WASHINGTON (AP)—U.S. health officials say 4.4 million Americans have rolled up their sleeves for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-90175dd9277dc4bec6b6699c8f14e6f0">updated COVID-19 booster shot.</a>&nbsp;The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted the count Thursday as public health experts bemoaned President Joe Biden’s recent remark that “the pandemic is over.”

The White House said more than 5 million people received the new boosters by its own estimate that accounts for reporting lags in states.

Health experts said it is too early to predict whether demand would match up with the 171 million doses of the new boosters the U.S. ordered for the fall.

“No one would go looking at our flu shot uptake at this point and be like, ‘Oh, what a disaster,’” said Dr. David Dowdy, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “If we start to see a large uptick in cases, I think we're going to see a lot of people getting the (new COVID) vaccine.”

A temporary shortage of Moderna vaccine caused some pharmacies to cancel appointments while encouraging people to reschedule for a Pfizer vaccine. The issue was expected to resolve as government regulators wrapped up an inspection and cleared batches of vaccine doses for distribution.

“I do expect this to pick up in the weeks ahead,” said White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha. “We’ve been thinking and talking about this as an annual vaccine like the flu vaccine. Flu vaccine season picks up in late September and early October. We’re just getting our education campaign going. So we expect to see, despite the fact that this was a strong start, we actually expect this to ramp up stronger.”

Some Americans who plan to get the shot, designed to target the most common omicron strains, said they are waiting because they either had COVID-19 recently or another booster. They are following public health advice to wait several months to get the full benefit of their existing virus-fighting antibodies.

Others are scheduling shots closer to holiday gatherings and winter months when respiratory viruses spread more easily.

Retired hospital chaplain Jeanie Murphy, 69, of Shawnee, Kansas, plans to get the new booster in a couple of weeks after she has some minor knee surgery. Interest is high among her neighbors from what she sees on the Nextdoor app.

“There’s quite a bit of discussion happening among people who are ready to make appointments,” Murphy said. “I found that encouraging. For every one naysayer there will be 10 or 12 people who jump in and say, ‘You’re crazy. You just need to go get the shot.’”

Biden later acknowledged criticism of his remark about the pandemic being over and clarified the pandemic is “not where it was.” The initial comment didn’t bother Murphy. She believes the disease has entered a steady state when “we’ll get COVID shots in the fall the same as we do flu shots.”

Experts hope she's right, but are waiting to see what levels of infection winter brings. The summer ebb in case numbers, hospitalizations and deaths may be followed by another surge, Dowdy said.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, asked Thursday by a panel of biodefense experts what still keeps him up at night, noted that half of vaccinated Americans never got an initial booster dose.

“We have a vulnerability in our population that will continue to have us in a mode of potential disruption of our social order," Fauci said. “I think that we have to do better as a nation.”

Some Americans who got the new shots said they are excited about the idea of targeting the vaccine to the variants circulating now.

“Give me all the science you can,” said Jeff Westling, 30, an attorney in Washington, D.C., who got the new booster and a flu shot on Tuesday, one in each arm. He participates in the combat sport jujitsu, so wants to protect himself from infections that may come with close contact. “I have no issue trusting folks whose job it is to look at the evidence.”

Meanwhile, Biden’s pronouncement in a “60 Minutes” interview broadcast Sunday echoed through social media.

“We still have a problem with COVID. We’re still doing a lot of work on it. But the pandemic is over,” Biden said while walking through the Detroit auto show. “If you notice, no one’s wearing masks. Everybody seems to be in pretty good shape. And so I think it’s changing.”

By Wednesday on Facebook, when a Kansas health department posted where residents could find the new booster shots, the first commenter remarked snidely:

“But Biden says the pandemic is over.”

The president's statement, despite his attempts to clarify it, adds to public confusion, said Josh Michaud, associate director of global health policy with the Kaiser Family Foundation in Washington.

“People aren’t sure when is the right time to get boosted. ‘Am I eligible?’ People are often confused about what the right choice is for them, even where to search for that information,” Michaud said.

“Any time you have mixed messages, it’s detrimental to the public health effort,” Michaud said. “Having the mixed messages from the president’s remarks, makes that job that much harder.”

University of South Florida epidemiologist Jason Salemi said he's worried the president's pronouncement has taken on a life of its own and may stall prevention efforts.

“That soundbite is there for a while now, and it’s going to spread like wildfire. And it’s going to give the impression that ‘Oh, there’s nothing more we need to do,’” Salemi said.

“If we’re happy with 400 or 500 people dying every single day from COVID, there’s a problem with that,” Salemi said. “We can absolutely do better because most of those deaths, if not all of them, are absolutely preventable with the tools that we have.”

New York City photographer Vivienne Gucwa, 44, got the new booster Monday. She’s had COVID twice, once before vaccines were available and again in May. She was vaccinated with two Moderna shots, but never got the original boosters.

“When I saw the new booster was able to tackle omicron variant I thought, ‘I’m doing that,’” Gucwa said.

“I don’t want to deal with omicron again. I was kind of thrilled to see the boosters were updated.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663895423323.png" alt="On Thursday, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky received her updated COVID vaccine-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>On Thursday, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky received her updated COVID vaccine-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)—U.S. health officials say 4.4 million Americans have rolled up their sleeves for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-90175dd9277dc4bec6b6699c8f14e6f0">updated COVID-19 booster shot.</a>&nbsp;The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted the count Thursday as public health experts bemoaned President Joe Biden’s recent remark that “the pandemic is over.”The White House said more than 5 million people received the new boosters by its own estimate that accounts for reporting lags in states.Health experts said it is too early to predict whether demand would match up with the 171 million doses of the new boosters the U.S. ordered for the fall.“No one would go looking at our flu shot uptake at this point and be like, ‘Oh, what a disaster,’” said Dr. David Dowdy, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “If we start to see a large uptick in cases, I think we're going to see a lot of people getting the (new COVID) vaccine.”A temporary shortage of Moderna vaccine caused some pharmacies to cancel appointments while encouraging people to reschedule for a Pfizer vaccine. The issue was expected to resolve as government regulators wrapped up an inspection and cleared batches of vaccine doses for distribution.“I do expect this to pick up in the weeks ahead,” said White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha. “We’ve been thinking and talking about this as an annual vaccine like the flu vaccine. Flu vaccine season picks up in late September and early October. We’re just getting our education campaign going. So we expect to see, despite the fact that this was a strong start, we actually expect this to ramp up stronger.”Some Americans who plan to get the shot, designed to target the most common omicron strains, said they are waiting because they either had COVID-19 recently or another booster. They are following public health advice to wait several months to get the full benefit of their existing virus-fighting antibodies.Others are scheduling shots closer to holiday gatherings and winter months when respiratory viruses spread more easily.Retired hospital chaplain Jeanie Murphy, 69, of Shawnee, Kansas, plans to get the new booster in a couple of weeks after she has some minor knee surgery. Interest is high among her neighbors from what she sees on the Nextdoor app.“There’s quite a bit of discussion happening among people who are ready to make appointments,” Murphy said. “I found that encouraging. For every one naysayer there will be 10 or 12 people who jump in and say, ‘You’re crazy. You just need to go get the shot.’”Biden later acknowledged criticism of his remark about the pandemic being over and clarified the pandemic is “not where it was.” The initial comment didn’t bother Murphy. She believes the disease has entered a steady state when “we’ll get COVID shots in the fall the same as we do flu shots.”Experts hope she's right, but are waiting to see what levels of infection winter brings. The summer ebb in case numbers, hospitalizations and deaths may be followed by another surge, Dowdy said.Dr. Anthony Fauci, asked Thursday by a panel of biodefense experts what still keeps him up at night, noted that half of vaccinated Americans never got an initial booster dose.“We have a vulnerability in our population that will continue to have us in a mode of potential disruption of our social order," Fauci said. “I think that we have to do better as a nation.”Some Americans who got the new shots said they are excited about the idea of targeting the vaccine to the variants circulating now.“Give me all the science you can,” said Jeff Westling, 30, an attorney in Washington, D.C., who got the new booster and a flu shot on Tuesday, one in each arm. He participates in the combat sport jujitsu, so wants to protect himself from infections that may come with close contact. “I have no issue trusting folks whose job it is to look at the evidence.”Meanwhile, Biden’s pronouncement in a “60 Minutes” interview broadcast Sunday echoed through social media.“We still have a problem with COVID. We’re still doing a lot of work on it. But the pandemic is over,” Biden said while walking through the Detroit auto show. “If you notice, no one’s wearing masks. Everybody seems to be in pretty good shape. And so I think it’s changing.”By Wednesday on Facebook, when a Kansas health department posted where residents could find the new booster shots, the first commenter remarked snidely:“But Biden says the pandemic is over.”The president's statement, despite his attempts to clarify it, adds to public confusion, said Josh Michaud, associate director of global health policy with the Kaiser Family Foundation in Washington.“People aren’t sure when is the right time to get boosted. ‘Am I eligible?’ People are often confused about what the right choice is for them, even where to search for that information,” Michaud said.“Any time you have mixed messages, it’s detrimental to the public health effort,” Michaud said. “Having the mixed messages from the president’s remarks, makes that job that much harder.”University of South Florida epidemiologist Jason Salemi said he's worried the president's pronouncement has taken on a life of its own and may stall prevention efforts.“That soundbite is there for a while now, and it’s going to spread like wildfire. And it’s going to give the impression that ‘Oh, there’s nothing more we need to do,’” Salemi said.“If we’re happy with 400 or 500 people dying every single day from COVID, there’s a problem with that,” Salemi said. “We can absolutely do better because most of those deaths, if not all of them, are absolutely preventable with the tools that we have.”New York City photographer Vivienne Gucwa, 44, got the new booster Monday. She’s had COVID twice, once before vaccines were available and again in May. She was vaccinated with two Moderna shots, but never got the original boosters.“When I saw the new booster was able to tackle omicron variant I thought, ‘I’m doing that,’” Gucwa said.“I don’t want to deal with omicron again. I was kind of thrilled to see the boosters were updated.”

4.4M Americans roll up sleeves for omicron-targeted boosters

KANSAS CITY (AP) — An 84-year-old man was convicted Thursday of shooting and killing a Kansas City lawyer who had won a multi-million judgment against him in a civil lawsuit.

A Jackson County jury deliberated about two hours before finding David Jungerman, of Raytown, guilty of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the Oct. 25, 2017, death of 39-year-old Tom Pickert, who was shot in front of his home after he returned from walking his children to school.

Prosecutors contended Jungerman shot Pickert because he was upset the attorney had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/742acc90aae04325a9dfb9cee9625a8a">won a $5.75 million judgment</a>&nbsp;for a homeless man who Jungerman shot in 2012 because he thought the man was stealing from one of his businesses.

“We are very, very thankful that the jury has spoken and that justice has finally been brought to this family,” Tim Dollar, assistant Jackson County prosecutor, said after the verdict was announced.

Sentencing was scheduled for Nov. 18. Jungerman’s attorney, Daniel Ross, said they plan to appeal.

Prosecutors said 10 days before Pickert was shot, a garnishment was filed against Jungerman. The day before Pickert was shot, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office served Jungerman with property liens that would have prevented Jungerman from selling or transferring his property.

During the trial, prosecutors played an audio recording of Jungerman bragging about the murder to his farmhand, Kansas City media reported. Jungerman apparently recorded the conversation by accident and it was later discovered by authorities during a search of his house.

"The thing that sort of bothers me about me is that when I think about it, I grin. That (expletive) has caused me a lot of trouble,” Jungerman said on the audio.

Dollar said during closing arguments that the recording showed Jungerman had “ice water” in his veins.

“These two people are laughing,” Dollar said. "That is what he is thinking about when he says it makes me grin. What kind of monster would smile or laugh about that? That’s what he is talking about. That’s what was in his mind.”

Jungerman’s defense argued the police investigation was sloppy, with missing reports and destroyed evidence. They said about a quarter of the audio recording of Jungerman was missing.

“The state (prosecutors) ignored the facts. Why?” Ross said. “Because this fellow had a judgment against him and the lawyer who got it died, therefore he’s guilty. And that has been their approach since October 2017.”

KANSAS CITY —A jury on Thursday convicted a Raytown man in the 2018 murder of Kansas City lawyer Thomas Pickert in front of his residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

David Jungerman, 84, Raytown, was convicted of Murder 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action.

According to court records, KCPD officers responded at about 8:07 a.m. on Oct. 25, 2017, to a Kansas City residence. They found the Pickert’s body on the front walk. 

He had been shot once by a .17 caliber bullet. Before the shooting, the victim had obtained a jury verdict in the amount of $5.75 million against Jungerman on behalf of his client. The day before the murder, Jungerman was served property liens by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. 

The defendant owns a white van and told the media that no one used his van that day and that he had the only key to that van. A witness – a man walking his dog -- told police that he saw an older white man with grey hair standing behind an idling white van.&nbsp;

The fatal bullet, according to court records, was identified as a .17 caliber round, a relatively rare caliber. On March 8, 2018, a search warrant was obtained for the defendant’s car. 

Under the passenger seat an unspent .17 caliber bullet was located. A witness told police that he had a conversation with Jungerman in March 2018. During that conversation, Police executed search warrants, according to court records, at the defendant’s home and business. At his business, police found a print out from the Jackson County property tax database.

 It showed the victim’s home address. An Olympus audio recorder with a recording was recovered. The first part of the recording captured a court hearing that the defendant attended in November 2017. But after the hearing, the recorder continued to run. Later, the defendant talked to his employee about a .17 caliber rifle and about killing the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663893726992.png" alt="Jungerman-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Jungerman-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — An 84-year-old man was convicted Thursday of shooting and killing a Kansas City lawyer who had won a multi-million judgment against him in a civil lawsuit.A Jackson County jury deliberated about two hours before finding David Jungerman, of Raytown, guilty of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the Oct. 25, 2017, death of 39-year-old Tom Pickert, who was shot in front of his home after he returned from walking his children to school.Prosecutors contended Jungerman shot Pickert because he was upset the attorney had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/742acc90aae04325a9dfb9cee9625a8a">won a $5.75 million judgment</a>&nbsp;for a homeless man who Jungerman shot in 2012 because he thought the man was stealing from one of his businesses.“We are very, very thankful that the jury has spoken and that justice has finally been brought to this family,” Tim Dollar, assistant Jackson County prosecutor, said after the verdict was announced.Sentencing was scheduled for Nov. 18. Jungerman’s attorney, Daniel Ross, said they plan to appeal.Prosecutors said 10 days before Pickert was shot, a garnishment was filed against Jungerman. The day before Pickert was shot, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office served Jungerman with property liens that would have prevented Jungerman from selling or transferring his property.During the trial, prosecutors played an audio recording of Jungerman bragging about the murder to his farmhand, Kansas City media reported. Jungerman apparently recorded the conversation by accident and it was later discovered by authorities during a search of his house."The thing that sort of bothers me about me is that when I think about it, I grin. That (expletive) has caused me a lot of trouble,” Jungerman said on the audio.Dollar said during closing arguments that the recording showed Jungerman had “ice water” in his veins.“These two people are laughing,” Dollar said. "That is what he is thinking about when he says it makes me grin. What kind of monster would smile or laugh about that? That’s what he is talking about. That’s what was in his mind.”Jungerman’s defense argued the police investigation was sloppy, with missing reports and destroyed evidence. They said about a quarter of the audio recording of Jungerman was missing.“The state (prosecutors) ignored the facts. Why?” Ross said. “Because this fellow had a judgment against him and the lawyer who got it died, therefore he’s guilty. And that has been their approach since October 2017.”----------KANSAS CITY —A jury on Thursday convicted a Raytown man in the 2018 murder of Kansas City lawyer Thomas Pickert in front of his residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.David Jungerman, 84, Raytown, was convicted of Murder 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action.According to court records, KCPD officers responded at about 8:07 a.m. on Oct. 25, 2017, to a Kansas City residence. They found the Pickert’s body on the front walk. He had been shot once by a .17 caliber bullet. Before the shooting, the victim had obtained a jury verdict in the amount of $5.75 million against Jungerman on behalf of his client. The day before the murder, Jungerman was served property liens by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The defendant owns a white van and told the media that no one used his van that day and that he had the only key to that van. A witness – a man walking his dog -- told police that he saw an older white man with grey hair standing behind an idling white van.&nbsp;The fatal bullet, according to court records, was identified as a .17 caliber round, a relatively rare caliber. On March 8, 2018, a search warrant was obtained for the defendant’s car. Under the passenger seat an unspent .17 caliber bullet was located. A witness told police that he had a conversation with Jungerman in March 2018. During that conversation, Police executed search warrants, according to court records, at the defendant’s home and business. At his business, police found a print out from the Jackson County property tax database. It showed the victim’s home address. An Olympus audio recorder with a recording was recovered. The first part of the recording captured a court hearing that the defendant attended in November 2017. But after the hearing, the recorder continued to run. Later, the defendant talked to his employee about a .17 caliber rifle and about killing the victim.Jungerman will be sentenced on Nov. 18.

Man guilty of killing KC attorney who won judgement against him 

Get ready for flu season by scheduling a flu vaccine, starting Oct. 3 at the Ellis County Health Department, 2507 Canterbury.

~Regular Flu (ages 6 month+) ~Flublok (ages 18+ &amp; egg-free) ~High Dose (ages 65+)

Follow the link here to schedule:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5a9rmu5j?fbclid=IwAR1QdZv8qhEJWiGT3lLuGlsH4fWn3CIaohMDfPm4lgeKX1X9FUFSidxjZ78" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5a9rmu5j</a>

To schedule an on-site business flu clinic or for more information, call&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5a9rmu5j?fbclid=IwAR1QdZv8qhEJWiGT3lLuGlsH4fWn3CIaohMDfPm4lgeKX1X9FUFSidxjZ78" target="_blank"></a>785-628-9440.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659648134471.jpg" alt="(Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>Get ready for flu season by scheduling a flu vaccine, starting Oct. 3 at the Ellis County Health Department, 2507 Canterbury.These flu options will be available:~Regular Flu (ages 6 month+) ~Flublok (ages 18+ &amp; egg-free) ~High Dose (ages 65+)Follow the link here to schedule:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5a9rmu5j?fbclid=IwAR1QdZv8qhEJWiGT3lLuGlsH4fWn3CIaohMDfPm4lgeKX1X9FUFSidxjZ78" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5a9rmu5j</a>To schedule an on-site business flu clinic or for more information, call&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5a9rmu5j?fbclid=IwAR1QdZv8qhEJWiGT3lLuGlsH4fWn3CIaohMDfPm4lgeKX1X9FUFSidxjZ78" target="_blank"></a>785-628-9440.

Flu shots available in October at Ellis County Health Department

By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/22/beagles-rescued-from-virginia-dog-breeding-facility-get-the-star-treatment-in-d-c/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — Now-famous beagles 
rescued from a breeding and research facility in Virginia were on 
Capitol Hill on Thursday as an animal welfare group and a California 
congressman pushed for legislation that would promote adoption of 
research animals.

“It’s unfortunate that animals are 
still allowed to be used in testing. That hopefully is going to go away 
very, very soon. But while it’s happening, we can do better,” said Rep. 
Tony Cárdenas.

The beagles came from a
 controversial Envigo medical dog-breeding facility in Cumberland County
 that shut down under pressure from federal regulators because of a 
string of animal welfare violations, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/blog-va/beagle-breeding-facility-shutting-down-over-violations-will-be-allowed-to-sell-500-dogs/">the Virginia Mercury has reported.</a>&nbsp; Federal agents in May <a target="_blank" href="https://www.peta.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/012-Joint-Motion-to-Extend-TRO.pdf">seized hundreds of dogs and puppies</a> found to be “in acute distress.”

A judge in July <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/judge-approves-transfer-of-all-4000-remaining-beagles-at-breeding-facility-to-shelters-for-adoption/?eType=EmailBlastContent&amp;eId=44444444-4444-4444-4444-444444444444">approved a plan</a> to move 4,000 beagles from the facility to shelters for adoption, making national headlines. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-08-24/meghan-prince-harry-adopt-beagle-rescued-from-virginia-plant">One adopter turned out to be </a>Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and her husband, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who are now living in California.

On Thursday, several of the beagles 
were at the Capitol to get petted and shown off at a “meet and greet” 
and to help make a point about animal research.

Cárdenas, a California Democrat, introduced a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5726">bill</a>
 last October that would require any facility receiving funding from the
 National Institutes of Health to make “reasonable efforts” to adopt any
 dog, cat, or rabbit deemed suitable for adoption once that animal is no
 longer needed for biomedical and behavioral research.&nbsp;

The legislation has just four other 
co-sponsors, Joe Neguse of Colorado, Jimmy Panetta of California, Donald
 Payne Jr. of New Jersey and Dina Titus of Nevada.

When asked about the strategy for 
reaching the level of support the bill would need to clear the House and
 the Senate, Cárdenas told States Newsroom that he plans to push back on
 the medical research industry criticism that the measure is “too 
onerous.”&nbsp;

Cárdenas also hopes more of his colleagues will voice support for the legislation.&nbsp;

Monica Engebretson, North America 
campaign manager for Cruelty Free International, said 15 states require 
animal research facilities to offer dogs and cats they no longer want 
for adoption. But she believes a nationwide law is needed.&nbsp;

Engebretson said the group has had 
some success in the past getting policy changes enacted through the 
annual legislation that funds the NIH, which is headquartered in 
Bethesda, Maryland, and hopes to do so again with this current policy 
proposal.&nbsp;

The NIH’s website says that it’s 
“committed to continuing to develop non-animal model alternative 
methods,” though it notes “we are not at a point where alternative 
approaches can completely replace the use of animals at this time.”

“The alternatives simply cannot 
accurately replicate or model all the biologic and behavioral aspects of
 human disease,” NIH writes. “Until that time, animal models will remain
 integral for NIH-supported research.”

The NIH also has an Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But neither its Public Health Service
 Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals or its Guide for 
the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals include any proposals or 
suggestions for whether cats, dogs and bunnies should be available for 
adoption after they are no longer needed.&nbsp;

The Office of Laboratory Animal 
Welfare notes on its website that it “supports the safety and protection
 of animals and reminds institutions that their policies must clarify 
the disposition of animals acquired for research once the research has 
ended, which may include adoption.” It also says it “will not assume 
legal or financial responsibility for any adoption program” of research 
animals.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663883738198.png" alt="A beagle rescued from the Envigo medical dog-breeding facility in Cumberland County, Virginia, appears at a Capitol Hill event on Sept. 22. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>A beagle rescued from the Envigo medical dog-breeding facility in Cumberland County, Virginia, appears at a Capitol Hill event on Sept. 22. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/22/beagles-rescued-from-virginia-dog-breeding-facility-get-the-star-treatment-in-d-c/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Now-famous beagles 
rescued from a breeding and research facility in Virginia were on 
Capitol Hill on Thursday as an animal welfare group and a California 
congressman pushed for legislation that would promote adoption of 
research animals.“It’s unfortunate that animals are 
still allowed to be used in testing. That hopefully is going to go away 
very, very soon. But while it’s happening, we can do better,” said Rep. 
Tony Cárdenas.The beagles came from a
 controversial Envigo medical dog-breeding facility in Cumberland County
 that shut down under pressure from federal regulators because of a 
string of animal welfare violations, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/blog-va/beagle-breeding-facility-shutting-down-over-violations-will-be-allowed-to-sell-500-dogs/">the Virginia Mercury has reported.</a>&nbsp; Federal agents in May <a target="_blank" href="https://www.peta.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/012-Joint-Motion-to-Extend-TRO.pdf">seized hundreds of dogs and puppies</a> found to be “in acute distress.”A judge in July <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/judge-approves-transfer-of-all-4000-remaining-beagles-at-breeding-facility-to-shelters-for-adoption/?eType=EmailBlastContent&amp;eId=44444444-4444-4444-4444-444444444444">approved a plan</a> to move 4,000 beagles from the facility to shelters for adoption, making national headlines. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-08-24/meghan-prince-harry-adopt-beagle-rescued-from-virginia-plant">One adopter turned out to be </a>Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and her husband, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who are now living in California.On Thursday, several of the beagles 
were at the Capitol to get petted and shown off at a “meet and greet” 
and to help make a point about animal research.Cárdenas, a California Democrat, introduced a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5726">bill</a>
 last October that would require any facility receiving funding from the
 National Institutes of Health to make “reasonable efforts” to adopt any
 dog, cat, or rabbit deemed suitable for adoption once that animal is no
 longer needed for biomedical and behavioral research.&nbsp;The legislation has just four other 
co-sponsors, Joe Neguse of Colorado, Jimmy Panetta of California, Donald
 Payne Jr. of New Jersey and Dina Titus of Nevada.When asked about the strategy for 
reaching the level of support the bill would need to clear the House and
 the Senate, Cárdenas told States Newsroom that he plans to push back on
 the medical research industry criticism that the measure is “too 
onerous.”&nbsp;“I don’t buy that,” he said.Cárdenas also hopes more of his colleagues will voice support for the legislation.&nbsp;Monica Engebretson, North America 
campaign manager for Cruelty Free International, said 15 states require 
animal research facilities to offer dogs and cats they no longer want 
for adoption. But she believes a nationwide law is needed.&nbsp;Engebretson said the group has had 
some success in the past getting policy changes enacted through the 
annual legislation that funds the NIH, which is headquartered in 
Bethesda, Maryland, and hopes to do so again with this current policy 
proposal.&nbsp;The NIH’s website says that it’s 
“committed to continuing to develop non-animal model alternative 
methods,” though it notes “we are not at a point where alternative 
approaches can completely replace the use of animals at this time.”“The alternatives simply cannot 
accurately replicate or model all the biologic and behavioral aspects of
 human disease,” NIH writes. “Until that time, animal models will remain
 integral for NIH-supported research.”The NIH also has an Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare.&nbsp;&nbsp;But neither its Public Health Service
 Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals or its Guide for 
the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals include any proposals or 
suggestions for whether cats, dogs and bunnies should be available for 
adoption after they are no longer needed.&nbsp;The Office of Laboratory Animal 
Welfare notes on its website that it “supports the safety and protection
 of animals and reminds institutions that their policies must clarify 
the disposition of animals acquired for research once the research has 
ended, which may include adoption.” It also says it “will not assume 
legal or financial responsibility for any adoption program” of research 
animals.&nbsp;

Beagles rescued from dog-breeding facility get D.C. star treatment

Janet Ruth (Werner) Malpert, 84, of Lindsborg passed away peacefully,
 Tuesday, September 13th, at Salina Regional Health Center. &nbsp;&nbsp;Janet was 
born on a farm southeast of Deshler, NE on April 2, 1938, to Albert and 
Esther (Kahle) Werner. She was baptized at Peace Lutheran Church in 
Deshler, NE, on April 17th, 1938, by the Rev. Fred Schwerin.

She attended District 86 and Peace Lutheran Parochial School. On June
 3, 1951, she was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Peace Lutheran 
Church by the Reverend R.H. Riensche. Janet attended Deshler High 
School, graduating in 1955 as valedictorian. She attended Wartburg 
College in Waverly, IA receiving her teaching certificate in 1957. She 
also attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

Janet taught kindergarten, band, and choir at Ruskin (NE) Public 
School. While there, she was instrumental in getting the school’s first 
band uniforms.

On February 14, 1959, Janet married Darrell Malpert at Peace Lutheran
 Church by Pastor Erwin Janssen. To this union, three daughters were 
born, Dawn, Avona and Meredith. The couple made their first home in 
Hebron, Nebraska where Darrell was a pharmacist at Christensen Drug. 
They later moved to Clarinda, Iowa for eight years. In 1969, she and 
Darrell purchased Higdon Drug Store in Goodland, Kansas. Janet worked as
 part of Malpert Drug Company for the next 28 years until Darrell’s 
retirement in 1997 when the pharmacy closed and the business became 
Jan’s Hallmark. Throughout their years in Goodland, the family enjoyed 
many weekends at the lake, boating and picnicking with family and 
friends. After her retirement in 2001, the couple moved to Lindsborg, 
Kansas. During retirement, the couple enjoyed travelling, especially 
spending winter months in Green Valley, AZ.

Throughout her life, Janet had many interests. She was involved in 
4-H as a leader in all communities she lived and active in her 
children’s activities.

She was a talented singer and musician. She gave piano lessons after 
school and provided special music at many events. Janet was an active 
member of the Goodland Federated Music Club. She also directed various 
church choirs including a high school youth choir “The Good Life 
Singers” which travelled to various congregations in several states, 
spreading the Good News.

Janet was very active in church work including teaching Sunday 
School, Bible School, Bible study groups and serving many offices for 
the Tri State Conference in the ALCW. She attended many ALC/ELCA 
national conventions as a delegate and served on the Central District 
Church Council.

She enjoyed history and genealogy. Janet researched and complied 
family histories and was instrumental in family reunions. Janet was also
 interested in Native American History and worked at the Navaho Lutheran
 Mission in Arizona. She presented many programs telling the Navaho 
story.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Esther Werner,
 her father and mother in-law, John and Carrie Malpert, Stepfather, 
Marvin Malpert, &nbsp;sister-in-laws, Jane Malpert and Jan Werner, and 
brother-in-law, Kenneth Malpert

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Darrell of Lindsborg, Ks 
and their three daughters, Dawn (Kendal) Rohr of Canton, KS, Avona 
(Scott) Wennihan of Columbus, NE, Meredith (Wayne) Pohlmann of Deshler, 
NE, brother Ronald Werner of Poplar Grove, IL and brother and sister 
in-law, Merlin and Barbara Malpert of Nice, MO. She was a proud 
grandparent to Bret (Zoe) and Scott (Tiffany) Rohr, Miranda (Todd) 
Jackson, Whitney (AJ) Bayerl, Emily Pohlmann, Megan (Zach) Mason, Jared 
(Cheyanna) and Ragan Pohlmann, fourteen great-grandchildren, many 
friends, and relatives.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday October 8, 2022, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, KS. Burial will be at a later date in Deshler, NE.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663425059751.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Janet Ruth (Werner) Malpert, 84, of Lindsborg passed away peacefully,
 Tuesday, September 13th, at Salina Regional Health Center. &nbsp;&nbsp;Janet was 
born on a farm southeast of Deshler, NE on April 2, 1938, to Albert and 
Esther (Kahle) Werner. She was baptized at Peace Lutheran Church in 
Deshler, NE, on April 17th, 1938, by the Rev. Fred Schwerin.She attended District 86 and Peace Lutheran Parochial School. On June
 3, 1951, she was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Peace Lutheran 
Church by the Reverend R.H. Riensche. Janet attended Deshler High 
School, graduating in 1955 as valedictorian. She attended Wartburg 
College in Waverly, IA receiving her teaching certificate in 1957. She 
also attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.Janet taught kindergarten, band, and choir at Ruskin (NE) Public 
School. While there, she was instrumental in getting the school’s first 
band uniforms.On February 14, 1959, Janet married Darrell Malpert at Peace Lutheran
 Church by Pastor Erwin Janssen. To this union, three daughters were 
born, Dawn, Avona and Meredith. The couple made their first home in 
Hebron, Nebraska where Darrell was a pharmacist at Christensen Drug. 
They later moved to Clarinda, Iowa for eight years. In 1969, she and 
Darrell purchased Higdon Drug Store in Goodland, Kansas. Janet worked as
 part of Malpert Drug Company for the next 28 years until Darrell’s 
retirement in 1997 when the pharmacy closed and the business became 
Jan’s Hallmark. Throughout their years in Goodland, the family enjoyed 
many weekends at the lake, boating and picnicking with family and 
friends. After her retirement in 2001, the couple moved to Lindsborg, 
Kansas. During retirement, the couple enjoyed travelling, especially 
spending winter months in Green Valley, AZ.Throughout her life, Janet had many interests. She was involved in 
4-H as a leader in all communities she lived and active in her 
children’s activities.She was a talented singer and musician. She gave piano lessons after 
school and provided special music at many events. Janet was an active 
member of the Goodland Federated Music Club. She also directed various 
church choirs including a high school youth choir “The Good Life 
Singers” which travelled to various congregations in several states, 
spreading the Good News.Janet was very active in church work including teaching Sunday 
School, Bible School, Bible study groups and serving many offices for 
the Tri State Conference in the ALCW. She attended many ALC/ELCA 
national conventions as a delegate and served on the Central District 
Church Council.She enjoyed history and genealogy. Janet researched and complied 
family histories and was instrumental in family reunions. Janet was also
 interested in Native American History and worked at the Navaho Lutheran
 Mission in Arizona. She presented many programs telling the Navaho 
story.Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Esther Werner,
 her father and mother in-law, John and Carrie Malpert, Stepfather, 
Marvin Malpert, &nbsp;sister-in-laws, Jane Malpert and Jan Werner, and 
brother-in-law, Kenneth MalpertShe is survived by her husband of 63 years, Darrell of Lindsborg, Ks 
and their three daughters, Dawn (Kendal) Rohr of Canton, KS, Avona 
(Scott) Wennihan of Columbus, NE, Meredith (Wayne) Pohlmann of Deshler, 
NE, brother Ronald Werner of Poplar Grove, IL and brother and sister 
in-law, Merlin and Barbara Malpert of Nice, MO. She was a proud 
grandparent to Bret (Zoe) and Scott (Tiffany) Rohr, Miranda (Todd) 
Jackson, Whitney (AJ) Bayerl, Emily Pohlmann, Megan (Zach) Mason, Jared 
(Cheyanna) and Ragan Pohlmann, fourteen great-grandchildren, many 
friends, and relatives.A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday October 8, 2022, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, KS. Burial will be at a later date in Deshler, NE.

Janet Ruth (Werner) Malpert

Philip Alan Schreiber, 71, passed away September 21, 2022, at his home in Larned.

He was born February 13, 1951, in Great Bend, the son of Elmer Leon and Mildred L. Fairchild Schreiber.

A lifetime area resident, raised on a farm south of Larned, he was a 
member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Larned.&nbsp; He was an Activity 
Therapist at Larned State Hospital and later a Para Educator for USD 
495. He enjoyed yardwork and gardening, running, attending his children 
and grandchildren’s activities, and spending time with family.

On December 3, 1977, he married Ann Vratil in Larned; she survives.

Other survivors include: two daughters, Stefanie (Cody) Turner, 
Wamego, Emily (Michael) Racette, Larned; six grandchildren, Savannah 
Racette, Brayson Bird, Camden Bird, Kennedy Bird, Dalton Turner, Adreana
 Turner; and his loyal companion, Sandy.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; step father, Bill Hanshew; 
brother, Eldon Schreiber; two step brothers, Dudley Hanshew, and Dean 
Hanshew.

Memorial mass will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church, Larned, with Father Bernard Felix presiding. 
Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 30, 2022, at 
Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with family present from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. 
Inurnment will be in the Larned Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Larned Recreation Commission in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663883476972.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Philip Alan Schreiber, 71, passed away September 21, 2022, at his home in Larned.He was born February 13, 1951, in Great Bend, the son of Elmer Leon and Mildred L. Fairchild Schreiber.A lifetime area resident, raised on a farm south of Larned, he was a 
member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Larned.&nbsp; He was an Activity 
Therapist at Larned State Hospital and later a Para Educator for USD 
495. He enjoyed yardwork and gardening, running, attending his children 
and grandchildren’s activities, and spending time with family.On December 3, 1977, he married Ann Vratil in Larned; she survives.Other survivors include: two daughters, Stefanie (Cody) Turner, 
Wamego, Emily (Michael) Racette, Larned; six grandchildren, Savannah 
Racette, Brayson Bird, Camden Bird, Kennedy Bird, Dalton Turner, Adreana
 Turner; and his loyal companion, Sandy.He was preceded in death by: his parents; step father, Bill Hanshew; 
brother, Eldon Schreiber; two step brothers, Dudley Hanshew, and Dean 
Hanshew.Memorial mass will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church, Larned, with Father Bernard Felix presiding. 
Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 30, 2022, at 
Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with family present from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. 
Inurnment will be in the Larned Cemetery.Memorials may be given to Larned Recreation Commission in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550.

Philip Alan Schreiber

Robert Allen Prentice, age 85, passed away Monday, September 12, 2022 at Highlands Park Care Center in Alliance, Nebraska. He was born April 6, 1937 in Mullen, Nebraska to Robert B. and Elsie A. Prentice. He attended high school in Mullen and graduated in 1956. He ranched on the original Prentice homestead north of Mullen and had a meat processing business for many years to supplement the family income.

On July 3, 1970, he married Bonnie L. Vargason, becoming a father to Allen Vargason. To this union were born two daughters, Melanie Lee in 1971, and Michele Lynn in 1973.

He leased the Fay Reigle ranch for several years and managed both places with long trips between the two with cattle and machinery.

In October 1995, the couple moved to Mullen and Robert worked at the COOP for fifteen years before retiring.

He was a wonderful, loving husband and father. He always made time to spend with family, and they enjoyed many fishing and camping trips.&nbsp; Many seasons of haying labor were made as a family unit as well. &nbsp;Some of Robert’s hobbies included making marble boards, playing cards, and he also volunteered as a guide for the Sharptail Shootout. Robert thoroughly enjoyed having his numerous nieces and nephews come stay at the ranch. Robert was a very compassionate and humble man with high expectations. He was always concerned about others’ comfort and happiness before his own.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

He is survived by his wife Bonnie of Alliance, Nebraska; son Allen and Nancy Vargason of Lincoln, Nebraska; daughter Melanie and Mario Aguilera of Scott City, Kansas; daughter Michele Prentice of Newcastle, Wyoming; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.&nbsp; He is also survived by his twin sisters, Mildred Szwanek of Mullen, NE and Myra Fackler of Wellfleet, Ne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and one sister.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 24 at 2:00 pm MT at Cedarview Cemetery in Mullen, a luncheon for family and friends will be held prior to the service at noon MT at the Hooker County Ag Building located at the Fairgrounds in Mullen.

The Family of Robert Prentice 518 W 12th St Apt 1 Alliance, Nebraska 69301

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663855137280.png" alt="Robert Prentice" />
 <figcaption>Robert Prentice</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Allen Prentice, age 85, passed away Monday, September 12, 2022 at Highlands Park Care Center in Alliance, Nebraska. He was born April 6, 1937 in Mullen, Nebraska to Robert B. and Elsie A. Prentice. He attended high school in Mullen and graduated in 1956. He ranched on the original Prentice homestead north of Mullen and had a meat processing business for many years to supplement the family income.On July 3, 1970, he married Bonnie L. Vargason, becoming a father to Allen Vargason. To this union were born two daughters, Melanie Lee in 1971, and Michele Lynn in 1973.He leased the Fay Reigle ranch for several years and managed both places with long trips between the two with cattle and machinery.In October 1995, the couple moved to Mullen and Robert worked at the COOP for fifteen years before retiring.He was a wonderful, loving husband and father. He always made time to spend with family, and they enjoyed many fishing and camping trips.&nbsp; Many seasons of haying labor were made as a family unit as well. &nbsp;Some of Robert’s hobbies included making marble boards, playing cards, and he also volunteered as a guide for the Sharptail Shootout. Robert thoroughly enjoyed having his numerous nieces and nephews come stay at the ranch. Robert was a very compassionate and humble man with high expectations. He was always concerned about others’ comfort and happiness before his own.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He is survived by his wife Bonnie of Alliance, Nebraska; son Allen and Nancy Vargason of Lincoln, Nebraska; daughter Melanie and Mario Aguilera of Scott City, Kansas; daughter Michele Prentice of Newcastle, Wyoming; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.&nbsp; He is also survived by his twin sisters, Mildred Szwanek of Mullen, NE and Myra Fackler of Wellfleet, Ne.He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and one sister.Graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 24 at 2:00 pm MT at Cedarview Cemetery in Mullen, a luncheon for family and friends will be held prior to the service at noon MT at the Hooker County Ag Building located at the Fairgrounds in Mullen.Memorials may be sent to:The Family of Robert Prentice 518 W 12th St Apt 1 Alliance, Nebraska 69301

Robert Prentice (1937-2022)

Shirley Ann (Davis) Cochran, 80, of Pampa, TX died Monday, August 15, 2022.&nbsp;

Shirley was born October 7, 1941, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, the daughter of Beuren F. and Lela E. (Carpenter) Davis.  She attended Chickasha public schools as well as OCW in Chickasha.  Shirley sewed for several years including costumes for the Madrigal Ball held at Fort Hays State University, making her own patterns.  She was an awesome cook as well as a great seamstress and sewed for whoever needed clothing made, she also babysat several kids.&nbsp;

 She married Pete D. “Sonny” Cochran April 15, 1961, in Chickasha, Oklahoma.  Shirley was a loving mother, kind and caring, but you did not want to touch her glass of tea while collecting glasses and dishes for washing.   She devoted her life in being a wonderful housewife, raising her own 4 children while taking care of others while their parents worked.  She also spent hours sewing for others.   She loved sewing, embroidery, and crocheting.  Her and Pete bought Franklin Crafts in Hays, Kansas which she sold prior to moving back to Oklahoma.  She also served as a Brownie and Girl Scout, Cub Scout, and Boy Scout leader.

Her faith was beyond measure as Shirley had full faith in the Lord.  She was saved at around the age of 14 and baptized in her mid-30s. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and a brother Sam Davis.

Survivors include her children, Kim (and Butch) Hendrix of Indiana, Mike (and Laurie) Cochran, Chris (and Christine) Cochran all of Kansas, and Barry Cochran, of Texas; grandchildren, Haley, Allison, Trey, Avery and Alex; step-grandchildren, Jeff and Steph; great-grandchildren, Kaycie, Spencer and Casper; step- great-grandchildren, Lexi, Kylie, Chase, Bradley and Logan; her sister, Karen (and Bobby) Smith of Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Juanita (and James “Chief”) Cook all of Oklahoma; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, October 22, at 10 a.m. at Fairlawn Cemetery, Chickasha, Oklahoma.

Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663877649107.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Shirley Ann (Davis) Cochran, 80, of Pampa, TX died Monday, August 15, 2022.&nbsp;Shirley was born October 7, 1941, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, the daughter of Beuren F. and Lela E. (Carpenter) Davis. She attended Chickasha public schools as well as OCW in Chickasha. Shirley sewed for several years including costumes for the Madrigal Ball held at Fort Hays State University, making her own patterns. She was an awesome cook as well as a great seamstress and sewed for whoever needed clothing made, she also babysat several kids.&nbsp; She married Pete D. “Sonny” Cochran April 15, 1961, in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Shirley was a loving mother, kind and caring, but you did not want to touch her glass of tea while collecting glasses and dishes for washing. She devoted her life in being a wonderful housewife, raising her own 4 children while taking care of others while their parents worked. She also spent hours sewing for others. She loved sewing, embroidery, and crocheting. Her and Pete bought Franklin Crafts in Hays, Kansas which she sold prior to moving back to Oklahoma. She also served as a Brownie and Girl Scout, Cub Scout, and Boy Scout leader.Her faith was beyond measure as Shirley had full faith in the Lord. She was saved at around the age of 14 and baptized in her mid-30s. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and a brother Sam Davis.Survivors include her children, Kim (and Butch) Hendrix of Indiana, Mike (and Laurie) Cochran, Chris (and Christine) Cochran all of Kansas, and Barry Cochran, of Texas; grandchildren, Haley, Allison, Trey, Avery and Alex; step-grandchildren, Jeff and Steph; great-grandchildren, Kaycie, Spencer and Casper; step- great-grandchildren, Lexi, Kylie, Chase, Bradley and Logan; her sister, Karen (and Bobby) Smith of Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Juanita (and James “Chief”) Cook all of Oklahoma; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Graveside services will be held Saturday, October 22, at 10 a.m. at Fairlawn Cemetery, Chickasha, Oklahoma.Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Shirley Ann (Davis) Cochran

On Monday, September 19th, 2022, Stormy Desiray Rogers passed away at
 Hays Medical Center, Hays, Ks., due to an ongoing battle with kidney 
disease.&nbsp; She was 44 years old. She was ushered into heaven by a host of
 Gods servants, she went peacefully.

Stormy was born on October 14th, 1977, to George Arthur 
and Joyce Marie (Morrison) Windham in Sanford, N.C.&nbsp; She lived in 
various states including North Carolina, Kansas, and Oklahoma throughout
 her life’s journey. She married Joseph Wayne Rogers on March 24, 2018, 
in Lacrosse, Ks. Stormy gave birth to her only child, her son, Royal 
Odense Roger at Hays Medical Center on December 3, 2018.

Stormy was a Christian and loved Jesus very much.&nbsp; She loved arts 
&amp; crafts, animals, Winnie the Pooh, dolphins and little children.&nbsp; 
She also loved country music, hanging out with friends and dancing.&nbsp;

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Wayne Rogers; her 
mother-in-law; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.&nbsp; A special mention to
 her best-friend, Carey Lee for being a forever childhood friend. She 
was preceded in death by her father and mother, George Arthur and Joyce 
Marie Windham; her brother, Robert Earl Morrison; and her beloved son, 
Royal Odense Rogers.&nbsp;

Her Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, October 15th,
 2022, at First Street Church, 601 E. First, Hoisington, Ks. at 11:00 
a.m.&nbsp; Luncheon to be served after service. 

Memorials may be directed to 
the Stormy Rogers Memorial Fund, in care of First Street Church of God, 
601 E. First, Hoisington, KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663871217361.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, September 19th, 2022, Stormy Desiray Rogers passed away at
 Hays Medical Center, Hays, Ks., due to an ongoing battle with kidney 
disease.&nbsp; She was 44 years old. She was ushered into heaven by a host of
 Gods servants, she went peacefully.Stormy was born on October 14th, 1977, to George Arthur 
and Joyce Marie (Morrison) Windham in Sanford, N.C.&nbsp; She lived in 
various states including North Carolina, Kansas, and Oklahoma throughout
 her life’s journey. She married Joseph Wayne Rogers on March 24, 2018, 
in Lacrosse, Ks. Stormy gave birth to her only child, her son, Royal 
Odense Roger at Hays Medical Center on December 3, 2018.Stormy was a Christian and loved Jesus very much.&nbsp; She loved arts 
&amp; crafts, animals, Winnie the Pooh, dolphins and little children.&nbsp; 
She also loved country music, hanging out with friends and dancing.&nbsp;She is survived by her husband, Joseph Wayne Rogers; her 
mother-in-law; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.&nbsp; A special mention to
 her best-friend, Carey Lee for being a forever childhood friend. She 
was preceded in death by her father and mother, George Arthur and Joyce 
Marie Windham; her brother, Robert Earl Morrison; and her beloved son, 
Royal Odense Rogers.&nbsp;Her Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, October 15th,
 2022, at First Street Church, 601 E. First, Hoisington, Ks. at 11:00 
a.m.&nbsp; Luncheon to be served after service. Memorials may be directed to 
the Stormy Rogers Memorial Fund, in care of First Street Church of God, 
601 E. First, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Stormy Desiray Rogers

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting Sept. 15 made his first court appearance on Tuesday.&nbsp; Laquavion Bentley, 19 of Wichita, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and criminal threat, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

He was originally booked on a requested charge of 2nd degree murder, according to Wichita Police.&nbsp; The investigation of the shooting death continues.

Just after 1:30 a.m. Sept. 15, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4500 block of South Hydraulic. Upon arrival, Officers located 21-year-old Devin Bills unconscious and not breathing with two gunshot wounds to his upper body, according to Officer Juan&nbsp;Rebolledo.

Officers began life-saving measures. EMS pronounced Bills deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed that Bills and several other people were outside the residence hanging out when a verbal argument ensued, and shots were fired. Bentley fled the scene in a vehicle. 

Attorneys in the case are scheduled to discuss future dates October 6. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20075063">Bentley remains jailed </a>on a $500,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663353219108.png" alt="Bentley-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Bentley-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting Sept. 15 made his first court appearance on Tuesday.&nbsp; Laquavion Bentley, 19 of Wichita, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and criminal threat, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.He was originally booked on a requested charge of 2nd degree murder, according to Wichita Police.&nbsp; The investigation of the shooting death continues.Just after 1:30 a.m. Sept. 15, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4500 block of South Hydraulic. Upon arrival, Officers located 21-year-old Devin Bills unconscious and not breathing with two gunshot wounds to his upper body, according to Officer Juan&nbsp;Rebolledo.Officers began life-saving measures. EMS pronounced Bills deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed that Bills and several other people were outside the residence hanging out when a verbal argument ensued, and shots were fired. Bentley fled the scene in a vehicle. Attorneys in the case are scheduled to discuss future dates October 6. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20075063">Bentley remains jailed </a>on a $500,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

Police continue to investigate suspect for role in Sept. 15 killing

Introducing a uniquely named larger-than-life main character, one with heroic qualities in an unusual setting, will immediately capture the audience's attention at the Kansas Storytelling Tall Tale Contest. The annual tall tale contest will be October 8, in Downs, Kansas, at 7 p.m., at the Zion Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 1019 Blunt St.

A tall tale is a story with fantastical elements as if it were factual. Some tall tales are exaggerations of actual events, such as the clever and cunning fish that got away, told by last year's winner, Rich White, McPherson. Other tall tales are fictional tales set in a familiar setting and experiences such as bird hunting in a state park in the fall or the shenanigans of friends growing up.&nbsp;

Kenneth Lee, Master Storyteller shares, "It's good to include a character with extraordinary abilities, extraordinary. You also want to include a humorous way to solve a problem, mixing in some exaggeration and credible details."&nbsp;

"Sprinkle in clever twists and puns throughout the story," said Allen Debey, Kansas Storytelling Festival Tall Tales winner, and professional storyteller.&nbsp;

"The story's last lines should make the audience chuckle or groan." Michael Gutierrez, a committee member, adds. It's also important to practice so that the story is within the time limit of 7 minutes. The popular October preliminary contest will narrow down the contestants who will move on to vie for the traveling trophy, the storytelling shovel, at the Kansas Storytelling Festival Tall Tale Contest in April.

Mark October 8 on your calendar if you will be telling a larger-than-life story AND if you intend to come and listen to some great tall tales. Encourage friends who always have you in stitches or on the edge of your chair with their storytelling. There's no better time than now to tell their tales.&nbsp;

Audience participation is essential because attendees have a deciding vote along with a panel of judges. The event is free with snacks during intermission.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information and to register to tell a story in the competition, call 785-454-1177 or email <a href="mailto:kansasstorytelling@gmail.com" target="_blank">kansasstorytelling@gmail.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663680280530.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedIntroducing a uniquely named larger-than-life main character, one with heroic qualities in an unusual setting, will immediately capture the audience's attention at the Kansas Storytelling Tall Tale Contest. The annual tall tale contest will be October 8, in Downs, Kansas, at 7 p.m., at the Zion Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 1019 Blunt St.A tall tale is a story with fantastical elements as if it were factual. Some tall tales are exaggerations of actual events, such as the clever and cunning fish that got away, told by last year's winner, Rich White, McPherson. Other tall tales are fictional tales set in a familiar setting and experiences such as bird hunting in a state park in the fall or the shenanigans of friends growing up.&nbsp;Kenneth Lee, Master Storyteller shares, "It's good to include a character with extraordinary abilities, extraordinary. You also want to include a humorous way to solve a problem, mixing in some exaggeration and credible details."&nbsp;"Sprinkle in clever twists and puns throughout the story," said Allen Debey, Kansas Storytelling Festival Tall Tales winner, and professional storyteller.&nbsp;"The story's last lines should make the audience chuckle or groan." Michael Gutierrez, a committee member, adds. It's also important to practice so that the story is within the time limit of 7 minutes. The popular October preliminary contest will narrow down the contestants who will move on to vie for the traveling trophy, the storytelling shovel, at the Kansas Storytelling Festival Tall Tale Contest in April. Mark October 8 on your calendar if you will be telling a larger-than-life story AND if you intend to come and listen to some great tall tales. Encourage friends who always have you in stitches or on the edge of your chair with their storytelling. There's no better time than now to tell their tales.&nbsp;Audience participation is essential because attendees have a deciding vote along with a panel of judges. The event is free with snacks during intermission.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information and to register to tell a story in the competition, call 785-454-1177 or email <a href="mailto:kansasstorytelling@gmail.com" target="_blank">kansasstorytelling@gmail.com</a>.

Kansas Tall Tales preliminaries set for next month in Downs

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded struggling 
individuals and businesses, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, that they
 may qualify for late-filing penalty relief if they file their 2019 and 
2020 returns by September 30.

Besides providing relief to both individuals and businesses impacted 
by the pandemic, this step is designed to allow the IRS to focus its 
resources on processing backlogged tax returns and taxpayer 
correspondence to help return to normal operations for the 2023 filing 
season.

"We thought carefully about the type of penalties, the period covered
 and the duration before granting this penalty relief. We understand the
 concerns being raised by the tax community and others about the 
September 30 penalty relief deadline," said IRS Commissioner Chuck 
Rettig. "Given planning for the upcoming tax season and ongoing work on 
the inventory of tax returns filed earlier this year, this penalty 
relief deadline of September 30 strikes a balance. It is critical to us 
to not only provide important relief to those affected by the pandemic, 
but this deadline also allows adequate time to prepare our systems and 
our workstreams to serve taxpayers and the tax community during the 2023
 filing season."

The relief, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/covid-tax-relief-irs-provides-broad-based-penalty-relief-for-certain-2019-and-2020-returns-due-to-the-pandemic-1-point-2-billion-in-penalties-being-refunded-to-1-point-6-million-taxpayers">announced</a>
 last month, applies to the failure-to-file penalty. The penalty is 
typically assessed at a rate of 5% per month, up to 25% of the unpaid 
tax, when a federal income tax return is filed late. This relief applies
 to forms in both the Form 1040 and 1120 series, as well as others 
listed in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/irb/2022-36_IRB#NOT-2022-36">Notice 2022-36</a>, posted on IRS.gov.

For anyone who has gotten behind on their taxes during the pandemic, 
this is a great opportunity to get caught up. To qualify for relief, any
 eligible income tax return must be filed on or before September 30, 
2022.

Those who file during the first few months after the September 30 
cutoff will still qualify for partial penalty relief. That's because, 
for eligible returns filed after that date, the penalty starts accruing 
on October 1, 2022, rather than the return's original due date. Because 
the penalty accrues, based on each month or part of a month that a 
return is late, filing sooner will limit any charges that apply.

Unlike the failure-to-file penalty, the failure-to-pay penalty and 
interest will still apply to unpaid tax, based on the return's original 
due date. The failure-to-pay penalty is normally 0.5% (one-half-of-one 
percent) per month. The interest rate is currently 5% per year, 
compounded daily, but that rate is due to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-interest-rate-increases-for-the-fourth-quarter-of-2022-6-rate-applies-to-most-taxpayers-starting-oct-1">rise</a> to 6% on October 1, 2022.

Taxpayers can limit these charges by paying promptly. For more 
information, including details on fast and convenient electronic payment
 options, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>. Penalty and interest charges generally don't apply to refunds.

The notice also provides details on relief for filers of certain 
international information returns when a penalty is assessed at the time
 of filing. No relief is available for applicable international 
information returns when the penalty is part of an examination. To 
qualify for this relief, any eligible tax return must be filed on or 
before September 30, 2022.

Penalty relief is automatic. This means that eligible taxpayers who 
have already filed their return do not need to apply for it, and those 
filing now do not need to attach a statement or other documents to their
 return. Generally, those who have already paid the penalty are getting 
refunds, most by the end of September.

Penalty relief is not available in some situations, such as where a 
fraudulent return was filed, where the penalties are part of an accepted
 offer in compromise or a closing agreement, or where the penalties were
 finally determined by a court.

This relief is limited to the penalties that the notice specifically 
states are eligible for relief. For ineligible penalties, such as the 
failure-to-pay penalty, taxpayers may use existing penalty relief 
procedures, such as applying for relief under the reasonable cause 
criteria or the First-Time Abate program. Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalty-relief">IRS.gov/penaltyrelief</a> for details.

This relief doesn't apply to 2021 returns. Whether or not they have a
 tax-filing extension, the IRS urges everyone to file their 2021 return 
soon to avoid processing delays. For <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-tax-extension-filers-dont-overlook-these-important-tax-benefits">filing tips</a>, visit IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded struggling 
individuals and businesses, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, that they
 may qualify for late-filing penalty relief if they file their 2019 and 
2020 returns by September 30.Besides providing relief to both individuals and businesses impacted 
by the pandemic, this step is designed to allow the IRS to focus its 
resources on processing backlogged tax returns and taxpayer 
correspondence to help return to normal operations for the 2023 filing 
season."We thought carefully about the type of penalties, the period covered
 and the duration before granting this penalty relief. We understand the
 concerns being raised by the tax community and others about the 
September 30 penalty relief deadline," said IRS Commissioner Chuck 
Rettig. "Given planning for the upcoming tax season and ongoing work on 
the inventory of tax returns filed earlier this year, this penalty 
relief deadline of September 30 strikes a balance. It is critical to us 
to not only provide important relief to those affected by the pandemic, 
but this deadline also allows adequate time to prepare our systems and 
our workstreams to serve taxpayers and the tax community during the 2023
 filing season."The relief, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/covid-tax-relief-irs-provides-broad-based-penalty-relief-for-certain-2019-and-2020-returns-due-to-the-pandemic-1-point-2-billion-in-penalties-being-refunded-to-1-point-6-million-taxpayers">announced</a>
 last month, applies to the failure-to-file penalty. The penalty is 
typically assessed at a rate of 5% per month, up to 25% of the unpaid 
tax, when a federal income tax return is filed late. This relief applies
 to forms in both the Form 1040 and 1120 series, as well as others 
listed in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/irb/2022-36_IRB#NOT-2022-36">Notice 2022-36</a>, posted on IRS.gov.For anyone who has gotten behind on their taxes during the pandemic, 
this is a great opportunity to get caught up. To qualify for relief, any
 eligible income tax return must be filed on or before September 30, 
2022.Those who file during the first few months after the September 30 
cutoff will still qualify for partial penalty relief. That's because, 
for eligible returns filed after that date, the penalty starts accruing 
on October 1, 2022, rather than the return's original due date. Because 
the penalty accrues, based on each month or part of a month that a 
return is late, filing sooner will limit any charges that apply.Unlike the failure-to-file penalty, the failure-to-pay penalty and 
interest will still apply to unpaid tax, based on the return's original 
due date. The failure-to-pay penalty is normally 0.5% (one-half-of-one 
percent) per month. The interest rate is currently 5% per year, 
compounded daily, but that rate is due to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-interest-rate-increases-for-the-fourth-quarter-of-2022-6-rate-applies-to-most-taxpayers-starting-oct-1">rise</a> to 6% on October 1, 2022.Taxpayers can limit these charges by paying promptly. For more 
information, including details on fast and convenient electronic payment
 options, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>. Penalty and interest charges generally don't apply to refunds.The notice also provides details on relief for filers of certain 
international information returns when a penalty is assessed at the time
 of filing. No relief is available for applicable international 
information returns when the penalty is part of an examination. To 
qualify for this relief, any eligible tax return must be filed on or 
before September 30, 2022.Penalty relief is automatic. This means that eligible taxpayers who 
have already filed their return do not need to apply for it, and those 
filing now do not need to attach a statement or other documents to their
 return. Generally, those who have already paid the penalty are getting 
refunds, most by the end of September.Penalty relief is not available in some situations, such as where a 
fraudulent return was filed, where the penalties are part of an accepted
 offer in compromise or a closing agreement, or where the penalties were
 finally determined by a court.This relief is limited to the penalties that the notice specifically 
states are eligible for relief. For ineligible penalties, such as the 
failure-to-pay penalty, taxpayers may use existing penalty relief 
procedures, such as applying for relief under the reasonable cause 
criteria or the First-Time Abate program. Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalty-relief">IRS.gov/penaltyrelief</a> for details.This relief doesn't apply to 2021 returns. Whether or not they have a
 tax-filing extension, the IRS urges everyone to file their 2021 return 
soon to avoid processing delays. For <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-tax-extension-filers-dont-overlook-these-important-tax-benefits">filing tips</a>, visit IRS.gov.

Haven't filed 2019, 2020 tax returns? No COVID penalty relief

Leon Joseph Klug, 86, passed away September 20, 2022, at Kansas Heart
 Hospital, Wichita, Kan.&nbsp; He was born December 28, 1935, in rural 
Redwing, Kan., to Julius and Matilda (Boor) Klug. Leon married Lois 
Louise Schremmer October 3, 1956, in Beaver, Kansas.&nbsp; She died October 
2, 2019.

A current resident of Hoisington, Leon was a lifetime resident of the
 Susank and Redwing areas and graduated from Odin in 1953.&nbsp; He was a 
pipeline welder for Producer's Gas and Midwest Energy.&nbsp; Leon was a 
current member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, 
and Knights of Columbus Council #2917, Odin, and former member of Holy 
Name Catholic Church, Odin.&nbsp; He was passionate about his Catholic faith,
 and enjoyed baseball, being an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals.&nbsp; He 
also enjoyed country music and classic western shows, such as The 
Virginian and Gunsmoke, and any outdoor activities, such as bow hunting 
deer and fishing.&nbsp; He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, 
who will remember him for his kind and gentle soul.

He is survived by his son, Dr. Kirby Klug of Overland Park; daughter,
 Kala Crites-Clary and Jim Clary of Overland Park; son, Kelly and Cindy 
Klug of Olathe; grandson, Nick and Leslie Klug of Great Bend; 
granddaughter, Katie Klug of Leawood; granddaughter, Maggie Klug of 
Leawood; grandson, Brady and Kelsi Crites of Vancouver, Wash.; and 
granddaughter, Brooke Crites of Overland Park, great-grandchildren, 
Olivia and Liam Klug of Great Bend, and Kaden Crites of Vancouver; and 
brother Jim Klug of Odin.&nbsp; He is preceded in passing by his wife Lois; 
brother Alois “Lou” Klug; and two sisters, Eleanor Klug Reif and 
Margaret Klug Brenner.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 23, 
2022, at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, with 
Father Anselm Eke, MSP presiding.&nbsp; Interment will follow at St. John 
Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 pm, 
Thursday, September 22, 2022, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, 
Hoisington, with a Vigil and Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials have been designated to Hoisington Youth Baseball and 
Softball, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, 
Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663792992898.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Leon Joseph Klug, 86, passed away September 20, 2022, at Kansas Heart
 Hospital, Wichita, Kan.&nbsp; He was born December 28, 1935, in rural 
Redwing, Kan., to Julius and Matilda (Boor) Klug. Leon married Lois 
Louise Schremmer October 3, 1956, in Beaver, Kansas.&nbsp; She died October 
2, 2019.A current resident of Hoisington, Leon was a lifetime resident of the
 Susank and Redwing areas and graduated from Odin in 1953.&nbsp; He was a 
pipeline welder for Producer's Gas and Midwest Energy.&nbsp; Leon was a 
current member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, 
and Knights of Columbus Council #2917, Odin, and former member of Holy 
Name Catholic Church, Odin.&nbsp; He was passionate about his Catholic faith,
 and enjoyed baseball, being an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals.&nbsp; He 
also enjoyed country music and classic western shows, such as The 
Virginian and Gunsmoke, and any outdoor activities, such as bow hunting 
deer and fishing.&nbsp; He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, 
who will remember him for his kind and gentle soul.He is survived by his son, Dr. Kirby Klug of Overland Park; daughter,
 Kala Crites-Clary and Jim Clary of Overland Park; son, Kelly and Cindy 
Klug of Olathe; grandson, Nick and Leslie Klug of Great Bend; 
granddaughter, Katie Klug of Leawood; granddaughter, Maggie Klug of 
Leawood; grandson, Brady and Kelsi Crites of Vancouver, Wash.; and 
granddaughter, Brooke Crites of Overland Park, great-grandchildren, 
Olivia and Liam Klug of Great Bend, and Kaden Crites of Vancouver; and 
brother Jim Klug of Odin.&nbsp; He is preceded in passing by his wife Lois; 
brother Alois “Lou” Klug; and two sisters, Eleanor Klug Reif and 
Margaret Klug Brenner.Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 23, 
2022, at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, with 
Father Anselm Eke, MSP presiding.&nbsp; Interment will follow at St. John 
Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 pm, 
Thursday, September 22, 2022, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, 
Hoisington, with a Vigil and Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00 p.m.Memorials have been designated to Hoisington Youth Baseball and 
Softball, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, 
Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.

Leon Joseph Klug

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The number of Venezuelans taken into custody at the U.S. border with Mexico soared in August, while fewer migrants from Mexico and some Central American countries were stopped, officials said Monday.

Venezuelans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/nationwide-encounters" target="_blank">surpassed</a>&nbsp;Guatemalans and Hondurans to become the second-largest nationality after Mexicans among migrants crossing the U.S. border illegally. U.S. authorities stopped Venezuelans 25,349 times in August, up 43% from 17,652 times in July and four times the 6,301 stops recorded in August 2021.

At the same time, it was the third straight month that fewer immigrants from Mexico and Central America’s Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Those nationalities have dominated the mix for decades.

Overall, U.S. authorities stopped migrants 203,598 times in August, up 1.8% from 199,976 times in July but down 4.7% from 213,593 times in August 2021.

Authorities stopped migrants 2.15 million times from October through August, the first time that measure topped 2 million during the government’s fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. It was a 39% increase from 1.54 million stops the same period a year earlier.

Border crossings have been fueled partly by repeat crossers because there are no legal consequences for getting expelled under a pandemic-era rule that denies a right to seek asylum. Even so, the numbers are extraordinarily high.

Migration from Cuba and Nicaragua remained high, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. Cubans were stopped 19,057 times in August, down from 20,096 times in July but up from 4,496 in August 2021. Nicaraguans were stopped 11,742 times, down from 12,075 in July but up from 9,979 in August 2021.

It’s the latest sign of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-covid-health-yuma-immigration-128e7440b334cc8fcbd3a629b78c3879">rapidly changing migration flows</a>&nbsp;as U.S. authorities wrestle with unusually large influxes overall.

While no single reason can be pinpointed, it is extremely challenging for the U.S. to expel migrants from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba under the pandemic rule known as Title 42, which U.S. officials invoke to deny people a chance at seeking asylum on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. U.S. relations with all three countries are strained, making it difficult to send them home.

“Failing communist regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba are driving a new wave of migration across the Western Hemisphere, including the recent increase in encounters at the southwest U.S. border,” said Chris Magnus, commissioner of CBP, which oversees the Border Patrol.

Mexico accepts migrants expelled under Title 42 if they are from Guatemala, Honduras or El Salvador, in addition to Mexico. While the pandemic rule applies to all nationalities in theory, people from those four countries are most affected.

The Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-los-angeles-central-america-venezuela-government-and-politics-81cd2b6c371a94740a1be238d72bc547">is leaning</a>&nbsp;on other countries in the Americas to absorb more people fleeing their homes.

About 6.8 million&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-colombia-peru-caribbean-27c9e6bf0c06272682cc2cb4c228c4a8">Venezuelans have left</a>&nbsp;their homeland since an economic crisis took hold in earnest in 2014 for the country of 28 million people. Most have gone to nearby nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, including more than 2.4 million who are in neighboring Colombia.

Venezuelan migration to the U.S. plummeted early this year after Mexico introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-mexico-venezuela-caribbean-immigration-752563b50e41b70311e26ceab3509b66">restrictions on air travel</a>&nbsp;but has increased in recent months as more come over land through the notoriously dangerous Darien Gap in Panama.

Nearly 7 of every 10 stops of Venezuelans crossing illegally during August occurred in the Border Patrol’s Del Rio, Texas, sector, making it the busiest of the agency’s nine sectors on the Mexican border. Migrants were stopped more than 52,000 times in the Del Rio sector, many of them around the city of Eagle Pass, with El Paso, Texas, a distant second with about 29,000 stops.

The trend of more Venezuelans is reflected in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-new-york-florida-united-states-661f3489e74847bee88740fec40fe17c">daily headlines.</a>&nbsp;Roughly 50 migrants that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis flew to the upscale Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard were all Venezuelan, as were five of the six people whom U.S. authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-border-patrols-us-customs-and-protection-7664c5c25eae908a961e0d3da5c5fcfa">found drowned</a>&nbsp;in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass in early September. The sixth was from Nicaragua.

Title 42 encourages repeat attempts because there are no legal consequences for getting caught. In August, 157,921 migrants crossed at least once, with 55,333 from Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua and 56,979 from Mexico or the Northern Triangle countries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317716965.png" alt="Overall, U.S. authorities stopped migrants 203,598 times in August, up 1.8% from 199,976 times in July but down 4.7% from 213,593 times in August 2021.-photo Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>Overall, U.S. authorities stopped migrants 203,598 times in August, up 1.8% from 199,976 times in July but down 4.7% from 213,593 times in August 2021.-photo Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN DIEGO (AP) — The number of Venezuelans taken into custody at the U.S. border with Mexico soared in August, while fewer migrants from Mexico and some Central American countries were stopped, officials said Monday.Venezuelans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/nationwide-encounters" target="_blank">surpassed</a>&nbsp;Guatemalans and Hondurans to become the second-largest nationality after Mexicans among migrants crossing the U.S. border illegally. U.S. authorities stopped Venezuelans 25,349 times in August, up 43% from 17,652 times in July and four times the 6,301 stops recorded in August 2021.At the same time, it was the third straight month that fewer immigrants from Mexico and Central America’s Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Those nationalities have dominated the mix for decades.Overall, U.S. authorities stopped migrants 203,598 times in August, up 1.8% from 199,976 times in July but down 4.7% from 213,593 times in August 2021.Authorities stopped migrants 2.15 million times from October through August, the first time that measure topped 2 million during the government’s fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. It was a 39% increase from 1.54 million stops the same period a year earlier.Border crossings have been fueled partly by repeat crossers because there are no legal consequences for getting expelled under a pandemic-era rule that denies a right to seek asylum. Even so, the numbers are extraordinarily high.Migration from Cuba and Nicaragua remained high, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. Cubans were stopped 19,057 times in August, down from 20,096 times in July but up from 4,496 in August 2021. Nicaraguans were stopped 11,742 times, down from 12,075 in July but up from 9,979 in August 2021.It’s the latest sign of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-covid-health-yuma-immigration-128e7440b334cc8fcbd3a629b78c3879">rapidly changing migration flows</a>&nbsp;as U.S. authorities wrestle with unusually large influxes overall.While no single reason can be pinpointed, it is extremely challenging for the U.S. to expel migrants from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba under the pandemic rule known as Title 42, which U.S. officials invoke to deny people a chance at seeking asylum on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. U.S. relations with all three countries are strained, making it difficult to send them home.“Failing communist regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba are driving a new wave of migration across the Western Hemisphere, including the recent increase in encounters at the southwest U.S. border,” said Chris Magnus, commissioner of CBP, which oversees the Border Patrol.Mexico accepts migrants expelled under Title 42 if they are from Guatemala, Honduras or El Salvador, in addition to Mexico. While the pandemic rule applies to all nationalities in theory, people from those four countries are most affected.The Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-los-angeles-central-america-venezuela-government-and-politics-81cd2b6c371a94740a1be238d72bc547">is leaning</a>&nbsp;on other countries in the Americas to absorb more people fleeing their homes.About 6.8 million&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-colombia-peru-caribbean-27c9e6bf0c06272682cc2cb4c228c4a8">Venezuelans have left</a>&nbsp;their homeland since an economic crisis took hold in earnest in 2014 for the country of 28 million people. Most have gone to nearby nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, including more than 2.4 million who are in neighboring Colombia.Venezuelan migration to the U.S. plummeted early this year after Mexico introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-mexico-venezuela-caribbean-immigration-752563b50e41b70311e26ceab3509b66">restrictions on air travel</a>&nbsp;but has increased in recent months as more come over land through the notoriously dangerous Darien Gap in Panama.Nearly 7 of every 10 stops of Venezuelans crossing illegally during August occurred in the Border Patrol’s Del Rio, Texas, sector, making it the busiest of the agency’s nine sectors on the Mexican border. Migrants were stopped more than 52,000 times in the Del Rio sector, many of them around the city of Eagle Pass, with El Paso, Texas, a distant second with about 29,000 stops.The trend of more Venezuelans is reflected in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-new-york-florida-united-states-661f3489e74847bee88740fec40fe17c">daily headlines.</a>&nbsp;Roughly 50 migrants that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis flew to the upscale Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard were all Venezuelan, as were five of the six people whom U.S. authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-border-patrols-us-customs-and-protection-7664c5c25eae908a961e0d3da5c5fcfa">found drowned</a>&nbsp;in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass in early September. The sixth was from Nicaragua.Title 42 encourages repeat attempts because there are no legal consequences for getting caught. In August, 157,921 migrants crossed at least once, with 55,333 from Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua and 56,979 from Mexico or the Northern Triangle countries.___

U.S. authorities stopped migrants 203,598 times in August

NEW YORK (AP) — New York’s attorney general sued former President Donald Trump and his company Wednesday, alleging business fraud involving some of their most prized assets, including properties in Manhattan, Chicago and Washington, D.C.

(Click below to watch the news conference)

<a href="https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2022/attorney-general-james-sues-donald-trump-years-financial-fraud">Click here to read</a> the statement from the NY AG's office

Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit, filed in state court in New York, is the culmination of the Democrat’s three-year civil investigation of Trump and the Trump Organization. Three of Trump’s adult children, Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric Trump, were also named as defendants, along with two longtime company executives, Allen Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney.

The lawsuit seeks to strike at the core of what made Trump famous, taking a blacklight to the image of wealth and opulence he’s embraced throughout his career — first as a real estate developer, then as a reality TV host on “The Apprentice” and “Celebrity Apprentice,” and later as president.

James, a Democrat, announced details of the lawsuit at a news conference on Wednesday. The case&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/22670312-ny-vs-trump">showed up on a court docket</a>&nbsp;Wednesday morning.

James said Trump “falsely inflated his net worth by billions of dollars.”

The goal, the attorney general’s office has said, was to burnish Trump’s billionaire image and the value of his properties when doing so gave him an advantage, while playing down the value of assets at other times for tax purposes.

“This investigation revealed that Donald Trump engaged in years of illegal conduct to inflate his net worth, to deceive banks and the people of the great state of New York," James said at the news conference. “Claiming you have money that you do not have does not amount to the art of the deal. It’s the art of the steal.”

James is seeking to remove the Trumps from businesses engaged in the alleged fraud and wants an independent monitor appointed for no less than five years to oversee the Trump Organization’s compliance, financial reporting, valuations and disclosures to lenders, insurers and tax authorities.

She is seeking to replace the current trustees of Trump’s revocable trust, which controls his business interests, with independent trustees, to bar Trump and the Trump Organization from entering into commercial real estate acquisitions for five years, from obtaining loans from banks in New York for five years and permanently bar Trump and three of his adult children from serving as an officer or director in any New York corporation or similar business entity registered and/or licensed in New York State.

She also seeks to permanently bar Weisselberg and McConney from serving in the financial control function of any New York corporation or similar business entity registered and/or licensed in New York State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663775123495.png" alt="Attorney General Letitia James announced the lawsuit Wednesday morning-image courtesy NYAG's office" />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Letitia James announced the lawsuit Wednesday morning-image courtesy NYAG's office</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — New York’s attorney general sued former President Donald Trump and his company Wednesday, alleging business fraud involving some of their most prized assets, including properties in Manhattan, Chicago and Washington, D.C.(Click below to watch the news conference)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnewyorkstateag%2Fvideos%2F1400576467017874%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=495" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><a href="https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2022/attorney-general-james-sues-donald-trump-years-financial-fraud">Click here to read</a> the statement from the NY AG's officeAttorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit, filed in state court in New York, is the culmination of the Democrat’s three-year civil investigation of Trump and the Trump Organization. Three of Trump’s adult children, Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric Trump, were also named as defendants, along with two longtime company executives, Allen Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney.The lawsuit seeks to strike at the core of what made Trump famous, taking a blacklight to the image of wealth and opulence he’s embraced throughout his career — first as a real estate developer, then as a reality TV host on “The Apprentice” and “Celebrity Apprentice,” and later as president.James, a Democrat, announced details of the lawsuit at a news conference on Wednesday. The case&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/22670312-ny-vs-trump">showed up on a court docket</a>&nbsp;Wednesday morning.James said Trump “falsely inflated his net worth by billions of dollars.”The goal, the attorney general’s office has said, was to burnish Trump’s billionaire image and the value of his properties when doing so gave him an advantage, while playing down the value of assets at other times for tax purposes.“This investigation revealed that Donald Trump engaged in years of illegal conduct to inflate his net worth, to deceive banks and the people of the great state of New York," James said at the news conference. “Claiming you have money that you do not have does not amount to the art of the deal. It’s the art of the steal.”James is seeking to remove the Trumps from businesses engaged in the alleged fraud and wants an independent monitor appointed for no less than five years to oversee the Trump Organization’s compliance, financial reporting, valuations and disclosures to lenders, insurers and tax authorities.She is seeking to replace the current trustees of Trump’s revocable trust, which controls his business interests, with independent trustees, to bar Trump and the Trump Organization from entering into commercial real estate acquisitions for five years, from obtaining loans from banks in New York for five years and permanently bar Trump and three of his adult children from serving as an officer or director in any New York corporation or similar business entity registered and/or licensed in New York State.She also seeks to permanently bar Weisselberg and McConney from serving in the financial control function of any New York corporation or similar business entity registered and/or licensed in New York State.James said her investigation uncovered potential criminal violations, including falsifying business records, issuing false financial statements, insurance fraud, conspiracy and bank fraud. She said her office is referring those findings to federal prosecutors and the Internal Revenue Service.Alina Habba, an attorney for Trump, said the lawsuit “is neither focused on the facts nor the law — rather, it is solely focused on advancing the Attorney General’s political agenda.”“It is abundantly clear that the Attorney General’s Office has exceeded its statutory authority by prying into transactions where absolutely no wrongdoing has taken place," Habba said. "We are confident that our judicial system will not stand for this unchecked abuse of authority, and we look forward to defending our client against each and every one of the Attorney General’s meritless claims.”James’ lawsuit comes amid a swirl of unprecedented legal challenges for a former president, including an FBI investigation into Trump’s handling of classified records and inquiries into his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.The Trump Organization is set to go on trial in October in a criminal case alleging that it schemed to give untaxed perks to senior executives, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-donald-trump-tax-evasion-government-and-politics-3b28e6f6b861807e5e3b703525fb5284">its longtime finance chief Weisselberg</a>, who alone took more than $1.7 million in extras.Weisselberg, 75, pleaded guilty Aug. 18. His plea agreement requires him to testify at the company’s trial before he starts a five-month jail sentence. If convicted, the Trump Organization could face a fine of double the amount of unpaid taxes.Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has been conducting a parallel criminal investigation of the same business practices at the heart of James’ civil lawsuit. That probe lost momentum earlier this year after Bragg raised questions internally about whether a criminal case was viable, but the Democrat has said it has not been abandoned.At the same time, the FBI is continuing to investigate Trump’s storage of sensitive government documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, and a special grand jury in Georgia is investigating whether Trump and others attempted to influence state election officials.All of the legal drama is playing out ahead of the November midterm elections, where Republicans are trying to win control of one or both houses of Congress.Meanwhile, Trump has been laying the groundwork for a potential comeback campaign for president in 2024 and has accused President Joe Biden’s administration of targeting him to hurt his political chances.State law allows a broad range of civil remedies against companies committing commercial fraud, including revoking licenses to conduct business in the state, removing company officers and forcing the payment of restitution or disgorgement of ill-gotten gains.James’ office could also seek to ban Trump from being involved in certain types of businesses, as happened in January when a judge barred ex-drug company CEO Martin Shkreli from the pharmaceutical industry for life.In a previous clash with Trump, James oversaw the closure of his charity, the Trump Foundation, after her predecessor in the attorney general’s office, Barbara Underwood, filed a lawsuit alleging he misused its assets to resolve business disputes and boost his run for the White House. A judge ordered Trump to pay $2 million to an array of charities to settle the matter.James, who campaigned for office as a Trump critic and watchdog, started scrutinizing his business practices in March 2019 after his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen testified to Congress that Trump exaggerated his wealth on financial statements provided to Deutsche Bank when he was trying to obtain financing to buy the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.Since then, James’ office and Trump’s lawyers have repeatedly sparred over the direction of the investigation and Trump’s unwillingness to comply with subpoenas for his testimony and records. Trump spent months fighting the subpoena that led to his August deposition, his lawyers unable to convince courts that he should be excused from testifying because his answers could be used in Bragg’s criminal probe.In May, Trump paid $110,000 in fines after he was held in contempt of court for being slow to respond to a subpoena James’ office issued seeking documents and other evidence. The contempt finding was lifted in June after Trump and his lawyers submitted paperwork showing they had made a good faith effort to find relevant documents.