SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Thursday in Topeka.

According to Police Lt. Edward Stanley, a commercial truck and a bicyclist were involved in the accident at 4th Street and Kansas Avenue.

First responders found one victim in the roadway who&nbsp; was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team is on scene investigating.

Northbound Kansas Ave. at 5th street were closed as well as Monroe Street east and westbound at 4th street.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662065354078.png" alt="The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team is on scene investigating-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team is on scene investigating-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Thursday in Topeka.According to Police Lt. Edward Stanley, a commercial truck and a bicyclist were involved in the accident at 4th Street and Kansas Avenue.First responders found one victim in the roadway who&nbsp; was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team is on scene investigating.Northbound Kansas Ave. at 5th street were closed as well as Monroe Street east and westbound at 4th street.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Police: Kansas bicyclist struck, killed by commercial truck

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/01/kansas-foster-care-provider-criticizes-coverage-while-nebraska-lawmaker-asks-for-fraud-inquiry/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas’ largest foster care contractor responded to Kansas 
Reflector reporting on the organization’s finances and litigation by 
pointing to a turnaround under current leadership and a willingness to 
cooperate with investigators.

Saint Francis Ministries said statements published in an <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/12/kansas-foster-care-provider-suing-former-leaders-for-alleged-financial-misconduct/">Aug. 12 story</a>
 are “inaccurate” and “false,” but wouldn’t identify specific statements
 in question. The nonprofit also wouldn’t answer questions for this 
story.

And Saint Francis provided an alternate description of its departure 
from Nebraska, where multiple investigations sounded alarms about the 
organization’s ability to comply with state law while providing foster 
care services for the Omaha area.

On Thursday, based in part on reporting by Kansas Reflector, a 
Nebraska state senator asked her attorney general to conduct an 
investigation into the possibility that Saint Francis defrauded the 
state.

The Aug. 12 story examined a lawsuit filed by Saint Francis to 
recover millions of dollars from its former CEO, chief counsel and IT 
director, who are accused of misusing company credit cards and excessive
 billing.

Alison Kossover, chief administration office for Saint Francis, said 
in a 300-word response that the story leads readers to “an inaccurate 
understanding of the situation.”

“Over the past twenty-two months, the Saint Francis Ministries team 
has cooperated with investigators, auditors, and state partners to 
ensure accurate accounting and complete transparency,” Kossover said. 
“In summary, there are no unaccounted dollars as we continue to openly 
assist and support government organizations with their inquiries.”

In the lawsuit, filed in January in Saline County District Court, 
Saint Francis accuses its former leaders of misleading board members to 
hide the misspending of millions of dollars. Kansas Reflector reported 
that Teresa Woody, litigation director for Kansas Appleseed, said it was
 appalling that millions of dollars meant to provide foster care were 
not accounted for.

Kansas Appleseed <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/20/judge-orders-kansas-to-pay-nearly-2-3-million-in-legal-fees-and-expenses-in-child-welfare-lawsuit/">settled a lawsuit last year</a> to require improvements in the foster care system.&nbsp;Woody clarified her remarks for this story.

“Millions of dollars were transferred — Saint Francis now alleges 
fraudulently — for IT services it did not receive instead of going 
toward Saint Francis’s obligation to protect children in foster care, 
money that St. Francis is now trying to recoup through a lawsuit,” Woody
 said. “The Kansas Legislature must demand financial transparency from 
Saint Francis and hold it accountable for any harm suffered by children 
in Kansas foster care due to financial or other improprieties. This 
situation continues to demonstrate the need for enhanced and continued 
oversight and reform of Kansas’ foster care system.”

Saint Francis enlisted the services of Parris Communications, based 
in Kansas City, Missouri, to distribute Kossover’s response to news 
outlets that published the Kansas Reflector story.

Kansas Reflector sent a list of seven questions seeking clarification about Kossover’s response.

“Saint Francis Ministries stands by their previous statement and has 
no further comment at this time,” said Laurie Roberts, president of 
Parris Communications.

Nebraska Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh sent a letter Thursday to Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson in response to an <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/11/fbi-seizing-bank-deposits-in-alleged-10-million-fraud-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-saint-francis-ministries/">Aug. 11 story</a> by Kansas Reflector about federal authorizes moving to seize $10 million from the former Saint Francis IT director.

The letter asks the attorney general to launch an investigation into 
Nebraska’s dealings with Saint Francis and its former leaders, and to 
compel the parties to preserve any evidence relating to the contract 
with Nebraska.

The request is a reflection of ongoing concerns about the contract 
Nebraska awarded Saint Francis in 2019. The former CEO knowingly 
underbid the contract, and the state had to infuse an additional $110 
million into the deal in January 2021. But the organization continued to
 struggle with its obligations to care for foster children in Nebraska.

The organization <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/14/kansas-foster-care-provider-agrees-to-leave-nebraska-after-months-of-scrutiny/">announced in December it would leave Nebraska</a>
 after investigations from the state’s inspector general and an 
oversight committee both concluded the state should end its relationship
 with Saint Francis.

Kossover’s response to Reflector’s reporting said state regulators 
and Saint Francis “agreed to mutually terminate the contract.”

“Nebraska ended privatization in the state, and did not replace Saint Francis with another contractor,” Kossover said.

In an interview for this story, Cavanaugh said the poor performance 
by Saint Francis played an “enormous part” in the decision to terminate 
the contract. The investigations, <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/23/audit-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-scrutinizes-financial-controls-it-costs-ceo-travel-ppp-loan/">a Kanas auditor’s report</a> and depositions from a lawsuit in Nebraska all raised concerns, Cavanaugh said.

“There was this picture of systematic failure on the part of Saint 
Francis Ministries to do what was statutorily required in child welfare 
in Nebraska,” Cavanaugh said.

Before Saint Francis announced the decision to terminate the 
contract, Cavanaugh had already filed legislation that would have forced
 the state to sever ties with the organization.

Cavanaugh said the attempt to characterize the departure as a 
“mutual” agreement was an attempt to avoid responsibility “for this 
atrocious contract.”

“Is ‘atrocious’ too mild of a word?” Cavanaugh said.

In an interview for this story, Cavanaugh questioned the organization’s decision to complain about Kansas Reflector’s reporting.

Any organization that deals in child welfare should welcome public scrutiny, Cavanaugh said.

“Things happen within the child welfare system,” Cavanaugh said. 
“It’s never going to be perfect, but we need to know about them. We need
 to document them, and we need to be able to fix them. So reacting so 
viscerally to people wanting to make sure that high-quality child 
welfare exists in Kansas and Nebraska is very concerning and a big red 
flag. Especially after you have lost millions of dollars.”

Kansas Rep. Jarrod Ousley, a Merriam Democrat who serves on the 
foster care oversight committee, said he has had concerns with every 
foster care provider in Kansas, and “Saint Francis stands out” because 
of the financial mismanagement “by a few bad players.”

There are still “too many headlines,” Ousley said, about tragedies 
involving foster children, kids sleeping in offices, and delays in 
finding permanent placements.

“The facts are the facts,” Ousley said. “I’d like to think that Saint
 Francis as an organization, once they discovered it, made changes. It 
is what it is, and I don’t see any reason to be sensitive.”

Kossover’s response said Saint Francis is financially sound and proud of its work.

“This outcome is due to hard work, sacrifice, and dedication of the 
entire Saint Francis Ministries team,” Kossover said. “What has 
transpired in the past will not define our legacy. Saint Francis 
Ministries has faithfully transformed lives for over 75 years and 
remains committed to our mission of providing healing and hope to 
children and families.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660235188905.png" alt="Saint Francis Ministries, a Salina-based foster care provider, accused its former leaders of misspending millions of dollars and is suing to recover the money. But in response to reporting by Kansas Reflector, the organization says "there are no unaccounted dollars." (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Saint Francis Ministries, a Salina-based foster care provider, accused its former leaders of misspending millions of dollars and is suing to recover the money. But in response to reporting by Kansas Reflector, the organization says "there are no unaccounted dollars." (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/01/kansas-foster-care-provider-criticizes-coverage-while-nebraska-lawmaker-asks-for-fraud-inquiry/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas’ largest foster care contractor responded to Kansas 
Reflector reporting on the organization’s finances and litigation by 
pointing to a turnaround under current leadership and a willingness to 
cooperate with investigators.Saint Francis Ministries said statements published in an <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/12/kansas-foster-care-provider-suing-former-leaders-for-alleged-financial-misconduct/">Aug. 12 story</a>
 are “inaccurate” and “false,” but wouldn’t identify specific statements
 in question. The nonprofit also wouldn’t answer questions for this 
story.And Saint Francis provided an alternate description of its departure 
from Nebraska, where multiple investigations sounded alarms about the 
organization’s ability to comply with state law while providing foster 
care services for the Omaha area.On Thursday, based in part on reporting by Kansas Reflector, a 
Nebraska state senator asked her attorney general to conduct an 
investigation into the possibility that Saint Francis defrauded the 
state.The Aug. 12 story examined a lawsuit filed by Saint Francis to 
recover millions of dollars from its former CEO, chief counsel and IT 
director, who are accused of misusing company credit cards and excessive
 billing.Alison Kossover, chief administration office for Saint Francis, said 
in a 300-word response that the story leads readers to “an inaccurate 
understanding of the situation.”“Over the past twenty-two months, the Saint Francis Ministries team 
has cooperated with investigators, auditors, and state partners to 
ensure accurate accounting and complete transparency,” Kossover said. 
“In summary, there are no unaccounted dollars as we continue to openly 
assist and support government organizations with their inquiries.”In the lawsuit, filed in January in Saline County District Court, 
Saint Francis accuses its former leaders of misleading board members to 
hide the misspending of millions of dollars. Kansas Reflector reported 
that Teresa Woody, litigation director for Kansas Appleseed, said it was
 appalling that millions of dollars meant to provide foster care were 
not accounted for.Kansas Appleseed <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/20/judge-orders-kansas-to-pay-nearly-2-3-million-in-legal-fees-and-expenses-in-child-welfare-lawsuit/">settled a lawsuit last year</a> to require improvements in the foster care system.&nbsp;Woody clarified her remarks for this story.“Millions of dollars were transferred — Saint Francis now alleges 
fraudulently — for IT services it did not receive instead of going 
toward Saint Francis’s obligation to protect children in foster care, 
money that St. Francis is now trying to recoup through a lawsuit,” Woody
 said. “The Kansas Legislature must demand financial transparency from 
Saint Francis and hold it accountable for any harm suffered by children 
in Kansas foster care due to financial or other improprieties. This 
situation continues to demonstrate the need for enhanced and continued 
oversight and reform of Kansas’ foster care system.”Saint Francis enlisted the services of Parris Communications, based 
in Kansas City, Missouri, to distribute Kossover’s response to news 
outlets that published the Kansas Reflector story.Kansas Reflector sent a list of seven questions seeking clarification about Kossover’s response.“Saint Francis Ministries stands by their previous statement and has 
no further comment at this time,” said Laurie Roberts, president of 
Parris Communications.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662042112970.png" alt="Nebraska Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh wants her attorney general to launch an investigation into whether Saint Francis Ministries defrauded the state. (Nebraska Unicameral Information Office)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh wants her attorney general to launch an investigation into whether Saint Francis Ministries defrauded the state. (Nebraska Unicameral Information Office)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Leaving Nebraska</h2>Nebraska Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh sent a letter Thursday to Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson in response to an <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/11/fbi-seizing-bank-deposits-in-alleged-10-million-fraud-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-saint-francis-ministries/">Aug. 11 story</a> by Kansas Reflector about federal authorizes moving to seize $10 million from the former Saint Francis IT director.The letter asks the attorney general to launch an investigation into 
Nebraska’s dealings with Saint Francis and its former leaders, and to 
compel the parties to preserve any evidence relating to the contract 
with Nebraska.The request is a reflection of ongoing concerns about the contract 
Nebraska awarded Saint Francis in 2019. The former CEO knowingly 
underbid the contract, and the state had to infuse an additional $110 
million into the deal in January 2021. But the organization continued to
 struggle with its obligations to care for foster children in Nebraska.The organization <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/14/kansas-foster-care-provider-agrees-to-leave-nebraska-after-months-of-scrutiny/">announced in December it would leave Nebraska</a>
 after investigations from the state’s inspector general and an 
oversight committee both concluded the state should end its relationship
 with Saint Francis.Kossover’s response to Reflector’s reporting said state regulators 
and Saint Francis “agreed to mutually terminate the contract.”“Nebraska ended privatization in the state, and did not replace Saint Francis with another contractor,” Kossover said.In an interview for this story, Cavanaugh said the poor performance 
by Saint Francis played an “enormous part” in the decision to terminate 
the contract. The investigations, <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/23/audit-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-scrutinizes-financial-controls-it-costs-ceo-travel-ppp-loan/">a Kanas auditor’s report</a> and depositions from a lawsuit in Nebraska all raised concerns, Cavanaugh said.“There was this picture of systematic failure on the part of Saint 
Francis Ministries to do what was statutorily required in child welfare 
in Nebraska,” Cavanaugh said.Before Saint Francis announced the decision to terminate the 
contract, Cavanaugh had already filed legislation that would have forced
 the state to sever ties with the organization.Cavanaugh said the attempt to characterize the departure as a 
“mutual” agreement was an attempt to avoid responsibility “for this 
atrocious contract.”“Is ‘atrocious’ too mild of a word?” Cavanaugh said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662042158703.png" alt="Current leadership at Saint Francis Ministries says the organization’s finances are now stable as a result of “hard work, sacrifice, and dedication of the entire Saint Francis Ministries team.” (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Current leadership at Saint Francis Ministries says the organization’s finances are now stable as a result of “hard work, sacrifice, and dedication of the entire Saint Francis Ministries team.” (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Transforming lives</h2>In an interview for this story, Cavanaugh questioned the organization’s decision to complain about Kansas Reflector’s reporting.Any organization that deals in child welfare should welcome public scrutiny, Cavanaugh said.“Things happen within the child welfare system,” Cavanaugh said. 
“It’s never going to be perfect, but we need to know about them. We need
 to document them, and we need to be able to fix them. So reacting so 
viscerally to people wanting to make sure that high-quality child 
welfare exists in Kansas and Nebraska is very concerning and a big red 
flag. Especially after you have lost millions of dollars.”Kansas Rep. Jarrod Ousley, a Merriam Democrat who serves on the 
foster care oversight committee, said he has had concerns with every 
foster care provider in Kansas, and “Saint Francis stands out” because 
of the financial mismanagement “by a few bad players.”There are still “too many headlines,” Ousley said, about tragedies 
involving foster children, kids sleeping in offices, and delays in 
finding permanent placements.“The facts are the facts,” Ousley said. “I’d like to think that Saint
 Francis as an organization, once they discovered it, made changes. It 
is what it is, and I don’t see any reason to be sensitive.”Kossover’s response said Saint Francis is financially sound and proud of its work.“This outcome is due to hard work, sacrifice, and dedication of the 
entire Saint Francis Ministries team,” Kossover said. “What has 
transpired in the past will not define our legacy. Saint Francis 
Ministries has faithfully transformed lives for over 75 years and 
remains committed to our mission of providing healing and hope to 
children and families.”

Kan. foster care provider criticizes coverage; lawmaker asks for fraud inquiry

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are working to locate 39-year-old Amanda Crabtree, who was reported missing by her family on August 24, according to Wichita Police.

Authorities located Black Hyundai Sonata abandoned with her personal belongings at the Interstate 135 rest stop near McPherson later that same day. 

The Kansas Highway Patrol and the McPherson County Sheriff’s office have searched the area, but she has not yet been located.

A woman, believed to be Amanda, was seen at the rest area with her cat. She may have dyed her hair blue. She is described as 5-foot-4, 200 pounds, with blue eyes. She may be traveling with her cat. 

Authorities want to check her welfare and believe she may be in danger. If you have information about her whereabouts, please contact WPD Homicide Investigators at 316-268-4181.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662054202579.png" alt="Crabtree-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Crabtree-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are working to locate 39-year-old Amanda Crabtree, who was reported missing by her family on August 24, according to Wichita Police.Authorities located Black Hyundai Sonata abandoned with her personal belongings at the Interstate 135 rest stop near McPherson later that same day. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the McPherson County Sheriff’s office have searched the area, but she has not yet been located.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662054343012.png" alt="Crabtree-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Crabtree-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>A woman, believed to be Amanda, was seen at the rest area with her cat. She may have dyed her hair blue. She is described as 5-foot-4, 200 pounds, with blue eyes. She may be traveling with her cat. Authorities want to check her welfare and believe she may be in danger. If you have information about her whereabouts, please contact WPD Homicide Investigators at 316-268-4181.

Police: Missing Kansas woman's car found abandoned 

Democratic governor invites independent Pyle to participate in each

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/01/kelly-schmidt-agree-to-take-part-in-two-debates-one-forum-in-governors-race/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Democratic Gov. Laura 
Kelly and Republican challenger Derek Schmidt plan to take part in two 
campaign debates and a question-and-answer forum over the next five 
weeks.

The first on the calendar would be the election forum hosted by the 
Kansas Chamber Sept. 7 in Olathe, in which the candidates appear alone 
with a moderator on a stage to answer a series of questions.

The next would be the colorful debate Sept. 10 hosted by WIBW Radio 
and Kansas Radio Networks at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson.

The other appearance would be the debate broadcast by Kansas City PBS
 television and organized by the Johnson County Bar Association on Oct. 
5.

Kelly, who was elected in 2018 and seeks reelection to another 
four-year term, said she would welcome participation by independent 
gubernatorial candidate Dennis Pyle, but it wasn’t clear if the 
conservative state senator from Hiawatha could be part of those three 
events.

Pyle, who has urged Kansans not to vote for Kelly or Schmidt, was 
expected to draw more support from the GOP nominee than the governor. 
Exclusion from the prominent campaign events would limit his ability to 
gain traction ahead of the November election.

“Debates are vital&nbsp;to the 
democratic process and every voter deserves to go to the polls knowing 
where the candidates stand on the issues,” said Lauren Fitzgerald, a 
spokeswoman for Kelly’s campaign.

She said Kelly looked forward to opportunities to speak to Kansans 
about funding of K-12 public schools, work on the state’s transportation
 infrastructure and “growing the Kansas economy and strengthening our 
workforce.”

C.J. Grover, spokesperson for Schmidt’s campaign, said the attorney 
general’s preference would be to engage in more one-on-one debates. He 
indicated the Schmidt campaign would propose dates for joint appearances
 with Kelly, but didn’t mention potential of including Pyle.

“We challenge her to do more real&nbsp;debates 
where she will have to give an account for the policies that have made 
the lives of Kansans more difficult every single day,” Grover said. 
“Laura Kelly cannot run from Kansas voters’ questions.”

Schmidt, who has served Kansas as attorney general since 2011, previously was a member of the Kansas Senate with Kelly and Pyle.

Kelly’s campaign referred to the Kansas Chamber event as a debate, 
but it takes the form of stand alone interview with Alan Cobb, president
 and chief executive officer of the state business lobbying 
organization. In those gatherings, candidates are given a series of 
questions about 10 minutes before taking the stage.

The Johnson County Bar Association and Kansas State Fair events would be conducted in debate formats.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662042953338.png" alt="Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt agreed to participate in campaign debates, one in September and the other in October. Both also will take part in the Kansas Chamber’s question-and-answer forum in September. (Photos by Sherman Smith and Thad Allton/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt agreed to participate in campaign debates, one in September and the other in October. Both also will take part in the Kansas Chamber’s question-and-answer forum in September. (Photos by Sherman Smith and Thad Allton/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Democratic governor invites independent Pyle to participate in each</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/01/kelly-schmidt-agree-to-take-part-in-two-debates-one-forum-in-governors-race/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Democratic Gov. Laura 
Kelly and Republican challenger Derek Schmidt plan to take part in two 
campaign debates and a question-and-answer forum over the next five 
weeks.The first on the calendar would be the election forum hosted by the 
Kansas Chamber Sept. 7 in Olathe, in which the candidates appear alone 
with a moderator on a stage to answer a series of questions.The next would be the colorful debate Sept. 10 hosted by WIBW Radio 
and Kansas Radio Networks at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson.The other appearance would be the debate broadcast by Kansas City PBS
 television and organized by the Johnson County Bar Association on Oct. 
5.Kelly, who was elected in 2018 and seeks reelection to another 
four-year term, said she would welcome participation by independent 
gubernatorial candidate Dennis Pyle, but it wasn’t clear if the 
conservative state senator from Hiawatha could be part of those three 
events.Pyle, who has urged Kansans not to vote for Kelly or Schmidt, was 
expected to draw more support from the GOP nominee than the governor. 
Exclusion from the prominent campaign events would limit his ability to 
gain traction ahead of the November election.“Debates are vital&nbsp;to the 
democratic process and every voter deserves to go to the polls knowing 
where the candidates stand on the issues,” said Lauren Fitzgerald, a 
spokeswoman for Kelly’s campaign.She said Kelly looked forward to opportunities to speak to Kansans 
about funding of K-12 public schools, work on the state’s transportation
 infrastructure and “growing the Kansas economy and strengthening our 
workforce.”C.J. Grover, spokesperson for Schmidt’s campaign, said the attorney 
general’s preference would be to engage in more one-on-one debates. He 
indicated the Schmidt campaign would propose dates for joint appearances
 with Kelly, but didn’t mention potential of including Pyle.“We challenge her to do more real&nbsp;debates 
where she will have to give an account for the policies that have made 
the lives of Kansans more difficult every single day,” Grover said. 
“Laura Kelly cannot run from Kansas voters’ questions.”Schmidt, who has served Kansas as attorney general since 2011, previously was a member of the Kansas Senate with Kelly and Pyle.Kelly’s campaign referred to the Kansas Chamber event as a debate, 
but it takes the form of stand alone interview with Alan Cobb, president
 and chief executive officer of the state business lobbying 
organization. In those gatherings, candidates are given a series of 
questions about 10 minutes before taking the stage.The Johnson County Bar Association and Kansas State Fair events would be conducted in debate formats.

Kelly, Schmidt agree to take part in two debates, one forum

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide at a home in Topeka.

Just after 7a.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a residence in the 1100 Block of SW Lincoln Street in Topeka in reference to a shooting, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

 One victim suffering from a gunshot wound was pronounced deceased at the scene. Detectives were on the scene. Police have not reported an arrest or released the victim's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662049282439.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide at a home in Topeka.Just after 7a.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a residence in the 1100 Block of SW Lincoln Street in Topeka in reference to a shooting, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley. One victim suffering from a gunshot wound was pronounced deceased at the scene. Detectives were on the scene. Police have not reported an arrest or released the victim's name.

Homicide: One person dead after shooting at Kansas home

KANSAS CITY— A minimum-custody inmate&nbsp; who walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility on Tuesday is in custody.

According to Kansas City Police, "a keen-eyed officer spotted 43-year-old Michael Strode walking near 7th and Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas around 9:30 AM Thursday morning. The officer took him into custody a short time later without incident.

Stroede was serving a 111-month sentence for a 2021 drug conviction in Rice County. Stroede has seven prior convictions dating back to 1999 that include theft, burglary, drug distribution and criminal damage to property.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —Minimum-custody inmate Michael Shane Stroede has been placed on escape status after it was reported at 11:05am that he walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.

Stroede, a 43-year-old white male, was reported missing when the offender could not be located at the minimum-security unit. This walkaway does not impact the security or operations of the medium-maximum secure compound.

Stroede is serving a 111-month sentence for a 2021 drug conviction in Rice County. Stroede has seven prior convictions dating back to 1999 that include theft, burglary, drug distribution and criminal damage to property.

Stroede is 5-feet-10 inches tall, 180 pounds with Hazel eyes and shaved head. He has several tattoos across his upper body and arms.

Anyone with information on Stroede can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 913-727-3235 ext. 58224, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.

The&nbsp;walk-away&nbsp;is currently being investigated.&nbsp; New information will be released as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661890578363.png" alt="Stroede has previous convictions for theft, burglary, drug distribution and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Stroede has previous convictions for theft, burglary, drug distribution and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— A minimum-custody inmate&nbsp; who walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility on Tuesday is in custody.According to Kansas City Police, "a keen-eyed officer spotted 43-year-old Michael Strode walking near 7th and Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas around 9:30 AM Thursday morning. The officer took him into custody a short time later without incident.Stroede was serving a 111-month sentence for a 2021 drug conviction in Rice County. Stroede has seven prior convictions dating back to 1999 that include theft, burglary, drug distribution and criminal damage to property.-----------LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —Minimum-custody inmate Michael Shane Stroede has been placed on escape status after it was reported at 11:05am that he walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.Stroede, a 43-year-old white male, was reported missing when the offender could not be located at the minimum-security unit. This walkaway does not impact the security or operations of the medium-maximum secure compound.Stroede is serving a 111-month sentence for a 2021 drug conviction in Rice County. Stroede has seven prior convictions dating back to 1999 that include theft, burglary, drug distribution and criminal damage to property.Stroede is 5-feet-10 inches tall, 180 pounds with Hazel eyes and shaved head. He has several tattoos across his upper body and arms.Anyone with information on Stroede can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 913-727-3235 ext. 58224, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.The&nbsp;walk-away&nbsp;is currently being investigated.&nbsp; New information will be released as it becomes available.

Police capture inmate who walked away from Kansas prison

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling nearly 200,000 large SUVs in the U.S. because the heating and cooling fan motors can fail and catch fire.

The recall covers Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators from the 2015 through 2017 model years.

The Dearborn, Michigan, company says in government documents that it has reports of 25 fires caused by the motors, which are behind the glove box. Thirteen fires were limited to the blower motor area, while 12 involved extensive damage to the SUVs. Three fires damaged structures and one damaged another vehicle.

One person reported injuries to their hand and fingers, and all fire reports indicated that the vehicles were running at the time of the incident, Ford said in documents posted Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The company says it's not telling people to park the SUVs outdoors. It says some customers have reported inoperative fans, burning smells or smoke coming from the vents while the vehicle is on.

Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly at no cost to owners, who will be notified starting Sept. 12.

It’s the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-3bfc3763e22075a14838050925b11f77">second recent recall</a>&nbsp;for the Expedition and Navigator due to problems that can cause fires.

In July, Ford expanded a May recall to 66,000 of the SUVs from the 2021 model year. The company told owners to park them outdoors due to a series of engine fires that could happen while the ignitions are off. Ford traced the cause to printed circuit boards that are susceptible to an electrical short.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661949343734.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling nearly 200,000 large SUVs in the U.S. because the heating and cooling fan motors can fail and catch fire.The recall covers Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators from the 2015 through 2017 model years.The Dearborn, Michigan, company says in government documents that it has reports of 25 fires caused by the motors, which are behind the glove box. Thirteen fires were limited to the blower motor area, while 12 involved extensive damage to the SUVs. Three fires damaged structures and one damaged another vehicle.One person reported injuries to their hand and fingers, and all fire reports indicated that the vehicles were running at the time of the incident, Ford said in documents posted Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.The company says it's not telling people to park the SUVs outdoors. It says some customers have reported inoperative fans, burning smells or smoke coming from the vents while the vehicle is on.Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly at no cost to owners, who will be notified starting Sept. 12.It’s the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-3bfc3763e22075a14838050925b11f77">second recent recall</a>&nbsp;for the Expedition and Navigator due to problems that can cause fires.In July, Ford expanded a May recall to 66,000 of the SUVs from the 2021 model year. The company told owners to park them outdoors due to a series of engine fires that could happen while the ignitions are off. Ford traced the cause to printed circuit boards that are susceptible to an electrical short.

Ford recalls SUVs; heating and cooling fans can catch fire

CRAWFORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 9p.m. Wednesday in Crawford County have identified the victim as 21-year-old Caden M. Anderson of Pittsburg, Kansas.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2001 Chevy Tahoe driven by Anderson was southbound on S. 200th Street one half mile north of E. 570th Avenue. 

The vehicle left the roadway to the right, struck a culvert and overturned.&nbsp; Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

CRAWFORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 9a.m. Wednesday in Crawford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was southbound on S. 200th Street one half mile north of E. 570th Avenue. 

The vehicle left the roadway to the right, struck a culvert and overturned. The KHP released no additional details early Thursday.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

CRAWFORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 9p.m. Wednesday in Crawford County have identified the victim as 21-year-old Caden M. Anderson of Pittsburg, Kansas.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2001 Chevy Tahoe driven by Anderson was southbound on S. 200th Street one half mile north of E. 570th Avenue. The vehicle left the roadway to the right, struck a culvert and overturned.&nbsp; Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.-------------CRAWFORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 9a.m. Wednesday in Crawford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was southbound on S. 200th Street one half mile north of E. 570th Avenue. The vehicle left the roadway to the right, struck a culvert and overturned. The KHP released no additional details early Thursday.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

KHP IDs Kansas man who died after SUV overturns

RENO COUNTY — The Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Moderna and Pfizer Vaccine was updated on August 31, by the FDA, so that means no boosters can be given to ages 12 or over in Kansas for a little while.

"The CDC has recently approved the administration of a bivalent," said Reno County Health Department Director Karla Nichols. "The new making of this new vaccine is a bivalent, meaning two versions of the vaccine, the original COVID strain and then there's another one for the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants. It's like a two variant strain, so it's going to cover better."

But, until they get the new one in, they aren't allowed to give the old one as boosters, but only as primary and secondary doses to those who have never had the COVID-19 vaccine before.

"The ACIP has not met yet and authorized the same thing that the FDA did," Nichols said. "The ACIP is meeting today for that authorization. For us, in the state of Kansas, KDHE cannot authorize the distribution of that bivalent yet, because the ACIP has not met yet."

Nichols anticipates that they will be able to order the new vaccine and get it shortly after the holiday.

"People that want their booster dose, we're not able to give that to them," Nichols said. "The good thing is, probably around Sept. 12, we should be getting a bivalent that's going to cover better for that booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine."

When the new dose comes in, you will only have had to have the original two doses to get the third one, once it is approved and available.

NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostRENO COUNTY — The Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Moderna and Pfizer Vaccine was updated on August 31, by the FDA, so that means no boosters can be given to ages 12 or over in Kansas for a little while."The CDC has recently approved the administration of a bivalent," said Reno County Health Department Director Karla Nichols. "The new making of this new vaccine is a bivalent, meaning two versions of the vaccine, the original COVID strain and then there's another one for the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants. It's like a two variant strain, so it's going to cover better."But, until they get the new one in, they aren't allowed to give the old one as boosters, but only as primary and secondary doses to those who have never had the COVID-19 vaccine before."The ACIP has not met yet and authorized the same thing that the FDA did," Nichols said. "The ACIP is meeting today for that authorization. For us, in the state of Kansas, KDHE cannot authorize the distribution of that bivalent yet, because the ACIP has not met yet."Nichols anticipates that they will be able to order the new vaccine and get it shortly after the holiday."People that want their booster dose, we're not able to give that to them," Nichols said. "The good thing is, probably around Sept. 12, we should be getting a bivalent that's going to cover better for that booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine."When the new dose comes in, you will only have had to have the original two doses to get the third one, once it is approved and available.

Health Department: No COVID boosters until new vaccine arrives

WASHINGTON (AP) — At first, Republicans were highly critical of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">FBI search of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort</a>, but as new details emerge about the more than 100 classified documents the former president haphazardly stashed at his private club Republicans have grown notably silent.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-05541b18c364a484891f2b3076bf1847?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_1">deepening investigation</a>&nbsp;into Trump's handling of sensitive government information has disclosed damaging and unsettling new details. With every court filing there is new information about the cache of documents the former president took with him from the White House and the potential national security concerns. While the unprecedented search has galvanized many Republicans to Trump's defense, others in the party are unwilling to speak up, often wary of crossing him.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell declined to respond Wednesday when asked about the latest developments in the Justice Department's probe.

"I don't have any observations about that," McConnell told reporters in Kentucky.

The silence speaks volumes for a party whose president won the White House after rousing voters in rally chants of “Lock Her Up!” Trump pilloried Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton for using a personal email account and server during her time as Secretary of State. She quickly complied with investigators and was not charged.

The investigation also is posing a new test of Republican loyalty to Trump from lawmakers who are relying on him for their political livelihoods,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">particularly ahead of the midterm elections</a>.

Battle lines among Republicans infighting over Trump quickly emerged Wednesday after the latest court filing, in which Justice Department said that the FBI's Aug. 8 search had produced more than 100 documents with “classified markings” at Mar-a-Lago — twice as many as Trump's team had turned over earlier this summer.

In Tuesday’s late filing, the Justice Department laid out in stark detail how it had developed evidence “that government records were likely concealed and removed” from a storage room at Trump's Mar-a-Lago.

The filing described the lengthy process of trying to retrieve government documents taken when Trump left the White House in early 2021. The Justice Department explained how Trump's legal team had said documents were only been kept in the storage room, but the search also found documents in the former president's office. It said some of the newly found documents were so sensitive that even Justice Department attorneys and FBI counterintelligence personnel required additional clearances before they could review the material.

The Justice Department said “efforts were likely taken to obstruct the government’s investigation.” It produced a photograph of some of the classified documents found, as evidence. The filing said flatly that the government believes “obstructive conduct” has occurred.

Republican Rep. Liz Cheney —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-presidential-iowa-new-hampshire-donald-trump-2b91dc4aa57c9895ebe6bed2cbdc6f6a">one of the former president's fiercest critics, who recently lost her own primary for reelection</a>&nbsp;— tweeted the photo: “Yet more indefensible conduct by Donald Trump revealed this morning.”

But Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, once a rival to Trump for the White House, has saved his criticizing for federal law enforcement as he defended the former president.

“The FBI’s raid was a horrific ‘abuse of power,’” Cruz tweeted just before the Tuesday filing. He said “there needs to be ‘a complete housecleaning’ at FBI.”

He was among several Republican lawmakers and congressional candidates who were fundraising this week off their complaints about the Justice Department. Cruz's office did not respond to a request for fresh comments Wednesday.

The Texas senator is not alone in turning his criticism away from Trump and onto the federal authorities conducting the investigation and search. The Republican Party that once stood for law and order has been cleaved by Trump's actions, some in the starkest, most alarming tones.

In the immediate aftermath of the search, Republicans largely rallied around Trump and demanded more information from the Justice Department. House and Senate Republicans, and some Democrats, sought hearings and briefings.

But as new information emerges, including the court's release last week of the federal affidavit supporting the search and Tuesday's Justice Department filing, it may make it more difficult for Trump's allies to defend the former president and his team's actions.

Some Republican supporters of Trump focused on the photograph of classified documents included as evidence in the Justice Department filing. Though the documents were shielded, the critics suggested if the information was so secret it should not have been publicly released. “You people are so bad at this,” tweeted Trump ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., directing her criticism as much at Democrats and those sharing the image.

The risks of the heated rhetoric against the nation’s law enforcement have been been clear. A police shooting of a man who tried to breach the FBI’s Cincinnati field office showed the danger. FBI Director Christopher Wray criticized those attacking the agency and urged agents to be cautious in public.

Ahead of the midterm elections, Trump’s ability to dominate the political stage is welcomed by House Republicans who are relying on his presence to bolster voter enthusiasm and turnout as they try to win back majority control. Some have encouraged him to swiftly announce his own campaign to run again for the White House.

Senate Republicans, however, are growing concerned that Trump is stealing the focus away from what they would prefer to be an election referendum on President Joe Biden's performance in the White House.

As Biden steps up his own efforts to help his party retain control of Congress, he is focusing on Trump-styled candidates in the Republican ranks, with a more aggressive tone and an emphasis on the risks to democracy that have become a motivating issue for Democrats.

Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California, a former federal prosecutor, said the latest court filing was “devastating” for Trump.

“What is most striking are the facts outlining how the former president and his team knowingly put our national security at risk,” Schiff wrote on Twitter.

The congressman, who led Trump's first impeachment, urged the Justice Department to continue its probe and “follow the facts.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661941600753.jpeg" alt="This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. (Department of Justice via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. (Department of Justice via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — At first, Republicans were highly critical of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">FBI search of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort</a>, but as new details emerge about the more than 100 classified documents the former president haphazardly stashed at his private club Republicans have grown notably silent.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">These raids and seizures are a fishing expedition and a fascade. The FBI is pretending this is about noncompliance with the Presidential Records Act when we all know it’s about Jan 6. Let’s see the warrant and judge who signed off.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1557138794889068547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-05541b18c364a484891f2b3076bf1847?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_1">deepening investigation</a>&nbsp;into Trump's handling of sensitive government information has disclosed damaging and unsettling new details. With every court filing there is new information about the cache of documents the former president took with him from the White House and the potential national security concerns. While the unprecedented search has galvanized many Republicans to Trump's defense, others in the party are unwilling to speak up, often wary of crossing him.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell declined to respond Wednesday when asked about the latest developments in the Justice Department's probe."I don't have any observations about that," McConnell told reporters in Kentucky.The silence speaks volumes for a party whose president won the White House after rousing voters in rally chants of “Lock Her Up!” Trump pilloried Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton for using a personal email account and server during her time as Secretary of State. She quickly complied with investigators and was not charged.The investigation also is posing a new test of Republican loyalty to Trump from lawmakers who are relying on him for their political livelihoods,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">particularly ahead of the midterm elections</a>.Battle lines among Republicans infighting over Trump quickly emerged Wednesday after the latest court filing, in which Justice Department said that the FBI's Aug. 8 search had produced more than 100 documents with “classified markings” at Mar-a-Lago — twice as many as Trump's team had turned over earlier this summer.In Tuesday’s late filing, the Justice Department laid out in stark detail how it had developed evidence “that government records were likely concealed and removed” from a storage room at Trump's Mar-a-Lago.The filing described the lengthy process of trying to retrieve government documents taken when Trump left the White House in early 2021. The Justice Department explained how Trump's legal team had said documents were only been kept in the storage room, but the search also found documents in the former president's office. It said some of the newly found documents were so sensitive that even Justice Department attorneys and FBI counterintelligence personnel required additional clearances before they could review the material.The Justice Department said “efforts were likely taken to obstruct the government’s investigation.” It produced a photograph of some of the classified documents found, as evidence. The filing said flatly that the government believes “obstructive conduct” has occurred.Republican Rep. Liz Cheney —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-presidential-iowa-new-hampshire-donald-trump-2b91dc4aa57c9895ebe6bed2cbdc6f6a">one of the former president's fiercest critics, who recently lost her own primary for reelection</a>&nbsp;— tweeted the photo: “Yet more indefensible conduct by Donald Trump revealed this morning.”But Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, once a rival to Trump for the White House, has saved his criticizing for federal law enforcement as he defended the former president.“The FBI’s raid was a horrific ‘abuse of power,’” Cruz tweeted just before the Tuesday filing. He said “there needs to be ‘a complete housecleaning’ at FBI.”He was among several Republican lawmakers and congressional candidates who were fundraising this week off their complaints about the Justice Department. Cruz's office did not respond to a request for fresh comments Wednesday.The Texas senator is not alone in turning his criticism away from Trump and onto the federal authorities conducting the investigation and search. The Republican Party that once stood for law and order has been cleaved by Trump's actions, some in the starkest, most alarming tones.In the immediate aftermath of the search, Republicans largely rallied around Trump and demanded more information from the Justice Department. House and Senate Republicans, and some Democrats, sought hearings and briefings.But as new information emerges, including the court's release last week of the federal affidavit supporting the search and Tuesday's Justice Department filing, it may make it more difficult for Trump's allies to defend the former president and his team's actions.Some Republican supporters of Trump focused on the photograph of classified documents included as evidence in the Justice Department filing. Though the documents were shielded, the critics suggested if the information was so secret it should not have been publicly released. “You people are so bad at this,” tweeted Trump ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., directing her criticism as much at Democrats and those sharing the image.The risks of the heated rhetoric against the nation’s law enforcement have been been clear. A police shooting of a man who tried to breach the FBI’s Cincinnati field office showed the danger. FBI Director Christopher Wray criticized those attacking the agency and urged agents to be cautious in public.Ahead of the midterm elections, Trump’s ability to dominate the political stage is welcomed by House Republicans who are relying on his presence to bolster voter enthusiasm and turnout as they try to win back majority control. Some have encouraged him to swiftly announce his own campaign to run again for the White House.Senate Republicans, however, are growing concerned that Trump is stealing the focus away from what they would prefer to be an election referendum on President Joe Biden's performance in the White House.As Biden steps up his own efforts to help his party retain control of Congress, he is focusing on Trump-styled candidates in the Republican ranks, with a more aggressive tone and an emphasis on the risks to democracy that have become a motivating issue for Democrats.Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California, a former federal prosecutor, said the latest court filing was “devastating” for Trump.“What is most striking are the facts outlining how the former president and his team knowingly put our national security at risk,” Schiff wrote on Twitter.The congressman, who led Trump's first impeachment, urged the Justice Department to continue its probe and “follow the facts.”

Republicans notably silent, split as Trump probe deepens

NEW YORK (AP) — Bed Bath &amp; Beyond said Wednesday that it will shutter stores and lay off workers in a bid to turn around its beleaguered business.

The home goods retailer based in Union, New Jersey, <a href="https://bedbathandbeyond.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/bed-bath-beyond-inc-announces-strategic-changes-strengthen-its">said it will close</a> about 150 of its namesakes stores and slash its workforce by 20%. It estimated those cuts would save $250 million in the company’s current fiscal year. It also said it is considering selling more of its stock to shore up its finances and had lined up more than $500 million of new financing.

But it will keep its buybuy Baby chain, which earlier this year it considered selling.

Bed Bath &amp; Beyond’s stock fell more than 21% Wednesday and is down 65% in the last 12 months.

Mired in a prolonged sales slump, the company also announced it will revert to its original strategy of focusing on national brands, instead of pushing its own store labels. That reverses a strategy embraced by its former CEO Mark Tritton,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/33fa91f0e8114f4536dd0d1271ae1d2b">who was ousted in June</a>&nbsp;after less than three years at the helm. It said it would get rid of one-third of its store brands, which had started to be rolled out in the last year or so.

“There’s still an incredible degree of love for Bed Bath &amp; Beyond,” Mara Sirhal, the newly named brand president of Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, told industry analysts Wednesday. “We must get back to our rightful place as the home-category destination, and our goal is to achieve this by leading with the products and brands our customers want.”

As of May, the retailer operated a total of 955 stores, including 769 Bed Bath &amp; Beyond stores, 135 buybuy Baby stores and 51 stores under the names Harmon, Harmon Face Values or Face Values. As of February, it had roughly 32,000 employees.

Time is of the essence for the company heading into the critical holiday shopping season. It said it expects a 26% decline in comparable sales for its fiscal second quarter, which ended Saturday. It burned through $325 million of cash in the quarter.

Sirhal said the retailer wants to get back to being a place where shoppers find innovative items. For example, Bed Bath &amp; Beyond was the first to bring items like the air fryer and the single-serve coffee maker to its customers, she said.

Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail, said he applauds the strategic shift. But he said that task is “easier said than done” and will require much closer relationships with suppliers to secure unique offerings.

“If Bed Bath &amp; Beyond simply stocks the same sort of things as can be found at Target, Walmart, or Amazon, then it will struggle to differentiate and will find margins compressed as it needs to match on price, " he said.

Bed Bath &amp; Beyond has been facing lots of turbulence recently. Its shares made a monstrous run from $5.77 to $23.08 in a little more than two weeks in August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3aa4949f4676b8bad8aa68030370cd38">in trading reminiscent of last year’s meme-stock craze</a>, when out-of-favor companies suddenly became darlings of smaller-pocketed investors.

But the shares fell back to earth after a deep-pocketed investor, activist Ryan Cohen, the billionaire co-founder of online pet-products retailer Chewy Inc.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trending-news-21b91766a67e3aa3edb7b3a633c67e35">sold his entire stake i</a>&nbsp;n the company. In March, Cohen had purchased a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-media-4c5b18fbc03f550e892e085ab1255ba3">nearly 10% stake i</a>&nbsp;n Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, giving investors hope he could turn around the company’s finances.

The stock ended Wednesday down $2.58 at $9.53.

The company said that it is still searching for a permanent CEO. Board member Sue Gove took over as interim CEO, replacing Tritton. Chief Operating Office John Hartmann is leaving the company, and it’s eliminating that position.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661994970208.png" alt="The company did not release a list of the stores scheduled to close-Google image" />
 <figcaption>The company did not release a list of the stores scheduled to close-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Bed Bath &amp; Beyond said Wednesday that it will shutter stores and lay off workers in a bid to turn around its beleaguered business.The home goods retailer based in Union, New Jersey, <a href="https://bedbathandbeyond.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/bed-bath-beyond-inc-announces-strategic-changes-strengthen-its">said it will close</a> about 150 of its namesakes stores and slash its workforce by 20%. It estimated those cuts would save $250 million in the company’s current fiscal year. It also said it is considering selling more of its stock to shore up its finances and had lined up more than $500 million of new financing.But it will keep its buybuy Baby chain, which earlier this year it considered selling.Bed Bath &amp; Beyond’s stock fell more than 21% Wednesday and is down 65% in the last 12 months.Mired in a prolonged sales slump, the company also announced it will revert to its original strategy of focusing on national brands, instead of pushing its own store labels. That reverses a strategy embraced by its former CEO Mark Tritton,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/33fa91f0e8114f4536dd0d1271ae1d2b">who was ousted in June</a>&nbsp;after less than three years at the helm. It said it would get rid of one-third of its store brands, which had started to be rolled out in the last year or so.“There’s still an incredible degree of love for Bed Bath &amp; Beyond,” Mara Sirhal, the newly named brand president of Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, told industry analysts Wednesday. “We must get back to our rightful place as the home-category destination, and our goal is to achieve this by leading with the products and brands our customers want.”As of May, the retailer operated a total of 955 stores, including 769 Bed Bath &amp; Beyond stores, 135 buybuy Baby stores and 51 stores under the names Harmon, Harmon Face Values or Face Values. As of February, it had roughly 32,000 employees.Time is of the essence for the company heading into the critical holiday shopping season. It said it expects a 26% decline in comparable sales for its fiscal second quarter, which ended Saturday. It burned through $325 million of cash in the quarter.Sirhal said the retailer wants to get back to being a place where shoppers find innovative items. For example, Bed Bath &amp; Beyond was the first to bring items like the air fryer and the single-serve coffee maker to its customers, she said.Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail, said he applauds the strategic shift. But he said that task is “easier said than done” and will require much closer relationships with suppliers to secure unique offerings.“If Bed Bath &amp; Beyond simply stocks the same sort of things as can be found at Target, Walmart, or Amazon, then it will struggle to differentiate and will find margins compressed as it needs to match on price, " he said.Bed Bath &amp; Beyond has been facing lots of turbulence recently. Its shares made a monstrous run from $5.77 to $23.08 in a little more than two weeks in August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3aa4949f4676b8bad8aa68030370cd38">in trading reminiscent of last year’s meme-stock craze</a>, when out-of-favor companies suddenly became darlings of smaller-pocketed investors.But the shares fell back to earth after a deep-pocketed investor, activist Ryan Cohen, the billionaire co-founder of online pet-products retailer Chewy Inc.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trending-news-21b91766a67e3aa3edb7b3a633c67e35">sold his entire stake i</a>&nbsp;n the company. In March, Cohen had purchased a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-media-4c5b18fbc03f550e892e085ab1255ba3">nearly 10% stake i</a>&nbsp;n Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, giving investors hope he could turn around the company’s finances.The stock ended Wednesday down $2.58 at $9.53.The company said that it is still searching for a permanent CEO. Board member Sue Gove took over as interim CEO, replacing Tritton. Chief Operating Office John Hartmann is leaving the company, and it’s eliminating that position.

Bed Bath & Beyond will close 150 stores, slash workforce

ARGONIA, Kan. — It's not NASA or Space-X, but if you want to see some of the best amateur rocketry in the nation, Argonia is the place to be this Labor Day weekend.

The 28th annual AIRFest will bring flyers from all over the nation to test their rocket-building skills. These are not your typical Estes rockets. Some of these rockets are 15-feet tall or more and fly to 50,000 feet. The Argonia launch facility has been host to LDRS, which is the largest amateur rocket event in the country, and has been featured on the Discovery Channel.

If you are going out, there are a few things you need to know. The launch area is located on 80th Street, about six miles south of Argonia. It is a little remote because of the large rockets launched. The road is a little dirt strip going to the east for about two miles. You’ll want a lawn chair, sunscreen and maybe an umbrella for shade.&nbsp;

There are portable toilets and usually some good food for sale, but you might want to bring your own. There is a convenience store in Argonia where you can get gas, and buy food and drinks.

The flight range opens around 9 a.m. and rockets are flown as long as cloud and wind conditions are favorable, which should be the case this weekend. There is no set schedule, so there will be bursts of activity and then maybe some down time, but usually there is something launching every few minutes. If you have a son or daughter under 18 and they fly smaller model rockets, they are welcome to come down and use the small launch pads and shoot off their rockets too. Launches begin Friday and run through Monday. Argonia is located 50 miles southwest of Wichita.

If you want more information on AIRFest, go to <a href="http://Kloudbusters.org">Kloudbusters.org</a>.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661977539892.jpeg" alt="A high-powered rocket launched during AIRFest in 2015 by Hutch Post's Rod Zook. The rocket hit a respectable 9,000 feet. Photo courtesy of Debbie Zook." />
 <figcaption>A high-powered rocket launched during AIRFest in 2015 by Hutch Post's Rod Zook. The rocket hit a respectable 9,000 feet. Photo courtesy of Debbie Zook.</figcaption>
 </figure>ARGONIA, Kan. — It's not NASA or Space-X, but if you want to see some of the best amateur rocketry in the nation, Argonia is the place to be this Labor Day weekend.The 28th annual AIRFest will bring flyers from all over the nation to test their rocket-building skills. These are not your typical Estes rockets. Some of these rockets are 15-feet tall or more and fly to 50,000 feet. The Argonia launch facility has been host to LDRS, which is the largest amateur rocket event in the country, and has been featured on the Discovery Channel.If you are going out, there are a few things you need to know. The launch area is located on 80th Street, about six miles south of Argonia. It is a little remote because of the large rockets launched. The road is a little dirt strip going to the east for about two miles. You’ll want a lawn chair, sunscreen and maybe an umbrella for shade.&nbsp;There are portable toilets and usually some good food for sale, but you might want to bring your own. There is a convenience store in Argonia where you can get gas, and buy food and drinks.The flight range opens around 9 a.m. and rockets are flown as long as cloud and wind conditions are favorable, which should be the case this weekend. There is no set schedule, so there will be bursts of activity and then maybe some down time, but usually there is something launching every few minutes. If you have a son or daughter under 18 and they fly smaller model rockets, they are welcome to come down and use the small launch pads and shoot off their rockets too. Launches begin Friday and run through Monday. Argonia is located 50 miles southwest of Wichita.If you want more information on AIRFest, go to <a href="http://Kloudbusters.org">Kloudbusters.org</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

AIRFest amateur rocket festival this weekend

The Federal Trade Commission is sending payments totaling more than $1.9 million to 30,172 consumers nationwide who bought Hubble brand contact lenses from Vision Path, Inc. The FTC alleged that the company
 substituted its own brand of lenses for those prescribed by the 
consumers’ eye doctors in violation of the Contact Lens Rule and 
violated the FTC Act by deceiving consumers about whether their doctors 
had approved the substitution, among other things. The average refund 
amount is $63.

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fapp%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%2Fviz%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without"></a>Refund
 checks are being mailed to affected consumers starting today. The 
deadline for cashing the checks is 90 days from the date they are 
issued. Consumers 
who have questions about their refund or who did not get a refund but 
think they may be eligible, should contact the refund administrator, 
Epiq, at 1-855-914-4722. The Commission never requires consumers to pay 
money or provide account information to get a refund.

<a>The FTC’s </a><a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/01/vision-path-inc-online-seller-hubble-lenses-settles-charges-it-violated-contact-lens-rule-ftc-act">January 2022 complaint</a> against Vision Path alleged
 the company violated the Contact Lens Rule in several ways, including 
by failing to obtain prescriptions and to properly verify prescription 
information, and by substituting Hubble lenses for those actually 
prescribed to consumers. The FTC also alleged the company violated the 
FTC Act when it promised consumers it had properly verified their lenses
 with their eye doctors, and when it failed to disclose that many 
reviews of Hubble lenses were written by reviewers who were compensated 
for their reviews, and, in at least one instance, by one of its own 
executives.

&nbsp;The Commission’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTQuNTkzNjY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3B1YmxpYy50YWJsZWF1LmNvbS9wcm9maWxlL2ZlZGVyYWwudHJhZGUuY29tbWlzc2lvbj91dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IyEvdml6aG9tZS9SZWZ1bmRzXzE1Nzk3OTU4NDAyMDIwL1JlZnVuZHNieUNhc2UifQ.HXpVUsDYKKFWNwIvv6u4m3YhvMGo8liqbr6HWCxrQrA%2Fs%2F93858939%2Fbr%2F132927266844-l&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>

&nbsp;provide
 a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, Commission
 actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers across 
the country, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the 
Commission lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief 
in federal court going forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTQuNTkzNjY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZ0Yy5nb3YvbmV3cy1ldmVudHMvcHJlc3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvMjAyMS8wNC9mdGMtYXNrcy1jb25ncmVzcy1wYXNzLWxlZ2lzbGF0aW9uLXJldml2aW5nLWFnZW5jeXMtYXV0aG9yaXR5P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.jgb4HZaiJ6-s-bHpvT-2Aih_KoMN1AQXaL6AigBXQfw%2Fs%2F93858939%2Fbr%2F132927266844-l&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the Commission’s ability to get money back for consumers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe Federal Trade Commission is sending payments totaling more than $1.9 million to 30,172 consumers nationwide who bought Hubble brand contact lenses from Vision Path, Inc. The FTC alleged that the company
 substituted its own brand of lenses for those prescribed by the 
consumers’ eye doctors in violation of the Contact Lens Rule and 
violated the FTC Act by deceiving consumers about whether their doctors 
had approved the substitution, among other things. The average refund 
amount is $63.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fapp%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%2Fviz%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without"></a>Refund
 checks are being mailed to affected consumers starting today. The 
deadline for cashing the checks is 90 days from the date they are 
issued. Consumers 
who have questions about their refund or who did not get a refund but 
think they may be eligible, should contact the refund administrator, 
Epiq, at 1-855-914-4722. The Commission never requires consumers to pay 
money or provide account information to get a refund.<a>The FTC’s </a><a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/01/vision-path-inc-online-seller-hubble-lenses-settles-charges-it-violated-contact-lens-rule-ftc-act">January 2022 complaint</a> against Vision Path alleged
 the company violated the Contact Lens Rule in several ways, including 
by failing to obtain prescriptions and to properly verify prescription 
information, and by substituting Hubble lenses for those actually 
prescribed to consumers. The FTC also alleged the company violated the 
FTC Act when it promised consumers it had properly verified their lenses
 with their eye doctors, and when it failed to disclose that many 
reviews of Hubble lenses were written by reviewers who were compensated 
for their reviews, and, in at least one instance, by one of its own 
executives.&nbsp;The Commission’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTQuNTkzNjY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3B1YmxpYy50YWJsZWF1LmNvbS9wcm9maWxlL2ZlZGVyYWwudHJhZGUuY29tbWlzc2lvbj91dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IyEvdml6aG9tZS9SZWZ1bmRzXzE1Nzk3OTU4NDAyMDIwL1JlZnVuZHNieUNhc2UifQ.HXpVUsDYKKFWNwIvv6u4m3YhvMGo8liqbr6HWCxrQrA%2Fs%2F93858939%2Fbr%2F132927266844-l&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide
 a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, Commission
 actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers across 
the country, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the 
Commission lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief 
in federal court going forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTQuNTkzNjY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZ0Yy5nb3YvbmV3cy1ldmVudHMvcHJlc3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvMjAyMS8wNC9mdGMtYXNrcy1jb25ncmVzcy1wYXNzLWxlZ2lzbGF0aW9uLXJldml2aW5nLWFnZW5jeXMtYXV0aG9yaXR5P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.jgb4HZaiJ6-s-bHpvT-2Aih_KoMN1AQXaL6AigBXQfw%2Fs%2F93858939%2Fbr%2F132927266844-l&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the Commission’s ability to get money back for consumers.

FTC sending $1.9 million in refunds to contact lens buyers

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>

A decade-old Texas-based broadband company with operations across Kansas and Nebraska has been awarded nearly half a billion dollars to fund deployments across 11 states in the Midwest.

Nextlink Internet was awarded more than $25 million for projects in Kansas and Nebraska to bring fiber or wireless internet to rural areas through the Federal Communication Commission's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.

Nearly 14,000 customers in Nebraska and more than 26,000 customers in Kansas could be the beneficiaries of the projects, according to the FCC announcement.

“This funding will connect more households throughout the country with high-speed broadband as part of our ongoing work to close the digital divide,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a news release. “We are confident these projects can bring quality service to currently unserved areas.” 

Nextlink currently offers service in Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas.

“We are excited to partner with the FCC to deploy gigabit connectivity to households across rural America," Bill Baker, co-founder and CEO of Nextlink said in a news release. "With significant licensed spectrum holdings to support gigabit wireless plus fiber projects ready to kick-off construction, we are well-positioned to move quickly to connect the unconnected.”

With the award, the news release said, Nextlink will expand beyond its existing seven-state footprint into Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Wyoming and Louisiana. 

To date, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund has distributed more than $6 billion to broadband providers to increase high-speed access in rural areas.

In the Aug. 31 announcement, <a href="https://nextlinkinternet.com/">Nextlink</a> was awarded more than half — $429 million — of the nearly $800 million round of funding. Nextlink initially began operations in 2012 serving around the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.

Check the Post for more as details become available. According to its website, Nextlink serves the following communities in Kansas and Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662058808250.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>A decade-old Texas-based broadband company with operations across Kansas and Nebraska has been awarded nearly half a billion dollars to fund deployments across 11 states in the Midwest.Nextlink Internet was awarded more than $25 million for projects in Kansas and Nebraska to bring fiber or wireless internet to rural areas through the Federal Communication Commission's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.Nearly 14,000 customers in Nebraska and more than 26,000 customers in Kansas could be the beneficiaries of the projects, according to the FCC announcement.“This funding will connect more households throughout the country with high-speed broadband as part of our ongoing work to close the digital divide,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a news release. “We are confident these projects can bring quality service to currently unserved areas.” Nextlink currently offers service in Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas.“We are excited to partner with the FCC to deploy gigabit connectivity to households across rural America," Bill Baker, co-founder and CEO of Nextlink said in a news release. "With significant licensed spectrum holdings to support gigabit wireless plus fiber projects ready to kick-off construction, we are well-positioned to move quickly to connect the unconnected.”With the award, the news release said, Nextlink will expand beyond its existing seven-state footprint into Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Wyoming and Louisiana. To date, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund has distributed more than $6 billion to broadband providers to increase high-speed access in rural areas.In the Aug. 31 announcement, <a href="https://nextlinkinternet.com/">Nextlink</a> was awarded more than half — $429 million — of the nearly $800 million round of funding. Nextlink initially began operations in 2012 serving around the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.Check the Post for more as details become available. According to its website, Nextlink serves the following communities in Kansas and Nebraska.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662058853859.png" alt="Kansas communities / screenshot" />
 <figcaption>Kansas communities / screenshot</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662058878898.png" alt="Nebraska communities&nbsp;/ screenshot" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska communities&nbsp;/ screenshot</figcaption>
 </figure>

Nextlink awarded $50M+ for broadband projects in Kan., Neb.

STEVENS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect in connection with the alleged theft of 800 pounds of meat in Southwest Kansas.

The incident started in Morton County when a victim filed a police report regarding packages of processed meat being stolen from a meat locker, according to the Hugoton Police Department.

An investigator received information the stolen meat was at a residence in the 900 Block of South Madison in Hugoton.

Deputies search the residence, located the stolen meat, as well as over 100 grams of Methamphetamine, over 10 doses of controlled substances and drug sales paraphernalia.&nbsp;

At the time the search warrant was executed, two adults and one juvenile were at the residence.

Casey Agraz, 38, of Hugoton, is being held on requested charges of Distribute/possess w/ Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia for illegal use. Distribute opiate narcotic certain stimulant; 100 grams &lt; 1 Kilogram Distribute opiate opium narcotic certain stimulant; 10-100 grams Endangering a child; aggravated endangering a child Possession of stolen property. She has a previous drug conviction in 2018 and had been on community corrections since August 2020, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Troy Johnson, 43, of Moscow, Kansas is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Distribute/possess w/ Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia for illegal use. Distribute opiate narcotic certain stimulant; 100 grams -&lt; 1 Kilogram.

The juvenile male was released to a family member. Authorities returned the stolen meat to the owner and continue to investigate the case for additional drug crimes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661869168506.png" alt="Agraz had a previous drug conviction in 2018, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Agraz had a previous drug conviction in 2018, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>STEVENS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect in connection with the alleged theft of 800 pounds of meat in Southwest Kansas.The incident started in Morton County when a victim filed a police report regarding packages of processed meat being stolen from a meat locker, according to the Hugoton Police Department.An investigator received information the stolen meat was at a residence in the 900 Block of South Madison in Hugoton.Deputies search the residence, located the stolen meat, as well as over 100 grams of Methamphetamine, over 10 doses of controlled substances and drug sales paraphernalia.&nbsp;At the time the search warrant was executed, two adults and one juvenile were at the residence.Casey Agraz, 38, of Hugoton, is being held on requested charges of Distribute/possess w/ Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia for illegal use. Distribute opiate narcotic certain stimulant; 100 grams &lt; 1 Kilogram Distribute opiate opium narcotic certain stimulant; 10-100 grams Endangering a child; aggravated endangering a child Possession of stolen property. She has a previous drug conviction in 2018 and had been on community corrections since August 2020, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Troy Johnson, 43, of Moscow, Kansas is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Distribute/possess w/ Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia for illegal use. Distribute opiate narcotic certain stimulant; 100 grams -&lt; 1 Kilogram.The juvenile male was released to a family member. Authorities returned the stolen meat to the owner and continue to investigate the case for additional drug crimes.

Police recover 800 pounds of meat stolen in SW Kansas

YORK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects after locating more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine and 9 pounds of fentanyl during a traffic stop.

Just after 1p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a Nissan Rogue traveling with a license plate violation on Interstate 80 just before the Utica exit, according to a media release from the Nebraska State Patrol

 During the traffic stop, a Patrol K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance coming from inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle revealed 101 pounds of methamphetamine and 9 pounds of fentanyl. The substances were concealed in bags in the rear of the vehicle.

The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Jhonny Murillo Martinez, 38, of Hyattsville, Maryland, and passengers Tonny Guevara Chacon, 24, of Lorton, Virginia; Rene Rodriguez Morales, 27, of Falls Church, Virginia; and Marta Rodriguez, 38, of Falls Church, Virginia. 

All four were arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. All four were are being held in the York County Jail. Utica is approximately 150 north of Manhattan, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661973739065.jpeg" alt="Photo Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>YORK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects after locating more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine and 9 pounds of fentanyl during a traffic stop.Just after 1p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a Nissan Rogue traveling with a license plate violation on Interstate 80 just before the Utica exit, according to a media release from the Nebraska State Patrol During the traffic stop, a Patrol K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance coming from inside the vehicle.A search of the vehicle revealed 101 pounds of methamphetamine and 9 pounds of fentanyl. The substances were concealed in bags in the rear of the vehicle.The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Jhonny Murillo Martinez, 38, of Hyattsville, Maryland, and passengers Tonny Guevara Chacon, 24, of Lorton, Virginia; Rene Rodriguez Morales, 27, of Falls Church, Virginia; and Marta Rodriguez, 38, of Falls Church, Virginia. All four were arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. All four were are being held in the York County Jail. Utica is approximately 150 north of Manhattan, Kansas.

Troopers seize 9 pounds of fentanyl, 100 pounds of meth

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident that left 34-year-old Corey Addis&nbsp; dead are asking the public to help identify a vehicle.

Just after 8:30 a.m. August 21, police were dispatched to the alley of the 1800 block of South Spruce in Wichita regarding a dead body found, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661873417798.png" alt="Image courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident that left 34-year-old Corey Addis&nbsp; dead are asking the public to help identify a vehicle.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F477616234377009%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=2" 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>Just after 8:30 a.m. August 21, police were dispatched to the alley of the 1800 block of South Spruce in Wichita regarding a dead body found, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.At the scene, officers located Addis who was pronounced deceased. The investigation revealed that Addis was possible run over by a vehicle.Police would also like to speak to the driver of the white vehicle, seen following the red sedan in this video clip. If you have any information regarding the location of these vehicles or their drivers, pleases contact Detective Kempf at 316-250-3687 or rkempf@wichita.gov.