OTTAWA COUNTY—Salina Regional Health Center and <a href="http://www.ottawacountyhealthcenter.com/">Ottawa County Health Center </a>have entered into an agreement that will transition ownership of the COMCARE Minneapolis clinic to Ottawa County Health Center, according to a media release from Salina Regional Health Center.

The clinic, which had leased space at Ottawa County Health Center, will become better operationally aligned with Ottawa County Health Center – improving financial performance and streamlining patient care within the organization. The move supports a number of operational efficiencies to be gained, improved communication between the clinic and hospital, and the opportunity to utilize one patient health record.

The transition will occur on July 1, 2023. The effort also allows <a href="http://www.ottawacountyhealthcenter.com/">Ottawa County Health Cente</a>r to apply for Rural Health Clinic status, which receives enhanced reimbursement from government sponsored health insurance.

“The effort aims to create a sustainable model for healthcare in Minneapolis so people in Ottawa County can be assured access to services locally,” said Robert Freelove, M.D., senior vice president/chief medical officer at SRHC. “The goal is to hand over a fully intact, operational health clinic to Ottawa County Health Center. All current employees will keep their job, whether it be with OCHC or within Salina Regional Health Center’s system of clinics.”

Drs. Kenneth and Kermit Wedel started operating a clinic in Minneapolis in the 1960s that would later expand to provide services in Salina and eventually became COMCARE. COMCARE grew to become one of the largest family medicine clinics in the state. In 2013 COMCARE became an affiliate of Salina Regional Health Center.

“Our goal is to continue the long tradition of healthcare in Minneapolis by providing our community with access to necessary healthcare services in both the hospital and the clinic. This transition presents us with an opportunity to streamline and improve the patient experience and create a sustainable healthcare model to ensure services are available locally for the residents of Ottawa County. Both the hospital and clinic appreciate the support from our patients, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community,” said Jody Parks, Ottawa County Health Center administrator.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676652137893.jpeg" alt="The COMCARE clinic entrance in Minneapolis.&nbsp;Photo courtesy SRHC" />
 <figcaption>The COMCARE clinic entrance in Minneapolis.&nbsp;Photo courtesy SRHC</figcaption>
 </figure>OTTAWA COUNTY—Salina Regional Health Center and <a href="http://www.ottawacountyhealthcenter.com/">Ottawa County Health Center </a>have entered into an agreement that will transition ownership of the COMCARE Minneapolis clinic to Ottawa County Health Center, according to a media release from Salina Regional Health Center.The clinic, which had leased space at Ottawa County Health Center, will become better operationally aligned with Ottawa County Health Center – improving financial performance and streamlining patient care within the organization. The move supports a number of operational efficiencies to be gained, improved communication between the clinic and hospital, and the opportunity to utilize one patient health record.The transition will occur on July 1, 2023. The effort also allows <a href="http://www.ottawacountyhealthcenter.com/">Ottawa County Health Cente</a>r to apply for Rural Health Clinic status, which receives enhanced reimbursement from government sponsored health insurance.“The effort aims to create a sustainable model for healthcare in Minneapolis so people in Ottawa County can be assured access to services locally,” said Robert Freelove, M.D., senior vice president/chief medical officer at SRHC. “The goal is to hand over a fully intact, operational health clinic to Ottawa County Health Center. All current employees will keep their job, whether it be with OCHC or within Salina Regional Health Center’s system of clinics.”Drs. Kenneth and Kermit Wedel started operating a clinic in Minneapolis in the 1960s that would later expand to provide services in Salina and eventually became COMCARE. COMCARE grew to become one of the largest family medicine clinics in the state. In 2013 COMCARE became an affiliate of Salina Regional Health Center.“Our goal is to continue the long tradition of healthcare in Minneapolis by providing our community with access to necessary healthcare services in both the hospital and the clinic. This transition presents us with an opportunity to streamline and improve the patient experience and create a sustainable healthcare model to ensure services are available locally for the residents of Ottawa County. Both the hospital and clinic appreciate the support from our patients, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community,” said Jody Parks, Ottawa County Health Center administrator.

Transition will allow Ottawa hospital apply for enhanced reimbursement

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple narcotics related allegations. On Feb. 15,&nbsp; the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), as part of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Fugitive Warrant Unit executed a narcotics search warrant in the 3500 block of SW Westport Court in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, illegal narcotics and three individuals with felony warrants were located.

John K. Oppermann, 57, Joshua L. Fosso, 43, and Porsche L. Shelden, 34, all of Topeka, were arrested on scene and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Opperman had a felony warrant for his arrest out of Shawnee County for a previous narcotic investigation and was additionally charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shelden had a felony warrant out of another state for her arrest and was additionally charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Fosso had a felony warrant for his arrest out of another state and was additionally charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Two additional subjects were released, pending further investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676585484277.png" alt="Oppermann-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Oppermann-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple narcotics related allegations. On Feb. 15,&nbsp; the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), as part of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Fugitive Warrant Unit executed a narcotics search warrant in the 3500 block of SW Westport Court in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, illegal narcotics and three individuals with felony warrants were located.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676585590777.png" alt="Foss-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Foss-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>John K. Oppermann, 57, Joshua L. Fosso, 43, and Porsche L. Shelden, 34, all of Topeka, were arrested on scene and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Opperman had a felony warrant for his arrest out of Shawnee County for a previous narcotic investigation and was additionally charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676585519142.png" alt="Sheldon-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Sheldon-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Shelden had a felony warrant out of another state for her arrest and was additionally charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Fosso had a felony warrant for his arrest out of another state and was additionally charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Two additional subjects were released, pending further investigation.

 3 wanted suspects captured during Kansas drug bust

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Banning TikTok from government devices enjoys bipartsan support across the U.S., but a few Democratic legislators in Kansas object to expanding one imposed by their party's governor because they don't want a state law to target a company by name.

The Republican-controlled Kansas House&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230216115700_314767/">voted 109-12</a>&nbsp;on Thursday to pass&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2314_01_0000.pdf">a bill</a>&nbsp;to prohibit any electronic device owned or issued to a state employee from accessing TikTok. The measure appears to have bipartisan support in the GOP-dominated state Senate.

In late December,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-tik-tok-ban-explainer-83ef9bc3ff44d90e7b0f54bd8f5228cb">Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly responded</a>&nbsp;to concerns about the popular social media app's Chinese ownership with&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/KSOG/2022/12/28/file_attachments/2365344/EO%2022-10%20TikTok%20Ban%20-%20Signed%20&amp;%20Filed.pdf">an executive order</a>&nbsp;to keep it off state devices. However, a new law would cover agencies or institutions not under her direct control, such as state universities or the Insurance Department.

And during a brief debate, House members added language to also apply the ban to any app or website owned by ByteDance Ltd., the private Chinese company owning TikTok, as well as any subsidiary, successor company or firm “directly or indirectly controlled” by ByteDance.

Congress and more than half of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-politics-kentucky-state-government-083bf53c8471e94303bcd35acc6eaacd">U.S. states</a>&nbsp;have banned TikTok from government devices. Most of the Kansas House critics were Democrats, and they questioned listing companies by name in a law — something Kansas typically doesn't do, even in creating taxpayer-funded incentives to lure a single company's project to the state.

“What’s next, right? Today it's TikTok. Tomorrow it's Twitter or Facebook,” said state Rep. Brandon Woodard, a Kansas City-area Democrat. “It’s important for us to be able to communicate with our constituents however we want to.”

TikTok is consumed by two-thirds of American teens. But there’s long been bipartisan concern in Washington that China could use its legal and regulatory power to seize American user data or try to push misinformation or narratives favoring China.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/g-20-summit-politics-united-states-government-china-antony-blinken-0a0469109e8776f1676d7b813e46854f">Tensions between Washington and Beijing</a>&nbsp;increased with the discovery of a suspected Chinese spy balloon over the U.S. and its shooting down earlier this month. It's also intensified interest in Congress and in U.S. states, including Kansas, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-grand-forks-wyoming-state-government-north-dakota-montana-3d6a2f9a1bb06ab40b18a08cbf7c175d">restricting foreign ownership of property,</a>&nbsp;particularly agricultural land.

“If I had my way, we would ban every piece of mobile application or website coming out of China, but we'll address that another day,” said Rep. Stephen Owens, a Republican from central Kansas.

In Arizona, a state House committee on Wednesday unanimously approved a Republican proposal to ban TikTok on government devices after no one voiced opposition.

The measure doesn't name TikTok but describes a “covered application” in such a way that it applies to the app. Its sponsor, Republican Rep. Matt Gress, of Phoenix, said legislative rules don't allow the company's name to be used.

Gress said his measure addresses concerns with the ability of China's ruling Communist Party to capture "crucial details about personal, private internet activity.”

TikTok spokesman Jamal Brown said it is working to “meaningfully address” security concerns from U.S. and state officials and said states' bans do not improve security.

“State legislatures are pressing ahead with bans of TikTok based on nothing more than the hypothetical concerns they’ve heard on the news," Brown said in email to The Associated Press.

Despite TikTok's popularity among young people, some public university systems also are banning TikTok on their devices. The Kansas Board of Regents has done so at its main offices, but the state universities under its supervision have not. Regents CEO Blake Flanders said Thursday that such a step is “much more complicated.”

“There are so many users,” he said. “You have thousands of devices at residence halls.”

Woodard and other critics of the Kansas bill said Kelly's executive order on TikTok is sufficient to address concerns about the app.

State Rep. JoElla Hoye, a fellow Kansas City-area Democrat, suggested that naming a specific company in Kansas law is at odds with the name of the sponsor of the bill — the House Committee on Legislative Modernization.

She said after voting no, “How many decades from now will we even know what TikTok is?”

By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Banning TikTok from government devices enjoys bipartsan support across the U.S., but a few Democratic legislators in Kansas object to expanding one imposed by their party's governor because they don't want a state law to target a company by name.The Republican-controlled Kansas House&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230216115700_314767/">voted 109-12</a>&nbsp;on Thursday to pass&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2314_01_0000.pdf">a bill</a>&nbsp;to prohibit any electronic device owned or issued to a state employee from accessing TikTok. The measure appears to have bipartisan support in the GOP-dominated state Senate.In late December,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-tik-tok-ban-explainer-83ef9bc3ff44d90e7b0f54bd8f5228cb">Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly responded</a>&nbsp;to concerns about the popular social media app's Chinese ownership with&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/KSOG/2022/12/28/file_attachments/2365344/EO%2022-10%20TikTok%20Ban%20-%20Signed%20&amp;%20Filed.pdf">an executive order</a>&nbsp;to keep it off state devices. However, a new law would cover agencies or institutions not under her direct control, such as state universities or the Insurance Department.And during a brief debate, House members added language to also apply the ban to any app or website owned by ByteDance Ltd., the private Chinese company owning TikTok, as well as any subsidiary, successor company or firm “directly or indirectly controlled” by ByteDance.Congress and more than half of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-politics-kentucky-state-government-083bf53c8471e94303bcd35acc6eaacd">U.S. states</a>&nbsp;have banned TikTok from government devices. Most of the Kansas House critics were Democrats, and they questioned listing companies by name in a law — something Kansas typically doesn't do, even in creating taxpayer-funded incentives to lure a single company's project to the state.“What’s next, right? Today it's TikTok. Tomorrow it's Twitter or Facebook,” said state Rep. Brandon Woodard, a Kansas City-area Democrat. “It’s important for us to be able to communicate with our constituents however we want to.”TikTok is consumed by two-thirds of American teens. But there’s long been bipartisan concern in Washington that China could use its legal and regulatory power to seize American user data or try to push misinformation or narratives favoring China.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/g-20-summit-politics-united-states-government-china-antony-blinken-0a0469109e8776f1676d7b813e46854f">Tensions between Washington and Beijing</a>&nbsp;increased with the discovery of a suspected Chinese spy balloon over the U.S. and its shooting down earlier this month. It's also intensified interest in Congress and in U.S. states, including Kansas, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-grand-forks-wyoming-state-government-north-dakota-montana-3d6a2f9a1bb06ab40b18a08cbf7c175d">restricting foreign ownership of property,</a>&nbsp;particularly agricultural land.“If I had my way, we would ban every piece of mobile application or website coming out of China, but we'll address that another day,” said Rep. Stephen Owens, a Republican from central Kansas.In Arizona, a state House committee on Wednesday unanimously approved a Republican proposal to ban TikTok on government devices after no one voiced opposition.The measure doesn't name TikTok but describes a “covered application” in such a way that it applies to the app. Its sponsor, Republican Rep. Matt Gress, of Phoenix, said legislative rules don't allow the company's name to be used.Gress said his measure addresses concerns with the ability of China's ruling Communist Party to capture "crucial details about personal, private internet activity.”TikTok spokesman Jamal Brown said it is working to “meaningfully address” security concerns from U.S. and state officials and said states' bans do not improve security.“State legislatures are pressing ahead with bans of TikTok based on nothing more than the hypothetical concerns they’ve heard on the news," Brown said in email to The Associated Press.Despite TikTok's popularity among young people, some public university systems also are banning TikTok on their devices. The Kansas Board of Regents has done so at its main offices, but the state universities under its supervision have not. Regents CEO Blake Flanders said Thursday that such a step is “much more complicated.”“There are so many users,” he said. “You have thousands of devices at residence halls.”Woodard and other critics of the Kansas bill said Kelly's executive order on TikTok is sufficient to address concerns about the app.State Rep. JoElla Hoye, a fellow Kansas City-area Democrat, suggested that naming a specific company in Kansas law is at odds with the name of the sponsor of the bill — the House Committee on Legislative Modernization.She said after voting no, “How many decades from now will we even know what TikTok is?”

Amid US TikTok bans, a few balk at writing its name into law

LINCOLN, NE — A man who had been missing since early February has been located deceased, according to a statement from the Nebraska State Patrol.

 Jamie Balluch, 43, was last seen on Feb. 2 at his place of employment, Bruning Grain and Feed Company , 417 West Railway Street in Bruning, Nebraska.&nbsp;

After preliminary searches of the property were unable to locate Balluch, the Thayer County Sheriff’s Office requested patrol assistance in the case. 

On Wednesday, Balluch was located deceased inside one of the grain bins on the property. Next of kin has been notified, according to the patrol.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday. The investigation remains ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676584178848.png" alt="Balluch photo courtesy Thayer Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Balluch photo courtesy Thayer Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, NE — A man who had been missing since early February has been located deceased, according to a statement from the Nebraska State Patrol. Jamie Balluch, 43, was last seen on Feb. 2 at his place of employment, Bruning Grain and Feed Company , 417 West Railway Street in Bruning, Nebraska.&nbsp;After preliminary searches of the property were unable to locate Balluch, the Thayer County Sheriff’s Office requested patrol assistance in the case. On Wednesday, Balluch was located deceased inside one of the grain bins on the property. Next of kin has been notified, according to the patrol.An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday. The investigation remains ongoing.

 Body of missing man found in grain bin where he worked

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 superintendent announced at a meeting Wednesday night he intends to recommend to the school board that Hays High keeps the Indian as its mascot.

A discussion has been ongoing for months on the mascot, which included a public meeting, committee meetings and a community survey.

The discussion was prompted by the passage of a bond that will include the construction of a new high school.

Although the discussions have included some vocal residents who wanted to eliminate the Indian mascot, citing the mascot as hurtful and racist, 90 percent of people who responded to the community survey said they wanted to retain the high school's Indian mascot.

"I've learned through this process that there's a tremendous amount of pride in this community through the Hays Indians," Ron Wilson, superintendent, said. "It's overwhelming people supporting being a Hays Indian.

"I've also learned there are things that are offensive in our imagery in the way we portray the Indian mascot. I think this discussion has been good in that it has allowed us to establish what an Indian should and shouldn't be."

School board member Lori Hertel asked about the Kansas School Board's recommendation that all Kansas schools eliminate Native American mascots within the next five years.

The Kansas Legislature would need to take action to mandate the mascot changes, and Wilson said the Legislature is considering much more significant legislation on public schools than mascots at this time.

Multiple critics of the Indian mascot said they thought the Indian head with the headdress is inappropriate.&nbsp;

Tony Crough, HHS football coach, said he thinks the HHS faculty want a mascot they and the students can be proud of.

"If we're going to be the Indians, we need to be able to be proud to be the Indians," he said, "not necessarily the offensive things like the headdress. If we say we're going to be proud and rally behind the Indians, we don't not want to be able to put 'Indians' on the shirt. Let's not sit on the fence."

Wednesday, members of the rebranding committee also discussed the need to be more consistent with the images and colors used in Hays High branding.

Wilson said the agenda for the next school board meeting had not been set as of Wednesday night. However, he could bring his recommendation to the school board as soon as the Monday meeting.

A vote would not be necessary if the board agrees to keep the mascot as it is. All members of the school board, except Tammy Wellbrock, were at the rebranding committee meeting Wednesday night.

Board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp has been a vocal opponent of the Indian mascot. She has repeatedly said she thinks the Indian mascot is hurtful to Native Americans

During the meeting and before Wilson's announcement she said of the mascot, "I think [always] in my life if someone said 'You're hurting us,' that I stopped hurting them."

Wilson said he anticipates the district will form a group to further evaluate the high school and middle school branding. This would include establishing more consistent logos and color schemes.

The rebranding committee also has discussed extending the maroon and gold as well as the Indian mascot to the middle school. Under the bond, the current high school will be remodeled into a middle school.

At the very least, carrying the mascots through both schools would negate the need to pull up the gym floor and repaint other areas of the school, said Bruce Rupp, HMS assistant principal and athletic director.

"If it's good enough for the high school, it's good enough for the middle school," Tom Albers, HMS principal, said of the Indian mascot.

Craig Pallister, school board president and former HMS principal, said he would like to see more discussion around the HMS mascot, which is now the Falcons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594578952417.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 superintendent announced at a meeting Wednesday night he intends to recommend to the school board that Hays High keeps the Indian as its mascot.A discussion has been ongoing for months on the mascot, which included a public meeting, committee meetings and a community survey.The discussion was prompted by the passage of a bond that will include the construction of a new high school.Although the discussions have included some vocal residents who wanted to eliminate the Indian mascot, citing the mascot as hurtful and racist, 90 percent of people who responded to the community survey said they wanted to retain the high school's Indian mascot."I've learned through this process that there's a tremendous amount of pride in this community through the Hays Indians," Ron Wilson, superintendent, said. "It's overwhelming people supporting being a Hays Indian."I've also learned there are things that are offensive in our imagery in the way we portray the Indian mascot. I think this discussion has been good in that it has allowed us to establish what an Indian should and shouldn't be."School board member Lori Hertel asked about the Kansas School Board's recommendation that all Kansas schools eliminate Native American mascots within the next five years.The Kansas Legislature would need to take action to mandate the mascot changes, and Wilson said the Legislature is considering much more significant legislation on public schools than mascots at this time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594579007962.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Multiple critics of the Indian mascot said they thought the Indian head with the headdress is inappropriate.&nbsp;Tony Crough, HHS football coach, said he thinks the HHS faculty want a mascot they and the students can be proud of."If we're going to be the Indians, we need to be able to be proud to be the Indians," he said, "not necessarily the offensive things like the headdress. If we say we're going to be proud and rally behind the Indians, we don't not want to be able to put 'Indians' on the shirt. Let's not sit on the fence."Wednesday, members of the rebranding committee also discussed the need to be more consistent with the images and colors used in Hays High branding.Wilson said the agenda for the next school board meeting had not been set as of Wednesday night. However, he could bring his recommendation to the school board as soon as the Monday meeting.A vote would not be necessary if the board agrees to keep the mascot as it is. All members of the school board, except Tammy Wellbrock, were at the rebranding committee meeting Wednesday night.Board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp has been a vocal opponent of the Indian mascot. She has repeatedly said she thinks the Indian mascot is hurtful to Native AmericansDuring the meeting and before Wilson's announcement she said of the mascot, "I think [always] in my life if someone said 'You're hurting us,' that I stopped hurting them."Wilson said he anticipates the district will form a group to further evaluate the high school and middle school branding. This would include establishing more consistent logos and color schemes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594578938353.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The rebranding committee also has discussed extending the maroon and gold as well as the Indian mascot to the middle school. Under the bond, the current high school will be remodeled into a middle school.At the very least, carrying the mascots through both schools would negate the need to pull up the gym floor and repaint other areas of the school, said Bruce Rupp, HMS assistant principal and athletic director."If it's good enough for the high school, it's good enough for the middle school," Tom Albers, HMS principal, said of the Indian mascot.Craig Pallister, school board president and former HMS principal, said he would like to see more discussion around the HMS mascot, which is now the Falcons.

Superintendent will recommend Hays High keeps Indian mascot

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a woman's murder in Kansas have a suspect in custody.

On January 27, police found 19-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/independence-mo/adhel-deng-11139575">Adhel R. Deng </a>of Olathe dead in her vehicle the 6100 block of Haskell Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas.

On Thursday, police reported they had arrested the suspect last week and 25-year-old&nbsp; Brandon Wallace of Kansas City, Kansas has been charged with 1st degree murder by the Wyandotte County District Attorney. 

Wallace is being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676600328102.png" alt="Wallace-Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Wallace-Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a woman's murder in Kansas have a suspect in custody.On January 27, police found 19-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/independence-mo/adhel-deng-11139575">Adhel R. Deng </a>of Olathe dead in her vehicle the 6100 block of Haskell Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676635018684.png" alt="Adhel R. Deng-<a href="https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/independence-mo/adhel-deng-11139575">courtesy photo&nbsp;</a>" />
 <figcaption>Adhel R. Deng-<a href="https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/independence-mo/adhel-deng-11139575">courtesy photo&nbsp;</a></figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, police reported they had arrested the suspect last week and 25-year-old&nbsp; Brandon Wallace of Kansas City, Kansas has been charged with 1st degree murder by the Wyandotte County District Attorney. Wallace is being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

Suspect charged in murder of 19-year-old Kansas woman

WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite testing positive twice last year for the coronavirus, President&nbsp;Joe Biden&nbsp;has no long-term symptoms and has been declared “healthy, vigorous” and “fit” to handle his White House responsibilities, according to a routine medical checkup performed Thursday.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Health-Summary-2.16.pdf">Click here to read the Doctor</a> summary on the President's health

The findings were contained in a memo by Biden's doctor, summarizing the exams conducted during a three-hour stay at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

The conclusions reached by Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's personal physician since 2009, are likely to be highly scrutinized as the oldest president in history makes plans for an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-us-republican-party-democratic-b6a4d89a5629e768e92485067a220797">expected reelection campaign</a>.

O'Connor concluded in a five-page memo that Biden “remains a healthy, vigorous 80-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency." But the doctor did not speculate about where Biden's health might be at age 86, when a second term might end.

The president had a lesion removed from his chest that is undergoing a traditional biopsy. But Thursday's results largely matched the findings after the president's last exam in November 2021, which said his coughing was due to acid reflux and his stiffened gait was the result of spinal arthritis, a previously broken foot and neuropathy in his feet.

The memo generally labeled Biden's health as “stable" compared to his last exam, though it noted that his calves and hamstrings had possibly tightened.

Biden tested positive in July for COVID-19 and experienced “very mild symptoms,” according to the White House. He also had a rebound infection and ultimately tested negative on Aug. 6 of last year. The president continued to work even as he isolated himself in the White House.

“Well, everything really went well," Biden told NBC News on Thursday about the exam ahead of the memo's release.

Many people, including Democrats, have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-biden-2024-presidential-prospects-c843c5af6775b4c8a0cff8e2b1db03f6">expressed reservations about Biden</a>&nbsp;seeking a second term in 2024. Only 37% of Democrats say Biden should pursue reelection, down from 52% before last November's elections, according to a recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Overall, 22% of U.S. adults said he ought to run again.

Follow-up interviews with people in the survey indicated that Biden's age was a major concern. They took note of his coughing, a greater sense of fragility in his walking and moments when he misspoke.

Biden had a colonoscopy in 2021, in which a 3-millimeter “benign-appearing polyp” was identified and removed. He did not undergo a colonoscopy during Thursday's checkup.

Asked in a recent PBS interview about his age and ability to be president, Biden responded with what has become his stock line: “Watch me. It's all I can say.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676592591396.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite testing positive twice last year for the coronavirus, President&nbsp;Joe Biden&nbsp;has no long-term symptoms and has been declared “healthy, vigorous” and “fit” to handle his White House responsibilities, according to a routine medical checkup performed Thursday.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Health-Summary-2.16.pdf">Click here to read the Doctor</a> summary on the President's health<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676592751907.png" alt="Asked in a recent PBS interview about his age and ability to be president, Biden responded with what has become his stock line: “Watch me. It's all I can say.”-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Asked in a recent PBS interview about his age and ability to be president, Biden responded with what has become his stock line: “Watch me. It's all I can say.”-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The findings were contained in a memo by Biden's doctor, summarizing the exams conducted during a three-hour stay at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.The conclusions reached by Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's personal physician since 2009, are likely to be highly scrutinized as the oldest president in history makes plans for an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-us-republican-party-democratic-b6a4d89a5629e768e92485067a220797">expected reelection campaign</a>.O'Connor concluded in a five-page memo that Biden “remains a healthy, vigorous 80-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency." But the doctor did not speculate about where Biden's health might be at age 86, when a second term might end.The president had a lesion removed from his chest that is undergoing a traditional biopsy. But Thursday's results largely matched the findings after the president's last exam in November 2021, which said his coughing was due to acid reflux and his stiffened gait was the result of spinal arthritis, a previously broken foot and neuropathy in his feet.The memo generally labeled Biden's health as “stable" compared to his last exam, though it noted that his calves and hamstrings had possibly tightened.Biden tested positive in July for COVID-19 and experienced “very mild symptoms,” according to the White House. He also had a rebound infection and ultimately tested negative on Aug. 6 of last year. The president continued to work even as he isolated himself in the White House.“Well, everything really went well," Biden told NBC News on Thursday about the exam ahead of the memo's release.Many people, including Democrats, have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-biden-2024-presidential-prospects-c843c5af6775b4c8a0cff8e2b1db03f6">expressed reservations about Biden</a>&nbsp;seeking a second term in 2024. Only 37% of Democrats say Biden should pursue reelection, down from 52% before last November's elections, according to a recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Overall, 22% of U.S. adults said he ought to run again.Follow-up interviews with people in the survey indicated that Biden's age was a major concern. They took note of his coughing, a greater sense of fragility in his walking and moments when he misspoke.Biden had a colonoscopy in 2021, in which a 3-millimeter “benign-appearing polyp” was identified and removed. He did not undergo a colonoscopy during Thursday's checkup.Asked in a recent PBS interview about his age and ability to be president, Biden responded with what has become his stock line: “Watch me. It's all I can say.”

Read the doctor's report following Biden's annual physical

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of oilfield thefts have captured a suspect.

Just after 10 a.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 42-year-old Lori Fiscus, according to Bardon County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. After a routine check, it was discovered Fiscus had outstanding warrants from Saline County for a probation violation. 

The passenger in the vehicle, identified as 29-year-old Kurt Woods, had outstanding warrants for failure to appear and contempt of court in Barton County and the City of Great Bend.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Woods had been sought in connection with several oilfield thefts involving brass valves from tank batteries. Further investigation located methamphetamine inside the vehicle.

Deputies arrested Fiscus on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and the warrant from Saline County. There is no bond on the Saline County warrant and a $10,000 bond on the possession of methamphetamine charge, according to Bellendir.

Woods was arrested on the two local warrants and requested charges of possession of methamphetamine as well as felony theft related to the oilfield incidents. Woods is being held on a $10,000 bond for the methamphetamine charge, $10,000 bond for felony theft, a warrant from the City of Great Bend for $1,642 and a warrant for Barton County District Court with a bond set at $500, according to Bellendir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676573873868.jpeg" alt="Lori Fiscus-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Lori Fiscus-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of oilfield thefts have captured a suspect.Just after 10 a.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 42-year-old Lori Fiscus, according to Bardon County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. After a routine check, it was discovered Fiscus had outstanding warrants from Saline County for a probation violation. The passenger in the vehicle, identified as 29-year-old Kurt Woods, had outstanding warrants for failure to appear and contempt of court in Barton County and the City of Great Bend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Woods had been sought in connection with several oilfield thefts involving brass valves from tank batteries. Further investigation located methamphetamine inside the vehicle.Deputies arrested Fiscus on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and the warrant from Saline County. There is no bond on the Saline County warrant and a $10,000 bond on the possession of methamphetamine charge, according to Bellendir.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676573864061.jpeg" alt="Woods-photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Woods-photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>Woods was arrested on the two local warrants and requested charges of possession of methamphetamine as well as felony theft related to the oilfield incidents. Woods is being held on a $10,000 bond for the methamphetamine charge, $10,000 bond for felony theft, a warrant from the City of Great Bend for $1,642 and a warrant for Barton County District Court with a bond set at $500, according to Bellendir.

Deputies capture suspect in series of Kansas oilfield thefts

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A third person who played a role in an internet romance scam that cheated multiple victims across the country out of a total of about $3.2 million has pleaded guilty, federal prosecutors said.

Sadae Mills, 28, of Houston, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence on Wednesday to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Mills' role in the scheme was to receive payments that she knew had been fraudulently obtained through internet and app-based romance scams, according to the U.S. attorney's office.

Over a three-month period in 2018, she took the payments, mostly in the form of money orders, cash, or wire transfers, and deposited them into her bank account. She then withdrew or transferred the money when directed to do so by one of her accomplices, prosecutors said.

The victims were from Rhode Island, New York, Arkansas, Colorado, North Carolina, Missouri and Florida, prosecutors said.

Two other participants in the conspiracy previously pleaded guilty.

Dominique Golden, 31, of Houston, pleaded guilty in September and was sentenced last month to more than six years in prison. Breauna Williams, 29, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, awaits sentencing in April after pleading guilty last month.

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A third person who played a role in an internet romance scam that cheated multiple victims across the country out of a total of about $3.2 million has pleaded guilty, federal prosecutors said.Sadae Mills, 28, of Houston, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence on Wednesday to conspiracy to commit money laundering.Mills' role in the scheme was to receive payments that she knew had been fraudulently obtained through internet and app-based romance scams, according to the U.S. attorney's office.Over a three-month period in 2018, she took the payments, mostly in the form of money orders, cash, or wire transfers, and deposited them into her bank account. She then withdrew or transferred the money when directed to do so by one of her accomplices, prosecutors said.The victims were from Rhode Island, New York, Arkansas, Colorado, North Carolina, Missouri and Florida, prosecutors said.Mills faces sentencing on May 23.Two other participants in the conspiracy previously pleaded guilty.Dominique Golden, 31, of Houston, pleaded guilty in September and was sentenced last month to more than six years in prison. Breauna Williams, 29, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, awaits sentencing in April after pleading guilty last month.Two other suspects await trial.

3rd person pleads guilty in nationwide romance scam 

ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas man with a history of jail time is back in custody.

On Wednesday, police arrested 29-year-old Jordan R. Bush of&nbsp; Atchison, on a District Court warrant for theft, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In September, police arrested Bush on requested charges of theft and battery and for an alleged bond violation, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police also booked him for an alleged bond violation in November and December.&nbsp;

He remains in custody on a $2500 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676548003861.png" alt="Bush-photo Atchison County." />
 <figcaption>Bush-photo Atchison County.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas man with a history of jail time is back in custody.On Wednesday, police arrested 29-year-old Jordan R. Bush of&nbsp; Atchison, on a District Court warrant for theft, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.In September, police arrested Bush on requested charges of theft and battery and for an alleged bond violation, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police also booked him for an alleged bond violation in November and December.&nbsp;He remains in custody on a $2500 bond, according to online jail records.

Wanted Kansas theft suspect captured

KANSAS CITY (AP) —An officer who made the arrest in a notorious quintuple homicide nearly a decade ago, his police dog and a pedestrian were all killed when a driver crashed into the officer's cruiser, authorities in Missouri said.

Kansas City police said the crash happened Wednesday night as Officer James Muhlbauer was on patrol. The driver who struck the cruiser suffered minor injuries and was taken into custody.

The pedestrian, identified only as a man in his 50s, died at the scene, as did the officer’s dog, Champ. Muhlbauer was rushed to a hospital where he later died.

Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said officers are investigating the cause of the crash, including whether alcohol was involved. She said there is no indication that the officer was at fault.

Graves said that officers from another department brought Champ’s remains to the hospital so the two partners could be reunited for what she described as their “heroes’ escort.”

“You live with your dog, your partner, your family lives with your partner,” she said. “You go to work every day. You train every day. You literally eat, sleep and live with your partner. They’re more than just a dog. They are truly the best partners they can have.”

Police said Muhlbauer, who was married and a father, was a 20-year veteran of the force. Graves asked for prayers for Muhlbauer's family and said that officers are “shaken” and “hurting.”

In 2014, Muhlbauer “heroically” arrested&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f780e78dd98041049c76a5f62874a5ce">Brandon Howell</a>&nbsp;after Howell killed five people in a quiet cul-de-sac when his attempt to steal a classic Jaguar went awry, said Jackson County prosecutor Jean Peters Baker. Howell, who previously was acquitted in the killings of two Kansas teens, is serving multiple life terms, with no chance of parole, in the quintuple homicide.

Mayor Quinton Lucas noted that the deadly crash came just days after another officer was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-nfl-super-bowl-f4d255a4516ec2beeee6fd11d0403ee8">hit by gunfire</a>&nbsp;and wounded at the department’s headquarters shortly after the Chiefs won the Super Bowl. It also followed a tiring day in which the city’s officers oversaw a parade to celebrate the victory.

“We all grieve with the Kansas City Police Department, the women and men of the department,” Lucas said. “We grieve certainly with the officer’s family.”

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City police officer, his K-9 partner and a pedestrian died in a crash Wednesday night.

Just after 10:15p.m., the officer identified as James Muhlbauer and his K9 officer Champ were on duty and on patrol in the area of Truman Road and Benton Boulevard when the patrol car was struck by another vehicle. The collision caused a secondary impact with a pedestrian.

The pedestrian and K-9 officer Champ was declared deceased at the scene, according to the release. EMS transported Muhlbauer to the hospital with critical injuries and he died.

The driver of the citizen vehicle has minor injuries and is in custody for further investigation

Muhlbauer is 20-year veteran of the KCPD and had been assigned to the K-9 Unit for nearly 3-years. His K9 partner  was an approximately 1-year veteran of the KCPD.&nbsp; &nbsp; K-9 Champ lived with Muhlbauer and his family. Mulhbauer was married and a father.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676573009736.png" alt="Officer James Muhlbauer and K-9 Officer Champ-photo courtesy KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Officer James Muhlbauer and K-9 Officer Champ-photo courtesy KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH&nbsp;KANSAS CITY (AP) —An officer who made the arrest in a notorious quintuple homicide nearly a decade ago, his police dog and a pedestrian were all killed when a driver crashed into the officer's cruiser, authorities in Missouri said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676552907457.png" alt="The driver of the citizen vehicle has minor injuries and is in custody for further investigation-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The driver of the citizen vehicle has minor injuries and is in custody for further investigation-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City police said the crash happened Wednesday night as Officer James Muhlbauer was on patrol. The driver who struck the cruiser suffered minor injuries and was taken into custody.The pedestrian, identified only as a man in his 50s, died at the scene, as did the officer’s dog, Champ. Muhlbauer was rushed to a hospital where he later died.Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said officers are investigating the cause of the crash, including whether alcohol was involved. She said there is no indication that the officer was at fault.Graves said that officers from another department brought Champ’s remains to the hospital so the two partners could be reunited for what she described as their “heroes’ escort.”“You live with your dog, your partner, your family lives with your partner,” she said. “You go to work every day. You train every day. You literally eat, sleep and live with your partner. They’re more than just a dog. They are truly the best partners they can have.”Police said Muhlbauer, who was married and a father, was a 20-year veteran of the force. Graves asked for prayers for Muhlbauer's family and said that officers are “shaken” and “hurting.”In 2014, Muhlbauer “heroically” arrested&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f780e78dd98041049c76a5f62874a5ce">Brandon Howell</a>&nbsp;after Howell killed five people in a quiet cul-de-sac when his attempt to steal a classic Jaguar went awry, said Jackson County prosecutor Jean Peters Baker. Howell, who previously was acquitted in the killings of two Kansas teens, is serving multiple life terms, with no chance of parole, in the quintuple homicide.Mayor Quinton Lucas noted that the deadly crash came just days after another officer was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-nfl-super-bowl-f4d255a4516ec2beeee6fd11d0403ee8">hit by gunfire</a>&nbsp;and wounded at the department’s headquarters shortly after the Chiefs won the Super Bowl. It also followed a tiring day in which the city’s officers oversaw a parade to celebrate the victory.“We all grieve with the Kansas City Police Department, the women and men of the department,” Lucas said. “We grieve certainly with the officer’s family.”---------------KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City police officer, his K-9 partner and a pedestrian died in a crash Wednesday night.Just after 10:15p.m., the officer identified as James Muhlbauer and his K9 officer Champ were on duty and on patrol in the area of Truman Road and Benton Boulevard when the patrol car was struck by another vehicle. The collision caused a secondary impact with a pedestrian.The pedestrian and K-9 officer Champ was declared deceased at the scene, according to the release. EMS transported Muhlbauer to the hospital with critical injuries and he died.The driver of the citizen vehicle has minor injuries and is in custody for further investigationMuhlbauer is 20-year veteran of the KCPD and had been assigned to the K-9 Unit for nearly 3-years. His K9 partner was an approximately 1-year veteran of the KCPD.&nbsp; &nbsp; K-9 Champ lived with Muhlbauer and his family. Mulhbauer was married and a father.&nbsp;

 Police ID 20-year police veteran, K-9 partner killed in crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Thursday that the U.S. is developing “sharper rules” to track, monitor and potentially shoot down unknown aerial objects, following three weeks of high-stakes drama sparked by the discovery of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-antony-blinken-china-314302278a5f05bdc2df146ed5b35ec6">a suspected Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;transiting much of the country.

(Click to watch the President's statement)

The president has directed national security adviser Jake Sullivan to lead an “interagency team” to review U.S. procedures after the U.S. shot down the Chinese balloon, as well as three other objects that Biden said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aerial-objects-shot-down-lake-huron-8d60c429b1bf549a791434f8bd1bcc81">U.S. now believes are most likely “benign” objects</a>&nbsp;launched by private companies or research institutions.

While not expressing regret for downing the three still-unidentified objects, Biden said he hoped the new rules would help “distinguish between those that are likely to pose safety and security risks that necessitate action and those that do not.”

“Make no mistake, if any object presents a threat to the safety and security of the American people I will take it down,” he added, repeating the legal justification cited for the downings — that the objects, flying between 20,000 and 40,000 feet posed a remote risk to civilian planes.

The downing of the Chinese surveillance craft was the first known peacetime shootdown of an unauthorized object in U.S. airspace — a feat repeated three times a week later.

Biden sharply criticized China's surveillance program, saying the shootdown sent a “clear message, the violation of our sovereignty is unacceptable," but said he looks to maintain open lines of communication with Beijing. Secretary of State Anthony&nbsp;<a>Blinken postponed his first planned trip</a>&nbsp;to China as the balloon was flying over the U.S., and a new meeting with his Chinese counterpart has yet to be scheduled.

“I expect to be speaking with President Xi and I hope we can get to the bottom of this,” Biden said, adding, “But I make no apologies for taking down that balloon.”

Biden said the rules would remain classified so as not to “give a roadmap to our enemies to try to evade our defenses.”

The Chinese balloon has escalated tensions between the U.S. and China.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-politics-turkey-government-united-states-59f33c71d33a7f77bcc9d3e1800a09d3">Blinken travels Thursday to the Munich Security Conference</a>&nbsp;and there is speculation he might use the opportunity to meet top Chinese foreign policy official Wang Yi, who will also be attending the conference.

Biden had remained largely silent on the objects downed Friday off the coast of Alaska, Saturday over Canada and Sunday over Lake Huron. On Monday, the White House announced earnestly there was no indication of “aliens or extraterrestrial activity.” By Wednesday, U.S. officials said they were still working to locate the wreckage from the objects, but that they expected all three to be unrelated to surveillance efforts.

“The intelligence community is considering as a leading explanation that these could just be balloons tied to some commercial or benign purpose,” said White House national security spokesman John Kirby. No country or private company has come forward to claim any of the objects, Kirby said. They do not appear to have been operated by the U.S. government.

Still unaddressed are questions about the original balloon, including what spying capabilities it had and whether it was transmitting signals as it flew over sensitive military sites in the United States. It was believed by American intelligence to have initially been on a track toward the U.S. territory of Guam, according to a U.S. official.

The U.S. tracked it for several days after it left China, said the official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence. It appears to have been blown off its initial trajectory and ultimately flew over the continental U.S., the official said.

Balloons and other unidentified objects have been previously spotted over Guam, a strategic hub for the U.S. Navy and Air Force in the western Pacific.

It’s unclear how much control China retained over the balloon once it veered from its original trajectory. A second U.S. official said the balloon could have been externally maneuvered or directed to loiter over a specific target, but it’s unclear whether Chinese forces did so.

After the balloon was shot down, the White House revealed that such balloons had traversed U.S. territory at least three times during President Donald Trump’s administration unknown to Trump or his aides — and that others have flown over dozens of nations across five continents. Kirby emphasized Monday that they were only detected by the Biden administration.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Thursday that the U.S. is developing “sharper rules” to track, monitor and potentially shoot down unknown aerial objects, following three weeks of high-stakes drama sparked by the discovery of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-antony-blinken-china-314302278a5f05bdc2df146ed5b35ec6">a suspected Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;transiting much of the country.(Click to watch the President's statement)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1435977713882099%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The president has directed national security adviser Jake Sullivan to lead an “interagency team” to review U.S. procedures after the U.S. shot down the Chinese balloon, as well as three other objects that Biden said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aerial-objects-shot-down-lake-huron-8d60c429b1bf549a791434f8bd1bcc81">U.S. now believes are most likely “benign” objects</a>&nbsp;launched by private companies or research institutions.While not expressing regret for downing the three still-unidentified objects, Biden said he hoped the new rules would help “distinguish between those that are likely to pose safety and security risks that necessitate action and those that do not.”“Make no mistake, if any object presents a threat to the safety and security of the American people I will take it down,” he added, repeating the legal justification cited for the downings — that the objects, flying between 20,000 and 40,000 feet posed a remote risk to civilian planes.The downing of the Chinese surveillance craft was the first known peacetime shootdown of an unauthorized object in U.S. airspace — a feat repeated three times a week later.Biden sharply criticized China's surveillance program, saying the shootdown sent a “clear message, the violation of our sovereignty is unacceptable," but said he looks to maintain open lines of communication with Beijing. Secretary of State Anthony&nbsp;<a>Blinken postponed his first planned trip</a>&nbsp;to China as the balloon was flying over the U.S., and a new meeting with his Chinese counterpart has yet to be scheduled.“I expect to be speaking with President Xi and I hope we can get to the bottom of this,” Biden said, adding, “But I make no apologies for taking down that balloon.”Biden said the rules would remain classified so as not to “give a roadmap to our enemies to try to evade our defenses.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676045566817.png" alt="Agents assigned to the evidence response team process material recovered from the China spy balloon recovered off the coast of South Carolina-photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>Agents assigned to the evidence response team process material recovered from the China spy balloon recovered off the coast of South Carolina-photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>The Chinese balloon has escalated tensions between the U.S. and China.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-politics-turkey-government-united-states-59f33c71d33a7f77bcc9d3e1800a09d3">Blinken travels Thursday to the Munich Security Conference</a>&nbsp;and there is speculation he might use the opportunity to meet top Chinese foreign policy official Wang Yi, who will also be attending the conference.Biden had remained largely silent on the objects downed Friday off the coast of Alaska, Saturday over Canada and Sunday over Lake Huron. On Monday, the White House announced earnestly there was no indication of “aliens or extraterrestrial activity.” By Wednesday, U.S. officials said they were still working to locate the wreckage from the objects, but that they expected all three to be unrelated to surveillance efforts.“The intelligence community is considering as a leading explanation that these could just be balloons tied to some commercial or benign purpose,” said White House national security spokesman John Kirby. No country or private company has come forward to claim any of the objects, Kirby said. They do not appear to have been operated by the U.S. government.Still unaddressed are questions about the original balloon, including what spying capabilities it had and whether it was transmitting signals as it flew over sensitive military sites in the United States. It was believed by American intelligence to have initially been on a track toward the U.S. territory of Guam, according to a U.S. official.The U.S. tracked it for several days after it left China, said the official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence. It appears to have been blown off its initial trajectory and ultimately flew over the continental U.S., the official said.Balloons and other unidentified objects have been previously spotted over Guam, a strategic hub for the U.S. Navy and Air Force in the western Pacific.It’s unclear how much control China retained over the balloon once it veered from its original trajectory. A second U.S. official said the balloon could have been externally maneuvered or directed to loiter over a specific target, but it’s unclear whether Chinese forces did so.After the balloon was shot down, the White House revealed that such balloons had traversed U.S. territory at least three times during President Donald Trump’s administration unknown to Trump or his aides — and that others have flown over dozens of nations across five continents. Kirby emphasized Monday that they were only detected by the Biden administration.—

🎥Biden: 3 downed UFOs not linked to China spy program

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Thursday requested unanimous consent on the Senate Floor to adopt the Senate resolution to officially recognize the Kansas City Chiefs as Super Bowl LVII Champions. The Senate unanimously passed the resolution introduced by Senators Moran, Josh Hawley (Mo.), Roger Marshall and Eric Schmitt (Mo.).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/b/9/b9a2ffbe-864f-4419-88f9-49c1fadd3971/95ED5FA8C1CFAECB5C70F54BBE281CBF.chiefs.pdf">Click here to read the</a>&nbsp;resolution and click below to watch Senator Moran

Sen. Moran’s full remarks as prepared for delivery:

“For the second time in four seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl Champions.

“Head Coach Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce cemented their Hall of Fame careers with another incredible season and Super Bowl VII victory.

“I also want to acknowledge Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt and Chiefs President Mark Donovan for running an exceptional organization and building the foundation for this remarkable team.

“Chiefs Kingdom – ranging from Kansas to Missouri to all across the Midwest – has the best fans in the NFL, and I look forward to the fan base growing even bigger as the Chiefs continue their dynasty for many years to come.

“I want to congratulate Kathy Nelson with the Kansas City Sports Commission and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on a successful Super Bowl Parade that had an estimated one million people from Kansas and Missouri attend.

“Congratulations&nbsp;also to the training and medical staff from The University of Kansas Health System for getting the Chiefs players healthy and ready to win Super Bowl VII.

“Kansas City will again be in the spotlight soon as we host the NFL Draft this April. I look forward to showcasing what Kansas and Kansas City has to offer as we continue to grow our region.

“Congratulations&nbsp;again to the entire Kansas City Chiefs organization.”

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Thursday requested unanimous consent on the Senate Floor to adopt the Senate resolution to officially recognize the Kansas City Chiefs as Super Bowl LVII Champions. The Senate unanimously passed the resolution introduced by Senators Moran, Josh Hawley (Mo.), Roger Marshall and Eric Schmitt (Mo.).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/b/9/b9a2ffbe-864f-4419-88f9-49c1fadd3971/95ED5FA8C1CFAECB5C70F54BBE281CBF.chiefs.pdf">Click here to read the</a>&nbsp;resolution and click below to watch Senator Moran<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Os69DRN7S-o?start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Sen. Moran’s full remarks as prepared for delivery:“For the second time in four seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl Champions.“Head Coach Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce cemented their Hall of Fame careers with another incredible season and Super Bowl VII victory.“I also want to acknowledge Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt and Chiefs President Mark Donovan for running an exceptional organization and building the foundation for this remarkable team.“Chiefs Kingdom – ranging from Kansas to Missouri to all across the Midwest – has the best fans in the NFL, and I look forward to the fan base growing even bigger as the Chiefs continue their dynasty for many years to come.“I want to congratulate Kathy Nelson with the Kansas City Sports Commission and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on a successful Super Bowl Parade that had an estimated one million people from Kansas and Missouri attend.“Congratulations&nbsp;also to the training and medical staff from The University of Kansas Health System for getting the Chiefs players healthy and ready to win Super Bowl VII.“Kansas City will again be in the spotlight soon as we host the NFL Draft this April. I look forward to showcasing what Kansas and Kansas City has to offer as we continue to grow our region.“Congratulations&nbsp;again to the entire Kansas City Chiefs organization.”

🎥U.S. Senate passes resolution honoring Chiefs as Super Bowl Champions

The Anthony Police Department reported that the Kansas Highway Patrol located Cindy Southern near Emporia. She is safe, and is doing well.

HARPER COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has issued a Statewide Silver Alert at the request of the Anthony Police Department for a missing Anthony woman.

The whereabouts of 65-year-old Cindy Sue Southern are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.

On Wednesday, Feb. 15, Southern was traveling from Anthony, Kansas to Topeka, Kansas along with a moving truck. Southern was driving a 2010 gray Hyundai Santa Fe bearing Kansas tag 193RNZ. The driver of the moving truck last made contact with Southern at approximately 11:30 p.m., when she indicated she was at the Casey’s General Store in Wellington, Kansas. She hasn’t been heard from since.

Cindy Southern is a white female, 5 foot- 7 in. tall, weighing around 140 lbs. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Cindy has known heart and kidney conditions.

If you see Cindy Southern, or this vehicle, please immediately contact 911, or Harvey County Dispatch at (620) 842-3086

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676579366777.png" alt="Cindy Southern photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Cindy Southern photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>The Anthony Police Department reported that the Kansas Highway Patrol located Cindy Southern near Emporia. She is safe, and is doing well.------------HARPER COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has issued a Statewide Silver Alert at the request of the Anthony Police Department for a missing Anthony woman.The whereabouts of 65-year-old Cindy Sue Southern are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.On Wednesday, Feb. 15, Southern was traveling from Anthony, Kansas to Topeka, Kansas along with a moving truck. Southern was driving a 2010 gray Hyundai Santa Fe bearing Kansas tag 193RNZ. The driver of the moving truck last made contact with Southern at approximately 11:30 p.m., when she indicated she was at the Casey’s General Store in Wellington, Kansas. She hasn’t been heard from since.Cindy Southern is a white female, 5 foot- 7 in. tall, weighing around 140 lbs. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Cindy has known heart and kidney conditions.If you see Cindy Southern, or this vehicle, please immediately contact 911, or Harvey County Dispatch at (620) 842-3086

KBI: Silver Alert canceled; missing Kansas woman found safe

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/16/kansas-house-committee-advances-bills-to-conserve-water-in-ogallala-aquifer/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Members of a Kansas House committee on Thursday passed <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/09/house-bill-calls-for-western-kansas-to-create-plans-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer/">legislation meant to push officials in western Kansas</a> to come up with ideas to conserve water in the disappearing Ogallala Aquifer.

The legislation — along with a bill dedicating sales tax revenue to fund water projects —&nbsp;passed the <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_water_1/">House Water Committee</a> on a voice vote with little opposition. It now moves to the full Kansas House of Representatives for consideration.

Both bills represent a leap forward for the <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/shooting-themselves-in-the-foot-committee-guts-kansas-bill-to-protect-water/">committee, which began studying water issues</a> in Kansas and suggesting possible solutions to the near-crisis state of the Ogallala two years ago.

“We think we have a very good start 
on this issue,” said Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City, chairman of the 
House Water Committee. “We’ve got a long ways to go. But this is a 
really good beginning.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kgs.ku.edu/HighPlains/index.shtml">The Ogallala Aquifer</a>,
 which stretches across several Plains states, is the largest 
underground store of fresh water in the country. Following World War II,
 farmers began pumping water from the aquifer in droves to irrigate 
crops in arid western Kansas.

Less than a century later, the water is running out. Some parts of the aquifer have an estimated 10 or 20 years left. And <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/15/audit-finds-western-kansas-keeps-losing-water-despite-local-efforts/">a state audit found efforts by local groundwater management districts</a>, or GMDs, to save the aquifer vary widely.

One of the bills, sponsored by Rep. 
Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, the ranking minority member of the 
committee, would require GMDs report more information on their finances 
and conservation efforts to the state. They would also have to identify 
priority areas of their territories and submit plans to the state to 
conserve groundwater.

“We’re hoping that we’re empowering 
groundwater management districts to identify the most important areas 
that need to be addressed in relation to conserving and extending the 
life of the Ogallala Aquifer and then coming up with plans to do that,” 
Vaughn said.

Vaughn offered a compromise amendment
 during the discussion Thursday that clarified some points of the bill 
at the suggestion of GMDs and agricultural groups.

The bill had wide support, but one 
committee member, Rep. Brett Fairchild, R-St. John, said he would vote 
against the bill because of concern he heard from GMDs that the bill 
creates “paperwork and cost.”

Rep. Kenny Titus, R-Manhattan, said 
the bill left a lot of flexibility for the GMDs to come up with plans 
based on local input. He said he would support it.

“I think this bill strikes a good 
balance between moving the state as a whole forward protecting natural 
resources but leaving the crux of this in local control,” Titus said.

The other bill, sponsored by Minnix, 
carves off 1.231% of sales tax revenue to fund the state’s water plan. 
In the next fiscal year, that amounts to a projected $54.1 million. 
Minnix’s bill also creates other transfers to fund water projects.

That bill also received wide support.
 Rep. Cyndi Howerton, R-Wichita, said the state had shorted water 
projects to the tune of $84.5 million since 1991.

Several members said the funding bill was a historic step forward for solving Kansas’ water issues.

Rep. Doug Blex, R-Independence, called the legislation “a legacy for all of us.”

“I am really proud to be a part of the milestone that this committee has done here,” Blex said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676569830790.png" alt="The Kansas House Water Committee passed two bills to provide funding to projects and push local officials to conserve the Ogallala Aquifer. (Bill Johnson/Kansas Geological Survey)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas House Water Committee passed two bills to provide funding to projects and push local officials to conserve the Ogallala Aquifer. (Bill Johnson/Kansas Geological Survey)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/16/kansas-house-committee-advances-bills-to-conserve-water-in-ogallala-aquifer/">Kansas Reflector</a>Members of a Kansas House committee on Thursday passed <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/09/house-bill-calls-for-western-kansas-to-create-plans-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer/">legislation meant to push officials in western Kansas</a> to come up with ideas to conserve water in the disappearing Ogallala Aquifer.The legislation — along with a bill dedicating sales tax revenue to fund water projects —&nbsp;passed the <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_water_1/">House Water Committee</a> on a voice vote with little opposition. It now moves to the full Kansas House of Representatives for consideration.Both bills represent a leap forward for the <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/shooting-themselves-in-the-foot-committee-guts-kansas-bill-to-protect-water/">committee, which began studying water issues</a> in Kansas and suggesting possible solutions to the near-crisis state of the Ogallala two years ago.“We think we have a very good start 
on this issue,” said Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City, chairman of the 
House Water Committee. “We’ve got a long ways to go. But this is a 
really good beginning.”<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kgs.ku.edu/HighPlains/index.shtml">The Ogallala Aquifer</a>,
 which stretches across several Plains states, is the largest 
underground store of fresh water in the country. Following World War II,
 farmers began pumping water from the aquifer in droves to irrigate 
crops in arid western Kansas.Less than a century later, the water is running out. Some parts of the aquifer have an estimated 10 or 20 years left. And <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/15/audit-finds-western-kansas-keeps-losing-water-despite-local-efforts/">a state audit found efforts by local groundwater management districts</a>, or GMDs, to save the aquifer vary widely.One of the bills, sponsored by Rep. 
Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, the ranking minority member of the 
committee, would require GMDs report more information on their finances 
and conservation efforts to the state. They would also have to identify 
priority areas of their territories and submit plans to the state to 
conserve groundwater.“We’re hoping that we’re empowering 
groundwater management districts to identify the most important areas 
that need to be addressed in relation to conserving and extending the 
life of the Ogallala Aquifer and then coming up with plans to do that,” 
Vaughn said.Vaughn offered a compromise amendment
 during the discussion Thursday that clarified some points of the bill 
at the suggestion of GMDs and agricultural groups.The bill had wide support, but one 
committee member, Rep. Brett Fairchild, R-St. John, said he would vote 
against the bill because of concern he heard from GMDs that the bill 
creates “paperwork and cost.”Rep. Kenny Titus, R-Manhattan, said 
the bill left a lot of flexibility for the GMDs to come up with plans 
based on local input. He said he would support it.“I think this bill strikes a good 
balance between moving the state as a whole forward protecting natural 
resources but leaving the crux of this in local control,” Titus said.The other bill, sponsored by Minnix, 
carves off 1.231% of sales tax revenue to fund the state’s water plan. 
In the next fiscal year, that amounts to a projected $54.1 million. 
Minnix’s bill also creates other transfers to fund water projects.That bill also received wide support.
 Rep. Cyndi Howerton, R-Wichita, said the state had shorted water 
projects to the tune of $84.5 million since 1991.Several members said the funding bill was a historic step forward for solving Kansas’ water issues.Rep. Doug Blex, R-Independence, called the legislation “a legacy for all of us.”“I am really proud to be a part of the milestone that this committee has done here,” Blex said.

Kan. House committee advances bills to conserve Ogallala Aquifer

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a teen to the hospital.

Just after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 2300 block of N. Waco in Wichita after multiple calls of a shooting, according to Officer Trevor Macy. 

At the scene, first responders located an 18-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to an area hospital with serious injuries. He was treated and later released, according to Macy.

Investigators learned that the 18-year-old had been in a gold Ford earlier in the evening with three others when they drove to a business at 21st and Arkansas Street in Wichita.

While at the business, a white pickup arrived, and one of the men from the gold car exited to talk to one of the occupants of the white pickup. 

After their conversation, the man got back into the gold vehicle, and as they drove away, occupants of the white pickup began shooting at the gold car.

The 18-year-old driving the gold vehicle drove North on Waco with the white truck following. At 22nd and Waco, the 18-year-old and one of his passengers , a 17-year-old boy, exited the vehicle, and the other two unknown males drove off in it. Police located the Gold Ford in the 2200 block of N. Broadway.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the identity of those involved or reported an arrest.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a teen to the hospital.Just after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 2300 block of N. Waco in Wichita after multiple calls of a shooting, according to Officer Trevor Macy. At the scene, first responders located an 18-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to an area hospital with serious injuries. He was treated and later released, according to Macy.Investigators learned that the 18-year-old had been in a gold Ford earlier in the evening with three others when they drove to a business at 21st and Arkansas Street in Wichita.While at the business, a white pickup arrived, and one of the men from the gold car exited to talk to one of the occupants of the white pickup. After their conversation, the man got back into the gold vehicle, and as they drove away, occupants of the white pickup began shooting at the gold car.The 18-year-old driving the gold vehicle drove North on Waco with the white truck following. At 22nd and Waco, the 18-year-old and one of his passengers , a 17-year-old boy, exited the vehicle, and the other two unknown males drove off in it. Police located the Gold Ford in the 2200 block of N. Broadway.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the identity of those involved or reported an arrest.

Kansas teen hospitalized after gunfire between vehicles

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas prosecutor on Wednesday moved to dismiss a felony domestic violence case against former Texas basketball coach Chris Beard, in part because of the alleged victim’s wishes not to prosecute.

Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said that “after a careful and thorough review of the evidence” and considering the wishes of Randi Trew, Beard’s fiancée, his office determined the charge of assault by strangulation/suffocation-family violence could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Beard was arrested Dec. 12 after Trew called 911 and told officers that Beard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-austin-texas-prisons-violence-579d283260eb916721681dbb3270e06a">strangled, bit and hit her</a>&nbsp;during a confrontation in his home.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-chris-beard-top-25-college-basketball-today-99133534a0645c7318c6557d425d5dcf">She later said Beard didn’t choke her</a>, and that he defended himself from her. She added that she never intended him to be arrested and prosecuted.

“Everyone knows that Coach Beard has maintained his absolute innocence since the moment he was arrested,” said Perry Minton, Beard’s attorney. “Additionally, this district attorney has a well-earned reputation for being very tough regarding domestic violence cases. The fact that Mr. Garza’s review resulted in this determination so quickly says a lot. We are very pleased.”

The Associated Press does not typically identify alleged victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence, but Trew issued a public statement on Dec. 23 about Beard’s arrest and their fight that night, disputing several elements of the initial police account.

The third-degree felony charge carried a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison if prosecutors had pressed the case to conviction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670872672542.png" alt="Beard from his arrest in Travis County" />
 <figcaption>Beard from his arrest in Travis County</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas prosecutor on Wednesday moved to dismiss a felony domestic violence case against former Texas basketball coach Chris Beard, in part because of the alleged victim’s wishes not to prosecute.Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said that “after a careful and thorough review of the evidence” and considering the wishes of Randi Trew, Beard’s fiancée, his office determined the charge of assault by strangulation/suffocation-family violence could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670863360648.png" alt="Travis County jail records" />
 <figcaption>Travis County jail records</figcaption>
 </figure>Beard was arrested Dec. 12 after Trew called 911 and told officers that Beard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-austin-texas-prisons-violence-579d283260eb916721681dbb3270e06a">strangled, bit and hit her</a>&nbsp;during a confrontation in his home.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-chris-beard-top-25-college-basketball-today-99133534a0645c7318c6557d425d5dcf">She later said Beard didn’t choke her</a>, and that he defended himself from her. She added that she never intended him to be arrested and prosecuted.“Everyone knows that Coach Beard has maintained his absolute innocence since the moment he was arrested,” said Perry Minton, Beard’s attorney. “Additionally, this district attorney has a well-earned reputation for being very tough regarding domestic violence cases. The fact that Mr. Garza’s review resulted in this determination so quickly says a lot. We are very pleased.”The Associated Press does not typically identify alleged victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence, but Trew issued a public statement on Dec. 23 about Beard’s arrest and their fight that night, disputing several elements of the initial police account.The third-degree felony charge carried a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison if prosecutors had pressed the case to conviction.“Our office takes all domestic abuse cases seriously to ensure justice for the victims,” Garza said. “In every case, we are obligated to evaluate the facts and evidence and do our best to reach an outcome that will keep the victim and our community safe.”Garza also defended his office’s record of pursuing domestic violence cases, noting his office has secured more than 1,000 convictions in family violence cases since 2021, with more than 200 people going to prison.According to the police affidavit in support of Beard’s arrest, Trew initially told officers he strangled her from behind to the point where she couldn’t breathe for several seconds. The affidavit listed several visible signs of an altercation, including bite marks on her arm and abrasions on her face and leg.According to the affidavit, Trew initally told police “he choked me, bit me, bruises all over my leg, throwing me around and going nuts.” Her later statement did not address why she called 911 or several of the physical injuries described in the police report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672954198060.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Texas suspended Beard without pay the day he was arrested.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-sports-chris-beard-texas-law-enforcement-64f650d82cd95028ad80ae5946fe2e24">He was fired on Jan. 5</a>&nbsp;when Texas officials told Beard’s attorney he was “unfit” to lead the program.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-new-mexico-state-aggies-texas-longhorns-top-25-college-basketball-today-mens-d9601fa3c93f7e4fa792f6c5f6196047">Texas has been led by interim coach Rodney Terry since Dec. 12</a>. The Longhorns are ranked No. 6 and share first place in the Big 12.A University of Texas spokesman declined comment Wednesday.Beard had five years left on a seven-year guaranteed contract that included a provision saying he could be fired for cause if he was charged with a felony or committed other behavior unbecoming of his position or that reflected poorly on the university.The university’s vice president of legal affairs, Jim Davis, wrote in a letter to Beard’s attorney on the day the coach was fired that Beard engaged in “unacceptable behavior that makes him unfit to serve as head coach at our university.”Whether prosecutors continue with the case does not determine whether Beard engaged in conduct unbecoming of the school, Davis wrote.