KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man and woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $2.9 million conspiracy to defraud Medicare, according to the United State's Attorney.

Timothy A. Chin, 64, and Lauren M. Sword, 36, both of Lenexa were charged in a 23-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury this month.

Chin and Sword jointly owned and operated Senior Community Care LLC a/k/a Momentum Med Services, LLC. Sword, a chiropractor and owner of <a href="https://www.adjusttohealthkc.com/meet-the-doctor">Adjust to Health</a>, was enrolled as a Medicare provider.

The federal indictment alleges that Chin and Sword participated in a conspiracy to pay bribes and receive kickbacks for the referral of Medicare beneficiary information that was used to submit $2,927,706 in claims to Medicare from February 2019 through September 2019. Medicare actually paid out approximately $861,399 to two laboratories that submitted those claims.

In addition to the conspiracy, Chin and Sword are charged with 22 counts of wire fraud.

Through Senior Community Care, the indictment says, Chin and Sword marketed genetic tests to Medicare beneficiaries. They also hired or contracted with marketers, sales representatives, and patient recruiters to target Medicare beneficiaries at senior residential communities and other locations, and to induce those Medicare beneficiaries to agree to genetic testing regardless of medical necessity.

Genetic testing is used to indicate whether there is a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, or to assess how the body’s genetic makeup would affect its response to certain medications. To conduct genetic testing, a laboratory needed to obtain a DNA specimen from the patient. Specimens were typically obtained from the patient’s saliva by using a cheek swab to collect cells.

Marketers collected Medicare personal identifying information from Medicare beneficiaries, along with the swabs. Health care providers, such as doctors, then signed orders for genetic tests that were, in turn, used to bill Medicare for those tests.

Operating through Senior Community Care, the indictment says, Chin and Sword were marketers and patient recruiters for MBM Solutions, a Florida company involved in marketing genetic tests to Medicare beneficiaries. Chin and Sword allegedly received kickbacks and bribes from MBM in exchange for the referral of Medicare beneficiaries for genetic tests and doctors’ orders for those tests.

MBM Solutions purportedly received kickbacks and bribes from Momentum Sales &amp; Marketing, a company operating out of New Jersey and Florida that marketed genetic tests to Medicare beneficiaries.

Senior Community Care was one of other marketing sub-groups that operated in a payment structure that included MBM and Momentum Sales &amp; Marketing, whose owners are being prosecuted in other districts. Because Chin and Sword were involved in this multi-level scheme to defraud Medicare, the indictment says, they were paid kickbacks and bribes by MBM. Chin and Sword allegedly paid kickbacks and bribes to their Senior Community Care marketers in exchange for the referral of Medicare beneficiaries for genetic tests.

Chin and Sword caused two laboratories to bill and be paid by Medicare. Those laboratories billed Medicare approximately $2,927,706, and Medicare paid them approximately $861,399 for specimens from 163 Medicare beneficiaries.

Between April 15 and Aug. 30, 2019, MBM paid Chin and Sword approximately $95,348 by making 14 electronic deposits into their account. These payments allegedly were made in exchange for the referral of Medicare beneficiaries for genetic testing and, as such, were illegal kickbacks.

Between June 19 and Sept. 4, 2019, Chin and Sword allegedly withdrew a total of $34,458 from their bank account and used those funds to compensate Senior Community Care marketers for genetic testing referrals and, as such, those payments were illegal kickbacks.

The federal indictment also contains a forfeiture count, which would require Chin and Sword to forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds of the alleged wire fraud, including a money judgment in the amount of $95,348.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670090483032.png" alt="Lauren Sword-photo courtesy Adjust to Health" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Sword-photo courtesy Adjust to Health</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man and woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $2.9 million conspiracy to defraud Medicare, according to the United State's Attorney.Timothy A. Chin, 64, and Lauren M. Sword, 36, both of Lenexa were charged in a 23-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury this month.Chin and Sword jointly owned and operated Senior Community Care LLC a/k/a Momentum Med Services, LLC. Sword, a chiropractor and owner of <a href="https://www.adjusttohealthkc.com/meet-the-doctor">Adjust to Health</a>, was enrolled as a Medicare provider.The federal indictment alleges that Chin and Sword participated in a conspiracy to pay bribes and receive kickbacks for the referral of Medicare beneficiary information that was used to submit $2,927,706 in claims to Medicare from February 2019 through September 2019. Medicare actually paid out approximately $861,399 to two laboratories that submitted those claims.In addition to the conspiracy, Chin and Sword are charged with 22 counts of wire fraud.Through Senior Community Care, the indictment says, Chin and Sword marketed genetic tests to Medicare beneficiaries. They also hired or contracted with marketers, sales representatives, and patient recruiters to target Medicare beneficiaries at senior residential communities and other locations, and to induce those Medicare beneficiaries to agree to genetic testing regardless of medical necessity.Genetic testing is used to indicate whether there is a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, or to assess how the body’s genetic makeup would affect its response to certain medications. To conduct genetic testing, a laboratory needed to obtain a DNA specimen from the patient. Specimens were typically obtained from the patient’s saliva by using a cheek swab to collect cells.Marketers collected Medicare personal identifying information from Medicare beneficiaries, along with the swabs. Health care providers, such as doctors, then signed orders for genetic tests that were, in turn, used to bill Medicare for those tests.Operating through Senior Community Care, the indictment says, Chin and Sword were marketers and patient recruiters for MBM Solutions, a Florida company involved in marketing genetic tests to Medicare beneficiaries. Chin and Sword allegedly received kickbacks and bribes from MBM in exchange for the referral of Medicare beneficiaries for genetic tests and doctors’ orders for those tests.MBM Solutions purportedly received kickbacks and bribes from Momentum Sales &amp; Marketing, a company operating out of New Jersey and Florida that marketed genetic tests to Medicare beneficiaries.Senior Community Care was one of other marketing sub-groups that operated in a payment structure that included MBM and Momentum Sales &amp; Marketing, whose owners are being prosecuted in other districts. Because Chin and Sword were involved in this multi-level scheme to defraud Medicare, the indictment says, they were paid kickbacks and bribes by MBM. Chin and Sword allegedly paid kickbacks and bribes to their Senior Community Care marketers in exchange for the referral of Medicare beneficiaries for genetic tests.Chin and Sword caused two laboratories to bill and be paid by Medicare. Those laboratories billed Medicare approximately $2,927,706, and Medicare paid them approximately $861,399 for specimens from 163 Medicare beneficiaries.Between April 15 and Aug. 30, 2019, MBM paid Chin and Sword approximately $95,348 by making 14 electronic deposits into their account. These payments allegedly were made in exchange for the referral of Medicare beneficiaries for genetic testing and, as such, were illegal kickbacks.Between June 19 and Sept. 4, 2019, Chin and Sword allegedly withdrew a total of $34,458 from their bank account and used those funds to compensate Senior Community Care marketers for genetic testing referrals and, as such, those payments were illegal kickbacks.The federal indictment also contains a forfeiture count, which would require Chin and Sword to forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds of the alleged wire fraud, including a money judgment in the amount of $95,348.

Kan. man, woman accused in $2.9 million medicare fraud 

SYRIA – U.S. forces conducted a successful helicopter raid in eastern Syria at 2:57 a.m. local time on December 11, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command.

The raid&nbsp; killed two ISIS officials including Anas, an ISIS Syria Province Official who was involved in the group’s deadly plotting and facilitation operations in eastern Syria. Extensive planning went into this unilateral operation to ensure its success. Initial assessments indicate no civilians were killed or injured.

The United States remains committed to countering the global threat from ISIS in partnership with local forces. ISIS continues to pursue an aggressive operational agenda, including external attacks that threaten US allies and partners in the region and beyond.

“ISIS continues to represent a threat to the security and stability of the region. This operation reaffirms CENTCOM’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the group’s enduring defeat,” said Joe Buccino, a CENTCOM spokesperson. “The death of these ISIS officials will disrupt the terrorist organization’s ability to further plot and carry out destabilizing attacks in the Middle East.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561036312700.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SYRIA – U.S. forces conducted a successful helicopter raid in eastern Syria at 2:57 a.m. local time on December 11, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command.The raid&nbsp; killed two ISIS officials including Anas, an ISIS Syria Province Official who was involved in the group’s deadly plotting and facilitation operations in eastern Syria. Extensive planning went into this unilateral operation to ensure its success. Initial assessments indicate no civilians were killed or injured.The United States remains committed to countering the global threat from ISIS in partnership with local forces. ISIS continues to pursue an aggressive operational agenda, including external attacks that threaten US allies and partners in the region and beyond.“ISIS continues to represent a threat to the security and stability of the region. This operation reaffirms CENTCOM’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the group’s enduring defeat,” said Joe Buccino, a CENTCOM spokesperson. “The death of these ISIS officials will disrupt the terrorist organization’s ability to further plot and carry out destabilizing attacks in the Middle East.”

US helicopter raid kills ISIS officials in Syria

CASS COUNTY —Two inmates who escaped Monday from&nbsp;the jail in Cass County, Missouri south of Kansas City are still missing, according FBI.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $5,000 each for information that leads directly to the capture of 33-year-old Trevor Sparks and 43-year-old Sergio Perez- Martinez.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Perez-Martinez of Panorama City, California and Sparks of Kansas City escaped on Monay. Authorities did not know they were missing until Tuesday.

Perez Mertinez&nbsp; was being held for possession of dangerous drugs. Sparks was jailed on money laundering charges, according to the sheriff's office.

A third individual, Steven Lydell Williams, Sr., 64, Kansas City, has been charged&nbsp; with aiding or assisting in the escape.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at (816) 380-5200, or call 911. Harrisonville is located approximately 38 miles southeast of Kansas City. Submit a tip to the Marshals<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/tips/index.htm?fbclid=IwAR2np8V0SoqQyr6Znkz_ykiw2FsK7SY3PkQN_uuUCJz41bCD_XDGusIXZJw"> here</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670539649262.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CASS COUNTY —Two inmates who escaped Monday from&nbsp;the jail in Cass County, Missouri south of Kansas City are still missing, according FBI.The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $5,000 each for information that leads directly to the capture of 33-year-old Trevor Sparks and 43-year-old Sergio Perez- Martinez.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670539680558.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Perez-Martinez of Panorama City, California and Sparks of Kansas City escaped on Monay. Authorities did not know they were missing until Tuesday.Perez Mertinez&nbsp; was being held for possession of dangerous drugs. Sparks was jailed on money laundering charges, according to the sheriff's office.A third individual, Steven Lydell Williams, Sr., 64, Kansas City, has been charged&nbsp; with aiding or assisting in the escape. Anyone with any information is urged to contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at (816) 380-5200, or call 911. Harrisonville is located approximately 38 miles southeast of Kansas City. Submit a tip to the Marshals<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/tips/index.htm?fbclid=IwAR2np8V0SoqQyr6Znkz_ykiw2FsK7SY3PkQN_uuUCJz41bCD_XDGusIXZJw"> here</a>

Reward offered in search for 2 KC-area fugitives

WASHINGTON —Christmas is two weeks away. First Lady Jill Biden hosted a virtual event Friday on COVID-19 and the Holiday Season.&nbsp;

Click the video to watch the virtual event.

Below are the remarks from the First Lady during the opening of the event:

I’m so grateful to all of you for being with us today—because this time of year is busy, to say the least.

I know you probably have holiday shopping to do: cards to address or cookies to bake. Perhaps you’re wrapping up end-of-the-year work or planning parties for the people you love.

It’s not easy, is it? Sometimes the holidays feel like a full-time job, on top of volunteering, or organizing, or your real full-time job!

But we do that work because it makes the magical moments of this season possible: when our homes fill with the aromas of our favorite family recipes, when we see big smiles on little faces as they open that perfect present, when we have the chance to look around our full table, a clamor of laughter and love, and just feel grateful.

These moments seem even more precious now, knowing what it’s like to lose them to a deadly disease that’s kept us apart.

Which is why the most important thing you can do to prepare for the holidays is get your updated COVID vaccine.

And if you get it now, you’ll be protected in time for winter holiday gatherings.

This updated vaccine offers the best protection for you and your family against the version of the virus we’re facing today.

It reduces the risk of catching or spreading the disease—and helps protect you from ending up in the hospital or worse.

It’s free, and available all over the country!

I know you’re busy, but this is important! I just got mine, too. So join me, because your president and I care about you and we want to make sure you stay healthy.

Go to Vaccines.gov today to find an appointment near you.

Now, I know some of you might have questions.

So, I invited Dr. Jha and Dr. Fauci—two of our nation’s top COVID experts—to be with us and answer your questions. And let me say that we’re especially lucky to have Dr. Fauci, who is leaving his current role at the NIH soon to begin the next chapter of his career.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670611632700.png" alt="Dr. Jha and Dr. Fauci with First Lady Jill Biden -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Jha and Dr. Fauci with First Lady Jill Biden -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Christmas is two weeks away. First Lady Jill Biden hosted a virtual event Friday on COVID-19 and the Holiday Season.&nbsp;Click the video to watch the virtual event.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vbbg8-PokfI?start=114" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Below are the remarks from the First Lady during the opening of the event: I’m so grateful to all of you for being with us today—because this time of year is busy, to say the least.I know you probably have holiday shopping to do: cards to address or cookies to bake. Perhaps you’re wrapping up end-of-the-year work or planning parties for the people you love.It’s not easy, is it? Sometimes the holidays feel like a full-time job, on top of volunteering, or organizing, or your real full-time job!But we do that work because it makes the magical moments of this season possible: when our homes fill with the aromas of our favorite family recipes, when we see big smiles on little faces as they open that perfect present, when we have the chance to look around our full table, a clamor of laughter and love, and just feel grateful.These moments seem even more precious now, knowing what it’s like to lose them to a deadly disease that’s kept us apart.Which is why the most important thing you can do to prepare for the holidays is get your updated COVID vaccine.And if you get it now, you’ll be protected in time for winter holiday gatherings.This updated vaccine offers the best protection for you and your family against the version of the virus we’re facing today.It reduces the risk of catching or spreading the disease—and helps protect you from ending up in the hospital or worse.It’s free, and available all over the country!I know you’re busy, but this is important! I just got mine, too. So join me, because your president and I care about you and we want to make sure you stay healthy.Go to Vaccines.gov today to find an appointment near you.Now, I know some of you might have questions.So, I invited Dr. Jha and Dr. Fauci—two of our nation’s top COVID experts—to be with us and answer your questions. And let me say that we’re especially lucky to have Dr. Fauci, who is leaving his current role at the NIH soon to begin the next chapter of his career.

🎥Jill Biden: Most important thing to prepare for the holidays

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 27 years in prison for engaging in sexual acts with a child while taking nude pictures and videos of the child, according to the United State's Attorney.&nbsp;

According to court documents, in September 2022, Joshua Courtney, 35, of Bonner Springs pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and four counts of possession of child pornography.

Acting on cybertips submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, law enforcement agents found dozens of pornographic images in Courtney’s Google photos. 

Courtney admitted to investigators to taking nude photos of a 10-year-old child, filming while he engaged in sexual acts with the child, and sending these materials to others. He also admitted receiving child pornography of other children on his cell phone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670275278962.png" alt="Courtney was arrested in February by U.S. Marshals, according to online booking records." />
 <figcaption>Courtney was arrested in February by U.S. Marshals, according to online booking records.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 27 years in prison for engaging in sexual acts with a child while taking nude pictures and videos of the child, according to the United State's Attorney.&nbsp;According to court documents, in September 2022, Joshua Courtney, 35, of Bonner Springs pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and four counts of possession of child pornography.Acting on cybertips submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, law enforcement agents found dozens of pornographic images in Courtney’s Google photos. Courtney admitted to investigators to taking nude photos of a 10-year-old child, filming while he engaged in sexual acts with the child, and sending these materials to others. He also admitted receiving child pornography of other children on his cell phone.

Kan. man took inappropriate photos of a 10-year-old

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities arrested two suspect on drug allegations after one refused to exit a convenience store bathroom.

Just before noon Thursday, A police officer on patrol in the 500 block of E. Pacific Avenue in Salina saw a blue motorcycle with a man and a woman on it driving eastbound, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester. The officer recognized the motorcycle as being associated with someone he knew to have an active Saline County District Court warrant.

The duo headed south on N. Ohio Street, pulling into Casey's, 500 N. Ohio Street, with the officer following to conduct a traffic stop as the license plate on the motorcycle had expired in July of 2021, according to Forrester. At that point, other officers had also arrived.

Officers went inside the store and made contact with the driver, identified as Dillon Sonnier, 23, of Salina. Forrester said that when they took Sonnier outside to talk about the expired license plate, he became nervous and asked to go into the restroom. Instead, officers patted him down and found an SCCY 9mm handgun in his coat. They also found a small metal container with pills that were later identified as amphetamine.

Because Sonnier was a convicted felon, he was not to be in possession of a firearm. Offices arrested him on requested charges of Criminal possession of a firearm, Possession of a controlled substance, No valid driver's license and Unlawful acts with registration.

Meanwhile, the woman&nbsp;identified as Elektra Iford, 22, of Salina, who had been on the motorcycle had gone into the women's restroom and refused to exit. A store employee finally got her to leave the restroom. Iford had an active warrant from Saline County District Court. She was booked on the warrant and requested charges and Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670598856393.jpeg" alt="Elektra Iford-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Elektra Iford-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities arrested two suspect on drug allegations after one refused to exit a convenience store bathroom.Just before noon Thursday, A police officer on patrol in the 500 block of E. Pacific Avenue in Salina saw a blue motorcycle with a man and a woman on it driving eastbound, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester. The officer recognized the motorcycle as being associated with someone he knew to have an active Saline County District Court warrant.The duo headed south on N. Ohio Street, pulling into Casey's, 500 N. Ohio Street, with the officer following to conduct a traffic stop as the license plate on the motorcycle had expired in July of 2021, according to Forrester. At that point, other officers had also arrived.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670599292244.jpeg" alt="Sonnier-photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Sonnier-photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers went inside the store and made contact with the driver, identified as Dillon Sonnier, 23, of Salina. Forrester said that when they took Sonnier outside to talk about the expired license plate, he became nervous and asked to go into the restroom. Instead, officers patted him down and found an SCCY 9mm handgun in his coat. They also found a small metal container with pills that were later identified as amphetamine.Because Sonnier was a convicted felon, he was not to be in possession of a firearm. Offices arrested him on requested charges of Criminal possession of a firearm, Possession of a controlled substance, No valid driver's license and Unlawful acts with registration.Meanwhile, the woman&nbsp;identified as Elektra Iford, 22, of Salina, who had been on the motorcycle had gone into the women's restroom and refused to exit. A store employee finally got her to leave the restroom. Iford had an active warrant from Saline County District Court. She was booked on the warrant and requested charges and Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police: Kan. drug suspect coaxed out of bathroom before arrest

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a drug bust.

On Wednesday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrants in the 1500 Block SW Tyler Street related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located marijuana, drug paraphernalia, stolen property and a firearm.

As a result, Dyllon Tucker, 31, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and booked on requested charges of Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Possession of stolen property and Possession of paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670529572944.png" alt="Tucker-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Tucker-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a drug bust.On Wednesday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrants in the 1500 Block SW Tyler Street related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrant, officers located marijuana, drug paraphernalia, stolen property and a firearm.As a result, Dyllon Tucker, 31, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and booked on requested charges of Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Possession of stolen property and Possession of paraphernalia.

Kansas felon caught with stolen property, firearm and drugs

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A ruptured pipe dumped enough oil this week into a northeastern Kansas creek to nearly fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool, becoming the largest onshore crude pipeline spill in nine years and surpassing all the previous ones on the same pipeline system combined, according to federal data.

The Keystone pipeline&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-spills-business-texas-canada-kansas-34d8391337583fc242407141d24d66c2">spill in a creek</a>&nbsp;running through rural pastureland in Washington County, Kansas, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Kansas City, also was the biggest in the system's history, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data. The operator, Canada-based TC Energy, said the pipeline that runs from Canada to Oklahoma lost about 14,000 barrels, or 588,000 gallons.

The spill raised questions for environmentalists and safety advocates about whether TC Energy should keep a federal government permit that has allowed the pressure inside parts of its Keystone system — including the stretch through Kansas — to exceed the typical maximum permitted levels. With Congress facing a potential debate on reauthorizing regulatory programs, the chair of a House subcommittee on pipeline safety took note of the spill Friday.

A U.S. Government Accountability Office&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-21-588.pdf">report last year</a>&nbsp;said there had been 22 previous spills along the Keystone system since it began operating in 2010, most of them on TC Energy property and fewer than 20 barrels. The total from those 22 events was a little less than 12,000 barrels, the report said.

“I’m watching this situation closely to learn more about this latest oil leak and inform ways to prevent future releases and protect public safety and the environment,” Democratic U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., of New Jersey,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RepDonaldPayne/status/1601213879794954240">tweeted.</a>

TC Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said the spill has been contained. The EPA said the company built an earthen dam across the creek about 4 miles downstream from the pipeline rupture to prevent the oil from moving into larger waterways.

Randy Hubbard, the county's emergency management director, said the oil traveled only about a quarter mile and there didn't appear to be any wildlife deaths.

The company said it is doing around-the-clock air-quality checks and other environmental monitoring. It also was using multiple trucks that amount to giant wet vacuums to suck up the oil.

Past Keystone spills have led to outages that lasted about two weeks, and the company said it still is evaluating when it can reopen the system.

The EPA said no drinking water wells were affected and oil-removal efforts will continue into next week. No one was evacuated, but the Kansas Department of Health and Environment warned people not to go into the creek or allow animals to wade in.

“At the time of the incident, the pipeline was operating within its design and regulatory approval requirements,” the company said in a statement.

The nearly 2,700-mile (4345-kilometer) Keystone pipeline carries thick, Canadian tar-sands oil to refineries in Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas, with about 600,000 barrels moving per day from Canada to Cushing, Oklahoma. Concerns about spills fouling water helped spur opposition to a new, 1,200 mile (1,900 kilometers) Keystone XL pipeline, and the company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-keystone-pipeline-canada-environment-and-nature-141eabd7cca6449dfbd2dab8165812f2">pulled the plug last year</a>&nbsp;after President Joe Biden canceled a permit for it.

Environmentalists said the heavier tar sands oil is not only more toxic than lighter crude but can sink in water instead of floating on top. Bill Caram, executive director of the advocacy Pipeline Safety Trust, said cleanup even sometimes can include scrubbing individual rocks in a creek bed.

“This is going to be months, maybe even years before we get the full handle on this disaster and know the extent of the damage and get it all cleaned up,” said Zack Pistora, a lobbyist for the Sierra Club at the Kansas Statehouse.

Pipelines often are considered safer than shipping oil by railcar or truck, but large spills can create significant environmental damage. The American Petroleum Institute said Friday that companies have robust monitoring to detect leaks, cracks, corrosion and other problems, not only through control centers but with employees who walk alongside pipelines.

Still, in September 2013, a Tesoro Corp. pipeline in North Dakota ruptured and spilled 20,600 barrels, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data.

A more expensive spill happened in July 2010, when an Enbridge Inc. pipeline in Michigan ruptured and spilled more than 20,000 barrels into Talmadge Creek and the Kalamazoo River. Hundreds of homes and businesses were evacuated.

The Keystone pipeline's previous largest spill came in 2017, when more than 6,500 barrels spilled near Amherst, South Dakota, according to a U.S. Government Accountability Office report released last year. The second largest, 4,515 barrels, was in 2019 near Edinburg, North Dakota.

The Petroleum Institute said pipelines go through tests before opening using pressures that exceed the company's planned levels and are designed to account for what they'll carry and changes in the ground they cover. An arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation oversees pipeline safety and permitted TC Energy to have greater pressures on the Keystone system because the company used pipe made from better steel.

But Caram said: “When we see multiple failures like this of such large size and a relatively short amount of time after that pressure has increased, I think it’s time to question that.”

In its report last year to Congress, the GAO said Keystone’s accident history was similar to other oil pipelines, but spills have gotten larger in recent years. Investigations ordered by regulators found that the four worst spills were caused by flaws in design or pipe manufacturing during construction.

TC Energy's permit included more than 50 special conditions, mostly for its design, construction and operation, the GAO report said. The company said in response to the 2021 report that it took "decisive action” in recent years to improve safety, including developing new technology for detecting cracks and an independent review of its pipeline integrity program.

The company said Friday that it would conduct a full investigation into the causes of the spill.

The spill caused a brief surge in crude prices Thursday. Benchmark U.S. oil was up more modestly -- about 1% — on Friday morning as fears of a supply disruption were overshadowed by bigger concerns about an economic downturn in the U.S. and other major countries that would reduce demand for oil.

The pipeline runs through Chris and Bill Pannbacker’s family farm. Bill Pannbacker, a farmer and stockman, said the company told him that the issues with the pipeline there probably will not be resolved until after the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

The hill where the breach happened was a landmark to locals and used to be a popular destination for hayrides, Pannbacker said.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A ruptured pipe dumped enough oil this week into a northeastern Kansas creek to nearly fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool, becoming the largest onshore crude pipeline spill in nine years and surpassing all the previous ones on the same pipeline system combined, according to federal data.The Keystone pipeline&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-spills-business-texas-canada-kansas-34d8391337583fc242407141d24d66c2">spill in a creek</a>&nbsp;running through rural pastureland in Washington County, Kansas, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Kansas City, also was the biggest in the system's history, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data. The operator, Canada-based TC Energy, said the pipeline that runs from Canada to Oklahoma lost about 14,000 barrels, or 588,000 gallons.The spill raised questions for environmentalists and safety advocates about whether TC Energy should keep a federal government permit that has allowed the pressure inside parts of its Keystone system — including the stretch through Kansas — to exceed the typical maximum permitted levels. With Congress facing a potential debate on reauthorizing regulatory programs, the chair of a House subcommittee on pipeline safety took note of the spill Friday.A U.S. Government Accountability Office&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-21-588.pdf">report last year</a>&nbsp;said there had been 22 previous spills along the Keystone system since it began operating in 2010, most of them on TC Energy property and fewer than 20 barrels. The total from those 22 events was a little less than 12,000 barrels, the report said.“I’m watching this situation closely to learn more about this latest oil leak and inform ways to prevent future releases and protect public safety and the environment,” Democratic U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., of New Jersey,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RepDonaldPayne/status/1601213879794954240">tweeted.</a>TC Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said the spill has been contained. The EPA said the company built an earthen dam across the creek about 4 miles downstream from the pipeline rupture to prevent the oil from moving into larger waterways.Randy Hubbard, the county's emergency management director, said the oil traveled only about a quarter mile and there didn't appear to be any wildlife deaths.The company said it is doing around-the-clock air-quality checks and other environmental monitoring. It also was using multiple trucks that amount to giant wet vacuums to suck up the oil.Past Keystone spills have led to outages that lasted about two weeks, and the company said it still is evaluating when it can reopen the system.The EPA said no drinking water wells were affected and oil-removal efforts will continue into next week. No one was evacuated, but the Kansas Department of Health and Environment warned people not to go into the creek or allow animals to wade in.“At the time of the incident, the pipeline was operating within its design and regulatory approval requirements,” the company said in a statement.The nearly 2,700-mile (4345-kilometer) Keystone pipeline carries thick, Canadian tar-sands oil to refineries in Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas, with about 600,000 barrels moving per day from Canada to Cushing, Oklahoma. Concerns about spills fouling water helped spur opposition to a new, 1,200 mile (1,900 kilometers) Keystone XL pipeline, and the company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-keystone-pipeline-canada-environment-and-nature-141eabd7cca6449dfbd2dab8165812f2">pulled the plug last year</a>&nbsp;after President Joe Biden canceled a permit for it.Environmentalists said the heavier tar sands oil is not only more toxic than lighter crude but can sink in water instead of floating on top. Bill Caram, executive director of the advocacy Pipeline Safety Trust, said cleanup even sometimes can include scrubbing individual rocks in a creek bed.“This is going to be months, maybe even years before we get the full handle on this disaster and know the extent of the damage and get it all cleaned up,” said Zack Pistora, a lobbyist for the Sierra Club at the Kansas Statehouse.Pipelines often are considered safer than shipping oil by railcar or truck, but large spills can create significant environmental damage. The American Petroleum Institute said Friday that companies have robust monitoring to detect leaks, cracks, corrosion and other problems, not only through control centers but with employees who walk alongside pipelines.Still, in September 2013, a Tesoro Corp. pipeline in North Dakota ruptured and spilled 20,600 barrels, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data.A more expensive spill happened in July 2010, when an Enbridge Inc. pipeline in Michigan ruptured and spilled more than 20,000 barrels into Talmadge Creek and the Kalamazoo River. Hundreds of homes and businesses were evacuated.The Keystone pipeline's previous largest spill came in 2017, when more than 6,500 barrels spilled near Amherst, South Dakota, according to a U.S. Government Accountability Office report released last year. The second largest, 4,515 barrels, was in 2019 near Edinburg, North Dakota.The Petroleum Institute said pipelines go through tests before opening using pressures that exceed the company's planned levels and are designed to account for what they'll carry and changes in the ground they cover. An arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation oversees pipeline safety and permitted TC Energy to have greater pressures on the Keystone system because the company used pipe made from better steel.But Caram said: “When we see multiple failures like this of such large size and a relatively short amount of time after that pressure has increased, I think it’s time to question that.”In its report last year to Congress, the GAO said Keystone’s accident history was similar to other oil pipelines, but spills have gotten larger in recent years. Investigations ordered by regulators found that the four worst spills were caused by flaws in design or pipe manufacturing during construction.TC Energy's permit included more than 50 special conditions, mostly for its design, construction and operation, the GAO report said. The company said in response to the 2021 report that it took "decisive action” in recent years to improve safety, including developing new technology for detecting cracks and an independent review of its pipeline integrity program.The company said Friday that it would conduct a full investigation into the causes of the spill.The spill caused a brief surge in crude prices Thursday. Benchmark U.S. oil was up more modestly -- about 1% — on Friday morning as fears of a supply disruption were overshadowed by bigger concerns about an economic downturn in the U.S. and other major countries that would reduce demand for oil.The pipeline runs through Chris and Bill Pannbacker’s family farm. Bill Pannbacker, a farmer and stockman, said the company told him that the issues with the pipeline there probably will not be resolved until after the Christmas and New Year's holidays.The hill where the breach happened was a landmark to locals and used to be a popular destination for hayrides, Pannbacker said.

Federal data: Kansas oil spill biggest in Keystone history

WASHINGTON —Kansas 3rd District Representative Sharice Davids on Thursday applauded bipartisan passage of legislation she help introduce to enshrine marriage equality in federal law. 

The&nbsp;<a href="https://rules.house.gov/sites/democrats.rules.house.gov/files/BILLS-117HR8404IH.pdf">Respect for Marriage Act</a>&nbsp;passed in the House 258-169 with almost 40 Republican votes. It also protects interracial unions by requiring states to recognize legal marriages regardless of “sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin.” Congresswoman Davids was the only member of the Kansas House delegation to vote in favor of the bill. Representatives Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner voted against the measure in addition to Missouri Representatives Sam Graves, Vicky Hartzler, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Billy Long and Jason Smith.

The Senate passed the bill last week with 12 Republican votes. Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and Missouri Senator Josh Hawley voted against the bill. Retiring Missouri Senator Roy Blunt voted with the Democrats.&nbsp; The legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

In July Davids joined her colleagues to introduce the&nbsp;Respect for Marriage Act&nbsp;following Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurring opinion in&nbsp;Dobbs v Jackson,&nbsp;in which he stated that the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/06/24/thomas-constitutional-rights-00042256">“should reconsider”</a>&nbsp;previous rulings codifying same-sex marriage protections.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Respect for Marriage Act&nbsp;repeals the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and provides additional legal protections from attempts to undermine marriage equality at the state level.

“After the&nbsp;Dobbs&nbsp;decision, people across Kansas and the entire country felt fear and anxiety as many of our individual freedoms were called into question or outright stripped away. That includes marriage equality for same-sex couples, which was explicitly threatened by Justice Thomas,” said&nbsp;Davids. “I’m proud to have introduced legislation that will help lessen that fear and provide stability to so many families, and I applaud the bipartisan group of lawmakers who joined me to stand up for our rights.”

The&nbsp;Respect for Marriage Act&nbsp;will:

The&nbsp;Respect for Marriage Act&nbsp;is&nbsp;<a href="https://judiciary.house.gov/newsroom/respectformarriagesupport/">strongly supported by leading national organizations</a>&nbsp;including: ACLU, Center for American Progress, Equality Federation, Family Equality, Freedom for All Americans, GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, National Black Justice Coalition, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Center for Transgender Equality, National LGBTQ Task Force, National Women’s Law Center, and PFLAG National.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670540217091.png" alt="Rep. Davids celebrate passage of HR 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Davids celebrate passage of HR 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Kansas 3rd District Representative Sharice Davids on Thursday applauded bipartisan passage of legislation she help introduce to enshrine marriage equality in federal law. The&nbsp;<a href="https://rules.house.gov/sites/democrats.rules.house.gov/files/BILLS-117HR8404IH.pdf">Respect for Marriage Act</a>&nbsp;passed in the House 258-169 with almost 40 Republican votes. It also protects interracial unions by requiring states to recognize legal marriages regardless of “sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin.” Congresswoman Davids was the only member of the Kansas House delegation to vote in favor of the bill. Representatives Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner voted against the measure in addition to Missouri Representatives Sam Graves, Vicky Hartzler, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Billy Long and Jason Smith.The Senate passed the bill last week with 12 Republican votes. Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and Missouri Senator Josh Hawley voted against the bill. Retiring Missouri Senator Roy Blunt voted with the Democrats.&nbsp; The legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.In July Davids joined her colleagues to introduce the&nbsp;Respect for Marriage Act&nbsp;following Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurring opinion in&nbsp;Dobbs v Jackson,&nbsp;in which he stated that the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/06/24/thomas-constitutional-rights-00042256">“should reconsider”</a>&nbsp;previous rulings codifying same-sex marriage protections.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Respect for Marriage Act&nbsp;repeals the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and provides additional legal protections from attempts to undermine marriage equality at the state level.“After the&nbsp;Dobbs&nbsp;decision, people across Kansas and the entire country felt fear and anxiety as many of our individual freedoms were called into question or outright stripped away. That includes marriage equality for same-sex couples, which was explicitly threatened by Justice Thomas,” said&nbsp;Davids. “I’m proud to have introduced legislation that will help lessen that fear and provide stability to so many families, and I applaud the bipartisan group of lawmakers who joined me to stand up for our rights.”The&nbsp;Respect for Marriage Act&nbsp;will:<ul>
 <li>Repeal DOMA.&nbsp;The Supreme Court effectively rendered DOMA inactive with its landmark decisions in&nbsp;United States v. Windsor&nbsp;and&nbsp;Obergefell v. Hodges, but it did not repeal it, meaning the unconstitutional and discriminatory law still officially remains on the books.&nbsp;With passage of the&nbsp;Respect for Marriage Act, DOMA will finally be repealed.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Enshrine Marriage Equality for Federal Law Purposes. The&nbsp;Respect for Marriage Act&nbsp;requires, for federal law purposes, that an individual be considered married if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed, even if that state is not where the individual lives permanently. This gives same sex and interracial couples additional certainty that they will enjoy their Constitutional right to equal treatment under federal law—regardless of where they live.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Provide Additional Legal Protections from Individuals Seeking to Undermine Marriage Equality While Acting Under Color of State Law. The bill prohibits any person acting under color of state law from denying full faith and credit to an out-of-state marriage based on the sex, race, ethnicity or national origin of the individuals in the marriage, provides the Attorney General with the authority to pursue enforcement actions, and creates a private right of action for any individual harmed by a violation of this provision.</li>
 </ul>The&nbsp;Respect for Marriage Act&nbsp;is&nbsp;<a href="https://judiciary.house.gov/newsroom/respectformarriagesupport/">strongly supported by leading national organizations</a>&nbsp;including: ACLU, Center for American Progress, Equality Federation, Family Equality, Freedom for All Americans, GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, National Black Justice Coalition, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Center for Transgender Equality, National LGBTQ Task Force, National Women’s Law Center, and PFLAG National.

1 member of the Kan. delegation voted to protect same-sex marriage

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal pedestrian accident have identified the victim as 47-year-old Troy J. Callahan.

Just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday, Callahan was attempting to cross the southbound lanes of SW Trafficway, south of Clark Avenue in the Westport district when he was initially struck by a Chrysler mini-van, according to Police Captain Leslie Foreman.

A short time later, a Honda CRV struck Callahan. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Both drivers stopped at the scene and cooperated during the investigation. Police released no additional details.

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal pedestrian accident have identified the victim as 47-year-old Troy J. Callahan.Just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday, Callahan was attempting to cross the southbound lanes of SW Trafficway, south of Clark Avenue in the Westport district when he was initially struck by a Chrysler mini-van, according to Police Captain Leslie Foreman.A short time later, a Honda CRV struck Callahan. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Both drivers stopped at the scene and cooperated during the investigation. Police released no additional details.

Man crossing the street struck by two vehicles in Kansas City

TOPEKA —A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a Kansas woman and three Florida residents in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicare, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Steven A. Churchill, 36, of Boca Raton, Florida, Samson K. Solomon, 25, of Margate, Florida, Elaine J. Balsamo, 58, of Boca Raton, Florida, and Fawn J. Lickteig, 42, of Lawrence, Kansas, are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud; eight counts of health care fraud; six counts of mail fraud; and four counts of wire fraud.

Churchill and Balsamo are also charged with four counts of money laundering.

Despite claiming to be a retail pharmacy, the defendants are accused of establishing a fraudulent mail order pharmacy. Between February 2020 and February 2021, the defendants allegedly used Freestate Pharmacy to submit false claims to Medicare for prescriptions for patients who had not spoken with the doctor and who had not requested the medication.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the case.

TOPEKA —A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a Kansas woman and three Florida residents in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicare, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Steven A. Churchill, 36, of Boca Raton, Florida, Samson K. Solomon, 25, of Margate, Florida, Elaine J. Balsamo, 58, of Boca Raton, Florida, and Fawn J. Lickteig, 42, of Lawrence, Kansas, are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud; eight counts of health care fraud; six counts of mail fraud; and four counts of wire fraud.Churchill and Balsamo are also charged with four counts of money laundering.Despite claiming to be a retail pharmacy, the defendants are accused of establishing a fraudulent mail order pharmacy. Between February 2020 and February 2021, the defendants allegedly used Freestate Pharmacy to submit false claims to Medicare for prescriptions for patients who had not spoken with the doctor and who had not requested the medication.The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the case.

Indictment: 4 used Kansas pharmacy to defraud Medicare

Well-known around Kansas as the face of the Conklin Cars franchise, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/89b59195-42da-4b47-9455-72ad837208d0">Scott D. Conklin Sr.</a> died Dec. 8 at age 62.

Scott David Conklin, Sr., 62, died December 8, 2022, surrounded by 
his family at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born February 17, 1960, 
in Hutchinson, to Stuart “Joe” Frazier and Mary Ann (Kaaz) Conklin.&nbsp;

Scott graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1978 and Kansas 
University with a Bachelors of Business Administration. He grew up 
working in the family business, Conklin Cars, started by his 
grandfather.

After graduating from KU, he returned to Hutchinson to work in the 
family business alongside his father and brothers, becoming a partner in
 1982. On July 23, 1983, Scott married Kathryn Meeks of Kirkwood (St. 
Louis), MO. They enjoyed 39 years of marriage.

Scott became the “face” of Conklin Cars around 2005, taking over the 
advertising after his father passed away, though never becoming 
comfortable with the attention that brought. He served in various ways 
in the community, most recently serving on the board of the Hutchinson 
YMCA. While the family had a dealership location in Kansas City, MO, he 
served as president on MainCor, a revitalization and economic 
development board in the area. Gardening was a passion of Scott’s; he 
loved all kinds of plants and landscaping. Scott was an active member of
 Grace Bible Church, Hutchinson, where he led the ministry of Grace for 
Orphans. The church was where he most desired to serve due to his strong
 faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.&nbsp;

Scott is survived by: his wife, Kathryn “Kathy” Conklin of 
Hutchinson; children and grandchildren, Sarah Lill (Jeremy) and their 
children, Genevieve and Kate of Lawrence, KS, Mary Hoover (Tony) and 
their children, Emme and Penelope of Hutchinson, Scott Conklin, Jr. 
(Paige) and their children, Scott David III, Eloise, Josephine, and 
Arthur of Hutchinson; and Ann Conklin of Bentonville, AR; mother, Mary 
Ann Conklin of Hutchinson; siblings, Stuart F. Conklin (Fran) of 
Hutchinson, Steven A. Conklin of Watertown, WI, and Susan Fangman (Joe) 
of Houston, TX; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Stuart “Joe” Conklin, Jr.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Grace Bible Church, 1221 E. 33rd,
 Hutchinson.&nbsp; Private family burial will take place following the 
service in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 
9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with the family present 
from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.

Scott’s full obituary can be viewed on Elliott Mortuary’s website.&nbsp; His service will be livestreamed by clicking on the link, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@gbchutch6811/streams">https://www.youtube.com/@gbchutch6811/streams</a>.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grace Bible Church (to
 benefit the Grace for Orphans program) or the Hutchinson YMCA, in care 
of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS&nbsp; 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670685601307.jpeg" alt="Scott Conklin" />
 <figcaption>Scott Conklin</figcaption>
 </figure>Well-known around Kansas as the face of the Conklin Cars franchise, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/89b59195-42da-4b47-9455-72ad837208d0">Scott D. Conklin Sr.</a> died Dec. 8 at age 62.Read his tribute below:Scott David Conklin, Sr., 62, died December 8, 2022, surrounded by 
his family at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born February 17, 1960, 
in Hutchinson, to Stuart “Joe” Frazier and Mary Ann (Kaaz) Conklin.&nbsp;Scott graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1978 and Kansas 
University with a Bachelors of Business Administration. He grew up 
working in the family business, Conklin Cars, started by his 
grandfather.After graduating from KU, he returned to Hutchinson to work in the 
family business alongside his father and brothers, becoming a partner in
 1982. On July 23, 1983, Scott married Kathryn Meeks of Kirkwood (St. 
Louis), MO. They enjoyed 39 years of marriage.Scott became the “face” of Conklin Cars around 2005, taking over the 
advertising after his father passed away, though never becoming 
comfortable with the attention that brought. He served in various ways 
in the community, most recently serving on the board of the Hutchinson 
YMCA. While the family had a dealership location in Kansas City, MO, he 
served as president on MainCor, a revitalization and economic 
development board in the area. Gardening was a passion of Scott’s; he 
loved all kinds of plants and landscaping. Scott was an active member of
 Grace Bible Church, Hutchinson, where he led the ministry of Grace for 
Orphans. The church was where he most desired to serve due to his strong
 faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.&nbsp;Scott is survived by: his wife, Kathryn “Kathy” Conklin of 
Hutchinson; children and grandchildren, Sarah Lill (Jeremy) and their 
children, Genevieve and Kate of Lawrence, KS, Mary Hoover (Tony) and 
their children, Emme and Penelope of Hutchinson, Scott Conklin, Jr. 
(Paige) and their children, Scott David III, Eloise, Josephine, and 
Arthur of Hutchinson; and Ann Conklin of Bentonville, AR; mother, Mary 
Ann Conklin of Hutchinson; siblings, Stuart F. Conklin (Fran) of 
Hutchinson, Steven A. Conklin of Watertown, WI, and Susan Fangman (Joe) 
of Houston, TX; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends.He was proceeded in death by his father, Stuart “Joe” Conklin, Jr.Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Grace Bible Church, 1221 E. 33rd,
 Hutchinson.&nbsp; Private family burial will take place following the 
service in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 
9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with the family present 
from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.Scott’s full obituary can be viewed on Elliott Mortuary’s website.&nbsp; His service will be livestreamed by clicking on the link, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@gbchutch6811/streams">https://www.youtube.com/@gbchutch6811/streams</a>.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grace Bible Church (to
 benefit the Grace for Orphans program) or the Hutchinson YMCA, in care 
of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS&nbsp; 67501.

'Face' of Conklin Cars dies in Hutchinson at age 62

WASHINGTON —The Department of Defense (DoD) announces the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $275 million to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs, according to a statement from the agency on Friday evening.

This authorization is the Biden Administration's twenty-seventh drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.&nbsp; &nbsp; This security assistance package will provide Ukraine with new capabilities to boost its air defenses in addition to providing critical equipment that Ukraine is using so effectively to defend itself on the battlefield. &nbsp; Capabilities in this package include: &nbsp; •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;80,000 155mm artillery rounds; •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems equipment; •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Counter air defense capability; •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) Ambulances and medical equipment; •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Approximately 150 generators; •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Field equipment.&nbsp; &nbsp; To meet Ukraine's evolving battlefield requirements, the United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with key capabilities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661277535073.png" alt="-Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from his social media page on August 15-" />
 <figcaption>-Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from his social media page on August 15-</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The Department of Defense (DoD) announces the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $275 million to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs, according to a statement from the agency on Friday evening. This authorization is the Biden Administration's twenty-seventh drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.&nbsp; &nbsp; This security assistance package will provide Ukraine with new capabilities to boost its air defenses in addition to providing critical equipment that Ukraine is using so effectively to defend itself on the battlefield. &nbsp; Capabilities in this package include: &nbsp; •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;80,000 155mm artillery rounds; •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems equipment; •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Counter air defense capability; •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) Ambulances and medical equipment; •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Approximately 150 generators; •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Field equipment.&nbsp; &nbsp; To meet Ukraine's evolving battlefield requirements, the United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with key capabilities.

US to spend another $275M to aid Ukraine in war with Russia

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The impact of the pipeline outage resulting from the leak in Kansas on Wednesday isn't known yet, according to Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas.

"The closure in the Keystone pipeline that we've seen the last few days due to the leak in northern Kansas has certainly got the industry watching," Steward said. "We're not sure exactly what the impact of that will be yet. It will certainly depend on how long that pipeline is shut down."

Before the leak, fundamentals were looking really good to keep gas prices dropping across the country.

"Demand has been low for a while," Steward said. "We're at about 7% lower than where we were a year ago in terms of gasoline demand. Total domestic gasoline stocks rose significantly in the most recent reporting period. You couple those things together and you're seeing a pretty strong decline in gas prices over the last month or two. We're at $2.94 a gallon on average in Kansas today, that's down five cents just from Monday."

The drop in demand is what was typical pre-pandemic.

"That's what we're seeing this year," Steward said. "We tend to have fewer people out driving, especially when we start seeing winter weather. We haven't seen much of that yet in Kansas."

<a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/">Click here to find</a> gas prices where you live.

NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The impact of the pipeline outage resulting from the leak in Kansas on Wednesday isn't known yet, according to Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas."The closure in the Keystone pipeline that we've seen the last few days due to the leak in northern Kansas has certainly got the industry watching," Steward said. "We're not sure exactly what the impact of that will be yet. It will certainly depend on how long that pipeline is shut down."Before the leak, fundamentals were looking really good to keep gas prices dropping across the country."Demand has been low for a while," Steward said. "We're at about 7% lower than where we were a year ago in terms of gasoline demand. Total domestic gasoline stocks rose significantly in the most recent reporting period. You couple those things together and you're seeing a pretty strong decline in gas prices over the last month or two. We're at $2.94 a gallon on average in Kansas today, that's down five cents just from Monday."The drop in demand is what was typical pre-pandemic."That's what we're seeing this year," Steward said. "We tend to have fewer people out driving, especially when we start seeing winter weather. We haven't seen much of that yet in Kansas."<a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/">Click here to find</a> gas prices where you live.

AAA: Pipeline leak in Kansas hasn't reached pumps yet

WINFIELD, KAN. –&nbsp;Winfield Correctional Facility (WCF) resident Juan Manuel Torres died Thursday, according to a statement from the Kansas Department of Corrections. 

He was found unresponsive in his housing unit. Staff began life-saving measures immediately and continued after emergency medical services arrived. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy. A preliminary assessment indicates the death was not related to COVID-19.

Torres, 31, was serving a 63-month sentence, based on convictions in Ford County, Kansas of Possession of drugs, Fleeing law enforcement, DUI – 2nd&nbsp;conviction, and two counts of Violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. He was registered as a violent offender for convictions in 2013 of violent crimes in aid of racketeering, attempted murder.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

The Winfield Correctional Facility's (WCF) capacity is&nbsp;632 minimum-security adult male residents.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670603859504.png" alt="Torres-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Torres-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>WINFIELD, KAN. –&nbsp;Winfield Correctional Facility (WCF) resident Juan Manuel Torres died Thursday, according to a statement from the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was found unresponsive in his housing unit. Staff began life-saving measures immediately and continued after emergency medical services arrived. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy. A preliminary assessment indicates the death was not related to COVID-19.Torres, 31, was serving a 63-month sentence, based on convictions in Ford County, Kansas of Possession of drugs, Fleeing law enforcement, DUI – 2nd&nbsp;conviction, and two counts of Violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. He was registered as a violent offender for convictions in 2013 of violent crimes in aid of racketeering, attempted murder.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;The Winfield Correctional Facility's (WCF) capacity is&nbsp;632 minimum-security adult male residents.&nbsp;

Violent registered Kansas offender found dead in prison

KANSAS CITY —Just after 7p.m. Friday, police thanked the public for t assistance and they had been able to identify the injured, unconscious individual hospitalized in a Kansas City-area hospital.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a Hispanic male who was injured late Thursday night and transported to an area hospital, according to a statement from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.

He is currently unconscious and has no identification. He is described as being between 17 to 25 years-old with brown eyes and approximately 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds. 

He has a tattoo on his right forearm . It appears to be the initials L.L.D. in red ink.

Anyone who believes they know the identity of this individual should call KCKPD Non-Emergency at 913-596-3000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670624989101.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Just after 7p.m. Friday, police thanked the public for t assistance and they had been able to identify the injured, unconscious individual hospitalized in a Kansas City-area hospital.----------KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a Hispanic male who was injured late Thursday night and transported to an area hospital, according to a statement from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.He is currently unconscious and has no identification. He is described as being between 17 to 25 years-old with brown eyes and approximately 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds. He has a tattoo on his right forearm . It appears to be the initials L.L.D. in red ink.Anyone who believes they know the identity of this individual should call KCKPD Non-Emergency at 913-596-3000.

KCPD asks for help to ID hospitalized, unconscious man

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Administrators at Valley Center and Topeka high schools issued a joint statement Friday about the&nbsp; investigation of alleged racial taunting during the Dec. 3 basketball game at Valley Center.

Topeka High School Coach Geo Lyons said his team was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-basketball-education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-2e222bee3a9bbf91fa6d42b1d39c8700">subjected to “racial slurs, threats and disgusting taunts"</a>&nbsp;by students from Valley Center High School at the game. He also said Valley Center students taunted his team with a naked Black baby doll.

According to the statement from Valley Center principal&nbsp;Bruce Lolling and Topeka High principal Rebecca Morrisey,&nbsp; administrators from both schools thoroughly investigated reports following the game that included reviewing game&nbsp;footage and collecting statements from attendees, and the information was shared between the two schools. 

After&nbsp;conducting the investigations, several students at Valley Center received consequences for their behavior. Federal&nbsp;law (FERPA) prohibits the sharing of specific details regarding those consequences.

Valley Center High School and Topeka High School recognized the student-athletes for the manner in which&nbsp;they handled themselves during and immediately following the game given the circumstances. 

Additionally, Valley Center&nbsp;High School apologized for the students in the student section who acted&nbsp;inappropriately.&nbsp;

Both schools acknowledge that although some information that began circulating following the game was factual, there&nbsp;have been numerous reports that are exaggerated and/or inaccurate.

"This has led to responses from both communities&nbsp;that have become inflamed and disappointing. This is not appropriate, does not provide for a productive environment&nbsp;where true change can occur, and is currently being addressed by the schools and communities appropriately."

"Valley Center and Topeka High Schools are committed to work together to repair the harm that has been done, and to&nbsp;take actions both separately and together that will lead to positive and productive change with regards to addressing&nbsp;sportsmanship and racism."

"We truly believe that this incident can be used by both schools and communities, to provide an opportunity for&nbsp;education, growth and partnership."

WICHITA (AP) —Two Kansas high schools are investigating after students at one school reportedly yelled racist and offensive taunts at the other school's basketball team.

Topeka High School's team was subjected to “racial slurs, threats and disgusting taunts,” during a game on Saturday with Valley Center High School, Coach Geo Lyons said in a Change.org petition. He also said Valley Center students used a Black baby doll to taunt his team during the game.

Lyons has started a petition asking that Valley Center High School fans be removed from sporting events.

Lyons told KSN-TV that his son was shooting a free throw when the Valley Center student section chanted an expletive. He also alleged that racial epithets were used and his team was told they were going to be hanged.

"I had a down locker room, I’m talking about tears were flowing in that locker room,” Lyons said.

Valley Center officials issued an apology Monday to Topeka High School for “inappropriate language and behavior” by students during the game.

The district said in a statement that Topeka and Valley Center officials spent much of the weekend studying videos and interviewing people in attendance. As of Tuesday, the officials had not found evidence of specifically racist taunts but Valley Center acknowledged that students acted inappropriately.

It said students who chanted the expletive at the Topeka student were immediately removed and Valley Center officials worked to prevent any other negative interactions when the game ended.

The Black baby doll was part of a class assignment that requires students to “parent” the baby for a few days, the district said. It was not brought to the game intentionally to taunt Topeka High School but “without context, seeing the baby and images of the ‘baby’ caused hurt and concern to many, and for that we are very sorry,” the statement said.

Valley Center Superintendent Cory Gibson had a “fruitful” conversation about the incident with representatives of the NAACP on Tuesday, spokeswoman Amy Pavlacka said. Gibson and Valley Center High School Principal Bruce Lolling also visited with patrons from both cities to discuss the situation.

“As a district, we sent a letter to all VCHS families and students explaining there would be follow-up consequences for those students involved, and that we, as a community, should learn and grow from this experience,” the statement said.

On Tuesday, Valley Center called off school for Wednesday, Dec. 7 as a result of threats. "Out of an abundance of caution for all of our students and staff and after consulting with local law enforcement, all USD 262 buildings and schools will be closed, and all activities will be canceled, according to a statement sent from Dr. Gibson."&nbsp;

"Staff members are not to report to work unless specifically requested by their supervisor.&nbsp;The difficult decision to close our schools was a result of online threats received by our district this evening. Law enforcement is investigating these threats."

Topeka schools Superintendent Tiffany Anderson said in a letter to district patrons that the incident has been reported to the Kansas State High School Activities Association.

She said the Topeka district appreciated Valley Center's apology but they hope the district will take appropriate steps to address what occurred with those involved.

“I am so grateful for our coaches, principal (Rebecca) Morrisey and the mighty Trojans at Topeka High who modeled the conduct we expect from our students and we hope that it sets the example of what excellence looks like for others to learn from moving forward,” Anderson wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670380837123.png" alt="-Image from the Saturday, Dec. 3 game courtesy Valley Center High School YouTube" />
 <figcaption>-Image from the Saturday, Dec. 3 game courtesy Valley Center High School YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Administrators at Valley Center and Topeka high schools issued a joint statement Friday about the&nbsp; investigation of alleged racial taunting during the Dec. 3 basketball game at Valley Center.Topeka High School Coach Geo Lyons said his team was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-basketball-education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-2e222bee3a9bbf91fa6d42b1d39c8700">subjected to “racial slurs, threats and disgusting taunts"</a>&nbsp;by students from Valley Center High School at the game. He also said Valley Center students taunted his team with a naked Black baby doll.According to the statement from Valley Center principal&nbsp;Bruce Lolling and Topeka High principal Rebecca Morrisey,&nbsp; administrators from both schools thoroughly investigated reports following the game that included reviewing game&nbsp;footage and collecting statements from attendees, and the information was shared between the two schools. After&nbsp;conducting the investigations, several students at Valley Center received consequences for their behavior. Federal&nbsp;law (FERPA) prohibits the sharing of specific details regarding those consequences.Valley Center High School and Topeka High School recognized the student-athletes for the manner in which&nbsp;they handled themselves during and immediately following the game given the circumstances. Additionally, Valley Center&nbsp;High School apologized for the students in the student section who acted&nbsp;inappropriately.&nbsp;Both schools acknowledge that although some information that began circulating following the game was factual, there&nbsp;have been numerous reports that are exaggerated and/or inaccurate."This has led to responses from both communities&nbsp;that have become inflamed and disappointing. This is not appropriate, does not provide for a productive environment&nbsp;where true change can occur, and is currently being addressed by the schools and communities appropriately.""Valley Center and Topeka High Schools are committed to work together to repair the harm that has been done, and to&nbsp;take actions both separately and together that will lead to positive and productive change with regards to addressing&nbsp;sportsmanship and racism.""We truly believe that this incident can be used by both schools and communities, to provide an opportunity for&nbsp;education, growth and partnership."---------WICHITA (AP) —Two Kansas high schools are investigating after students at one school reportedly yelled racist and offensive taunts at the other school's basketball team.Topeka High School's team was subjected to “racial slurs, threats and disgusting taunts,” during a game on Saturday with Valley Center High School, Coach Geo Lyons said in a Change.org petition. He also said Valley Center students used a Black baby doll to taunt his team during the game.Lyons has started a petition asking that Valley Center High School fans be removed from sporting events.Lyons told KSN-TV that his son was shooting a free throw when the Valley Center student section chanted an expletive. He also alleged that racial epithets were used and his team was told they were going to be hanged."I had a down locker room, I’m talking about tears were flowing in that locker room,” Lyons said.Valley Center officials issued an apology Monday to Topeka High School for “inappropriate language and behavior” by students during the game.The district said in a statement that Topeka and Valley Center officials spent much of the weekend studying videos and interviewing people in attendance. As of Tuesday, the officials had not found evidence of specifically racist taunts but Valley Center acknowledged that students acted inappropriately.It said students who chanted the expletive at the Topeka student were immediately removed and Valley Center officials worked to prevent any other negative interactions when the game ended.The Black baby doll was part of a class assignment that requires students to “parent” the baby for a few days, the district said. It was not brought to the game intentionally to taunt Topeka High School but “without context, seeing the baby and images of the ‘baby’ caused hurt and concern to many, and for that we are very sorry,” the statement said.Valley Center Superintendent Cory Gibson had a “fruitful” conversation about the incident with representatives of the NAACP on Tuesday, spokeswoman Amy Pavlacka said. Gibson and Valley Center High School Principal Bruce Lolling also visited with patrons from both cities to discuss the situation.“As a district, we sent a letter to all VCHS families and students explaining there would be follow-up consequences for those students involved, and that we, as a community, should learn and grow from this experience,” the statement said.On Tuesday, Valley Center called off school for Wednesday, Dec. 7 as a result of threats. "Out of an abundance of caution for all of our students and staff and after consulting with local law enforcement, all USD 262 buildings and schools will be closed, and all activities will be canceled, according to a statement sent from Dr. Gibson."&nbsp;"Staff members are not to report to work unless specifically requested by their supervisor.&nbsp;The difficult decision to close our schools was a result of online threats received by our district this evening. Law enforcement is investigating these threats."Topeka schools Superintendent Tiffany Anderson said in a letter to district patrons that the incident has been reported to the Kansas State High School Activities Association.She said the Topeka district appreciated Valley Center's apology but they hope the district will take appropriate steps to address what occurred with those involved.“I am so grateful for our coaches, principal (Rebecca) Morrisey and the mighty Trojans at Topeka High who modeled the conduct we expect from our students and we hope that it sets the example of what excellence looks like for others to learn from moving forward,” Anderson wrote.

Students disciplined for offensive chants at Kan. high school game

SALINA —As part of the school's new Dental Hygiene program, Salina Area Technical College is opening a clinic on campus in January, with the goals of providing students an opportunity to develop their hands-on skills, and provide low-cost services to the public, according to a media release from the school.

The students will work under the supervision of licensed Dental Hygienists and a Dentist, providing basic services such as teeth cleanings, whitening and sealants, to patients ages four and up. Costs will be substantially lower than usual; an adult cleaning will cost $20 to $40, depending on the status of the patient’s oral health needs.

The clinic will operate during the school year, on Mondays from Noon to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and services are by appointment only. Because the Dental Hygiene students are learning their skills, appointments could take as long as 3-1/2 hours with the possibility of the need to return for additional appointments to provide the highest standard of dental hygiene care.

“Our students are looking forward to seeing patients when they come back from Christmas break,” said Brooke Horner, Director of Allied Dental Education. “And even though we’re just beginning to advertise the clinic, support from the community has been amazing – there are huge numbers of people out there who don’t have access to regular dental care right now.”

For more information about the clinic and its services or to schedule an appointment, contact the clinic at 785-309-3146 or&nbsp;DentalClinic@SalinaTech.edu.

SALINA —As part of the school's new Dental Hygiene program, Salina Area Technical College is opening a clinic on campus in January, with the goals of providing students an opportunity to develop their hands-on skills, and provide low-cost services to the public, according to a media release from the school.The students will work under the supervision of licensed Dental Hygienists and a Dentist, providing basic services such as teeth cleanings, whitening and sealants, to patients ages four and up. Costs will be substantially lower than usual; an adult cleaning will cost $20 to $40, depending on the status of the patient’s oral health needs.The clinic will operate during the school year, on Mondays from Noon to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and services are by appointment only. Because the Dental Hygiene students are learning their skills, appointments could take as long as 3-1/2 hours with the possibility of the need to return for additional appointments to provide the highest standard of dental hygiene care.“Our students are looking forward to seeing patients when they come back from Christmas break,” said Brooke Horner, Director of Allied Dental Education. “And even though we’re just beginning to advertise the clinic, support from the community has been amazing – there are huge numbers of people out there who don’t have access to regular dental care right now.”For more information about the clinic and its services or to schedule an appointment, contact the clinic at 785-309-3146 or&nbsp;DentalClinic@SalinaTech.edu.

Salina Tech opening on campus dental hygiene clinic 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday announced the infusion of nearly $36 billion to shore up a financially troubled union pension plan, preventing severe cuts to the retirement incomes of about 350,000 Teamster workers and retirees across the United States.

“It’s about everything you worked for,” Biden said, with union officials standing behind him. “It’s about finding a dignified retirement.”

The money for the Central States Pension Fund is the largest amount of federal aid provided for a pension plan, the Biden administration said. It comes from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-business-health-congress-310542ef5cddc914104960a00ae356e0">the American Rescue Plan,</a>&nbsp;a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package that he signed into law in 2021.

“This matters,” Biden said. “This matters for workers ... This matters for their spouses, this matters for their mothers and fathers who they're taking care of ... It matters for the country.”

Many union retirement plans have experienced financial pressure because of underfunding and other issues. Without the federal assistance, Teamster members could have seen their benefits reduced by an average of 60% starting within a couple of years.

“Union workers and their families are finally able to breathe a huge sigh of relief, knowing that their hard-earned retirement savings have been rescued from steep cuts,” said Lisa Gomez, assistant labor secretary for employee benefits security.

While bargaining for contracts in past years, union members chose to forgo raises and other benefits on the assumption they would would have “a prosperous retirement,” Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien said in a written statement. But when the retirement fund faltered, union members turned to lobbying the federal government for help.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday announced the infusion of nearly $36 billion to shore up a financially troubled union pension plan, preventing severe cuts to the retirement incomes of about 350,000 Teamster workers and retirees across the United States.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F669233211499331%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=247" 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>“It’s about everything you worked for,” Biden said, with union officials standing behind him. “It’s about finding a dignified retirement.”The money for the Central States Pension Fund is the largest amount of federal aid provided for a pension plan, the Biden administration said. It comes from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-business-health-congress-310542ef5cddc914104960a00ae356e0">the American Rescue Plan,</a>&nbsp;a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package that he signed into law in 2021.“This matters,” Biden said. “This matters for workers ... This matters for their spouses, this matters for their mothers and fathers who they're taking care of ... It matters for the country.”Many union retirement plans have experienced financial pressure because of underfunding and other issues. Without the federal assistance, Teamster members could have seen their benefits reduced by an average of 60% starting within a couple of years.“Union workers and their families are finally able to breathe a huge sigh of relief, knowing that their hard-earned retirement savings have been rescued from steep cuts,” said Lisa Gomez, assistant labor secretary for employee benefits security.While bargaining for contracts in past years, union members chose to forgo raises and other benefits on the assumption they would would have “a prosperous retirement,” Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien said in a written statement. But when the retirement fund faltered, union members turned to lobbying the federal government for help.“This is an issue of fairness — of this country keeping its word to hardworking, honest people who did everything they were supposed to do in life,” O'Brien said.Multiemployer pension funds are created by agreements between unions and companies and are partially insured by the federal government's Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. The insurance program was on track to become insolvent in 2026, but the pandemic relief money is expected to keep it on firm footing through 2051.Biden traveled to Ohio in July to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ohio-donald-trump-cleveland-bdef01e8e39628951433ea0f984e4133">highlight the final rules for the pension relief program</a>. Before Thursday, the program had awarded aid to 36 troubled pension plans, but none of those had received more than about $1.2 billion.The amount going to the Central States Pension Fund represents somewhere between one-third and one-half of the total estimated cost of the federal aid program.The retirement plan has participants in almost every state, with the largest concentration in the Midwest. There are about 40,000 participants in both Michigan and Ohio, nearly 28,000 in Missouri, 25,000 in Illinois and about 22,000 each in Texas and Wisconsin, according to figures provided by the White House.___