SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a Wednesday morning homicide in Salina have reported an arrest.

Police issued an arrest warrant for Anthony Quentin Lopez-Garcia by Saline County District Court, for the charges of First Degree Murder and Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, according to a media release from Salina Police.

On Wednesday afternoon, a Kansas City, Missouri resident recognized Lopez-Garcia apparently due to the previous media release.  KCPD was contacted and Lopez-Garcia was taken into custody on unrelated local Kansas City charges.  Lopez-Garcia will be extradited back to Kansas for the homicide upon completion of the extradition process. 

The victim has been identified but presently, the next of kin resides in another state and the notification is forthcoming.  Once that is done, the victim’s name will be released.

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Salina and asking the public for help to locate a person-of-interest.

Just before 12:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the area of Front Street and Gypsum Avenue for a possible injury motor vehicle accident, according to a media release from Salina Police.

Officers responded and located a white male deceased in the passenger seat of a green 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis. 

The victim appeared to have been shot and no one else was in the vehicle. The identity of the victim has not been confirmed at this time.

The Salina Police Department is actively investigating this case as a homicide and has developed Anthony Quentin Lopez-Garcia a person of interest in the case. 

 He is a 27-year old Hispanic male, 5-foot-8, weighs 170 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.&nbsp; Lopez-Garcia may be in a Maroon 2001 Dodge Dakota pickup with Kansas disabled tag B5702. Lopez-Garcia should be considered armed and dangerous. 

If you have information about his location or come into contact with him, do not approach or make contact with him, call 911 with the location or information.If you have any information referencing this case or the identification of the individual(s) involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950&amp;fbclid=IwAR2oQLMO1PIStio-2O0inINDAbyxn3YjMA6P-AqLuUtAwVMOiN-vXQmDJ6E" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950</a> to submit a web tip.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650503224275.png" alt="Lopez-Garcia-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Lopez-Garcia-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a Wednesday morning homicide in Salina have reported an arrest.Police issued an arrest warrant for Anthony Quentin Lopez-Garcia by Saline County District Court, for the charges of First Degree Murder and Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, according to a media release from Salina Police.On Wednesday afternoon, a Kansas City, Missouri resident recognized Lopez-Garcia apparently due to the previous media release. KCPD was contacted and Lopez-Garcia was taken into custody on unrelated local Kansas City charges. Lopez-Garcia will be extradited back to Kansas for the homicide upon completion of the extradition process. The victim has been identified but presently, the next of kin resides in another state and the notification is forthcoming. Once that is done, the victim’s name will be released.----------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650468864122.png" alt="Lopez-Garcia -photo Salina Police" />
 <figcaption>Lopez-Garcia -photo Salina Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Salina and asking the public for help to locate a person-of-interest.Just before 12:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the area of Front Street and Gypsum Avenue for a possible injury motor vehicle accident, according to a media release from Salina Police.Officers responded and located a white male deceased in the passenger seat of a green 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis. The victim appeared to have been shot and no one else was in the vehicle. The identity of the victim has not been confirmed at this time.The Salina Police Department is actively investigating this case as a homicide and has developed Anthony Quentin Lopez-Garcia a person of interest in the case. He is a 27-year old Hispanic male, 5-foot-8, weighs 170 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.&nbsp; Lopez-Garcia may be in a Maroon 2001 Dodge Dakota pickup with Kansas disabled tag B5702. Lopez-Garcia should be considered armed and dangerous. If you have information about his location or come into contact with him, do not approach or make contact with him, call 911 with the location or information.If you have any information referencing this case or the identification of the individual(s) involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950&amp;fbclid=IwAR2oQLMO1PIStio-2O0inINDAbyxn3YjMA6P-AqLuUtAwVMOiN-vXQmDJ6E" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950</a> to submit a web tip.

Police: Suspect wanted for Salina murder captured in Kansas City

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has vetoed a measure tucked into a budget measure that would have allowed Kansas legislators to reconsider a decision not to join the state pension system for teachers and government workers. 

The state constitution gives governors the power to veto individual items in spending bills even while signing them. Kelly used it Wednesday to strike what she called “an exclusive opportunity” for members of the Republican-controlled Legislature that’s not available to other public employees. 

State law currently gives lawmakers one chance to decide whether they will participate in the state pension system. The vetoed provision would allow them to reverse course before their 2023 session starts.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has vetoed a measure tucked into a budget measure that would have allowed Kansas legislators to reconsider a decision not to join the state pension system for teachers and government workers. The state constitution gives governors the power to veto individual items in spending bills even while signing them. Kelly used it Wednesday to strike what she called “an exclusive opportunity” for members of the Republican-controlled Legislature that’s not available to other public employees. State law currently gives lawmakers one chance to decide whether they will participate in the state pension system. The vetoed provision would allow them to reverse course before their 2023 session starts.

Governor vetoes special pension measure for Kan. lawmakers

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration has been working for months to prepare people to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-travel-business-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-d3fc45424ea07d0ce54be755285296e7">rethink their personal risk calculations&nbsp;</a>as the nation gets used to the idea of living with an endemic COVID-19.

But that measured approach disappeared abruptly when a federal judge on Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/judge-strikes-down-mask-mandates-1fccaa750b6d42b6b609ef75d3c14c26">threw out the federal requirement&nbsp;</a>to mask up when using mass transit. The ruling added to the urgency of the messaging challenge as the administration tries to move past the virus in the lead-up to midterm elections.

After the government last month eased indoor mask-wearing guidelines for the vast majority of Americans – even in schools — masking on planes was one of the last redoubts of the national COVID-19 restrictions. Now, as the policy falls, the administration turns to accelerating its efforts to provide the best advice for millions making their own personal safety decisions in the still-dangerous pandemic.

It’s both a public health imperative and an important shift in emphasis for Biden’s political future.

“There is an opportunity now, instead of saying this is a disappointing ruling, they could say this is a good time to have a conversation about how we move forward in this pandemic about risk calculation,” said Dr. Amesh Adalja an infectious disease physician and a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

“With COVID-19, I think we’re at a point with immunity from prior infections, vaccines, home tests and treatments that we can start to manage this the way we manage other infectious diseases,” he said.

Biden himself went all-in on flexibility Tuesday when asked if Americans should mask up on planes.

“That’s up to them,” Biden declared during a visit to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. But his own 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.

The shift toward less formal regulation was actually previewed in a 100-page plan released by the White House coronavirus response team in February. Back then, administration officials had hoped that children under 5 would be eligible for vaccination by now — a move that would have eased the concern of millions of parents and provided the umbrella of protection to nearly everyone in the U.S. who wanted it.

Monday’s court order lifting the mask mandate came at a crossroads in the nation’s pandemic response, just shy of a year to the day from when all American adults were eligible for vaccination against COVID-19. The ruling sent government agencies and the White House scrambling to comply, but that didn’t stop momentary confusion among travelers as airlines and airports dropped their mask requirements — in some cases mid-flight.

The administration stressed that Americans should still comply with CDC recommendations to wear face coverings, even in the absence of the mandate. Biden’s press secretary, Jen Psaki, said as much just an hour before his “up to them” comment.

“The CDC continues to advise and recommend masks on airplanes. We’re abiding by the CDC recommendations, the president is, and we would advise all Americans to do that,” she said.

On Tuesday, Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said officials believe that the federal mask order was “a valid exercise of the authority Congress has given CDC to protect the public health.” He said it was “an important authority the Department will continue to work to preserve.”

But he said the department would only appeal the ruling if the CDC determined that the mask mandate was still necessary for public health. As of Tuesday evening, the agency hadn’t made a determination, officials said.

Psaki on Tuesday indicated that while the administration was disappointed with the ruling, it didn’t rank with Congress’ inability to reach a compromise on additional COVID funding to purchase booster shots and antiviral treatments.

“Those are our biggest concerns,” she said.

Face-covering requirements, which have proven to lower the risks of infection, have grown increasingly political in the U.S. over the last year, particularly as cases and severe outcomes have fallen.

The lingering mandate for public transit and air travel served as a daily reminder for many people that the pandemic they badly wanted to be over was still affecting their lives, even if vaccinations and antiviral treatments had dramatically lowered their risk. For others who are still fearful of the virus, each roll-back of pandemic restrictions has sparked fresh disquiet — and in some cases criticism of the Biden administration.

“There are still a lot of people in this country who still want to have masks in place — either they have immunocompromised relatives, they have kids under 5, whatever it may be,” said Psaki.

Monday’s court ruling hastened an outcome that was likely coming in weeks anyway. Many administration officials believed that last week’s 15-day extension of the mask order to May 3 would be the last. The public health agency had asked for the additional time to monitor whether a recent rise in infections would result in increased hospitalizations or deaths. So far it hasn’t.

The court’s order caught the administration by surprise and left it struggling to grasp its impact — both on the requirement’s end and on CDC’s authorities going forward.

“CDC scientists had asked for 15 days to make a more data-driven durable decision,” Dr. Aashish Jha, the new White House COVID-19 coordinator, tweeted on Tuesday. “We should have given it to them.”

The uptick in cases and a recent spate of positive cases in Biden’s orbit — including second gentleman Doug Emhoff and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — was a potent reminder that the virus isn’t going away.

Biden, 79, was never identified as a “close contact” under CDC guidelines, the White House said, and officials emphasized that he is strongly protected against the virus by being vaccinated and twice-boosted.

Controlling the virus that has killed 986,000 Americans has been a priority for Biden since taking office. The U.S. now averages about 35,000 confirmed cases per day, down from a high of more than 806,000 during January’s omicron surge, but up slightly from lows of about 26,000 a month ago. Those figures are surely an undercount since many people don’t report the results of at-home tests to public health authorities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650418667824.png" alt="On Tuesday afternoon, President Biden visited Portsmouth Harbor — a site that’s receiving funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accommodate larger ships and more cargo. It’s just one example of how we’re modernizing our nation’s infrastructure and lowering costs for consumers." />
 <figcaption>On Tuesday afternoon, President Biden visited Portsmouth Harbor — a site that’s receiving funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accommodate larger ships and more cargo. It’s just one example of how we’re modernizing our nation’s infrastructure and lowering costs for consumers.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration has been working for months to prepare people to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-travel-business-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-d3fc45424ea07d0ce54be755285296e7">rethink their personal risk calculations&nbsp;</a>as the nation gets used to the idea of living with an endemic COVID-19.But that measured approach disappeared abruptly when a federal judge on Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/judge-strikes-down-mask-mandates-1fccaa750b6d42b6b609ef75d3c14c26">threw out the federal requirement&nbsp;</a>to mask up when using mass transit. The ruling added to the urgency of the messaging challenge as the administration tries to move past the virus in the lead-up to midterm elections.After the government last month eased indoor mask-wearing guidelines for the vast majority of Americans – even in schools — masking on planes was one of the last redoubts of the national COVID-19 restrictions. Now, as the policy falls, the administration turns to accelerating its efforts to provide the best advice for millions making their own personal safety decisions in the still-dangerous pandemic.It’s both a public health imperative and an important shift in emphasis for Biden’s political future.“There is an opportunity now, instead of saying this is a disappointing ruling, they could say this is a good time to have a conversation about how we move forward in this pandemic about risk calculation,” said Dr. Amesh Adalja an infectious disease physician and a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.“With COVID-19, I think we’re at a point with immunity from prior infections, vaccines, home tests and treatments that we can start to manage this the way we manage other infectious diseases,” he said.Biden himself went all-in on flexibility Tuesday when asked if Americans should mask up on planes.“That’s up to them,” Biden declared during a visit to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. But his own 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.The shift toward less formal regulation was actually previewed in a 100-page plan released by the White House coronavirus response team in February. Back then, administration officials had hoped that children under 5 would be eligible for vaccination by now — a move that would have eased the concern of millions of parents and provided the umbrella of protection to nearly everyone in the U.S. who wanted it.Monday’s court order lifting the mask mandate came at a crossroads in the nation’s pandemic response, just shy of a year to the day from when all American adults were eligible for vaccination against COVID-19. The ruling sent government agencies and the White House scrambling to comply, but that didn’t stop momentary confusion among travelers as airlines and airports dropped their mask requirements — in some cases mid-flight.The administration stressed that Americans should still comply with CDC recommendations to wear face coverings, even in the absence of the mandate. Biden’s press secretary, Jen Psaki, said as much just an hour before his “up to them” comment.“The CDC continues to advise and recommend masks on airplanes. We’re abiding by the CDC recommendations, the president is, and we would advise all Americans to do that,” she said.On Tuesday, Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said officials believe that the federal mask order was “a valid exercise of the authority Congress has given CDC to protect the public health.” He said it was “an important authority the Department will continue to work to preserve.”But he said the department would only appeal the ruling if the CDC determined that the mask mandate was still necessary for public health. As of Tuesday evening, the agency hadn’t made a determination, officials said.Psaki on Tuesday indicated that while the administration was disappointed with the ruling, it didn’t rank with Congress’ inability to reach a compromise on additional COVID funding to purchase booster shots and antiviral treatments.“Those are our biggest concerns,” she said.Face-covering requirements, which have proven to lower the risks of infection, have grown increasingly political in the U.S. over the last year, particularly as cases and severe outcomes have fallen.The lingering mandate for public transit and air travel served as a daily reminder for many people that the pandemic they badly wanted to be over was still affecting their lives, even if vaccinations and antiviral treatments had dramatically lowered their risk. For others who are still fearful of the virus, each roll-back of pandemic restrictions has sparked fresh disquiet — and in some cases criticism of the Biden administration.“There are still a lot of people in this country who still want to have masks in place — either they have immunocompromised relatives, they have kids under 5, whatever it may be,” said Psaki.Monday’s court ruling hastened an outcome that was likely coming in weeks anyway. Many administration officials believed that last week’s 15-day extension of the mask order to May 3 would be the last. The public health agency had asked for the additional time to monitor whether a recent rise in infections would result in increased hospitalizations or deaths. So far it hasn’t.The court’s order caught the administration by surprise and left it struggling to grasp its impact — both on the requirement’s end and on CDC’s authorities going forward.“CDC scientists had asked for 15 days to make a more data-driven durable decision,” Dr. Aashish Jha, the new White House COVID-19 coordinator, tweeted on Tuesday. “We should have given it to them.”The uptick in cases and a recent spate of positive cases in Biden’s orbit — including second gentleman Doug Emhoff and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — was a potent reminder that the virus isn’t going away.Biden, 79, was never identified as a “close contact” under CDC guidelines, the White House said, and officials emphasized that he is strongly protected against the virus by being vaccinated and twice-boosted.Controlling the virus that has killed 986,000 Americans has been a priority for Biden since taking office. The U.S. now averages about 35,000 confirmed cases per day, down from a high of more than 806,000 during January’s omicron surge, but up slightly from lows of about 26,000 a month ago. Those figures are surely an undercount since many people don’t report the results of at-home tests to public health authorities.

Moving beyond masks: Biden toils to put pandemic behind him

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

It 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 on 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.”

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.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622894132711.png" alt="The CDC said in a statement on 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.”-photo Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>The CDC said in a statement on 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.”-photo Kansas City International Airport</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, trains and travel hubs, officials said Wednesday.It 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 on 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.”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 Dept. to appeal order voiding travel mask mandate

MOSCOW (AP)— The Russian Defense Ministry reported the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00963402.2022.2038907?needAccess=true">first launch</a> of its new Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. President Vladimir Putin said this weapon is unique and will make those who threaten Russia “think twice.”

The ministry said said the missile was launched Wednesday from the Plesetsk launch facility in northern Russia and its practice warheads hit designated targets at the Kura firing range on the far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula.

The Sarmat is a heavy missile, intended to replace the Soviet-made Voyevoda missile which was code-named Satan by the West. Putin and his officials said it's capable of penetrating any prospective missile defense.

Putin called this “a big, significant event” for Russia’s defense industry. He said the Sarmat will ensure Russia’s security from external threats and make those who, in the heat of frantic, aggressive rhetoric, try to threaten our country, think twice.”

Russia relies on land-based ICBMs as the core of its nuclear deterrent, and is counting on the Sarmat for decades to come.

The U.S. has its own ICBMs, but postponed and then called off an intercontinental nuclear-capable missile test to avoid escalating tensions with Russia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645673092575.png" alt="President Vladimir Putin called this “a big, significant event” for Russia’s defense industry. photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Vladimir Putin called this “a big, significant event” for Russia’s defense industry. photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP)— The Russian Defense Ministry reported the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00963402.2022.2038907?needAccess=true">first launch</a> of its new Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. President Vladimir Putin said this weapon is unique and will make those who threaten Russia “think twice.”The ministry said said the missile was launched Wednesday from the Plesetsk launch facility in northern Russia and its practice warheads hit designated targets at the Kura firing range on the far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula.The Sarmat is a heavy missile, intended to replace the Soviet-made Voyevoda missile which was code-named Satan by the West. Putin and his officials said it's capable of penetrating any prospective missile defense.Putin called this “a big, significant event” for Russia’s defense industry. He said the Sarmat will ensure Russia’s security from external threats and make those who, in the heat of frantic, aggressive rhetoric, try to threaten our country, think twice.”Russia relies on land-based ICBMs as the core of its nuclear deterrent, and is counting on the Sarmat for decades to come.The U.S. has its own ICBMs, but postponed and then called off an intercontinental nuclear-capable missile test to avoid escalating tensions with Russia.

Threat: Russia tests new intercontinental nuclear missile

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges of wire fraud and filing a false tax return related to a scheme to embezzle money from the Johnson County District Court in Olathe, Kansas, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Dawna Kellogg, 61, of Williamsburg—while employed in the accounting department at the Johnson County District Court—stole at least $776,691.50 in cash from her employer between January 2010 and June 2017. Kellogg’s legal name was Dawna Brandt at the time.

As the Accounting Supervisor for the Court, Kellogg managed the accounting department, collected funds from each separate county system, recorded funds collected, processed daily reports, and deposited the collected funds into the Court’s bank account. The Court utilized a case management system named the Justice Information Management System (JIMS), which had an accounting function to maintain the Court’s financial transactions.

Kellogg stole cash that the Court received, such as bail bond payments, and either spent or deposited the embezzled proceeds into her personal accounts. Kellogg concealed the stolen cash by two primary means: (1) manipulating an unclaimed property account and (2) creating an open payable in the JIMS system and then issuing a check that was both drawn on and deposited into the Court’s bank account, which created a corresponding debit and credit and thus no increase or decrease in the amount under deposit.

Kellogg pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. As part of her plea agreement, Kellogg agreed to not contest that the total loss resulting from the scheme to defraud was $1,135,988.13, which consists of $359,296.63 from 2007 through 2009 and $776,691.50 from 2010 through June 2017. &nbsp;

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for August 16 at 9:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Holly L. Teeter. &nbsp;

“The defendant knowingly defrauded the public for personal financial gain over a prolonged period of time. &nbsp;When someone in a position of public trust redirects incoming cash payments for city bonds, fines, and court costs to their personal bank account it threatens the very core of our government institutions. Today’s agreement underscores the importance of holding those whose criminal actions degrade the public’s trust accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles Dayoub, FBI Kansas City.

“Ms. Kellogg’s attempt to conceal her embezzlement by making fraudulent accounting entries and filing false tax returns was no match for IRS Criminal Investigation”, said Tyler Hatcher, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. &nbsp;“IRS-CI will aggressively pursue those who threaten to defraud the very court system which provides justice to all.”

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges of wire fraud and filing a false tax return related to a scheme to embezzle money from the Johnson County District Court in Olathe, Kansas, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Dawna Kellogg, 61, of Williamsburg—while employed in the accounting department at the Johnson County District Court—stole at least $776,691.50 in cash from her employer between January 2010 and June 2017. Kellogg’s legal name was Dawna Brandt at the time.As the Accounting Supervisor for the Court, Kellogg managed the accounting department, collected funds from each separate county system, recorded funds collected, processed daily reports, and deposited the collected funds into the Court’s bank account. The Court utilized a case management system named the Justice Information Management System (JIMS), which had an accounting function to maintain the Court’s financial transactions.Kellogg stole cash that the Court received, such as bail bond payments, and either spent or deposited the embezzled proceeds into her personal accounts. Kellogg concealed the stolen cash by two primary means: (1) manipulating an unclaimed property account and (2) creating an open payable in the JIMS system and then issuing a check that was both drawn on and deposited into the Court’s bank account, which created a corresponding debit and credit and thus no increase or decrease in the amount under deposit. Kellogg pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. As part of her plea agreement, Kellogg agreed to not contest that the total loss resulting from the scheme to defraud was $1,135,988.13, which consists of $359,296.63 from 2007 through 2009 and $776,691.50 from 2010 through June 2017. &nbsp;A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for August 16 at 9:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Holly L. Teeter. &nbsp;“The defendant knowingly defrauded the public for personal financial gain over a prolonged period of time. &nbsp;When someone in a position of public trust redirects incoming cash payments for city bonds, fines, and court costs to their personal bank account it threatens the very core of our government institutions. Today’s agreement underscores the importance of holding those whose criminal actions degrade the public’s trust accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles Dayoub, FBI Kansas City.“Ms. Kellogg’s attempt to conceal her embezzlement by making fraudulent accounting entries and filing false tax returns was no match for IRS Criminal Investigation”, said Tyler Hatcher, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. &nbsp;“IRS-CI will aggressively pursue those who threaten to defraud the very court system which provides justice to all.”

Accountant admits embezzling $700K from Kansas court

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri bill passed by the state House on Tuesday would put restrictions on how race is talked about in public K-12 schools.

The GOP-led House on Tuesday voted 85-59 in favor of the bill, with some Republicans opposing the measure. It now goes to the Republican-led Senate.&nbsp; In Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly vetoed similar legislation last week.

The legislation would ban schools from compelling students or teaching from saying “that individuals, by virtue of their race, ethnicity, color, or national origin, bear collective guilt and are inherently responsible for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race, ethnicity, color, or national origin.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2022&amp;code=R%20&amp;bill=HB%201858">measure</a>&nbsp;also bans schools from compelling students and teachers to affirm that “individuals of any race, ethnicity, color, or national origin are inherently superior or inferior.”

Students, parents or teachers could file complaints alleging violations of those bans with the state education department or Missouri attorney general.

Supporters argued that the bill is needed to prevent classrooms from being used to indoctrinate children. But critics said the measure could have a chilling effect and might scare educators away from having difficult discussions about race and American history.

“America’s history is not squeaky clean," Democratic Rep. LaKeySha Bosley said. “We need to be open-minded about that and have the hard conversations and not be scared to talk it through.”

Similar language has been advanced in Republican-led legislatures in states including&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mississippi.

The Missouri bill comes as Republicans across the country have been raising money by saying critical race theory is a threat.

Critical race theory is an academic framework that examines how racism has shaped public policy and institutions such as the legal system, and how those have perpetuated the dominance of white people in society.

The Missouri legislation doesn't mention critical race theory but alludes to the concept.

The measure also includes a number of provisions aimed at forcing schools to open their doors more widely to parents or face the threat of funding restrictions or lawsuits.

“Parents’ Bill of Rights Act of 2022" and would require school boards to “recognize and affirm the protected right of parents to direct the education of their minor child,” among other parental privileges in public schools including the right to visit their child in school.

Republican Rep. Mike Stephens said he’s “deeply afraid" the provision on parents' controlling their children's education could hamper public education.

“This language can wreak havoc in the classroom,” Republican Rep. Mike Stephens said. “Even though we want schools to be more open and we want the institutions of the public schools to be more open, we still have to have a system that is functional and that is not hamstrung by overkill and overzealous regulations.”

“I have no problem whatsoever with tipping the scales in favor of the parents, because that's how we communicate that we will work to regain your trust,” Republican Rep. Doug Richey said.

Under the measure, schools would be required to notify parents of misdemeanors or felonies committed by teachers and staff. Students could not participate in extracurriculars or field trips without parent permission.

Another section requires schools to publicly share class curricula, teacher salaries and documents used for professional development.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri bill passed by the state House on Tuesday would put restrictions on how race is talked about in public K-12 schools.The GOP-led House on Tuesday voted 85-59 in favor of the bill, with some Republicans opposing the measure. It now goes to the Republican-led Senate.&nbsp; In Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly vetoed similar legislation last week.The legislation would ban schools from compelling students or teaching from saying “that individuals, by virtue of their race, ethnicity, color, or national origin, bear collective guilt and are inherently responsible for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race, ethnicity, color, or national origin.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2022&amp;code=R%20&amp;bill=HB%201858">measure</a>&nbsp;also bans schools from compelling students and teachers to affirm that “individuals of any race, ethnicity, color, or national origin are inherently superior or inferior.”Students, parents or teachers could file complaints alleging violations of those bans with the state education department or Missouri attorney general.Supporters argued that the bill is needed to prevent classrooms from being used to indoctrinate children. But critics said the measure could have a chilling effect and might scare educators away from having difficult discussions about race and American history.“America’s history is not squeaky clean," Democratic Rep. LaKeySha Bosley said. “We need to be open-minded about that and have the hard conversations and not be scared to talk it through.”Similar language has been advanced in Republican-led legislatures in states including&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mississippi.The Missouri bill comes as Republicans across the country have been raising money by saying critical race theory is a threat.Critical race theory is an academic framework that examines how racism has shaped public policy and institutions such as the legal system, and how those have perpetuated the dominance of white people in society.The Missouri legislation doesn't mention critical race theory but alludes to the concept.The measure also includes a number of provisions aimed at forcing schools to open their doors more widely to parents or face the threat of funding restrictions or lawsuits.“Parents’ Bill of Rights Act of 2022" and would require school boards to “recognize and affirm the protected right of parents to direct the education of their minor child,” among other parental privileges in public schools including the right to visit their child in school.Republican Rep. Mike Stephens said he’s “deeply afraid" the provision on parents' controlling their children's education could hamper public education.“This language can wreak havoc in the classroom,” Republican Rep. Mike Stephens said. “Even though we want schools to be more open and we want the institutions of the public schools to be more open, we still have to have a system that is functional and that is not hamstrung by overkill and overzealous regulations.”Other Republicans disagreed.“I have no problem whatsoever with tipping the scales in favor of the parents, because that's how we communicate that we will work to regain your trust,” Republican Rep. Doug Richey said.Under the measure, schools would be required to notify parents of misdemeanors or felonies committed by teachers and staff. Students could not participate in extracurriculars or field trips without parent permission.Another section requires schools to publicly share class curricula, teacher salaries and documents used for professional development.

Missouri closer to approval of 'parents bill of rights' legislation

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an altercation that included gunshots.

Just before 5:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 1800 block of SE Massachusetts Avenue in reference a possible shooting, according to Lt. Michael Hren.

Upon arrival officers learned several subjects were involved in a physical altercation when one began firing shots in the area. 

One subject ran from the area and it was unknown if he had been injured or not. Police ultimately made contact with him by phone and he advised he was uninjured but refused to talk to officers.

Police detained several subjects due to some of the rounds striking houses and cars.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an altercation that included gunshots.Just before 5:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 1800 block of SE Massachusetts Avenue in reference a possible shooting, according to Lt. Michael Hren.Upon arrival officers learned several subjects were involved in a physical altercation when one began firing shots in the area. One subject ran from the area and it was unknown if he had been injured or not. Police ultimately made contact with him by phone and he advised he was uninjured but refused to talk to officers.Police detained several subjects due to some of the rounds striking houses and cars.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.

Police: Fight including gunshots damaged Kan. homes, cars

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650468864122.png" alt="Lopez-Garcia -photo Salina Police" />
 <figcaption>Lopez-Garcia -photo Salina Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Salina and asking the public for help to locate a person-of-interest.Just before 12:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the area of Front Street and Gypsum Avenue for a possible injury motor vehicle accident, according to a media release from Salina Police.Officers responded and located a white male deceased in the passenger seat of a green 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis. The victim appeared to have been shot and no one else was in the vehicle. The identity of the victim has not been confirmed at this time.The Salina Police Department is actively investigating this case as a homicide and has developed Anthony Quentin Lopez-Garcia a person of interest in the case. He is a 27-year old Hispanic male, 5-foot-8, weighs 170 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.&nbsp; Lopez-Garcia may be in a Maroon 2001 Dodge Dakota pickup with Kansas disabled tag B5702. Lopez-Garcia should be considered armed and dangerous. If you have information about his location or come into contact with him, do not approach or make contact with him, call 911 with the location or information.If you have any information referencing this case or the identification of the individual(s) involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950&amp;fbclid=IwAR2oQLMO1PIStio-2O0inINDAbyxn3YjMA6P-AqLuUtAwVMOiN-vXQmDJ6E" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950</a> to submit a web tip.

Wanted: Person-of-interest in Kan. homicide considered armed, dangerous

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Justice Department said Tuesday it will not appeal a federal district judge’s ruling that ended the nation’s federal mask mandate on public transit unless the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes the requirement is still necessary.

In a statement released a day after a Florida judge ended the sweeping mandate, which required face coverings on planes and trains and in transit hubs, Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said officials believe that the federal mask order was “a valid exercise of the authority Congress has given CDC to protect the public health.” He said it was “an important authority the Department will continue to work to preserve.”

Coley said the CDC had said it would continue to assess public health conditions, and if the agency determined a mandate was necessary for public health, the Justice Department would file an appeal.

As of Tuesday, the agency hadn’t made a determination, officials said.

The federal judge’s ruling did away with the last major vestige of federal pandemic rules and led to a mishmash of new locally created rules that reflected the nation’s ongoing divisions over how to battle the virus.

Major airlines and airports in places like Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City quickly switched to a mask-optional policy. Los Angeles County dropped its mandate for mass transit and a train conductor in New Jersey told commuters of their masks Tuesday: “Feel free to burn them at will.”

New York City, Chicago and Connecticut, however, continued to require masks for travelers.

The ride-sharing companies Lyft and Uber announced on their websites Tuesday that masks will now be optional while riding or driving.

Even Walt Disney World in Florida on Tuesday announced it was lifting its mask requirement for its monorail, buses and sky gondola.

For many, the news was welcome. A video showed some passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight cheering and applauding as they removed masks upon hearing the announcement they were now optional. One man happily twirled his mask on his finger.

However Brooke Tansley, a television producer and former Broadway performer, was incensed after boarding a flight with her 4-year-old and 8-month-old baby— neither old enough to be vaccinated — only to learn the mask mandate had ended mid-flight.

“Very very angry about this,” she said in a tweet, noting her baby was too young to wear a mask.

President Joe Biden went all-in on flexibility Tuesday when asked if Americans should mask up on planes.

“That’s up to them,” Biden declared during a visit to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. But the White House continues to require face coverings for those traveling with him on Air Force One, citing CDC guidance.

In Portland, Oregon, transit employees immediately began taking down “mask required” announcements and signs, but said it would likely take several days to remove everything.

The city joined Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Kansas City, Missouri, and two of Alaska’s largest cities, Anchorage and Juneau, in making masking optional on mass transit.

Some passengers at Chicago’s Union Station said the rules were confusing. Amtrak dropped its requirement. The Chicago Transit Authority and Metra, the regional commuter rail service, kept the requirement at first but dropped it late Tuesday.

“It’s like this patchwork of different rules and enforcement of it,” said Erik Abderhalden, who wore a mask as he waited for a Metra train to his home in suburban Naperville. “I mean, it’s like Swiss cheese ... there’s no uniformity and it seems pretty laissez-faire.”

Subway rider Cooper Klinges was pleased that New York City’s public transit system wasn’t following the trend and planned to keep its mask requirement in place. As he waited at a Brooklyn train station, he said he canceled a flight earlier this year over concerns about the virus.

“I don’t think we are out of the woods yet,” said Klinges, a teacher, citing concerns about the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus. “It is still around. We have to still stick it out.”

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

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 that led 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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608050594352.png" alt="The CDC had recently extended the mask mandate, which was set to expire Monday, until May 3 to allow more time to study the subvariant, which is now responsible for the vast majority of U.S. cases. But the court ruling puts that decision on hold.-photo courtesy Eisenhower Wichita National Airport" />
 <figcaption>The CDC had recently extended the mask mandate, which was set to expire Monday, until May 3 to allow more time to study the subvariant, which is now responsible for the vast majority of U.S. cases. But the court ruling puts that decision on hold.-photo courtesy Eisenhower Wichita National Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Justice Department said Tuesday it will not appeal a federal district judge’s ruling that ended the nation’s federal mask mandate on public transit unless the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes the requirement is still necessary.In a statement released a day after a Florida judge ended the sweeping mandate, which required face coverings on planes and trains and in transit hubs, Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said officials believe that the federal mask order was “a valid exercise of the authority Congress has given CDC to protect the public health.” He said it was “an important authority the Department will continue to work to preserve.”Coley said the CDC had said it would continue to assess public health conditions, and if the agency determined a mandate was necessary for public health, the Justice Department would file an appeal.As of Tuesday, the agency hadn’t made a determination, officials said.The federal judge’s ruling did away with the last major vestige of federal pandemic rules and led to a mishmash of new locally created rules that reflected the nation’s ongoing divisions over how to battle the virus.Major airlines and airports in places like Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City quickly switched to a mask-optional policy. Los Angeles County dropped its mandate for mass transit and a train conductor in New Jersey told commuters of their masks Tuesday: “Feel free to burn them at will.”New York City, Chicago and Connecticut, however, continued to require masks for travelers.The ride-sharing companies Lyft and Uber announced on their websites Tuesday that masks will now be optional while riding or driving.Even Walt Disney World in Florida on Tuesday announced it was lifting its mask requirement for its monorail, buses and sky gondola.For many, the news was welcome. A video showed some passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight cheering and applauding as they removed masks upon hearing the announcement they were now optional. One man happily twirled his mask on his finger.However Brooke Tansley, a television producer and former Broadway performer, was incensed after boarding a flight with her 4-year-old and 8-month-old baby— neither old enough to be vaccinated — only to learn the mask mandate had ended mid-flight.“Very very angry about this,” she said in a tweet, noting her baby was too young to wear a mask.President Joe Biden went all-in on flexibility Tuesday when asked if Americans should mask up on planes.“That’s up to them,” Biden declared during a visit to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. But the White House continues to require face coverings for those traveling with him on Air Force One, citing CDC guidance.In Portland, Oregon, transit employees immediately began taking down “mask required” announcements and signs, but said it would likely take several days to remove everything.The city joined Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Kansas City, Missouri, and two of Alaska’s largest cities, Anchorage and Juneau, in making masking optional on mass transit.Some passengers at Chicago’s Union Station said the rules were confusing. Amtrak dropped its requirement. The Chicago Transit Authority and Metra, the regional commuter rail service, kept the requirement at first but dropped it late Tuesday.“It’s like this patchwork of different rules and enforcement of it,” said Erik Abderhalden, who wore a mask as he waited for a Metra train to his home in suburban Naperville. “I mean, it’s like Swiss cheese ... there’s no uniformity and it seems pretty laissez-faire.”Subway rider Cooper Klinges was pleased that New York City’s public transit system wasn’t following the trend and planned to keep its mask requirement in place. As he waited at a Brooklyn train station, he said he canceled a flight earlier this year over concerns about the virus.“I don’t think we are out of the woods yet,” said Klinges, a teacher, citing concerns about the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus. “It is still around. We have to still stick it out.”The CDC had recently extended the mask mandate, which was set to expire Monday, until May 3 to allow more time to study the subvariant, which is now responsible for the vast majority of U.S. cases. But the court ruling puts that decision on hold.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 that led 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.

Feds will appeal mask ruling only if mandate still needed

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — An 18-month-old boy underwent emergency surgery after he was stabbed during a police chase, Jackson County prosecutors said Tuesday.

The boy remains hospitalized in intensive care, KCTV-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kctv5.com/2022/04/19/2-arrested-after-dad-stabs-toddler-during-blue-springs-police-chase/" target="_blank">reported.</a>

Blue Springs police say a chase began early Monday after a car driven by Tabatha Ong, of Kansas City, was involved in a crash and she drove off.

Anthony Beighley-Beck, 24, a passenger in the car, allegedly stabbed his son during the chase, prosecutors said. He later told detectives he was afraid the boy would be left with relatives who would abuse him, according to court records released Tuesday.

Beighley-Beck was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action, and is being held in the Jackson County Detention Center without bond.

Ong is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors sought a bond of $50,000 for her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650418949335.png" alt="Beighley-Beck-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Beighley-Beck-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — An 18-month-old boy underwent emergency surgery after he was stabbed during a police chase, Jackson County prosecutors said Tuesday.The boy remains hospitalized in intensive care, KCTV-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kctv5.com/2022/04/19/2-arrested-after-dad-stabs-toddler-during-blue-springs-police-chase/" target="_blank">reported.</a>Blue Springs police say a chase began early Monday after a car driven by Tabatha Ong, of Kansas City, was involved in a crash and she drove off.Anthony Beighley-Beck, 24, a passenger in the car, allegedly stabbed his son during the chase, prosecutors said. He later told detectives he was afraid the boy would be left with relatives who would abuse him, according to court records released Tuesday.Beighley-Beck was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action, and is being held in the Jackson County Detention Center without bond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650457593964.png" alt="Ong-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Ong-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ong is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors sought a bond of $50,000 for her.

Dad allegedly stabbed toddler son during KC police chase

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Fifteen-year-olds in Kansas will be able to drive by themselves to and from worship services and other religious activities, starting in July. 

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday signed into law a bill approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature to expand driving privileges for holders of restricted licenses. The law already allows 15-year-olds to drive by themselves to and from work. 

The change will allow them to drive to and from religious activities from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. A restricted license also already allows 15-year-olds to drive anywhere at any time if an adult with a valid license is sitting in the front passenger’s seat.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Fifteen-year-olds in Kansas will be able to drive by themselves to and from worship services and other religious activities, starting in July. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday signed into law a bill approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature to expand driving privileges for holders of restricted licenses. The law already allows 15-year-olds to drive by themselves to and from work. The change will allow them to drive to and from religious activities from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. A restricted license also already allows 15-year-olds to drive anywhere at any time if an adult with a valid license is sitting in the front passenger’s seat.

Kansas to let 15-year-olds drive alone to religious events

WICHITA COUNTY—An evacuation order has been lifted following a fire at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Plant, 505 North 4th Street in Leoti, according to the Sheriff's Office.

A fire just after 3:30p.m Tuesday at the fertilizer company prompted evacuation because hazardous materials were involved.

LEOTI, Kan. (AP) — Officials say a fire at a fertilizer company in western Kansas has prompted evacuations Tuesday afternoon because hazardous materials were involved. 

Wichita County Clerk Lynda Goodrich says the Ford County Regional Hazardous Materials Team deployed to Leoti for the fire Tuesday afternoon and was fighting the blaze and removing hazardous material. 

The fire began around 3:30 p.m. at a Nutrien Ag Solutions plant in Leoti. A company spokeswoman says no injuries were immediately reported. Wichita County officials requested people to avoid the area. The number of people evacuated isn’t clear.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650450825815.png" alt="The Community Building on Main Street was opened as a temporary shelter. Authorities have not released details on the number of those who were evacuated or what caused the fire-google image" />
 <figcaption>The Community Building on Main Street was opened as a temporary shelter. Authorities have not released details on the number of those who were evacuated or what caused the fire-google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA COUNTY—An evacuation order has been lifted following a fire at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Plant, 505 North 4th Street in Leoti, according to the Sheriff's Office.A fire just after 3:30p.m Tuesday at the fertilizer company prompted evacuation because hazardous materials were involved.There are no reports of injuries.----------LEOTI, Kan. (AP) — Officials say a fire at a fertilizer company in western Kansas has prompted evacuations Tuesday afternoon because hazardous materials were involved. Wichita County Clerk Lynda Goodrich says the Ford County Regional Hazardous Materials Team deployed to Leoti for the fire Tuesday afternoon and was fighting the blaze and removing hazardous material. The fire began around 3:30 p.m. at a Nutrien Ag Solutions plant in Leoti. A company spokeswoman says no injuries were immediately reported. Wichita County officials requested people to avoid the area. The number of people evacuated isn’t clear.

Evacuation order lifted after fertilizer plant fire in western Kansas

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a high-speed chase.

Just before 11 p.m. Monday, sheriff's deputies stopped a 2003 GMC Yukon at U.S. Highway 75 and 150th Road for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Upon contact with the occupants, the female passenger was identified, but the male passenger allegedly used false name to identify himself. 

After believing the driver was giving false information he was asked to step out of the vehicle. The driver then attempted to put the vehicle into drive and flee as deputies were at the vehicle. 

The driver then fled from law enforcement driving back north on U.S. 75 at high rate of speed and evading tire deflation devices at just north of 214th Road, according to Morse.

 The vehicle entered Holton City limits and attempted to evade the tire deflation device deployed by the Holton Police Department but was unsuccessful. 

At U.S. 75 and 246th,&nbsp; the driver lost the front driver side tire of the vehicle due to the spike strip. The SUV then traveled down into the ditch.

At this time deputies could see the passenger with her hands out the window and opening the door to trying to exit the vehicle. 

The vehicle came to a stop as as the driver tried to get back onto the highway at 262nd Road. 

The driver later identified&nbsp;Liberto Rey Rodriguez Jr. of Kansas City, Kansas, exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. 

He is being held on requested charges of Fleeing or attempting to Elude Law enforcement, avoiding tire deflation devices, reckless driving, felony Interference with Law enforcement, criminal restraint, driving while suspended, possession of stolen property, no proof of insurance, expired registration. Rodriquez was also wanted by the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation warrant for aggravated robbery. The female passenger was not arrested.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650378773560.png" alt="Liberto Rey Rodriguez Jr.-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Liberto Rey Rodriguez Jr.-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a high-speed chase.Just before 11 p.m. Monday, sheriff's deputies stopped a 2003 GMC Yukon at U.S. Highway 75 and 150th Road for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Upon contact with the occupants, the female passenger was identified, but the male passenger allegedly used false name to identify himself. After believing the driver was giving false information he was asked to step out of the vehicle. The driver then attempted to put the vehicle into drive and flee as deputies were at the vehicle. The driver then fled from law enforcement driving back north on U.S. 75 at high rate of speed and evading tire deflation devices at just north of 214th Road, according to Morse. The vehicle entered Holton City limits and attempted to evade the tire deflation device deployed by the Holton Police Department but was unsuccessful. At U.S. 75 and 246th,&nbsp; the driver lost the front driver side tire of the vehicle due to the spike strip. The SUV then traveled down into the ditch.At this time deputies could see the passenger with her hands out the window and opening the door to trying to exit the vehicle. The vehicle came to a stop as as the driver tried to get back onto the highway at 262nd Road. The driver later identified&nbsp;Liberto Rey Rodriguez Jr. of Kansas City, Kansas, exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. He is being held on requested charges of Fleeing or attempting to Elude Law enforcement, avoiding tire deflation devices, reckless driving, felony Interference with Law enforcement, criminal restraint, driving while suspended, possession of stolen property, no proof of insurance, expired registration. Rodriquez was also wanted by the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation warrant for aggravated robbery. The female passenger was not arrested.&nbsp;

Wanted Kan. robbery suspect jailed following high-speed chase

LANE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child sex charges.

Following previous information provided to the Lane County Sheriff from an out of state jurisdiction, authorities requested assistance of Kansas Bureau investigation's assistance in the case.

During the early afternoon of April 12, Lane County deputies along with KBI Agents served a federal arrest warrant on 47-year-old Daniel Kroeker at 313 N Wichita Street in Dighton, according to the Sheriff's office.

Kroeker is being held on requested charges that include Aggravated internet trading in child pornography, Electronic solicitation with child 14-16, and Sexual exploitation of a child. Case is currently proceeding into federal charges, according to the sheriff's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650402271599.png" alt="Kroeker is being held in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Kroeker is being held in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>LANE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child sex charges.Following previous information provided to the Lane County Sheriff from an out of state jurisdiction, authorities requested assistance of Kansas Bureau investigation's assistance in the case.During the early afternoon of April 12, Lane County deputies along with KBI Agents served a federal arrest warrant on 47-year-old Daniel Kroeker at 313 N Wichita Street in Dighton, according to the Sheriff's office.Kroeker is being held on requested charges that include Aggravated internet trading in child pornography, Electronic solicitation with child 14-16, and Sexual exploitation of a child. Case is currently proceeding into federal charges, according to the sheriff's office.

Western Kansas man faces federal child sex crime charges

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A 19-year-old from Kansas City has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a 16-year-old in Johnson County earlier this month, according to court records.

Robert Lewis Jones is charged in a shooting that occurred April 10 at an apartment building in Mission, Kansas, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article260533217.html#storylink=cpy">reported.</a>

A 13-year-old girl was also shot but was expected to recover, police said.

Police have not released the names of the victims. Mission Police Chief Dan Madden said Monday authorities are withholding the identities because of security concerns surrounding the case.

Madden said the investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650383788952.png" alt="Jones-photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A 19-year-old from Kansas City has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a 16-year-old in Johnson County earlier this month, according to court records.Robert Lewis Jones is charged in a shooting that occurred April 10 at an apartment building in Mission, Kansas, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article260533217.html#storylink=cpy">reported.</a>A 13-year-old girl was also shot but was expected to recover, police said.Police have not released the names of the victims. Mission Police Chief Dan Madden said Monday authorities are withholding the identities because of security concerns surrounding the case.Madden said the investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected.

Suspect charged in killing of 16-year-old Kansas boy

SAN FRANCISCO&nbsp; (AP) — Netflix’s video streaming service suffered the first loss in worldwide subscribers in its history, leading to a massive sell-off of its shares. The company’s customer base fell by 200,000 subscribers during the January-March period, according to a quarterly report released Tuesday; its stock dropped over 25% in after-market trading.

The subscription figure was far worse than company management’s forecast for a conservative gain of 2.5 million subscribers. The news deepens troubles at the streaming service that have been mounting since a surge of signups from a captive audience during the pandemic began to slow.

It marks the first time Netflix’s worldwide subscribers have contracted, although the service previously saw a decline in U..S. subscribers in 2019. Now Netflix is bracing for things to get even worse with a projected loss of another 2 million subscribers during the April-June period.

The disappointing performance caused Netflix’s stock price to plunge 26% in extended trading. Investors had already been bailing out of the company's once high-flying stock amid a dramatic slowdown in subscriber growth. If the shares behave similarly in Wednesday’s regular trading session, Netflix’s stock will have lost more than its value so far this year.

It marks the fourth time in the last five quarters that Netflix’s subscriber growth has fallen below the gains of the previous year, raising investor fears that its streaming service is mired in a malaise that has been magnified by stiffening competition from well-funded rivals such as Apple and Walt Disney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615571482496.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO&nbsp; (AP) — Netflix’s video streaming service suffered the first loss in worldwide subscribers in its history, leading to a massive sell-off of its shares. The company’s customer base fell by 200,000 subscribers during the January-March period, according to a quarterly report released Tuesday; its stock dropped over 25% in after-market trading.The subscription figure was far worse than company management’s forecast for a conservative gain of 2.5 million subscribers. The news deepens troubles at the streaming service that have been mounting since a surge of signups from a captive audience during the pandemic began to slow.It marks the first time Netflix’s worldwide subscribers have contracted, although the service previously saw a decline in U..S. subscribers in 2019. Now Netflix is bracing for things to get even worse with a projected loss of another 2 million subscribers during the April-June period.The disappointing performance caused Netflix’s stock price to plunge 26% in extended trading. Investors had already been bailing out of the company's once high-flying stock amid a dramatic slowdown in subscriber growth. If the shares behave similarly in Wednesday’s regular trading session, Netflix’s stock will have lost more than its value so far this year.It marks the fourth time in the last five quarters that Netflix’s subscriber growth has fallen below the gains of the previous year, raising investor fears that its streaming service is mired in a malaise that has been magnified by stiffening competition from well-funded rivals such as Apple and Walt Disney.

Netflix suffers first loss in worldwide subscribers in its history

WICHITA—Bombardier, a global leader in aviation, has designated Wichita as the home of its U.S. headquarters, according to a statement on the <a href="https://bombardier.com/en/media/news/bombardier-begins-new-era-wichita?page=0">company web site.</a>

Bombardier’s footprint in Wichita includes an expanding service centre that supports Bombardier’s entire family of&nbsp;Learjet,&nbsp;Challenger&nbsp;and&nbsp;Global&nbsp;business jets. 

The site also continues to operate one of the world’s leading flight test centers that performs testing and certification of aircraft upgrades on all new Bombardier aircraft programs, including the ongoing certification campaign for the&nbsp;Challenger 3500&nbsp;jet.

Wichita is also home to the newly renamed Bombardier Defense, reflecting the company’s strategic expansion of its existing Specialized Aircraft division. The expanding defense market is a key area of growth for the company. With the reinvented Bombardier Defense, led by Steve Patrick – Vice President Bombardier Defense, the company will leverage Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) design, manufacturing and certification expertise to provide agile, innovative solutions hosted on Bombardier’s class leading aircraft platforms. This centre of excellence for defense applications, technology and innovation fully leverages the Wichita workforce and local industry.

Bombardier Defense Tuesday also confirmed additional firm orders for modified versions of its&nbsp;Global 6000&nbsp;aircraft, as part of a potential $465 million USD order from the United States Air Force (USAF)&nbsp;in support of the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program. Last year, Bombardier was awarded the sole-source engineering and modification Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract from the USAF to modify up to six&nbsp;Global 6000&nbsp;business jets to become E11-A BACN platforms. Bombardier Defense will continue to leverage Wichita’s highly reputed expertise to provide in-service support and upgrades to the USAF’s expanding BACN fleet, underscoring Bombardier’s status as a key U.S. aerospace employer.

“Wichita was the obvious choice as the home of&nbsp;Bombardier’s new U.S. Headquarters and Bombardier Defense,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “For more than 60 years, the established skills and expertise from the Air Capital of the World is second to none, and this latest confirmation from the United States Air Force is a testament to the confidence they have in our aircraft and importantly, in the strength of our people in Wichita.”

With the announcement of Wichita as the company’s U.S. Headquarters, Bombardier also announced that Tonya Sudduth, former Vice President of Operations, Wichita site, has accepted the newly created role of Head of U.S. Strategy. Based in Wichita, Tonya Sudduth will lead Bombardier’s U.S. strategy, leveraging her extensive knowledge and rich aerospace experience to build strong relationships with key stakeholders in the community, government and industry to further strengthen and grow Bombardier’s presence across all its sites in the U.S.

Bombardier continues to grow its footprint in the U.S. and in Wichita. The company has harnessed the high-level know-how of the teams in Wichita and doubled the size of its service center workforce to meet existing and anticipated demand. From three hangars just four years ago, Bombardier’s Wichita service centre has expanded to include seven hangars today, offering&nbsp;Learjet,&nbsp;Challenger&nbsp;and&nbsp;Global&nbsp;aircraft operators exceptional original equipment manufacturer (OEM) value and customer experience. Bombardier Defense also benefits from dedicated hangars to meet growing demand.

<a>Between Bombardier’s service centre, flight test center and Bombardier Defense, the company is actively recruiting to immediately fill more than 180 jobs in Wichita and close to 500 jobs across the U.S.&nbsp;</a>To that end, Bombardier’s U.S Headquarters will host an open house on April 23, 2022 for employees and invited guests to showcase the site’s expansive facilities and for job applicants to meet with recruiters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613065911364.png" alt="Learjet photo courtesy Bombardier" />
 <figcaption>Learjet photo courtesy Bombardier</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA—Bombardier, a global leader in aviation, has designated Wichita as the home of its U.S. headquarters, according to a statement on the <a href="https://bombardier.com/en/media/news/bombardier-begins-new-era-wichita?page=0">company web site.</a>Bombardier’s footprint in Wichita includes an expanding service centre that supports Bombardier’s entire family of&nbsp;Learjet,&nbsp;Challenger&nbsp;and&nbsp;Global&nbsp;business jets. The site also continues to operate one of the world’s leading flight test centers that performs testing and certification of aircraft upgrades on all new Bombardier aircraft programs, including the ongoing certification campaign for the&nbsp;Challenger 3500&nbsp;jet.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650400581380.png" alt="Kansas congressman Ron Estes(third from left) and Governor Laura Kelly during Tuesday's announcement- photo courtesy Bombardier&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kansas congressman Ron Estes(third from left) and Governor Laura Kelly during Tuesday's announcement- photo courtesy Bombardier&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita is also home to the newly renamed Bombardier Defense, reflecting the company’s strategic expansion of its existing Specialized Aircraft division. The expanding defense market is a key area of growth for the company. With the reinvented Bombardier Defense, led by Steve Patrick – Vice President Bombardier Defense, the company will leverage Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) design, manufacturing and certification expertise to provide agile, innovative solutions hosted on Bombardier’s class leading aircraft platforms. This centre of excellence for defense applications, technology and innovation fully leverages the Wichita workforce and local industry.Bombardier Defense Tuesday also confirmed additional firm orders for modified versions of its&nbsp;Global 6000&nbsp;aircraft, as part of a potential $465 million USD order from the United States Air Force (USAF)&nbsp;in support of the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program. Last year, Bombardier was awarded the sole-source engineering and modification Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract from the USAF to modify up to six&nbsp;Global 6000&nbsp;business jets to become E11-A BACN platforms. Bombardier Defense will continue to leverage Wichita’s highly reputed expertise to provide in-service support and upgrades to the USAF’s expanding BACN fleet, underscoring Bombardier’s status as a key U.S. aerospace employer.“Wichita was the obvious choice as the home of&nbsp;Bombardier’s new U.S. Headquarters and Bombardier Defense,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “For more than 60 years, the established skills and expertise from the Air Capital of the World is second to none, and this latest confirmation from the United States Air Force is a testament to the confidence they have in our aircraft and importantly, in the strength of our people in Wichita.”With the announcement of Wichita as the company’s U.S. Headquarters, Bombardier also announced that Tonya Sudduth, former Vice President of Operations, Wichita site, has accepted the newly created role of Head of U.S. Strategy. Based in Wichita, Tonya Sudduth will lead Bombardier’s U.S. strategy, leveraging her extensive knowledge and rich aerospace experience to build strong relationships with key stakeholders in the community, government and industry to further strengthen and grow Bombardier’s presence across all its sites in the U.S.Bombardier continues to grow its footprint in the U.S. and in Wichita. The company has harnessed the high-level know-how of the teams in Wichita and doubled the size of its service center workforce to meet existing and anticipated demand. From three hangars just four years ago, Bombardier’s Wichita service centre has expanded to include seven hangars today, offering&nbsp;Learjet,&nbsp;Challenger&nbsp;and&nbsp;Global&nbsp;aircraft operators exceptional original equipment manufacturer (OEM) value and customer experience. Bombardier Defense also benefits from dedicated hangars to meet growing demand.<a>Between Bombardier’s service centre, flight test center and Bombardier Defense, the company is actively recruiting to immediately fill more than 180 jobs in Wichita and close to 500 jobs across the U.S.&nbsp;</a>To that end, Bombardier’s U.S Headquarters will host an open house on April 23, 2022 for employees and invited guests to showcase the site’s expansive facilities and for job applicants to meet with recruiters.

Jobs: Wichita is the new home of Bombardier U.S. headquarters

HAVEN, Kan. (AP) — Investigators have labeled the cause of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-kansas-wichita-evacuations-explosions-5ca21f23468b25388dfac5b2dff156ee">fire and explosions</a>&nbsp;at a Haven gas plant as undetermined, the Kansas Fire Marshal’s office said.

However, no foul play is suspected in the fire and explosions at the Haven Midstream Gas Plant, said Jill Bronaugh, spokeswoman for the state fire marshal,

The explosions and fire at the plant near Haven last Thursday injured two people, who suffered minor injuries, officials said.

Officials also evacuated people living within 1.5 miles of the plant for a few hours.

Fire and emergency crews spent more than 24 hours at the scene until returning the plant to company officials Friday afternoon, KSNW-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/local/cause-of-haven-explosion-is-undetermined/" target="_blank">reported.</a>

Bronaugh said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives helped with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649962850269.jpeg" alt="Explosion at the gas plant April 14, in Haven Kansas -Photo courtesy of Ana Woodburn" />
 <figcaption>Explosion at the gas plant April 14, in Haven Kansas -Photo courtesy of Ana Woodburn</figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. (AP) — Investigators have labeled the cause of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-kansas-wichita-evacuations-explosions-5ca21f23468b25388dfac5b2dff156ee">fire and explosions</a>&nbsp;at a Haven gas plant as undetermined, the Kansas Fire Marshal’s office said.However, no foul play is suspected in the fire and explosions at the Haven Midstream Gas Plant, said Jill Bronaugh, spokeswoman for the state fire marshal,The explosions and fire at the plant near Haven last Thursday injured two people, who suffered minor injuries, officials said.Officials also evacuated people living within 1.5 miles of the plant for a few hours.Fire and emergency crews spent more than 24 hours at the scene until returning the plant to company officials Friday afternoon, KSNW-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/local/cause-of-haven-explosion-is-undetermined/" target="_blank">reported.</a>Bronaugh said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives helped with the investigation.

Fire Marshal: Cause of explosion at Kansas gas plant 'undetermined'

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-04-18/suburban-school-officials-predict-chaos-if-kansas-lets-out-of-district-students-transfer-freely">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — Kansas stands on the verge of letting students attend any public school — regardless of where they live.

Conservatives
 love the plan. They say it would give poor families stuck in failing 
school districts a chance at a life-changing escape.

But school 
administrators running well-heeled suburban districts already are taking
 measures to demonstrate their classrooms are full — the one exception 
the proposed change would allow from barring students who want to 
transfer into a district they don’t live in.

They say they have 
little choice if they’re going to protect their taxpayers from the cost 
of teaching a flood of students they’re not prepared for and who come 
with needs they can’t afford to accommodate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650376535786.png" alt="Substitute teacher Serle McNeil leads an algebra class at Andover High School. Andover leaders say opening enrollment to out-of-district students would strain the district's resources. Suzanne Perez / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>Substitute teacher Serle McNeil leads an algebra class at Andover High School. Andover leaders say opening enrollment to out-of-district students would strain the district's resources. Suzanne Perez / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-04-18/suburban-school-officials-predict-chaos-if-kansas-lets-out-of-district-students-transfer-freely">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — Kansas stands on the verge of letting students attend any public school — regardless of where they live.Conservatives
 love the plan. They say it would give poor families stuck in failing 
school districts a chance at a life-changing escape.But school 
administrators running well-heeled suburban districts already are taking
 measures to demonstrate their classrooms are full — the one exception 
the proposed change would allow from barring students who want to 
transfer into a district they don’t live in.They say they have 
little choice if they’re going to protect their taxpayers from the cost 
of teaching a flood of students they’re not prepared for and who come 
with needs they can’t afford to accommodate.“We believe in 
neighborhood schools,” said Brett White, superintendent of Andover 
schools east of Wichita. “The open borders would just throw into chaos 
what's an established policy.”Open enrollment proposals passed in both <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20220323102801_716700/" target="_blank">the Kansas House</a> and <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb455/" target="_blank">Senate</a> before lawmakers left for their spring break this month. They echo measures in more than two dozen other states where <a href="https://schoolchoiceweek.com/public-school-transfer/" target="_blank">public school transfers are seen as a hallmark of school choice</a>.If a compromise bill is approved, here’s how it likely would work:By
 January 2023, every Kansas school district would be required to 
establish enrollment capacity limits by grade level and school building.
 By May 1, districts would determine the number of open seats at each 
grade level and would publish them by June 1.Students could apply
 to districts outside their residential area — if the other district has
 space. If there are more requests than open seats, districts would use a
 random lottery to fill them. In October, the process would begin again 
for the spring semester.That allows school districts to determine
 their own enrollment and capacity levels — and to go on record saying 
they can’t take in more students.“They would determine if there 
was any room at the inn,” said Republican Sen. Molly Baumgardner, chair 
of the Senate Education Committee.Districts wouldn’t have to 
accept students with histories of absenteeism, suspensions or 
expulsions. But they could not deny students based on a disability or 
special-education status.The state’s portion of education funding would follow the student to the new district.Republican
 Rep. Sean Tarwater, a member of the House K-12 Budget Committee who 
supports open enrollment, said boundaries based on a student’s address 
create academic segregation.“One of the things that we hear is … 
‘Why doesn’t the student just move into a better district if they want a
 better school?’ Unfortunately, homes or apartments in some of the 
better districts are unattainable for most of the families that live in 
the districts that might be failing,” Tarwater said. “This bill simply 
allows those children to have a choice and a chance.”Supporters point to <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-11-23/test-scores-show-kansas-students-fell-further-behind-during-pandemic" target="_blank">declining test scores</a> as evidence of struggling districts — and the nearby schools they might flee to.In Kansas City, Kansas, for instance, <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0500&amp;rptType=2" target="_blank">more than two-thirds of students scored below grade level in math</a> last spring. In nearby Blue Valley, <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0229&amp;rptType=2" target="_blank">only 16% scored below grade level</a> — half the state average.At Heights High School in northeast Wichita, <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0259&amp;bldg_no=1846&amp;rptType=1" target="_blank">more than 72% of students scored below grade level</a> in math. At Andover Central High School, about 15 miles away in a different district, only <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0385&amp;bldg_no=5186&amp;rptType=1" target="_blank">22% scored below grade level</a>.But
 the open enrollment proposal doesn’t require districts to provide 
transportation for transfer students. So opponents say only wealthier 
parents will take advantage of the option, snagging any available spots 
in high-achieving districts because they can afford to drive their kids 
to school.That could leave struggling urban districts in even 
worse shape, critics say, with a greater percentage of high-need 
students and less state funding.“This bill creates two tiers,” 
said Sen. Cindy Holsher, a Democrat from Overland Park. “We have 
children (whose) parents have the means to get them maybe an hour away 
to another school. But there are a number of children in districts who 
don’t have that advantage.”Many suburban superintendents oppose 
open enrollment in part because they say local taxpayers shouldn’t have 
to subsidize out-of-district students.“Blue Valley is among the 
highest-performing districts in Kansas — indeed competing nationally — 
and, as such, would find our districts overwhelmed with requests from 
non-residents,” Blue Valley Superintendent Tonya Merrigan said in <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_s_ed_1/documents/testimony/20220308_09.pdf" target="_blank">written testimony to the Senate Education Committee</a>.“Without
 intending to sound elitist, it is nonetheless true that housing costs 
in our districts often provide a check on resident student growth.”In
 Andover, some residents complained on social media that an influx of 
outside students would increase traffic and pollution and deteriorate 
the district’s sense of community.Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, called those arguments elitist.“Based
 on what the superintendents said, I think it’s very clear,” Erickson 
said. “‘We want our high socioeconomic status to remain. We’re born on 
third and think we hit a triple, and we don’t want anyone interfering 
with that.’”Under the House bill, districts would get to define 
the term “capacity” and set their own capacity limits. The Kansas State 
Board of Education would audit only one district each year to determine 
whether they complied with the law.About 20,000 Kansas students 
currently attend schools outside their district. More than 90% of 
districts reported accepting at least some out-of-district students. 
Andover, for example, allows children of full-time district employees to
 enroll in Andover schools regardless of where they live.White, 
the Andover superintendent, said open enrollment would be a logistical 
nightmare. He said it’s hard enough to predict enrollment trends within 
his district, which has grown steadily for the past decade.Setting
 new capacity guidelines, handling applications and then readjusting for
 latecomers — possibly having to hire additional teachers just before 
school starts — would be an unnecessary burden, White said.“We have a system that works,” he said. “Why would Topeka want to create a whole new bureaucracy for us at the local level?”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.