KANSAS CITY—Detectives investigating the homicide in the 3700 block of Plaza Drive in Kansas City have identified the victim as 36-year-old Lisa McKeehan of Kansas City, Kansas.

Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 3700 Block of Plaza Drive on report of a shooting, according to a media release.

They found a victim, later identified as McKeehan, with a gunshot wound. EMS transported her to a local hospital in critical condition. She died of her injuries.

Police have released no additional details.

KANSAS CITY—Detectives investigating the homicide in the 3700 block of Plaza Drive in Kansas City have identified the victim as 36-year-old Lisa McKeehan of Kansas City, Kansas.Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 3700 Block of Plaza Drive on report of a shooting, according to a media release.They found a victim, later identified as McKeehan, with a gunshot wound. EMS transported her to a local hospital in critical condition. She died of her injuries.Police have released no additional details.

Police ID Kansas woman who died from gunshot wound

BY:&nbsp;NOAH TABORDA,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/14/kansas-inspector-generals-report-identifies-weakness-in-financial-oversight-of-medicaid/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Kansas bill signed into law Thursday spans the gamut of tax policy, packaging more than two dozen measures amending property, sales and income tax laws.

The massive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2239/">House Bill 2239</a>, backed by the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly, included provisions from 29 different bills cutting taxes and will hack nearly $91 million from state tax revenue in the first year. The largest cost is the taxpayer-assessed 20 mill levy toward supporting K-12 public education.

In approving the changes to state tax laws, Kelly said she felt the opportunity to provide relief for Kansans was now, while the state experiences its first budget surplus in decades.

“Our fiscal responsibility has put Kansas back on track,” Kelly said. “We’ve been able to fully fund our schools, fix our roads and bridges, balance the budget and cut property taxes, providing relief for Kansans.”

The House voted 103-10 to adopt the bill, while no senator opposed the measure. Before negotiations between the two chambers, House tax committee leaders said the bill drained close to $500 million.

In 2024, the package will sap $99.8 million in state tax revenue and an additional $119.6 million in 2025.

The changes increase the residential property tax exemption, provide homestead property tax refunds to eligible taxpayers and will broaden the property tax reduction authority of county commissioners for property destroyed by a disaster.

Rep. Adam Smith, R-Weskan, said the measure contains many noncontroversial measures so he was excited to see the governor approve it. In particular, he applauded the property tax relief provided and the homestead exemption for qualifying elderly Kansans.

“A lot of senior citizens on fixed lower incomes, are faced with increasing property values and property tax statements every year,” Smith said. “This essentially, once they hit the qualifying terms for the program, freezes their property tax bill, and that’s something they can count on for for the rest of their years is that the property taxes that are due will never be going up.”

Although&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/05/kansas-tax-reform-bundle-sent-kelly-amassed-from-shards-of-29-different-bills/">some legislators expressed concern about passing so-called mega bill legislation</a>, both parties found common ground in the bill.

The law provides tax credits for school and classroom supplies purchased by teachers and graduates of aerospace and aviation-related educational programs and employers of graduates. It also provides additional personal income tax exemptions for disabled veterans.

“I am very pleased Kansas taxpayers will benefit from the governor’s election year conversion,” said Senate President Ty Masterson

Additional provisions create a sales tax exemption for the purchase of supplies to reconstruct or repair fencing for agricultural land damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster, a highly sought-after bill for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/14/kansas-ranchers-plead-for-tax-relief-after-devastating-december-wildfire/">farmers and ranchers impacted by recent wildfires</a>.

While Kelly said these tax cuts would provide needed relief for Kansans, she reiterated the need for an elimination of the food sales tax. House Bill 2106, which wasn’t&nbsp;acted upon before the Legislature adjourned for a three-week break, would phase out the state sales tax by 2025.

“We have the opportunity to help Kansans who are feeling the impact of pandemic-induced inflation,” Kelly said. With the largest budget surplus in decades, we can do both – provide property tax relief and finally eliminate the state sales tax on food.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650018766215.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly, left, signed into law Thursday a bill packaging parts of 29 bills amending property, sales and income tax laws in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly, left, signed into law Thursday a bill packaging parts of 29 bills amending property, sales and income tax laws in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;NOAH TABORDA,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/14/kansas-inspector-generals-report-identifies-weakness-in-financial-oversight-of-medicaid/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A Kansas bill signed into law Thursday spans the gamut of tax policy, packaging more than two dozen measures amending property, sales and income tax laws.The massive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2239/">House Bill 2239</a>, backed by the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly, included provisions from 29 different bills cutting taxes and will hack nearly $91 million from state tax revenue in the first year. The largest cost is the taxpayer-assessed 20 mill levy toward supporting K-12 public education.In approving the changes to state tax laws, Kelly said she felt the opportunity to provide relief for Kansans was now, while the state experiences its first budget surplus in decades.“Our fiscal responsibility has put Kansas back on track,” Kelly said. “We’ve been able to fully fund our schools, fix our roads and bridges, balance the budget and cut property taxes, providing relief for Kansans.”The House voted 103-10 to adopt the bill, while no senator opposed the measure. Before negotiations between the two chambers, House tax committee leaders said the bill drained close to $500 million.In 2024, the package will sap $99.8 million in state tax revenue and an additional $119.6 million in 2025.The changes increase the residential property tax exemption, provide homestead property tax refunds to eligible taxpayers and will broaden the property tax reduction authority of county commissioners for property destroyed by a disaster.Rep. Adam Smith, R-Weskan, said the measure contains many noncontroversial measures so he was excited to see the governor approve it. In particular, he applauded the property tax relief provided and the homestead exemption for qualifying elderly Kansans.“A lot of senior citizens on fixed lower incomes, are faced with increasing property values and property tax statements every year,” Smith said. “This essentially, once they hit the qualifying terms for the program, freezes their property tax bill, and that’s something they can count on for for the rest of their years is that the property taxes that are due will never be going up.”Although&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/05/kansas-tax-reform-bundle-sent-kelly-amassed-from-shards-of-29-different-bills/">some legislators expressed concern about passing so-called mega bill legislation</a>, both parties found common ground in the bill.The law provides tax credits for school and classroom supplies purchased by teachers and graduates of aerospace and aviation-related educational programs and employers of graduates. It also provides additional personal income tax exemptions for disabled veterans.“I am very pleased Kansas taxpayers will benefit from the governor’s election year conversion,” said Senate President Ty MastersonAdditional provisions create a sales tax exemption for the purchase of supplies to reconstruct or repair fencing for agricultural land damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster, a highly sought-after bill for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/14/kansas-ranchers-plead-for-tax-relief-after-devastating-december-wildfire/">farmers and ranchers impacted by recent wildfires</a>.While Kelly said these tax cuts would provide needed relief for Kansans, she reiterated the need for an elimination of the food sales tax. House Bill 2106, which wasn’t&nbsp;acted upon before the Legislature adjourned for a three-week break, would phase out the state sales tax by 2025.“We have the opportunity to help Kansans who are feeling the impact of pandemic-induced inflation,” Kelly said. With the largest budget surplus in decades, we can do both – provide property tax relief and finally eliminate the state sales tax on food.”

Property, sales and income tax cuts approved by Kansas governor

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers the 
deadline to file and pay tax owed for most individual income tax returns
 is Monday, April 18. The agency wants last-minute filers to know tax 
help is available to file a tax return, request an extension or make a 
payment, 24 hours a day on IRS.gov.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically because tax 
software does the calculations, flags common errors and reduces tax 
return errors by prompting taxpayers for missing information. The fastest way to receive a refund is to file electronically and use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>
 is available to any person or family with an adjusted gross income 
(AGI) of $73,000 or less in 2021. Leading tax software providers make 
their online products available for free. Taxpayers can use IRS Free 
File to claim the remaining amount of their Child Tax Credit, the Earned
 Income Tax Credit and other important credits. IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-fillable-forms/free-file-fillable-forms-is-closed">Free File Fillable Forms</a> is available to anyone who is comfortable preparing their own tax return - so there is a free option for everyone.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 provides information to help file an accurate return, including Advance
 Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payment amounts, Adjusted Gross 
Income amounts from last year's tax return, estimated tax payment 
amounts and refunds applied as a credit.

The IRS estimates 15 million taxpayers will request an extension of 
time to file and the easiest way to request an extension to file is 
using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>. In a matter of minutes, anyone can request an extension until October 17, using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>.
 An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay, 
however, and taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form 
and pay any amount due by the April 18 filing deadline to avoid 
penalties and interest.

Taxpayers can also request more time by paying all or part of their 
estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an 
extension. They can do this using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, or a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-credit-or-debit-card">debit, credit card or digital wallet</a>. This way they don't have to file a separate extension form and will receive a confirmation number for their records.

IRS Form 4868 can also be downloaded from <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">Forms, Instructions &amp; Publications</a>, completed and addressed to the correct IRS office, and must be postmarked by the filing deadline.

The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any 
taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in areas covered by 
Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations. Deadlines to 
file tax returns and make tax payments are extended for affected 
taxpayers in certain areas of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-arkansas">Arkansas</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-colorado">Colorado</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-kentucky">Kentucky</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-tennessee">Tennessee</a> until May 16, 2022, and for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-puerto-rico-severe-storms-flooding-and-landslides">Puerto Rico</a> until June 15, 2022. For details on all available relief, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation">Around the Nation</a> page on IRS.gov.

Special rules may apply for some military personnel <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/extension-of-deadlines-combat-zone-service">serving in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area</a>.
 This also applies to individuals serving in the combat zone in support 
of the U.S. Armed Forces. A complete list of designated combat zone 
localities can be found in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3">Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide</a>, available on IRS.gov. U.S. citizens and resident aliens <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p54">living outside the United States</a> have until June 15, 2022, to file their 2021 tax returns and pay any tax due.

The IRS estimates 1.5 million taxpayers did not file a 2018 tax 
return to claim tax refunds worth more than $1.5 billion. The three-year
 window of opportunity to claim a 2018 tax refund closes April 18, 2022,
 for most taxpayers. If they do not file a 2018 tax return by April 18, 
2022, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. The law 
requires taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/prior-year">2018 tax return</a> is postmarked by that date.

April 18 is also the deadline to make 2021 contributions to 
Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). Contributions can be made to a
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/traditional-iras">traditional</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras">Roth</a>
 IRA until the filing due date, April 18, but must be designated for 
2021 to the financial institution. For more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-iras">Retirement Plans FAQs Regarding IRAs</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p590a">Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)</a>.

Employment taxes are due April 18 for household employees including 
housekeepers, maids, babysitters, gardeners and others who work in or 
around a private residence as an employee if they were paid $2,300. For 
more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-926">Publication 926, Household Employer's Tax Guide</a>.

The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and 
pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, because 
of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers 
in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file their 
returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those states.

The first quarter <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">estimated tax payment</a> for 2022 is also due on April 18. Taxpayers are encouraged to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">check their withholding for 2022</a>
 after they've filed their 2021 tax return. It can protect against 
having too little tax withheld and facing an unexpected tax bill or 
penalty at tax time next year. It can also help taxpayers adjust their 
tax withheld up front, so taxpayers receive a bigger paycheck and 
smaller refund at tax time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers the 
deadline to file and pay tax owed for most individual income tax returns
 is Monday, April 18. The agency wants last-minute filers to know tax 
help is available to file a tax return, request an extension or make a 
payment, 24 hours a day on IRS.gov.The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically because tax 
software does the calculations, flags common errors and reduces tax 
return errors by prompting taxpayers for missing information. The fastest way to receive a refund is to file electronically and use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>
 is available to any person or family with an adjusted gross income 
(AGI) of $73,000 or less in 2021. Leading tax software providers make 
their online products available for free. Taxpayers can use IRS Free 
File to claim the remaining amount of their Child Tax Credit, the Earned
 Income Tax Credit and other important credits. IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-fillable-forms/free-file-fillable-forms-is-closed">Free File Fillable Forms</a> is available to anyone who is comfortable preparing their own tax return - so there is a free option for everyone.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 provides information to help file an accurate return, including Advance
 Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payment amounts, Adjusted Gross 
Income amounts from last year's tax return, estimated tax payment 
amounts and refunds applied as a credit.<h2>Get a 6-month extension to file</h2>The IRS estimates 15 million taxpayers will request an extension of 
time to file and the easiest way to request an extension to file is 
using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>. In a matter of minutes, anyone can request an extension until October 17, using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>.
 An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay, 
however, and taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form 
and pay any amount due by the April 18 filing deadline to avoid 
penalties and interest.Taxpayers can also request more time by paying all or part of their 
estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an 
extension. They can do this using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, or a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-credit-or-debit-card">debit, credit card or digital wallet</a>. This way they don't have to file a separate extension form and will receive a confirmation number for their records.IRS Form 4868 can also be downloaded from <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">Forms, Instructions &amp; Publications</a>, completed and addressed to the correct IRS office, and must be postmarked by the filing deadline.<h2>Who automatically has more time to file?</h2>The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any 
taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in areas covered by 
Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations. Deadlines to 
file tax returns and make tax payments are extended for affected 
taxpayers in certain areas of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-arkansas">Arkansas</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-colorado">Colorado</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-kentucky">Kentucky</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-tennessee">Tennessee</a> until May 16, 2022, and for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-puerto-rico-severe-storms-flooding-and-landslides">Puerto Rico</a> until June 15, 2022. For details on all available relief, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation">Around the Nation</a> page on IRS.gov.Special rules may apply for some military personnel <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/extension-of-deadlines-combat-zone-service">serving in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area</a>.
 This also applies to individuals serving in the combat zone in support 
of the U.S. Armed Forces. A complete list of designated combat zone 
localities can be found in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3">Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide</a>, available on IRS.gov. U.S. citizens and resident aliens <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p54">living outside the United States</a> have until June 15, 2022, to file their 2021 tax returns and pay any tax due.<h2>$1.5 billion in unclaimed 2018 refunds</h2>The IRS estimates 1.5 million taxpayers did not file a 2018 tax 
return to claim tax refunds worth more than $1.5 billion. The three-year
 window of opportunity to claim a 2018 tax refund closes April 18, 2022,
 for most taxpayers. If they do not file a 2018 tax return by April 18, 
2022, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. The law 
requires taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/prior-year">2018 tax return</a> is postmarked by that date.<h2>Other April 18 deadlines</h2>April 18 is also the deadline to make 2021 contributions to 
Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). Contributions can be made to a
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/traditional-iras">traditional</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras">Roth</a>
 IRA until the filing due date, April 18, but must be designated for 
2021 to the financial institution. For more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-iras">Retirement Plans FAQs Regarding IRAs</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p590a">Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)</a>.Employment taxes are due April 18 for household employees including 
housekeepers, maids, babysitters, gardeners and others who work in or 
around a private residence as an employee if they were paid $2,300. For 
more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-926">Publication 926, Household Employer's Tax Guide</a>.The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and 
pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, because 
of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers 
in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file their 
returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those states.The first quarter <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">estimated tax payment</a> for 2022 is also due on April 18. Taxpayers are encouraged to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">check their withholding for 2022</a>
 after they've filed their 2021 tax return. It can protect against 
having too little tax withheld and facing an unexpected tax bill or 
penalty at tax time next year. It can also help taxpayers adjust their 
tax withheld up front, so taxpayers receive a bigger paycheck and 
smaller refund at tax time.

IRS offers deadline reminders for last-minute tax filers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued an emergency use authorization for what it said i<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-covid-19-diagnostic-test-using-breath-samples">s the first device</a> that can detect COVID-19 in breath samples.

The InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer is about the size of a piece of carry-on luggage, the FDA said, and can be used in doctor’s offices, hospitals and mobile testing sites. The test, which can provide results in less than three minutes, must be carried out under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.

Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, called the device “yet another example of the rapid innovation occurring with diagnostic tests for COVID-19.”

The FDA said the device was 91.2% accurate at identifying positive test samples and 99.3% accurate at identifying negative test samples.

“InspectIR expects to be able to produce approximately 100 instruments per week, which can each be used to evaluate approximately 160 samples per day,” the agency said. “At this level of production, testing capacity using the InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer is expected to increase by approximately 64,000 samples per month.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued an emergency use authorization for what it said i<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-covid-19-diagnostic-test-using-breath-samples">s the first device</a> that can detect COVID-19 in breath samples.The InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer is about the size of a piece of carry-on luggage, the FDA said, and can be used in doctor’s offices, hospitals and mobile testing sites. The test, which can provide results in less than three minutes, must be carried out under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, called the device “yet another example of the rapid innovation occurring with diagnostic tests for COVID-19.”The FDA said the device was 91.2% accurate at identifying positive test samples and 99.3% accurate at identifying negative test samples.“InspectIR expects to be able to produce approximately 100 instruments per week, which can each be used to evaluate approximately 160 samples per day,” the agency said. “At this level of production, testing capacity using the InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer is expected to increase by approximately 64,000 samples per month.”

1st breath test for COVID-19 infection gets FDA approval

TOPEKA—An electrical fire caused substantial damage to a home on Thursday in Topeka.

Just after 9a.m. Thursday, crews responded to the fire at a home at&nbsp;3421 SW Briarwood Lane, according to Assistant Fire Marshal Dylan Smith.

Upon arrival, crews found smoke and flames coming from several first-floor windows of a 2 story single-family home. Crews located fire at the back of the residence that had made its way into the house. Fire crews were able to keep the fire contained to the structure. A search of the home revealed no occupants inside. It was later confirmed that it was unoccupied at the time of fire origin. Search crews were able to locate one dog that had succumbed to the fire.

A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as accidental, electrical, according to Smith. The estimated dollar loss – $319,000; $219,000 of which is associated with a total structural loss and $100,000 is associated with contents loss.

Working smoke detectors were located within the structure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650019605954.png" alt="A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as accidental, electrical- photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as accidental, electrical- photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—An electrical fire caused substantial damage to a home on Thursday in Topeka.Just after 9a.m. Thursday, crews responded to the fire at a home at&nbsp;3421 SW Briarwood Lane, according to Assistant Fire Marshal Dylan Smith.Upon arrival, crews found smoke and flames coming from several first-floor windows of a 2 story single-family home. Crews located fire at the back of the residence that had made its way into the house. Fire crews were able to keep the fire contained to the structure. A search of the home revealed no occupants inside. It was later confirmed that it was unoccupied at the time of fire origin. Search crews were able to locate one dog that had succumbed to the fire.A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as accidental, electrical, according to Smith. The estimated dollar loss – $319,000; $219,000 of which is associated with a total structural loss and $100,000 is associated with contents loss.Working smoke detectors were located within the structure.

Over $300,000 damage and dog dies in Kansas house fire

KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; human remains found on a farm in Clinton County, Missouri, according to Sheriff Larry Fish.

The remains were found on Sunday outside of Gower, 45 minutes north of Kansas City.

The remains were taken to the Frontier Forensics lab to help determine identity and whether foul play was involved.

At this time the victims age, name, race, and gender is unknown. The sheriffs department say it could take several months to identify the remains.

KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; human remains found on a farm in Clinton County, Missouri, according to Sheriff Larry Fish.The remains were found on Sunday outside of Gower, 45 minutes north of Kansas City.The remains were taken to the Frontier Forensics lab to help determine identity and whether foul play was involved.At this time the victims age, name, race, and gender is unknown. The sheriffs department say it could take several months to identify the remains.

Sheriff: Human remains found on farm near Kansas City

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

Just after 1 p.m. Wednesday, officers received a call for service for a robbery in the 1500 Block of Mulvane in Topeka by a known suspect, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.

On arrival, officers observed the suspect a few blocks away, and he was taken into custody without incident. Once stopped, the suspect was found to have methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia in his possession. As a result 40-year-old Justin Ware from Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department Of Corrections and is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Felony obstruction. 

He was on parole after convictions for robbery, aggravated battery, criminal threat, criminal damage to property and flee or attempt to elude police, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649987126141.png" alt="Ware-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ware-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.Just after 1 p.m. Wednesday, officers received a call for service for a robbery in the 1500 Block of Mulvane in Topeka by a known suspect, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.On arrival, officers observed the suspect a few blocks away, and he was taken into custody without incident. Once stopped, the suspect was found to have methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia in his possession. As a result 40-year-old Justin Ware from Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department Of Corrections and is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Felony obstruction. He was on parole after convictions for robbery, aggravated battery, criminal threat, criminal damage to property and flee or attempt to elude police, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Police: Kan. felon on parole captured after reported robbery

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Two cases of bird flu have been confirmed in U.S. zoos, but officials said they won’t order widespread euthanasia of zoo birds the way they have on farms.

 Agriculture Department spokesman Mike Stepien declined to release any details about the zoo cases Thursday. 

Many zoos across the country have closed down their aviaries and moved birds inside whenever possible to help protect them from bird flu that officials believe is primarily being spread by the droppings of wild birds.

 Nearly 27 million chickens and turkeys have been slaughtered in 26 states to limit the spread of bird flu during this year’s outbreak. 

Officials order entire flocks to be killed when the disease is found on farms.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Two cases of bird flu have been confirmed in U.S. zoos, but officials said they won’t order widespread euthanasia of zoo birds the way they have on farms. Agriculture Department spokesman Mike Stepien declined to release any details about the zoo cases Thursday. Many zoos across the country have closed down their aviaries and moved birds inside whenever possible to help protect them from bird flu that officials believe is primarily being spread by the droppings of wild birds. Nearly 27 million chickens and turkeys have been slaughtered in 26 states to limit the spread of bird flu during this year’s outbreak. Officials order entire flocks to be killed when the disease is found on farms.

2 bird flu cases confirmed in US zoos as virus spreads

WICHITA (AP) — A 27-year-old woman has been sentenced to life in prison after a May 2019 crash during a police chase killed two people and injured well-known Wichita musician Jenny Wood. 

Mia Collins pleaded guilty in October to two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 70-year-old Maria Wood and her 12-year-old granddaughter, Rosemary McElroy, who were Jenny Wood's mother and niece.

They were in a car that collided with one driven by Collins, who was fleeing from police.

 The driver of another car, Alfred Angel, also was seriously injured. 

During sentencing on Thursday, Wood said police shared blame for initiating a chase through downtown Wichita that reached 75 mph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597421975250.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal 2019 crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal 2019 crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA (AP) — A 27-year-old woman has been sentenced to life in prison after a May 2019 crash during a police chase killed two people and injured well-known Wichita musician Jenny Wood. Mia Collins pleaded guilty in October to two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 70-year-old Maria Wood and her 12-year-old granddaughter, Rosemary McElroy, who were Jenny Wood's mother and niece.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597432907464.png" alt="Collins-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Collins-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>They were in a car that collided with one driven by Collins, who was fleeing from police. The driver of another car, Alfred Angel, also was seriously injured. During sentencing on Thursday, Wood said police shared blame for initiating a chase through downtown Wichita that reached 75 mph.

Woman sentenced in fatal crash during Wichita police chase

Audit faults state agencies, managed-care companies involved in KanCare

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/14/kansas-inspector-generals-report-identifies-weakness-in-financial-oversight-of-medicaid/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — An audit by the Medicaid
 inspector general in Kansas identified oversight shortcomings in the 
state’s home and community based service programs that raised questions 
of potential overpayment to managed-care companies and control 
weaknesses at an agency in the administration of Gov. Laura Kelly.

Medicaid inspector general Steven Anderson, who is assigned to the 
office of the state attorney general, concluded Wednesday the Kansas 
Department of Health and Environment lacked “an effective system for 
tracking” beneficiaries in the program.

The assessment covered services delivered to Medicaid enrollees in 
the home or community from January 2018 through April 2021. The report 
was submitted to Attorney General Derek Schmidt, Cabinet secretaries at 
KDHE and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, and 
the Legislature’s joint oversight committee for Medicaid.

The state’s Medicaid system, known as KanCare, serves more than 
440,000 people. KanCare is a privatized system in which the state 
contracts with three companies to deliver $3.9 billion in services 
annually.

Home and community based services, or HCBS services, are offered to 
people with autism, brain injuries, intellectual or developmental 
disabilities, physical disabilities, severe emotional disturbances and 
the frail elderly. Services might include assistance with daily living 
such as eating, bathing and dressing or could extend to help with 
managing finances or preparing meals.

Anderson’s report indicated KDHE lacked an effective system of 
tracking whether Medicaid beneficiaries should be in the home and 
community based service program. The lapse raised issues of possible 
overpayment to KanCare contractors that could be of interest to federal 
Medicaid regulators, he said.

“KDHE does not have an effective system for tracking the 
redetermination of Medicaid beneficiaries on the HCBS program,” Anderson
 said in the report. “The number and types of findings identified during
 the audit indicate control weaknesses.”

In addition, Anderson’s report said the three managed-care companies,
 or MCOs, failed to fulfill management responsibilities because more 
than 2,800 people identified as being enrolled in the program didn’t 
have any payment claims for at least 12 months during the 40-month audit
 period. Individuals must use HCBS services at least once a month to 
remain eligible.

The amount of state payments to Kansas MCOs contracted to provide 
services to these idle beneficiaries totaled more than $193 million, the
 report said.

“For the scope of this audit,” Anderson’s report said, “MCOs are 
required by contract to monitor Medicaid beneficiaries’ use of waiver 
services and make the proper notifications if services are not being 
used. It appears, based on the number of Medicaid beneficiaries that are
 not using waiver services for extended periods of time, this oversight 
function is not being met.”

Meanwhile, the inspector general’s report identified 560 KanCare 
beneficiaries who had no Medicaid claims other than the monthly charge 
for an emergency response notification system. If the state had simply 
paid a rental fee for EMS service for those individuals the cost would 
have been $55,000.

However, payments to MCOs operating KanCare statewide totaled $8 million to serve the 560 beneficiaries enrolled in Medicaid.

Schmidt and Kelly are both candidates for Kansas governor in 2022. 
Kelly is seeking re-election as a Democrat, while Schmidt is the 
presumptive Republican nominee.

Management of Medicaid in Kansas became more politicized during the 
2022 legislative session when GOP lawmakers moved to block Kelly from 
working toward rebidding the $3.9 billion annual contract for KanCare.

A budget provision introduced by Republican legislators would delay 
that process until after the November election. If passed into law, it 
would be equivalent to a no-bid, one-year extension of contracts with 
Sunflower State Health Plan, United Healthcare and Aetna Better Health 
of Kansas.

KanCare, the state’s privatized system of Medicaid, was launched in 
2013 by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. The objective was to control the 
state’s expenditures on Medicaid and improve services available to 
beneficiaries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649956508491.png" alt="The Medicaid inspector general forwarded a report to Janet Stanek, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, as well as other executive and legislative branch officials, raising concerns about administrative oversight of the KanCare program. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Medicaid inspector general forwarded a report to Janet Stanek, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, as well as other executive and legislative branch officials, raising concerns about administrative oversight of the KanCare program. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Audit faults state agencies, managed-care companies involved in KanCare</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/14/kansas-inspector-generals-report-identifies-weakness-in-financial-oversight-of-medicaid/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — An audit by the Medicaid
 inspector general in Kansas identified oversight shortcomings in the 
state’s home and community based service programs that raised questions 
of potential overpayment to managed-care companies and control 
weaknesses at an agency in the administration of Gov. Laura Kelly.Medicaid inspector general Steven Anderson, who is assigned to the 
office of the state attorney general, concluded Wednesday the Kansas 
Department of Health and Environment lacked “an effective system for 
tracking” beneficiaries in the program.The assessment covered services delivered to Medicaid enrollees in 
the home or community from January 2018 through April 2021. The report 
was submitted to Attorney General Derek Schmidt, Cabinet secretaries at 
KDHE and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, and 
the Legislature’s joint oversight committee for Medicaid.The state’s Medicaid system, known as KanCare, serves more than 
440,000 people. KanCare is a privatized system in which the state 
contracts with three companies to deliver $3.9 billion in services 
annually.Home and community based services, or HCBS services, are offered to 
people with autism, brain injuries, intellectual or developmental 
disabilities, physical disabilities, severe emotional disturbances and 
the frail elderly. Services might include assistance with daily living 
such as eating, bathing and dressing or could extend to help with 
managing finances or preparing meals.Anderson’s report indicated KDHE lacked an effective system of 
tracking whether Medicaid beneficiaries should be in the home and 
community based service program. The lapse raised issues of possible 
overpayment to KanCare contractors that could be of interest to federal 
Medicaid regulators, he said.“KDHE does not have an effective system for tracking the 
redetermination of Medicaid beneficiaries on the HCBS program,” Anderson
 said in the report. “The number and types of findings identified during
 the audit indicate control weaknesses.”In addition, Anderson’s report said the three managed-care companies,
 or MCOs, failed to fulfill management responsibilities because more 
than 2,800 people identified as being enrolled in the program didn’t 
have any payment claims for at least 12 months during the 40-month audit
 period. Individuals must use HCBS services at least once a month to 
remain eligible.The amount of state payments to Kansas MCOs contracted to provide 
services to these idle beneficiaries totaled more than $193 million, the
 report said.“For the scope of this audit,” Anderson’s report said, “MCOs are 
required by contract to monitor Medicaid beneficiaries’ use of waiver 
services and make the proper notifications if services are not being 
used. It appears, based on the number of Medicaid beneficiaries that are
 not using waiver services for extended periods of time, this oversight 
function is not being met.”Meanwhile, the inspector general’s report identified 560 KanCare 
beneficiaries who had no Medicaid claims other than the monthly charge 
for an emergency response notification system. If the state had simply 
paid a rental fee for EMS service for those individuals the cost would 
have been $55,000.However, payments to MCOs operating KanCare statewide totaled $8 million to serve the 560 beneficiaries enrolled in Medicaid.Schmidt and Kelly are both candidates for Kansas governor in 2022. 
Kelly is seeking re-election as a Democrat, while Schmidt is the 
presumptive Republican nominee.Management of Medicaid in Kansas became more politicized during the 
2022 legislative session when GOP lawmakers moved to block Kelly from 
working toward rebidding the $3.9 billion annual contract for KanCare.A budget provision introduced by Republican legislators would delay 
that process until after the November election. If passed into law, it 
would be equivalent to a no-bid, one-year extension of contracts with 
Sunflower State Health Plan, United Healthcare and Aetna Better Health 
of Kansas.KanCare, the state’s privatized system of Medicaid, was launched in 
2013 by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. The objective was to control the 
state’s expenditures on Medicaid and improve services available to 
beneficiaries.

Kan. inspector general: Weaknesses in financial oversight of Medicaid

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/14/armored-car-company-stopped-for-hauling-legal-weed-funds-across-kansas-settles-federal-suit/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The U.S. Department of 
Justice agreed Wednesday to return all cash seized from an armored car 
company used by legal marijuana dispensaries during several traffic 
stops in California last year.

The California seizures occurred based on what authorities learned in
 Kansas during a May traffic stop of an Empyreal Logistics car. 
Conversations between state and federal law enforcement agencies 
stemming from <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/06/how-a-kansas-traffic-stop-led-to-a-federal-lawsuit-over-1-2m-in-seized-marijuana-profits/">this stop resulted in a series of events</a> in which Kansas and California officers seized more than $1.2 million.

Soon after, the company filed a federal lawsuit detailing how a 
sheriff’s deputy in Dickinson County stopped one of their vehicles 
transporting cash from licensed marijuana dispensaries to banks and 
credit unions, seizing more than $165,000 on Interstate 70. In response,
 the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas filed a civil forfeiture action 
against Empyreal, asserting that the cash was connected to sales in 
violation of the Controlled Substances Act.

A firm representing Empyreal announced Wednesday the DOJ had agreed 
to return all funds seized by the San Bernardino County Sheriff 
—approximately $1.1 million — in exchange for dropping the lawsuit. &nbsp;However,
 according to the firm representing Empyreal in the federal suit, the 
settlement does not address the San Bernardino sheriff or the case in 
Kansas.

“Empyreal has always viewed ourselves as a partner to financial 
institutions and law enforcement,” said Empyreal CEO Deirdra O’Gorman. 
“Our service increases transparency and makes communities safer. 
Empyreal is committed to continuing our mission of working with 
financial institutions and their state-legal business customers.”

Empyreal operates in 28 states and provides cash logistics solutions,
 including secure delivery between businesses such as state-licensed 
cannabis operations and financial institutions. The company never 
transports cannabis products.

The lawsuit alleged Dickinson County Sheriff’s Deputy Kalen Robinson 
pulled over a transit van heading east on the interstate because the 
license plate tag was partially obscured. After a conversation with a 
Drug Enforcement Administration agent, Robinson told the Empyreal driver
 she was free to go.

As the van headed back to Colorado the next day after picking up cash
 from Missouri dispensaries, Robinson pulled over the van. During the 
three-hour stop, the sheriff’s office seized five bags of cash that 
totaled $165,855, according to the offense report filed in connection 
with the case.

Empyreal said no traffic citations were issued to their drivers 
during any of the five stops mentioned in its complaint. However, in the
 lawsuit, the company said it has been forced to stop transporting cash 
through Kansas because of the seizures.

Their attorneys argued the stop occurring in Kansas was of no 
consequence, even if the state has not legalized any form of marijuana 
use, because it harms legally operating cannabis businesses.

“Empyreal was operating legally under California law, but with 
current federal civil forfeiture laws, even compliant businesses can be 
targeted,” said IJ Senior Attorney Dan Alban of the now settled federal 
case. “Returning this money is the right thing to do.”

Federal law prohibits the U.S. Department of Justice from spending 
money to prevent states from “implementing their own state laws that 
authorize the use, distribution, possession or cultivation of medical 
marijuana.”

The prohibition, known as the Rohrabacher–Farr Amendment, became law 
in 2014 and must be renewed every year. It remains in effect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649954022691.png" alt="Empyreal’s armored vehicle, which was carrying $165,000 in cash from marijuana dispensaries in Missouri, was stopped May 18, 2021, at this exit on I-70 as it headed for Colorado. The company settled a federal suit but litigation relating to Kansas remains ongoing according. (Duane Schrag for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Empyreal’s armored vehicle, which was carrying $165,000 in cash from marijuana dispensaries in Missouri, was stopped May 18, 2021, at this exit on I-70 as it headed for Colorado. The company settled a federal suit but litigation relating to Kansas remains ongoing according. (Duane Schrag for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/14/armored-car-company-stopped-for-hauling-legal-weed-funds-across-kansas-settles-federal-suit/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The U.S. Department of 
Justice agreed Wednesday to return all cash seized from an armored car 
company used by legal marijuana dispensaries during several traffic 
stops in California last year.The California seizures occurred based on what authorities learned in
 Kansas during a May traffic stop of an Empyreal Logistics car. 
Conversations between state and federal law enforcement agencies 
stemming from <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/06/how-a-kansas-traffic-stop-led-to-a-federal-lawsuit-over-1-2m-in-seized-marijuana-profits/">this stop resulted in a series of events</a> in which Kansas and California officers seized more than $1.2 million.Soon after, the company filed a federal lawsuit detailing how a 
sheriff’s deputy in Dickinson County stopped one of their vehicles 
transporting cash from licensed marijuana dispensaries to banks and 
credit unions, seizing more than $165,000 on Interstate 70. In response,
 the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas filed a civil forfeiture action 
against Empyreal, asserting that the cash was connected to sales in 
violation of the Controlled Substances Act.A firm representing Empyreal announced Wednesday the DOJ had agreed 
to return all funds seized by the San Bernardino County Sheriff 
—approximately $1.1 million — in exchange for dropping the lawsuit. &nbsp;However,
 according to the firm representing Empyreal in the federal suit, the 
settlement does not address the San Bernardino sheriff or the case in 
Kansas.“Empyreal has always viewed ourselves as a partner to financial 
institutions and law enforcement,” said Empyreal CEO Deirdra O’Gorman. 
“Our service increases transparency and makes communities safer. 
Empyreal is committed to continuing our mission of working with 
financial institutions and their state-legal business customers.”Empyreal operates in 28 states and provides cash logistics solutions,
 including secure delivery between businesses such as state-licensed 
cannabis operations and financial institutions. The company never 
transports cannabis products.The lawsuit alleged Dickinson County Sheriff’s Deputy Kalen Robinson 
pulled over a transit van heading east on the interstate because the 
license plate tag was partially obscured. After a conversation with a 
Drug Enforcement Administration agent, Robinson told the Empyreal driver
 she was free to go.As the van headed back to Colorado the next day after picking up cash
 from Missouri dispensaries, Robinson pulled over the van. During the 
three-hour stop, the sheriff’s office seized five bags of cash that 
totaled $165,855, according to the offense report filed in connection 
with the case.Empyreal said no traffic citations were issued to their drivers 
during any of the five stops mentioned in its complaint. However, in the
 lawsuit, the company said it has been forced to stop transporting cash 
through Kansas because of the seizures.Their attorneys argued the stop occurring in Kansas was of no 
consequence, even if the state has not legalized any form of marijuana 
use, because it harms legally operating cannabis businesses.“Empyreal was operating legally under California law, but with 
current federal civil forfeiture laws, even compliant businesses can be 
targeted,” said IJ Senior Attorney Dan Alban of the now settled federal 
case. “Returning this money is the right thing to do.”Federal law prohibits the U.S. Department of Justice from spending 
money to prevent states from “implementing their own state laws that 
authorize the use, distribution, possession or cultivation of medical 
marijuana.”The prohibition, known as the Rohrabacher–Farr Amendment, became law 
in 2014 and must be renewed every year. It remains in effect.

Armored car company stopped for hauling legal weed settles federal suit

A Logan woman was killed in a single-vehicle accident Thursday morning in Phillips County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported at around 7:40 a.m. a 2004 Ford Escape driven by Hollie L. Kendall, 49, drove over to the right road shoulder to meet a pickup traveling south on Phillips County Rd 1000, approximately 3.5 miles south of US 36, one mile north and 10 miles west of Phillipsburg, when the vehicle began to skid on the gravel. 

The vehicle then slid across the road to the left shoulder and then back onto the road before it overturned.

 Kendall was ejected as the vehicle continued to travel into the east ditch and came to rest on its right side, facing south. 

The KHP reported Kendall was not wearing a seatbelt.

A Logan woman was killed in a single-vehicle accident Thursday morning in Phillips County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported at around 7:40 a.m. a 2004 Ford Escape driven by Hollie L. Kendall, 49, drove over to the right road shoulder to meet a pickup traveling south on Phillips County Rd 1000, approximately 3.5 miles south of US 36, one mile north and 10 miles west of Phillipsburg, when the vehicle began to skid on the gravel. The vehicle then slid across the road to the left shoulder and then back onto the road before it overturned. Kendall was ejected as the vehicle continued to travel into the east ditch and came to rest on its right side, facing south. The KHP reported Kendall was not wearing a seatbelt.

Kan. woman killed in single vehicle accident Thursday

HUTCHINSON — NASA
 shuttle astronaut Dr. Janet Kavandi was in Hutchinson to talk to 
students about STEM research and how time in the classroom can lead to a
 better future. Kavandi was part of a presentation to students from the 
Magnet School at Allen and McCandless Elementary&nbsp; at the Cosmosphere on 
Thursday.

“We are now trying to get kids to understand that they 
have many opportunities in their future if they stay focused in school 
and set high goals for themselves,” Kavandi said. “And if they study, 
especially the sciences, engineering, IT, all of those kinds of fields, 
they can help us build these spacecraft.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The space race is 
still growing within the United States as commercial space flight is 
becoming more common. Kavandi says while it is in some way a 
competition, it is still one group working for a common goal.

“NASA
 is essentially turning over low earth orbit as the international space 
station is today to commercial companies,” Kavandi said. “So when we 
deorbit the international space station we already have another 
commercial space station that can accept commercial partners.”

Kavandi
 says she is very excited about the NASA Artemis program that will send 
astronauts back to the moon and said now is the time to get students 
excited about the space program again noting that it is up to parents 
and teachers to make that happen.

“I think one of the most 
important things is for parents to ensure that their kids know that they
 have opportunities,” Kavandi said. “My dad was wonderful about letting 
me know that I could do anything I wanted.”

Kavandi is currently 
President of Sierra Space, a Colorado-based company building a 
space vehicle for future commercial flight.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649953833422.jpeg" alt="Shuttle astronaut Dr. Janet Kavandi talks with students from the Magnet School at Allen and McCandless Elementary about her space travels during a presentation at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson." />
 <figcaption>Shuttle astronaut Dr. Janet Kavandi talks with students from the Magnet School at Allen and McCandless Elementary about her space travels during a presentation at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson.</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON — NASA
 shuttle astronaut Dr. Janet Kavandi was in Hutchinson to talk to 
students about STEM research and how time in the classroom can lead to a
 better future. Kavandi was part of a presentation to students from the 
Magnet School at Allen and McCandless Elementary&nbsp; at the Cosmosphere on 
Thursday.“We are now trying to get kids to understand that they 
have many opportunities in their future if they stay focused in school 
and set high goals for themselves,” Kavandi said. “And if they study, 
especially the sciences, engineering, IT, all of those kinds of fields, 
they can help us build these spacecraft.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The space race is 
still growing within the United States as commercial space flight is 
becoming more common. Kavandi says while it is in some way a 
competition, it is still one group working for a common goal.“NASA
 is essentially turning over low earth orbit as the international space 
station is today to commercial companies,” Kavandi said. “So when we 
deorbit the international space station we already have another 
commercial space station that can accept commercial partners.”Kavandi
 says she is very excited about the NASA Artemis program that will send 
astronauts back to the moon and said now is the time to get students 
excited about the space program again noting that it is up to parents 
and teachers to make that happen.“I think one of the most 
important things is for parents to ensure that their kids know that they
 have opportunities,” Kavandi said. “My dad was wonderful about letting 
me know that I could do anything I wanted.”Kavandi is currently 
President of Sierra Space, a Colorado-based company building a 
space vehicle for future commercial flight.

Astronaut tells to students to reach for the stars at Cosmosphere event

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINA — A local man's stop at a north Salina bar proved costly when he left his pickup running in the parking lot.

Jacob
 Cunningham, 28, of Salina, told police that he decided to stop at 
Chuck's Bar, 600 N. Santa Fe Avenue, at approximately 9:40 p.m. 
Wednesday. He left his black 1999 Chevrolet Silverado running in the 
parking lot, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.

When Cunningham left the bar, he found that the pickup had been stolen.

The pickup, valued at $2,000, had a Kansas license plate of 675PNT, Forrester said.

Additionally, a Samsung cellphone valued at $200 that was in the pickup also was stolen.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINA — A local man's stop at a north Salina bar proved costly when he left his pickup running in the parking lot.Jacob
 Cunningham, 28, of Salina, told police that he decided to stop at 
Chuck's Bar, 600 N. Santa Fe Avenue, at approximately 9:40 p.m. 
Wednesday. He left his black 1999 Chevrolet Silverado running in the 
parking lot, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.When Cunningham left the bar, he found that the pickup had been stolen.The pickup, valued at $2,000, had a Kansas license plate of 675PNT, Forrester said.Additionally, a Samsung cellphone valued at $200 that was in the pickup also was stolen.

Pickup stolen after owner leaves it running while in Kan. bar

ALLIANCE, Neb. — A Kansas man has been charged with two felonies and two misdemeanors for allegedly causing the death of an Alliance woman.

The Box Butte County (Neb.) Attorney’s office has charged 36-year-old Ryan J. McElroy of Salina with motor vehicle homicide, manslaughter, third offense drunk driving and willful reckless driving.&nbsp;

The charges stem from an April 10 collision when McElroy hit a vehicle driven by 22-year-old Blythe Boness of Alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Boness was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which occurred east of Alliance on Highway 2.&nbsp; &nbsp;

A Nebraska State Patrol arrest affidavit states that McElroy was driving on a suspended Kansas driver’s license.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The affidavit also states that Emergency Medical Personnel detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from McElroy and also viewed him to have bloodshot eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In McElroy’s vehicle, Troopers observed a half consumed 375 milliliter (12.6 oz) bottle of Fireball Whiskey.&nbsp;

McElroy told NSP that he had not been drinking, but stated he was looking at his phone when he veered into Boness’ lane.&nbsp;

McElroy was airlifted to Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The arrest affidavit states that McElroy initially refused to submit to a blood test.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Nebraska State Patrol then obtained a warrant and a blood sample was drawn from McElroy to determine his blood alcohol concentration.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Box Butte County Court Judge Paul Wess has set McElroy’s bond at 10% of $100,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A warrant has been issued for McElroy’s arrest.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

An initial court date has not yet been scheduled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649955550108.jpeg" alt="Ryan McElroy / photo from a previous arrest in Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Ryan McElroy / photo from a previous arrest in Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Panhandle PostALLIANCE, Neb. — A Kansas man has been charged with two felonies and two misdemeanors for allegedly causing the death of an Alliance woman.The Box Butte County (Neb.) Attorney’s office has charged 36-year-old Ryan J. McElroy of Salina with motor vehicle homicide, manslaughter, third offense drunk driving and willful reckless driving.&nbsp;The charges stem from an April 10 collision when McElroy hit a vehicle driven by 22-year-old Blythe Boness of Alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Boness was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which occurred east of Alliance on Highway 2.&nbsp; &nbsp;A Nebraska State Patrol arrest affidavit states that McElroy was driving on a suspended Kansas driver’s license.&nbsp;&nbsp;The affidavit also states that Emergency Medical Personnel detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from McElroy and also viewed him to have bloodshot eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;In McElroy’s vehicle, Troopers observed a half consumed 375 milliliter (12.6 oz) bottle of Fireball Whiskey.&nbsp;McElroy told NSP that he had not been drinking, but stated he was looking at his phone when he veered into Boness’ lane.&nbsp;McElroy was airlifted to Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff.&nbsp;&nbsp;The arrest affidavit states that McElroy initially refused to submit to a blood test.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Nebraska State Patrol then obtained a warrant and a blood sample was drawn from McElroy to determine his blood alcohol concentration.&nbsp; &nbsp;Box Butte County Court Judge Paul Wess has set McElroy’s bond at 10% of $100,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;A warrant has been issued for McElroy’s arrest.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;An initial court date has not yet been scheduled.

Kan. man faces vehicular homicide charge after Neb. woman's death

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Another rash of killings in Kansas City, Missouri, has the mayor considering the use of federal funds to try and address the problem. 

The Kansas City Star reported Thursday that five people were killed in less than 24 hours in the Kansas City area — four in Kansas City, Missouri, and one in Kansas City, Kansas. 

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas told the Star in a phone interview that he hopes to help stop violence suing some of the $195 million distributed to Kansas City from the American Rescue Plan Act. City leaders will determine how the money is spent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649954250647.png" alt="Officers who were in the Ivanhoe Northeast neighborhood around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday to investigate a car crash heard several gunshots coming from a home nearby-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Officers who were in the Ivanhoe Northeast neighborhood around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday to investigate a car crash heard several gunshots coming from a home nearby-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Another rash of killings in Kansas City, Missouri, has the mayor considering the use of federal funds to try and address the problem. The Kansas City Star reported Thursday that five people were killed in less than 24 hours in the Kansas City area — four in Kansas City, Missouri, and one in Kansas City, Kansas. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas told the Star in a phone interview that he hopes to help stop violence suing some of the $195 million distributed to Kansas City from the American Rescue Plan Act. City leaders will determine how the money is spent.

After violent 24-hour period, KC may use federal funds

PARSONS — A Parsons man was convicted on two child sex offenses under the Kansas Jessica’s Law statute, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today.

Jared W. Bybee, 37, of Parsons, pleaded no contest yesterday in Labette County District Court to two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy. Judge Steve Stockard accepted Bybee’s plea and set sentencing for September 23. Under the state’s Jessica’s Law, Bybee faces a presumptive sentence of life in prison with a minimum term of 25 years for each count before eligibility for parole.

The crimes occurred between 2013 and 2016 and involved two different victims under the age of 10. The case was investigated by the Parsons Police Department, Kansas Department for Children and Families and the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory.&nbsp;

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Michael Gayoso and Amy Norton of Schmidt’s office.

Office of the Attorney GeneralPARSONS — A Parsons man was convicted on two child sex offenses under the Kansas Jessica’s Law statute, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today.Jared W. Bybee, 37, of Parsons, pleaded no contest yesterday in Labette County District Court to two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy. Judge Steve Stockard accepted Bybee’s plea and set sentencing for September 23. Under the state’s Jessica’s Law, Bybee faces a presumptive sentence of life in prison with a minimum term of 25 years for each count before eligibility for parole.The crimes occurred between 2013 and 2016 and involved two different victims under the age of 10. The case was investigated by the Parsons Police Department, Kansas Department for Children and Families and the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory.&nbsp;The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Michael Gayoso and Amy Norton of Schmidt’s office.

Kansas man convicted on Jessica’s Law charges

Pfizer said Thursday it wants to expand its COVID-19 booster shots to healthy elementary-age kids.

U.S.
 health authorities already urge everyone 12 and older to get one 
booster dose for the best protection against the newest variants -- and 
recently gave the option of a second booster to those 50 and older.

Now Pfizer says new data shows healthy 5- to 11-year-olds could benefit from another kid-sized shot.

In
 a small study, 140 youngsters who’d already gotten two shots were given
 a booster six months later, and researchers found the extra shot 
generally revved up their immune response. But a closer look at 30 of 
the children found a 36-fold increase in virus-fighting antibodies, 
levels high enough to fight the super-contagious omicron variant, Pfizer
 and its partner BioNTech said in a press release.

The data has not been published or vetted by independent experts.

Pfizer
 tested the kid booster while omicron was surging this winter. While 
COVID-19 cases now are at much lower levels in the U.S., in recent weeks
 an even more contagious version of omicron, called BA.2, has become the
 dominant type locally and around the world.

In the coming days, 
the companies plan to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to 
authorize a booster for healthy 5- to 11-year-olds. They also plan to 
share the data with European and other regulators.

Vaccinations 
are generally less effective against the omicron variant than earlier 
versions of the coronavirus -- but they do still offer strong protection
 against severe disease. While COVID-19 is a bigger threat to adults, 
youngsters can get seriously ill. But regulators will have to decide if 
healthy elementary-age kids really need a booster, and if so, when.

The
 Pfizer shots are the only vaccine available to U.S. children. Those 
ages 5 to 11 receive one-third of the dose given to everyone 12 and 
older. Just over a quarter in the younger age group have gotten two 
doses since vaccination opened to them in November, shortly before 
omicron struck.

The U.S. hasn’t yet allowed vaccinations for 
children under 5. But certain 5- to 11-year-olds -- those with severely 
weakened immune systems -- already are supposed to get three doses, to 
give that high-risk group a better chance of responding.

Associated PressPfizer said Thursday it wants to expand its COVID-19 booster shots to healthy elementary-age kids.U.S.
 health authorities already urge everyone 12 and older to get one 
booster dose for the best protection against the newest variants -- and 
recently gave the option of a second booster to those 50 and older.Now Pfizer says new data shows healthy 5- to 11-year-olds could benefit from another kid-sized shot.In
 a small study, 140 youngsters who’d already gotten two shots were given
 a booster six months later, and researchers found the extra shot 
generally revved up their immune response. But a closer look at 30 of 
the children found a 36-fold increase in virus-fighting antibodies, 
levels high enough to fight the super-contagious omicron variant, Pfizer
 and its partner BioNTech said in a press release.The data has not been published or vetted by independent experts.Pfizer
 tested the kid booster while omicron was surging this winter. While 
COVID-19 cases now are at much lower levels in the U.S., in recent weeks
 an even more contagious version of omicron, called BA.2, has become the
 dominant type locally and around the world.In the coming days, 
the companies plan to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to 
authorize a booster for healthy 5- to 11-year-olds. They also plan to 
share the data with European and other regulators.Vaccinations 
are generally less effective against the omicron variant than earlier 
versions of the coronavirus -- but they do still offer strong protection
 against severe disease. While COVID-19 is a bigger threat to adults, 
youngsters can get seriously ill. But regulators will have to decide if 
healthy elementary-age kids really need a booster, and if so, when.The
 Pfizer shots are the only vaccine available to U.S. children. Those 
ages 5 to 11 receive one-third of the dose given to everyone 12 and 
older. Just over a quarter in the younger age group have gotten two 
doses since vaccination opened to them in November, shortly before 
omicron struck.The U.S. hasn’t yet allowed vaccinations for 
children under 5. But certain 5- to 11-year-olds -- those with severely 
weakened immune systems -- already are supposed to get three doses, to 
give that high-risk group a better chance of responding.

Pfizer to seek COVID booster for healthy 5- to 11-year-olds

SALINA — A qualifying 
race for the Boston Marathon is coming to Salina this fall, and with it 
other options for runners and walkers as well.

Registration is now
 open for the Salina Crossroads Marathon, half marathon, marathon relay,
 half marathon relay, and 4.01 K races scheduled for Nov. 5. <a href="https://register.chronotrack.com/r/65309">Click here to register</a> or use the QR code.

"The Boston Marathon is one of the oldest and most prestigious races 
in the world. When almost all races, including races in large cities, 
list that they are a Boston Marathon qualifier on their website you know
 it is a special race. There is so much history with the Boston Marathon
 and as someone who has ran the Boston Marathon, I can say that there is
 no other race I have ever ran that had the excitement and energy that 
the Boston Marathon has. They estimate that over 500,000 spectators 
watch the Boston Marathon each year so having that many people cheering 
you on along the course is an experience you never forget," Daniel Craig
 told Salina Post.

Craig, who serves as Salina Crossroads Marathon
 co-director with Chris Lehecka, said the Salina event also will have 
spectator options.

"When we developed the course we worked hard to
 incorporate activation areas where we will have aid stations (water, 
Gatorade, snacks), music, and places for people to cheer on the runners.
 We will have maps of the course showing the places along the course 
where it will be easiest for people to be at to cheer on the runners," 
he said. "One advantage of having a two-loop marathon course is that it 
gives everyone the opportunity to cheer on the runners even more."

Additionally, downtown merchants will be hosting their annual Holiday Open Houses during the marathon weekend.

"Runners
 and families are encouraged to come early and stay late," Craig said. 
"There is so much to see and do in Salina Downtown. Food, Shopping, 
Entertainment, Art and so much more!"

The following five events are scheduled for the day of the marathon.

The full marathon, a 26.2-mile race, is the Boston Marathon qualifier. The athletes in this race will run two loops of the 13.1-mile course.

The full marathon relay, during which teams of six will run the full marathon route.

The half marathon, during which participants will run one loop of the route.

The half marathon relay, during which teams of three will run the half marathon route.

The 4.01K race,
 a fun run sponsored by BeWealth that provides a fun twist from 
traditional 5K and 2.5-mile races. The 4.01K race will loop back early 
and finish back south on Santa Fe, according to information provided by 
Craig.

The race will start downtown near First Bank Kansas, 235 S.
 Santa Fe Avenue, and head north through the heart of downtown just past
 the new mural on the former H.D. Lee Mill elevator on north Santa Fe 
Avenue. The course will head east and navigate through Salina parks, 
over the Smoky Hill River, under the E. Crawford Street bridge, on the 
levee, in and around Indian Rock, and have an inspiring finish from E. 
Prescott Avenue on S. Santa Fe Avenue all the way back to the finish 
line, Craig noted. 

A map of the route is available on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1469896640070189">Salina Crossroads Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 4.01K Group Facebook page</a>.

Registration and a runners reception will be hosted at the Homewood Suites by Hilton, 115 E. Mulberry Street.

Craig
 said the idea for the local marathon began when he and Lehecka started 
talking about what it would be like for Salina to have a high-quality 
marathon and half marathon races.

"We reached out to the City of 
Salina to approach them with the idea and they were very supportive. 
Sgt. Chad McCary and Brent Buchwald helped us develop a fun and scenic 
course that also minimizes disruptions to traffic and parking in 
Downtown Salina and JoVonna Rutherford helped us work through the 
process of getting approval on the Special Event Permit," Craig said.

Once
 that was accomplished, a race committee that includes individuals from 
both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, as well as local runners, 
was created.

"Our goals were to develop a high quality race that 
could bring in runners from across the United States and we wanted to 
get enough sponsorships to cover the cost of putting on the race so that
 100 percent of the race entry fees could go towards meeting a need in 
the community, which for this first year has been identified as youth 
sports," he said.

Becoming a Boston Marathon qualifier

Creating
 a race that is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon is no easy task. 
Once the course was approved by the city, it had to go through a 
certification process.

"Certification is a procedure that 
guarantees that the marathon course has been properly measured by an 
experienced measurer. The surveyor uses a bicycle equipped with a 
revolution counter and does two measurements of the course to ensure 
that the marathon is at least the full marathon distance (26 miles 385 
yards) commonly listed as 26.2 miles," Craig explained. "Once the 
surveyor creates the course map it gets sent to the Regional Certifier 
who issues the official certificate. The course is valid for 10 years, 
as long as nothing changes on the course that would affect the 
distance."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649946967580.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy Salina Crossroads Marathon" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Salina Crossroads Marathon</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINA — A qualifying 
race for the Boston Marathon is coming to Salina this fall, and with it 
other options for runners and walkers as well.Registration is now
 open for the Salina Crossroads Marathon, half marathon, marathon relay,
 half marathon relay, and 4.01 K races scheduled for Nov. 5. <a href="https://register.chronotrack.com/r/65309">Click here to register</a> or use the QR code.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649947018285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"The Boston Marathon is one of the oldest and most prestigious races 
in the world. When almost all races, including races in large cities, 
list that they are a Boston Marathon qualifier on their website you know
 it is a special race. There is so much history with the Boston Marathon
 and as someone who has ran the Boston Marathon, I can say that there is
 no other race I have ever ran that had the excitement and energy that 
the Boston Marathon has. They estimate that over 500,000 spectators 
watch the Boston Marathon each year so having that many people cheering 
you on along the course is an experience you never forget," Daniel Craig
 told Salina Post.Craig, who serves as Salina Crossroads Marathon
 co-director with Chris Lehecka, said the Salina event also will have 
spectator options."When we developed the course we worked hard to
 incorporate activation areas where we will have aid stations (water, 
Gatorade, snacks), music, and places for people to cheer on the runners.
 We will have maps of the course showing the places along the course 
where it will be easiest for people to be at to cheer on the runners," 
he said. "One advantage of having a two-loop marathon course is that it 
gives everyone the opportunity to cheer on the runners even more."Additionally, downtown merchants will be hosting their annual Holiday Open Houses during the marathon weekend."Runners
 and families are encouraged to come early and stay late," Craig said. 
"There is so much to see and do in Salina Downtown. Food, Shopping, 
Entertainment, Art and so much more!"The following five events are scheduled for the day of the marathon.The full marathon, a 26.2-mile race, is the Boston Marathon qualifier. The athletes in this race will run two loops of the 13.1-mile course.The full marathon relay, during which teams of six will run the full marathon route.The half marathon, during which participants will run one loop of the route.The half marathon relay, during which teams of three will run the half marathon route.The 4.01K race,
 a fun run sponsored by BeWealth that provides a fun twist from 
traditional 5K and 2.5-mile races. The 4.01K race will loop back early 
and finish back south on Santa Fe, according to information provided by 
Craig.The race will start downtown near First Bank Kansas, 235 S.
 Santa Fe Avenue, and head north through the heart of downtown just past
 the new mural on the former H.D. Lee Mill elevator on north Santa Fe 
Avenue. The course will head east and navigate through Salina parks, 
over the Smoky Hill River, under the E. Crawford Street bridge, on the 
levee, in and around Indian Rock, and have an inspiring finish from E. 
Prescott Avenue on S. Santa Fe Avenue all the way back to the finish 
line, Craig noted. A map of the route is available on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1469896640070189">Salina Crossroads Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 4.01K Group Facebook page</a>.Registration and a runners reception will be hosted at the Homewood Suites by Hilton, 115 E. Mulberry Street.The origins of the local marathonCraig
 said the idea for the local marathon began when he and Lehecka started 
talking about what it would be like for Salina to have a high-quality 
marathon and half marathon races."We reached out to the City of 
Salina to approach them with the idea and they were very supportive. 
Sgt. Chad McCary and Brent Buchwald helped us develop a fun and scenic 
course that also minimizes disruptions to traffic and parking in 
Downtown Salina and JoVonna Rutherford helped us work through the 
process of getting approval on the Special Event Permit," Craig said.Once
 that was accomplished, a race committee that includes individuals from 
both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, as well as local runners, 
was created."Our goals were to develop a high quality race that 
could bring in runners from across the United States and we wanted to 
get enough sponsorships to cover the cost of putting on the race so that
 100 percent of the race entry fees could go towards meeting a need in 
the community, which for this first year has been identified as youth 
sports," he said.Becoming a Boston Marathon qualifierCreating
 a race that is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon is no easy task. 
Once the course was approved by the city, it had to go through a 
certification process."Certification is a procedure that 
guarantees that the marathon course has been properly measured by an 
experienced measurer. The surveyor uses a bicycle equipped with a 
revolution counter and does two measurements of the course to ensure 
that the marathon is at least the full marathon distance (26 miles 385 
yards) commonly listed as 26.2 miles," Craig explained. "Once the 
surveyor creates the course map it gets sent to the Regional Certifier 
who issues the official certificate. The course is valid for 10 years, 
as long as nothing changes on the course that would affect the 
distance."Local course also USATF certifiedCraig said the course also is certified by USA Track &amp; Field. "USA
 Track &amp; Field offers a searchable link online which lists all 
marathons in the United States that are USATF certified," Craig said. 
"The course must be run exactly as is depicted on the map that the 
surveyor creates, which includes things such as the exact location for 
cones on the course. If the organizers of the race make any changes, no 
matter how minor, the course is not certified. So it is a very detailed 
process that lets runners know that the race is the correct distance."A lofty first-year goalCraig said the committee's goal for the first year is 1,000 total participants."We
 are committed to putting on a great first-year event with a goal of 
making the Salina Crossroads Marathon the premier marathon in Kansas," 
he said.