melissa potentially is driving a dark grey 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Kansas license plate 602NMH.&nbsp;&nbsp;Should you come into contact with the vehicle, victim or Mrs. Ingram-Perdue, please contact your local area law enforcement agency immediately.

Police: Missing 3-month-old Kan. girl found safe

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged rape.

On Wednesday, Reno County sheriff's deputies arrested 19-year-old Gabriel for crimes that occurred with victims he new in December and on January 19.&nbsp;

He’s being held in the Reno County Correctional Facility on requested charges of of rape, aggravated sexual battery, and domestic battery on a bond of $112,500.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611264670994.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged rape.On Wednesday, Reno County sheriff's deputies arrested 19-year-old Gabriel for crimes that occurred with victims he new in December and on January 19.&nbsp;He’s being held in the Reno County Correctional Facility on requested charges of of rape, aggravated sexual battery, and domestic battery on a bond of $112,500.&nbsp;.

Sheriff: 19-year-old Kan. man jailed for alleged rape

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on sex related charges.

On January 20, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a human trafficking operation in the City of Topeka. The goal of the operation was to identify and arrest individuals seeking to purchase sexual relations within Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies arrested 57-year-old John R. Conley, 36-year-old Alexander Aguilar and 34-year-old Aaron R. Burge all of Topeka on requested charges of buying sexual relations and unlawful use of a communication facility. 

Aguilar was also arrested for a warrant through the City of Topeka. Burge was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement, according to Deputy Christian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611250982868.png" alt="Burge-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Burge-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on sex related charges.On January 20, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a human trafficking operation in the City of Topeka. The goal of the operation was to identify and arrest individuals seeking to purchase sexual relations within Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611250953774.png" alt="Aguilar-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Aguilar-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies arrested 57-year-old John R. Conley, 36-year-old Alexander Aguilar and 34-year-old Aaron R. Burge all of Topeka on requested charges of buying sexual relations and unlawful use of a communication facility. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611251047808.png" alt="Conley-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Conley-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Aguilar was also arrested for a warrant through the City of Topeka. Burge was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement, according to Deputy Christian.

Sheriff: 3 Kan. men jailed for purchasing sexual relations

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City area McDonald's restaurant owner who attended the Washington rally that spawned a deadly assault on the U.S. Capitol is apologizing after he wrote on social media that he was “glad" he didn't miss the “HISTORICAL DAY."

Jim Wagy said in a statement issued Wednesday that he was not part of the mob that attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6 after a rally in which Republican Donald Trump repeated unsubstantiated claims that the presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden was rigged, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article248644485.html">reports</a>.

“I apologize for, and sincerely regret, the comments I made. At the time of my posts, I did not understand the totality of the devastation caused by the terrible attack on the Capitol,” said Wagy, who owns and operates eight restaurants.

On Facebook, Wagy said he took a 21-hour bus ride to Washington “to peacefully protest election fraud.”

“It was a HISTORICAL DAY in our history! I’m glad that I didn’t miss it!!!” he wrote on his Facebook account, which has since been deleted. He also described it as an “EPIC adventure."

As a franchisee, Wagy is not an employee of McDonald’s, but the chain did denounce his rhetoric, describing it as “troubling and offensive."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611249784996.png" alt="Crowd a the Jan. 6 Trump rally in Washington- photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Crowd a the Jan. 6 Trump rally in Washington- photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City area McDonald's restaurant owner who attended the Washington rally that spawned a deadly assault on the U.S. Capitol is apologizing after he wrote on social media that he was “glad" he didn't miss the “HISTORICAL DAY."Jim Wagy said in a statement issued Wednesday that he was not part of the mob that attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6 after a rally in which Republican Donald Trump repeated unsubstantiated claims that the presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden was rigged, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article248644485.html">reports</a>.“I apologize for, and sincerely regret, the comments I made. At the time of my posts, I did not understand the totality of the devastation caused by the terrible attack on the Capitol,” said Wagy, who owns and operates eight restaurants.On Facebook, Wagy said he took a 21-hour bus ride to Washington “to peacefully protest election fraud.”“It was a HISTORICAL DAY in our history! I’m glad that I didn’t miss it!!!” he wrote on his Facebook account, which has since been deleted. He also described it as an “EPIC adventure."As a franchisee, Wagy is not an employee of McDonald’s, but the chain did denounce his rhetoric, describing it as “troubling and offensive."

KC restaurant owner who attended Trump rally apologizes 

HUTCHINSON— Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation involving the theft of the ATM outside of Peoples Bank and Trust at 601 E. 30 in Hutchinson.

Police say a person in a business across the street noticed a pickup truck with a chain attached to it and the ATM on the ground around 5:30 a.m. on January 16.

By the time authorities arrived, the truck was gone. Police say the truck was stolen out of Park City.

No other details have been made available and no arrests have been made.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611263784634.png" alt="Peoples Bank and Trust in Hutchinson -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Peoples Bank and Trust in Hutchinson -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON— Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation involving the theft of the ATM outside of Peoples Bank and Trust at 601 E. 30 in Hutchinson.Police say a person in a business across the street noticed a pickup truck with a chain attached to it and the ATM on the ground around 5:30 a.m. on January 16.By the time authorities arrived, the truck was gone. Police say the truck was stolen out of Park City.No other details have been made available and no arrests have been made.

Police: Suspects in stolen truck take ATM from Kan. bank

TOPEKA, Kan. — Gov. Laura Kelly held a press conference&nbsp; Thursday to give an update regarding Kansas’s current phase within her administration’s COVID-19 vaccination framework, and other virus information for the state of Kansas. She reminded residents the state has a new vaccine information web site.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here </a>to access the web site.

The Republican-led House on Thursday approved a bill that would extend the state’s pandemic emergency declaration. The 119-3 vote sends the bill to Gov. Laura Kelly, who has until Jan. 26 to act before the declaration expires. It expands the use of telemedicine and adds flexibility in health care licensing through March 31. But it also limits Kelly’s ability to close businesses and allows counties to opt out of mask mandates and other health orders she issues.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 3590 to a total of 263,412, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3575 an increase of 50

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

TOPEKA, Kan. — Gov. Laura Kelly held a press conference&nbsp; Thursday to give an update regarding Kansas’s current phase within her administration’s COVID-19 vaccination framework, and other virus information for the state of Kansas. She reminded residents the state has a new vaccine information web site.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here </a>to access the web site.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F3948694321829209%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The Republican-led House on Thursday approved a bill that would extend the state’s pandemic emergency declaration. The 119-3 vote sends the bill to Gov. Laura Kelly, who has until Jan. 26 to act before the declaration expires. It expands the use of telemedicine and adds flexibility in health care licensing through March 31. But it also limits Kelly’s ability to close businesses and allows counties to opt out of mask mandates and other health orders she issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 3590 to a total of 263,412, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3575 an increase of 50<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611166114849.png" alt="Wednesday Jan. 20, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Jan. 20, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

Gov. moves state into in Phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccination plan 

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/01/21/kcc-oil-and-gas-associations-push-bill-to-accelerate-plugging-abandoned-wells-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Legislation heard
 Wednesday would clarify legal responsibility and make it easier to fund
 plugging thousands of abandoned gas and oil wells across Kansas, 
advocates of the bill say.

Estimates indicate there 
are currently about 5,600 wells that require plugging and 10,000 wells 
plugged to date in the state. Last year, 349 were plugged, but there was
 only a net of 21 wells total plugged.

The proposed bill would 
combine two funds used to pay to plug the wells, making access to the 
money easier. It would also clarify who is legally responsible for 
plugging a well and authorize reimbursement in certain cases.

Dwight Keen, chairman of 
the Kansas Corporation Commission, which worked directly on the bill 
language, said the measure is a “win-win-win” for stakeholders.

“It’s a win for the 
environment, a win for the regulatory process and a win for the 
regulated oil and gas industry,” Kenn said. “Simply stated, it provides 
greater regulatory clarity, stability and certainty for the regulator, 
the regulated industry and for the public. In every respect, this bill 
advances the cause of good government.”

Representatives of the KCC
 and multiple oil and gas associations testified before the House 
Appropriations Committee, chaired by Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill,
 saying the bill would provide the sense of certainty they have been 
working for decades to accomplish. The single opponent of the bill 
expressed concern the legislation does not include the environmental 
imperative to ensure the wells are taken care of.

The legislation is nearly 
identical to a bill that passed through committee last year before the 
measure died when COVID-19 cut the session short.

Currently, Kansas has two 
pools it can pull funds from to manage the abandoned wells — one for 
wells drilled before 1996 and one for those drilled after. Waymaster 
said the post-1996 fund has barely been touched since its creation two 
decades ago.

Under the proposed law, 
the funds would be combined into one pool for all abandoned wells. Ryan 
Hoffman, director of KCC’s conservation division, said combined, the 
funds would total $6.73 million.

“We’ve already have almost
 $3 million in projects lined up for taking care of them,” Hoffman said,
 “so having access to that additional money is key.”

Hoffman said additional 
funding would be needed to fully address the issue, but that the KCC 
would take a phased approach to ensure the necessary money is available.

The bill would 
also clarify who KCC can assign responsibility to for plugging wells, 
which would accelerate the process and allow landowners to be reimbursed
 if they take the initiative to cap wells — as long as the landowner is 
not determined to be the party responsible for the wells.

While those who testified 
were largely supportive of the proposed changes to the law, Zack 
Pistora, a lobbyist for the Kansas Chapter of the Sierra Club, expressed
 concern with the removal of a clause that dictates that any well that 
has been abandoned or not plugged properly will be deemed likely to 
cause pollution of any useable water.

“That is the only 
statutory language in actual law that provides the imperative for the 
state to continue to plug abandoned wells because it is likely to cause 
pollution,” Pistora said.

Pistora said if that language were to be added back, the Sierra Club would be neutral or in favor of the bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611267031984.png" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, and members of the House Appropriations Committee heard testimony Wednesday on a bill advocates say would clarify years of work to address abandoned wells in Kansas. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, and members of the House Appropriations Committee heard testimony Wednesday on a bill advocates say would clarify years of work to address abandoned wells in Kansas. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/01/21/kcc-oil-and-gas-associations-push-bill-to-accelerate-plugging-abandoned-wells-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Legislation heard
 Wednesday would clarify legal responsibility and make it easier to fund
 plugging thousands of abandoned gas and oil wells across Kansas, 
advocates of the bill say.Estimates indicate there 
are currently about 5,600 wells that require plugging and 10,000 wells 
plugged to date in the state. Last year, 349 were plugged, but there was
 only a net of 21 wells total plugged.The proposed bill would 
combine two funds used to pay to plug the wells, making access to the 
money easier. It would also clarify who is legally responsible for 
plugging a well and authorize reimbursement in certain cases.Dwight Keen, chairman of 
the Kansas Corporation Commission, which worked directly on the bill 
language, said the measure is a “win-win-win” for stakeholders.“It’s a win for the 
environment, a win for the regulatory process and a win for the 
regulated oil and gas industry,” Kenn said. “Simply stated, it provides 
greater regulatory clarity, stability and certainty for the regulator, 
the regulated industry and for the public. In every respect, this bill 
advances the cause of good government.”Representatives of the KCC
 and multiple oil and gas associations testified before the House 
Appropriations Committee, chaired by Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill,
 saying the bill would provide the sense of certainty they have been 
working for decades to accomplish. The single opponent of the bill 
expressed concern the legislation does not include the environmental 
imperative to ensure the wells are taken care of.The legislation is nearly 
identical to a bill that passed through committee last year before the 
measure died when COVID-19 cut the session short.Currently, Kansas has two 
pools it can pull funds from to manage the abandoned wells — one for 
wells drilled before 1996 and one for those drilled after. Waymaster 
said the post-1996 fund has barely been touched since its creation two 
decades ago.Under the proposed law, 
the funds would be combined into one pool for all abandoned wells. Ryan 
Hoffman, director of KCC’s conservation division, said combined, the 
funds would total $6.73 million.“We’ve already have almost
 $3 million in projects lined up for taking care of them,” Hoffman said,
 “so having access to that additional money is key.”Hoffman said additional 
funding would be needed to fully address the issue, but that the KCC 
would take a phased approach to ensure the necessary money is available.The bill would 
also clarify who KCC can assign responsibility to for plugging wells, 
which would accelerate the process and allow landowners to be reimbursed
 if they take the initiative to cap wells — as long as the landowner is 
not determined to be the party responsible for the wells.While those who testified 
were largely supportive of the proposed changes to the law, Zack 
Pistora, a lobbyist for the Kansas Chapter of the Sierra Club, expressed
 concern with the removal of a clause that dictates that any well that 
has been abandoned or not plugged properly will be deemed likely to 
cause pollution of any useable water.“That is the only 
statutory language in actual law that provides the imperative for the 
state to continue to plug abandoned wells because it is likely to cause 
pollution,” Pistora said.Pistora said if that language were to be added back, the Sierra Club would be neutral or in favor of the bill.

Bill would accelerate plugging of abandoned gas, oil wells in Kan.

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a body bound in a rail grain car in southwest Kansas released a statement Thursday afternoon.

According to Dodge City police, detectives investigated the death of the man found in Lions Park near 4th and Magnolia.

 A family member identified the subject as a 52-year-old Dodge City man. The cause of death has been determined to be alcohol poisoning and hypothermia.&nbsp;

DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and local officials in southwestern Kansas are investigating after a body was found inside a rail grain car near Dodge City.

The body of a man was found in the grain car Wednesday morning in the unincorporated community of Wright, just northeast of Dodge City, television station KAKE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kake.com/story/43206495/body-found-in-grain-car-in-southwestern-kansas" target="_blank">reported</a>. The KBI and Ford County Sheriff’s Office are working to identify the man.

Authorities said a preliminary investigation does not show any foul play in the case.

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a body bound in a rail grain car in southwest Kansas released a statement Thursday afternoon.According to Dodge City police, detectives investigated the death of the man found in Lions Park near 4th and Magnolia. A family member identified the subject as a 52-year-old Dodge City man. The cause of death has been determined to be alcohol poisoning and hypothermia.&nbsp;Police released no additional details.-----------DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and local officials in southwestern Kansas are investigating after a body was found inside a rail grain car near Dodge City.The body of a man was found in the grain car Wednesday morning in the unincorporated community of Wright, just northeast of Dodge City, television station KAKE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kake.com/story/43206495/body-found-in-grain-car-in-southwestern-kansas" target="_blank">reported</a>. The KBI and Ford County Sheriff’s Office are working to identify the man.Authorities said a preliminary investigation does not show any foul play in the case.

Update: Body found in rail grain car in SW Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect&nbsp;following the recovery of a stolen vehicle.

Just after midnight Wednesday, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office noticed a white Ford Crown Victoria parked at a business in the 2000 block of NW Tyler Street, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.

The deputy recognized the vehicle as matching the description of a Crown Victoria reported stolen from Topeka. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611193974218.png" alt="Vincent photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Vincent photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect&nbsp;following the recovery of a stolen vehicle.Just after midnight Wednesday, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office noticed a white Ford Crown Victoria parked at a business in the 2000 block of NW Tyler Street, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.The deputy recognized the vehicle as matching the description of a Crown Victoria reported stolen from Topeka. The deputy confirmed the vehicle was&nbsp;stolen and he placed the driver Michael-Don A. Vincent, 30, Topeka into custody.He is being held on requested charges of felony possession of stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia as well as misdemeanor warrants out of Shawnee County. The Topeka Police Department assisted at the scene with the arrest, according to Anderson.