By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Law enforcement arrested a Kansas felon after he allegedly led police on a chase through central Salina on Easter Sunday. That arrest led to the capture of a wanted Kansas felon.

Just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday, an officer observed a Ford Expedition driving southbound on S. Fourth Street near the intersection with E. Mulberry Street. The driver allegedly turned his head so as not to be identified by the officer, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The officer also noticed that the back window of the SUV was broken out.

The officer began following the SUV. As they neared the intersection of S. Fourth Street and E. South Street, the officer observed that the temporary tag on the SUV seemed to be fabricated as the print on the tag was too small to read, Forrester said. The officer attempted to stop the SUV, but it took off.

Forrester said the pursuit went all over central and west-central Salina, sometimes at up to 60 mph.

At one point, the SUV was traveling eastbound through a utility access road between Kiowa Avenue and Cheyenne Avenue in west Salina. The SUV went through several fences and a clothesline and became disabled when it hit a tree in the backyard of 1426 Kiowa Avenue, Forrester said.

The driver of the SUV then fled on foot, leaving a 36-year-old woman passenger behind. Forrester said the woman told police that she had repeatedly asked the driver to stop and let her out, but he had refused.

A short time later, a panic alarm sent officers to a nearby residence in the 1300 block of Cheyenne Avenue. While they were talking with the female resident at the front door, the SUV driver, identified as Joshua Quested, 34, of Salina, fled out the rear of the residence, where officers were waiting to arrest him, Forrester said. When Quested was arrested, he allegedly was in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

Police arrested Quested on requested charges that include Felony flee and elude, Kidnapping, Felony obstruction, Criminal restraint, Aggravated burglary, Damage to property, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, No tax stamp and Numerous traffic violations.

While police were clearing the residence in the 1300 block of Cheyenne Avenue, they found Zachariah Humphreys, 35, of Salina, allegedly hiding in the residence. Humphreys was wanted on multiple requested charges. He is being held on requested charges that include Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Driving While Suspended, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant , Reckless Driving and Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650288305519.png" alt="Joshua Quested has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -Photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Joshua Quested has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -Photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostLaw enforcement arrested a Kansas felon after he allegedly led police on a chase through central Salina on Easter Sunday. That arrest led to the capture of a wanted Kansas felon.Just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday, an officer observed a Ford Expedition driving southbound on S. Fourth Street near the intersection with E. Mulberry Street. The driver allegedly turned his head so as not to be identified by the officer, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The officer also noticed that the back window of the SUV was broken out.The officer began following the SUV. As they neared the intersection of S. Fourth Street and E. South Street, the officer observed that the temporary tag on the SUV seemed to be fabricated as the print on the tag was too small to read, Forrester said. The officer attempted to stop the SUV, but it took off.Forrester said the pursuit went all over central and west-central Salina, sometimes at up to 60 mph.At one point, the SUV was traveling eastbound through a utility access road between Kiowa Avenue and Cheyenne Avenue in west Salina. The SUV went through several fences and a clothesline and became disabled when it hit a tree in the backyard of 1426 Kiowa Avenue, Forrester said.The driver of the SUV then fled on foot, leaving a 36-year-old woman passenger behind. Forrester said the woman told police that she had repeatedly asked the driver to stop and let her out, but he had refused.A short time later, a panic alarm sent officers to a nearby residence in the 1300 block of Cheyenne Avenue. While they were talking with the female resident at the front door, the SUV driver, identified as Joshua Quested, 34, of Salina, fled out the rear of the residence, where officers were waiting to arrest him, Forrester said. When Quested was arrested, he allegedly was in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.Police arrested Quested on requested charges that include Felony flee and elude, Kidnapping, Felony obstruction, Criminal restraint, Aggravated burglary, Damage to property, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, No tax stamp and Numerous traffic violations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650287836594.png" alt="Zachariah Humphreys has previous convictions for theft, making false writing, obstruction, aggravated failure to appear and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Zachariah Humphreys has previous convictions for theft, making false writing, obstruction, aggravated failure to appear and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>While police were clearing the residence in the 1300 block of Cheyenne Avenue, they found Zachariah Humphreys, 35, of Salina, allegedly hiding in the residence. Humphreys was wanted on multiple requested charges. He is being held on requested charges that include Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Driving While Suspended, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant , Reckless Driving and Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance, according to online jail records.

Police jail two Kansas felons after Easter Sunday chase

SUMNER COUNTY– A&nbsp; Kansas man has been convicted of voluntary manslaughter in connection with the disappearance and death of a Sedgwick County woman in April 2020, according to Kansas Attorney General&nbsp;Derek Schmidt.

Robert Bruce Mans Jr., 50, of Wichita, entered a no contest plea in Marion County District Court to one count of voluntary manslaughter and one count of aggravated battery. Senior Judge Mark S. Braun accepted the plea and scheduled Mans to be sentenced on May 23.

Mans was convicted for the death of Shalan Niccole Gannon, 27, of Wichita. Authorities allege Gannon was killed on or about April 8, 2020. She was reported missing on April 11, and her body was found in June 2020 in the Ninnescah River in rural Sumner County. Mans was formally charged in October 2020.

The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Wichita Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591985077348.png" alt="Shalan Niccole Gannon photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Shalan Niccole Gannon photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY– A&nbsp; Kansas man has been convicted of voluntary manslaughter in connection with the disappearance and death of a Sedgwick County woman in April 2020, according to Kansas Attorney General&nbsp;Derek Schmidt.Robert Bruce Mans Jr., 50, of Wichita, entered a no contest plea in Marion County District Court to one count of voluntary manslaughter and one count of aggravated battery. Senior Judge Mark S. Braun accepted the plea and scheduled Mans to be sentenced on May 23.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604005781596.png" alt="Mans has previous convictions for burglary, theft and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He is being held in the Marion County, Kansas jail." />
 <figcaption>Mans has previous convictions for burglary, theft and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He is being held in the Marion County, Kansas jail.</figcaption>
 </figure>Mans was convicted for the death of Shalan Niccole Gannon, 27, of Wichita. Authorities allege Gannon was killed on or about April 8, 2020. She was reported missing on April 11, and her body was found in June 2020 in the Ninnescah River in rural Sumner County. Mans was formally charged in October 2020.The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Wichita Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.

Man guilty in death of Kan. woman whose body was found in river

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/18/washburn-university-president-jerry-farley-to-retire-in-september-after-25-years/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — After 25 years at the helm of Washburn University, Jerry Farley says he will retire effective Sept. 30.

Farley, the longest-tenured Washburn University president, has led 
the school since 1997. He said Monday he will transition to the role of 
president emeritus with a focus on fundraising and international student
 recruitment following his retirement.

“For several years, I have worked with the Washburn University Board 
of Regents and talked with them about the succession planning that needs
 to occur if we’re going to have a smooth easy transfer of authority,” 
said Farley, who will turn 76 just over a week before his retirement. 
“My wife and I had some free time for ourselves in this last week and 
decided this is the time.”

During his tenure, Farley aimed to move the campus away from being a 
commuter school, transitioning to a more traditional college experience.
 He also brought the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Forensic Center to 
the university.

He also touted the addition of Washburn Tech from USD 501 in 2008.

An Oklahoma native, Farley arrived at Washburn after spending the 
previous 25 years in Oklahoma’s higher education system. He served on 
multiple local boards and was a co-founder of Go Topeka, a community 
development arm of the Greater Topeka Partnership.

“Washburn is better than when I came, I think,” Farley said.
 “That’s what I hope (to tell my successor), that we have structured 
things so that it will work for students and help them achieve what they
 want to do.”

Farley is the latest university administrator to announce their departure. JuliAnn Mazachek is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/education/2022/03/07/washburn-university-juliann-mazachek-midwestern-state-president/9412713002/">taking on the role of president at Midwestern State University</a>&nbsp;in Texas, School of Law Dean Carla Pratt is leaving to be the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/education/2022/03/18/washburn-university-law-dean-carla-pratt-leaving-school/7090956001/">endowed chair at the University of Oklahoma College of Law</a>, and Washburn Tech dean Gary Bayens <a target="_blank" href="https://wualumni.org/bayens">retired after 25 years</a>.

The decision about who will lead the institution next falls to the 
Washburn University Board of Regents, which will start the search 
process in the next few days. Board chairman Terry Beck said the goal is
 to hire someone before Farley’s retirement in September.

Beck told the small crowd gathered for the retirement announcement 
they were hopeful Washburn would be lucky enough to have another 
president who sticks around for 25 years.

“It’s going to be hard to replace a giant,” Beck said. “You see his 
fingerprints all over the school. It has grown so much, and he has been 
such a positive force, so we congratulate him on a job well done.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650376723710.png" alt="Washburn University President Jerry Farley will retire Sept. 30 as the longest-tenured individual to hold the position. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Washburn University President Jerry Farley will retire Sept. 30 as the longest-tenured individual to hold the position. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/18/washburn-university-president-jerry-farley-to-retire-in-september-after-25-years/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — After 25 years at the helm of Washburn University, Jerry Farley says he will retire effective Sept. 30.Farley, the longest-tenured Washburn University president, has led 
the school since 1997. He said Monday he will transition to the role of 
president emeritus with a focus on fundraising and international student
 recruitment following his retirement.“For several years, I have worked with the Washburn University Board 
of Regents and talked with them about the succession planning that needs
 to occur if we’re going to have a smooth easy transfer of authority,” 
said Farley, who will turn 76 just over a week before his retirement. 
“My wife and I had some free time for ourselves in this last week and 
decided this is the time.”During his tenure, Farley aimed to move the campus away from being a 
commuter school, transitioning to a more traditional college experience.
 He also brought the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Forensic Center to 
the university.He also touted the addition of Washburn Tech from USD 501 in 2008.An Oklahoma native, Farley arrived at Washburn after spending the 
previous 25 years in Oklahoma’s higher education system. He served on 
multiple local boards and was a co-founder of Go Topeka, a community 
development arm of the Greater Topeka Partnership.“Washburn is better than when I came, I think,” Farley said.
 “That’s what I hope (to tell my successor), that we have structured 
things so that it will work for students and help them achieve what they
 want to do.”Farley is the latest university administrator to announce their departure. JuliAnn Mazachek is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/education/2022/03/07/washburn-university-juliann-mazachek-midwestern-state-president/9412713002/">taking on the role of president at Midwestern State University</a>&nbsp;in Texas, School of Law Dean Carla Pratt is leaving to be the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/education/2022/03/18/washburn-university-law-dean-carla-pratt-leaving-school/7090956001/">endowed chair at the University of Oklahoma College of Law</a>, and Washburn Tech dean Gary Bayens <a target="_blank" href="https://wualumni.org/bayens">retired after 25 years</a>.The decision about who will lead the institution next falls to the 
Washburn University Board of Regents, which will start the search 
process in the next few days. Board chairman Terry Beck said the goal is
 to hire someone before Farley’s retirement in September.Beck told the small crowd gathered for the retirement announcement 
they were hopeful Washburn would be lucky enough to have another 
president who sticks around for 25 years.“It’s going to be hard to replace a giant,” Beck said. “You see his 
fingerprints all over the school. It has grown so much, and he has been 
such a positive force, so we congratulate him on a job well done.”

Washburn president to retire after 25 years

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend shooting&nbsp;

Just after 5a.m. Saturday, police were called to the 3800 block of East Roseberry in Wichita, according to a media release. They found 31-year-old Javari Jones with several gunshot wounds. EMS transported Jones to a local hospital where he died.

Investigators learned Jones went into a home and confronted a 40-year-old man about a relationship with a woman.&nbsp; 

An argument broke out and Jones fired several shots from a handgun, striking the other man in the upper chest.&nbsp; &nbsp;The 40-year-old man fired several shots that struck Jones.&nbsp; The 40-year-old drove himself to a hospital where he was treated for serious injuries.

Police will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650313793554.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend shooting&nbsp;Just after 5a.m. Saturday, police were called to the 3800 block of East Roseberry in Wichita, according to a media release. They found 31-year-old Javari Jones with several gunshot wounds. EMS transported Jones to a local hospital where he died.Investigators learned Jones went into a home and confronted a 40-year-old man about a relationship with a woman.&nbsp; An argument broke out and Jones fired several shots from a handgun, striking the other man in the upper chest.&nbsp; &nbsp;The 40-year-old man fired several shots that struck Jones.&nbsp; The 40-year-old drove himself to a hospital where he was treated for serious injuries.Police will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Police: Kansas killing involved dispute over a woman

WASHINGTON (AP) —A decision by a federal judge in Florida to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-business-travel-tampa-3408cc825582126fbda5fbedd3a49dd3">throw out a national mask mandate for public transportation across the U.S.</a>&nbsp;created a confusing patchwork of rules for passengers as they navigate airports and transit systems.

The ruling gives airports, mass transit systems, airlines and ride-hailing services the option to keep mask rules or ditch them entirely, resulting in rules that vary by city and mode of transportation.

Passengers on an United Airlines flight from Houston to Kennedy Airport, for instance, could ditch their masks at their departing airport and on the plane, but have to put them back on once they land in New York or take a subway.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-e603a9dfc361ad095733bc868ebeba74">extended the mandate until May 3</a>&nbsp;to allow more time to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus now responsible for the vast majority of U.S. cases. But the court decision put the mandate on hold.

Here’s a look at how U.S. transportation centers and providers are responding:

Major airlines were some of the first to update their rules after the court decision. United, Southwest, American, Alaska, Delta and JetBlue announced that, effective immediately, masks would no longer be required on domestic flights.

“While this means that our employees are no longer required to wear a mask – and no longer have to enforce a mask requirement for most of the flying public – they will be able to wear masks if they choose to do so, as the CDC continues to strongly recommend wearing a mask on public transit,” United Airlines said.

The Association of Flight Attendants, the nation’s largest union of cabin crews, has recently taken a neutral position on the mask rule because its members are divided about the issue. On Monday, the union’s president appealed for calm on planes and in airports.

Alaska Airlines said some passengers who were banned for violating the mask policy will remain banned.

Airports weren’t as fast to do away with masks, with several expressing uncertainty about the ruling and taking a wait-and-see approach.

But others, including the two main airports in Houston, did away with mask requirements soon after the Transportation Security Administration said it would no longer enforce the mask mandate. Los Angeles International and Phoenix Sky Harbor also eliminated their mask requirements. San Francisco International Airport said it was waiting for further guidance from TSA.

The New York City airports appeared to keep the mandate intact.

The rules for train and bus passengers vary by city and transit agency.

In New York, Metropolitan Transportation Authority communications director Tim Minton said the system was keeping the mask mandate, meaning face coverings are still required on the subway, buses and commuter rail lines, as they have since early in the pandemic.

But the regional train system serving the Washington, D.C., area said Monday that masks will be now optional for its customers and employees going forward.

“Our mask mandate has been based on federal guidance,” said Paul J. Wiedefeld, general manager and CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. “We will continue to monitor this situation as it unfolds, but masks will be optional on Metro property until further notice.”

Amtrak also said it was making masks optional.

WASHINGTON —Due to Monday's court ruling, effective immediately,&nbsp; the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs, according to a statement from the agency.

A federal judge in Florida on Monday&nbsp; voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials. 

&nbsp;The Justice Department declined to comment when asked if it would seek an emergency stay to block the judge’s order.

TSA will also rescind the new Security Directives that were scheduled to take effect Tuesday. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632163961062.png" alt="photo courtesy transportation security administration" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy transportation security administration</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —A decision by a federal judge in Florida to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-business-travel-tampa-3408cc825582126fbda5fbedd3a49dd3">throw out a national mask mandate for public transportation across the U.S.</a>&nbsp;created a confusing patchwork of rules for passengers as they navigate airports and transit systems.The ruling gives airports, mass transit systems, airlines and ride-hailing services the option to keep mask rules or ditch them entirely, resulting in rules that vary by city and mode of transportation.Passengers on an United Airlines flight from Houston to Kennedy Airport, for instance, could ditch their masks at their departing airport and on the plane, but have to put them back on once they land in New York or take a subway.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-e603a9dfc361ad095733bc868ebeba74">extended the mandate until May 3</a>&nbsp;to allow more time to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus now responsible for the vast majority of U.S. cases. But the court decision put the mandate on hold.Here’s a look at how U.S. transportation centers and providers are responding:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618925544398.png" alt="Photo Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>AIRLINESMajor airlines were some of the first to update their rules after the court decision. United, Southwest, American, Alaska, Delta and JetBlue announced that, effective immediately, masks would no longer be required on domestic flights.“While this means that our employees are no longer required to wear a mask – and no longer have to enforce a mask requirement for most of the flying public – they will be able to wear masks if they choose to do so, as the CDC continues to strongly recommend wearing a mask on public transit,” United Airlines said.The Association of Flight Attendants, the nation’s largest union of cabin crews, has recently taken a neutral position on the mask rule because its members are divided about the issue. On Monday, the union’s president appealed for calm on planes and in airports.Alaska Airlines said some passengers who were banned for violating the mask policy will remain banned.AIRPORTSAirports weren’t as fast to do away with masks, with several expressing uncertainty about the ruling and taking a wait-and-see approach.But others, including the two main airports in Houston, did away with mask requirements soon after the Transportation Security Administration said it would no longer enforce the mask mandate. Los Angeles International and Phoenix Sky Harbor also eliminated their mask requirements. San Francisco International Airport said it was waiting for further guidance from TSA.The New York City airports appeared to keep the mandate intact.TRAINS AND BUSESThe rules for train and bus passengers vary by city and transit agency.In New York, Metropolitan Transportation Authority communications director Tim Minton said the system was keeping the mask mandate, meaning face coverings are still required on the subway, buses and commuter rail lines, as they have since early in the pandemic.But the regional train system serving the Washington, D.C., area said Monday that masks will be now optional for its customers and employees going forward.“Our mask mandate has been based on federal guidance,” said Paul J. Wiedefeld, general manager and CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. “We will continue to monitor this situation as it unfolds, but masks will be optional on Metro property until further notice.”Amtrak also said it was making masks optional.--------WASHINGTON —Due to Monday's court ruling, effective immediately,&nbsp; the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs, according to a statement from the agency.A federal judge in Florida on Monday&nbsp; voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials. &nbsp;The Justice Department declined to comment when asked if it would seek an emergency stay to block the judge’s order.TSA will also rescind the new Security Directives that were scheduled to take effect Tuesday. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time.

Court ruling creates mishmash of transportation mask rules

MORRIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a child was injured when a juvenile was participating in a social media challenge.

Just after 8p.m. Saturday, police were dispatch to an initial report of a drive-by shooting in the&nbsp; area of Donnon and 11th Street in Council Grove, according to a media release.

Investigators determined that a juvenile had shot multiple Orbeez rounds at a home. One round struck a child. Orbeez guns are toys that rapidly fire gel bullets, according to the release.

Police took the boy into custody. They also asked parents to talk with their kids if they own one of these guns. The guns can cause injury if fired at unsuspecting people. "The Orbeez Challenge has been trending on social media so make your children are aware of the dangers."

MORRIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a child was injured when a juvenile was participating in a social media challenge.Just after 8p.m. Saturday, police were dispatch to an initial report of a drive-by shooting in the&nbsp; area of Donnon and 11th Street in Council Grove, according to a media release.Investigators determined that a juvenile had shot multiple Orbeez rounds at a home. One round struck a child. Orbeez guns are toys that rapidly fire gel bullets, according to the release.Police took the boy into custody. They also asked parents to talk with their kids if they own one of these guns. The guns can cause injury if fired at unsuspecting people. "The Orbeez Challenge has been trending on social media so make your children are aware of the dangers."

Social media challenge: Kan. juvenile arrested, another injured 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for a home invasion burglary.

Just after 9:00 a.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a burglary in progress at a residence in the 1200 Block of SW Pembroke in Topeka, according to Police Sgt. Steven Block.

 The homeowner was reporting hearing noises in the home and believed an intruder was inside. Officers arrived and discovered the home had been broken into while occupied, and numerous items were stolen.

A neighborhood canvas led to a suspect vehicle being identified, and a stolen electronic item was able to be tracked by GPS to a residence in the 2300 Block of SE Bellview Avenue in Topeka. 

Officers conducted a knock and talk at this residence and were able to take two suspects into custody.

These suspects were brought to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with detectives about this case.

After a search warrant was completed at the address where the suspects were located, Lakendrick Hunter, 24, and Joseph Hines, 25 were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Burglary, Felony Theft and Felony Criminal Damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650325171503.png" alt="Hines-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hines-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for a home invasion burglary.Just after 9:00 a.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a burglary in progress at a residence in the 1200 Block of SW Pembroke in Topeka, according to Police Sgt. Steven Block. The homeowner was reporting hearing noises in the home and believed an intruder was inside. Officers arrived and discovered the home had been broken into while occupied, and numerous items were stolen.A neighborhood canvas led to a suspect vehicle being identified, and a stolen electronic item was able to be tracked by GPS to a residence in the 2300 Block of SE Bellview Avenue in Topeka. Officers conducted a knock and talk at this residence and were able to take two suspects into custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650325130588.png" alt="Hunter-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hunter-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>These suspects were brought to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with detectives about this case.After a search warrant was completed at the address where the suspects were located, Lakendrick Hunter, 24, and Joseph Hines, 25 were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Burglary, Felony Theft and Felony Criminal Damage.

2 suspects accused in Kansas home invasion burglary

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Monday signed a large alcohol policy bill that allows for the consumption of beer, wine or other alcoholic liquor on the Kansas state fairgrounds in areas to be set by the State Fair Board.

"This would allow people to walk around the fairgrounds during fair time with their favorite beverage, beer or wine," State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said last month. "We would be able to control that by setting boundaries."

The Fair Board would have to issue permits that clearly outline the area.

"During fair time, that might be a little difficult because of the full size of the grounds," Schulz said. "During other events on the grounds, we would be able to set up a parameter. Say, if we were to have a big car show up there, we could set up fencing and say it has to stay within this area and proper security would have to be taken with that."

Now that the bill is signed, the board can take up the issue. The next State Fair Board meeting is May 10 at 10 a.m.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — New Kansas laws will make the state fair home to drinkers who roam.

 Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday signed bills on beer and wine sales at the state fair. 

At the state fair, patrons 21 and older already can consume beer and wine in designated buildings and areas, but the new law will allow them to walk outside those areas with their drinks within boundaries marked off with a barrier.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1568929115476.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Monday signed a large alcohol policy bill that allows for the consumption of beer, wine or other alcoholic liquor on the Kansas state fairgrounds in areas to be set by the State Fair Board."This would allow people to walk around the fairgrounds during fair time with their favorite beverage, beer or wine," State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said last month. "We would be able to control that by setting boundaries."The Fair Board would have to issue permits that clearly outline the area."During fair time, that might be a little difficult because of the full size of the grounds," Schulz said. "During other events on the grounds, we would be able to set up a parameter. Say, if we were to have a big car show up there, we could set up fencing and say it has to stay within this area and proper security would have to be taken with that."Now that the bill is signed, the board can take up the issue. The next State Fair Board meeting is May 10 at 10 a.m.---------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — New Kansas laws will make the state fair home to drinkers who roam. Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday signed bills on beer and wine sales at the state fair. At the state fair, patrons 21 and older already can consume beer and wine in designated buildings and areas, but the new law will allow them to walk outside those areas with their drinks within boundaries marked off with a barrier.

Kansas to let drinkers roam at the State Fair

KANSAS CITY —A judge on Friday found Timothy Fernandez guilty of two felony counts related to the fatal shooting in February 2019 of Michael Bryan outside a business near 17th and Grand Boulevard in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

The judge convicted 45-year-old Fernandez guilty of Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action. 

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to 17th and Grand on the morning of Feb. 5, 2019, regarding a shooting. The victim was found deceased on the sidewalk. He had suffered gunshot wounds. Surveillance video showed the fatal shooting of Michael Bryan. The suspect and the victim were on the north side of the business. 

The victim walked away and the suspect drew a gun and shot at the victim. The video also showed the suspect throwing away a tissue after blowing his nose before the shooting. 

Police recovered the tissue and tested for DNA. Police also found a backpack and jacket found nearby. DNA from the tissue, a fingerprint from an item found in the backpack were linked to the suspect and ammunition from the backpack was the same caliber as a bullet recovered from the victim's jacket.&nbsp;

In 2020, Fernandez was found guilty of the same counts in Bryan's shooting, but was granted a motion for a new trial. Fernandez will be sentenced at a later date, according to the prosecutor's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650276581990.png" alt="Fernandez-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Fernandez-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A judge on Friday found Timothy Fernandez guilty of two felony counts related to the fatal shooting in February 2019 of Michael Bryan outside a business near 17th and Grand Boulevard in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.The judge convicted 45-year-old Fernandez guilty of Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action. According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to 17th and Grand on the morning of Feb. 5, 2019, regarding a shooting. The victim was found deceased on the sidewalk. He had suffered gunshot wounds. Surveillance video showed the fatal shooting of Michael Bryan. The suspect and the victim were on the north side of the business. The victim walked away and the suspect drew a gun and shot at the victim. The video also showed the suspect throwing away a tissue after blowing his nose before the shooting. Police recovered the tissue and tested for DNA. Police also found a backpack and jacket found nearby. DNA from the tissue, a fingerprint from an item found in the backpack were linked to the suspect and ammunition from the backpack was the same caliber as a bullet recovered from the victim's jacket.&nbsp;In 2020, Fernandez was found guilty of the same counts in Bryan's shooting, but was granted a motion for a new trial. Fernandez will be sentenced at a later date, according to the prosecutor's office.

DNA from Kleenex tissue led to conviction in Kansas City murder

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal motorcycle crash have made an arrest.

Just before 3a.m. Saturday, police responded to an injury accident at 17th Street North and Tyler Road in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

At the scene, first responders located 20-year-old Jacob Fowler and 20-year-old Levi Ward both of Wichita. They had been riding a 2004 Honda Shadow motorcycle northbound on Tyler Road. 

As the motorcycle approached 17th Street, a 2011 Dodge Dakota driven by 23-year-old Collin Becker of Wichita entered the intersection from 17th Street. The motorcycle struck the pickup and both Fowler and Ward were ejected and died of their injuries.

Becker left the scene of the accident and returned later where police arrested him on requested charges of failure to stop at an accident resulting in death. Police will report their findings to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650302102139.png" alt="Becker-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Becker-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal motorcycle crash have made an arrest.Just before 3a.m. Saturday, police responded to an injury accident at 17th Street North and Tyler Road in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.At the scene, first responders located 20-year-old Jacob Fowler and 20-year-old Levi Ward both of Wichita. They had been riding a 2004 Honda Shadow motorcycle northbound on Tyler Road. As the motorcycle approached 17th Street, a 2011 Dodge Dakota driven by 23-year-old Collin Becker of Wichita entered the intersection from 17th Street. The motorcycle struck the pickup and both Fowler and Ward were ejected and died of their injuries.Becker left the scene of the accident and returned later where police arrested him on requested charges of failure to stop at an accident resulting in death. Police will report their findings to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

Kan. man arrested after 2 died in motorcycle, pickup crash

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kelly-signs-bill-expanding-authority-of-kansas-advanced-practice-rns/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas and national 
associations of nurse practitioners praised action by the Kansas 
Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly to reduce regulatory barriers to 
licensed advanced practice registered nurses practicing independently, 
including prescribing of medication without written authorization of a 
physician.

“This is a major milestone in health care for Kansas and for our 
nation,” said April Kapu, president of national nurse practitioner 
organization. “We celebrate as Kansas becomes the 26th state to grant 
patients full and direct access to nurse practitioners’ care. The 
majority of states have now adopted this legislative model, known as 
full practice authority.”

Under House Bill 2279, state law governing nurses was modified to 
permit advanced practice RNs to prescribe medications as well as require
 these nurses to maintain malpractice insurance and secure national 
certification for initial licensure as an advanced practice RN.

It also requires these medical professionals comply with federal Drug
 Enforcement Administration requirements related to controlled 
substances.

Kelly signed the bill approved by the House on a vote of 80-34 and by the Senate by a margin of 30-7.

“Kansas, like so many other states, is experiencing a 
health care shortage — especially in rural parts of the state,” Kelly 
said. “This will improve the availability of high quality health care by
 empowering APRNs to reduce local and regional care gaps.”

Amy Siple, an advanced practice RN and president of the 
state association, said the new law would increase Kansans’ access to 
care. She said the reform was a step toward “greater access, quality 
outcomes and reduced regulatory barriers.”

New York state adopted the full practice standard this 
year. Delaware and Massachusetts approved the nursing authority model in
 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650314217069.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bipartisan bill removing regulatory hurdles in Kansas to advanced practice registered nurses working more independently of physicians, including prescribing of medication. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bipartisan bill removing regulatory hurdles in Kansas to advanced practice registered nurses working more independently of physicians, including prescribing of medication. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kelly-signs-bill-expanding-authority-of-kansas-advanced-practice-rns/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas and national 
associations of nurse practitioners praised action by the Kansas 
Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly to reduce regulatory barriers to 
licensed advanced practice registered nurses practicing independently, 
including prescribing of medication without written authorization of a 
physician.“This is a major milestone in health care for Kansas and for our 
nation,” said April Kapu, president of national nurse practitioner 
organization. “We celebrate as Kansas becomes the 26th state to grant 
patients full and direct access to nurse practitioners’ care. The 
majority of states have now adopted this legislative model, known as 
full practice authority.”Under House Bill 2279, state law governing nurses was modified to 
permit advanced practice RNs to prescribe medications as well as require
 these nurses to maintain malpractice insurance and secure national 
certification for initial licensure as an advanced practice RN.It also requires these medical professionals comply with federal Drug
 Enforcement Administration requirements related to controlled 
substances.Kelly signed the bill approved by the House on a vote of 80-34 and by the Senate by a margin of 30-7.“Kansas, like so many other states, is experiencing a 
health care shortage — especially in rural parts of the state,” Kelly 
said. “This will improve the availability of high quality health care by
 empowering APRNs to reduce local and regional care gaps.”Amy Siple, an advanced practice RN and president of the 
state association, said the new law would increase Kansans’ access to 
care. She said the reform was a step toward “greater access, quality 
outcomes and reduced regulatory barriers.”New York state adopted the full practice standard this 
year. Delaware and Massachusetts approved the nursing authority model in
 2021.

Kelly signs bill expanding authority of Kan. advanced practice RNs

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A murder suspect captured by the U.S. Border Patrol and extradited to Kansas made his first court appearance Friday.

Patricio Gomez, 32,&nbsp; was charged with&nbsp;with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, attempted distribution of methamphetamine and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

On March 28, U.S. Border Patrol Agents&nbsp;in the El Paso&nbsp;Sector&nbsp;arrested Gomez who was wanted for&nbsp;murder in Wichita.

The El Paso Station&nbsp;Border Patrol Agent encountered a Gomez walking along&nbsp;the south side of the Border Barrier&nbsp;near Fonseca Drive&nbsp;and Cesar E. Chavez/Border Highway, according to a media release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

When agents questioned the Gomez as to his citizenship, he stated that he was a U.S.&nbsp;citizen and that he had&nbsp;just&nbsp;entered the United States&nbsp;from Mexico, illegally,&nbsp;by attempting to drive his truck across the Rio Grande.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Gomez, was taken into custody, for the illegal entry,&nbsp;and transported to a Border Patrol station for further investigation.&nbsp;Record checks revealed that he had an extensive criminal history&nbsp;and an&nbsp;active&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;out of&nbsp;Wichita for&nbsp;murder.

Gomez was&nbsp;remanded to the&nbsp;custody of the&nbsp;El Paso County Sheriff’s&nbsp;Office until his extradition to Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just before 6:30p.m. Sept. 30, 2021. officers responded to a shooting call at a hotel in the 9400 block of East Corporate Hills.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 42-year-old Michael Martinez who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed&nbsp;Patricio&nbsp;along with a woman arrived at the hotel regarding an illegal drug transaction.&nbsp; During the transaction, a disturbance ensued and&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;fired multiple shots at Martinez, striking him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;and the woman fled the scene in a black Cadillac Escalade.

Police located the Cadillac outside of a hotel in Park City.&nbsp;

Gomez next court date is April 25, He is in the Sedgwick County Jail on a bond of $500,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650038792432.png" alt="Gomez-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Gomez-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A murder suspect captured by the U.S. Border Patrol and extradited to Kansas made his first court appearance Friday.Patricio Gomez, 32,&nbsp; was charged with&nbsp;with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, attempted distribution of methamphetamine and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;On March 28, U.S. Border Patrol Agents&nbsp;in the El Paso&nbsp;Sector&nbsp;arrested Gomez who was wanted for&nbsp;murder in Wichita.The El Paso Station&nbsp;Border Patrol Agent encountered a Gomez walking along&nbsp;the south side of the Border Barrier&nbsp;near Fonseca Drive&nbsp;and Cesar E. Chavez/Border Highway, according to a media release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.When agents questioned the Gomez as to his citizenship, he stated that he was a U.S.&nbsp;citizen and that he had&nbsp;just&nbsp;entered the United States&nbsp;from Mexico, illegally,&nbsp;by attempting to drive his truck across the Rio Grande.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gomez, was taken into custody, for the illegal entry,&nbsp;and transported to a Border Patrol station for further investigation.&nbsp;Record checks revealed that he had an extensive criminal history&nbsp;and an&nbsp;active&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;out of&nbsp;Wichita for&nbsp;murder.Gomez was&nbsp;remanded to the&nbsp;custody of the&nbsp;El Paso County Sheriff’s&nbsp;Office until his extradition to Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just before 6:30p.m. Sept. 30, 2021. officers responded to a shooting call at a hotel in the 9400 block of East Corporate Hills.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 42-year-old Michael Martinez who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633117408445.png" alt="Gomez-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Gomez-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed&nbsp;Patricio&nbsp;along with a woman arrived at the hotel regarding an illegal drug transaction.&nbsp; During the transaction, a disturbance ensued and&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;fired multiple shots at Martinez, striking him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;and the woman fled the scene in a black Cadillac Escalade.Police located the Cadillac outside of a hotel in Park City.&nbsp;Gomez next court date is April 25, He is in the Sedgwick County Jail on a bond of $500,000.

Suspect captured by Border Patrol charged with Kan. murder

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — State funds for Kansas’ public schools have been held up as Republican lawmakers push for policies critics say would punish educators for court rulings that forced the GOP-controlled Legislature to boost its spending.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_hb2567_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">A legislative proposal</a>&nbsp;ties $6.4 billion in spending to policies pushed by conservative Republicans, including an “open enrollment” proposal to allow parents to send their children to any public school with enough space. Another provision would restrict surveys of students’ families, their beliefs, mental health, or drug or alcohol abuse. A third would expand a state-funded college scholarship program to students outside Kansas.

Republicans drafted the measure before lawmakers began their annual spring break earlier this month, to settle differences between the House and Senate. When legislators reconvene April 25, they must decide whether to add more money for special education programs and whether to link dollars to policy changes.

Conservatives argue they are trying to make schools more accountable for how they spend state money. They’ve been linking money to policy since 2014, when the Kansas Supreme Court issued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.the-review.com/story/news/2014/03/07/kansas-high-court-school-funding/19192626007/" target="_blank">the first of seven rulings</a>&nbsp;in an education funding lawsuit filed against the state by four school districts.

“It’s our responsibility to make sure that student outcomes are improving,” said state Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican who chairs a House committee on education spending. “It’s important to always pair funding with an obligation on the schools’ part to provide back the accountability that they need to.”

But Democratic lawmakers, teachers and other educators see the bill combining funding and policy as imposing unnecessary new tasks that hinder teaching. Marcus Baltzell, spokesman for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kneaweb.org/" target="_blank">the state’s largest teachers union,</a>&nbsp;sees policy proposals as the “heavy toll” that Republicans want schools to pay for winning the funding lawsuit.

Kansas is set to spend 57% more on direct aid to its public schools during the 2021-22 school year than it did in 2011-2012, according to budget documents. With the pending measure, that figure would increase again by more than 6% for the 2022-23 school year, to $5.3 billion, including funding for educators’ pensions.

“If these folks are actually interested in fully funding public schools, they should just do that,” Baltzell said. “They shouldn’t have to attach special interest policy in order for kids to have all the resources that they deserve.”

Even with the additional funds, some districts expect to have budget shortfalls because state funding is tied to student numbers, and those numbers declined during the pandemic.

Also, the measure before lawmakers wouldn’t hit the goal set in state law for funding special education programs. The State Department of Education is asking Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to support another $155 million for special education — 30% above the $520 million lawmakers had planned to spend for 2022-23.

“Because special education services are mandated by federal and state statute, school districts must make up this shortfall by reducing funding in their operating budgets for other necessary educational programs,” Deputy Education Commissioner Craig Neuenswander said in a letter to Kelly’s budget director.

It’s not clear yet how much policy will remain tied to funding. While Williams argues that negotiators struck a deal and should keep the package together, Senate Education Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, suggested that GOP leaders may separate some proposals from the money.

Senators would vote first on the package, and Baumgardner said she’s heard from senators in both parties who who don’t want to open up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasregents.org/students/student_financial_aid/promise-act-scholarship" target="_blank">the college scholarship program</a>&nbsp;to people outside Kansas, given that scholarships are capped at $10 million a year.

Williams said the goal is to attract people to Kansas, but Baumgardner said, “That is a real sticking point for the Senate.”

Meanwhile, Republicans argue that it’s necessary to restrict surveys in which students are asked about their personal beliefs and lives, so the surveys don’t take time away from classroom lessons and parents know beforehand what their children will be asked. Educators say such surveys provide valuable data and can help schools find at-risk children.

The open enrollment proposal split Republicans enough that one version&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20220323102801_716700/" target="_blank">barely passed the House</a>&nbsp;last month. The proposal would require districts to take students after determining how much space they have.

Williams and other supporters argue that the proposal would increase choices for parents. However, Mark Tallman, a lobbyist for the Kansas Association of School Boards, said that with decisions left to local officials, most districts take outside students and, “That system has worked well.”

Other critics said open enrollment could cause headaches for quickly growing school districts. And Rep. Jarrod Ousley, a Merriam Democrat, said better-off families in urban and suburban areas would benefit most, because parents would have to provide their own transportation.

“It creates the opportunity for — for lack of a better term — white flight,” Ousley said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648234906372.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — State funds for Kansas’ public schools have been held up as Republican lawmakers push for policies critics say would punish educators for court rulings that forced the GOP-controlled Legislature to boost its spending.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_hb2567_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">A legislative proposal</a>&nbsp;ties $6.4 billion in spending to policies pushed by conservative Republicans, including an “open enrollment” proposal to allow parents to send their children to any public school with enough space. Another provision would restrict surveys of students’ families, their beliefs, mental health, or drug or alcohol abuse. A third would expand a state-funded college scholarship program to students outside Kansas.Republicans drafted the measure before lawmakers began their annual spring break earlier this month, to settle differences between the House and Senate. When legislators reconvene April 25, they must decide whether to add more money for special education programs and whether to link dollars to policy changes.Conservatives argue they are trying to make schools more accountable for how they spend state money. They’ve been linking money to policy since 2014, when the Kansas Supreme Court issued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.the-review.com/story/news/2014/03/07/kansas-high-court-school-funding/19192626007/" target="_blank">the first of seven rulings</a>&nbsp;in an education funding lawsuit filed against the state by four school districts.“It’s our responsibility to make sure that student outcomes are improving,” said state Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican who chairs a House committee on education spending. “It’s important to always pair funding with an obligation on the schools’ part to provide back the accountability that they need to.”But Democratic lawmakers, teachers and other educators see the bill combining funding and policy as imposing unnecessary new tasks that hinder teaching. Marcus Baltzell, spokesman for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kneaweb.org/" target="_blank">the state’s largest teachers union,</a>&nbsp;sees policy proposals as the “heavy toll” that Republicans want schools to pay for winning the funding lawsuit.Kansas is set to spend 57% more on direct aid to its public schools during the 2021-22 school year than it did in 2011-2012, according to budget documents. With the pending measure, that figure would increase again by more than 6% for the 2022-23 school year, to $5.3 billion, including funding for educators’ pensions.“If these folks are actually interested in fully funding public schools, they should just do that,” Baltzell said. “They shouldn’t have to attach special interest policy in order for kids to have all the resources that they deserve.”Even with the additional funds, some districts expect to have budget shortfalls because state funding is tied to student numbers, and those numbers declined during the pandemic.Also, the measure before lawmakers wouldn’t hit the goal set in state law for funding special education programs. The State Department of Education is asking Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to support another $155 million for special education — 30% above the $520 million lawmakers had planned to spend for 2022-23.“Because special education services are mandated by federal and state statute, school districts must make up this shortfall by reducing funding in their operating budgets for other necessary educational programs,” Deputy Education Commissioner Craig Neuenswander said in a letter to Kelly’s budget director.It’s not clear yet how much policy will remain tied to funding. While Williams argues that negotiators struck a deal and should keep the package together, Senate Education Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, suggested that GOP leaders may separate some proposals from the money.Senators would vote first on the package, and Baumgardner said she’s heard from senators in both parties who who don’t want to open up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasregents.org/students/student_financial_aid/promise-act-scholarship" target="_blank">the college scholarship program</a>&nbsp;to people outside Kansas, given that scholarships are capped at $10 million a year.Williams said the goal is to attract people to Kansas, but Baumgardner said, “That is a real sticking point for the Senate.”Meanwhile, Republicans argue that it’s necessary to restrict surveys in which students are asked about their personal beliefs and lives, so the surveys don’t take time away from classroom lessons and parents know beforehand what their children will be asked. Educators say such surveys provide valuable data and can help schools find at-risk children.The open enrollment proposal split Republicans enough that one version&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20220323102801_716700/" target="_blank">barely passed the House</a>&nbsp;last month. The proposal would require districts to take students after determining how much space they have.Williams and other supporters argue that the proposal would increase choices for parents. However, Mark Tallman, a lobbyist for the Kansas Association of School Boards, said that with decisions left to local officials, most districts take outside students and, “That system has worked well.”Other critics said open enrollment could cause headaches for quickly growing school districts. And Rep. Jarrod Ousley, a Merriam Democrat, said better-off families in urban and suburban areas would benefit most, because parents would have to provide their own transportation.“It creates the opportunity for — for lack of a better term — white flight,” Ousley said.___

Kansas GOP ties new school funds to 'choice,' other policies

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge in Florida has voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus pandemic</a>.

The decision Monday by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, also said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention improperly failed to justify its decision and did not follow proper rulemaking.

In her 59-page ruling, Mizelle said the only remedy was to vacate the rule entirely because it would be impossible to end it for the limited group of people who objected to it in the lawsuit.

The judge said “a limited remedy would be no remedy at all” and that the courts have full authority to make a decision such as this — even if the goals of the CDC in fighting the virus are laudable.

“Because our system does not permit agencies to act unlawfully even in pursuit of desirable ends, the court declares unlawful and vacates the mask mandate,” she wrote.

The Justice Department declined to comment Monday when asked if the government planned to appeal the ruling.

The CDC recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-e603a9dfc361ad095733bc868ebeba74">extended the mask mandate</a>, which was set to expire Monday, until May 3 to allow more time to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus that is now responsible for the vast majority of cases in the U.S.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-business-health-travel-lifestyle-ae387f22e84ff86822fa3a86ad4c6961">mask requirement</a>&nbsp;for travelers was the target of months of lobbying from the airlines, which sought to kill it. The carriers argued that effective air filters on modern planes make transmission of the virus during a flight highly unlikely. Republicans in Congress also fought to kill the mandate.

Critics have seized on the fact that states have rolled back rules requiring masks in restaurants, stores and other indoor settings, and yet COVID-19 cases have fallen sharply since the omicron variant peaked in mid-January.

There have been a series of violent incidents on aircraft that have mainly been attributed to disputes over the mask-wearing requirements.

The lawsuit was filed in July 2021 by two plaintiffs and the Health Freedom Defense Fund, described in the judge’s order as a nonprofit group that “opposes laws and regulations that force individuals to submit to the administration of medical products, procedures and devices against their will.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617380938877.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge in Florida has voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus pandemic</a>.The decision Monday by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, also said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention improperly failed to justify its decision and did not follow proper rulemaking.In her 59-page ruling, Mizelle said the only remedy was to vacate the rule entirely because it would be impossible to end it for the limited group of people who objected to it in the lawsuit.The judge said “a limited remedy would be no remedy at all” and that the courts have full authority to make a decision such as this — even if the goals of the CDC in fighting the virus are laudable.“Because our system does not permit agencies to act unlawfully even in pursuit of desirable ends, the court declares unlawful and vacates the mask mandate,” she wrote.The Justice Department declined to comment Monday when asked if the government planned to appeal the ruling.The CDC recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-e603a9dfc361ad095733bc868ebeba74">extended the mask mandate</a>, which was set to expire Monday, until May 3 to allow more time to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus that is now responsible for the vast majority of cases in the U.S.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-business-health-travel-lifestyle-ae387f22e84ff86822fa3a86ad4c6961">mask requirement</a>&nbsp;for travelers was the target of months of lobbying from the airlines, which sought to kill it. The carriers argued that effective air filters on modern planes make transmission of the virus during a flight highly unlikely. Republicans in Congress also fought to kill the mandate.Critics have seized on the fact that states have rolled back rules requiring masks in restaurants, stores and other indoor settings, and yet COVID-19 cases have fallen sharply since the omicron variant peaked in mid-January.There have been a series of violent incidents on aircraft that have mainly been attributed to disputes over the mask-wearing requirements.The lawsuit was filed in July 2021 by two plaintiffs and the Health Freedom Defense Fund, described in the judge’s order as a nonprofit group that “opposes laws and regulations that force individuals to submit to the administration of medical products, procedures and devices against their will.”___

Federal judge voids US mask mandate for planes, other travel

WICHITA —For the first-time ever, the National Hockey League is headed to Wichita.

The Arizona Coyotes and St Louis Blues will face off at Intrust Bank Arena on September 24 for an NHL preseason matchup, according to a social media report from the arena.

For the current season, the Blues are in second place&nbsp;in the NHL's Central division with a record of 46-20 and the Coyotes are in last place in that division with a record of 22-48.

Tickets for the G1 Sports &amp; Entertainment "Frozen Face Off" go on sale Friday at 10:00 AM through Select-A-Seat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650298803174.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —For the first-time ever, the National Hockey League is headed to Wichita.The Arizona Coyotes and St Louis Blues will face off at Intrust Bank Arena on September 24 for an NHL preseason matchup, according to a social media report from the arena.For the current season, the Blues are in second place&nbsp;in the NHL's Central division with a record of 46-20 and the Coyotes are in last place in that division with a record of 22-48.Tickets for the G1 Sports &amp; Entertainment "Frozen Face Off" go on sale Friday at 10:00 AM through Select-A-Seat.

National Hockey League will play a game in Wichita

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after an arrest. Shortly before 2p.m. Friday, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to locate a subject wanted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The search led them to a residence in the 2100 block of North Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies took 60-year-old Richard L. Niedfeldt of Topeka into custody. During the arrest, illegal narcotics were located. Niedfeldt was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for two warrants and requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650232037428.png" alt="Niedfeldt photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Niedfeldt photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after an arrest. Shortly before 2p.m. Friday, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to locate a subject wanted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The search led them to a residence in the 2100 block of North Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies took 60-year-old Richard L. Niedfeldt of Topeka into custody. During the arrest, illegal narcotics were located. Niedfeldt was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for two warrants and requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Deputies find 60-year-old with drugs at Kansas home

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help to locate a vehicle and ultimately a suspect.

Just after 11p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to the the 2400 block of SW Burnett in Topeka, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell. Upon arrival, officers found that an 11-year-old girl who qA suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

On Sunday, investigators released a security camera image of a vehicle identified as a vehicle of interest in the case.

Police have not released additional details on the girl's condition or reported an arrest. They asked anyone with information in the case to contact police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650285506930.png" alt="Security camera image of suspect vehicle -Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of suspect vehicle -Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help to locate a vehicle and ultimately a suspect.Just after 11p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to the the 2400 block of SW Burnett in Topeka, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell. Upon arrival, officers found that an 11-year-old girl who qA suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.On Sunday, investigators released a security camera image of a vehicle identified as a vehicle of interest in the case.Police have not released additional details on the girl's condition or reported an arrest. They asked anyone with information in the case to contact police.

Police ID vehicle of interest in shooting of 11-year-old Kan. girl

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Interior Department said it’s moving forward with the first onshore&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-oil-gas-public-land-environment-4d2c446ee78f6ed172f28f0fa01c6826">sales of public oil and natural gas drilling leases&nbsp;</a>under President Joe Biden, but will sharply increase royalty rates for companies as federal officials weigh efforts to fight climate change against pressure to bring down high gasoline prices.

The royalty rate for new leases will increase to 18.75% from 12.5%. That’s a 50% jump and marks the first increase to royalties for the federal government since they were imposed in the 1920s.

Biden suspended new leasing just a week after taking office in January 2021. A federal judge in Louisiana ordered the sales to resume, saying Interior officials had offered no “rational explanation” for canceling them.

The government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-science-business-environment-and-nature-cc0deca6a28aab21cd4e0aa35ea7b6af">held an offshore lease auction</a>&nbsp;in the Gulf of Mexico in November, although a court later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-62adf1fd8d2731449df882e6709f3522">blocked that sale</a>&nbsp;before the leases were issued.

The announcement comes amid pressure for Biden to expand U.S. crude production as the pandemic and war in Ukraine roil the global economy and fuel prices have spiked. The Democrat faces calls from within his own party to do more to curb emissions from fossil fuels that are driving climate change.

Leases for 225 square miles (580 square kilometers) of federal lands primarily in the West will be offered for sale in a notice to be posted on Monday, officials said. The parcels represent about 30 % less land than officials had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-oil-gas-public-land-environment-4d2c446ee78f6ed172f28f0fa01c6826">proposed for sale&nbsp;</a>in November and 80% less than what was originally nominated by the industry.

The sales notices will cover leasing decisions in nine states — Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Montana, Alabama, Nevada, North Dakota and Oklahoma.

Interior Department officials declined to specify which states would have parcels for sale or to give a breakdown of the amount of land by state, saying that information would be included in Monday’s sales notices. They said the reduced area being offered reflects a focus on leasing in locations near existing oil and gas development including pipelines.

Hundreds of parcels of public land that companies nominated for leasing had been previously dropped from the upcoming lease sale because of concerns about wildlife being harmed by drilling rigs.

At the time, officials said burning fuel from the remaining leases could cost billions of dollars in climate change impacts. Fossil fuels extracted from public lands account for about 20% of energy-related U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making them a prime target for climate activists who want to shut down leasing.

Republicans want more drilling, saying it would increase U.S. energy independence and help bring down the cost of crude. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-da75f38d60c1e820b5147fa9e25feca2">oil companies have been hesitant to expand drilling</a>&nbsp;because of uncertainty over how long high prices will continue.

Friday’s announcement comes after Interior officials had raised the prospect of higher royalty rates and less land available for drilling in a leasing reform report issued last year.

“For too long, the federal oil and gas leasing programs have prioritized the wants of extractive industries,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Today, we begin to reset how and what we consider to be the highest and best use of Americans’ resources.”

But the move brought condemnation from both ends of the political spectrum: Environmentalists derided the decision to hold the long-delayed sales, while oil industry representatives said the higher royalty rates would deter drilling.

Nicole Ghio with the environmental group Friends of the Earth said Biden was putting oil industry profits ahead of future generations that will have to deal with the worsening consequences of climate change.

“If Biden wants to be a climate leader, he must stop auctioning off our public lands to Big Oil,” Ghio said in an emailed statement.

American Petroleum Institute Vice President Frank Macchiarola said officials had removed some of the most significant parcels that companies wanted to drill while adding “new barriers” that would discourage companies from investing in drilling on public lands.

Lease sales and royalties that companies pay on extracted oil and gas brought in more than $83 billion in revenue over the past decade. Half the money from onshore drilling goes to the state where it occurred.

Most states and many private landowners require companies to pay royalty rates higher than 12.5%, with some states charging 20% or more, according to federal officials.

The royalty rate for oil produced from federal reserves in deep waters in the Gulf of Mexico is 18.75%. In the November auction that was later canceled, energy companies including Shell, BP, Chevron and ExxonMobil offered a combined $192 million for offshore drilling rights in the Gulf.

New leases that are developed could keep producing crude long past 2030, when Biden has set a goal to lower greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50%, compared with 2005 levels. Scientists say the world needs to be well on the way to that goal over the next decade to avoid catastrophic climate change.

Economists say a higher royalty rate would have a relatively small effect on global emissions, because any reductions in oil and gas from federal lands would be largely offset by fuel from other sources.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Interior Department said it’s moving forward with the first onshore&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-oil-gas-public-land-environment-4d2c446ee78f6ed172f28f0fa01c6826">sales of public oil and natural gas drilling leases&nbsp;</a>under President Joe Biden, but will sharply increase royalty rates for companies as federal officials weigh efforts to fight climate change against pressure to bring down high gasoline prices.The royalty rate for new leases will increase to 18.75% from 12.5%. That’s a 50% jump and marks the first increase to royalties for the federal government since they were imposed in the 1920s.Biden suspended new leasing just a week after taking office in January 2021. A federal judge in Louisiana ordered the sales to resume, saying Interior officials had offered no “rational explanation” for canceling them.The government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-science-business-environment-and-nature-cc0deca6a28aab21cd4e0aa35ea7b6af">held an offshore lease auction</a>&nbsp;in the Gulf of Mexico in November, although a court later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-62adf1fd8d2731449df882e6709f3522">blocked that sale</a>&nbsp;before the leases were issued.The announcement comes amid pressure for Biden to expand U.S. crude production as the pandemic and war in Ukraine roil the global economy and fuel prices have spiked. The Democrat faces calls from within his own party to do more to curb emissions from fossil fuels that are driving climate change.Leases for 225 square miles (580 square kilometers) of federal lands primarily in the West will be offered for sale in a notice to be posted on Monday, officials said. The parcels represent about 30 % less land than officials had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-oil-gas-public-land-environment-4d2c446ee78f6ed172f28f0fa01c6826">proposed for sale&nbsp;</a>in November and 80% less than what was originally nominated by the industry.The sales notices will cover leasing decisions in nine states — Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Montana, Alabama, Nevada, North Dakota and Oklahoma.Interior Department officials declined to specify which states would have parcels for sale or to give a breakdown of the amount of land by state, saying that information would be included in Monday’s sales notices. They said the reduced area being offered reflects a focus on leasing in locations near existing oil and gas development including pipelines.Hundreds of parcels of public land that companies nominated for leasing had been previously dropped from the upcoming lease sale because of concerns about wildlife being harmed by drilling rigs.At the time, officials said burning fuel from the remaining leases could cost billions of dollars in climate change impacts. Fossil fuels extracted from public lands account for about 20% of energy-related U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making them a prime target for climate activists who want to shut down leasing.Republicans want more drilling, saying it would increase U.S. energy independence and help bring down the cost of crude. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-da75f38d60c1e820b5147fa9e25feca2">oil companies have been hesitant to expand drilling</a>&nbsp;because of uncertainty over how long high prices will continue.Friday’s announcement comes after Interior officials had raised the prospect of higher royalty rates and less land available for drilling in a leasing reform report issued last year.“For too long, the federal oil and gas leasing programs have prioritized the wants of extractive industries,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Today, we begin to reset how and what we consider to be the highest and best use of Americans’ resources.”But the move brought condemnation from both ends of the political spectrum: Environmentalists derided the decision to hold the long-delayed sales, while oil industry representatives said the higher royalty rates would deter drilling.Nicole Ghio with the environmental group Friends of the Earth said Biden was putting oil industry profits ahead of future generations that will have to deal with the worsening consequences of climate change.“If Biden wants to be a climate leader, he must stop auctioning off our public lands to Big Oil,” Ghio said in an emailed statement.American Petroleum Institute Vice President Frank Macchiarola said officials had removed some of the most significant parcels that companies wanted to drill while adding “new barriers” that would discourage companies from investing in drilling on public lands.Lease sales and royalties that companies pay on extracted oil and gas brought in more than $83 billion in revenue over the past decade. Half the money from onshore drilling goes to the state where it occurred.Most states and many private landowners require companies to pay royalty rates higher than 12.5%, with some states charging 20% or more, according to federal officials.The royalty rate for oil produced from federal reserves in deep waters in the Gulf of Mexico is 18.75%. In the November auction that was later canceled, energy companies including Shell, BP, Chevron and ExxonMobil offered a combined $192 million for offshore drilling rights in the Gulf.New leases that are developed could keep producing crude long past 2030, when Biden has set a goal to lower greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50%, compared with 2005 levels. Scientists say the world needs to be well on the way to that goal over the next decade to avoid catastrophic climate change.Economists say a higher royalty rate would have a relatively small effect on global emissions, because any reductions in oil and gas from federal lands would be largely offset by fuel from other sources.

White House restarting federal oil, gas lease sales this week

KANSAS CITY —A jury found a man guilty in the fatal shooting of a woman in her vehicle near Downtown Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

On Friday, the jury convicted 28-year-old Dakkota Siders, Independence, of Murder 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650207566443.png" alt="Siders-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Siders-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A jury found a man guilty in the fatal shooting of a woman in her vehicle near Downtown Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.On Friday, the jury convicted 28-year-old Dakkota Siders, Independence, of Murder 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;According to court records, at approximately 3a.m. January 16, 2019, Kansas City police responded to Interstate 70 West near the Interstate 35 entrance ramp on a reported injury accident. Police found the victim, Barbra J. Harper, 71, deceased. She had suffered a gunshot wound. Holes in the headrest of the passenger's seat appeared to be from gunfire. The driver's side window was broken, as well as a passenger side window. Spent shell casings were found in the roadway nearby. Police detectives obtained surveillance video from city cameras and showed another vehicle speeding behind the victim's vehicle before the victim's vehicle swerves and strikes the guard rail. The vehicle speeding behind her vehicle exited onto Harrison Street from Interstate 70. Other video detected the sounds of two gunshots and showed the subject vehicle. Police determined the license plate number on the suspect vehicle and conducted surveillance on the residence associated with the plate. The defendant pulled into the driveway of that residence in what appeared to be the same vehicle. While he was arrested, police found a 9 mm handgun in his waistband, another 9 mm under his armpit, a large amount of cash and an I-phone. Another handgun was found inside as well as three pounds of marijuana with scales and sandwich baggies. During the investigation, detectives also learned of a disturbance and shots being fired near the Shady Lady on East 12th Street shortly before the homicide. Analysis of spent shell casing revealed they and those found near the homicide scene were fired from the same gun. Detectives believe the victim's vehicle may have been mistakenly targeted by the defendant after the Shady Lady incident.&nbsp;Siders will be sentenced at a July 15 hearing, according to the prosecutor's office.