KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to prison Friday for his participation in a pair of armed bank robberies in which he fired several shots, including one at a customer about to enter the bank, according to the United State's Attorney.

In August 2021, a federal jury convicted Michael Shiferaw, 23, of Olathe of two counts of armed bank robbery and two counts of discharging a firearm in connection with a bank robbery. A federal judge sentenced Shiferaw to 28 years in prison.

Prior to Shiferaw’s trial, accomplice Kenya Breakfield, 23, of Olathe pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and one count of discharging a firearm in connection with a bank robbery.

Breakfield was sentenced in September 2021 to 76 months in prison.

In October 2018, Shiferaw and Breakfield went into a Wells Fargo bank in Leawood, Kansas, wearing Venom face masks and carrying handguns. Shiferaw fired a shot into the ceiling upon entering. He then pointed a gun at the tellers and forced them to fill a duffel bag with money. As they left the bank, Shiferaw fired another round into the ceiling, yelling “happy holidays”.

In March 2019, the men robbed the Commerce Bank in Roeland Park, Kansas. This time Breakfield stayed in the vehicle as the getaway driver, and Shiferaw entered the bank alone. Shiferaw fired four rounds during the robbery. When tellers attempted to hide under the counter, Shiferaw pointed his gun at them demanding to get into the vault. When one of the tellers attempted to get up, Shiferaw shoved him and pointed a gun at his head.

The defendants were arrested shortly after the second robbery.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Olathe Police Department, Leawood Police Department, and Roeland Park Police Department all assisted in the investigation of the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608237620776.png" alt="Security camera image of suspects during the bank robbery in Roeland Park -photo FBI Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of suspects during the bank robbery in Roeland Park -photo FBI Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to prison Friday for his participation in a pair of armed bank robberies in which he fired several shots, including one at a customer about to enter the bank, according to the United State's Attorney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629232104778.png" alt="Shiferaw photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Shiferaw photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In August 2021, a federal jury convicted Michael Shiferaw, 23, of Olathe of two counts of armed bank robbery and two counts of discharging a firearm in connection with a bank robbery. A federal judge sentenced Shiferaw to 28 years in prison.Prior to Shiferaw’s trial, accomplice Kenya Breakfield, 23, of Olathe pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and one count of discharging a firearm in connection with a bank robbery.Breakfield was sentenced in September 2021 to 76 months in prison.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608237271487.png" alt="Breakfield photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Breakfield photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In October 2018, Shiferaw and Breakfield went into a Wells Fargo bank in Leawood, Kansas, wearing Venom face masks and carrying handguns. Shiferaw fired a shot into the ceiling upon entering. He then pointed a gun at the tellers and forced them to fill a duffel bag with money. As they left the bank, Shiferaw fired another round into the ceiling, yelling “happy holidays”.In March 2019, the men robbed the Commerce Bank in Roeland Park, Kansas. This time Breakfield stayed in the vehicle as the getaway driver, and Shiferaw entered the bank alone. Shiferaw fired four rounds during the robbery. When tellers attempted to hide under the counter, Shiferaw pointed his gun at them demanding to get into the vault. When one of the tellers attempted to get up, Shiferaw shoved him and pointed a gun at his head.The defendants were arrested shortly after the second robbery.The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Olathe Police Department, Leawood Police Department, and Roeland Park Police Department all assisted in the investigation of the case.

Kansas man sentenced for pair of violent bank robberies

Larry D. Lala, Kirwin, KS, passed away on December 2, 2021, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, KS, at the age of 84. He was born on October 2, 1937, to Theodore and Hallie (Newbrey) Lala in Hays, KS. Larry married Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Vohs on June 2, 1956, in Osborne, KS. They were blessed with two daughters: Barbara Ann and Susan Elizabeth.

Larry grew up on a farm north of Woodston and graduated from Woodston Rural High School in 1955. He started farming and ranching, the occupation he had planned since 8th grade.  He farmed with his step-dad Vernon Townley and brother Kent Townley until 1984. He continued to farm with his step-dad Vernon until his death in 1999. Larry ran a cow/calf operation, as well as a small feedlot in the early years, but his love was crop production. He loved his tractors and machinery; anything motorized or Case IH and he was very particular about their maintenance. He was a skilled mechanic, he could make or fix anything, and never missed an opportunity to teach. As he often said: “You can’t learn any younger”. Anyone who knew him knew his wardrobe consisted of Key overalls, with many tools and accessories in his front pockets (which provided the grandkids with hours of play), work boots and in the winter, floppy eared hats. 

Larry was very active in the Kirwin Lions Club being a key player in the annual Old Settler’s Day.  He was also a member of the Alton Masonic Lodge, Western Bohemian Fraternal Association, FSA Board, Bull City Saddle Club, Rural Fire Dept., and the Woodston and Ash Rock Cemetery Boards. He and Betty played cards with the Rural Life Card Group in Alton/Osborne for many years.  

Larry worked and played hard. He was busy all the time, yet he managed to always have time for everyone. In his younger years he enjoyed boating at the lake, water and snow skiing. He and Betty enjoyed dances at the Bohemian Hall dancing to the Harmony Four. The family enjoyed summer vacations to Colorado and the Dakota’s, even though Larry was most happy on the ‘knob north of Woodston’. He loved to go to the car races and demo derbies. He liked to ride motorcycles, snowmobiles, and even learned to fly an airplane, parking it in the front yard.

He and Betty were very involved in Barb’s and Susan’s activities, assisting with 4H projects	 and following them to their sporting events. When grandkids came along, he and Betty tried to attend as many of their events as they could, with Larry hitting every concession stand! He adored his grandkids.  

When his step-father Vernon’s health started to decline in the late 90’s, Larry took over the community coffee shop in Woodston. You could find him there with friends almost every morning swapping stories. In the last few years, Larry expanded his personal lawn mowing efforts to include a large portion of Woodston. Larry didn’t know a stranger, and loved to visit, for hours at a time.

Larry is survived by his wife, Betty Lala of the home in Woodston; daughters, Barbara Ann McClain and husband Mark of Smith Center, KS and Susan Elizabeth McCall and husband Shane of Smith Center, KS; sister-in-law, Janese Townley of Stockton, KS; four grandchildren, Matthew McClain (Janice), Megan Engle (Kurt), Marshall McCall, and Hallie McCall (Cody Theobald); five great-grandchildren, Luke, Benjamin, and Ethan McClain, and Brooks and Avery Engle; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ted Lala and Hallie Townley; step-dad Vernon Townley and brother Kent Townley.

Larry was greatly loved and will be terribly missed.  He was a man of value, character, and integrity who served with a giving heart and loved with an even greater heart. We can smile because he lived and left us with cherished memories that will live forever in our hearts. He will be remembered in love.

A Graveside Service will be held at Ashrock Cemetery north of Woodston, KS on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 11AM. Visitation will be held on Monday 2PM-7PM with the family receiving friends 5PM-7PM. 

Memorials are suggested to the Woodston Rural Fire Dept. and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N 1st, Stockton, KS 67669. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638741692109.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Larry D. Lala, Kirwin, KS, passed away on December 2, 2021, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, KS, at the age of 84. He was born on October 2, 1937, to Theodore and Hallie (Newbrey) Lala in Hays, KS. Larry married Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Vohs on June 2, 1956, in Osborne, KS. They were blessed with two daughters: Barbara Ann and Susan Elizabeth.Larry grew up on a farm north of Woodston and graduated from Woodston Rural High School in 1955. He started farming and ranching, the occupation he had planned since 8th grade. He farmed with his step-dad Vernon Townley and brother Kent Townley until 1984. He continued to farm with his step-dad Vernon until his death in 1999. Larry ran a cow/calf operation, as well as a small feedlot in the early years, but his love was crop production. He loved his tractors and machinery; anything motorized or Case IH and he was very particular about their maintenance. He was a skilled mechanic, he could make or fix anything, and never missed an opportunity to teach. As he often said: “You can’t learn any younger”. Anyone who knew him knew his wardrobe consisted of Key overalls, with many tools and accessories in his front pockets (which provided the grandkids with hours of play), work boots and in the winter, floppy eared hats. Larry was very active in the Kirwin Lions Club being a key player in the annual Old Settler’s Day. He was also a member of the Alton Masonic Lodge, Western Bohemian Fraternal Association, FSA Board, Bull City Saddle Club, Rural Fire Dept., and the Woodston and Ash Rock Cemetery Boards. He and Betty played cards with the Rural Life Card Group in Alton/Osborne for many years. Larry worked and played hard. He was busy all the time, yet he managed to always have time for everyone. In his younger years he enjoyed boating at the lake, water and snow skiing. He and Betty enjoyed dances at the Bohemian Hall dancing to the Harmony Four. The family enjoyed summer vacations to Colorado and the Dakota’s, even though Larry was most happy on the ‘knob north of Woodston’. He loved to go to the car races and demo derbies. He liked to ride motorcycles, snowmobiles, and even learned to fly an airplane, parking it in the front yard.He and Betty were very involved in Barb’s and Susan’s activities, assisting with 4H projects	 and following them to their sporting events. When grandkids came along, he and Betty tried to attend as many of their events as they could, with Larry hitting every concession stand! He adored his grandkids. When his step-father Vernon’s health started to decline in the late 90’s, Larry took over the community coffee shop in Woodston. You could find him there with friends almost every morning swapping stories. In the last few years, Larry expanded his personal lawn mowing efforts to include a large portion of Woodston. Larry didn’t know a stranger, and loved to visit, for hours at a time.Larry is survived by his wife, Betty Lala of the home in Woodston; daughters, Barbara Ann McClain and husband Mark of Smith Center, KS and Susan Elizabeth McCall and husband Shane of Smith Center, KS; sister-in-law, Janese Townley of Stockton, KS; four grandchildren, Matthew McClain (Janice), Megan Engle (Kurt), Marshall McCall, and Hallie McCall (Cody Theobald); five great-grandchildren, Luke, Benjamin, and Ethan McClain, and Brooks and Avery Engle; and many nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his parents, Ted Lala and Hallie Townley; step-dad Vernon Townley and brother Kent Townley.Larry was greatly loved and will be terribly missed. He was a man of value, character, and integrity who served with a giving heart and loved with an even greater heart. We can smile because he lived and left us with cherished memories that will live forever in our hearts. He will be remembered in love.A Graveside Service will be held at Ashrock Cemetery north of Woodston, KS on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 11AM. Visitation will be held on Monday 2PM-7PM with the family receiving friends 5PM-7PM. Memorials are suggested to the Woodston Rural Fire Dept. and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N 1st, Stockton, KS 67669. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com

Larry D. Lala

Kenneth D. “Kenny” Kippes, age 71, died Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;He was born August 31, 1950, in Russell to George and Doris (Nowak) Kippes.&nbsp; He married Margaret (Hammerschmidt) on October 14, 1972, in Hays.&nbsp;

He owned and operated Ken’s Heating &amp; Air most of his life and the remaining 12 years worked at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; He grew up on the family farm North of Walker, Kansas.&nbsp; Ken attended Walker Grade School and was a 1969 graduate of Victoria High School.&nbsp; He enjoyed wood working and spending time with his grandkids and their extracurricular activities.&nbsp; He was a long-time member of the Sons of American Legion and St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus both of Hays.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Kippes, of the home; three daughters, Michele Kieffer and husband, Andy, Hays, KS; Janelle Limon and husband, Richard, Colorado Springs, CO; Renee Trow, Scott City, KS; two sons, Kurt Kippes and wife, Kellie, Fenton, MI; John Kippes, Aurora, CO; seven grandchildren, Avery Kieffer; Macie Kieffer; Jasmine Limon; Raquel Limon; Kalyn Kippes; Kylah Kippes; Emily Vincent;&nbsp;&nbsp;one sister, Judy Sherlock and husband, Steve, Buena Vista, CO; his mother-in-law, Bernice Hammerschmidt, Hays, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Richard Hammerschmidt.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, December 10, 2021, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 with Father Nick Parker officiating.&nbsp; A private family inurnment will be at St. Ann Cemetery, Walker, Kansas.

A Knights of Columbus rosary will be held at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. at the mortuary.

The family suggests memorials made payable to: the organization, Children’s Mercy Heart Center Research, Humane Society of the High Plains or the Kenneth Kippes Family made payable to: Margaret Kippes, in care of mortuary.

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to <a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a> or can be left at guest book at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638741606515.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kenneth D. “Kenny” Kippes, age 71, died Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;He was born August 31, 1950, in Russell to George and Doris (Nowak) Kippes.&nbsp; He married Margaret (Hammerschmidt) on October 14, 1972, in Hays.&nbsp;He owned and operated Ken’s Heating &amp; Air most of his life and the remaining 12 years worked at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; He grew up on the family farm North of Walker, Kansas.&nbsp; Ken attended Walker Grade School and was a 1969 graduate of Victoria High School.&nbsp; He enjoyed wood working and spending time with his grandkids and their extracurricular activities.&nbsp; He was a long-time member of the Sons of American Legion and St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus both of Hays.Survivors include his wife, Margaret Kippes, of the home; three daughters, Michele Kieffer and husband, Andy, Hays, KS; Janelle Limon and husband, Richard, Colorado Springs, CO; Renee Trow, Scott City, KS; two sons, Kurt Kippes and wife, Kellie, Fenton, MI; John Kippes, Aurora, CO; seven grandchildren, Avery Kieffer; Macie Kieffer; Jasmine Limon; Raquel Limon; Kalyn Kippes; Kylah Kippes; Emily Vincent;&nbsp;&nbsp;one sister, Judy Sherlock and husband, Steve, Buena Vista, CO; his mother-in-law, Bernice Hammerschmidt, Hays, KS.He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Richard Hammerschmidt.A Celebration of Life Service will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, December 10, 2021, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 with Father Nick Parker officiating.&nbsp; A private family inurnment will be at St. Ann Cemetery, Walker, Kansas.A Knights of Columbus rosary will be held at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. at the mortuary.The family suggests memorials made payable to: the organization, Children’s Mercy Heart Center Research, Humane Society of the High Plains or the Kenneth Kippes Family made payable to: Margaret Kippes, in care of mortuary.Condolences can be sent via e-mail to <a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a> or can be left at guest book at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Kenneth D. 'Kenny' Kippes

October 2, 1937
 -
 December 2, 2021

An obituary is pending with Plumer Overlease Funeral Homes.

Click <a href="https://www.plumeroverlease.com/obituaries/Larry-D-Lala?obId=23292791#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638675031006.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>October 2, 1937
 -
 December 2, 2021An obituary is pending with Plumer Overlease Funeral Homes.Click <a href="https://www.plumeroverlease.com/obituaries/Larry-D-Lala?obId=23292791#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden looked out over an audience of government scientists and framed his latest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-d25ca8f275eca6fb04155891248e76c1">plan for fighting COVID-19</a>&nbsp;as an opportunity to at last put an end to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-5b62c8e442ea495c58ed51d9f50d7c0d">divisiveness over the virus</a>, calling the politicization of the issue a “sad, sad commentary.”

Some people “on the other team,” he said Thursday, were threatening to hold up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-congress-aa30e5922cb6650e9235b0a66813b2f4">government spending</a>&nbsp;and endangering the nation’s credit out of pique over vaccination requirements.

It was a quick aside in a Biden speech that otherwise struck a largely bipartisan tone. But it served as fresh evidence that after taking it on the chin for months, Biden and his allies are increasingly willing to hit back, casting Republicans as the true obstacle to the nation’s recovery from the pandemic.

The Democratic president’s efforts to confront&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;have long attracted a litany of fiery statements, legal challenges and more than a few barbs from his predecessor. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">Biden was elected</a>&nbsp;on the promise of depoliticizing the virus response and following the science, so responding in kind wasn’t seen as an option early on.

Biden aides in the early months of his presidency pressed him to ignore criticism from Republicans, arguing that responding would further inject politics into the vaccination campaign and harm his all-out effort to get Americans to roll up their sleeves.

But now, as public patience wears thin amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/omicron-variant-anime-convention-new-york-minnesota-a343c1d0bcc6e59f8696491443f704db">the emergence of the new omicron variant</a>&nbsp;and some GOP lawmakers’ threats to shut down the government over vaccine requirements, the White House and its allies are seizing on what they see as a political opening.

“It’s clear that Republicans have decided that the fate of the Biden presidency is tied to COVID,” said Democratic communications strategist Eric Schultz, who worked in the Obama White House. “And Republicans have chosen to be on the side of the virus.”

With most Americans now vaccinated, the White House is less worried about turning people off with such political talk. Biden aides now doubt that some of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-science-health-government-and-politics-coronavirus-pandemic-36ea18ee3a3397da7edd5b8249f0e477">the stubborn holdouts</a>&nbsp;-- more than 40 million adults -- will get a vaccine for any reason short of their employers requiring it, minimizing the risk of backlash.

Biden did pop out a dig in August as some Republican governors moved to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-1aba40b697a210a65356269c916780d4">block mask mandates in schools</a>.

“If you aren’t going to fight COVID-19, at least get out of the way of everyone else who is trying,” he said. “You know, we’re not going to sit by as governors try to block and intimidate educators protecting our children.”

More recently, Biden aides have grown more willing to openly condemn Republican lawmakers they view as obstacles to his efforts to control the pandemic.

“These supporters of the former president are advocating for shutting the federal government down so that 20% of the public who are refusing to get vaccinated or tested can be free to infect their coworkers, our children, filling hospitals — that is what they are advocating for,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at briefing this week. “They want to shut the government down in order to advocate for people to assert that on society. So, I don’t think that should be lost on us.”

Privately, White House officials have been even more direct, accusing Republicans of advocating policies that would extend the pandemic, close schools and cost more lives.

Some Republican lawmakers, for their part, have pitched their opposition to the vaccine mandates as looking out for constituents being forced to choose between a shot and a job, although Biden’s order offers a test-out alternative for most private sector employees. The lawmakers are seeking legislation that would prevent agencies from receiving funding to enforce the mandates.

“I have heard from hundreds of Utahns, in recent days, who are concerned about losing their jobs — losing their jobs not just in general, not just in the abstract, but specifically due to these mandates,” said Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.

Democrats are portraying the vaccine mandates as critical to protecting the health of Americans during a pandemic, describing the Republican efforts as “anti-vaccine.”

“How do they explain to the public that they are shutting down government because they don’t want people to get vaccinated?” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday when the fate of a government spending bill was uncertain. “Why don’t you go ask them? This is so silly.”

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that if Republicans were to block the funding bill, “It will be a Republican anti-vaccine shutdown.”

The Senate did later Thursday approve a stopgap spending bill to avoid a short-term shutdown after leaders defused the standoff over vaccine mandates.

Biden’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has long been a strong point in his public approval ratings, but it has slipped in recent months as the delta variant raged and cases and deaths increased. More than 780,000 Americans have now died from COVID-19.

An October AP-NORC poll found that 54% of Americans said they approved of Biden’s job on the pandemic, higher than his approval rating overall and much higher than approval of his handling of the economy, at 48% and 41%, respectively.

Still, as recently as July, before the delta variant struck, 66% had approved of Biden on COVID-19 and 59% approved of his job performance overall.

The White House seems increasingly intent on reclaiming the high ground on COVID.

White House spokesman Andrew Bates on Thursday took to Twitter to play up a Chamber of Commerce statement offering support for the president’s contention “that no business should have to shut down this winter because of COVID-19.”

Bates tweeted, “Tough break for Republicans: like us, business is also opposed to the pandemic, and they similarly don’t want it to kill more Americans and jobs.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638531359660.png" alt="Late Thursday, all 50 Senate Democrats voted against an amendment offered by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall that would have defunded each of Joe Biden’s COVID vaccine mandates.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Late Thursday, all 50 Senate Democrats voted against an amendment offered by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall that would have defunded each of Joe Biden’s COVID vaccine mandates.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden looked out over an audience of government scientists and framed his latest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-d25ca8f275eca6fb04155891248e76c1">plan for fighting COVID-19</a>&nbsp;as an opportunity to at last put an end to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-5b62c8e442ea495c58ed51d9f50d7c0d">divisiveness over the virus</a>, calling the politicization of the issue a “sad, sad commentary.”And then he tacked on a political dig.Some people “on the other team,” he said Thursday, were threatening to hold up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-congress-aa30e5922cb6650e9235b0a66813b2f4">government spending</a>&nbsp;and endangering the nation’s credit out of pique over vaccination requirements.“Go figure,” he added.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UMo6tl7EoFs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>It was a quick aside in a Biden speech that otherwise struck a largely bipartisan tone. But it served as fresh evidence that after taking it on the chin for months, Biden and his allies are increasingly willing to hit back, casting Republicans as the true obstacle to the nation’s recovery from the pandemic.The Democratic president’s efforts to confront&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;have long attracted a litany of fiery statements, legal challenges and more than a few barbs from his predecessor. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">Biden was elected</a>&nbsp;on the promise of depoliticizing the virus response and following the science, so responding in kind wasn’t seen as an option early on.Biden aides in the early months of his presidency pressed him to ignore criticism from Republicans, arguing that responding would further inject politics into the vaccination campaign and harm his all-out effort to get Americans to roll up their sleeves.But now, as public patience wears thin amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/omicron-variant-anime-convention-new-york-minnesota-a343c1d0bcc6e59f8696491443f704db">the emergence of the new omicron variant</a>&nbsp;and some GOP lawmakers’ threats to shut down the government over vaccine requirements, the White House and its allies are seizing on what they see as a political opening.“It’s clear that Republicans have decided that the fate of the Biden presidency is tied to COVID,” said Democratic communications strategist Eric Schultz, who worked in the Obama White House. “And Republicans have chosen to be on the side of the virus.”With most Americans now vaccinated, the White House is less worried about turning people off with such political talk. Biden aides now doubt that some of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-science-health-government-and-politics-coronavirus-pandemic-36ea18ee3a3397da7edd5b8249f0e477">the stubborn holdouts</a>&nbsp;-- more than 40 million adults -- will get a vaccine for any reason short of their employers requiring it, minimizing the risk of backlash.Biden did pop out a dig in August as some Republican governors moved to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-1aba40b697a210a65356269c916780d4">block mask mandates in schools</a>.“If you aren’t going to fight COVID-19, at least get out of the way of everyone else who is trying,” he said. “You know, we’re not going to sit by as governors try to block and intimidate educators protecting our children.”More recently, Biden aides have grown more willing to openly condemn Republican lawmakers they view as obstacles to his efforts to control the pandemic.“These supporters of the former president are advocating for shutting the federal government down so that 20% of the public who are refusing to get vaccinated or tested can be free to infect their coworkers, our children, filling hospitals — that is what they are advocating for,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at briefing this week. “They want to shut the government down in order to advocate for people to assert that on society. So, I don’t think that should be lost on us.”Privately, White House officials have been even more direct, accusing Republicans of advocating policies that would extend the pandemic, close schools and cost more lives.Some Republican lawmakers, for their part, have pitched their opposition to the vaccine mandates as looking out for constituents being forced to choose between a shot and a job, although Biden’s order offers a test-out alternative for most private sector employees. The lawmakers are seeking legislation that would prevent agencies from receiving funding to enforce the mandates.“I have heard from hundreds of Utahns, in recent days, who are concerned about losing their jobs — losing their jobs not just in general, not just in the abstract, but specifically due to these mandates,” said Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.Democrats are portraying the vaccine mandates as critical to protecting the health of Americans during a pandemic, describing the Republican efforts as “anti-vaccine.”“How do they explain to the public that they are shutting down government because they don’t want people to get vaccinated?” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday when the fate of a government spending bill was uncertain. “Why don’t you go ask them? This is so silly.”Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that if Republicans were to block the funding bill, “It will be a Republican anti-vaccine shutdown.”The Senate did later Thursday approve a stopgap spending bill to avoid a short-term shutdown after leaders defused the standoff over vaccine mandates.Biden’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has long been a strong point in his public approval ratings, but it has slipped in recent months as the delta variant raged and cases and deaths increased. More than 780,000 Americans have now died from COVID-19.An October AP-NORC poll found that 54% of Americans said they approved of Biden’s job on the pandemic, higher than his approval rating overall and much higher than approval of his handling of the economy, at 48% and 41%, respectively.Still, as recently as July, before the delta variant struck, 66% had approved of Biden on COVID-19 and 59% approved of his job performance overall.The White House seems increasingly intent on reclaiming the high ground on COVID.White House spokesman Andrew Bates on Thursday took to Twitter to play up a Chamber of Commerce statement offering support for the president’s contention “that no business should have to shut down this winter because of COVID-19.”Bates tweeted, “Tough break for Republicans: like us, business is also opposed to the pandemic, and they similarly don’t want it to kill more Americans and jobs.”___

Biden, allies increasingly pushing back at GOP's virus barbs

Johnny Lee “John” Ireland, age 72 of 
Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at Hays Medical 
Center. He was born September 3, 1949 in Concordia, Kansas to John A. 
and Marjorie F. (Beaushaw) Ireland.

John graduated from Natoma High School 
in 1967. Played football at Butler County Community College, and later 
graduated from Fort Hays State.

John worked for several companies in 
sales positions throughout his career. They included Baker Oilfield 
Tools, RayBestos, Standard Automotive, and Crawford Supply. John was a 
veteran of the US Air Force serving during the Vietnam Era and taught 
for the SERE program at Fairchild AFB. He enjoyed Golf and was a 
long-time member of Smoky Hill Country Club in Hays as well as an avid 
K-State football fan.

John is survived by a son, Tanner 
Ireland of Ohio; a step daughter , Sara Sharpe of Hays; a step son, 
Scott Sharpe of Topeka, KS ; a brother, Gregg Ireland and wife Carol of 
Topeka; and two nieces, Jackie Ireland of Wichita and Jessie Ireland of 
Topeka.

John was preceded in death by his parents and Nephew Ezekiel Ireland.

Celebration of Life services and 
sharing will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 
Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;
 Military graveside services will follow at the Kansas State Veterans' 
Cemetery in WaKeeney&nbsp;compliments of the Hays VFW Honor Guard.&nbsp;

Memorial visitation will be 9:30 AM until service time on Thursday.

Memorial contributions are suggested to
 HaysMed Hospice. Donations made payable to the organization may be sent
 in care of Keithley Funeral Homes PO Box 86 Hays, KS 67601.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638628420876.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Johnny Lee “John” Ireland, age 72 of 
Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at Hays Medical 
Center. He was born September 3, 1949 in Concordia, Kansas to John A. 
and Marjorie F. (Beaushaw) Ireland.John graduated from Natoma High School 
in 1967. Played football at Butler County Community College, and later 
graduated from Fort Hays State.John worked for several companies in 
sales positions throughout his career. They included Baker Oilfield 
Tools, RayBestos, Standard Automotive, and Crawford Supply. John was a 
veteran of the US Air Force serving during the Vietnam Era and taught 
for the SERE program at Fairchild AFB. He enjoyed Golf and was a 
long-time member of Smoky Hill Country Club in Hays as well as an avid 
K-State football fan.John is survived by a son, Tanner 
Ireland of Ohio; a step daughter , Sara Sharpe of Hays; a step son, 
Scott Sharpe of Topeka, KS ; a brother, Gregg Ireland and wife Carol of 
Topeka; and two nieces, Jackie Ireland of Wichita and Jessie Ireland of 
Topeka.John was preceded in death by his parents and Nephew Ezekiel Ireland.Celebration of Life services and 
sharing will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 
Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;
 Military graveside services will follow at the Kansas State Veterans' 
Cemetery in WaKeeney&nbsp;compliments of the Hays VFW Honor Guard.&nbsp;Memorial visitation will be 9:30 AM until service time on Thursday.Memorial contributions are suggested to
 HaysMed Hospice. Donations made payable to the organization may be sent
 in care of Keithley Funeral Homes PO Box 86 Hays, KS 67601.Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

Johnny Lee 'John' Ireland

Craig A. Smith, age 57, passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, 
at his home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on November 20, 1964, in
 Scott City, Kansas, the son of Charles E. &amp; Betty Lou Morris 
Smith.&nbsp; A lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, he was a Custom 
Harvester.

In the early 1990’s he married Tonia Cockerill in Scott City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; She passed away on August 7, 2010, in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; He later 
married Carolyn Johnson in the late 1990's.&nbsp; She passed away on October 
8, 2009, in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include his One Son - Chance Smith of Scott City, Kansas, 
Three Brothers -&nbsp; Mike Smith of Scott City, Kansas, Mark Smith &amp; 
David Petty of Wichita, Kansas, Three Sisters - Marla &amp; Randy Malin 
of Liberal, Kansas, Rhonda &amp; Chuck Bauer of Pleasanton, Kansas, 
JoAnn McLemore of Grand Junction, Colorado, One Cousin - J.R. &amp; 
Garee Geist Smith of Scott City, Kansas, and Numerous Nieces &amp; 
Nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 6, 
2021, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas, with 
Pastor Don Williams presiding.&nbsp; Funeral services will be Live-streamed 
at www.priceandsons.com.

Memorials can be written to the Craig Smith Memorial Fund in care of 
Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 
p.m until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. 
Washington St., Scott City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638628867564.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Craig A. Smith, age 57, passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, 
at his home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on November 20, 1964, in
 Scott City, Kansas, the son of Charles E. &amp; Betty Lou Morris 
Smith.&nbsp; A lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, he was a Custom 
Harvester.In the early 1990’s he married Tonia Cockerill in Scott City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; She passed away on August 7, 2010, in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; He later 
married Carolyn Johnson in the late 1990's.&nbsp; She passed away on October 
8, 2009, in Scott City, Kansas.Survivors include his One Son - Chance Smith of Scott City, Kansas, 
Three Brothers -&nbsp; Mike Smith of Scott City, Kansas, Mark Smith &amp; 
David Petty of Wichita, Kansas, Three Sisters - Marla &amp; Randy Malin 
of Liberal, Kansas, Rhonda &amp; Chuck Bauer of Pleasanton, Kansas, 
JoAnn McLemore of Grand Junction, Colorado, One Cousin - J.R. &amp; 
Garee Geist Smith of Scott City, Kansas, and Numerous Nieces &amp; 
Nephews.Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 6, 
2021, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas, with 
Pastor Don Williams presiding.&nbsp; Funeral services will be Live-streamed 
at www.priceandsons.com.Memorials can be written to the Craig Smith Memorial Fund in care of 
Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 
p.m until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. 
Washington St., Scott City, Kansas.

Craig A. Smith

Dr. Lee Norman, former Kansas Secretary of Health and Environment, is one more in a long line of political casualties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

After nearly two years of leading Kansas through the crisis, Dr. Norman was forced to resign — explaining his removal as a fundamental disagreement about how the state should continue to tackle the pandemic.

The tense relationship between Dr. Norman and the Kelly administration first made headlines over the summer when Norman made it clear that he is a healthcare professional, not a politician, and refused to avoid discussing sensitive political topics when they contradicted scientific knowledge.

For better or worse, political convictions are at the forefront of governments’ responses to COVID-19.&nbsp;

The pandemic has undeniably exacerbated political polarization and further exposed our vulnerability to systemic inequalities. While much of this divide has certainly been partisan, it has also unveiled intra-party divides.

Kelly, along with every other elected official in the state, is a “single-minded seeker of re-election” — a phrase coined by the political scientist David Mayhew to describe the primary motivations of members of Congress.

Approval ratings are a key measure of re-election chances.

Kansas Speaks, a statewide public opinion survey conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, measured Governor Kelly’s approval rating on her administration’s pandemic response in October 2020. The survey found that 47.5% of Kansans approved of the governor’s response, while 30.5% disapproved. The margin of error was 4.8%.

Kelly’s general job approval rating, according to a recent poll conducted by Morning Consult, is 54% — with a margin of error of 4%.

The longer the pandemic continues, especially in light of the Omicron variant and potential resulting social restrictions, the more likely it is that Kelly’s pandemic approval rating will drop before the 2022 election — people are understandably tired of the major disruption to their lives.

Her re-election prospects largely explain why Kelly has gone out of her way to dispute Biden’s vaccination mandates and has rebuffed Democrats in the state legislature by signing a law that makes it easier for workers to get religious and moral exemptions to vaccine requirements.

All elected officials must care about their re-election chances, so while firing Dr. Norman and weakening vaccination requirements is unsurprising, it is exceedingly disappointing.

These incidents are indicative of a much larger problem. From the very beginning, the pandemic was politicized by national, state and local officials. But SARS-CoV-2 — the official name for the deadly virus — doesn’t care about politics.

It doesn’t discriminate based on partisanship. It is wholly unaffected by elections.

So why then do we continue to allow politics to drive public health responses?

Many public health officials, including Dr. Norman, have consistently been told to “stay in your lane” when it comes to pandemic policy — directive that defies logic considering such officials are the experts on public health and policies that can end this pandemic.

Over 6,700 Kansans — an undercount per most experts — have died of COVID-19. That’s over 6,700 Kansans who were missed at their families’ Thanksgiving table last week.

Our elected officials are just adding fuel to the fire by prioritizing politics over public health. As long as Kansans continue to villainize medical experts and resist public health directives like vaccination and mask wearing, there is no end to the pandemic in sight.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University." />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Lee Norman, former Kansas Secretary of Health and Environment, is one more in a long line of political casualties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.After nearly two years of leading Kansas through the crisis, Dr. Norman was forced to resign — explaining his removal as a fundamental disagreement about how the state should continue to tackle the pandemic.The tense relationship between Dr. Norman and the Kelly administration first made headlines over the summer when Norman made it clear that he is a healthcare professional, not a politician, and refused to avoid discussing sensitive political topics when they contradicted scientific knowledge.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For better or worse, political convictions are at the forefront of governments’ responses to COVID-19.&nbsp;The pandemic has undeniably exacerbated political polarization and further exposed our vulnerability to systemic inequalities. While much of this divide has certainly been partisan, it has also unveiled intra-party divides.Kelly, along with every other elected official in the state, is a “single-minded seeker of re-election” — a phrase coined by the political scientist David Mayhew to describe the primary motivations of members of Congress.Approval ratings are a key measure of re-election chances.Kansas Speaks, a statewide public opinion survey conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, measured Governor Kelly’s approval rating on her administration’s pandemic response in October 2020. The survey found that 47.5% of Kansans approved of the governor’s response, while 30.5% disapproved. The margin of error was 4.8%.Kelly’s general job approval rating, according to a recent poll conducted by Morning Consult, is 54% — with a margin of error of 4%.The longer the pandemic continues, especially in light of the Omicron variant and potential resulting social restrictions, the more likely it is that Kelly’s pandemic approval rating will drop before the 2022 election — people are understandably tired of the major disruption to their lives.Her re-election prospects largely explain why Kelly has gone out of her way to dispute Biden’s vaccination mandates and has rebuffed Democrats in the state legislature by signing a law that makes it easier for workers to get religious and moral exemptions to vaccine requirements.All elected officials must care about their re-election chances, so while firing Dr. Norman and weakening vaccination requirements is unsurprising, it is exceedingly disappointing.These incidents are indicative of a much larger problem. From the very beginning, the pandemic was politicized by national, state and local officials. But SARS-CoV-2 — the official name for the deadly virus — doesn’t care about politics.It doesn’t discriminate based on partisanship. It is wholly unaffected by elections.So why then do we continue to allow politics to drive public health responses?Many public health officials, including Dr. Norman, have consistently been told to “stay in your lane” when it comes to pandemic policy — directive that defies logic considering such officials are the experts on public health and policies that can end this pandemic.Over 6,700 Kansans — an undercount per most experts — have died of COVID-19. That’s over 6,700 Kansans who were missed at their families’ Thanksgiving table last week.Our elected officials are just adding fuel to the fire by prioritizing politics over public health. As long as Kansans continue to villainize medical experts and resist public health directives like vaccination and mask wearing, there is no end to the pandemic in sight.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Pandemic politics — no end in sight?

Craig A. Smith, age 57, passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, 
at his home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on November 20, 1964, in
 Scott City, Kansas, the son of Charles E. &amp; Betty Lou Morris 
Smith.&nbsp; A lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, he was a Custom 
Harvester.In the early 1990’s he married Tonia Cockerill in Scott City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; She passed away on August 7, 2010, in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; He later 
married Carolyn Johnson in the late 1990's.&nbsp; She passed away on October 
8, 2009, in Scott City, Kansas.Survivors include his One Son - Chance Smith of Scott City, Kansas, 
Three Brothers -&nbsp; Mike Smith of Scott City, Kansas, Mark Smith &amp; 
David Petty of Wichita, Kansas, Three Sisters - Marla &amp; Randy Malin 
of Liberal, Kansas, Rhonda &amp; Chuck Bauer of Pleasanton, Kansas, 
JoAnn McLemore of Grand Junction, Colorado, One Cousin - J.R. &amp; 
Garee Geist Smith of Scott City, Kansas, and Numerous Nieces &amp; 
Nephews.Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 6, 
2021, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas, with 
Pastor Don Williams presiding.&nbsp; Funeral services will be Live-streamed 
at www.priceandsons.com.Memorials can be written to the Craig Smith Memorial Fund in care of 
Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 
p.m until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. 
Washington St., Scott City, Kansas.

Joann J. Fouse, age 85, passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021, 
at the Ranch House in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on October 11, 
1936, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Joe &amp; Ruby Nordstrom 
Stoeckel. &nbsp;On December 23, 1954, she married Warren L. Fouse in Clay 
Center, Kansas. &nbsp;He passed away on March 2, 1993, in Garden City, 
Kansas. &nbsp;A resident of Garden City, Kansas since 1960 moving from 
Cunningham, Kansas, she was a former sales clerk for Books Etc.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Garden City, 
Kansas, Presbyterian Mariners, and the GCCC Faculty Wives.&nbsp; Jo’s 
greatest love was spending time with her family.&nbsp; She also enjoyed 
singing in the church choir and helping with the church rummage sale for
 many years

In her later years, she sang with M&amp;M + 1 at various nursing 
homes, senior centers, and retirement homes in the area.&nbsp; Jo and Max 
Moomaw even sang at the Pickin’ on the Plains Bluegrass Festival in 
Colby, KS.&nbsp; Jo loved to dance, as well as read, travel, and watch 
sports.&nbsp; She always knew how to make people feel special and didn’t know
 a stranger.&nbsp; Grandma Jo was loved by everyone she came in contact with 
and will be greatly missed by all.

Survivors include her Two Sons - Dennis &amp; Donna Fouse of 
Centerton, Arkansas, Dick &amp; Liesa Fouse of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Two 
Daughters - Pat Roth of Garden City, Kansas, Susan &amp; Brad Bier of 
Palmyra, Missouri, Twelve Grandchildren, and Thirteen Great 
Grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Stepfather - 
Charles Shaple, One Sister - Ida Mae Forrester, One Son In Law - Ron 
Roth, and One Daughter In Law - Belinda Fouse.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 1, 
2021, at United Presbyterian Church in Garden City, Kansas with Pastor 
Doris Evans presiding. Services will be streamed live at 
www.priceandsons.com.&nbsp; Click the live stream tab on the left side of the
 obituary starting at 01:55 p.m.

Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Keystone Cemetery in Manchester, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Price 
&amp; Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main Street, Garden City, Kansas.

Memorials may be written to the United Presbyterian Church in care of
 Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main Street, Garden City, Kansas,
 67846.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638480802390.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Joann J. Fouse, age 85, passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021, 
at the Ranch House in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on October 11, 
1936, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Joe &amp; Ruby Nordstrom 
Stoeckel. &nbsp;On December 23, 1954, she married Warren L. Fouse in Clay 
Center, Kansas. &nbsp;He passed away on March 2, 1993, in Garden City, 
Kansas. &nbsp;A resident of Garden City, Kansas since 1960 moving from 
Cunningham, Kansas, she was a former sales clerk for Books Etc.She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Garden City, 
Kansas, Presbyterian Mariners, and the GCCC Faculty Wives.&nbsp; Jo’s 
greatest love was spending time with her family.&nbsp; She also enjoyed 
singing in the church choir and helping with the church rummage sale for
 many yearsIn her later years, she sang with M&amp;M + 1 at various nursing 
homes, senior centers, and retirement homes in the area.&nbsp; Jo and Max 
Moomaw even sang at the Pickin’ on the Plains Bluegrass Festival in 
Colby, KS.&nbsp; Jo loved to dance, as well as read, travel, and watch 
sports.&nbsp; She always knew how to make people feel special and didn’t know
 a stranger.&nbsp; Grandma Jo was loved by everyone she came in contact with 
and will be greatly missed by all.Survivors include her Two Sons - Dennis &amp; Donna Fouse of 
Centerton, Arkansas, Dick &amp; Liesa Fouse of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Two 
Daughters - Pat Roth of Garden City, Kansas, Susan &amp; Brad Bier of 
Palmyra, Missouri, Twelve Grandchildren, and Thirteen Great 
Grandchildren.She is preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Stepfather - 
Charles Shaple, One Sister - Ida Mae Forrester, One Son In Law - Ron 
Roth, and One Daughter In Law - Belinda Fouse.Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 1, 
2021, at United Presbyterian Church in Garden City, Kansas with Pastor 
Doris Evans presiding. Services will be streamed live at 
www.priceandsons.com.&nbsp; Click the live stream tab on the left side of the
 obituary starting at 01:55 p.m.Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Keystone Cemetery in Manchester, Kansas.Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Price 
&amp; Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main Street, Garden City, Kansas.Memorials may be written to the United Presbyterian Church in care of
 Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main Street, Garden City, Kansas,
 67846.

Joann J. Fouse

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly has appointed a Lawrence woman to lead a new division designed to improve the state's child welfare system. Kelly announced Thursday that Kerrie Lonard will be the Kansas Child Advocate. 

The governor created the Division of the Child Advocate in October. The independent office will review complaints against Kansas’ foster care system and recommend changes in child welfare policies. 

Lonard is an attorney who has worked at Kansas Legal Services in Topeka for nearly 14 years. Before that, she was a social worker for five years. Lonard will start on Dec. 12 and will focus first on building the division's structure.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly has appointed a Lawrence woman to lead a new division designed to improve the state's child welfare system. Kelly announced Thursday that Kerrie Lonard will be the Kansas Child Advocate. The governor created the Division of the Child Advocate in October. The independent office will review complaints against Kansas’ foster care system and recommend changes in child welfare policies. Lonard is an attorney who has worked at Kansas Legal Services in Topeka for nearly 14 years. Before that, she was a social worker for five years. Lonard will start on Dec. 12 and will focus first on building the division's structure.

Gov. names new leader of Kansas Child Advocate division

Delbert James Moeder at the age of 87 passed away on November 24th, 2021. Born October 27, 1934, in Kansas. 

Delbert is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Cynthia (Roger) Aitken, his brothers John (Dorothy) and Raymond (Linda), and his sister Delores Bongartz. Also his three grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. 

Delbert was preceded in death by his daughter Norma Lee Carey, His brothers Gary, Bobby, Willard, Sisters Viola and Anita, and parents Chris and Bertha (Schaffer). 

Recitation of the Holy Rosary is set for 8:30 AM Saturday December 4, 2021 with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Buena Vista, CO. Interment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Buena Vista. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lewisandglenn.com. Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638460099879.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Delbert James Moeder at the age of 87 passed away on November 24th, 2021. Born October 27, 1934, in Kansas. Delbert is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Cynthia (Roger) Aitken, his brothers John (Dorothy) and Raymond (Linda), and his sister Delores Bongartz. Also his three grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Delbert was preceded in death by his daughter Norma Lee Carey, His brothers Gary, Bobby, Willard, Sisters Viola and Anita, and parents Chris and Bertha (Schaffer). Recitation of the Holy Rosary is set for 8:30 AM Saturday December 4, 2021 with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Buena Vista, CO. Interment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Buena Vista. Online condolences may be sent to the family at lewisandglenn.com. Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.

Delbert James Moeder

Norman J. Karlin, 93, passed away Sunday, November 28, 2021, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Center in Wichita, KS. 
 Norman was born December 11, 1927 in Catharine, KS, the son of Joseph 
and Mary (Schoendaller) Karlin.&nbsp; He graduated from St. Joseph Military 
Academy in Hays, KS in 1945 and graduated from Salt City Business 
College in 1949 with a degree in accounting.&nbsp; On October 2, 1950, Norman
 married Lucille Biggs at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Hutchinson.&nbsp; 
Norman enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. 
Norman was the owner of Midwest Feed Company for over 43 years. &nbsp;After 
that, he worked for the Kansas State Fair for over 20 years.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was a 
member of St. Teresa’s Catholic Church. He is preceded in death
 by his parents; wife; Lucille; a grandson, Steven Karlin; siblings, 
Mildred Schmeidler, Helen Koester, Rita Mae Befort and Marvin Karlin. 
 Norman is survived by his sons, Calvin (Jan) Karlin and Ronald (Brenda)
 Karlin; sisters, Margie Weishaar and Patty (Elmer) Brungardt; four 
grandchildren, Michael Karlin, Cameron Karlin, Katelin May, and Kristen 
Karlin; five great grandchildren; and many loving and caring nieces and 
nephews. Visitation will be held at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 
on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. with family greeting 
guests from 5-7 p.m. Parish Rosary will be at 10 a.m. Friday, December 
3, 2021, at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, 211 E. 5th, Hutchinson. Mass 
of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the church; both 
officiated by Father Matt Glazier.&nbsp; Burial will follow at Memorial Park 
Cemetery, 5905 W. 4th Ave., Hutchinson.&nbsp; Memorials may be made to St. 
Teresa’s Catholic Church or Trinity Catholic High School and can be sent
 in care of Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave. Hutchinson, KS 
67502.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638456896798.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Norman J. Karlin, 93, passed away Sunday, November 28, 2021, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Center in Wichita, KS. 
 Norman was born December 11, 1927 in Catharine, KS, the son of Joseph 
and Mary (Schoendaller) Karlin.&nbsp; He graduated from St. Joseph Military 
Academy in Hays, KS in 1945 and graduated from Salt City Business 
College in 1949 with a degree in accounting.&nbsp; On October 2, 1950, Norman
 married Lucille Biggs at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Hutchinson.&nbsp; 
Norman enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. 
Norman was the owner of Midwest Feed Company for over 43 years. &nbsp;After 
that, he worked for the Kansas State Fair for over 20 years.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was a 
member of St. Teresa’s Catholic Church. He is preceded in death
 by his parents; wife; Lucille; a grandson, Steven Karlin; siblings, 
Mildred Schmeidler, Helen Koester, Rita Mae Befort and Marvin Karlin. 
 Norman is survived by his sons, Calvin (Jan) Karlin and Ronald (Brenda)
 Karlin; sisters, Margie Weishaar and Patty (Elmer) Brungardt; four 
grandchildren, Michael Karlin, Cameron Karlin, Katelin May, and Kristen 
Karlin; five great grandchildren; and many loving and caring nieces and 
nephews. Visitation will be held at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 
on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. with family greeting 
guests from 5-7 p.m. Parish Rosary will be at 10 a.m. Friday, December 
3, 2021, at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, 211 E. 5th, Hutchinson. Mass 
of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the church; both 
officiated by Father Matt Glazier.&nbsp; Burial will follow at Memorial Park 
Cemetery, 5905 W. 4th Ave., Hutchinson.&nbsp; Memorials may be made to St. 
Teresa’s Catholic Church or Trinity Catholic High School and can be sent
 in care of Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave. Hutchinson, KS 
67502.

Norman J. Karlin


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Gas prices generally are trending downward, though they are still above $3 a gallon locally.

"Kansas is fifth cheapest in the country again this week," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Reno County today is $3.04 a gallon, just slightly above the statewide average."

Prices are well below that average as close as Wichita, with Sedgwick County at $2.94 a gallon.

"Demand has started to tick downward seasonally as we usually see this time of year," Steward said. "Those crude oil prices have been heading downward. Most recently, they have been about $20 less per barrel than we saw at their peak in late October."

A recent survey of Kansas drivers from AAA said many of them are driving differently right now.

Forty-four percent said they have changed their daily driving habits because of gas prices recently," Steward said. 

Thirty-seven percent (37%) of drivers say they try to consolidate errands, carpool or otherwise drive less when the price of gas tops $3 a gallon.

By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Gas prices generally are trending downward, though they are still above $3 a gallon locally."Kansas is fifth cheapest in the country again this week," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Reno County today is $3.04 a gallon, just slightly above the statewide average."Prices are well below that average as close as Wichita, with Sedgwick County at $2.94 a gallon."Demand has started to tick downward seasonally as we usually see this time of year," Steward said. "Those crude oil prices have been heading downward. Most recently, they have been about $20 less per barrel than we saw at their peak in late October."A recent survey of Kansas drivers from AAA said many of them are driving differently right now.Forty-four percent said they have changed their daily driving habits because of gas prices recently," Steward said. Thirty-seven percent (37%) of drivers say they try to consolidate errands, carpool or otherwise drive less when the price of gas tops $3 a gallon.

With less demand gas prices are down in Kansas

Phillipsburg resident Connie Jo Springer, age 67, passed away Friday, October 29th, 2021, at the Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS.

Connie was born August 18, 1954, in Manhattan, KS the daughter of Don and Bonnie (Sowell) Springer.

Survivors include her friend Merlyn Schick of Phillipsburg; brothers 
Russell of Manhattan, Jesse of Topeka, Ronald of Manhattan, a sister Joy
 Burgess of Manhattan; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Donald.

Cremation was planned.&nbsp; Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. 
Saturday, December 4, 2021, at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 
Phillipsburg. &nbsp;The Inurnment will follow in the St. Peter’s Cemetery, 
Phillips County.

The family will receive friends Friday, December 3rd, at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Phillips County E.M.S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638397791557.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Phillipsburg resident Connie Jo Springer, age 67, passed away Friday, October 29th, 2021, at the Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS.Connie was born August 18, 1954, in Manhattan, KS the daughter of Don and Bonnie (Sowell) Springer.Survivors include her friend Merlyn Schick of Phillipsburg; brothers 
Russell of Manhattan, Jesse of Topeka, Ronald of Manhattan, a sister Joy
 Burgess of Manhattan; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Donald.Cremation was planned.&nbsp; Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. 
Saturday, December 4, 2021, at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 
Phillipsburg. &nbsp;The Inurnment will follow in the St. Peter’s Cemetery, 
Phillips County.The family will receive friends Friday, December 3rd, at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for visitation.Memorial contributions may be made to the Phillips County E.M.S.

Connie Jo Springer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell took a sharp and unexpected turn Tuesday toward tightening credit for consumers and businesses in the face of mounting concerns about high inflation.

Powell signaled that the Fed will likely act more quickly to phase out its ultra-low-interest rate policies even as the emergence of the new omicron variant of COVID-19 has raised fresh doubts about the future of the economy and the direction of inflation.

The Fed chair told the Senate Banking Committee that the central bank’s policymakers will discuss at their next meeting in mid-December whether to accelerate the reduction of their monthly bond purchases, which have been intended to lower long-term borrowing costs. The Fed just announced those reductions in early November at a pace that would end the bond buying in June. But on Tuesday, Powell signaled that the Fed is inclined to end those purchases several months before then.

Doing so would put the Fed on a path to begin raising its key short-term interest rate as early as the first half of next year. That rate has been pegged at nearly zero since last March, when the coronavirus sent the economy into a deep recession. A higher Fed rate would, in turn, raise borrowing costs for mortgages, credit cards and some business loans.

Stock prices tumbled after Powell’s comments, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost more than 650 points, or nearly 2%, for the day. Very low interest rates, nurtured by the Fed, have been a key factor in driving share prices to all-time highs since the pandemic struck.

“He was decidedly more hawkish in tone than I expected and, I think, than the financial markets expected,” said Kathy Bostjancic, chief U.S. financial economist at Oxford Economics. (Hawks generally favor higher borrowing costs to quell inflation, while doves typically emphasize lower rates to fuel hiring.)

Fed policymakers have come under pressure from a sharp jump in inflation, with consumer prices having soared 6.2% in October from a year earlier, the highest such inflation rate in 31 years. In response, some Fed officials in recent weeks had already started to push for a faster tapering of the central bank’s bond purchases.

Yet the sudden emergence of the omicron variant had led some Fed-watchers to speculate that the central bank would avoid any major policy shifts until a clearer picture of the variant and its likely impact on the economy emerged. But Powell’s remarks Tuesday — and the questions he faced from senators — were far more focused on inflation than on the likelihood that omicron, about which little is known, could seriously weaken the economy.

“The economy is very strong, and inflationary pressures are high,” Powell said. “It is therefore appropriate, in my view, to consider wrapping up the taper of our asset purchases … perhaps a few months sooner.”

“This is a very abrupt pivot from the Fed,” said Krishna Guha, an analyst at the investment bank Evercore ISI. “The eight-month taper plan was only announced four weeks ago.”

Under fire from some Senate Republicans about worsening inflation, Powell suggested that price increases will likely slow next year as supply bottlenecks ease. But he also acknowledged that price increases have been spreading to broader categories of products and services, and as a result “the risk of higher inflation has increased.”

For months, Powell and other Fed officials had described inflation as “transitory,” which did not necessarily mean they thought it would disappear soon but that it wouldn’t keep spiraling higher. That outlook has so far proved too optimistic, and Powell said it is “probably a good time to retire that word and try to explain more clearly what we mean.”

The Fed chair said he thought the central bank’s policymakers will know more about the potential economic impact of the omicron variant in time for their next meeting in mid-December.

Regardless of the eventual consequences, the omicron variant seems sure to make Powell’s job more complicated next year. If omicron leads to another wave of factory and port shutdowns in the United States and overseas, supply chain bottlenecks could worsen and raise prices even more.

At the same time, omicron could renew fears among many workers about becoming infected on the job, leading to more resignations when quits are already at a record high or discouraging some of those out of work from taking a new job. That could weaken the job market and the economy. Under such a scenario, the Fed’s dual mandates of stable prices and maximum employment could come into conflict.

In a significant shift, Powell appeared to make inflation-fighting a more urgent priority than job growth by noting that higher prices themselves threaten the economic recovery. And a long period of growth, he said, is needed to regain the “great labor market” that existed before the pandemic.

“We’re going to need a long expansion,” the Fed chair said. “To get that, we’re going to need price stability, and in a sense, the risk of persistent high inflation is also a major risk to getting back to such a labor market.”

Rising inflation has put the Fed in a delicate spot, because the economy remains about 4 million jobs short of pre-pandemic levels, and many Democrats in Congress will want to see rates stay near zero until most of those jobs have been recovered.

“The Fed cannot pump the brakes on our economic recovery too soon, before workers get a chance to fully rebound,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown, the Ohio Democrat who chairs the Banking Committee. “And I mean all workers,” he added, noting that the Black unemployment rate remains twice that of white Americans.

By contrast, Sen. Pat Toomey from Pennsylvania, the senior Republican on the committee, suggested that the economy largely recovered roughly a year ago. As a result, emergency measures, such as the Fed’s bond purchases, haven’t been needed since then, he said.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who also testified before the Senate Banking panel Tuesday, urged Congress to raise the nation’s borrowing limit. Yellen has previously warned that without an increase in the debt ceiling, the government could default on its debt obligations for the first time soon after Dec. 15.

“I cannot overstate how critical it is that Congress address this issue,” she said. “America must pay its bills on time and in full. If we do not, we will eviscerate our current recovery.”

Congress, which is expected to address the borrowing limit, also faces a Friday deadline to provide enough funding to keep the federal government open.

Yellen also said that for now, the economic recovery “remains strong,” but she urged that Americans get vaccinated or receive booster shots to guard against the omicron variant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586436935167.png" alt="Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell took a sharp and unexpected turn Tuesday toward tightening credit for consumers and businesses in the face of mounting concerns about high inflation.Powell signaled that the Fed will likely act more quickly to phase out its ultra-low-interest rate policies even as the emergence of the new omicron variant of COVID-19 has raised fresh doubts about the future of the economy and the direction of inflation.The Fed chair told the Senate Banking Committee that the central bank’s policymakers will discuss at their next meeting in mid-December whether to accelerate the reduction of their monthly bond purchases, which have been intended to lower long-term borrowing costs. The Fed just announced those reductions in early November at a pace that would end the bond buying in June. But on Tuesday, Powell signaled that the Fed is inclined to end those purchases several months before then.Doing so would put the Fed on a path to begin raising its key short-term interest rate as early as the first half of next year. That rate has been pegged at nearly zero since last March, when the coronavirus sent the economy into a deep recession. A higher Fed rate would, in turn, raise borrowing costs for mortgages, credit cards and some business loans.Stock prices tumbled after Powell’s comments, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost more than 650 points, or nearly 2%, for the day. Very low interest rates, nurtured by the Fed, have been a key factor in driving share prices to all-time highs since the pandemic struck.“He was decidedly more hawkish in tone than I expected and, I think, than the financial markets expected,” said Kathy Bostjancic, chief U.S. financial economist at Oxford Economics. (Hawks generally favor higher borrowing costs to quell inflation, while doves typically emphasize lower rates to fuel hiring.)Fed policymakers have come under pressure from a sharp jump in inflation, with consumer prices having soared 6.2% in October from a year earlier, the highest such inflation rate in 31 years. In response, some Fed officials in recent weeks had already started to push for a faster tapering of the central bank’s bond purchases.Yet the sudden emergence of the omicron variant had led some Fed-watchers to speculate that the central bank would avoid any major policy shifts until a clearer picture of the variant and its likely impact on the economy emerged. But Powell’s remarks Tuesday — and the questions he faced from senators — were far more focused on inflation than on the likelihood that omicron, about which little is known, could seriously weaken the economy.“The economy is very strong, and inflationary pressures are high,” Powell said. “It is therefore appropriate, in my view, to consider wrapping up the taper of our asset purchases … perhaps a few months sooner.”“This is a very abrupt pivot from the Fed,” said Krishna Guha, an analyst at the investment bank Evercore ISI. “The eight-month taper plan was only announced four weeks ago.”Under fire from some Senate Republicans about worsening inflation, Powell suggested that price increases will likely slow next year as supply bottlenecks ease. But he also acknowledged that price increases have been spreading to broader categories of products and services, and as a result “the risk of higher inflation has increased.”For months, Powell and other Fed officials had described inflation as “transitory,” which did not necessarily mean they thought it would disappear soon but that it wouldn’t keep spiraling higher. That outlook has so far proved too optimistic, and Powell said it is “probably a good time to retire that word and try to explain more clearly what we mean.”The Fed chair said he thought the central bank’s policymakers will know more about the potential economic impact of the omicron variant in time for their next meeting in mid-December.Regardless of the eventual consequences, the omicron variant seems sure to make Powell’s job more complicated next year. If omicron leads to another wave of factory and port shutdowns in the United States and overseas, supply chain bottlenecks could worsen and raise prices even more.At the same time, omicron could renew fears among many workers about becoming infected on the job, leading to more resignations when quits are already at a record high or discouraging some of those out of work from taking a new job. That could weaken the job market and the economy. Under such a scenario, the Fed’s dual mandates of stable prices and maximum employment could come into conflict.In a significant shift, Powell appeared to make inflation-fighting a more urgent priority than job growth by noting that higher prices themselves threaten the economic recovery. And a long period of growth, he said, is needed to regain the “great labor market” that existed before the pandemic.“We’re going to need a long expansion,” the Fed chair said. “To get that, we’re going to need price stability, and in a sense, the risk of persistent high inflation is also a major risk to getting back to such a labor market.”Rising inflation has put the Fed in a delicate spot, because the economy remains about 4 million jobs short of pre-pandemic levels, and many Democrats in Congress will want to see rates stay near zero until most of those jobs have been recovered.“The Fed cannot pump the brakes on our economic recovery too soon, before workers get a chance to fully rebound,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown, the Ohio Democrat who chairs the Banking Committee. “And I mean all workers,” he added, noting that the Black unemployment rate remains twice that of white Americans.By contrast, Sen. Pat Toomey from Pennsylvania, the senior Republican on the committee, suggested that the economy largely recovered roughly a year ago. As a result, emergency measures, such as the Fed’s bond purchases, haven’t been needed since then, he said.Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who also testified before the Senate Banking panel Tuesday, urged Congress to raise the nation’s borrowing limit. Yellen has previously warned that without an increase in the debt ceiling, the government could default on its debt obligations for the first time soon after Dec. 15.“I cannot overstate how critical it is that Congress address this issue,” she said. “America must pay its bills on time and in full. If we do not, we will eviscerate our current recovery.”Congress, which is expected to address the borrowing limit, also faces a Friday deadline to provide enough funding to keep the federal government open.Yellen also said that for now, the economic recovery “remains strong,” but she urged that Americans get vaccinated or receive booster shots to guard against the omicron variant.

Federal Reserve warning: Tighter credit for consumers, businesses

TOPEKA (AP)—Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has notified state education officials that some public universities are violating a state law passed last week that loosened requirements for obtaining medical and religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccinations.

Schmidt wrote a letter last week to Kansas Board of Regents President Blake Flanders, with copies sent to the University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod and Kansas State University President Richard Myers.

Schmidt said “at least some” public universities are violating the new law but specifically mentioned the University of Kansas and Kansas State. He said the institutions must “immediately cease and desist” from their requirements. Schmidt’s spokesman said Tuesday that the letter has not been sent to any other institutions.

University of Kansas spokeswoman Erinn Barcomb-Peterson said Tuesday that the university has updated its forms and processes to comply with state law and a federal executive order. Kansas State University did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Flanders said in a statement that state universities will follow all state laws in implementing vaccine requirements.

“The factors impacting the federal contracting requirements have been shifting rapidly, particularly with new statutes added in the special session and moving federal deadlines,” Flanders said. “The Board requires all universities to remain in compliance with all previously existing and new applicable statutes.”

In October, the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and Wichita State University&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-manhattan-kansas-topeka-1e1fb5acbb8b6612bb00d5b7445a92c4">announced plans</a>&nbsp;to require all employees to be vaccinated to comply with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-26bace6485d88ad1ae3ef2aea60fbb65">executive orders</a>&nbsp;issued by President Joe Biden that require all federal employees and contractors to be vaccinated. The universities also established procedures to allow exemptions for religious or medical reasons.

Schmidt’s letter was sent two days after the Kansas Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-religion-822d31ed5cd6cdca053f21f4a9a965d9">passed a law</a>&nbsp;during a special session that requires employers to grant religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates for workers who seeks one in writing. The law prohibits employers from investigating the sincerity of the person’s religious beliefs.

Schmidt, a Republican, said procedures initially used by the University of Kansas and Kansas State violate the law. He said the universities had similar forms that require employees to describe the nature of their religious beliefs and to seek third-party documentation to support the sincerity of those beliefs.

“None of this information is necessary except to support an inquiry into the sincerity of the employee’s claim, which is no longer relevant,” Schmidt wrote.

The attorney general also noted that the University of Kansas has a committee to review each exemption request and that Kansas State contracted with a human resources consulting firm to help evaluate the requests and recommend whether they should be approved, which he said also violates the new law.

The attorney general also objected to an “arbitrary” Nov. 15 deadline set by the universities to apply for religious or medical exemptions, earlier than the Jan. 18 deadline set by the federal order.

He said any public university using procedures that violate the new state law should stop immediately and inform employees of the changes.

TOPEKA (AP)—Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has notified state education officials that some public universities are violating a state law passed last week that loosened requirements for obtaining medical and religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccinations.Schmidt wrote a letter last week to Kansas Board of Regents President Blake Flanders, with copies sent to the University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod and Kansas State University President Richard Myers.Schmidt said “at least some” public universities are violating the new law but specifically mentioned the University of Kansas and Kansas State. He said the institutions must “immediately cease and desist” from their requirements. Schmidt’s spokesman said Tuesday that the letter has not been sent to any other institutions.University of Kansas spokeswoman Erinn Barcomb-Peterson said Tuesday that the university has updated its forms and processes to comply with state law and a federal executive order. Kansas State University did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Flanders said in a statement that state universities will follow all state laws in implementing vaccine requirements.“The factors impacting the federal contracting requirements have been shifting rapidly, particularly with new statutes added in the special session and moving federal deadlines,” Flanders said. “The Board requires all universities to remain in compliance with all previously existing and new applicable statutes.”In October, the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and Wichita State University&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-manhattan-kansas-topeka-1e1fb5acbb8b6612bb00d5b7445a92c4">announced plans</a>&nbsp;to require all employees to be vaccinated to comply with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-26bace6485d88ad1ae3ef2aea60fbb65">executive orders</a>&nbsp;issued by President Joe Biden that require all federal employees and contractors to be vaccinated. The universities also established procedures to allow exemptions for religious or medical reasons.Schmidt’s letter was sent two days after the Kansas Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-religion-822d31ed5cd6cdca053f21f4a9a965d9">passed a law</a>&nbsp;during a special session that requires employers to grant religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates for workers who seeks one in writing. The law prohibits employers from investigating the sincerity of the person’s religious beliefs.Schmidt, a Republican, said procedures initially used by the University of Kansas and Kansas State violate the law. He said the universities had similar forms that require employees to describe the nature of their religious beliefs and to seek third-party documentation to support the sincerity of those beliefs.“None of this information is necessary except to support an inquiry into the sincerity of the employee’s claim, which is no longer relevant,” Schmidt wrote.The attorney general also noted that the University of Kansas has a committee to review each exemption request and that Kansas State contracted with a human resources consulting firm to help evaluate the requests and recommend whether they should be approved, which he said also violates the new law.The attorney general also objected to an “arbitrary” Nov. 15 deadline set by the universities to apply for religious or medical exemptions, earlier than the Jan. 18 deadline set by the federal order.He said any public university using procedures that violate the new state law should stop immediately and inform employees of the changes.

Kan. AG: Universities in Kan. violating state's new COVID law

Kansas’ work force participation rate surpasses pre-pandemic level

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/11/30/gop-members-on-tax-panel-wary-of-statistics-on-economic-recovery-from-covid-19/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The labor force 
participation rate in Kansas fully recovered from the rapid descent at 
outset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the number of people receiving 
unemployment benefits fell to the lowest level since the global health 
crisis began, state officials said.

The percentage of the Kansas population either working or actively 
looking for work stood at 67.2% in January 2020, slumped to 66.5% by 
June 2020 and climbed to 67.5% in September.

Edward Penner, senior economist with the Kansas Legislative Research 
Department, outlined the figures and a series of other economic 
indicators Monday for a joint House and Senate committee examining 
opportunities to adjust state tax policy.

“At this point,” Penner said, “all of those people are back in the 
labor force and then some. This has been one of those stories where 
Kansas has been different from the nation. Kansas workers have kind of 
come back into the labor force and returned to their jobs at a rate that
 exceeds that of what national workers have done.”

The number of individuals receiving unemployment insurance benefits 
in Kansas stood at 10,320 in October, the lowest number since the 
COVID-19 pandemic began.

At the same time, state tax revenue surpassed estimates by $750 
million in the fiscal year that ended in June. The updated revenue 
estimate for the current fiscal year was increased by $1.3 billion, 
which prompted Gov. Laura Kelly and a bipartisan contingent of 
legislators to promote the possibility of slashing the state’s 6.5% 
sales tax on food.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638302239975.png" alt="Parker Sen. Caryn Tyson, Republican candidate for state treasurer, led a special committee Monday on the first of two days of hearings about economic ramifications of COVID-19 and options for tax reform during the 2022 legislative session. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Parker Sen. Caryn Tyson, Republican candidate for state treasurer, led a special committee Monday on the first of two days of hearings about economic ramifications of COVID-19 and options for tax reform during the 2022 legislative session. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas’ work force participation rate surpasses pre-pandemic level</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/11/30/gop-members-on-tax-panel-wary-of-statistics-on-economic-recovery-from-covid-19/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The labor force 
participation rate in Kansas fully recovered from the rapid descent at 
outset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the number of people receiving 
unemployment benefits fell to the lowest level since the global health 
crisis began, state officials said.The percentage of the Kansas population either working or actively 
looking for work stood at 67.2% in January 2020, slumped to 66.5% by 
June 2020 and climbed to 67.5% in September.Edward Penner, senior economist with the Kansas Legislative Research 
Department, outlined the figures and a series of other economic 
indicators Monday for a joint House and Senate committee examining 
opportunities to adjust state tax policy.“At this point,” Penner said, “all of those people are back in the 
labor force and then some. This has been one of those stories where 
Kansas has been different from the nation. Kansas workers have kind of 
come back into the labor force and returned to their jobs at a rate that
 exceeds that of what national workers have done.”The number of individuals receiving unemployment insurance benefits 
in Kansas stood at 10,320 in October, the lowest number since the 
COVID-19 pandemic began.At the same time, state tax revenue surpassed estimates by $750 
million in the fiscal year that ended in June. The updated revenue 
estimate for the current fiscal year was increased by $1.3 billion, 
which prompted Gov. Laura Kelly and a bipartisan contingent of 
legislators to promote the possibility of slashing the state’s 6.5% 
sales tax on food.<h2>GOP statistical pushback</h2>Sen. Mark Steffen, a Republican from Hutchinson, said he was curious 
whether there was sharp improvement in work force participation after 
enhanced federal unemployment benefits expired in early September. Many 
GOP lawmakers pressured Kelly to cut off that congressional aid before 
the scheduled conclusion of federal programs, arguing the extra 
assistance was incentive for people to delay a return to their jobs. She
 declined to order cuts to jobless aid.Penner said much of the labor force came back into the fold in the 
initial five months of the pandemic. Demise of supplemental unemployment
 payments didn’t substantially improve participation in the Kansas work 
force, he said.Rep. Adam Smith, the Weskan Republican and chairman of the House 
Taxation Committee, said he was convinced businesses were still 
suffering labor shortages in northwest Kansas. He urged legislative 
staff to craft an estimate of unfilled jobs statewide in Kansas.“I still see a lot of businesses that are hiring,” he said.From February to April 2020, Kansas lost 158,000 non-farm jobs as the
 economy unraveled amid spread of the virus. The latest statistics 
indicated 73.5% of that job crater had been filled by September. The 
remaining gap might be linked to people who retired early or workers 
uneasy about accepting a job with a shortage of child care providers and
 uncertainty about influence of COVID-19 on schools, Penner said.Sen. Tom Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat, said he had heartburn 
about the manner in which businesses responded to economic disruption 
associated with the pandemic. He said it appeared some employers focused
 on dropping older personnel at the upper end of the pay scale.“My fear is that you had companies that laid off their more senior 
work force,” Holland said. “Basically, they’re dumping those jobs.”Rep. Francis Awerkamp, R-St. Marys, said legislative staff ought to 
balance statistical presentations to the Legislature by including an 
assessment of financial harm caused by government pandemic directives.“Can we also add an estimate on the economic impact of all the 
shutdowns, the lockdowns and the mandates from the government?” he said.<h2>Prep for 2022 session</h2>According to the state’s economic forecasters, the Kansas 
unemployment rate could complete this year at 3.9% before falling to 
3.5% in 2022 and 3.4% in 2023. The national unemployment rate is 
expected to be around 5.5% for 2021, 3.8% in 2022 and 3.5% in 2023.Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican who chairs the Senate’s regular
 tax committee, said it was important for people to be cautious when 
weighing unemployment statistics. She said that while working on a 
master’s degree in engineering management at the University of Kansas it
 became evident to her labor estimates lacked precision.“The way they gather the numbers, the data for those unemployment 
numbers, is speculative and not always accurate,” said Tyson, a GOP 
candidate for state treasurer.Work on tax, budget and coronavirus issues in the 2022 legislative 
session could take on an especially partisan tone given desire of 
Republicans and Democrats to influence Kelly’s re-election campaign for 
governor in November 2022.Tyson said she would have preferred to move ahead with significant 
tax reform during the 2021 legislative session, but was sidelined by 
House and Senate leaders who objected to timing of her goal.The two days of hearings scheduled for the interim House-Senate tax 
committee is designed to prepare members of both chambers for 
comprehensive adjustment of state tax law in the upcoming session, she 
said.“We can move forward quickly,” she told other members of the panel. 
“That is the objective of the two-day meeting. To help arm you and get 
us ready for the 2022 session.”