WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 60 years after he was first recommended for the nation’s highest military award for his bravery during the Vietnam War, retired Col. Paris Davis, one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat, received the Medal of Honor on Friday.

The belated recognition for the 83-year-old Virginia resident came after the recommendation for the medal was lost, resubmitted — and then lost again.

It wasn’t until 2016 — half a century after Davis risked his life to save some of his men under fire — that advocates painstakingly recreated and resubmitted the paperwork.

President Joe Biden on Friday described Davis as a “true hero,” describing his efforts to haul injured soldiers to safety under heavy enemy fire. When one of his superiors told him to get to safety, Davis said, according to Biden: “Sir, I”m just not going to leave. I still have an American out there,” and he went back into the firefight to carry out an injured medic.

“You are everything this medal means,” Biden said to Davis. “You’re everything our nation is at our best. Brave and big hearted, determined and devoted, selfless and steadfast.”

Biden said Davis should have received the honor years ago, describing remaining segregation when he returned home and questioning why the honor took so long.

“Somehow the paperwork was never processed,” Biden said. “Not just once. But twice.”

Davis doesn’t dwell on it. He says he doesn’t know why it has taken decades.

“Right now I’m overwhelmed,” he told The Associated Press in an interview the day before he attended the White House ceremony where Biden placed the blue ribbon holding the Medal of Honor around his neck.

“When you’re fighting, you’re not thinking about this moment,” Davis said. “You’re just trying to get through that moment.”

“That moment” stretched over nearly 19 hours and two days in mid-June 1965.

Davis, then a captain and commander with the 5th Special Forces Group, engaged in nearly continuous combat during a pre-dawn raid on a North Vietnamese army camp in the village of Bong Son in Binh Dinh province.

He engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the North Vietnamese, called for precision artillery fire and thwarted the capture of three American soldiers — all while suffering wounds from gunshots and grenade fragments. He used his pinkie finger to fire his rifle after his hand was shattered by an enemy grenade, according to reports.

Davis repeatedly sprinted into an open rice paddy to rescue members of his team, according to the ArmyTimes. His entire team survived.

“That word ‘gallantry’ is not much used these days,” Biden said. “But I can think of no better word to describe Paris.”

Davis, from Cleveland, retired in 1985 at the rank of lieutenant colonel and now lives in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington. Biden called him several weeks ago to deliver the news.

He says the wait in no way lessens the honor.

“It heightens the thing, if you’ve got to wait that long,” he said. “It’s like someone promised you an ice cream cone. You know what it looks like, what it smells like. You just haven’t licked it.”

Davis’ commanding officer recommended him for the military’s top honor, but the paperwork disappeared. He eventually was awarded a Silver Star, the military’s third-highest combat medal, but members of Davis’ team have argued that his skin color was a factor in the disappearance of his Medal of Honor recommendation.

“I believe that someone purposely lost the paperwork,” Ron Deis, a junior member of Davis’ team in Bong Son, told the AP in a separate interview.

Deis, now 79, helped compile the recommendation that was submitted in 2016. He said he knew Davis had been recommended for the Medal of Honor shortly after the battle in 1965, and he spent years wondering why Davis hadn’t been awarded the medal. Nine years ago he learned that a second nomination had been submitted “and that also was somehow, quote, lost.”

“But I don’t believe they were lost,” Deis said. “I believe they were intentionally discarded. They were discarded because he was Black, and that’s the only conclusion that I can come to.”

Army officials say there is no evidence of racism in Davis’ case.

“We’re here to celebrate the fact that he got the award, long time coming,” Maj. Gen. Patrick Roberson, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, told the AP. “We, the Army, you know, we haven’t been able to see anything that would say, ‘Hey, this is racism.’”

“We can’t know that,” Roberson said.

In early 2021, Christopher Miller, then the acting defense secretary, ordered an expedited review of Davis’ case. He argued in an opinion column later that year that awarding Davis the Medal of Honor would address an injustice.

“Some issues in our nation rise above partisanship,” Miller wrote. “The Davis case meets that standard.”

Davis’ daughter, Regan Davis Hopper, a mom of two teenage sons, told the AP that she only learned of her dad’s heroism in 2019. Like him, she said she tries not to dwell on her disappointment in how the situation was handled.

“I try not to think about that. I try not to let that weigh me down and make me lose the thrill and excitement of the moment,” Hopper said. “I think that’s most important, to just look ahead and think about how exciting it is for America to meet my dad for the first time. I’m just proud of him.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677863054511.png" alt="President Joe Biden on Friday described Davis as a “true hero."&nbsp; White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden on Friday described Davis as a “true hero."&nbsp; White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 60 years after he was first recommended for the nation’s highest military award for his bravery during the Vietnam War, retired Col. Paris Davis, one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat, received the Medal of Honor on Friday.(Click below to watch the ceremony)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3lH3FoQxQEw?start=62" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The belated recognition for the 83-year-old Virginia resident came after the recommendation for the medal was lost, resubmitted — and then lost again.It wasn’t until 2016 — half a century after Davis risked his life to save some of his men under fire — that advocates painstakingly recreated and resubmitted the paperwork.President Joe Biden on Friday described Davis as a “true hero,” describing his efforts to haul injured soldiers to safety under heavy enemy fire. When one of his superiors told him to get to safety, Davis said, according to Biden: “Sir, I”m just not going to leave. I still have an American out there,” and he went back into the firefight to carry out an injured medic.“You are everything this medal means,” Biden said to Davis. “You’re everything our nation is at our best. Brave and big hearted, determined and devoted, selfless and steadfast.”Biden said Davis should have received the honor years ago, describing remaining segregation when he returned home and questioning why the honor took so long.“Somehow the paperwork was never processed,” Biden said. “Not just once. But twice.”Davis doesn’t dwell on it. He says he doesn’t know why it has taken decades.“Right now I’m overwhelmed,” he told The Associated Press in an interview the day before he attended the White House ceremony where Biden placed the blue ribbon holding the Medal of Honor around his neck.“When you’re fighting, you’re not thinking about this moment,” Davis said. “You’re just trying to get through that moment.”“That moment” stretched over nearly 19 hours and two days in mid-June 1965.Davis, then a captain and commander with the 5th Special Forces Group, engaged in nearly continuous combat during a pre-dawn raid on a North Vietnamese army camp in the village of Bong Son in Binh Dinh province.He engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the North Vietnamese, called for precision artillery fire and thwarted the capture of three American soldiers — all while suffering wounds from gunshots and grenade fragments. He used his pinkie finger to fire his rifle after his hand was shattered by an enemy grenade, according to reports.Davis repeatedly sprinted into an open rice paddy to rescue members of his team, according to the ArmyTimes. His entire team survived.“That word ‘gallantry’ is not much used these days,” Biden said. “But I can think of no better word to describe Paris.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677863081325.png" alt="White House photo" />
 <figcaption>White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Davis, from Cleveland, retired in 1985 at the rank of lieutenant colonel and now lives in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington. Biden called him several weeks ago to deliver the news.He says the wait in no way lessens the honor.“It heightens the thing, if you’ve got to wait that long,” he said. “It’s like someone promised you an ice cream cone. You know what it looks like, what it smells like. You just haven’t licked it.”Davis’ commanding officer recommended him for the military’s top honor, but the paperwork disappeared. He eventually was awarded a Silver Star, the military’s third-highest combat medal, but members of Davis’ team have argued that his skin color was a factor in the disappearance of his Medal of Honor recommendation.“I believe that someone purposely lost the paperwork,” Ron Deis, a junior member of Davis’ team in Bong Son, told the AP in a separate interview.Deis, now 79, helped compile the recommendation that was submitted in 2016. He said he knew Davis had been recommended for the Medal of Honor shortly after the battle in 1965, and he spent years wondering why Davis hadn’t been awarded the medal. Nine years ago he learned that a second nomination had been submitted “and that also was somehow, quote, lost.”“But I don’t believe they were lost,” Deis said. “I believe they were intentionally discarded. They were discarded because he was Black, and that’s the only conclusion that I can come to.”Army officials say there is no evidence of racism in Davis’ case.“We’re here to celebrate the fact that he got the award, long time coming,” Maj. Gen. Patrick Roberson, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, told the AP. “We, the Army, you know, we haven’t been able to see anything that would say, ‘Hey, this is racism.’”“We can’t know that,” Roberson said.In early 2021, Christopher Miller, then the acting defense secretary, ordered an expedited review of Davis’ case. He argued in an opinion column later that year that awarding Davis the Medal of Honor would address an injustice.“Some issues in our nation rise above partisanship,” Miller wrote. “The Davis case meets that standard.”Davis’ daughter, Regan Davis Hopper, a mom of two teenage sons, told the AP that she only learned of her dad’s heroism in 2019. Like him, she said she tries not to dwell on her disappointment in how the situation was handled.“I try not to think about that. I try not to let that weigh me down and make me lose the thrill and excitement of the moment,” Hopper said. “I think that’s most important, to just look ahead and think about how exciting it is for America to meet my dad for the first time. I’m just proud of him.”

🎥Black Vietnam vet finally honored with Medal of Honor

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday to 48 months in prison for bank fraud.and tax fraud in connection to a scheme to defraud her former employers of millions of dollars, according to the United State's Attorney.

In May 2022, Nancy Martin, 78, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aid or assist filing a false tax document. Martin defrauded Mid-Kansas Wound Specialists and Emergency Services P.A. for whom she worked as a bookkeeper, business manager, and chief operating officer. 

Between 2012 to 2017, Martin embezzled approximately $3.1 million by fraudulently obtaining money from her employers’ banks meanwhile falsifying accounting entries to disguise the embezzlement as payments or transferred funds between entities. Martin spent the stolen funds on personal expenses, travel, and investments.

From 2013 to 2016, Martin either filed tax returns or caused tax returns to be filed to the Internal Revenue Service that omitted income.

In addition to the 48 months in prison, a federal judge ordered Martin to pay more than $3.2 million in restitution to the victims and approximately $670,000 in restitution to the IRS.

“For years Nancy Martin abused her employment position and betrayed the trust of her employers to steal millions of dollars from them, and for that reason she is going to prison,” said U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “The role of the prosecution was to seek justice and try to help victims recover their financial losses.”

“IRS Criminal Investigation was able to see through Ms. Martin’s sophisticated embezzlement scheme in order to bring justice to the victims involved,” said St. Louis Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas Murdock. “Ms. Martin’s prison time sends a clear message that bank fraud and tax fraud have serious consequences.”

The IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677799294770.png" alt="Martin photo courtesy Emergency Services, PA" />
 <figcaption>Martin photo courtesy Emergency Services, PA</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday to 48 months in prison for bank fraud.and tax fraud in connection to a scheme to defraud her former employers of millions of dollars, according to the United State's Attorney.In May 2022, Nancy Martin, 78, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aid or assist filing a false tax document. Martin defrauded Mid-Kansas Wound Specialists and Emergency Services P.A. for whom she worked as a bookkeeper, business manager, and chief operating officer. Between 2012 to 2017, Martin embezzled approximately $3.1 million by fraudulently obtaining money from her employers’ banks meanwhile falsifying accounting entries to disguise the embezzlement as payments or transferred funds between entities. Martin spent the stolen funds on personal expenses, travel, and investments.From 2013 to 2016, Martin either filed tax returns or caused tax returns to be filed to the Internal Revenue Service that omitted income.In addition to the 48 months in prison, a federal judge ordered Martin to pay more than $3.2 million in restitution to the victims and approximately $670,000 in restitution to the IRS.“For years Nancy Martin abused her employment position and betrayed the trust of her employers to steal millions of dollars from them, and for that reason she is going to prison,” said U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “The role of the prosecution was to seek justice and try to help victims recover their financial losses.”“IRS Criminal Investigation was able to see through Ms. Martin’s sophisticated embezzlement scheme in order to bring justice to the victims involved,” said St. Louis Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas Murdock. “Ms. Martin’s prison time sends a clear message that bank fraud and tax fraud have serious consequences.”The IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

Prison for Kansas woman who stole millions from employer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two defense attorneys who've questioned the fairness of a yearlong investigation in Kansas into Republican campaign activities accused the state ethics commission Thursday of violating Kansas' open meetings law.

The two attorneys represent people investigated by&nbsp;<a href="https://ethics.kansas.gov/">the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission,</a>&nbsp;and they filed their complaint with state Attorney General Kris Kobach. The complaint said internal documents show that commission members had illegal, secret “serial communications” by email in April 2022 and took official action without a public meeting.

Records obtained by them and The Associated Press show commission members and staff decided by email how to counter a short-lived effort by Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-campaigns-legislature-kansas-elections-a0e42fb5eb9b235f49946747ce644e50">to oust the commission's executive director.</a>

That ouster effort came less than six weeks after the commission subpoenaed at least seven Kansas Republican Party officials in February 2022, demanding that they turn over seven months' worth of communications in 2020 with more than 20 other people.

A commission report justifying those subpoenas suggested that it is investigating whether Republicans funneled national GOP funds through various committees to the state party and legislative candidates in 2020 to avoid contribution limits.

The attorneys filing the opening meetings complaint, Kansas City-area law partners Ryan Kriegshauser and Joshua Ney, also argue that the commission has a history of enforcing ethics rules inconsistently and violating people's constitutionally protected rights to free speech and fair treatment under the law.

Some Republican lawmakers believe the commission is on a fishing expedition, and the Kansas House is considering a bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-republican-party-wichita-kansas-topeka-subpoenas-20f32f2198174f8db446bee2c4039d85">to overhaul campaign laws and reduce the commission's power</a>&nbsp;over issues raised by Krieghauser, Ney and others.

“Ninety-five percent of the punishment is just the cloud of having an ethics investigation, and so ultimately, the process is the punishment,” Ney said in an interview Thursday. “There is something seriously broken and dysfunctional with this agency.”

The ethics commission's executive director, Mark Skoglund, dismissed the complaint as an effort “to rally support for an absurd bill” that he said would “unleash an endless stream of dark money into Kansas."

Both Kobach and local District Attorney Mike Kagay, who also could wade in, are elected Republicans.

Several people who received the commission's subpoenas are asking a state district court judge to quash them. The commission report justifying the subpoenas listed transactions in 2020 involving Kansas Senate President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-wichita-elections-topeka-b356a78372fd6db9d62ac996459ea641">Ty Masterson</a>&nbsp;and House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-wichita-dan-hawkins-00703940e631419a6347afeee59e342a">Dan Hawkins,</a>&nbsp;both Wichita-area Republicans, before they had those offices.

The report didn't accuse Masterson or Hawkins of wrongdoing, and no complaints have been filed with the commission over such transactions. Masterson said the commission dropped a demand for records from him, while Hawkins said last week that he was never subpoenaed.

Kriegshauser is the attorney for a GOP consultant under investigation and Ney has long represented people facing commission investigations and complaints. They filed an open records request with the commission in late January to obtain more than 100 pages of emails and other communications.

Skoglund released the same documents Wednesday to The Associated Press and said in emails to the AP that the commission already had reported the email chain questioned by the two attorneys to Kagay, the local district attorney. Skoglund said the commission has "a persistent interest in transparency.”

“There has been no determination of a violation and it is entirely possible that no violation occurred in this instance,” Skoglund said in email Thursday.

Kobach’s office confirmed that it received the attorneys’ complaint electronically but said it could not comment further. Kagay did not immediately return telephone and email messages seeking comment.

Internal documents show that on April 4, 2022, three days after legislators tried to oust Skoglund, the commission's general counsel, Brett Barry, emailed commission members a “reminder” that the Kansas Open Meetings Act greatly restricts discussing public business by email. Skoglund told The AP on Wednesday that the commission also had an open-meetings training session in October.

The documents also show that after Skoglund notified commission members about the legislative effort to oust him, one of them, Wichita banker Jane Deterding, emailed back, “Well, that sucks!!”

Hours later, after the ouster attempt fizzled, another commission member, Kansas City-area attorney Kyle Krull, suggested an “unofficial” commission-and-staff meeting “at an offsite venue” to host lawmakers and discuss the matter “socially.” His email also said “we can even dip into” commission funds to cover such an event.

That message prompted Skoglund to ask Berry to “gently remind” commissioners of the Open Meetings Act's restrictions, though he said of Krull, "I think he is likely joking.”

But Kriegshauser said such an email shows a troubling “cavalier attitude” from commission members about the power they wield.

By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two defense attorneys who've questioned the fairness of a yearlong investigation in Kansas into Republican campaign activities accused the state ethics commission Thursday of violating Kansas' open meetings law.The two attorneys represent people investigated by&nbsp;<a href="https://ethics.kansas.gov/">the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission,</a>&nbsp;and they filed their complaint with state Attorney General Kris Kobach. The complaint said internal documents show that commission members had illegal, secret “serial communications” by email in April 2022 and took official action without a public meeting.Records obtained by them and The Associated Press show commission members and staff decided by email how to counter a short-lived effort by Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-campaigns-legislature-kansas-elections-a0e42fb5eb9b235f49946747ce644e50">to oust the commission's executive director.</a>That ouster effort came less than six weeks after the commission subpoenaed at least seven Kansas Republican Party officials in February 2022, demanding that they turn over seven months' worth of communications in 2020 with more than 20 other people.A commission report justifying those subpoenas suggested that it is investigating whether Republicans funneled national GOP funds through various committees to the state party and legislative candidates in 2020 to avoid contribution limits.The attorneys filing the opening meetings complaint, Kansas City-area law partners Ryan Kriegshauser and Joshua Ney, also argue that the commission has a history of enforcing ethics rules inconsistently and violating people's constitutionally protected rights to free speech and fair treatment under the law.Some Republican lawmakers believe the commission is on a fishing expedition, and the Kansas House is considering a bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-republican-party-wichita-kansas-topeka-subpoenas-20f32f2198174f8db446bee2c4039d85">to overhaul campaign laws and reduce the commission's power</a>&nbsp;over issues raised by Krieghauser, Ney and others.“Ninety-five percent of the punishment is just the cloud of having an ethics investigation, and so ultimately, the process is the punishment,” Ney said in an interview Thursday. “There is something seriously broken and dysfunctional with this agency.”The ethics commission's executive director, Mark Skoglund, dismissed the complaint as an effort “to rally support for an absurd bill” that he said would “unleash an endless stream of dark money into Kansas."Both Kobach and local District Attorney Mike Kagay, who also could wade in, are elected Republicans.Several people who received the commission's subpoenas are asking a state district court judge to quash them. The commission report justifying the subpoenas listed transactions in 2020 involving Kansas Senate President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-wichita-elections-topeka-b356a78372fd6db9d62ac996459ea641">Ty Masterson</a>&nbsp;and House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-wichita-dan-hawkins-00703940e631419a6347afeee59e342a">Dan Hawkins,</a>&nbsp;both Wichita-area Republicans, before they had those offices.The report didn't accuse Masterson or Hawkins of wrongdoing, and no complaints have been filed with the commission over such transactions. Masterson said the commission dropped a demand for records from him, while Hawkins said last week that he was never subpoenaed.Kriegshauser is the attorney for a GOP consultant under investigation and Ney has long represented people facing commission investigations and complaints. They filed an open records request with the commission in late January to obtain more than 100 pages of emails and other communications.Skoglund released the same documents Wednesday to The Associated Press and said in emails to the AP that the commission already had reported the email chain questioned by the two attorneys to Kagay, the local district attorney. Skoglund said the commission has "a persistent interest in transparency.”“There has been no determination of a violation and it is entirely possible that no violation occurred in this instance,” Skoglund said in email Thursday.Kobach’s office confirmed that it received the attorneys’ complaint electronically but said it could not comment further. Kagay did not immediately return telephone and email messages seeking comment.Internal documents show that on April 4, 2022, three days after legislators tried to oust Skoglund, the commission's general counsel, Brett Barry, emailed commission members a “reminder” that the Kansas Open Meetings Act greatly restricts discussing public business by email. Skoglund told The AP on Wednesday that the commission also had an open-meetings training session in October.The documents also show that after Skoglund notified commission members about the legislative effort to oust him, one of them, Wichita banker Jane Deterding, emailed back, “Well, that sucks!!”“I'm all in to help,” she added.Hours later, after the ouster attempt fizzled, another commission member, Kansas City-area attorney Kyle Krull, suggested an “unofficial” commission-and-staff meeting “at an offsite venue” to host lawmakers and discuss the matter “socially.” His email also said “we can even dip into” commission funds to cover such an event.That message prompted Skoglund to ask Berry to “gently remind” commissioners of the Open Meetings Act's restrictions, though he said of Krull, "I think he is likely joking.”But Kriegshauser said such an email shows a troubling “cavalier attitude” from commission members about the power they wield.

Complaint: Kansas agency probing GOP broke open meetings law

DE SOTO&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today was joined by Lieutenant Governor David Toland and Kansas business leaders to celebrate the announcement that the state has won the 2022&nbsp;Site Selection Magazine’s&nbsp;Governor’s Cup. In 2022, Kansas ranked first in the nation in private investment per capita for the second straight year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://siteselection.com/issues/2023/mar/the-2023-governors-cups-cover.cfm">Click here for the full</a> report on Site Selection’s Governor’s Cup Awards, which includes an interview with Governor Kelly.

“Our trophy case is getting full, but believe me: This new era of economic growth is just getting started,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“We will continue our efforts to build&nbsp;a strong&nbsp;workforce,&nbsp;attract young people to the state,&nbsp;and maintain a stable economy so that companies in Kansas and around the world know that&nbsp;we are&nbsp;a reliable partner.”  &nbsp;

“This isn't by accident that Kansas has this level of success – we have been focused, intentional, and purposeful in our economic development work,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said.&nbsp;“It is Governor Kelly's leadership from day one that has led us to this moment where we are once again for the second year in a row, being recognized for our growth.”&nbsp;

The Governor and Lieutenant Governor were joined by five top Kansas business leaders, each representing one target sector of the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDIuNzI1OTk1NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXNjb21tZXJjZS5nb3Yva2Fuc2FzLWZyYW1ld29yay1mb3ItZ3Jvd3RoLyJ9.WzdwBVddSSiW5N6p-Qp8kE3w0V5WOemM5bCne7k8inU/s/1303160919/br/155489020658-l" target="_blank">Kansas Framework for Growth</a>, the state’s first economic development strategy of its kind in over 30 years. Here’s what they are saying:&nbsp;

“This accomplishment speaks to the strength of the team that's been built here in Kansas and recognizes what we knew from the moment that we first visited this Sunflower State, that the future here is bright. Panasonic is grateful for the opportunity to share in the success of the state.”&nbsp;

- Allan Swan, President, Panasonic Energy of North America &nbsp; &nbsp;(Advanced Manufacturing)&nbsp;

“The awarding of this Governor's Cup is proof that the leadership of Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Toland, along with the support of other state and local policymakers, will continue to push Kansas to the stars. T-Mobile is proud to be part of that turn and journey together.”&nbsp;

- Pat Fucik, Director of State Government Affairs, T-Mobile &nbsp; &nbsp;(Professional and Technical Services)&nbsp;

“This award recognizes the strategic work of Lieutenant Governor Toland, the Commerce Department, and regional partners throughout Kansas to grow our state's economy and create jobs. Kansas plays a leading role in the global aerospace industry. We intend to keep it that way. That leadership creates thousands of well-paying jobs in this state that help move our communities and Kansas forward.”&nbsp;

- Chuck Cadena, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Spirit AeroSystems &nbsp; &nbsp;(Aerospace)&nbsp;

“As Wal-Mart continues to evolve as a retail company and supply chain is a big piece of what we do, we continue to look for additional locations throughout this part of the country. I do believe Kansas is a great place to raise a family, and that is important as we're looking for associates, they want to live and work in places that are great for family and great for them.”&nbsp;

- Rick Allen, Senior Director of Sales Use &amp; Property Tax, Walmart &nbsp; &nbsp;(Logistics and Distribution)&nbsp;

“Bartlett is investing in the state with a $431 million project in southeast Kansas. It would not be happening without the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Department of Commerce. I looked at many states, and Kansas was the one that said, ‘what can we do to be your partner?’ It's a great project, and it's happening in Kansas, and it's because of the partnership that this leadership has brought to us. Just to put this in perspective, these sorts of things normally take years to be able to put together. It took Kansas 30 days from ground zero to groundbreaking. That does not happen.”&nbsp;

- Bill Webster, Vice President, Bartlett Grain &nbsp; &nbsp;(Food and Agriculture)&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677790266492.png" alt="The Governor and Lieutenant Governor were joined by five top Kansas business leaders, each representing one target sector of the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDIuNzI1OTk1NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXNjb21tZXJjZS5nb3Yva2Fuc2FzLWZyYW1ld29yay1mb3ItZ3Jvd3RoLyJ9.WzdwBVddSSiW5N6p-Qp8kE3w0V5WOemM5bCne7k8inU/s/1303160919/br/155489020658-l" target="_blank">Kansas Framework for Growth</a>, the state’s first economic development strategy of its kind in over 30 years.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Governor and Lieutenant Governor were joined by five top Kansas business leaders, each representing one target sector of the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDIuNzI1OTk1NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXNjb21tZXJjZS5nb3Yva2Fuc2FzLWZyYW1ld29yay1mb3ItZ3Jvd3RoLyJ9.WzdwBVddSSiW5N6p-Qp8kE3w0V5WOemM5bCne7k8inU/s/1303160919/br/155489020658-l" target="_blank">Kansas Framework for Growth</a>, the state’s first economic development strategy of its kind in over 30 years.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DE SOTO&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today was joined by Lieutenant Governor David Toland and Kansas business leaders to celebrate the announcement that the state has won the 2022&nbsp;Site Selection Magazine’s&nbsp;Governor’s Cup. In 2022, Kansas ranked first in the nation in private investment per capita for the second straight year.&nbsp;<a href="https://siteselection.com/issues/2023/mar/the-2023-governors-cups-cover.cfm">Click here for the full</a> report on Site Selection’s Governor’s Cup Awards, which includes an interview with Governor Kelly.“Our trophy case is getting full, but believe me: This new era of economic growth is just getting started,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“We will continue our efforts to build&nbsp;a strong&nbsp;workforce,&nbsp;attract young people to the state,&nbsp;and maintain a stable economy so that companies in Kansas and around the world know that&nbsp;we are&nbsp;a reliable partner.”  &nbsp;“This isn't by accident that Kansas has this level of success – we have been focused, intentional, and purposeful in our economic development work,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said.&nbsp;“It is Governor Kelly's leadership from day one that has led us to this moment where we are once again for the second year in a row, being recognized for our growth.”&nbsp;The Governor and Lieutenant Governor were joined by five top Kansas business leaders, each representing one target sector of the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDIuNzI1OTk1NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXNjb21tZXJjZS5nb3Yva2Fuc2FzLWZyYW1ld29yay1mb3ItZ3Jvd3RoLyJ9.WzdwBVddSSiW5N6p-Qp8kE3w0V5WOemM5bCne7k8inU/s/1303160919/br/155489020658-l" target="_blank">Kansas Framework for Growth</a>, the state’s first economic development strategy of its kind in over 30 years. Here’s what they are saying:&nbsp;“This accomplishment speaks to the strength of the team that's been built here in Kansas and recognizes what we knew from the moment that we first visited this Sunflower State, that the future here is bright. Panasonic is grateful for the opportunity to share in the success of the state.”&nbsp;- Allan Swan, President, Panasonic Energy of North America &nbsp; &nbsp;(Advanced Manufacturing)&nbsp;“The awarding of this Governor's Cup is proof that the leadership of Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Toland, along with the support of other state and local policymakers, will continue to push Kansas to the stars. T-Mobile is proud to be part of that turn and journey together.”&nbsp;- Pat Fucik, Director of State Government Affairs, T-Mobile &nbsp; &nbsp;(Professional and Technical Services)&nbsp;“This award recognizes the strategic work of Lieutenant Governor Toland, the Commerce Department, and regional partners throughout Kansas to grow our state's economy and create jobs. Kansas plays a leading role in the global aerospace industry. We intend to keep it that way. That leadership creates thousands of well-paying jobs in this state that help move our communities and Kansas forward.”&nbsp;- Chuck Cadena, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Spirit AeroSystems &nbsp; &nbsp;(Aerospace)&nbsp;“As Wal-Mart continues to evolve as a retail company and supply chain is a big piece of what we do, we continue to look for additional locations throughout this part of the country. I do believe Kansas is a great place to raise a family, and that is important as we're looking for associates, they want to live and work in places that are great for family and great for them.”&nbsp;- Rick Allen, Senior Director of Sales Use &amp; Property Tax, Walmart &nbsp; &nbsp;(Logistics and Distribution)&nbsp;“Bartlett is investing in the state with a $431 million project in southeast Kansas. It would not be happening without the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Department of Commerce. I looked at many states, and Kansas was the one that said, ‘what can we do to be your partner?’ It's a great project, and it's happening in Kansas, and it's because of the partnership that this leadership has brought to us. Just to put this in perspective, these sorts of things normally take years to be able to put together. It took Kansas 30 days from ground zero to groundbreaking. That does not happen.”&nbsp;- Bill Webster, Vice President, Bartlett Grain &nbsp; &nbsp;(Food and Agriculture)&nbsp;

Kansas celebrates second straight Governor’s Cup win

TOPEKA —As law enforcement and school officials investigate multiple hoax calls claiming there were active shooters at schools across Kansas Wednesday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is commending&nbsp;Kansas law enforcement on their exceptional response to the multiple swatting incidents that occurred. 

On March 1 between 7:50 and 9:50 a.m., least 17 law enforcement jurisdictions received hoax calls reporting shootings at high schools in their communities, according to the KBI.

"As soon as the first incidents occurred, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, the Kansas State Department of Education’s Safe and Secure Schools Unit, and school officials across Kansas, began collaborating to safeguard students."

(Click below to listen to one of the hoax 911 calls received in Topeka.)

"These calls are very serious crimes that put innocent people at risk and have potentially dangerous consequences. We are working with our partners in an attempt to identify those responsible."

While these threats were not credible, as a reminder, any threats of school violence should be reported to the KBI. <a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar">Click here to report</a> or use&nbsp; the Kansas School Safety hotline at 1-877-626-8203.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677841853389.png" alt="Police responded to Highland Park High School in Topeka Wednesday-photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police responded to Highland Park High School in Topeka Wednesday-photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —As law enforcement and school officials investigate multiple hoax calls claiming there were active shooters at schools across Kansas Wednesday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is commending&nbsp;Kansas law enforcement on their exceptional response to the multiple swatting incidents that occurred. On March 1 between 7:50 and 9:50 a.m., least 17 law enforcement jurisdictions received hoax calls reporting shootings at high schools in their communities, according to the KBI."As soon as the first incidents occurred, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, the Kansas State Department of Education’s Safe and Secure Schools Unit, and school officials across Kansas, began collaborating to safeguard students."(Click below to listen to one of the hoax 911 calls received in Topeka.)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uVt5dz4qRLE?start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>"These calls are very serious crimes that put innocent people at risk and have potentially dangerous consequences. We are working with our partners in an attempt to identify those responsible."While these threats were not credible, as a reminder, any threats of school violence should be reported to the KBI. <a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar">Click here to report</a> or use&nbsp; the Kansas School Safety hotline at 1-877-626-8203.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">What happens when LKPD gets an active shooter call? The below video shows our response from the time the call came in, to when our SRO identified the call as a hoax. <a href="https://t.co/4hrcRHN7K0">pic.twitter.com/4hrcRHN7K0</a>&mdash; Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) <a href="https://twitter.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1631005752922980352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

KBI commends local officers on response to hoax shooter calls

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/28/who-let-the-dogs-in-kansas-breweries-and-health-officials-clash-over-indoors-pet-ban/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — During a second round of testimony about medical marijuana, opponents spoke of cannabis-induced suicides, marijuana poisoning and spiking crime rates, in what some have called a blatant attempt at halting the legislation.&nbsp;

At the start of the Thursday meeting of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, one of the audience members, a anti-abortion lobbyist, introduced a new abortion bill. RS 1171 would make abortion illegal in Kansas by using civil enforcement, with an exception given in cases where the mother’s life is in danger.

The rest of the hearing focused on marijuana legalization, though only invited opponents were allowed to speak. When asked about the fairness of this decision, Committee Chair Sen. Mike Thompson,&nbsp; a Shawneee Republican, said legalization proponents had already gotten their chance to speak during the hearings held by the 2022 Special Committee on Medical Marijuana.

“There were four days of proponents on the special committee,” Thompson said. “I felt after I watched the proceedings that none of this information was available, and people need to know this information.”&nbsp;

The 2022 meetings actually allowed both sides to air their views.

Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, and a member of both committees, pushed back on Thompson’s characterization of the 2022 committee, calling the Senate committee’s Wednesday and Thursday marijuana hearings a disservice to Kansans.&nbsp;

“There was so much information shared over the past few days that was either outdated or just comparing apples to oranges,” Holscher said.&nbsp;

During the Thursday meeting, marijuana opponent Katie Whisman, executive director of Stand Up For Kansas, said legalization was a slippery slope. One marijuana bill placed in Thompson’s committee,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb171/">Senate Bill 171</a>, would legalize marijuana use for veterans with a valid medical card. That bill would also allow for the cultivation, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis.

Whisman, who said she has been diagnosed with PTSD, felt marijuana shouldn’t be promoted as a tool for treating PTSD. She was one of several cannabis opponents who said this narrative was offensive to veterans.&nbsp;

“I find it patently offensive that public servants and veterans are the latest group of citizens being leveraged by the industry as pawns to elicit your empathy and compassion,” Whisman said.&nbsp;

Several veterans at the meeting said they supported marijuana legislation, especially for treating PTSD.

Todd Scattini, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, has testified to the Legislature about the benefits&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/10/20/medical-marijuana-advocates-press-legislators-to-change-law-over-objections-by-kansas-police/">of legalizing marijuana many times</a>. Scattini is the CEO of Harvest 360, a cannabis company, and has been involved in several pushes to legalize marijuana in other states.

“You can not be anti-cannabis and pro-veteran at the same time, period,” Scattini said. “I believe that medical cannabis is the key to addressing issues of post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, substance abuse issues, things of that nature.”&nbsp;

Scattini said the information being promoted during the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee hearings was problematic.&nbsp;

“Today, I thought, was pathetic,” Scattini said. “It was awful. Today, all I heard were opponents against it, who were spouting a lot of reefer madness and a lot of misinformation, really prone to hyperbole in such a way that it was truly offensive.”&nbsp;

The House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee also heard marijuana testimony Thursday.

&nbsp;Ed Klumpp, a former Topeka police chief who lobbies for the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police and the Kansas Peace Officers Association, spoke against marijuana in both committees.&nbsp;

Klumpp told House lawmakers that decriminalization would destigmatize&nbsp;and normalize using drugs to self-medicate.&nbsp;

“If we start it with marijuana, what will be next?” Klumpp said. “Will Kansas become the next Oregon and decriminalize meth, heroin and cocaine? Which all are used as the common carriers of fentanyl in the illicit drug market. We should not start down this slippery slope.”

&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2363/">House Bill 2363</a>, known<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/09/house-democrat-unveils-cannabis-amnesty-bill/">&nbsp;as the cannabis amnesty act</a>, was placed into the same House committee. That bill would essentially decriminalize marijuana, releasing people convicted of marijuana crimes and expunging marijuana-related arrests and convictions from their records.

Committee chair Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, said the meeting was more informational than anything else. Because HB2363 was introduced later in the session, and the Legislature is already past the bill turnaround deadline, Owens said the bill would be next year’s conversation.

&nbsp;Owens said he had some hesitations about decriminalization due to concerns about the affect it would have on Kansas youth, but was willing to continue discussion.&nbsp;

“I still remain very open to the conversation, to continue to learn about it and see where it is,” Owens said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/P3011161-1024x768.jpg" alt="Sen. Mike Thompson said he hadn’t decided on how he felt about marijuana bills currently introduced in the Legislature. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Mike Thompson said he hadn’t decided on how he felt about marijuana bills currently introduced in the Legislature. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/28/who-let-the-dogs-in-kansas-breweries-and-health-officials-clash-over-indoors-pet-ban/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — During a second round of testimony about medical marijuana, opponents spoke of cannabis-induced suicides, marijuana poisoning and spiking crime rates, in what some have called a blatant attempt at halting the legislation.&nbsp;At the start of the Thursday meeting of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, one of the audience members, a anti-abortion lobbyist, introduced a new abortion bill. RS 1171 would make abortion illegal in Kansas by using civil enforcement, with an exception given in cases where the mother’s life is in danger.The rest of the hearing focused on marijuana legalization, though only invited opponents were allowed to speak. When asked about the fairness of this decision, Committee Chair Sen. Mike Thompson,&nbsp; a Shawneee Republican, said legalization proponents had already gotten their chance to speak during the hearings held by the 2022 Special Committee on Medical Marijuana.“There were four days of proponents on the special committee,” Thompson said. “I felt after I watched the proceedings that none of this information was available, and people need to know this information.”&nbsp;The 2022 meetings actually allowed both sides to air their views.Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, and a member of both committees, pushed back on Thompson’s characterization of the 2022 committee, calling the Senate committee’s Wednesday and Thursday marijuana hearings a disservice to Kansans.&nbsp;“There was so much information shared over the past few days that was either outdated or just comparing apples to oranges,” Holscher said.&nbsp;During the Thursday meeting, marijuana opponent Katie Whisman, executive director of Stand Up For Kansas, said legalization was a slippery slope. One marijuana bill placed in Thompson’s committee,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb171/">Senate Bill 171</a>, would legalize marijuana use for veterans with a valid medical card. That bill would also allow for the cultivation, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis.Whisman, who said she has been diagnosed with PTSD, felt marijuana shouldn’t be promoted as a tool for treating PTSD. She was one of several cannabis opponents who said this narrative was offensive to veterans.&nbsp;“I find it patently offensive that public servants and veterans are the latest group of citizens being leveraged by the industry as pawns to elicit your empathy and compassion,” Whisman said.&nbsp;Several veterans at the meeting said they supported marijuana legislation, especially for treating PTSD.Todd Scattini, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, has testified to the Legislature about the benefits&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/10/20/medical-marijuana-advocates-press-legislators-to-change-law-over-objections-by-kansas-police/">of legalizing marijuana many times</a>. Scattini is the CEO of Harvest 360, a cannabis company, and has been involved in several pushes to legalize marijuana in other states.“You can not be anti-cannabis and pro-veteran at the same time, period,” Scattini said. “I believe that medical cannabis is the key to addressing issues of post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, substance abuse issues, things of that nature.”&nbsp;Scattini said the information being promoted during the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee hearings was problematic.&nbsp;“Today, I thought, was pathetic,” Scattini said. “It was awful. Today, all I heard were opponents against it, who were spouting a lot of reefer madness and a lot of misinformation, really prone to hyperbole in such a way that it was truly offensive.”&nbsp;The House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee also heard marijuana testimony Thursday.&nbsp;Ed Klumpp, a former Topeka police chief who lobbies for the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police and the Kansas Peace Officers Association, spoke against marijuana in both committees.&nbsp;Klumpp told House lawmakers that decriminalization would destigmatize&nbsp;and normalize using drugs to self-medicate.&nbsp;“If we start it with marijuana, what will be next?” Klumpp said. “Will Kansas become the next Oregon and decriminalize meth, heroin and cocaine? Which all are used as the common carriers of fentanyl in the illicit drug market. We should not start down this slippery slope.”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2363/">House Bill 2363</a>, known<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/09/house-democrat-unveils-cannabis-amnesty-bill/">&nbsp;as the cannabis amnesty act</a>, was placed into the same House committee. That bill would essentially decriminalize marijuana, releasing people convicted of marijuana crimes and expunging marijuana-related arrests and convictions from their records.Committee chair Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, said the meeting was more informational than anything else. Because HB2363 was introduced later in the session, and the Legislature is already past the bill turnaround deadline, Owens said the bill would be next year’s conversation.&nbsp;Owens said he had some hesitations about decriminalization due to concerns about the affect it would have on Kansas youth, but was willing to continue discussion.&nbsp;“I still remain very open to the conversation, to continue to learn about it and see where it is,” Owens said.

Single side heard during Kansas senate committee’s marijuana discussion

SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities including the Kansas Bureau of Investigations are investigating a death after human remains were found in northern Seward County, according to the Seward County Sheriff's office.

Just before 9a.m. n February 28, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to north central Seward County, in the area near Highway 83 just north of Kansas 51 west in reference to possible human remains being discovered. 

Agencies confirmed the remains were human and are working to determine the identity.

The sheriff's office did not release additional details of this investigation including possible cause of death.

Anyone with information about this case, please contact the Seward County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 309-2000, or the Investigation Division at (620) 309-2057. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kbi.ks.gov%2Fsar%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1Gs6dA3zn1yMMAjM2OqqUVNxmAuJOmzim3QtSq_iQMIMVSZHyB1Wu74L4&amp;h=AT2QeJnLPs_rOkZOq9pH_NZLjsmmHlA5Xgr2OmYooWl6Spou1xcHnD2iDc__ESSZM-x6AsquGWvnFRK5Lfa2uMQVY8pvRF0mTbWtTZ7EyYbhmlZ-Kd_EQwNVXVxgUfn0fD98THc&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT39FQMXVgIpwVGNLv84DjiH2RVzU1oVOi7IoJufxdP_54cv5DRNTFpCqhht8uzAJTA1O1Rl0U1GDtiCwt3Wfx12evI9uRyqR5mz07O79PhP5RP5tCmbB7dDp0N_faEU718GdCOpIxDArIUPethDjbS2Xq5oAxLPk9z0FtrWHqrregk64A" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>. The investigation is ongoing.

SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities including the Kansas Bureau of Investigations are investigating a death after human remains were found in northern Seward County, according to the Seward County Sheriff's office.Just before 9a.m. n February 28, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to north central Seward County, in the area near Highway 83 just north of Kansas 51 west in reference to possible human remains being discovered. Agencies confirmed the remains were human and are working to determine the identity.The sheriff's office did not release additional details of this investigation including possible cause of death.Anyone with information about this case, please contact the Seward County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 309-2000, or the Investigation Division at (620) 309-2057. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kbi.ks.gov%2Fsar%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1Gs6dA3zn1yMMAjM2OqqUVNxmAuJOmzim3QtSq_iQMIMVSZHyB1Wu74L4&amp;h=AT2QeJnLPs_rOkZOq9pH_NZLjsmmHlA5Xgr2OmYooWl6Spou1xcHnD2iDc__ESSZM-x6AsquGWvnFRK5Lfa2uMQVY8pvRF0mTbWtTZ7EyYbhmlZ-Kd_EQwNVXVxgUfn0fD98THc&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT39FQMXVgIpwVGNLv84DjiH2RVzU1oVOi7IoJufxdP_54cv5DRNTFpCqhht8uzAJTA1O1Rl0U1GDtiCwt3Wfx12evI9uRyqR5mz07O79PhP5RP5tCmbB7dDp0N_faEU718GdCOpIxDArIUPethDjbS2Xq5oAxLPk9z0FtrWHqrregk64A" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>. The investigation is ongoing.

Sheriff: Human remains found in southwest Kansas

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Imagine being locked in a cell 24 hours, seven days a week with nothing to do but look at four dingy walls and think about the mistakes you've made in your life.

Fort Hays State University Professor Sarah Broman Miller saw this pain in a former inmate who became a friend. The woman, who was incarcerated in the Ellis County Jail, said she longed to have a book to read while she was in jail, but none were available.&nbsp;

"She had no books to read. She had nothing to do. She really felt helpless," Broman Miller said. "She said she thought if she had a book, just something to keep her mind occupied and maybe some self-help books or something to get her out of this depression she was in, that would have really been a benefit to her."

Broman Miller and her husband, Pastor Troy Miller of Hays United Methodist Church, created the Liberate Books Project in 2019. The project distributes books to jails and prisons across the state of Kansas.

Broman Miller estimated in the few years that the program has been active, the project has delivered about 11,000 books.

The program recently partnered with the Micah 6:8 project through the Hays First United Methodist Church so it can enjoy non-profit status and expand its services.

"I feel a responsibility, almost a moral obligation, to take care of people who maybe don't get help and who maybe don't get that kind of attention or love from others," Broman Miller said.

She said she is motivated to keep taking books to show people they are cared about, thought about and they are loved.&nbsp;

"... I think one of the biggest things we can do for humanity is just care for other people and especially people in our own state and who are having these problems," she said.

&nbsp;The project came as an offshoot of another program Broman Miller, who teaches teacher education, was working on with fellow FHSU Associate Professor in criminal justice April Terry.

Broman Miller and Terry take both education and criminal justice students to the Topeka Correctional Facility where they work with female inmates on a literacy project.&nbsp;

The students help inmates record themselves reading a children's book for their children or grandchildren. The program sends the recordings, the books and stuffed animals to the children. This program is ongoing.

As an afterthought, Broman Miller suggested the students take books to the prison to replenish the prison's library. Broman Miller sponsored a book drive for the prison.

"The support that came from the community was incredible," Broman Miller said. "It was like someone turned on a fire hose."

Broman Miller received so many books they took up a whole classroom at Hays First United Methodist Church.

Out of that outpouring of love, as Broman Miller described it, came the Liberate Books Project, which sends books to county jails across the state.

"What I found out is that a lot of county jails do not have libraries," she said.

Although the program that sparked the Liberate Book Project was exclusively for women, the book project offers reading material to all inmates.

Jail staff members are often surprised the program is offering the books for free, Broman Miller said.

Broman Miller's brother-in-law used to be a jailer in Johnson County. He started helping the Millers deliver books to the two jail facilities there. After he started to deliver books, he could walk the cell blocks and hear inmates talking about their favorite authors.

The program promotes literacy, but Broman Miller said it is also a comfort for the inmates, many of whom may be dealing with trauma or addiction.

"They are at the lowest part of their lives," Broman Miller said. "To have something there that says you're not alone.&nbsp; This book when you read is going to take you somewhere else other than your current state."

The project offers self-help books, which she said many of the inmates appreciate.

"If you are in a cell by yourself with nothing else to do but spend time thinking about your life, what a better place to have a book," she said.&nbsp;"I think it really does encourage people to become readers."

Broman Miller has delivered books to the state correction facility in Stockton, where the inmates helped unload the books.

"Seeing their faces, it was like a kid in a candy store. They were so excited to get the books. It has really helped to build their library," she said.

The couple has been loading down their personal vehicle and paying out of their own pocket for gas to take these books to the county jails and prisons.

The Northwest Kansas Library System recently donated books they were releasing out of their book talk collection. The couple recently took two carloads of these books to Norton.

"One time, there were so many books, I could barely fit my purse in the car," she said.

Although many people have expressed interest in donating monetarily to the project, until the Liberate Books merged into the Micah 6:8 social justice charity under the Hays First United Methodist Church, it did not have non-profit status.

"[Micah 6:8] focuses on social issues and these can be illiteracy, incarceration, poverty, food scarcity. We plan to address those types of things that are happening right here in our own community," she said.&nbsp;

This new status will allow the project to take donations that will be used to help with the expenses of getting books to the jails as well as ordering books that are specifically requested by inmates, Broman Miller said.

Prior to the non-profit designation, the Millers were paying for ordering books out of their pocket.

In addition to book and monetary donations, the Liberate Books Project is also looking for volunteers to deliver books.

This could be individuals or groups. Broman Miller said you don't have to make a special trip. If you have plans to visit another community, you just have to be willing to take a load of books with you to that county's jail.

Broman Miller has the contacts and will make the arrangements for the delivery and make sure the books are loaded into the volunteer's vehicle in Hays.

"It would be genius. I already have the books. That person is already going," she said.

If you are interested in delivering books, you can email Broman Miller at sebmiller@fhsu.edu.

"It's a really fun and good service project," Broman Miller said. "I really hope the community would like to get involved. For them, it's really not a hard thing. All they have to do if they're going that direction anyway is reach out to me."

The project takes all types of books, including all genres of adult books, picture books, chapter books and books for young adults.

The average American reading level is between sixth and eighth grade. The average inmate's reading level is between fourth and fifth grade.

Books and monetary donations can be made through Hays First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh St., Hays. If sending a check,&nbsp; make checks payable to the church and put Liberate Books Project in the memo line.&nbsp;

"This really helps. People may think 'I'm only giving books. This is not that hard for me," Broman Miller said. "In fact, it's good for me because I'm cleaning out grandma's closet. Grandma died and I need to take these books somewhere. It's actually a huge blessing for the people who are receiving them.&nbsp;

"... your small donation of books or finances makes such a huge impact on these people."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677703476045.jpeg" alt="Hays United Methodist Church Pastor Troy Miller (left) and his wife FHSU Assistant Professor Sarah Broman Miller (middle) with donated books for Kansas inmates as part of the Liberate Books Project. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Hays United Methodist Church Pastor Troy Miller (left) and his wife FHSU Assistant Professor Sarah Broman Miller (middle) with donated books for Kansas inmates as part of the Liberate Books Project. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostImagine being locked in a cell 24 hours, seven days a week with nothing to do but look at four dingy walls and think about the mistakes you've made in your life.Fort Hays State University Professor Sarah Broman Miller saw this pain in a former inmate who became a friend. The woman, who was incarcerated in the Ellis County Jail, said she longed to have a book to read while she was in jail, but none were available.&nbsp;"She had no books to read. She had nothing to do. She really felt helpless," Broman Miller said. "She said she thought if she had a book, just something to keep her mind occupied and maybe some self-help books or something to get her out of this depression she was in, that would have really been a benefit to her."Broman Miller and her husband, Pastor Troy Miller of Hays United Methodist Church, created the Liberate Books Project in 2019. The project distributes books to jails and prisons across the state of Kansas.Broman Miller estimated in the few years that the program has been active, the project has delivered about 11,000 books.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677703777942.jpeg" alt="Troy Miller and Sarah Broman Miller deliver books to a detention facility as part of the Liberate Books Project. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Troy Miller and Sarah Broman Miller deliver books to a detention facility as part of the Liberate Books Project. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The program recently partnered with the Micah 6:8 project through the Hays First United Methodist Church so it can enjoy non-profit status and expand its services."I feel a responsibility, almost a moral obligation, to take care of people who maybe don't get help and who maybe don't get that kind of attention or love from others," Broman Miller said.She said she is motivated to keep taking books to show people they are cared about, thought about and they are loved.&nbsp;"... I think one of the biggest things we can do for humanity is just care for other people and especially people in our own state and who are having these problems," she said.&nbsp;The project came as an offshoot of another program Broman Miller, who teaches teacher education, was working on with fellow FHSU Associate Professor in criminal justice April Terry.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677704109958.jpeg" alt="Sarah Broman Miller and her husband, Troy, load up their own vehicle, sometimes with hundreds of books to deliver to prisons and jails in the state. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Broman Miller and her husband, Troy, load up their own vehicle, sometimes with hundreds of books to deliver to prisons and jails in the state. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Broman Miller and Terry take both education and criminal justice students to the Topeka Correctional Facility where they work with female inmates on a literacy project.&nbsp;The students help inmates record themselves reading a children's book for their children or grandchildren. The program sends the recordings, the books and stuffed animals to the children. This program is ongoing.As an afterthought, Broman Miller suggested the students take books to the prison to replenish the prison's library. Broman Miller sponsored a book drive for the prison."The support that came from the community was incredible," Broman Miller said. "It was like someone turned on a fire hose."Broman Miller received so many books they took up a whole classroom at Hays First United Methodist Church.Out of that outpouring of love, as Broman Miller described it, came the Liberate Books Project, which sends books to county jails across the state."What I found out is that a lot of county jails do not have libraries," she said.Although the program that sparked the Liberate Book Project was exclusively for women, the book project offers reading material to all inmates.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677704151920.jpeg" alt="Sarah Broman Miller delivering books to a detention facility. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Broman Miller delivering books to a detention facility. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Jail staff members are often surprised the program is offering the books for free, Broman Miller said.Broman Miller's brother-in-law used to be a jailer in Johnson County. He started helping the Millers deliver books to the two jail facilities there. After he started to deliver books, he could walk the cell blocks and hear inmates talking about their favorite authors.The program promotes literacy, but Broman Miller said it is also a comfort for the inmates, many of whom may be dealing with trauma or addiction."They are at the lowest part of their lives," Broman Miller said. "To have something there that says you're not alone.&nbsp; This book when you read is going to take you somewhere else other than your current state."The project offers self-help books, which she said many of the inmates appreciate."If you are in a cell by yourself with nothing else to do but spend time thinking about your life, what a better place to have a book," she said.&nbsp;"I think it really does encourage people to become readers."Broman Miller has delivered books to the state correction facility in Stockton, where the inmates helped unload the books.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677704187658.jpeg" alt="The Liberate Books Project accepts donated books. The outpouring of gifts to the program has been so strong, the project had to take over a classroom at Hays First United Methodist Church to store all the books. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Liberate Books Project accepts donated books. The outpouring of gifts to the program has been so strong, the project had to take over a classroom at Hays First United Methodist Church to store all the books. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"Seeing their faces, it was like a kid in a candy store. They were so excited to get the books. It has really helped to build their library," she said.The couple has been loading down their personal vehicle and paying out of their own pocket for gas to take these books to the county jails and prisons.The Northwest Kansas Library System recently donated books they were releasing out of their book talk collection. The couple recently took two carloads of these books to Norton."One time, there were so many books, I could barely fit my purse in the car," she said.Although many people have expressed interest in donating monetarily to the project, until the Liberate Books merged into the Micah 6:8 social justice charity under the Hays First United Methodist Church, it did not have non-profit status."[Micah 6:8] focuses on social issues and these can be illiteracy, incarceration, poverty, food scarcity. We plan to address those types of things that are happening right here in our own community," she said.&nbsp;This new status will allow the project to take donations that will be used to help with the expenses of getting books to the jails as well as ordering books that are specifically requested by inmates, Broman Miller said.Prior to the non-profit designation, the Millers were paying for ordering books out of their pocket.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677704323085.jpeg" alt="The Liberate Books Project is accepting books and monetary donations. All types of books are needed, including adult and young adult books. See more on how to donate below. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Liberate Books Project is accepting books and monetary donations. All types of books are needed, including adult and young adult books. See more on how to donate below. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>How you can help</h2>In addition to book and monetary donations, the Liberate Books Project is also looking for volunteers to deliver books.This could be individuals or groups. Broman Miller said you don't have to make a special trip. If you have plans to visit another community, you just have to be willing to take a load of books with you to that county's jail.Broman Miller has the contacts and will make the arrangements for the delivery and make sure the books are loaded into the volunteer's vehicle in Hays."It would be genius. I already have the books. That person is already going," she said.If you are interested in delivering books, you can email Broman Miller at sebmiller@fhsu.edu."It's a really fun and good service project," Broman Miller said. "I really hope the community would like to get involved. For them, it's really not a hard thing. All they have to do if they're going that direction anyway is reach out to me."The project takes all types of books, including all genres of adult books, picture books, chapter books and books for young adults.The average American reading level is between sixth and eighth grade. The average inmate's reading level is between fourth and fifth grade.Books and monetary donations can be made through Hays First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh St., Hays. If sending a check,&nbsp; make checks payable to the church and put Liberate Books Project in the memo line.&nbsp;"This really helps. People may think 'I'm only giving books. This is not that hard for me," Broman Miller said. "In fact, it's good for me because I'm cleaning out grandma's closet. Grandma died and I need to take these books somewhere. It's actually a huge blessing for the people who are receiving them.&nbsp;"... your small donation of books or finances makes such a huge impact on these people."

Liberate Books Project provides books to inmates across Kansas

NEW DELHI (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov talked briefly Thursday in the highest-level in-person talks between the two countries since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia's invasion of Ukraine</a>. But there was no indication of any movement toward easing the intense tensions between their two nations.

The short encounter came as relations between Washington and Moscow have plummeted over Russia’s war with Ukraine and tensions have soared amid a myriad of disagreements, complaints and recriminations on other matters ranging from arms control to embassy staffing and prisoners.

U.S. officials said Blinken and Lavrov chatted for roughly 10 minutes on the sidelines of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/g20-india-us-china-russia-ukraine-965c803aa2a8bfa857a00f7fc2d945d0">the G-20 conference</a>&nbsp;of foreign ministers in New Delhi. But there was no sign of any progress and the conference itself ended with the grouping unable to reach consensus on the Ukraine war.

Still, with relations at perhaps their lowest point since the Cuban Missile Crisis during the Cold War, the mere fact that the two men met showed that, at least for the moment, lines of high-level communication between Washington and Moscow remains open.

At a news conference, Blinken said he told Lavrov that the U.S. would continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes and would push for the war to end through diplomatic terms that Kyiv agrees to.

“End this war of aggression, engage in meaningful diplomacy that can produce a just and durable peace,” Blinken said he had told Lavrov. But, he noted that “President Putin has demonstrated zero interest in engaging, saying there’s nothing to even talk about unless and until Ukraine accepts and I quote ‘the new territorial reality’.”"

Blinken said he also urged Russia to reverse “its irresponsible decision and return to” participation in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-politics-moscow-business-34f8d662548cc7da55fe7320e902a656">the New START nuclear treaty</a>.

“Mutual compliance is in the interest of both our countries,” Blinken said he told Lavrov. He added ”that no matter what else is happening in the world, in our relationship, the United States is always ready to engage and act on strategic arms control, just as the United States and the Soviet Union did even at the height of the Cold War."

Blinken said he also urged Moscow to release&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-whelan">detained American Paul Whelan</a>&nbsp;and that “the United States has put forward a serious proposal. Russia should take it.”

Earlier, Blinken had told the G-20 meeting that Russia’s war with Ukraine could not go unchallenged.

“We must continue to call on Russia to end its war of aggression and withdraw from Ukraine for the sake of international peace and economic stability,” Blinken said. He noted that 141 countries had voted to condemn Russia at the United Nations on the one-year anniversary of the invasion.

Yet, several members of the G-20, including host India, China and South Africa, chose to abstain in that vote and despite appeals from top Indian officials to look beyond their differences over Ukraine and forge consensus on other issues, the foreign ministers were unable to do so or agree on a final communique.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said there were “divergences” on the issue of the war in Ukraine “which we could not reconcile as various parties held differing views.” “If we had a perfect meeting of minds on all issues, it would have been a collective statement,” Jaishankar said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier appealed for all members of the fractured G-20 to reach consensus on issues of particular concern to poorer countries even if the broader East-West split over Ukraine could not overcome.

“We all have our positions and our perspectives on how these tensions should be resolved,” Modi said. “We should not allow issues that we cannot resolve together to come in the way of those we can.”

China and Russia objected to two paragraphs taken from the previous G-20 declaration in Bali last year, according to a summary of Thursday’s meeting released by India. And Blinken lamented that “Russia and China were the only two countries that made clear that they would not sign off on the text.”

The paragraphs stated that the war in Ukraine was causing immense human suffering while exacerbating fragilities in the global economy, the need to uphold international law, and that “the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.”

Despite the failure to achieve full consensus, Blinken said it was positive that 18 of the 20 nations had agreed on a statement calling for an end to the war and immediate steps to improve energy and food security that have been badly affected by the conflict.

Lavrov, who did not mention speaking with Blinken when he held a news conference after the G-20 session, told reporters that Moscow would continue to press its action in Ukraine. He shrugged off Western claims of Russia’s isolation, saying “we aren’t feeling isolated. It’s the West that has isolated itself, and it will eventually come to realize it.”

He said Russia remains open to talks on ending the conflict in Ukraine, but he accused the West of effectively blocking such talks.

“They are calling on us to have talks, but I don’t remember any Western colleagues calling on Ukraine to have talks,” he said. “They are encouraging Ukraine to continue the war.”

Lavrov also mocked U.S. threats against China, which has presented a peace plan for Ukraine that has been applauded by Moscow but dismissed by Washington and its Western allies.

“Our Western colleagues have lost self-control, forgotten their manners and put diplomacy aside, switching exclusively to blackmail and threats.” he said.

Russia had no immediate comment on the substance of the conversation, but Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Blinken had asked to speak to Lavrov.

It was their first contact since last summer, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-moscow-antony-blinken-sergey-lavrov-paul-whelan-54d694915c7c6c7222d2bb8893f93b04">Blinken talked to Lavrov by phone</a>&nbsp;about a U.S. proposal for Russia to release Whelan and formerly detained WNBA star Brittney Griner. Griner was later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-freed-viktor-bout-swap-us-russia-ee51f5c14f35dc4d4cf21224a8e44eaa">released in a swap</a>&nbsp;for imprisoned Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, but Whelan remains detained in Russia.

Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive, has been held for four years on espionage charges that his family and the United States government have said are baseless.

His brother David said the family is grateful that Blinken “took this high profile, rare opportunity to include Paul’s freedom in his discussions with Kremlin representatives.” But he noted that Paul Whelan turns 53 on Sunday, his fifth birthday in custody. He's held in a prison in the Mordovia region in “sub-zero Celsius temperatures” with heat turned off, David Whelan said in an email.

"Paul continues to suffer...So for all the statecraft and stonewalling, our brother languishes for another birthday and however many more milestones as a Russian hostage," he said.

The last time Blinken and Lavrov met in person was in Geneva, Switzerland, in January 2022 on the eve of Russia's invasion. At that meeting, Blinken warned Lavrov about consequences if Russia went ahead with its planned military operation but also sought to address some complaints that Russian President Vladimir Putin had made about the U.S. and NATO.

Those talks proved to be inconclusive — Russia moved ahead with its plans to invade and Blinken then canceled a scheduled follow-up meeting with Lavrov that was set for just two days before Moscow eventually&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1">invaded on Feb. 24, 2022</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677841147347.png" alt="U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke briefly in New Delhi at a meeting of top diplomats from the Group of 20 nations.-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of State" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke briefly in New Delhi at a meeting of top diplomats from the Group of 20 nations.-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of State</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW DELHI (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov talked briefly Thursday in the highest-level in-person talks between the two countries since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia's invasion of Ukraine</a>. But there was no indication of any movement toward easing the intense tensions between their two nations.The short encounter came as relations between Washington and Moscow have plummeted over Russia’s war with Ukraine and tensions have soared amid a myriad of disagreements, complaints and recriminations on other matters ranging from arms control to embassy staffing and prisoners.U.S. officials said Blinken and Lavrov chatted for roughly 10 minutes on the sidelines of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/g20-india-us-china-russia-ukraine-965c803aa2a8bfa857a00f7fc2d945d0">the G-20 conference</a>&nbsp;of foreign ministers in New Delhi. But there was no sign of any progress and the conference itself ended with the grouping unable to reach consensus on the Ukraine war.Still, with relations at perhaps their lowest point since the Cuban Missile Crisis during the Cold War, the mere fact that the two men met showed that, at least for the moment, lines of high-level communication between Washington and Moscow remains open.At a news conference, Blinken said he told Lavrov that the U.S. would continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes and would push for the war to end through diplomatic terms that Kyiv agrees to.“End this war of aggression, engage in meaningful diplomacy that can produce a just and durable peace,” Blinken said he had told Lavrov. But, he noted that “President Putin has demonstrated zero interest in engaging, saying there’s nothing to even talk about unless and until Ukraine accepts and I quote ‘the new territorial reality’.”"Blinken said he also urged Russia to reverse “its irresponsible decision and return to” participation in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-politics-moscow-business-34f8d662548cc7da55fe7320e902a656">the New START nuclear treaty</a>.“Mutual compliance is in the interest of both our countries,” Blinken said he told Lavrov. He added ”that no matter what else is happening in the world, in our relationship, the United States is always ready to engage and act on strategic arms control, just as the United States and the Soviet Union did even at the height of the Cold War."Blinken said he also urged Moscow to release&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-whelan">detained American Paul Whelan</a>&nbsp;and that “the United States has put forward a serious proposal. Russia should take it.”Earlier, Blinken had told the G-20 meeting that Russia’s war with Ukraine could not go unchallenged.“We must continue to call on Russia to end its war of aggression and withdraw from Ukraine for the sake of international peace and economic stability,” Blinken said. He noted that 141 countries had voted to condemn Russia at the United Nations on the one-year anniversary of the invasion.Yet, several members of the G-20, including host India, China and South Africa, chose to abstain in that vote and despite appeals from top Indian officials to look beyond their differences over Ukraine and forge consensus on other issues, the foreign ministers were unable to do so or agree on a final communique.Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said there were “divergences” on the issue of the war in Ukraine “which we could not reconcile as various parties held differing views.” “If we had a perfect meeting of minds on all issues, it would have been a collective statement,” Jaishankar said.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier appealed for all members of the fractured G-20 to reach consensus on issues of particular concern to poorer countries even if the broader East-West split over Ukraine could not overcome.“We all have our positions and our perspectives on how these tensions should be resolved,” Modi said. “We should not allow issues that we cannot resolve together to come in the way of those we can.”China and Russia objected to two paragraphs taken from the previous G-20 declaration in Bali last year, according to a summary of Thursday’s meeting released by India. And Blinken lamented that “Russia and China were the only two countries that made clear that they would not sign off on the text.”The paragraphs stated that the war in Ukraine was causing immense human suffering while exacerbating fragilities in the global economy, the need to uphold international law, and that “the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.”Despite the failure to achieve full consensus, Blinken said it was positive that 18 of the 20 nations had agreed on a statement calling for an end to the war and immediate steps to improve energy and food security that have been badly affected by the conflict.Lavrov, who did not mention speaking with Blinken when he held a news conference after the G-20 session, told reporters that Moscow would continue to press its action in Ukraine. He shrugged off Western claims of Russia’s isolation, saying “we aren’t feeling isolated. It’s the West that has isolated itself, and it will eventually come to realize it.”He said Russia remains open to talks on ending the conflict in Ukraine, but he accused the West of effectively blocking such talks.“They are calling on us to have talks, but I don’t remember any Western colleagues calling on Ukraine to have talks,” he said. “They are encouraging Ukraine to continue the war.”Lavrov also mocked U.S. threats against China, which has presented a peace plan for Ukraine that has been applauded by Moscow but dismissed by Washington and its Western allies.“Our Western colleagues have lost self-control, forgotten their manners and put diplomacy aside, switching exclusively to blackmail and threats.” he said.Russia had no immediate comment on the substance of the conversation, but Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Blinken had asked to speak to Lavrov.It was their first contact since last summer, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-moscow-antony-blinken-sergey-lavrov-paul-whelan-54d694915c7c6c7222d2bb8893f93b04">Blinken talked to Lavrov by phone</a>&nbsp;about a U.S. proposal for Russia to release Whelan and formerly detained WNBA star Brittney Griner. Griner was later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-freed-viktor-bout-swap-us-russia-ee51f5c14f35dc4d4cf21224a8e44eaa">released in a swap</a>&nbsp;for imprisoned Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, but Whelan remains detained in Russia.Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive, has been held for four years on espionage charges that his family and the United States government have said are baseless.His brother David said the family is grateful that Blinken “took this high profile, rare opportunity to include Paul’s freedom in his discussions with Kremlin representatives.” But he noted that Paul Whelan turns 53 on Sunday, his fifth birthday in custody. He's held in a prison in the Mordovia region in “sub-zero Celsius temperatures” with heat turned off, David Whelan said in an email."Paul continues to suffer...So for all the statecraft and stonewalling, our brother languishes for another birthday and however many more milestones as a Russian hostage," he said.The last time Blinken and Lavrov met in person was in Geneva, Switzerland, in January 2022 on the eve of Russia's invasion. At that meeting, Blinken warned Lavrov about consequences if Russia went ahead with its planned military operation but also sought to address some complaints that Russian President Vladimir Putin had made about the U.S. and NATO.Those talks proved to be inconclusive — Russia moved ahead with its plans to invade and Blinken then canceled a scheduled follow-up meeting with Lavrov that was set for just two days before Moscow eventually&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1">invaded on Feb. 24, 2022</a>.