HAVEN, Kan. — A special consulting firm that deals with crisis and emergency management with fire disasters has been hired by Haven Midstream to help with the investigation and recovery from last week's explosion and fire at its gas facility near Haven.

IFO Group out of The Woodlands, Texas, is on-hand to assist Haven Midstream in helping mitigate any potential danger from the accident as well as consult recovery efforts.

It is unknown how long IFO Group will be at the site or what plans are to get operations back up and running. So far, the cause of the fire is undetermined by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

The April 14 explosions and fire injured two people and forced the evacuation of the town of Haven overnight Thursday. Residents were allowed to return to their homes early Friday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650572392111.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — A special consulting firm that deals with crisis and emergency management with fire disasters has been hired by Haven Midstream to help with the investigation and recovery from last week's explosion and fire at its gas facility near Haven.IFO Group out of The Woodlands, Texas, is on-hand to assist Haven Midstream in helping mitigate any potential danger from the accident as well as consult recovery efforts.It is unknown how long IFO Group will be at the site or what plans are to get operations back up and running. So far, the cause of the fire is undetermined by the State Fire Marshal's Office.The April 14 explosions and fire injured two people and forced the evacuation of the town of Haven overnight Thursday. Residents were allowed to return to their homes early Friday morning.

Special consulting group to address Reno Co. gas explosion

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — The trial for a former Kansas police officer charged with shooting a man to death in 2017 has ended in a mistrial. 

The mistrial was declared Wednesday after a jury in Leavenworth could reach a unanimous verdict in the trial of Matthew Harrington. Harrington was charged with involuntary manslaughter after shooting 47-year-old Antonio Garcia Jr. in July 2017 while he was sitting inside a vehicle in Leavenworth. 

Prosecutrors said Garcia had a knife but didn't threaten Harrington. He was fired from the Leavenworth force after a department investigation found he had violated policies on use of deadly force. A hearing is scheduled for May 4 to determine if a second trial will be held.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A former Leavenworth police officer who fatally shot a man in a vehicle in 2017 cannot claim legal immunity, a ruling that leaves it to a jury to decide whether his actions were justified as self defense.

Leavenworth County Judge Michael Gibbens found that the force used by then officer Matthew Harrington was not statutorily justified as self defense, clearing the way for the involuntary manslaughter case to proceed.

Harrington was indicted in August 2018 for the death of Antonio Garcia Jr., who was shot multiple times while sitting in an SUV. Harrington was fired for violating policy.

The judge ruled in May that a “reasonable person” would not believe use of force was necessary or that the SUV Garcia was in could be considered a weapon.

“Dismissal at this early stage would have been an extremely rare outcome considering the State’s low burden of proof,” defense attorney Morgan Roach said in a statement. “Although we believe dismissal was warranted, we are confident that Matt will be exonerated at trial.”

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson declined to comment.

Garcia’s family settled in November a wrongful death and civil right’s lawsuit against Harrington and the city of Leavenworth for $1 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1572909716608.png" alt=" Matthew Harrington-photo Leavenworth County" />
 <figcaption> Matthew Harrington-photo Leavenworth County</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — The trial for a former Kansas police officer charged with shooting a man to death in 2017 has ended in a mistrial. The mistrial was declared Wednesday after a jury in Leavenworth could reach a unanimous verdict in the trial of Matthew Harrington. Harrington was charged with involuntary manslaughter after shooting 47-year-old Antonio Garcia Jr. in July 2017 while he was sitting inside a vehicle in Leavenworth. Prosecutrors said Garcia had a knife but didn't threaten Harrington. He was fired from the Leavenworth force after a department investigation found he had violated policies on use of deadly force. A hearing is scheduled for May 4 to determine if a second trial will be held.-----------LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A former Leavenworth police officer who fatally shot a man in a vehicle in 2017 cannot claim legal immunity, a ruling that leaves it to a jury to decide whether his actions were justified as self defense.Leavenworth County Judge Michael Gibbens found that the force used by then officer Matthew Harrington was not statutorily justified as self defense, clearing the way for the involuntary manslaughter case to proceed.Harrington was indicted in August 2018 for the death of Antonio Garcia Jr., who was shot multiple times while sitting in an SUV. Harrington was fired for violating policy.The judge ruled in May that a “reasonable person” would not believe use of force was necessary or that the SUV Garcia was in could be considered a weapon.“Dismissal at this early stage would have been an extremely rare outcome considering the State’s low burden of proof,” defense attorney Morgan Roach said in a statement. “Although we believe dismissal was warranted, we are confident that Matt will be exonerated at trial.”Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson declined to comment.Garcia’s family settled in November a wrongful death and civil right’s lawsuit against Harrington and the city of Leavenworth for $1 million.

Mistrial: Ex-Kansas police officer charged in deadly shooting

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a late night traffic stop and chase.

Just after 11 p.m. Tuesday, a deputy observed a red 1994 Mercury Cougar with a Kansas temporary license plate that did not belong to that vehicle near NE Meriden Road and NE Grantville Road, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.

 The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver failed to stop and initiated a pursuit heading south through North Topeka. 

The vehicle stopped in the 2200 block of NE Grantville Road when two tires were deflated crossing the railroad tracks. The driver and passenger fled from the vehicle on foot.

Multiple law enforcement officers from the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Topeka Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) searched the area. With the assistance of the KHP aircraft, the driver and passenger were located.

The driver identified as 22-year-old&nbsp; Zachary A. Ford of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for three warrants for his arrest including two misdemeanor warrants and one felony warrant including requested charges of felony flee or attempt to elude, interference with law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and displaying a license plate not assigned to that vehicle.

The passenger 29-year-old Michael R. P. Wilkins of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for a felony warrant and requested charges of felony interference with law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650543462227.png" alt="Ford-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ford-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a late night traffic stop and chase.Just after 11 p.m. Tuesday, a deputy observed a red 1994 Mercury Cougar with a Kansas temporary license plate that did not belong to that vehicle near NE Meriden Road and NE Grantville Road, according to Sheriff Brian Hill. The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver failed to stop and initiated a pursuit heading south through North Topeka. The vehicle stopped in the 2200 block of NE Grantville Road when two tires were deflated crossing the railroad tracks. The driver and passenger fled from the vehicle on foot.Multiple law enforcement officers from the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Topeka Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) searched the area. With the assistance of the KHP aircraft, the driver and passenger were located.The driver identified as 22-year-old&nbsp; Zachary A. Ford of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for three warrants for his arrest including two misdemeanor warrants and one felony warrant including requested charges of felony flee or attempt to elude, interference with law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and displaying a license plate not assigned to that vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650543770940.png" alt="Wilkins-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wilkins-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The passenger 29-year-old Michael R. P. Wilkins of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for a felony warrant and requested charges of felony interference with law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia.

KHP aircraft helps deputies catch suspects who fled traffic stop

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.

Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, a police officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 2400 block of Main Street in Great Bend for expired registration, according to a media release.

The officer contacted the driver of the vehicle, identified as Nathan Manley, age 47. During the officers investigation, it was determined Manley did not have a valid driver’s license, the vehicle did not have insurance and the registration expired two years prior.

K9 Menta did a free air sniff of the vehicle. Menta indicated to the odor of illegal narcotics coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle produced methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Manley was placed under arrest and transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked.&nbsp;Manley has previous convictions for theft, burglary and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650559531184.png" alt="Manley has previous convictions for theft, burglary and drugs, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Manley has previous convictions for theft, burglary and drugs, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, a police officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 2400 block of Main Street in Great Bend for expired registration, according to a media release.The officer contacted the driver of the vehicle, identified as Nathan Manley, age 47. During the officers investigation, it was determined Manley did not have a valid driver’s license, the vehicle did not have insurance and the registration expired two years prior.K9 Menta did a free air sniff of the vehicle. Menta indicated to the odor of illegal narcotics coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle produced methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Manley was placed under arrest and transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked.&nbsp;Manley has previous convictions for theft, burglary and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Police: Kan. felon driving without a license, insurance and with drugs

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash into the Arkansas River and have identified the victim as 58-year-old Christopher Cotter of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Just before 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a vehicle submersion in the 2300 block of south McLean in Wichita. Upon arrival, officers located Cotter in a Lexus ES250 unconscious. 

EMS transported him to an area hospital where he would later be pronounced deceased. The investigation revealed Cotter was driving&nbsp; eastbound on Pawnee when he had a medical emergency and the vehicle crashed into the river.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650565417111.png" alt="photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash into the Arkansas River and have identified the victim as 58-year-old Christopher Cotter of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Just before 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a vehicle submersion in the 2300 block of south McLean in Wichita. Upon arrival, officers located Cotter in a Lexus ES250 unconscious. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he would later be pronounced deceased. The investigation revealed Cotter was driving&nbsp; eastbound on Pawnee when he had a medical emergency and the vehicle crashed into the river.

Police ID Kansas man who died after crash into river

FORD COUNTY —A firefighter and one occupant were treated for injuries after apartment complex fire in Dodge City.&nbsp;

Just before 2:30a.m. Thursday, fire crews responded to a fire at an apartment complex on E. Brier in Dodge City, according to a media release.

When crews arrived the fire was already well established within the void spaces of the floor joists between the first and second floor as well as the attic of the building. 

&nbsp;Dodge City Police Department assisted by evacuating the building as well as the apartment buildings next door. 

 The structural integrity of the building began to fail quickly. This forced fire personnel to withdrew from the apartments and into defensive mode to try to stop the fire from the outside of the building. 

One firefighter fell through a floor sustaining minor injuries and was treated at the scene.&nbsp; One of the occupants of the building was also treated on scene for smoke inhalation. 

 No other injuries were reported. There was extensive fire damage to a significant portion of the building and smoke and water damage throughout the rest of the structure. 

There were 6 families that lost their homes in this fire as the building is a total loss. 

The American Red Cross arrived on scene to help families who were displaced. It took around 3 hours for firefighters to bring the fire under control. Cause of the fire remains under&nbsp;investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650568300702.png" alt="Cause of the apartment fire remains under investigation -Photo courtesy Dodge City Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Cause of the apartment fire remains under investigation -Photo courtesy Dodge City Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —A firefighter and one occupant were treated for injuries after apartment complex fire in Dodge City.&nbsp;Just before 2:30a.m. Thursday, fire crews responded to a fire at an apartment complex on E. Brier in Dodge City, according to a media release.When crews arrived the fire was already well established within the void spaces of the floor joists between the first and second floor as well as the attic of the building. &nbsp;Dodge City Police Department assisted by evacuating the building as well as the apartment buildings next door. The structural integrity of the building began to fail quickly. This forced fire personnel to withdrew from the apartments and into defensive mode to try to stop the fire from the outside of the building. One firefighter fell through a floor sustaining minor injuries and was treated at the scene.&nbsp; One of the occupants of the building was also treated on scene for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. There was extensive fire damage to a significant portion of the building and smoke and water damage throughout the rest of the structure. There were 6 families that lost their homes in this fire as the building is a total loss. The American Red Cross arrived on scene to help families who were displaced. It took around 3 hours for firefighters to bring the fire under control. Cause of the fire remains under&nbsp;investigation.

6 families displaced, firefighter injured in SW Kansas fire

HUTCHINSON — Amtrak has made some major improvements to the Hutchinson train station.&nbsp;

The most noticeable improvement was raising and rebuilding the platform. The change brings the platform up to the level of the entryways to the passenger cars eliminating the need to step up or down from the train. It also allows easier loading for diaabled passengers.

The platform also has new lighting which was not available before and the building’s exterior has been renovated although the inside is still as it was. The improvements also include ADA parking and new curbing and fencing adjacent to the platform.

Amtrak operates one train per day in each direction and is currently operating five days per week. About 5,000 passengers use the Hutchinson train station each year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650553437021.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — Amtrak has made some major improvements to the Hutchinson train station.&nbsp;The most noticeable improvement was raising and rebuilding the platform. The change brings the platform up to the level of the entryways to the passenger cars eliminating the need to step up or down from the train. It also allows easier loading for diaabled passengers.The platform also has new lighting which was not available before and the building’s exterior has been renovated although the inside is still as it was. The improvements also include ADA parking and new curbing and fencing adjacent to the platform.Amtrak operates one train per day in each direction and is currently operating five days per week. About 5,000 passengers use the Hutchinson train station each year.

Amtrak station renovation completed in Hutchinson

By CLARK KAUFFMAN <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/easter-bunny-listed-prosecutor-hundreds-iowa-court-cases">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

The Easter Bunny is representing the prosecution in several hundred Polk County criminal cases.

At least that’s what Iowa Courts Online, the court system’s official,
 statewide web-based repository of court records, indicates.

On April 4, the online docket sheets for hundreds of Polk County 
cases – primarily misdemeanors and drunken-driving cases – were revised 
to indicate the prosecution of those cases had been transferred from one
 particular assistant county attorney, Kailey Gray, to another 
“prosecutor” in the county attorney’s office by the name of “Easter 
Santa Bunny.”

And that’s where the cases remained as of Thursday morning.

Bret Lucas, an assistant county attorney, said Thursday the situation
 stems from a recent realignment of cases within the county attorney’s 
office. Gray took over a colleague’s cases, and Iowa Courts Online 
accurately reflects the transfer of those cases. But Gray’s old cases, 
he said, were “transferred” to the Easter Bunny until all of the work on
 the digital case transfer could be completed.

“We had contacted the Judicial Branch and they worked with their 
information technology department to facilitate the mass transfer of 
cases,” Lucas said. “Apparently, the Judicial Branch and the IT 
department decided to put that placeholder in there because, obviously, 
no one else would have that name… So they were all aware of that, and it
 sounds like they must still be in the middle of that transfer process.”

Stacy Curtis, a supervisor for the criminal division of the Polk 
County Clerk of Court’s Office, said the references to the Easter Bunny 
should not be visible to the public either through a name search or in 
the docket sheets for the individual cases. She said the office “took 
extra steps” to make sure members of the public didn’t see any reference
 to the Easter Bunny and only clerks, lawyers, judges and others with 
higher security clearance could see it. It appears that the opposite may
 have occurred, as the Easter Bunny references could be seen by members 
of the public who weren’t even logged into the site.

“This has been a nightmare for me,” Curtis said. “We moved everything
 from Kaylie to the Easter Bunny, and those should have all been cleaned
 up so you wouldn’t be able to see that.”

Many of the cases that were publicly “assigned” to the Easter Bunny 
are open, active cases, but hundreds of others are dormant, though not 
technically closed because of probationary sentences that have yet to be
 completed or fines that have yet to be paid.

The only practical effect of the Easter Bunny designation is that 
some defendants may see that information online and not know who to 
contact at the county attorney’s office about their case.

After being contacted by the Iowa Capital Dispatch on Thursday, court
 officials were working to erase from the website any mention of the 
Easter Bunny, and by late afternoon it appeared they had succeeded.

The Easter Bunny cases are not the only criminal matters listed on 
the court system’s official website to have featured nonexistent lawyers
 or defendants. In what appear to be training exercises for clerical 
staff, fictitious “test cases” are sometimes created and then posted to 
the public website but never removed.

For example, a December 1997 case shows Santa Claus being convicted 
of felony burglary and kidnapping, with a charge of assault on a peace 
officer dismissed by the court. The court records indicate a sentence of
 999 years in prison was imposed.

As part of that same test case, the court imposed a no-contact order 
prohibiting Santa from having any contact with Mickey Mouse. Santa’s 
bail – listed as “one million bucks” in a possible punning reference to 
Santa’s reindeer — is stated to have been “posted by Rudolph.”

In 2014, Santa Claus was charged with second-degree robbery in Scott 
County, according to the Iowa Courts Online site. Although there’s no 
record of a conviction in that case, Claus’ right to carry a gun was 
revoked.

The court system’s website also shows that in 2014, Mickey Mouse filed a small claims case against Donald Duck in Marion County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650575439511.png" alt="The Easter Bunny is representing the prosecution in several hundred Polk County criminal cases. At least that’s what Iowa Courts Online, the court system’s official, statewide web-based repository of court records, indicates. (Court documents are from Iowa Courts Online.) " />
 <figcaption>The Easter Bunny is representing the prosecution in several hundred Polk County criminal cases. At least that’s what Iowa Courts Online, the court system’s official, statewide web-based repository of court records, indicates. (Court documents are from Iowa Courts Online.) </figcaption>
 </figure>By CLARK KAUFFMAN <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/easter-bunny-listed-prosecutor-hundreds-iowa-court-cases">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>The Easter Bunny is representing the prosecution in several hundred Polk County criminal cases.At least that’s what Iowa Courts Online, the court system’s official,
 statewide web-based repository of court records, indicates.On April 4, the online docket sheets for hundreds of Polk County 
cases – primarily misdemeanors and drunken-driving cases – were revised 
to indicate the prosecution of those cases had been transferred from one
 particular assistant county attorney, Kailey Gray, to another 
“prosecutor” in the county attorney’s office by the name of “Easter 
Santa Bunny.”And that’s where the cases remained as of Thursday morning.Bret Lucas, an assistant county attorney, said Thursday the situation
 stems from a recent realignment of cases within the county attorney’s 
office. Gray took over a colleague’s cases, and Iowa Courts Online 
accurately reflects the transfer of those cases. But Gray’s old cases, 
he said, were “transferred” to the Easter Bunny until all of the work on
 the digital case transfer could be completed.“We had contacted the Judicial Branch and they worked with their 
information technology department to facilitate the mass transfer of 
cases,” Lucas said. “Apparently, the Judicial Branch and the IT 
department decided to put that placeholder in there because, obviously, 
no one else would have that name… So they were all aware of that, and it
 sounds like they must still be in the middle of that transfer process.”Stacy Curtis, a supervisor for the criminal division of the Polk 
County Clerk of Court’s Office, said the references to the Easter Bunny 
should not be visible to the public either through a name search or in 
the docket sheets for the individual cases. She said the office “took 
extra steps” to make sure members of the public didn’t see any reference
 to the Easter Bunny and only clerks, lawyers, judges and others with 
higher security clearance could see it. It appears that the opposite may
 have occurred, as the Easter Bunny references could be seen by members 
of the public who weren’t even logged into the site.“This has been a nightmare for me,” Curtis said. “We moved everything
 from Kaylie to the Easter Bunny, and those should have all been cleaned
 up so you wouldn’t be able to see that.”Many of the cases that were publicly “assigned” to the Easter Bunny 
are open, active cases, but hundreds of others are dormant, though not 
technically closed because of probationary sentences that have yet to be
 completed or fines that have yet to be paid.The only practical effect of the Easter Bunny designation is that 
some defendants may see that information online and not know who to 
contact at the county attorney’s office about their case.After being contacted by the Iowa Capital Dispatch on Thursday, court
 officials were working to erase from the website any mention of the 
Easter Bunny, and by late afternoon it appeared they had succeeded.<h2>Santa bailed out by Rudolph</h2>The Easter Bunny cases are not the only criminal matters listed on 
the court system’s official website to have featured nonexistent lawyers
 or defendants. In what appear to be training exercises for clerical 
staff, fictitious “test cases” are sometimes created and then posted to 
the public website but never removed.For example, a December 1997 case shows Santa Claus being convicted 
of felony burglary and kidnapping, with a charge of assault on a peace 
officer dismissed by the court. The court records indicate a sentence of
 999 years in prison was imposed.As part of that same test case, the court imposed a no-contact order 
prohibiting Santa from having any contact with Mickey Mouse. Santa’s 
bail – listed as “one million bucks” in a possible punning reference to 
Santa’s reindeer — is stated to have been “posted by Rudolph.”In 2014, Santa Claus was charged with second-degree robbery in Scott 
County, according to the Iowa Courts Online site. Although there’s no 
record of a conviction in that case, Claus’ right to carry a gun was 
revoked.The court system’s website also shows that in 2014, Mickey Mouse filed a small claims case against Donald Duck in Marion County.

‘Easter Bunny’ listed as prosecutor in hundreds of Iowa court cases

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just before 6a.m. Thursday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Ranger driven by Robin S. Buckman, 58, Wichita, was northbound in the southbound lanes of I-135&nbsp;at 53rd Street North in Park City.

The vehicle struck a 2018 Ford F350 driven by&nbsp;Bryant, Dylan R. Bryant, 31, Valley Center, who was traveling in the inside lane.

Buckman was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center. Bryant was not injured.&nbsp; The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650556697976.png" alt="photo KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>photo KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just before 6a.m. Thursday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Ranger driven by Robin S. Buckman, 58, Wichita, was northbound in the southbound lanes of I-135&nbsp;at 53rd Street North in Park City.The vehicle struck a 2018 Ford F350 driven by&nbsp;Bryant, Dylan R. Bryant, 31, Valley Center, who was traveling in the inside lane.Buckman was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center. Bryant was not injured.&nbsp; The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

Kansas woman dies after wrong-way crash on I-135

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A new Kansas fiscal forecast issued Wednesday predicted that inflation will boost state tax collections more than previously expected, intensifying the dispute between Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and the Republican-controlled Legislature over how to cut taxes.

Legislators also are likely to face increased pressure to add new spending to what already is set to be a relatively generous, $22 billion-plus state budget for the 12 months beginning July 1. Even before the new forecast, public school officials are pushing for additional dollars for special education programs.

The forecasters increased their projections for tax collections through June 2023 by $760 million. Their new projections are 4.6% higher than a forecast&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-topeka-kansas-state-governments-0317bd2622cae9f317d5a002ec3469ea">issued in November</a>&nbsp;for the 2022 budget year that ends June 30 and 3.8% higher for the 2023 budget year. Tax collections had run ahead of expectations for each of the past 20 months.

But J.G. Scott, the head of the Legislature’s research staff, and Adam Proffitt, the governor’s budget director, said inflation — at its highest level in the U.S. since the early 1980s — is responsible for much of the newly anticipated growth in tax collections. The forecasters include Scott’s and Proffitt’s staffs, state Department of Revenue officials and university economists.

“Really, the big impact on state receipts is really around inflation,” Scott said during a Statehouse news conference with Proffitt. “In the short-term, it’s really positive to receipts, but it could be really destabilizing if that is a continuing long-term trend.”

The new forecast predicts that the fund Kansas uses to pay for general government programs will collect $9.3 billion in taxes for the 12 months ending June 30. The forecast predicts those tax collections will grow to $9.5 billion for the 2023 budget year.

The new forecast came the same day Kelly signed budget legislation that will set aside $500 million to deal with future financial problems, give state employees a pay raise and increase spending across state government.

Lawmakers expect to finish work on the state’s next budget after they return April 25 from their annual spring break. However, they’re also looking to cut taxes by $1.5 billion over the next three years.

Republican lawmakers are at odds with Kelly and fellow Democrats over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-topeka-kansas-personal-taxes-legislature-090092b19f2e7de084f5b48cdcb7acaf">eliminating the state’s 6.5% sales tax on groceries,</a>&nbsp;among the highest in the nation. Even before the new forecast, Kelly argued that the state’s finances are strong enough that it can eliminate the tax this year.

Democratic lawmakers had a Statehouse news conference after the new forecast to press that point and urge Kansas residents to text photos of their grocery receipts to top lawmakers.

Jon McCormick, president and CEO of the Retail Grocers Association Missouri and Kansas, blamed the tax on groceries for his group losing more than 20 stores in border communities over the past 12 years. He also said that low-income families in those areas often spend money on gas and lunch while driving more than 20 minutes to stores.

“Already, stores have closed,” McCormick said. “People have to drive further. We’ve got inflation.”

GOP lawmakers are poised to approve a plan to phase out the sales tax on groceries over three years. Republicans are pursuing other tax cuts as well. House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, said in a statement that lawmakers should “stay the course” of paying down state debt, setting aside funds for future emergencies and reducing property taxes.

The spending bill Kelly signed Wednesday includes the bulk of the next state budget aside from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9e6030076f59fc7173e8596f0154af34">money for the state’s public K-12 schools.</a>&nbsp;The governor said Kansas can “confidently make critical investments in our state,” and the 2022-23 budget “allows us to continue to improve core services while investing in our future and setting the stage for additional economic growth.”

The Legislature opened its annual session in January with its researchers forecasting that the state would end June 2023 with nearly $3.8 billion in cash reserves.

Kelly proposed setting aside $600 million for future emergencies, while GOP lawmakers pursued a proposal to use $1 billion in surplus funds to bolster the state pension fund for teachers and government workers.

Lawmakers are still working on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_sb421_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a pensions bill</a>&nbsp;that would put more than $1.1 billion in surplus funds into the pension system.

The measure Kelly signed provides a 5% pay increase for state workers, their first bump since 2018. It would allow the state to increase its payments to providers of in-home services to elderly and disabled Kansas residents and provide $95 million for higher education programs meant to train students for the workforce.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A new Kansas fiscal forecast issued Wednesday predicted that inflation will boost state tax collections more than previously expected, intensifying the dispute between Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and the Republican-controlled Legislature over how to cut taxes.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Norton residents - like many other Kansas border communities - grocery shop across state lines to avoid the high tax on food. I visited the owner of Jamboree Foods today, who is one of many pushing to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AxetheFoodTax?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AxetheFoodTax</a>. <a href="https://t.co/tlQuTutKWd">pic.twitter.com/tlQuTutKWd</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1516889902868307969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Legislators also are likely to face increased pressure to add new spending to what already is set to be a relatively generous, $22 billion-plus state budget for the 12 months beginning July 1. Even before the new forecast, public school officials are pushing for additional dollars for special education programs.The forecasters increased their projections for tax collections through June 2023 by $760 million. Their new projections are 4.6% higher than a forecast&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-topeka-kansas-state-governments-0317bd2622cae9f317d5a002ec3469ea">issued in November</a>&nbsp;for the 2022 budget year that ends June 30 and 3.8% higher for the 2023 budget year. Tax collections had run ahead of expectations for each of the past 20 months.But J.G. Scott, the head of the Legislature’s research staff, and Adam Proffitt, the governor’s budget director, said inflation — at its highest level in the U.S. since the early 1980s — is responsible for much of the newly anticipated growth in tax collections. The forecasters include Scott’s and Proffitt’s staffs, state Department of Revenue officials and university economists.“Really, the big impact on state receipts is really around inflation,” Scott said during a Statehouse news conference with Proffitt. “In the short-term, it’s really positive to receipts, but it could be really destabilizing if that is a continuing long-term trend.”The new forecast predicts that the fund Kansas uses to pay for general government programs will collect $9.3 billion in taxes for the 12 months ending June 30. The forecast predicts those tax collections will grow to $9.5 billion for the 2023 budget year.The new forecast came the same day Kelly signed budget legislation that will set aside $500 million to deal with future financial problems, give state employees a pay raise and increase spending across state government.Lawmakers expect to finish work on the state’s next budget after they return April 25 from their annual spring break. However, they’re also looking to cut taxes by $1.5 billion over the next three years.Republican lawmakers are at odds with Kelly and fellow Democrats over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-topeka-kansas-personal-taxes-legislature-090092b19f2e7de084f5b48cdcb7acaf">eliminating the state’s 6.5% sales tax on groceries,</a>&nbsp;among the highest in the nation. Even before the new forecast, Kelly argued that the state’s finances are strong enough that it can eliminate the tax this year.Democratic lawmakers had a Statehouse news conference after the new forecast to press that point and urge Kansas residents to text photos of their grocery receipts to top lawmakers.Jon McCormick, president and CEO of the Retail Grocers Association Missouri and Kansas, blamed the tax on groceries for his group losing more than 20 stores in border communities over the past 12 years. He also said that low-income families in those areas often spend money on gas and lunch while driving more than 20 minutes to stores.“Already, stores have closed,” McCormick said. “People have to drive further. We’ve got inflation.”GOP lawmakers are poised to approve a plan to phase out the sales tax on groceries over three years. Republicans are pursuing other tax cuts as well. House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, said in a statement that lawmakers should “stay the course” of paying down state debt, setting aside funds for future emergencies and reducing property taxes.The spending bill Kelly signed Wednesday includes the bulk of the next state budget aside from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9e6030076f59fc7173e8596f0154af34">money for the state’s public K-12 schools.</a>&nbsp;The governor said Kansas can “confidently make critical investments in our state,” and the 2022-23 budget “allows us to continue to improve core services while investing in our future and setting the stage for additional economic growth.”The Legislature opened its annual session in January with its researchers forecasting that the state would end June 2023 with nearly $3.8 billion in cash reserves.Kelly proposed setting aside $600 million for future emergencies, while GOP lawmakers pursued a proposal to use $1 billion in surplus funds to bolster the state pension fund for teachers and government workers.Lawmakers are still working on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_sb421_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a pensions bill</a>&nbsp;that would put more than $1.1 billion in surplus funds into the pension system.The measure Kelly signed provides a 5% pay increase for state workers, their first bump since 2018. It would allow the state to increase its payments to providers of in-home services to elderly and disabled Kansas residents and provide $95 million for higher education programs meant to train students for the workforce.___

Kan. expects $760M more in taxes; fuels call to end sales tax on food

CALLAWAY COUNTY—Troopers responded to a crash Tuesday on Interstate 70 in Callaway County, Missouri and found 500 pounds of packaged marijuana scattered around.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol a 2007 GMC Sierra driven by David A. Mora Navarro, 24, Country of Mexico,&nbsp;was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Route D.&nbsp;

The driver lost control of the pickup and rear-ended a&nbsp;2020 International semi driven by Ronell L. Franklin, 38, Florissant, who was attempting to avoid a previous accident.

A 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Glenn M. Doyle, 53, Joplin, traveled off the left side of the road and struck the pickup.

EMS transported Navarro and passengers 32-year-old Victor M. Gonzalez Acosta and 37-year-old Edith L. Daniel Lerma both of the country of Mexico to University Hospital in Columbia.

Franklin and Doyle were not injured. Authorities also arrested Navarro and Acosta on requested charges of Felony first-degree drug trafficking, according to online jail records. Gonzalez was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650558844352.png" alt="Photo Missouri State Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Missouri State Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>CALLAWAY COUNTY—Troopers responded to a crash Tuesday on Interstate 70 in Callaway County, Missouri and found 500 pounds of packaged marijuana scattered around.According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol a 2007 GMC Sierra driven by David A. Mora Navarro, 24, Country of Mexico,&nbsp;was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Route D.&nbsp;The driver lost control of the pickup and rear-ended a&nbsp;2020 International semi driven by Ronell L. Franklin, 38, Florissant, who was attempting to avoid a previous accident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650559026884.png" alt="Acosta photo Callaway County" />
 <figcaption>Acosta photo Callaway County</figcaption>
 </figure>A 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Glenn M. Doyle, 53, Joplin, traveled off the left side of the road and struck the pickup.EMS transported Navarro and passengers 32-year-old Victor M. Gonzalez Acosta and 37-year-old Edith L. Daniel Lerma both of the country of Mexico to University Hospital in Columbia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650558860680.png" alt="After it was all collected at the crash scene, it took more than one patrol car to transport it to the evidence room." />
 <figcaption>After it was all collected at the crash scene, it took more than one patrol car to transport it to the evidence room.</figcaption>
 </figure>Franklin and Doyle were not injured. Authorities also arrested Navarro and Acosta on requested charges of Felony first-degree drug trafficking, according to online jail records. Gonzalez was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

2 from Mexico jailed after 500 pounds of pot found on I-70 after crash

REPUBLIC COUNTY —U.S. 36 in both directions between milepost 225 and 226 in Republic County is back open following a train, semi accident, according to the Jewell County Sheriff.

Many train cars were derailed and upright train cars were blocking the highway. Authorities have not reported any injuries.

JEWELL COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and other first responders are on the scene of a train derailment at the Jewell County, Republic County line approximately 14 miles east of Mankato, according to the Jewell County Sheriff.&nbsp; 

The train derailment involved an injury accident with a semi.&nbsp;Multiple train cars are derailed and upright train cars are blocking U.S. 36.

The Kansas Department of Transportation closed U.S. 36 in both directions just west of Kansas 199. The railroad crossing is also closed.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The road is expected to remain closed until approximately 6:00p.m. according to the sheriff's department.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650561986159.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>REPUBLIC COUNTY —U.S. 36 in both directions between milepost 225 and 226 in Republic County is back open following a train, semi accident, according to the Jewell County Sheriff.Many train cars were derailed and upright train cars were blocking the highway. Authorities have not reported any injuries.----------JEWELL COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and other first responders are on the scene of a train derailment at the Jewell County, Republic County line approximately 14 miles east of Mankato, according to the Jewell County Sheriff.&nbsp; The train derailment involved an injury accident with a semi.&nbsp;Multiple train cars are derailed and upright train cars are blocking U.S. 36.The Kansas Department of Transportation closed U.S. 36 in both directions just west of Kansas 199. The railroad crossing is also closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;The road is expected to remain closed until approximately 6:00p.m. according to the sheriff's department.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Update: U.S. 36  open following train derailment 

MIAMI COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Miami County.

The sheriff's office reported a 2018 Dodge Charger was eastbound on 223rd Street at 3rd Street in Bucyrus.

The driver lost control as the car traveled over the railroad tracks and into the south ditch. The car went airborne across 3rd Street, struck a tree and the roof of home at 101 South 3rd Street. The car landed on its side in the backyard of the home and the driver was trapped inside.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Two people were inside the home, but were uninjured. The sheriff's office reported the driver may have been speeding.&nbsp; Officials have not released the driver's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650558191981.png" alt="Two people were inside the home were not injured -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Two people were inside the home were not injured -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Miami County.The sheriff's office reported a 2018 Dodge Charger was eastbound on 223rd Street at 3rd Street in Bucyrus.The driver lost control as the car traveled over the railroad tracks and into the south ditch. The car went airborne across 3rd Street, struck a tree and the roof of home at 101 South 3rd Street. The car landed on its side in the backyard of the home and the driver was trapped inside.The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Two people were inside the home, but were uninjured. The sheriff's office reported the driver may have been speeding.&nbsp; Officials have not released the driver's name.

Sheriff: One dead after car strikes tree, roof of Kansas home

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday announced he has approved an additional $800 million in military aid to help Ukraine fight back against the Russian invasion, but warned Congress will need to approve additional assistance. 

The new military assistance package includes much needed heavy artillery, 144,000 rounds of ammunition, and drones for Ukrainian forces in the escalating battle for the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine , and builds on roughly $2.6 billion in military assistance that Biden had previously approved for Ukraine. 

Biden said that $13.6 billion approved last month by Congress for military and humanitarian assistance is “almost exhausted.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday announced he has approved an additional $800 million in military aid to help Ukraine fight back against the Russian invasion, but warned Congress will need to approve additional assistance. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F511651257089093%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=31" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The new military assistance package includes much needed heavy artillery, 144,000 rounds of ammunition, and drones for Ukrainian forces in the escalating battle for the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine , and builds on roughly $2.6 billion in military assistance that Biden had previously approved for Ukraine. Biden said that $13.6 billion approved last month by Congress for military and humanitarian assistance is “almost exhausted.”

🎥 Biden sending another $800M in military assistance to Ukraine

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — One of two former Sedgwick County sheriff's employees accused of stealing cash, drugs and weapons from the department's evidence unit has been sentenced to a suspended jail term and one year of probation. 

The Wichita Eagle reports that 47-year-old Marc Gordon was sentenced after pleading guilty earlier this month to one count of official misconduct and three counts of theft, all misdemeanors. 

Prosecutors say Gordon was a property and evidence technician with the agency when he and a supervisor stole more than $7,700 in cash, several pounds of cocaine, meth and other drugs and several Samurai-style swords. 

The missing evidence led the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office to dismiss or review dozens of drug cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593632950182.png" alt="Gordon-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Gordon-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — One of two former Sedgwick County sheriff's employees accused of stealing cash, drugs and weapons from the department's evidence unit has been sentenced to a suspended jail term and one year of probation. The Wichita Eagle reports that 47-year-old Marc Gordon was sentenced after pleading guilty earlier this month to one count of official misconduct and three counts of theft, all misdemeanors. Prosecutors say Gordon was a property and evidence technician with the agency when he and a supervisor stole more than $7,700 in cash, several pounds of cocaine, meth and other drugs and several Samurai-style swords. The missing evidence led the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office to dismiss or review dozens of drug cases.

Employee charged in Kan. sheriff's evidence room theft is sentenced

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers who 
missed Monday's April 18 tax-filing deadline to file as soon as 
possible. While taxpayers due a refund receive no penalty for filing 
late, those who owe and missed the deadline without requesting an 
extension should file quickly to limit penalties and interest.

Families who don't owe taxes to the IRS can still file their 2021 tax
 return and claim the Child Tax Credit for the 2021 tax year at any 
point until April 15, 2025, without any penalty. This year also marks 
the first time in history that many families with children in Puerto 
Rico will be eligible to claim the Child Tax Credit, which has been 
expanded to provide up to $3,600 per child.

Some taxpayers automatically qualify for extra time to file and pay taxes due without penalties and interest, including:

Some people may choose not to file a tax return because they didn't 
earn enough money to be required to file. But they may miss out on 
receiving a refund. The only way to get a refund is to file a tax 
return. There's no penalty for filing after the April 18 deadline if a 
refund is due. Taxpayers are encouraged to use electronic filing options
 including IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> which is available on IRS.gov through October 17 to prepare and file 2021 tax returns electronically.

While most tax credits can be used to reduce the tax owed, there are a
 few credits that allow taxpayers to receive money beyond what they owe.
 The most common examples of these refundable credits are the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-and-dependent-care-credit-information">Child and Dependent Care Credit</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents">Child Tax Credit</a>.
 Those who don't usually file and didn't qualify for a third-round 
Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amount may be eligible
 to claim the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2021 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>
 when they file their 2021 tax return. Taxpayers often fail to file a 
tax return and claim a refund for these credits and others for which 
they may be eligible.

Generally, the IRS issues nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days
 for taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit. However, it's 
possible a tax return may require <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions">additional review</a> or take longer. The IRS processes paper tax returns in the order they are received.

Taxpayers can track their refund using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> tool on IRS.gov, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a> or by calling the automated refund hotline at <a href="tel:800-829-1954">800-829-1954</a>.
 Taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, 
the filing status and the expected refund amount. The refund status 
information updates once daily, usually overnight, so there's no need to
 check more frequently.

Taxpayers should file their tax return and pay any taxes they owe as 
soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest. An extension to file 
is not an extension to pay. An extension to file provides an additional 
six months with a new filing deadline of October 17. Penalties and 
interest apply to taxes owed after April 18 and interest is charged on 
tax and penalties until the balance is <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">paid in full</a>.

Filing and paying as much as possible is key because the late-filing penalty and late-payment penalty add up quickly.

Even if a taxpayer can't afford to immediately pay the full amount of
 taxes owed, they should still file a tax return to reduce possible 
delayed filing penalties. The IRS offers a variety of options for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-if-i-cant-pay-my-taxes">taxpayers who owe the IRS but cannot afford to pay</a>.

Usually, the failure to file penalty is 5% of the tax owed for each 
month or part of a month that a tax return is late, up to five months, 
reduced by the failure to pay penalty amount for any month where both 
penalties apply. If a return is filed more than 60 days after the due 
date, the minimum penalty is either $435 or 100% of the unpaid tax, 
whichever is less.

The failure to pay penalty rate is generally 0.5% of unpaid tax owed 
for each month or part of a month until the tax is fully paid or until 
25% is reached. The rate is subject to change. For more information see 
the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">Penalties</a> page on IRS.gov.

Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they have filed and paid 
timely for the past three years and meet other important requirements, 
including paying or arranging to pay any tax due. For more information, 
see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/penalty-relief-due-to-first-time-penalty-abatement-or-other-administrative-waiver">first time penalty abatement</a> page on IRS.gov.

Pay taxes due electronically on IRS.gov/payments

Those who owe taxes can pay quickly and securely via their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>, IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit or credit card or digital wallet</a>, or they can <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement)</a>. Taxpayers paying electronically receive immediate confirmation when they submit their payment. With <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a> and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, taxpayers can receive email notifications about their payments.

The IRS offers tips to help taxpayers <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tips-to-help-people-choose-a-reputable-tax-preparer">choose a Tax Professional</a> to assist in tax return preparation.

The <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>
 can help taxpayers find tax return preparers who hold a professional 
credential recognized by the IRS or who have completed IRS requirements 
for the Annual Filing Season Program.

Taxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect them when they interact with the IRS. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a> presents these rights in 10 categories. IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-1">Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer</a>, highlights these rights and the agency's obligation to protect them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers who 
missed Monday's April 18 tax-filing deadline to file as soon as 
possible. While taxpayers due a refund receive no penalty for filing 
late, those who owe and missed the deadline without requesting an 
extension should file quickly to limit penalties and interest.Families who don't owe taxes to the IRS can still file their 2021 tax
 return and claim the Child Tax Credit for the 2021 tax year at any 
point until April 15, 2025, without any penalty. This year also marks 
the first time in history that many families with children in Puerto 
Rico will be eligible to claim the Child Tax Credit, which has been 
expanded to provide up to $3,600 per child.Some taxpayers automatically qualify for extra time to file and pay taxes due without penalties and interest, including:<ul>
 <li>Members of the military who served or are currently serving in a combat zone. They may qualify for an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p3#en_US_2021_publink100050111">additional extension of at least 180 days</a> to file and pay taxes.</li><li>Support personnel in combat zones or a contingency operation in support of the Armed Forces. They may also <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/extension-of-deadlines-combat-zone-service">qualify for a filing and payment extension</a> of at least 180 days.</li><li>Taxpayers outside the United States. U.S. citizens
 and resident aliens who live and work outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico,
 including military members on duty who don't qualify for the combat 
zone extension, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-54">may qualify for a 2-month filing and payment extension</a>.</li><li>Some disaster victims. Those who qualify have <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations">more time to file and pay</a> what they owe.</li>
 </ul><h2>File without penalty to get a tax refund</h2>Some people may choose not to file a tax return because they didn't 
earn enough money to be required to file. But they may miss out on 
receiving a refund. The only way to get a refund is to file a tax 
return. There's no penalty for filing after the April 18 deadline if a 
refund is due. Taxpayers are encouraged to use electronic filing options
 including IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> which is available on IRS.gov through October 17 to prepare and file 2021 tax returns electronically.While most tax credits can be used to reduce the tax owed, there are a
 few credits that allow taxpayers to receive money beyond what they owe.
 The most common examples of these refundable credits are the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-and-dependent-care-credit-information">Child and Dependent Care Credit</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents">Child Tax Credit</a>.
 Those who don't usually file and didn't qualify for a third-round 
Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amount may be eligible
 to claim the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2021 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>
 when they file their 2021 tax return. Taxpayers often fail to file a 
tax return and claim a refund for these credits and others for which 
they may be eligible.Generally, the IRS issues nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days
 for taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit. However, it's 
possible a tax return may require <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions">additional review</a> or take longer. The IRS processes paper tax returns in the order they are received.Taxpayers can track their refund using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> tool on IRS.gov, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a> or by calling the automated refund hotline at <a href="tel:800-829-1954">800-829-1954</a>.
 Taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, 
the filing status and the expected refund amount. The refund status 
information updates once daily, usually overnight, so there's no need to
 check more frequently.<h2>File to reduce penalties and interest</h2>Taxpayers should file their tax return and pay any taxes they owe as 
soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest. An extension to file 
is not an extension to pay. An extension to file provides an additional 
six months with a new filing deadline of October 17. Penalties and 
interest apply to taxes owed after April 18 and interest is charged on 
tax and penalties until the balance is <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">paid in full</a>.Filing and paying as much as possible is key because the late-filing penalty and late-payment penalty add up quickly.Even if a taxpayer can't afford to immediately pay the full amount of
 taxes owed, they should still file a tax return to reduce possible 
delayed filing penalties. The IRS offers a variety of options for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-if-i-cant-pay-my-taxes">taxpayers who owe the IRS but cannot afford to pay</a>.Usually, the failure to file penalty is 5% of the tax owed for each 
month or part of a month that a tax return is late, up to five months, 
reduced by the failure to pay penalty amount for any month where both 
penalties apply. If a return is filed more than 60 days after the due 
date, the minimum penalty is either $435 or 100% of the unpaid tax, 
whichever is less.The failure to pay penalty rate is generally 0.5% of unpaid tax owed 
for each month or part of a month until the tax is fully paid or until 
25% is reached. The rate is subject to change. For more information see 
the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">Penalties</a> page on IRS.gov.Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they have filed and paid 
timely for the past three years and meet other important requirements, 
including paying or arranging to pay any tax due. For more information, 
see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/penalty-relief-due-to-first-time-penalty-abatement-or-other-administrative-waiver">first time penalty abatement</a> page on IRS.gov.<h2>Pay taxes due electronically on IRS.gov/payments</h2>Those who owe taxes can pay quickly and securely via their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>, IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit or credit card or digital wallet</a>, or they can <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement)</a>. Taxpayers paying electronically receive immediate confirmation when they submit their payment. With <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a> and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, taxpayers can receive email notifications about their payments.<h2>Selecting a tax professional</h2>The IRS offers tips to help taxpayers <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tips-to-help-people-choose-a-reputable-tax-preparer">choose a Tax Professional</a> to assist in tax return preparation.The <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>
 can help taxpayers find tax return preparers who hold a professional 
credential recognized by the IRS or who have completed IRS requirements 
for the Annual Filing Season Program.<h2>Taxpayer Bill of Rights</h2>Taxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect them when they interact with the IRS. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a> presents these rights in 10 categories. IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-1">Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer</a>, highlights these rights and the agency's obligation to protect them.

Missed the tax deadline? File now to limit penalties, claim Child Tax Credit

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is filing an appeal seeking to overturn a judge’s order that voided the federal mask mandate on planes and trains and in travel hubs, officials said Wednesday.

The notice came minutes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asked the Justice Department to appeal the decision handed down by a federal judge in Florida earlier this week.

A notice of appeal was filed in federal court in Tampa.

The CDC said in a statement Wednesday that it is its “continuing assessment that at this time an order requiring masking in the indoor transportation corridor remains necessary for the public health.”

It remained unclear whether the Biden administration would ask the appeals court to grant an emergency stay to immediately reimpose the mask mandate on public transit. An emergency stay of the lower court’s ruling would be a whiplash moment for travelers and transit workers. Most airlines and airports, many public transit systems and even ride-sharing company Uber lifted their mask-wearing requirements in the hours following Monday’s ruling.

A federal judge in Florida had struck down the national mask mandate for mass transit on Monday, leading airlines and airports to swiftly repeal their requirements that passengers wear face coverings. The Transportation Security Administration said Monday that it would it will no longer enforce the mask requirement.

The CDC had recently extended the mask mandate, which was set to expire Monday, until May 3 to allow more time to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant, which is now responsible for the vast majority of U.S. cases. But the court ruling Monday had put that decision on hold.

The CDC said it will continue to monitor public health conditions to determine if a mandate would remain necessary. It said it believes the mandate is “a lawful order, well within CDC’s legal authority to protect public health.”

Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said Wednesday night that the department was filing the appeal “in light of today’s assessment by the CDC that an order requiring masking in the transportation corridor remains necessary to protect the public health.”

Biden’s administration has offered mixed messages in the wake of the Monday ruling. While officials said Americans should heed the CDC’s guidance even if it was no longer a requirement, Biden himself suggested they had more flexibility on masking-up during transit.

“That’s up to them,” Biden declared during a Tuesday visit to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The White House nonetheless continues to require face coverings for those traveling with him on Air Force One, citing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that Biden still is encouraging Americans to wear masks when traveling and that he had been “answering the question quite literally” a day before.

“People are not legally bound to wear masks,” she said, after the court order. “So, it is a point in time where it is up to people — it is their choice, in that regard.

After a winter surge fueled by the omicron variant that prompted record hospitalizations, the U.S. has seen a significant drop in virus spread in recent months, leading most states and cities to drop mask mandates.

But several Northeast cities have seen a rise in hospitalizations in recent weeks, leading Philadelphia to bring back its mask mandate.

The appeal drew criticism from the U.S. Travel Association, which along with other industry groups had been pressuring the Biden administration for months to end the mask mandate for travel.

“Masks were critically important during the height of the pandemic,” said Tori Emerson Barnes, the group’s executive vice president of public affairs and policy, “but with low hospitalization rates and multiple effective health tools now widely available, from boosters to therapies to high-quality air ventilation aboard aircraft, required masking on public transportation is simply out of step with the current public health landscape.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632163961062.png" alt="It remained unclear whether the Biden administration would ask the appeals court to grant an emergency stay to immediately reimpose the mask mandate on public transit-photo U.S. Dept. of Transportation" />
 <figcaption>It remained unclear whether the Biden administration would ask the appeals court to grant an emergency stay to immediately reimpose the mask mandate on public transit-photo U.S. Dept. of Transportation</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is filing an appeal seeking to overturn a judge’s order that voided the federal mask mandate on planes and trains and in travel hubs, officials said Wednesday.The notice came minutes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asked the Justice Department to appeal the decision handed down by a federal judge in Florida earlier this week.A notice of appeal was filed in federal court in Tampa.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in all indoor public transportation settings. See full CDC statement: <a href="https://t.co/xY9YcSlSxr">https://t.co/xY9YcSlSxr</a>&mdash; CDC (@CDCgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCgov/status/1516908579470684164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The CDC said in a statement Wednesday that it is its “continuing assessment that at this time an order requiring masking in the indoor transportation corridor remains necessary for the public health.”It remained unclear whether the Biden administration would ask the appeals court to grant an emergency stay to immediately reimpose the mask mandate on public transit. An emergency stay of the lower court’s ruling would be a whiplash moment for travelers and transit workers. Most airlines and airports, many public transit systems and even ride-sharing company Uber lifted their mask-wearing requirements in the hours following Monday’s ruling.A federal judge in Florida had struck down the national mask mandate for mass transit on Monday, leading airlines and airports to swiftly repeal their requirements that passengers wear face coverings. The Transportation Security Administration said Monday that it would it will no longer enforce the mask requirement.The CDC had recently extended the mask mandate, which was set to expire Monday, until May 3 to allow more time to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant, which is now responsible for the vast majority of U.S. cases. But the court ruling Monday had put that decision on hold.The CDC said it will continue to monitor public health conditions to determine if a mandate would remain necessary. It said it believes the mandate is “a lawful order, well within CDC’s legal authority to protect public health.”Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said Wednesday night that the department was filing the appeal “in light of today’s assessment by the CDC that an order requiring masking in the transportation corridor remains necessary to protect the public health.”Biden’s administration has offered mixed messages in the wake of the Monday ruling. While officials said Americans should heed the CDC’s guidance even if it was no longer a requirement, Biden himself suggested they had more flexibility on masking-up during transit.“That’s up to them,” Biden declared during a Tuesday visit to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The White House nonetheless continues to require face coverings for those traveling with him on Air Force One, citing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that Biden still is encouraging Americans to wear masks when traveling and that he had been “answering the question quite literally” a day before.“People are not legally bound to wear masks,” she said, after the court order. “So, it is a point in time where it is up to people — it is their choice, in that regard.After a winter surge fueled by the omicron variant that prompted record hospitalizations, the U.S. has seen a significant drop in virus spread in recent months, leading most states and cities to drop mask mandates.But several Northeast cities have seen a rise in hospitalizations in recent weeks, leading Philadelphia to bring back its mask mandate.The appeal drew criticism from the U.S. Travel Association, which along with other industry groups had been pressuring the Biden administration for months to end the mask mandate for travel.“Masks were critically important during the height of the pandemic,” said Tori Emerson Barnes, the group’s executive vice president of public affairs and policy, “but with low hospitalization rates and multiple effective health tools now widely available, from boosters to therapies to high-quality air ventilation aboard aircraft, required masking on public transportation is simply out of step with the current public health landscape.”

Court battle over US mask rules for planes, other travel

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on new charges after an arrest.

Sidney M. Darrenkamp, 22, Atchison, was charged on Tuesday by District Court warrants for fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving, and other traffic violations in connection to incidents on April 16 and April 17, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Officers had attempted to stop a vehicle she was driving.&nbsp;

She has previous convictions for theft and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650538012177.png" alt="Darrenkamp has previous convictions for theft and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Darrenkamp has previous convictions for theft and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on new charges after an arrest.Sidney M. Darrenkamp, 22, Atchison, was charged on Tuesday by District Court warrants for fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving, and other traffic violations in connection to incidents on April 16 and April 17, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.Officers had attempted to stop a vehicle she was driving.&nbsp;She has previous convictions for theft and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kan. woman charged with fleeing, attempting to elude police

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will set aside $500 million to deal with future financial problems, give state employees a pay raise and increase spending across state government under budget legislation Gov. Laura Kelly signed into law Wednesday.

The measure contains the bulk of the state’s $22 billion-plus budget for the 12 months beginning July 1, aside from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9e6030076f59fc7173e8596f0154af34">money for the state’s public K-12 schools.</a>&nbsp;Kelly signed the measure ahead of a meeting Wednesday of state officials and university economists to draft a new forecast for state tax collections through June 2023.

The new forecast was expected to me more optimistic than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-topeka-kansas-state-governments-0317bd2622cae9f317d5a002ec3469ea">the previous forecast,</a>&nbsp;issued in November and used in budgeting decisions until now. Tax collections for the past nine months have been almost 5% more than anticipated, creating a surplus of more than $300 million.

The new forecast is likely to intensify the debate between the Democratic governor and the Republican-controlled Legislature over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-topeka-kansas-personal-taxes-legislature-090092b19f2e7de084f5b48cdcb7acaf">eliminating the state’s 6.5% sales tax on groceries,</a>&nbsp;among the highest in the nation. Kelly argues that the state’s finances are strong enough that it can eliminate the tax this year, while Republicans have proposed eliminating it over three years while pursuing other tax cuts as well. Lawmakers expect to settle the issue when they return April 25 from their annual spring break.

Kelly said Kansas can “confidently make critical investments in our state,” saying the 2022-23 budget “allows us to continue to improve core services while investing in our future and setting the stage for additional economic growth.”

The Legislature opened its annual session in January with its researchers forecasting that the state would end June 2023 with nearly $3.8 billion in cash reserves. The state’s tax collections expectations for 20 months in a row through March.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650472319635.png" alt="The measure Kelly signed provides a 5% pay increase for state workers, their first bump since 2018.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The measure Kelly signed provides a 5% pay increase for state workers, their first bump since 2018.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will set aside $500 million to deal with future financial problems, give state employees a pay raise and increase spending across state government under budget legislation Gov. Laura Kelly signed into law Wednesday.The measure contains the bulk of the state’s $22 billion-plus budget for the 12 months beginning July 1, aside from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9e6030076f59fc7173e8596f0154af34">money for the state’s public K-12 schools.</a>&nbsp;Kelly signed the measure ahead of a meeting Wednesday of state officials and university economists to draft a new forecast for state tax collections through June 2023.The new forecast was expected to me more optimistic than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-topeka-kansas-state-governments-0317bd2622cae9f317d5a002ec3469ea">the previous forecast,</a>&nbsp;issued in November and used in budgeting decisions until now. Tax collections for the past nine months have been almost 5% more than anticipated, creating a surplus of more than $300 million.The new forecast is likely to intensify the debate between the Democratic governor and the Republican-controlled Legislature over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-topeka-kansas-personal-taxes-legislature-090092b19f2e7de084f5b48cdcb7acaf">eliminating the state’s 6.5% sales tax on groceries,</a>&nbsp;among the highest in the nation. Kelly argues that the state’s finances are strong enough that it can eliminate the tax this year, while Republicans have proposed eliminating it over three years while pursuing other tax cuts as well. Lawmakers expect to settle the issue when they return April 25 from their annual spring break.Kelly said Kansas can “confidently make critical investments in our state,” saying the 2022-23 budget “allows us to continue to improve core services while investing in our future and setting the stage for additional economic growth.”The Legislature opened its annual session in January with its researchers forecasting that the state would end June 2023 with nearly $3.8 billion in cash reserves. The state’s tax collections expectations for 20 months in a row through March.Kelly proposed setting aside $600 million for future emergencies, while GOP lawmakers pursued a proposal to use $1 billion in surplus funds to bolster the state pension fund for teachers and government workers.Lawmakers are still working on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_sb421_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a pensions bill</a>&nbsp;that would put more than $1.1 billion in surplus funds into the pension system.The measure Kelly signed provides a 5% pay increase for state workers, their first bump since 2018. It would allow the state to increase its payments to providers of in-home services to elderly and disabled Kansas residents and provide $95 million for higher education programs meant to train students for the workforce.___

Ahead of new forecast, Kansas banks $500M for emergencies

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City woman has been charged in the fatal shooting of Jenna Nava inside a Kansas City apartment, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Makayla R. Smith, 30, faces Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges

According to court records, on January 25, police were dispatched to the 8800 block of Crystal Lane in Kansas City on a reported shooting. 

Officers found a female victim in a third floor apartment. Police also found a live 9 mm round and a large kitchen knife. Police noted several reports related to domestic violence incidents that included the victim and her wife, including a current ex-parte order of protection. 

Witnesses told police that the defendant told them or they saw the defendant shoot the victim after a tussle over the knife. A second suspect had a text conversation with the defendant not long before the shooting. The defendant met the victim and messaged the second suspect, stating "I got the gun to her head right now."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650365460236.png" alt="Smith-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City woman has been charged in the fatal shooting of Jenna Nava inside a Kansas City apartment, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Makayla R. Smith, 30, faces Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action chargesAccording to court records, on January 25, police were dispatched to the 8800 block of Crystal Lane in Kansas City on a reported shooting. Officers found a female victim in a third floor apartment. Police also found a live 9 mm round and a large kitchen knife. Police noted several reports related to domestic violence incidents that included the victim and her wife, including a current ex-parte order of protection. Witnesses told police that the defendant told them or they saw the defendant shoot the victim after a tussle over the knife. A second suspect had a text conversation with the defendant not long before the shooting. The defendant met the victim and messaged the second suspect, stating "I got the gun to her head right now."Smith is being held on a $250,000 bond.

Kansas City woman accused of killing her wife during knife fight

RENO COUNTY — Formal charges have been brought against a registered Kansas sex offender&nbsp; accused of inappropriate contact with victims under the age of 14.

Wayne Willard, 35, is charged with 10 counts of rape of a child under the age of 14. Each count carries a mandatory 50 years in prison. He’s also charged with Rape by force which carries a possible sentence of 12 to 54 years, and an alternative count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Willard was arrested by law enforcement April 13 and is jailed on a bond of $1 million. 

Willard has been a registered sex offender since 2008 for convictions that include aggravated indecent liberties with a child and sexual battery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

His next court appearance is set for June 1.

RENO COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas sex offender on new charges after an arrest.

The investigation started with an incident reported to patrol deputies in Reno County, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649805813736.png" alt="Willard has been a registered sex offender since 2008 for convictions that include aggravated indecent liberties with a child and sexual battery." />
 <figcaption>Willard has been a registered sex offender since 2008 for convictions that include aggravated indecent liberties with a child and sexual battery.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — Formal charges have been brought against a registered Kansas sex offender&nbsp; accused of inappropriate contact with victims under the age of 14.Wayne Willard, 35, is charged with 10 counts of rape of a child under the age of 14. Each count carries a mandatory 50 years in prison. He’s also charged with Rape by force which carries a possible sentence of 12 to 54 years, and an alternative count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.Willard was arrested by law enforcement April 13 and is jailed on a bond of $1 million. Willard has been a registered sex offender since 2008 for convictions that include aggravated indecent liberties with a child and sexual battery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.His next court appearance is set for June 1.-------------RENO COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas sex offender on new charges after an arrest.The investigation started with an incident reported to patrol deputies in Reno County, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.As detectives became involved, another victim and more incidents were reported. Deputies arrested&nbsp; 35-year-old Wayne J. Willard on requested charges that include three counts of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.According to a release from the Reno County Sheriff's Office, a 35-year-old man was arrested Tuesday on alleged sex crime charges.Wayne J. Willard was arrested on three counts of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.Willard is being held on $500,000 bond.&nbsp;It is suspected that there may be several more victims and more incidents may have occurred, according to the sheriff's office.&nbsp;Willard has been a registered sex offender since 2008 for convictions that include aggravated indecent liberties with a child and sexual battery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.