WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass billions of dollars in additional funding to fight the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, as he received a second booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine a day after federal regulators approved a fourth shot for those aged 50 and older.

Biden spoke as his administration rolled out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covid.gov/" target="_blank">COVID.gov</a>, designed to be a one-stop website to help people in the United States access COVID-19 tests, vaccines and treatments, along with status updates on infection rates where they live. Biden pressed lawmakers to provide additional funding “immediately” to ensure continued supply of the tools that have helped the nation begin to emerge from the pandemic.

“Congress, we need to secure additional supply now,” he said, warning of shortages of vaccines, tests and treatments. “This isn’t partisan, it’s medicine.”

Biden, 79, received the first series of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office and a first booster shot in September. The additional booster dose was administered by a member of the White House Medical Unit.

“It didn’t hurt a bit,” Biden said.

The additional booster is meant to beef up the body’s protection against COVID-19 in populations most vulnerable to the coronavirus, which has killed more than 975,000 people in the U.S.

On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleared the way for another shot for anyone 50 and older, who can get the additional booster at least four months after their last vaccination. Severely immune-compromised patients, such as organ transplant recipients, as young as 12, are also eligible.

“We have enough supply to give booster shots, but if Congress fails to act we won’t have the supplies we need this Fall,” Biden warned, noting the possibility that regulators will approve a fourth shot for all Americans.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, have been negotiating in hopes of reviving the COVID-19 package.

If an agreement emerges, participants say they expect it to be similar to the $15.6 billion bipartisan version that congressional leaders crafted earlier this month. The original compromise collapsed after rank-and-file Democrats rebelled against cuts in unspent pandemic aid for states that would have helped pay for it.

The two parties’ continuing disagreements are over how to find savings to offset the measure’s cost, not the new spending itself.

Leaders would like Congress to approve the assistance before lawmakers leave for a spring recess after next week.

“We are not yet at the finish line, but we will keep working throughout the day,” Schumer said Wednesday. He said if a new COVID variant emerges that “extends its nasty tentacles across the country and we don’t have the tools to respond, then woe is us.”

Romney said Tuesday that bargainers were discussing savings options. “But we’re making progress and hopefully we’ll get there soon,” he said.

A subvariant of the highly transmissible omicron that scientists call BA.2 is now the dominant coronavirus mutant in the United States. It accounted for nearly 55% of new infections across the nation last week and an even greater proportion in the Northeast, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Scientists say one reason BA.2 has gained ground is that it’s about 30% more contagious than the original omicron. In rare cases, research shows it can sicken people even if they’ve already had an omicron infection. But it doesn’t seem to cause more severe disease than the original, and vaccines appear just as effective against it.

The unvaccinated, though, are at a far greater risk.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648688148561.png" alt="Biden, 79, received the first series of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office and a first booster shot in September. The additional booster dose was administered by a member of the White House Medical Unit-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Biden, 79, received the first series of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office and a first booster shot in September. The additional booster dose was administered by a member of the White House Medical Unit-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass billions of dollars in additional funding to fight the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, as he received a second booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine a day after federal regulators approved a fourth shot for those aged 50 and older.Biden spoke as his administration rolled out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covid.gov/" target="_blank">COVID.gov</a>, designed to be a one-stop website to help people in the United States access COVID-19 tests, vaccines and treatments, along with status updates on infection rates where they live. Biden pressed lawmakers to provide additional funding “immediately” to ensure continued supply of the tools that have helped the nation begin to emerge from the pandemic.“Congress, we need to secure additional supply now,” he said, warning of shortages of vaccines, tests and treatments. “This isn’t partisan, it’s medicine.”Biden, 79, received the first series of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office and a first booster shot in September. The additional booster dose was administered by a member of the White House Medical Unit.“It didn’t hurt a bit,” Biden said.The additional booster is meant to beef up the body’s protection against COVID-19 in populations most vulnerable to the coronavirus, which has killed more than 975,000 people in the U.S.On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleared the way for another shot for anyone 50 and older, who can get the additional booster at least four months after their last vaccination. Severely immune-compromised patients, such as organ transplant recipients, as young as 12, are also eligible.“We have enough supply to give booster shots, but if Congress fails to act we won’t have the supplies we need this Fall,” Biden warned, noting the possibility that regulators will approve a fourth shot for all Americans.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, have been negotiating in hopes of reviving the COVID-19 package.If an agreement emerges, participants say they expect it to be similar to the $15.6 billion bipartisan version that congressional leaders crafted earlier this month. The original compromise collapsed after rank-and-file Democrats rebelled against cuts in unspent pandemic aid for states that would have helped pay for it.The two parties’ continuing disagreements are over how to find savings to offset the measure’s cost, not the new spending itself.Leaders would like Congress to approve the assistance before lawmakers leave for a spring recess after next week.“We are not yet at the finish line, but we will keep working throughout the day,” Schumer said Wednesday. He said if a new COVID variant emerges that “extends its nasty tentacles across the country and we don’t have the tools to respond, then woe is us.”Romney said Tuesday that bargainers were discussing savings options. “But we’re making progress and hopefully we’ll get there soon,” he said.A subvariant of the highly transmissible omicron that scientists call BA.2 is now the dominant coronavirus mutant in the United States. It accounted for nearly 55% of new infections across the nation last week and an even greater proportion in the Northeast, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Scientists say one reason BA.2 has gained ground is that it’s about 30% more contagious than the original omicron. In rare cases, research shows it can sicken people even if they’ve already had an omicron infection. But it doesn’t seem to cause more severe disease than the original, and vaccines appear just as effective against it.The unvaccinated, though, are at a far greater risk.—

Biden receives 2nd booster, presses Congress for more virus funding

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is preparing to order the release of up to 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve, according to two people familiar with the decision, in a bid to control energy prices that have spiked as the U.S. and allies have imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-joe-biden-business-congress-a187eb7dcbb8e8c7224adb518392bab2">steep sanctions on Russia</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-united-states-nato-5863ad1d740cdd04ba42a25de0d31449">its invasion of Ukraine</a>.

The announcement could come as soon as Thursday, when the White House says Biden is planning to deliver remarks on his administration’s plans to combat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gas-prices-record-high-russia-ukraine-ac7fcc350ad1f1c71db4185b99fef112">rising gas prices</a>. The duration of the release hasn’t been finalized but could last for several months. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the decision.

High oil prices have not coaxed more production, creating a challenge for Biden. The Democratic president has seen his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-inflation-6b6b0abfef867fc405e9f358ce2c3a09">popularity sink</a>&nbsp;as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-inflation-soars-776c03520c90083894fedf31f1a7db00">inflation reached a 40-year high</a>&nbsp;in February and the cost of petroleum and gasoline climbed after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>.

The markets reacted quickly to the likely release from the strategic reserve with crude oil prices dropping 6% on Thursday morning to roughly $101 a barrel. Still, oil is up from roughly $60 a year ago as supplies have not kept up with demand as the world economy began to rebound from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>.

Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of the consumption devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Domestic oil production is equal to more than half of the country’s usage, but high prices have not led companies to return to their pre-pandemic levels of output. The U.S. is producing on average 11.7 million barrels daily, down from 13 million barrels in early 2020.

Oil producers have been more focused on meeting the needs of investors than consumers, according to a survey released last week by the Dallas Federal Reserve. About 59% of the executives surveyed said investor pressure to preserve “capital discipline” amid high prices was the reason they weren’t pumping more, while fewer than 10% blamed government regulation.

The steady release from the reserves would be a meaningful sum and come near to closing the domestic production gap relative to February 2020, before the coronavirus caused a steep decline in oil output.

The Biden administration in November announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-oil-strategic-reserve-gas-prices-a7e0802b299cd627c7ffdeeb0e50bd2c">the release of 50 million barrels</a>&nbsp;from the strategic reserve in coordination with other countries. And after the Russia-Ukraine war began, the U.S. and 30 other countries agreed to an additional release of 60 million barrels from reserves, with half of the total coming from the U.S.

According to the Department of Energy, which manages it, more than 568 million barrels of oil were held in the reserve as of March 25.

News of the administration’s planning was first reported by Bloomberg.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646659156352.png" alt="Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of the consumption devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.-google image" />
 <figcaption>Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of the consumption devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.-google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is preparing to order the release of up to 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve, according to two people familiar with the decision, in a bid to control energy prices that have spiked as the U.S. and allies have imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-joe-biden-business-congress-a187eb7dcbb8e8c7224adb518392bab2">steep sanctions on Russia</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-united-states-nato-5863ad1d740cdd04ba42a25de0d31449">its invasion of Ukraine</a>.The announcement could come as soon as Thursday, when the White House says Biden is planning to deliver remarks on his administration’s plans to combat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gas-prices-record-high-russia-ukraine-ac7fcc350ad1f1c71db4185b99fef112">rising gas prices</a>. The duration of the release hasn’t been finalized but could last for several months. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the decision.High oil prices have not coaxed more production, creating a challenge for Biden. The Democratic president has seen his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-inflation-6b6b0abfef867fc405e9f358ce2c3a09">popularity sink</a>&nbsp;as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-inflation-soars-776c03520c90083894fedf31f1a7db00">inflation reached a 40-year high</a>&nbsp;in February and the cost of petroleum and gasoline climbed after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>.The markets reacted quickly to the likely release from the strategic reserve with crude oil prices dropping 6% on Thursday morning to roughly $101 a barrel. Still, oil is up from roughly $60 a year ago as supplies have not kept up with demand as the world economy began to rebound from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>.Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of the consumption devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.Domestic oil production is equal to more than half of the country’s usage, but high prices have not led companies to return to their pre-pandemic levels of output. The U.S. is producing on average 11.7 million barrels daily, down from 13 million barrels in early 2020.Oil producers have been more focused on meeting the needs of investors than consumers, according to a survey released last week by the Dallas Federal Reserve. About 59% of the executives surveyed said investor pressure to preserve “capital discipline” amid high prices was the reason they weren’t pumping more, while fewer than 10% blamed government regulation.The steady release from the reserves would be a meaningful sum and come near to closing the domestic production gap relative to February 2020, before the coronavirus caused a steep decline in oil output.The Biden administration in November announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-oil-strategic-reserve-gas-prices-a7e0802b299cd627c7ffdeeb0e50bd2c">the release of 50 million barrels</a>&nbsp;from the strategic reserve in coordination with other countries. And after the Russia-Ukraine war began, the U.S. and 30 other countries agreed to an additional release of 60 million barrels from reserves, with half of the total coming from the U.S.According to the Department of Energy, which manages it, more than 568 million barrels of oil were held in the reserve as of March 25.News of the administration’s planning was first reported by Bloomberg.___

Biden considers plan to tap oil reserve to control gas prices

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Black Kansas City teenager will receive a $325,000 settlement after three white police officers hit him more than 10 times and used a stun gun on him, according to an excessive force lawsuit.

It is the third settlement this year against Kansas City police in cases involving Black teenagers, with a total payout of $1.3 million, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article259897090.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.

The lawsuit alleged the 17-year-old was sitting in his car in a parking lot waiting for friends after homecoming at Hogan Preparatory Academy on Oct. 12, 2019.

Two officers approached the car and ordered him to get out. When the teen got out of the car, he was thrown to the ground, punched, knelt on by two officers and hit with a stun gun by a third, according to the lawsuit.

Video filed with the lawsuit includes the teenager calling for help and saying he was not resisting, The Star reported.

The teenager had not committed any traffic violations. He was arrested but never charged with a crime.

The Kansas City Police Department declined to comment on the settlement.

The police department has paid more than $10.8 million in excessive force and wrongful arrest claims since 2014.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Black Kansas City teenager will receive a $325,000 settlement after three white police officers hit him more than 10 times and used a stun gun on him, according to an excessive force lawsuit.It is the third settlement this year against Kansas City police in cases involving Black teenagers, with a total payout of $1.3 million, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article259897090.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.The lawsuit alleged the 17-year-old was sitting in his car in a parking lot waiting for friends after homecoming at Hogan Preparatory Academy on Oct. 12, 2019.Two officers approached the car and ordered him to get out. When the teen got out of the car, he was thrown to the ground, punched, knelt on by two officers and hit with a stun gun by a third, according to the lawsuit.Video filed with the lawsuit includes the teenager calling for help and saying he was not resisting, The Star reported.The teenager had not committed any traffic violations. He was arrested but never charged with a crime.The Kansas City Police Department declined to comment on the settlement.The police department has paid more than $10.8 million in excessive force and wrongful arrest claims since 2014.

KCPD to pay $325,000 to Black teen after violent arrest

NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>

HUTCHINSON — 
Hutchinson Fire Capt. Troy Mueller said fighting wildfires in Kansas is very different today than it was in decades past.

"One
 of the things that's changed around here is the fuel type that we 
have," Mueller said. "With the cedars that we have, it's definitely 
changed us from an open grass prairie grass fire to really more of the 
fuel type that you see in Southern California, with the chapparal and 
stuff and when we have wind events, anytime we have wind, that's the 
main driver for our fires here."

It's really disheartening for firefighters to enter property that has had such overgrowth that it is impossible to defend.

"We
 can't even access a road if people can't get some of that stuff out of 
the way," said Battalion Chief Rex Albright. "There's property that's 
completely unsaveable for us. There's no way that we can get in front of
 it, with the amount of heat and flame height that we have coming at it,
 there's no man that can stand in front of that. It's truly up to the 
homeowner to start looking at that, but the cedar trees are the big 
thing."

Captain Ryan Winters was on the brush truck that had 
damage during the Cottonwood Complex Fire which Chief Beer referred to 
during his equipment request to the City Council earlier this month.

"We
 were with Brush 41 at that time, responding out of Station 4," said 
Winters. "We were the first truck on scene. It had already jumped 4th 
Street by the time we got there. We got in contact with our operations 
chief. We went directly to the head fire at that point and was trying to
 help with structure support on the north end area of the fire and 
trying to get it back into the burned area from the Albright Fire. We 
kind of got in a hairy situation with the wind shifts and everything. 
The fire flanked out around behind us. 

"We were kind of trapped, trying 
to get back to our safe area and the fire rolled over the top of us. I 
was outside the vehicle at the time. We were able to make access back to
 the cab of the truck. At that point, everything kind of got real dicey.
 With zero visibility, our directional was kind of challenging at that 
point to see where our safe zone was. Overall, we did find it. We were 
able to save the structure we that were on, but the fire was moving so 
fast, so rapidly, we were in a tight spot there."

Mueller noted as
 part of the City Council presentation how important it is that 
firefighters continue to upgrade their equipment as it ages out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648658650382.jpeg" alt="Photo by Rod Zook / Hutch Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Rod Zook / Hutch Post</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>HUTCHINSON — 
Hutchinson Fire Capt. Troy Mueller said fighting wildfires in Kansas is very different today than it was in decades past."One
 of the things that's changed around here is the fuel type that we 
have," Mueller said. "With the cedars that we have, it's definitely 
changed us from an open grass prairie grass fire to really more of the 
fuel type that you see in Southern California, with the chapparal and 
stuff and when we have wind events, anytime we have wind, that's the 
main driver for our fires here."It's really disheartening for firefighters to enter property that has had such overgrowth that it is impossible to defend."We
 can't even access a road if people can't get some of that stuff out of 
the way," said Battalion Chief Rex Albright. "There's property that's 
completely unsaveable for us. There's no way that we can get in front of
 it, with the amount of heat and flame height that we have coming at it,
 there's no man that can stand in front of that. It's truly up to the 
homeowner to start looking at that, but the cedar trees are the big 
thing."Captain Ryan Winters was on the brush truck that had 
damage during the Cottonwood Complex Fire which Chief Beer referred to 
during his equipment request to the City Council earlier this month."We
 were with Brush 41 at that time, responding out of Station 4," said 
Winters. "We were the first truck on scene. It had already jumped 4th 
Street by the time we got there. We got in contact with our operations 
chief. We went directly to the head fire at that point and was trying to
 help with structure support on the north end area of the fire and 
trying to get it back into the burned area from the Albright Fire. We 
kind of got in a hairy situation with the wind shifts and everything. 
The fire flanked out around behind us. "We were kind of trapped, trying 
to get back to our safe area and the fire rolled over the top of us. I 
was outside the vehicle at the time. We were able to make access back to
 the cab of the truck. At that point, everything kind of got real dicey.
 With zero visibility, our directional was kind of challenging at that 
point to see where our safe zone was. Overall, we did find it. We were 
able to save the structure we that were on, but the fire was moving so 
fast, so rapidly, we were in a tight spot there."Mueller noted as
 part of the City Council presentation how important it is that 
firefighters continue to upgrade their equipment as it ages out.

Cedar infestation makes battling Kan. wildfires increasingly difficult

NEW YORK (AP) — Bruce Willis is stepping away from acting after a diagnosis of aphasia. The condition causes loss of the ability to understand or express speech. 

Willis' family announced the news in a statement Wednesday on Willis' Instagram page. The 67-year-old actor's family said Willis was recently diagnosed with aphasia and that it is impacting his cognitive abilities. 

The statement was signed by Willis' wife, Emma Heming Willis, his ex-wife Demi Moore, and his five children, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648673313450.png" alt=" Bruce Willis speaking at the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Gage">Photo by Gage Skidmore</a>" />
 <figcaption> Bruce Willis speaking at the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Gage">Photo by Gage Skidmore</a></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Bruce Willis is stepping away from acting after a diagnosis of aphasia. The condition causes loss of the ability to understand or express speech. Willis' family announced the news in a statement Wednesday on Willis' Instagram page. The 67-year-old actor's family said Willis was recently diagnosed with aphasia and that it is impacting his cognitive abilities. The statement was signed by Willis' wife, Emma Heming Willis, his ex-wife Demi Moore, and his five children, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn.

Bruce Willis steps away from acting after diagnosis

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian officials say Russian forces pounded areas around Ukraine's capital and another city overnight. 

The attacks come hours after Moscow pledged to scale back military operations in those places. The shelling further tempered optimism about any progress in talks aimed at ending the war. Russia did not spell out what exactly it planned to do differently. 

While the promise initially raised hopes that a path toward peace was coming into view, Ukraine's president and others cautioned that the remarks could merely be bluster. Ukrainian officials said Russian shelling hit "civilian infrastructure" in the northern city of Chernihiv and on the outskirts of Kyiv. 

Moscow, meanwhile, reacted coolly Wednesday to Kyiv's proposed framework for a peace deal.

Associated PressKYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian officials say Russian forces pounded areas around Ukraine's capital and another city overnight. The attacks come hours after Moscow pledged to scale back military operations in those places. The shelling further tempered optimism about any progress in talks aimed at ending the war. Russia did not spell out what exactly it planned to do differently. While the promise initially raised hopes that a path toward peace was coming into view, Ukraine's president and others cautioned that the remarks could merely be bluster. Ukrainian officials said Russian shelling hit "civilian infrastructure" in the northern city of Chernihiv and on the outskirts of Kyiv. Moscow, meanwhile, reacted coolly Wednesday to Kyiv's proposed framework for a peace deal.

Russia bombards areas of Ukraine where it pledged to scale back

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly says Kansas won't enforce a federal mandate that nursing home workers get vaccinated against COVID-19. 

She acknowledged Wednesday that the mandate conflicts with a state law she signed four months ago. Kelly's move won't allow nursing home employees to avoid the vaccination mandate. 

The federal government informed the state last week that it will charge Kansas nearly $349,000 for the year to have federal teams survey nursing homes for compliance. 

The law enacted in November makes it easy for workers to claim a religious exemption from vaccine mandates. Meanwhile, Republican legislators want to limit the restrictions officials can impose during future outbreaks.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly says Kansas won't enforce a federal mandate that nursing home workers get vaccinated against COVID-19. She acknowledged Wednesday that the mandate conflicts with a state law she signed four months ago. Kelly's move won't allow nursing home employees to avoid the vaccination mandate. The federal government informed the state last week that it will charge Kansas nearly $349,000 for the year to have federal teams survey nursing homes for compliance. The law enacted in November makes it easy for workers to claim a religious exemption from vaccine mandates. Meanwhile, Republican legislators want to limit the restrictions officials can impose during future outbreaks.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Kansas won't enforce vaccine rule for nursing home workers

BURR OAK — In the midst of a red flag 
warning for fire danger Tuesday afternoon, a hot spot on radar was the 
first indication of a grassland fire in northwestern Jewell County.

At
 approximately 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, an employee of the National Weather 
Service in Hastings, Neb., alerted Jewell County dispatch that a hot 
spot had been seen on radar approximately three miles west of Burr Oak, 
the Jewell County Sheriff's Office reported in a news release issued 
late this morning.

The National Weather Service's Hastings, Neb., office's coverage area includes Jewell County.

Burr
 Oak volunteer fire fighters responded to the blaze, which spread 
quickly because of the high winds. Winds from the south to southwest at 
20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, and relative humidity as low as 
14 percent were forecast for the area Tuesday afternoon.

A view of the smoke plume on the National Weather Service's Hastings, Neb., radar as the fire moved to the north of Burr Oak:

Because the fire was growing rapidly due to the windy conditions, the
 Burr Oak volunteer firefighters requested assistance and numerous other
 fire departments from Kansas and Nebraska responded.

"There were 
no fatalities, 1 minor injury," the Jewell County Sheriff's Office noted
 in the release. "It is unknown at this time of the amount of personal 
property that has been damaged."

The origin of the fire is currently is unknown, according to the release.

"Jewell
 County Emergency Preparedness Director Kevin Peroutek would like to 
thank all the fire departments that assisted and to the Burr Oak 
Community who prepared and donated food and water," the sheriff's office
 reported in the release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648663861492.jpeg" alt="A 
view looking toward Guide Rock, Neb., of smoke from the grassland fire 
further south near Burr Oak, Kan. The Guide Rock water tower can be seen
 near the center of the photo. Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSHastings">U.S. National Weather Service Hastings Nebraska Facebook page</a>" />
 <figcaption>A 
view looking toward Guide Rock, Neb., of smoke from the grassland fire 
further south near Burr Oak, Kan. The Guide Rock water tower can be seen
 near the center of the photo. Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSHastings">U.S. National Weather Service Hastings Nebraska Facebook page</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By Salina PostBURR OAK — In the midst of a red flag 
warning for fire danger Tuesday afternoon, a hot spot on radar was the 
first indication of a grassland fire in northwestern Jewell County.At
 approximately 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, an employee of the National Weather 
Service in Hastings, Neb., alerted Jewell County dispatch that a hot 
spot had been seen on radar approximately three miles west of Burr Oak, 
the Jewell County Sheriff's Office reported in a news release issued 
late this morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648664560751.png" alt="Burr Oak locator map / courtesy Google maps" />
 <figcaption>Burr Oak locator map / courtesy Google maps</figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service's Hastings, Neb., office's coverage area includes Jewell County.Burr
 Oak volunteer fire fighters responded to the blaze, which spread 
quickly because of the high winds. Winds from the south to southwest at 
20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, and relative humidity as low as 
14 percent were forecast for the area Tuesday afternoon.A view of the smoke plume on the National Weather Service's Hastings, Neb., radar as the fire moved to the north of Burr Oak:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNWSHastings%2Fvideos%2F1020598275222197%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="427" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Because the fire was growing rapidly due to the windy conditions, the
 Burr Oak volunteer firefighters requested assistance and numerous other
 fire departments from Kansas and Nebraska responded."There were 
no fatalities, 1 minor injury," the Jewell County Sheriff's Office noted
 in the release. "It is unknown at this time of the amount of personal 
property that has been damaged."The origin of the fire is currently is unknown, according to the release."Jewell
 County Emergency Preparedness Director Kevin Peroutek would like to 
thank all the fire departments that assisted and to the Burr Oak 
Community who prepared and donated food and water," the sheriff's office
 reported in the release.

NWS radar hot spot first sign of Jewell County wildfire

TOPEKA — Kansas Department of Corrections inmate Alexis Wolfgeher has been placed on escape status. KDOC Enforcement Apprehension &amp; Investigation Special Agents and local law enforcement are conducting a search for&nbsp; Wolfgeher.

Wolfgeher, a 23-year-old while female, has black hair currently dyed red, brown eyes, is 5 feet 2 inch tall and weighs 112 pounds.

Wolfgeher is currently serving a sentence for a conviction in Johnson County for possession of opiates. She is serving that sentence at the Johnson County Department of Corrections Adult Residential Center from which she walked away. Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who have release plans that are appropriate to Johnson County are housed at the ARC to promote their successful reintegration back into the community.

Anyone with information on Wolfgeher can call EAI at 816-266-2102, JCDOC 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911. Or contact EAI via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOC_EAI_Intel@ks.gov">KDOC_EAI_Intel@ks.gov</a>

The escape is currently being investigated.&nbsp; New information will be released as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648669263343.png" alt="Wolfgeher / Johnson County photo" />
 <figcaption>Wolfgeher / Johnson County photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Kansas Department of Corrections inmate Alexis Wolfgeher has been placed on escape status. KDOC Enforcement Apprehension &amp; Investigation Special Agents and local law enforcement are conducting a search for&nbsp; Wolfgeher.Wolfgeher, a 23-year-old while female, has black hair currently dyed red, brown eyes, is 5 feet 2 inch tall and weighs 112 pounds.Wolfgeher is currently serving a sentence for a conviction in Johnson County for possession of opiates. She is serving that sentence at the Johnson County Department of Corrections Adult Residential Center from which she walked away. Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who have release plans that are appropriate to Johnson County are housed at the ARC to promote their successful reintegration back into the community.Anyone with information on Wolfgeher can call EAI at 816-266-2102, JCDOC 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911. Or contact EAI via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOC_EAI_Intel@ks.gov">KDOC_EAI_Intel@ks.gov</a>The escape is currently being investigated.&nbsp; New information will be released as it becomes available.

Authorities search for inmate who walked away from Kan. custody

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-03-30/one-in-six-kansans-live-in-a-food-desert-some-in-central-topeka-insist-they-can-build-an-oasis">Kansas News Service</a>

For nine decades, generations of neighbors ran into each other at the corner of Huntoon and Lane streets in central Topeka.

Much
 like local schools or a public library, the intersection throbbed with 
the community’s pulse. It was the site of a grocery store.

“I’d 
see people from the neighborhood … see people from school,” said Janet 
Cathcart, who grew up in the area and raised her children there. “It was
 a nice place to just interact.”

But <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2016/02/01/frustration-disappointment-expressed-meeting-dillons-store-closure/16602524007/" target="_blank">in 2016</a>, Kroger Co. closed the Dillons-branded neighborhood grocery, saying it hadn’t turned a profit since 2004.

RELATED: Hays Post's series on food deserts <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8qsHIo-72AhVIDzQIHWxBCfMQFnoECAgQAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fhayspost.com%2Fposts%2F5c441fe1-a349-4de5-9be0-9cc87704ab70&amp;usg=AOvVaw2tADCTkeT4O2sUJD0vcqrC">In a land of plenty, food deserts prevalent in western Kansas</a> <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8qsHIo-72AhVIDzQIHWxBCfMQFnoECAwQAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fhayspost.com%2Fposts%2Fe1b64463-c2bc-4cfe-8371-b1b140eaac76&amp;usg=AOvVaw1N1yYieRv3886Hn_jWGSM0">As population shrinks, Morland finds a new way to provide groceries</a> <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8qsHIo-72AhVIDzQIHWxBCfMQFnoECAoQAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fhayspost.com%2Fposts%2F44bebdce-614d-40e6-8d28-de0885eea101&amp;usg=AOvVaw1FNQCJU3LN2AIlTNV6oKAp">Grow local, eat local: Luray fills food void with farmers market</a>

When the federal government next updated its list of low-income areas hurting for grocery stores — also known as <a href="https://gisportal.ers.usda.gov/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=a53ebd7396cd4ac3a3ed09137676fd40" target="_blank">food deserts</a> — it added three central Topeka census tracts.

And though six years have passed, no independent grocer or major chain has stepped in to fill the gap.

“What
 has happened to Topeka — and it has happened in a number of other 
medium and larger cities as well — is that grocery stores are 
increasingly being concentrated on the periphery,” said Michael Bell, 
president of the neighborhood improvement association for the city 
center’s Tennessee Town area.

Now a resident-led movement to 
restore a full-service grocery is gaining momentum. The vision includes 
fresh foods, postal and financial services for shoppers, and fair pay 
for employees.

Organizers say they have new market research 
showing a grocery store can thrive in the neighborhood, and they’re 
taking steps to make it happen. They hope to sign a lease soon. And 
nonprofit foundations are providing funds for the legal and 
administrative work.

<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/state-level-estimates-of-low-income-and-low-access-populations/" target="_blank">Half a million Kansans</a>
 live in nearly 140 census tracts with limited or no grocery stores, the
 U.S. Department of Agriculture says. The vast majority of these 
low-income tracts are urban areas where residents commonly travel a mile
 or more to reach the store. Some of the tracts are rural areas without a
 grocery within 10 miles.

Local dollar stores offer little in the way of fresh or healthy foods, and lean heavily toward high-salt and high-sugar options.

Kroger’s
 closure of the central Topeka Dillons grocery store affected residents 
of historically African American Tennessee Town and several adjacent 
neighborhoods.

The 13,000 people living in the area have an 
average family income of $31,000 a year. Nearly a third of the 
households fall below the federal poverty line. About half of residents 
are people of color, primarily Black and Hispanic.

“Having a 
full-service grocery store (in your neighborhood) seems to be less tied 
to the potential number of clients,” Bell said, “and more tied to 
socioeconomic standing. And part of that, of course … is ethnicity.”

Kroger Co. said in an email that its central Topeka market was unsustainable.

“To
 maintain healthy operations overall … unfortunately decisions have to 
be reached when stores are not profitable,” the company said, citing the
 need to keep down prices and pay employees.

The company says it 
has invested tens of millions of dollars in grocery stores and gas 
stations across Topeka since 2008, offering jobs and benefiting the 
local economy.

Cathcart
 and Bell are board members for the Central Topeka Grocery Oasis, a 
nonprofit group founded by residents of the area’s neighborhoods that 
want to re-establish a grocery store in Tennessee Town.

“It would 
give (residents) some independence,” said Cathcart, who lives just a few
 blocks from where the store closed. “Why shouldn’t the people in this 
area have access to the same things that everyone else has access to?”

Losing
 their local Dillons made it harder for those with tight budgets to run 
everyday errands vital to their health and finances.

The Dillons had been a place to shop for the week’s meals, pick up prescriptions and pay utility bills.

Now,
 the one quarter of residents without access to cars have to wait until 
their relatives or friends can offer a lift. Or wait on buses, which 
takes more time and more trips, since public transport doesn’t offer the
 luxury of hauling home a car trunk’s worth of groceries.

The affected neighborhoods include swaths of zip codes 66603 and 66612, which have the highest poverty rates in Shawnee County.

Compared
 to the city’s wealthier suburbs to the city’s north, south and west, 
people in this urban core are four times as likely not to have enough 
food, according to a new report from the <a href="https://www.khi.org/policy/article/Food-Insecurity-SNCo" target="_blank">Kansas Health Institute</a>* and commissioned by the Shawnee County Health Department.

The roots of poverty in central Topeka relate to the city’s history.

As
 in other American cities, white-controlled public and private 
institutions undermined the accrual of wealth by Black and Hispanic 
Topekans by throwing up barriers to loans, good-paying jobs, home 
ownership and business ownership.

In the 1900s, this dealt one blow after another to their growing middle class — including descendants of the <a href="https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/exodusters/17162" target="_blank">Exodusters</a> who settled Tennessee Town — and wiped out the city’s Black-owned business district.

Regional
 and national grocery chains, some of which specialize in suburbs with 
higher incomes where they can sell more expensive foods, have so far 
shown little interest in central Topeka.

So residents from nine neighborhoods created the Central Topeka Grocery Oasis group in 2018.

Local community groups and foundations awarded grants and offered logistical aid.

The not-for-profit group aims to lease land for a new neighborhood market and raise upward of $5 million to build it.

The
 group has begun researching co-op and nonprofit business models, and 
talking informally with food distributors and for-profit grocers.

“We
 would like anybody who works at our store to earn a living wage,” said 
Marge Ahrens, another board member who lives just blocks from the closed
 Dillons.

Central Topeka Grocery Oasis paid business consultants 
for a study that concluded a new grocery story could turn a profit. The 
resulting report suggested a 14,000-square-foot premise, about the size 
of a Walgreens.

The group may soon gain access to enough land for that and a parking lot, just yards away from the former Dillons.

Community
 health clinic GraceMed owns an unused one-acre lot there. GraceMed also
 bought the empty grocery store building and now offers medical and 
dental services there.

The two not-for-profit groups are discussing lease details.

Several
 years ago, Shawnee County set goals to fight hunger, reduce the number 
of local food deserts and make sure children and adults have healthy 
meals.

Children without this typically suffer poorer health long term and do worse in school.

“Prior
 to the COVID-19 pandemic, there had been a lot of groundswell and a lot
 of momentum,” said Craig Barnes, who leads the agency’s community 
outreach efforts.

The department commissioned the Kansas Health Institute’s recent deep-dive into local food access.

The report found that the percentage of people without consistent access to meals decreased in the two years before COVID-19 hit.

The
 most recent statistics, from 2019, show about 12% of Shawnee County 
residents lack enough food to lead healthy, active lives.

The 
pandemic paused some of the county health department’s efforts, forcing 
it to close a satellite office that helped low-income mothers sign up 
for assistance with food for themselves and their children.

Many Shawnee County residents who qualify for <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program" target="_blank">food stamps</a> ($2.38 a meal) and <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic" target="_blank">similar help</a> don’t get it.

“One of the big key findings from the report is (that) about half of all people eligible … are signing up,” Barnes said.

*The Kansas Health Institute receives funding from the Kansas Health Foundation, a funder of the Kansas News Service.

Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648658246717.png" alt="Today, this one-acre plot of land in central Topeka is unused. But Janet Cathcart, left, and Marge Ahrens are among local residents working to establish a grocery store here. Dylan Lysen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Today, this one-acre plot of land in central Topeka is unused. But Janet Cathcart, left, and Marge Ahrens are among local residents working to establish a grocery store here. Dylan Lysen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-03-30/one-in-six-kansans-live-in-a-food-desert-some-in-central-topeka-insist-they-can-build-an-oasis">Kansas News Service</a>For nine decades, generations of neighbors ran into each other at the corner of Huntoon and Lane streets in central Topeka.Much
 like local schools or a public library, the intersection throbbed with 
the community’s pulse. It was the site of a grocery store.“I’d 
see people from the neighborhood … see people from school,” said Janet 
Cathcart, who grew up in the area and raised her children there. “It was
 a nice place to just interact.”But <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2016/02/01/frustration-disappointment-expressed-meeting-dillons-store-closure/16602524007/" target="_blank">in 2016</a>, Kroger Co. closed the Dillons-branded neighborhood grocery, saying it hadn’t turned a profit since 2004.RELATED: Hays Post's series on food deserts <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8qsHIo-72AhVIDzQIHWxBCfMQFnoECAgQAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fhayspost.com%2Fposts%2F5c441fe1-a349-4de5-9be0-9cc87704ab70&amp;usg=AOvVaw2tADCTkeT4O2sUJD0vcqrC">In a land of plenty, food deserts prevalent in western Kansas</a> <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8qsHIo-72AhVIDzQIHWxBCfMQFnoECAwQAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fhayspost.com%2Fposts%2Fe1b64463-c2bc-4cfe-8371-b1b140eaac76&amp;usg=AOvVaw1N1yYieRv3886Hn_jWGSM0">As population shrinks, Morland finds a new way to provide groceries</a> <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8qsHIo-72AhVIDzQIHWxBCfMQFnoECAoQAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fhayspost.com%2Fposts%2F44bebdce-614d-40e6-8d28-de0885eea101&amp;usg=AOvVaw1FNQCJU3LN2AIlTNV6oKAp">Grow local, eat local: Luray fills food void with farmers market</a> When the federal government next updated its list of low-income areas hurting for grocery stores — also known as <a href="https://gisportal.ers.usda.gov/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=a53ebd7396cd4ac3a3ed09137676fd40" target="_blank">food deserts</a> — it added three central Topeka census tracts.And though six years have passed, no independent grocer or major chain has stepped in to fill the gap.“What
 has happened to Topeka — and it has happened in a number of other 
medium and larger cities as well — is that grocery stores are 
increasingly being concentrated on the periphery,” said Michael Bell, 
president of the neighborhood improvement association for the city 
center’s Tennessee Town area.Now a resident-led movement to 
restore a full-service grocery is gaining momentum. The vision includes 
fresh foods, postal and financial services for shoppers, and fair pay 
for employees.Organizers say they have new market research 
showing a grocery store can thrive in the neighborhood, and they’re 
taking steps to make it happen. They hope to sign a lease soon. And 
nonprofit foundations are providing funds for the legal and 
administrative work.<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/state-level-estimates-of-low-income-and-low-access-populations/" target="_blank">Half a million Kansans</a>
 live in nearly 140 census tracts with limited or no grocery stores, the
 U.S. Department of Agriculture says. The vast majority of these 
low-income tracts are urban areas where residents commonly travel a mile
 or more to reach the store. Some of the tracts are rural areas without a
 grocery within 10 miles.Local dollar stores offer little in the way of fresh or healthy foods, and lean heavily toward high-salt and high-sugar options.Kroger’s
 closure of the central Topeka Dillons grocery store affected residents 
of historically African American Tennessee Town and several adjacent 
neighborhoods.The 13,000 people living in the area have an 
average family income of $31,000 a year. Nearly a third of the 
households fall below the federal poverty line. About half of residents 
are people of color, primarily Black and Hispanic.“Having a 
full-service grocery store (in your neighborhood) seems to be less tied 
to the potential number of clients,” Bell said, “and more tied to 
socioeconomic standing. And part of that, of course … is ethnicity.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648658327806.png" alt="This map, produced by the Kansas Health Institute, shows food insecurity rates by zip code. Two of the zip codes affected by losing the grocery store in central Topeka have the county’s highest rate of people struggling to stock their pantries — nearly a third of the population." />
 <figcaption>This map, produced by the Kansas Health Institute, shows food insecurity rates by zip code. Two of the zip codes affected by losing the grocery store in central Topeka have the county’s highest rate of people struggling to stock their pantries — nearly a third of the population.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kroger Co. said in an email that its central Topeka market was unsustainable.“To
 maintain healthy operations overall … unfortunately decisions have to 
be reached when stores are not profitable,” the company said, citing the
 need to keep down prices and pay employees.The company says it 
has invested tens of millions of dollars in grocery stores and gas 
stations across Topeka since 2008, offering jobs and benefiting the 
local economy.<h2>Putting food on tables</h2>Cathcart
 and Bell are board members for the Central Topeka Grocery Oasis, a 
nonprofit group founded by residents of the area’s neighborhoods that 
want to re-establish a grocery store in Tennessee Town.“It would 
give (residents) some independence,” said Cathcart, who lives just a few
 blocks from where the store closed. “Why shouldn’t the people in this 
area have access to the same things that everyone else has access to?”Losing
 their local Dillons made it harder for those with tight budgets to run 
everyday errands vital to their health and finances.The Dillons had been a place to shop for the week’s meals, pick up prescriptions and pay utility bills.Now,
 the one quarter of residents without access to cars have to wait until 
their relatives or friends can offer a lift. Or wait on buses, which 
takes more time and more trips, since public transport doesn’t offer the
 luxury of hauling home a car trunk’s worth of groceries.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f5jCZdSdkrM"></iframe>
 <figcaption>In this video, Donna Rae Pearson, the history librarian at the Topeka
 and Shawnee County Public Library, explains the effects of redlining 
policies and infrastructure projects that harmed neighborhoods of color 
and dramatically reduced Black ownership of houses and businesses.</figcaption>
 </figure>The affected neighborhoods include swaths of zip codes 66603 and 66612, which have the highest poverty rates in Shawnee County.Compared
 to the city’s wealthier suburbs to the city’s north, south and west, 
people in this urban core are four times as likely not to have enough 
food, according to a new report from the <a href="https://www.khi.org/policy/article/Food-Insecurity-SNCo" target="_blank">Kansas Health Institute</a>* and commissioned by the Shawnee County Health Department.The roots of poverty in central Topeka relate to the city’s history.As
 in other American cities, white-controlled public and private 
institutions undermined the accrual of wealth by Black and Hispanic 
Topekans by throwing up barriers to loans, good-paying jobs, home 
ownership and business ownership.In the 1900s, this dealt one blow after another to their growing middle class — including descendants of the <a href="https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/exodusters/17162" target="_blank">Exodusters</a> who settled Tennessee Town — and wiped out the city’s Black-owned business district.<h2>Not waiting around</h2>Regional
 and national grocery chains, some of which specialize in suburbs with 
higher incomes where they can sell more expensive foods, have so far 
shown little interest in central Topeka.So residents from nine neighborhoods created the Central Topeka Grocery Oasis group in 2018.Local community groups and foundations awarded grants and offered logistical aid.The not-for-profit group aims to lease land for a new neighborhood market and raise upward of $5 million to build it.The
 group has begun researching co-op and nonprofit business models, and 
talking informally with food distributors and for-profit grocers.“We
 would like anybody who works at our store to earn a living wage,” said 
Marge Ahrens, another board member who lives just blocks from the closed
 Dillons.Central Topeka Grocery Oasis paid business consultants 
for a study that concluded a new grocery story could turn a profit. The 
resulting report suggested a 14,000-square-foot premise, about the size 
of a Walgreens.The group may soon gain access to enough land for that and a parking lot, just yards away from the former Dillons.Community
 health clinic GraceMed owns an unused one-acre lot there. GraceMed also
 bought the empty grocery store building and now offers medical and 
dental services there.The two not-for-profit groups are discussing lease details.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648658404967.png" alt="This USDA map shows areas of Kansas with low incomes and long distances to walk or drive to buy fresh food. The vast majority of the census tracts are urban. A smaller number are rural, though those stand out visually because they are geographically larger." />
 <figcaption>This USDA map shows areas of Kansas with low incomes and long distances to walk or drive to buy fresh food. The vast majority of the census tracts are urban. A smaller number are rural, though those stand out visually because they are geographically larger.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>County goals</h2>Several
 years ago, Shawnee County set goals to fight hunger, reduce the number 
of local food deserts and make sure children and adults have healthy 
meals.Children without this typically suffer poorer health long term and do worse in school.“Prior
 to the COVID-19 pandemic, there had been a lot of groundswell and a lot
 of momentum,” said Craig Barnes, who leads the agency’s community 
outreach efforts.The department commissioned the Kansas Health Institute’s recent deep-dive into local food access.The report found that the percentage of people without consistent access to meals decreased in the two years before COVID-19 hit.The
 most recent statistics, from 2019, show about 12% of Shawnee County 
residents lack enough food to lead healthy, active lives.The 
pandemic paused some of the county health department’s efforts, forcing 
it to close a satellite office that helped low-income mothers sign up 
for assistance with food for themselves and their children.Many Shawnee County residents who qualify for <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program" target="_blank">food stamps</a> ($2.38 a meal) and <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic" target="_blank">similar help</a> don’t get it.“One of the big key findings from the report is (that) about half of all people eligible … are signing up,” Barnes said.*The Kansas Health Institute receives funding from the Kansas Health Foundation, a funder of the Kansas News Service.Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Topekans insist they can build an oasis to stave off food desert

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina property management firm is out approximately $1,300 after thefts at two of its apartment complexes.

An
 employee of Jensen Properties LLC told police that on March 14 he 
noticed that some of the coin collection units on the washers and dryers
 in the facility at 415 E. Republic Avenue, had no quarters in them, 
Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. When the 
employee returned to check the units on Monday, quarters were missing 
once again.

Additionally, quarters were missing from the coin 
collection units in the laundry room in the company's facility at 651 
Upper Mill Heights Drive, Forrester said.

It appeared that whoever
 stole the quarters had somehow unlocked the units, as they were 
unlocked when the thefts were discovered, Forrester said.

The total amount of stolen quarters was estimated at $900.

Forrester
 said that a new water heater that had been delivered to the E. Republic
 facility and had been sitting in the hallway awaiting installation also
 was stolen. The water heater was valued at $400.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina property management firm is out approximately $1,300 after thefts at two of its apartment complexes.An
 employee of Jensen Properties LLC told police that on March 14 he 
noticed that some of the coin collection units on the washers and dryers
 in the facility at 415 E. Republic Avenue, had no quarters in them, 
Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. When the 
employee returned to check the units on Monday, quarters were missing 
once again.Additionally, quarters were missing from the coin 
collection units in the laundry room in the company's facility at 651 
Upper Mill Heights Drive, Forrester said.It appeared that whoever
 stole the quarters had somehow unlocked the units, as they were 
unlocked when the thefts were discovered, Forrester said.The total amount of stolen quarters was estimated at $900.Forrester
 said that a new water heater that had been delivered to the E. Republic
 facility and had been sitting in the hallway awaiting installation also
 was stolen. The water heater was valued at $400.

Thieves steal $900 in quarters, water heater from Salina complex

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 232 to a total of 770,082 the state health department reported Wednesday.

The state reported 72 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 8,294 and 25 new hospitalizations since Monday.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection&nbsp;(e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648661794767.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 232 to a total of 770,082 the state health department reported Wednesday.The state reported 72 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 8,294 and 25 new hospitalizations since Monday.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection&nbsp;(e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: Latest COVID-19 numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON — With the completion of special mailings of all Letters 
6475 to recipients of the third-round of Economic Impact Payments, the 
Internal Revenue Service reminds people to accurately claim any 
remaining third-round stimulus payment on their 2021 income tax return 
as the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.

Through December 31, 2021, the IRS issued more than 175 million 
third-round payments totaling over $400 billion to individuals and 
families across the country. Most of the third-round payments were 
issued in the spring and early summer of 2021. The IRS continued to send
 plus-up payments through December if, after their 2020 tax return was 
processed last year, the taxpayer was eligible for additional amounts.

As required by law, the IRS is no longer issuing first-, second-, or 
third-round Economic Impact Payments. Instead, people who are missing a 
stimulus payment or got less than the full amount may be eligible to 
claim a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> on their 2020 or 2021 federal tax return.

Most eligible people already received the full amount of their credit
 in advance and don't need to include any information about this payment
 when they file their 2021 tax return. This includes the additional 
payments – called "Plus-Up" Payments – the IRS issued to individuals who
 initially received a third-round Economic Impact Payment based on 
information on their 2019 tax return and were later eligible for a 
larger amount based on information on their 2020 tax return.

Individuals may securely access their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS Online Account</a>
 to view the total amount of the third-round Economic Impact Payment 
issued to them. This information became available on January 15, 2022, 
under the Tax Records page in Online Account. For married individuals 
filing a joint return, each spouse will need to log into their own 
Online Account or review their own <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6475">Letter 6475</a> for their portion of their joint total payment. See FAQs for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-recovery-rebate-credit-topic-g-finding-the-third-economic-impact-payment-amount-to-calculate-the-2021-recovery-rebate-credit">Topic G: Finding the Third Economic Impact Payment Amount to Calculate the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, for more information.

Third-round Economic Impact Payment not received? Double-check records first

Individuals are encouraged to double-check their bank accounts – 
especially in early spring and summer of 2021 – to see whether they 
received a third-round payment in advance last year.

If an individual did not receive a third-round payment – and their 
IRS Online Account shows a payment amount greater than $0, or they 
received Notice 1444-C or Letter 6475 indicating that a payment was 
issued to them –&nbsp;they should contact the IRS as soon as possible to see 
if a payment trace is needed. Note that Online Account shows the most 
current EIP information, so if a payment was issued and returned to the 
IRS, the amount shown in Online Account may be less than what is shown 
in their Letter 6475.

Taxpayers should not request a payment trace to determine if they were <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-recovery-rebate-credit-topic-c-eligibility-for-claiming-a-recovery-rebate-credit-on-a-2021-tax-return">eligible for a payment</a> or to confirm the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-recovery-rebate-credit-topic-g-finding-the-third-economic-impact-payment-amount-to-calculate-the-2021-recovery-rebate-credit">amount of payment</a> they should have received.

Individuals do not need to wait until their trace is complete to file
 their 2021 tax return. When completing the Recovery Rebate Credit 
Worksheet or answering EIP questions in the tax software, taxpayers have
 two options:

Correcting a mistake after the 2021 tax return is filed; no amended return needed

Individuals who made a mistake calculating the Recovery Rebate Credit and claimed an amount on line 30 for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit should not file an amended return. The IRS will correct the amount of the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit and send a notice identifying the changes made.

If a correction is needed, there may be a delay in processing the 
return. If the taxpayer agrees with the changes made by the IRS, no 
response or action is required to indicate they agree with the changes. 
If the taxpayer disagrees, they can call the toll-free number listed on 
the top right corner of their notice.

Amended return may be needed for those eligible to claim the credit and IRS records show no Economic Impact Payment was issued

For eligible individuals who didn't claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on
 their 2021 tax return (line 30 is blank or $0) and IRS records do not 
show the issuance of an Economic Impact Payment, they will need to file a
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040x">Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>,
 to claim the remaining amount of stimulus money for which they are 
eligible. This includes individuals who may not have received the full 
amount of their third-round Economic Impact Payment because their 
circumstances in 2021 were different than they were in 2020.

Individuals can use the Interactive Tax Assistant, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/should-i-file-an-amended-return">Should I File an Amended Return?</a>, to help determine if they should amend their original tax return.

Taxpayers who need to file an amended return to claim the 2021 
Recovery Rebate Credit – even if they don’t usually file taxes - should 
use the worksheet in the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">2021 instructions for Form 1040 and 1040-SR</a>
 to determine the amount of the credit. Enter the amount on the 
Refundable Credits section of the Form 1040-X and include "Recovery 
Rebate Credit" in the Explanation of Changes section.

Individuals who filed their 2021 return electronically and need to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/if-you-must-amend-your-return">file an amended return</a>, may be able to file Form 1040-X electronically.

If a taxpayer did not file their 2021 return electronically, they'll 
need to submit a paper version of the Form 1040-X and should follow the 
instructions for preparing and mailing the paper form.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — With the completion of special mailings of all Letters 
6475 to recipients of the third-round of Economic Impact Payments, the 
Internal Revenue Service reminds people to accurately claim any 
remaining third-round stimulus payment on their 2021 income tax return 
as the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.Through December 31, 2021, the IRS issued more than 175 million 
third-round payments totaling over $400 billion to individuals and 
families across the country. Most of the third-round payments were 
issued in the spring and early summer of 2021. The IRS continued to send
 plus-up payments through December if, after their 2020 tax return was 
processed last year, the taxpayer was eligible for additional amounts.As required by law, the IRS is no longer issuing first-, second-, or 
third-round Economic Impact Payments. Instead, people who are missing a 
stimulus payment or got less than the full amount may be eligible to 
claim a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> on their 2020 or 2021 federal tax return.Most eligible people already received the full amount of their credit
 in advance and don't need to include any information about this payment
 when they file their 2021 tax return. This includes the additional 
payments – called "Plus-Up" Payments – the IRS issued to individuals who
 initially received a third-round Economic Impact Payment based on 
information on their 2019 tax return and were later eligible for a 
larger amount based on information on their 2020 tax return.Individuals may securely access their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS Online Account</a>
 to view the total amount of the third-round Economic Impact Payment 
issued to them. This information became available on January 15, 2022, 
under the Tax Records page in Online Account. For married individuals 
filing a joint return, each spouse will need to log into their own 
Online Account or review their own <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6475">Letter 6475</a> for their portion of their joint total payment. See FAQs for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-recovery-rebate-credit-topic-g-finding-the-third-economic-impact-payment-amount-to-calculate-the-2021-recovery-rebate-credit">Topic G: Finding the Third Economic Impact Payment Amount to Calculate the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, for more information.<h2>Third-round Economic Impact Payment not received? Double-check records first</h2>Individuals are encouraged to double-check their bank accounts – 
especially in early spring and summer of 2021 – to see whether they 
received a third-round payment in advance last year.If an individual did not receive a third-round payment – and their 
IRS Online Account shows a payment amount greater than $0, or they 
received Notice 1444-C or Letter 6475 indicating that a payment was 
issued to them –&nbsp;they should contact the IRS as soon as possible to see 
if a payment trace is needed. Note that Online Account shows the most 
current EIP information, so if a payment was issued and returned to the 
IRS, the amount shown in Online Account may be less than what is shown 
in their Letter 6475.Taxpayers should not request a payment trace to determine if they were <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-recovery-rebate-credit-topic-c-eligibility-for-claiming-a-recovery-rebate-credit-on-a-2021-tax-return">eligible for a payment</a> or to confirm the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-recovery-rebate-credit-topic-g-finding-the-third-economic-impact-payment-amount-to-calculate-the-2021-recovery-rebate-credit">amount of payment</a> they should have received.Individuals do not need to wait until their trace is complete to file
 their 2021 tax return. When completing the Recovery Rebate Credit 
Worksheet or answering EIP questions in the tax software, taxpayers have
 two options:<ul>
 <li>Use the amount on the Letter 6475 (or EIP 3 Amount from Online Account) to calculate the RRC amount on line 30.
 Contact the IRS to trace the EIP amount. Once the EIP trace is 
completed, the IRS and the taxpayer will receive notification of the 
results of the EIP trace (the account it was sent to and the amount or a
 copy of the cashed check).

	If the trace indicates the taxpayer received the EIP amount, no further action is necessary.If the EIP amount was not received by the taxpayer, the IRS will adjust the RRC amount on the tax return and issue any refund. 
		&nbsp;</li><li>If the trace indicates the taxpayer received the EIP amount, no further action is necessary.</li><li>If the EIP amount was not received by the taxpayer, the IRS will adjust the RRC amount on the tax return and issue any refund. 
		&nbsp;</li><li>Use the amount of EIP the taxpayer believes they received to calculate the RRC amount on line 30.
 If the taxpayer's calculation does not match the IRS calculation, the 
processing of the tax return will be delayed, the RRC amount will be 
adjusted to match IRS records and the taxpayer will receive a notice 
that includes a telephone number to contact if they disagree with the 
change to the tax return. If the taxpayer contacts the IRS and disagrees
 with the changes made, IRS will conduct a trace of the EIP, if 
necessary. Once the EIP trace is completed, the IRS and the taxpayer 
will receive notification of the results of the EIP trace (the account 
it was sent to and the amount or a copy of the cashed check).
	If the trace indicates the taxpayer received the EIP amount, no further action is necessary.If the EIP amount was not received by the taxpayer, the IRS will adjust the RRC amount on the return and issue any refund.</li><li>If the trace indicates the taxpayer received the EIP amount, no further action is necessary.</li><li>If the EIP amount was not received by the taxpayer, the IRS will adjust the RRC amount on the return and issue any refund.</li>
 </ul><h2>Correcting a mistake after the 2021 tax return is filed; no amended return needed</h2>Individuals who made a mistake calculating the Recovery Rebate Credit and claimed an amount on line 30 for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit should not file an amended return. The IRS will correct the amount of the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit and send a notice identifying the changes made.If a correction is needed, there may be a delay in processing the 
return. If the taxpayer agrees with the changes made by the IRS, no 
response or action is required to indicate they agree with the changes. 
If the taxpayer disagrees, they can call the toll-free number listed on 
the top right corner of their notice.<h2>Amended return may be needed for those eligible to claim the credit and IRS records show no Economic Impact Payment was issued</h2>For eligible individuals who didn't claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on
 their 2021 tax return (line 30 is blank or $0) and IRS records do not 
show the issuance of an Economic Impact Payment, they will need to file a
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040x">Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>,
 to claim the remaining amount of stimulus money for which they are 
eligible. This includes individuals who may not have received the full 
amount of their third-round Economic Impact Payment because their 
circumstances in 2021 were different than they were in 2020.Individuals can use the Interactive Tax Assistant, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/should-i-file-an-amended-return">Should I File an Amended Return?</a>, to help determine if they should amend their original tax return.Taxpayers who need to file an amended return to claim the 2021 
Recovery Rebate Credit – even if they don’t usually file taxes - should 
use the worksheet in the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">2021 instructions for Form 1040 and 1040-SR</a>
 to determine the amount of the credit. Enter the amount on the 
Refundable Credits section of the Form 1040-X and include "Recovery 
Rebate Credit" in the Explanation of Changes section.Individuals who filed their 2021 return electronically and need to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/if-you-must-amend-your-return">file an amended return</a>, may be able to file Form 1040-X electronically.If a taxpayer did not file their 2021 return electronically, they'll 
need to submit a paper version of the Form 1040-X and should follow the 
instructions for preparing and mailing the paper form.

COVID relief checks confusing your tax season? Take these steps

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/29/kansas-sports-wagering-plan-hits-snag-after-leadership-backed-amendment-fails-twice/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The future of a plan to 
legalize sports wagering in Kansas is up in the air after a House 
committee abruptly adjourned Tuesday when an amendment proposed on 
behalf of legislative leadership failed twice.

<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2740/">House Bill 2740</a>&nbsp;has
 widespread support from gaming interests that have for years debated 
who gets to control the wagering action and how to divide the revenue. 
The measure authorizes sports gambling by allowing the Kansas Lottery to
 contract with gaming facility managers.&nbsp;

Managers could offer wagering 
through websites, mobile applications and on-site. The state would get 
20% of revenue through online gambling and 14% from in-person bets.&nbsp;

The bill looked primed to pass out
 of the House Federal and State Affairs Committee after a lengthy 
debate, but when a motion to reconsider a previously rejected amendment 
proposed by Rep. John Barker on behalf of House leadership came up 
short, the meeting ended without a resolution.

“I am surprised,” Barker, an Abilene Republican and committee chairman, said. “We are adjourned.”

The amendment would have removed a provision allowing the lottery to sell online tickets.&nbsp;Ultimately,
 the loss of $11 million in potential revenue in the first year of 
implementation dissuaded representatives from both sides of the aisle 
from supporting thr amendment.

Kansas Lottery estimates indicated
 sports wagering would generate additional revenue for the state of $1.8
 million in 2023, $6.0 million in 2024, and $10.0 million in 2025.&nbsp;

“Sit tight, guys, we’ll get this 
out this year,” said Rep. Stephanie Clayton, an Overland Park Democrat, 
in a tweet shortly after adjournment. “Communication and teamwork are 
key, and sometimes communications break down. We can fix this; I’m sure 
of it.”

The Kansas Lottery has previously attempted to get iLottery into 
bills with sports wagering, but casinos have considered it a deal 
breaker.

It is the second week in a row a 
meeting on the bill has ended without a vote. The committee can 
reconvene this week and can consider the bill again, but time is running
 out for the long-sought measure.

The only opponents to testify during the hearing last week were concerned by restrictions placed on greyhound racing. Animal rights and gambling addiction organizations expressed concerns while asking for their testimony to be considered neutral.

Several other minor amendments did
 receive committee approval. The other failed amendment would have given
 the state lottery control instead of casinos, which would likely doom 
the bill.

Rep. Francis Awerkamp, a St. Marys
 Republican, said the amendment would mean more money to the state 
general fund instead of to casinos.

“Right now, we are looking at a 
new revenue stream, new gambling options, and so you have a choice on 
who gets the money,” Awerkamp said. “If we let the casinos contract out,
 we get a small percentage of the money. If we let the Kansas Lottery 
contract out, we get all of it.”

While many legislators either 
agreed with the amendment or liked the idea, it failed after Barker 
reminded the committee it would turn the state’s gaming industry against
 the bill.

“The casinos are not on board. The
 other parties are not involved. The retailers are not on board,” Barker
 said. “I can’t think of anybody that’s on board.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648654105443.png" alt="Rep. John Barker adjourned the House Federal and State Affairs Committee after an amendment he offered on behalf of leadership failed to gain traction twice, leaving an unclear future of a plan to legalize sports wagering in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. John Barker adjourned the House Federal and State Affairs Committee after an amendment he offered on behalf of leadership failed to gain traction twice, leaving an unclear future of a plan to legalize sports wagering in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/29/kansas-sports-wagering-plan-hits-snag-after-leadership-backed-amendment-fails-twice/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The future of a plan to 
legalize sports wagering in Kansas is up in the air after a House 
committee abruptly adjourned Tuesday when an amendment proposed on 
behalf of legislative leadership failed twice.<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2740/">House Bill 2740</a>&nbsp;has
 widespread support from gaming interests that have for years debated 
who gets to control the wagering action and how to divide the revenue. 
The measure authorizes sports gambling by allowing the Kansas Lottery to
 contract with gaming facility managers.&nbsp;Managers could offer wagering 
through websites, mobile applications and on-site. The state would get 
20% of revenue through online gambling and 14% from in-person bets.&nbsp;The bill looked primed to pass out
 of the House Federal and State Affairs Committee after a lengthy 
debate, but when a motion to reconsider a previously rejected amendment 
proposed by Rep. John Barker on behalf of House leadership came up 
short, the meeting ended without a resolution.“I am surprised,” Barker, an Abilene Republican and committee chairman, said. “We are adjourned.”The amendment would have removed a provision allowing the lottery to sell online tickets.&nbsp;Ultimately,
 the loss of $11 million in potential revenue in the first year of 
implementation dissuaded representatives from both sides of the aisle 
from supporting thr amendment.Kansas Lottery estimates indicated
 sports wagering would generate additional revenue for the state of $1.8
 million in 2023, $6.0 million in 2024, and $10.0 million in 2025.&nbsp;“Sit tight, guys, we’ll get this 
out this year,” said Rep. Stephanie Clayton, an Overland Park Democrat, 
in a tweet shortly after adjournment. “Communication and teamwork are 
key, and sometimes communications break down. We can fix this; I’m sure 
of it.”The Kansas Lottery has previously attempted to get iLottery into 
bills with sports wagering, but casinos have considered it a deal 
breaker.It is the second week in a row a 
meeting on the bill has ended without a vote. The committee can 
reconvene this week and can consider the bill again, but time is running
 out for the long-sought measure.The only opponents to testify during the hearing last week were concerned by restrictions placed on greyhound racing. Animal rights and gambling addiction organizations expressed concerns while asking for their testimony to be considered neutral.Several other minor amendments did
 receive committee approval. The other failed amendment would have given
 the state lottery control instead of casinos, which would likely doom 
the bill.Rep. Francis Awerkamp, a St. Marys
 Republican, said the amendment would mean more money to the state 
general fund instead of to casinos.“Right now, we are looking at a 
new revenue stream, new gambling options, and so you have a choice on 
who gets the money,” Awerkamp said. “If we let the casinos contract out,
 we get a small percentage of the money. If we let the Kansas Lottery 
contract out, we get all of it.”While many legislators either 
agreed with the amendment or liked the idea, it failed after Barker 
reminded the committee it would turn the state’s gaming industry against
 the bill.“The casinos are not on board. The
 other parties are not involved. The retailers are not on board,” Barker
 said. “I can’t think of anybody that’s on board.”

Kan. sports wagering plan hits snag after amendment fails twice

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

In a press release, Pawnee County stated fire crews from around the 
state have been able to stop the spread of the wildfire that started 
Tuesday between Larned an Garfield. Although crews have stopped the 
spread, high winds can ignite grasses and wooded areas and there is 
still danger of destructive fires in the county.

Pawnee County 
pointed out areas south, southeast and east of Garfield are considered 
hot spots. Crews are patrolling the area and attempting to extinguish 
smoldering fires.

Pawnee County reported the loss of at least one 
residence and several structures in the southern part of the county from
 the wildfire. Reports of lost livestock, shelter belts and round bales 
have also been made.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>In a press release, Pawnee County stated fire crews from around the 
state have been able to stop the spread of the wildfire that started 
Tuesday between Larned an Garfield. Although crews have stopped the 
spread, high winds can ignite grasses and wooded areas and there is 
still danger of destructive fires in the county.Pawnee County 
pointed out areas south, southeast and east of Garfield are considered 
hot spots. Crews are patrolling the area and attempting to extinguish 
smoldering fires.Pawnee County reported the loss of at least one 
residence and several structures in the southern part of the county from
 the wildfire. Reports of lost livestock, shelter belts and round bales 
have also been made.Fires have been burning in areas that have 
deep sandy roads, leaving vehicles at risk of getting stuck and in the 
way of fire crews.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648653473793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>