SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas woman who shot and killed a man she accused of beating her adult son with a baseball bat is going to prison for sixteen years.

On Thursday, 43-year-old Amber Ahrens was sentenced for the 2020 shooting death of 53-year-old David Leddy outside a Wichita home, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In November, Ahrens pled guilty to second-degree murder in Leddy's death. 

In of 2020, police responded to a disturbance with shots fired at a home in the 1200 block of North Pinecrest in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

 Upon arrival, officers located David Leddy in the front of the residence with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed a disturbance ensued earlier in the day at the home between Leddy and a 19-year-old who did not live there.&nbsp; 

During the disturbance, Leddy’s vehicle was damaged, and the 19-year-old was battered. The 19-year-old’s 41-year-old mother identified as Ahrens and three friends, a 44-year-old female, a 54-year-old male, and a 31-year-old female, later arrived at the home.&nbsp; A disturbance then ensued in front of the house, and shots were fired that struck Leddy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594216899431.png" alt="Ahrens-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ahrens-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas woman who shot and killed a man she accused of beating her adult son with a baseball bat is going to prison for sixteen years.On Thursday, 43-year-old Amber Ahrens was sentenced for the 2020 shooting death of 53-year-old David Leddy outside a Wichita home, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592415145581.png" alt="Police on the scene&nbsp; of the investigation in June of 2016 -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene&nbsp; of the investigation in June of 2016 -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>In November, Ahrens pled guilty to second-degree murder in Leddy's death. In of 2020, police responded to a disturbance with shots fired at a home in the 1200 block of North Pinecrest in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located David Leddy in the front of the residence with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed a disturbance ensued earlier in the day at the home between Leddy and a 19-year-old who did not live there.&nbsp; During the disturbance, Leddy’s vehicle was damaged, and the 19-year-old was battered. The 19-year-old’s 41-year-old mother identified as Ahrens and three friends, a 44-year-old female, a 54-year-old male, and a 31-year-old female, later arrived at the home.&nbsp; A disturbance then ensued in front of the house, and shots were fired that struck Leddy.-------

Kan. woman sentenced to prison for killing after son was battered

CLOUD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a chase and exchange of gunfire.

Just after 4:30p.m. Wednesday, police conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Ram pickup pulling a trailer at 14th and Archer, according to a media release.

The vehicle fled the scene and officers pursued eastbound on Kansas 9 highway out of the city of Concordia. The pickup turned off the highway southbound approximately two miles of town when Cloud County Sheriff's deputies joined the chase.

The suspect pointed a gun out the window and shot at pursuing officers. Concordia police officers returned fire. The chase returned to K-9 Highway and then westbound back through the city of Concordia.

The suspect lost control of the vehicle at 9th and Lincoln and it came to a stop after it was surrounded by pursuing law enforcement patrol units.

Two suspects identified as 34-year-old Jacob Lyman of Bennett, Nebraska and 25-year-old Valarie N. Sanchez, Temple Bell, Texas, surrendered without incident.&nbsp; Lyman is being held on requested charges that including possession of stolen property and numerous drug and weapons violations. Sanchez on requested drug charges.

The police officer who returned fire is being placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. There were no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645108520157.png" alt="Lyman-photo Cloud Co." />
 <figcaption>Lyman-photo Cloud Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>CLOUD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a chase and exchange of gunfire.Just after 4:30p.m. Wednesday, police conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Ram pickup pulling a trailer at 14th and Archer, according to a media release.The vehicle fled the scene and officers pursued eastbound on Kansas 9 highway out of the city of Concordia. The pickup turned off the highway southbound approximately two miles of town when Cloud County Sheriff's deputies joined the chase.The suspect pointed a gun out the window and shot at pursuing officers. Concordia police officers returned fire. The chase returned to K-9 Highway and then westbound back through the city of Concordia.The suspect lost control of the vehicle at 9th and Lincoln and it came to a stop after it was surrounded by pursuing law enforcement patrol units.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645108614206.png" alt="Sanchez-photo Cloud Co." />
 <figcaption>Sanchez-photo Cloud Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Two suspects identified as 34-year-old Jacob Lyman of Bennett, Nebraska and 25-year-old Valarie N. Sanchez, Temple Bell, Texas, surrendered without incident.&nbsp; Lyman is being held on requested charges that including possession of stolen property and numerous drug and weapons violations. Sanchez on requested drug charges.The police officer who returned fire is being placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. There were no injuries.

2 captured after chase, exchange of gunfire in central Kansas

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden warned Thursday that Russia could still invade Ukraine within days, and the No. 2 diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow was expelled as tensions flared anew in the worst East-West standoff in decades.

NATO allies accused Russia of misleading the world with “disinformation” by saying it was returning some troops to their bases – one of the gestures Russia made this week that briefly cooled temperatures and raised hopes for peace. Russia is believed to have some 150,000 forces around Ukraine’s borders.

Speaking at the White House, Biden said Washington saw no signs of a Russian withdrawal of forces, and said the U.S. has “reason to believe” that Russia is “engaged in a false flag operation to have an excuse to go in.”

He told reporters: “Every indication we have is they’re prepared to go into Ukraine, attack Ukraine.”

The State Department said Russia ordered the deputy chief of mission to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Bart Gorman, to leave the country, calling the move “unprovoked” and “an escalatory step.” Russia provided no details of why he was expelled.

Tensions also spiked along the line that separates Ukrainian forces from Russia-backed separatists in the country’s east, with the parties accusing each other of intensive shelling.

Russia held out an offer of diplomacy, handing the U.S. a response Thursday to offers to engage in talks on limiting missile deployments in Europe, restrictions on military drills and other confidence-building measures.

The response, published by the Foreign Ministry, deplored the West’s refusal to meet the main Russian security and demands and reaffirmed that Moscow could take unspecified “military-technical measures” if the U.S. and its allies continue to stonewall its concerns.

At the same time, it said Russia was ready to discuss measures to enhance security in Europe by discussing limits on missile deployments, restrictions on patrol flights by strategic bombers and other confidence-building steps.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed to New York for the U.N. Security Council meeting and then Germany for the Munich Security Conference.

Western powers estimate Russia has 150,000-plus troops massed outside Ukraine’s borders.

“We’ve seen some of those troops inch closer to that border. We see them fly in more combat and support aircraft,” U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at NATO headquarters in Brussels. “We see them sharpen their readiness in the Black Sea. We even see them stocking up their blood supplies. You don’t do these sort of things for no reason, and you certainly don’t do them if you’re getting ready to pack up and go home.”

British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said the West has seen “an increase of troops over the last 48 hours, up to 7,000.” That squared&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-united-states-vladimir-putin-534fb1c355ff5f135ba0261cb1448c3c">with what a U.S. administration official said a day earlier.&nbsp;</a>The top EU official said similar.

British Armed Forces Minister James Heappey even called Russia’s claim to be withdrawing troops “disinformation.” Russia accuses the West of the same.

Russia has “enough troops, enough capabilities, to launch a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine with very little or no warning time,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. “The fact that you’re putting a battle tank on a train and moving it in some direction doesn’t prove a withdrawal of troops.”

Moscow said several times this week that some forces are pulling back to their bases, but it gave few details that would allow for an independent assessment of the scope and direction of the troop movement.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj.-Gen. Igor Konashenkov offered a bit more detail Thursday, saying that Russian tank and infantry units that took part in drills in the Kursk and Bryansk regions neighboring Ukraine were pulling back to their permanent bases in Nizhny Novgorod region. He said that some of those units already had arrived at their bases after a 700-kilometer journey east.

Troops deployed for exercises in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, have moved back to Chechnya and Dagestan in Russia’s North Caucasus, he noted. He also said Russian troops involved in drills Belarus will also move back to their garrisons after war games there wrap up on Sunday. Konashenkov didn’t mention the numbers of troops that were deployed and didn’t say how many of them returned.

NATO, meanwhile, has moved troops and military equipment into Eastern Europe in a display of resolve of meant to deter any Russian aggression and underline its intent to defend NATO’s eastern members, in the unlikely event that they too become a target.

The U.S. has started deploying 5,000 troops to Poland and Romania. Another 8,500 are on standby, and some U.S. troops are expected to move toward Bulgaria. Britain is sending hundreds of soldiers to Poland, offering more warships and planes, and doubling its personnel in Estonia. Germany, the Netherlands and Norway are sending additional troops to Lithuania. Denmark and Spain are providing jets for air policing in the Baltic Sea region.

Even if an attack doesn’t materialize, the sustained Russian pressure on Ukraine has further hobbled its shaky economy and left an entire nation under constant strain — a situation that could last indefinitely.

Ukraine already has been the stage of fighting for eight years, and tensions soared again Thursday in the conflict in the country’s east, where Russian-backed separatists have been fighting Ukrainian troops since 2014.

Separatist authorities in the Luhansk region reported an increase in Ukrainian shelling along the tense line of contact, describing it as a “large-scale provocation.” Separatist official Rodion Miroshnik said rebel forces returned fire.

Ukraine disputed the claim, saying that separatists had shelled its forces, but they didn’t fire back. The Ukrainian military command charged that shells hit a kindergarten building in Stanytsia Luhanska, wounding two civilians, and cut power supply to half of the town.

An observer mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is expected to offer its assessment of the situation later Thursday.

Ukrainain President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted that “the shelling of a kindergarten in Stanytsia Luhanska by pro-Russian forces is a big provocation,” adding that the OSCE monitoring activities are “an additional deterrent.”

Asked about the flare-up of hostilities in the east, Stoltenberg said the alliance was concerned “that Russia is trying to stage a pretext for an armed attack against Ukraine.”

Russia, in turn, aired worries that hawkish forces in Ukraine, encouraged by the West, could launch an attack to reclaim control of the rebel areas — plans Ukrainian authorities deny.

A 2015 deal brokered by France and Germany helped end the worst of the fighting in eastern Ukraine, but regular skirmishes have continued and a political settlement has stalled.

The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to hold its annual meeting on the agreement on Thursday.

Russia denies it is plotting an invasion but says it’s free to deploy troops wherever necessary to counter NATO threats. It wants the West to keep Ukraine and other former Soviet nations out of NATO, halt weapons deployments near Russian borders and roll back forces from Eastern Europe, the demands the allies have flatly rejected.

While the U.S. and its allies have rejected Moscow’s demands to bar membership to Ukraine, they offered to engage in talks with Russia on limiting missile deployments in Europe, restrictions on military drills and other confidence-building measures.

Russian President Vladimir Putin charged that Moscow had offered to discuss those issues years ago, but the West only agreed to talk about them now. He said that Russia was ready to talk about them now, but only in conjunction with its main security demands.

Even as Russia seemed to try to ease tensions this week, Maxar Technologies, a commercial satellite imagery company that has been monitoring the Russian buildup, reported continued heightened military activity near Ukraine. It noted a new pontoon bridge and a new field hospital in Belarus. It also said that some forces had left an airfield in the country, a Russian ally, but it was unclear where they went.

Blinken and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris were among political, military and diplomatic leaders heading to the annual security conference in Munich that will see urgent consultations on the crisis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645113082140.png" alt="President Biden told reporters: “Every indication we have is they’re prepared to go into Ukraine, attack Ukraine.”-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden told reporters: “Every indication we have is they’re prepared to go into Ukraine, attack Ukraine.”-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden warned Thursday that Russia could still invade Ukraine within days, and the No. 2 diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow was expelled as tensions flared anew in the worst East-West standoff in decades.NATO allies accused Russia of misleading the world with “disinformation” by saying it was returning some troops to their bases – one of the gestures Russia made this week that briefly cooled temperatures and raised hopes for peace. Russia is believed to have some 150,000 forces around Ukraine’s borders.Speaking at the White House, Biden said Washington saw no signs of a Russian withdrawal of forces, and said the U.S. has “reason to believe” that Russia is “engaged in a false flag operation to have an excuse to go in.”He told reporters: “Every indication we have is they’re prepared to go into Ukraine, attack Ukraine.”The State Department said Russia ordered the deputy chief of mission to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Bart Gorman, to leave the country, calling the move “unprovoked” and “an escalatory step.” Russia provided no details of why he was expelled.Tensions also spiked along the line that separates Ukrainian forces from Russia-backed separatists in the country’s east, with the parties accusing each other of intensive shelling.Russia held out an offer of diplomacy, handing the U.S. a response Thursday to offers to engage in talks on limiting missile deployments in Europe, restrictions on military drills and other confidence-building measures.The response, published by the Foreign Ministry, deplored the West’s refusal to meet the main Russian security and demands and reaffirmed that Moscow could take unspecified “military-technical measures” if the U.S. and its allies continue to stonewall its concerns.At the same time, it said Russia was ready to discuss measures to enhance security in Europe by discussing limits on missile deployments, restrictions on patrol flights by strategic bombers and other confidence-building steps.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed to New York for the U.N. Security Council meeting and then Germany for the Munich Security Conference.Western powers estimate Russia has 150,000-plus troops massed outside Ukraine’s borders.“We’ve seen some of those troops inch closer to that border. We see them fly in more combat and support aircraft,” U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at NATO headquarters in Brussels. “We see them sharpen their readiness in the Black Sea. We even see them stocking up their blood supplies. You don’t do these sort of things for no reason, and you certainly don’t do them if you’re getting ready to pack up and go home.”British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said the West has seen “an increase of troops over the last 48 hours, up to 7,000.” That squared&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-united-states-vladimir-putin-534fb1c355ff5f135ba0261cb1448c3c">with what a U.S. administration official said a day earlier.&nbsp;</a>The top EU official said similar.British Armed Forces Minister James Heappey even called Russia’s claim to be withdrawing troops “disinformation.” Russia accuses the West of the same.Russia has “enough troops, enough capabilities, to launch a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine with very little or no warning time,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. “The fact that you’re putting a battle tank on a train and moving it in some direction doesn’t prove a withdrawal of troops.”Moscow said several times this week that some forces are pulling back to their bases, but it gave few details that would allow for an independent assessment of the scope and direction of the troop movement.Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj.-Gen. Igor Konashenkov offered a bit more detail Thursday, saying that Russian tank and infantry units that took part in drills in the Kursk and Bryansk regions neighboring Ukraine were pulling back to their permanent bases in Nizhny Novgorod region. He said that some of those units already had arrived at their bases after a 700-kilometer journey east.Troops deployed for exercises in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, have moved back to Chechnya and Dagestan in Russia’s North Caucasus, he noted. He also said Russian troops involved in drills Belarus will also move back to their garrisons after war games there wrap up on Sunday. Konashenkov didn’t mention the numbers of troops that were deployed and didn’t say how many of them returned.NATO, meanwhile, has moved troops and military equipment into Eastern Europe in a display of resolve of meant to deter any Russian aggression and underline its intent to defend NATO’s eastern members, in the unlikely event that they too become a target.The U.S. has started deploying 5,000 troops to Poland and Romania. Another 8,500 are on standby, and some U.S. troops are expected to move toward Bulgaria. Britain is sending hundreds of soldiers to Poland, offering more warships and planes, and doubling its personnel in Estonia. Germany, the Netherlands and Norway are sending additional troops to Lithuania. Denmark and Spain are providing jets for air policing in the Baltic Sea region.Even if an attack doesn’t materialize, the sustained Russian pressure on Ukraine has further hobbled its shaky economy and left an entire nation under constant strain — a situation that could last indefinitely.Ukraine already has been the stage of fighting for eight years, and tensions soared again Thursday in the conflict in the country’s east, where Russian-backed separatists have been fighting Ukrainian troops since 2014.Separatist authorities in the Luhansk region reported an increase in Ukrainian shelling along the tense line of contact, describing it as a “large-scale provocation.” Separatist official Rodion Miroshnik said rebel forces returned fire.Ukraine disputed the claim, saying that separatists had shelled its forces, but they didn’t fire back. The Ukrainian military command charged that shells hit a kindergarten building in Stanytsia Luhanska, wounding two civilians, and cut power supply to half of the town.An observer mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is expected to offer its assessment of the situation later Thursday.Ukrainain President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted that “the shelling of a kindergarten in Stanytsia Luhanska by pro-Russian forces is a big provocation,” adding that the OSCE monitoring activities are “an additional deterrent.”Asked about the flare-up of hostilities in the east, Stoltenberg said the alliance was concerned “that Russia is trying to stage a pretext for an armed attack against Ukraine.”Russia, in turn, aired worries that hawkish forces in Ukraine, encouraged by the West, could launch an attack to reclaim control of the rebel areas — plans Ukrainian authorities deny.A 2015 deal brokered by France and Germany helped end the worst of the fighting in eastern Ukraine, but regular skirmishes have continued and a political settlement has stalled.The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to hold its annual meeting on the agreement on Thursday.Russia denies it is plotting an invasion but says it’s free to deploy troops wherever necessary to counter NATO threats. It wants the West to keep Ukraine and other former Soviet nations out of NATO, halt weapons deployments near Russian borders and roll back forces from Eastern Europe, the demands the allies have flatly rejected.While the U.S. and its allies have rejected Moscow’s demands to bar membership to Ukraine, they offered to engage in talks with Russia on limiting missile deployments in Europe, restrictions on military drills and other confidence-building measures.Russian President Vladimir Putin charged that Moscow had offered to discuss those issues years ago, but the West only agreed to talk about them now. He said that Russia was ready to talk about them now, but only in conjunction with its main security demands.Even as Russia seemed to try to ease tensions this week, Maxar Technologies, a commercial satellite imagery company that has been monitoring the Russian buildup, reported continued heightened military activity near Ukraine. It noted a new pontoon bridge and a new field hospital in Belarus. It also said that some forces had left an airfield in the country, a Russian ally, but it was unclear where they went.Blinken and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris were among political, military and diplomatic leaders heading to the annual security conference in Munich that will see urgent consultations on the crisis.___

Russia expels senior U.S. diplomat from Moscow as tensions rise

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged at threat of violence at a southwest Kansas school

On Wednesday, police were informed of a possible threat toward Charles O. Stones Intermediate Center (CSIC), 401 North Jennie Barker Road in Garden City, according to a media release.

Officers learned that an 11-year-old student made threats against the school, which were reported to school personnel by several students. Through the course of the investigation, it was revealed there was no threat to the school or students. Disciplinary action has been taken by the school for the 11-year-old student. The investigation is ongoing.

There will be an increased police presence at the beginning of school at CSIC and throughout the day as time permits.

The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 encouraged parents to remind your child to immediately report any information about any school safety-related incidents to administrators/staff and/ or to police.

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged at threat of violence at a southwest Kansas schoolOn Wednesday, police were informed of a possible threat toward Charles O. Stones Intermediate Center (CSIC), 401 North Jennie Barker Road in Garden City, according to a media release.Officers learned that an 11-year-old student made threats against the school, which were reported to school personnel by several students. Through the course of the investigation, it was revealed there was no threat to the school or students. Disciplinary action has been taken by the school for the 11-year-old student. The investigation is ongoing.There will be an increased police presence at the beginning of school at CSIC and throughout the day as time permits.The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 encouraged parents to remind your child to immediately report any information about any school safety-related incidents to administrators/staff and/ or to police.

Police: 11-year-old accused of threat at SW Kan. middle school

BOLIVAR, Mo. (AP) — A Willard man is facing a felony terrorism charge after authorities said he threatened to kill one of the coaches of a junior varsity basketball team.

Bolivar police said Bryan Scott Pellham, 35, threatened a coach during a game between Marion C. Early High School in Morrisville and Branson High School at the Bolivar High School gym on Jan. 27,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ky3.com/2022/02/12/fathers-alleged-threats-against-his-sons-morrisville-basketball-team-results-felony-terrorist-charge/">KYTV reported</a>.

Bolivar Police Lt. Roger Barron said Pellham became upset that a varsity coach was coaching the Marion C. Early junior varsity team that his son plays on.

“He made the comment after engaging in an argument with the coach that he threatened to kill him. It was something to the effect of ‘I’ll put a red dot on your head and watch the mist appear,"' Barron said.

Barron said the coach reported Pellham also said he knew where the coach lived.

During a later interview, Pellham acknowledged that he had a gun with him at the high school, Barron said.

Pellham's attorney, Kristie Pierce, said Wednesday she could not comment on the case.

Pellham was released from the Polk County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

Marion C. Early School District Superintendent Josh Angel said in a statement that the incident was “unfortunate and unacceptable."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645106272531.png" alt="Pellham-photo Polk Co." />
 <figcaption>Pellham-photo Polk Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BOLIVAR, Mo. (AP) — A Willard man is facing a felony terrorism charge after authorities said he threatened to kill one of the coaches of a junior varsity basketball team.Bolivar police said Bryan Scott Pellham, 35, threatened a coach during a game between Marion C. Early High School in Morrisville and Branson High School at the Bolivar High School gym on Jan. 27,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ky3.com/2022/02/12/fathers-alleged-threats-against-his-sons-morrisville-basketball-team-results-felony-terrorist-charge/">KYTV reported</a>.Bolivar Police Lt. Roger Barron said Pellham became upset that a varsity coach was coaching the Marion C. Early junior varsity team that his son plays on.“He made the comment after engaging in an argument with the coach that he threatened to kill him. It was something to the effect of ‘I’ll put a red dot on your head and watch the mist appear,"' Barron said.Barron said the coach reported Pellham also said he knew where the coach lived.During a later interview, Pellham acknowledged that he had a gun with him at the high school, Barron said.Pellham's attorney, Kristie Pierce, said Wednesday she could not comment on the case.Pellham was released from the Polk County Jail on a $25,000 bond.Marion C. Early School District Superintendent Josh Angel said in a statement that the incident was “unfortunate and unacceptable."

Father faces terrorism charge after threats to son's basketball coach

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded those with 
income from a farming or fishing business they should file and pay their
 entire tax due on or before Tuesday, March 1, if they did not make 
estimated tax payments.

Taxpayers can pay from their bank account using their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> or they can schedule payments in advance using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>.

Farmers and fishers who decided to forgo making estimated tax 
payments have the option to pay the entire tax due on or before March 1.
 Normally, this special rule applies when income from farming or fishing
 made up at least 2/3 of the total gross income in either the current or
 the preceding tax year. Those opting to file by the regular April 18 
deadline should have made an estimated tax payment by January 15 to 
avoid an estimated tax penalty. For more information on estimated tax, 
see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p505">Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax</a>.

Those in the farming business report income and expenses on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-f-form-1040">Schedule F (Form 1040), Profit or Loss From Farming</a>. Additionally, they use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-se-form-1040">Schedule SE (Form 1040), Self-Employment Tax</a> to figure self-employment tax if their net earnings from farming are $400 or more. For more information refer to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc554">Topic No. 554</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p225">Publication 225, Farmer's Tax Guide</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/agriculture-tax-center">Agriculture Tax Center</a>.

Those in the fishing business report income and expenses on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-c-form-1040">Schedule C (Form 1040), Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship)</a>. They also use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-se-form-1040">Schedule SE (Form 1040)</a>
 to figure self-employment tax if their net earnings from fishing are 
$400 or more. For general information about the rules applying to 
individuals, including commercial fishermen who file Schedule C, refer 
to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p334">Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business</a>.

Those whose trade or business is a partnership or corporation see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p541">Publication 541, Partnerships</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p542">Publication 542, Corporations</a>.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online account</a>
 allows individuals to make same-day payments from a checking or savings
 account. Taxpayers can view up to 5 years of their payment history, any
 pending or scheduled payments, balance and payment plan information, 
and digital copies of certain notices from the IRS. They can also view 
their Adjusted Gross Income from their most recent tax return, their 
Economic Impact Payment amounts, and their advance Child Tax Credit 
payment information.

Taxpayers can use IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>
 to schedule a payment from their bank account for their tax deadline 
with no registration or login required. Those who want to pay business 
taxes should enroll in and use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System
 (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">EFTPS</a>).

For more information about these and other payment options visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded those with 
income from a farming or fishing business they should file and pay their
 entire tax due on or before Tuesday, March 1, if they did not make 
estimated tax payments.Taxpayers can pay from their bank account using their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> or they can schedule payments in advance using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>.Farmers and fishers who decided to forgo making estimated tax 
payments have the option to pay the entire tax due on or before March 1.
 Normally, this special rule applies when income from farming or fishing
 made up at least 2/3 of the total gross income in either the current or
 the preceding tax year. Those opting to file by the regular April 18 
deadline should have made an estimated tax payment by January 15 to 
avoid an estimated tax penalty. For more information on estimated tax, 
see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p505">Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax</a>.Those in the farming business report income and expenses on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-f-form-1040">Schedule F (Form 1040), Profit or Loss From Farming</a>. Additionally, they use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-se-form-1040">Schedule SE (Form 1040), Self-Employment Tax</a> to figure self-employment tax if their net earnings from farming are $400 or more. For more information refer to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc554">Topic No. 554</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p225">Publication 225, Farmer's Tax Guide</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/agriculture-tax-center">Agriculture Tax Center</a>.Those in the fishing business report income and expenses on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-c-form-1040">Schedule C (Form 1040), Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship)</a>. They also use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-se-form-1040">Schedule SE (Form 1040)</a>
 to figure self-employment tax if their net earnings from fishing are 
$400 or more. For general information about the rules applying to 
individuals, including commercial fishermen who file Schedule C, refer 
to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p334">Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business</a>.Those whose trade or business is a partnership or corporation see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p541">Publication 541, Partnerships</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p542">Publication 542, Corporations</a>.<h2>Paying online is safe, fast and easy</h2><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online account</a>
 allows individuals to make same-day payments from a checking or savings
 account. Taxpayers can view up to 5 years of their payment history, any
 pending or scheduled payments, balance and payment plan information, 
and digital copies of certain notices from the IRS. They can also view 
their Adjusted Gross Income from their most recent tax return, their 
Economic Impact Payment amounts, and their advance Child Tax Credit 
payment information.Taxpayers can use IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>
 to schedule a payment from their bank account for their tax deadline 
with no registration or login required. Those who want to pay business 
taxes should enroll in and use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System
 (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">EFTPS</a>).For more information about these and other payment options visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

IRS reminds those with farming, fishing businesses of tax deadline

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday announced masking and facial coverings are no longer required for state employees or visitors effective Friday, February 18 at 5:00 pm CT, according to a media release from her office.

They will still be recommended. This decision comes as COVID-19 cases in Kansas continue to decline and the state resumes regular operations.&nbsp;

“I appreciate the help of every Kansan who worked to mitigate the COVID-19 virus through masking and vaccinations,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“As COVID-19 becomes part of our normal lives, we need to continue transitioning back to business as usual in Executive Branch offices across the state.”&nbsp;

Due to the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, and the substantial decline in COVID-19 cases, masks will be recommended, not required. State employees are still encouraged to wear face masks when they cannot socially distance.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617151479056.png" alt="“I appreciate the help of every Kansan who worked to mitigate the COVID-19 virus through masking and vaccinations,” Governor Laura Kelly said." />
 <figcaption>“I appreciate the help of every Kansan who worked to mitigate the COVID-19 virus through masking and vaccinations,” Governor Laura Kelly said.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday announced masking and facial coverings are no longer required for state employees or visitors effective Friday, February 18 at 5:00 pm CT, according to a media release from her office.They will still be recommended. This decision comes as COVID-19 cases in Kansas continue to decline and the state resumes regular operations.&nbsp;“I appreciate the help of every Kansan who worked to mitigate the COVID-19 virus through masking and vaccinations,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“As COVID-19 becomes part of our normal lives, we need to continue transitioning back to business as usual in Executive Branch offices across the state.”&nbsp;Due to the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, and the substantial decline in COVID-19 cases, masks will be recommended, not required. State employees are still encouraged to wear face masks when they cannot socially distance.&nbsp;

Masks requirement ends Friday for state agencies in Kansas 

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission this week announced it has now sent cease-and-desist letters to more than a dozen voice service providers suspected of facilitating illegal robocall traffic.  These admonishments are getting results, with all the providers quickly responding and committing to take actions to stop the flow of robocalls on their networks.  Meanwhile, the FCC and its partners remain vigilant in monitoring these – and all – providers’ efforts and laying the groundwork to take serious action should mitigation not be implemented and maintained.

“Our message to anyone helping illegal robocalls remains simple and consistent: stop it now or face serious consequences,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  “Providers must meet their consumer protection obligations.  If they do not, we are ready to take swift and meaningful action against bad actors.”

To date, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau has sent 15 cease-and-desist letters.  When appropriate, voice service providers that not only carry robocall traffic but appear to play a role in originating that traffic also face potential removal from the Robocall Mitigation Database.  If removed, a provider risks having all of their traffic blocked by downstream voice service providers.  The latest letters were sent recently to Great Choice Telecom and to TCA Voip.

Recipients of cease-and-desist letters were ordered to take steps to effectively mitigate illegal traffic within 48 hours.  They were also asked to inform the Commission and the Traceback Consortium within 14 days of the steps taken to implement effective measures to prevent robocallers from using the providers’ networks to make illegal calls.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569445831519.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission this week announced it has now sent cease-and-desist letters to more than a dozen voice service providers suspected of facilitating illegal robocall traffic. These admonishments are getting results, with all the providers quickly responding and committing to take actions to stop the flow of robocalls on their networks. Meanwhile, the FCC and its partners remain vigilant in monitoring these – and all – providers’ efforts and laying the groundwork to take serious action should mitigation not be implemented and maintained.“Our message to anyone helping illegal robocalls remains simple and consistent: stop it now or face serious consequences,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Providers must meet their consumer protection obligations. If they do not, we are ready to take swift and meaningful action against bad actors.”To date, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau has sent 15 cease-and-desist letters. When appropriate, voice service providers that not only carry robocall traffic but appear to play a role in originating that traffic also face potential removal from the Robocall Mitigation Database. If removed, a provider risks having all of their traffic blocked by downstream voice service providers. The latest letters were sent recently to Great Choice Telecom and to TCA Voip.Recipients of cease-and-desist letters were ordered to take steps to effectively mitigate illegal traffic within 48 hours. They were also asked to inform the Commission and the Traceback Consortium within 14 days of the steps taken to implement effective measures to prevent robocallers from using the providers’ networks to make illegal calls.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

FCC: Phone companies sent cease-and-desist letters to stop illegal robocalls

MARION COUNTY— The community and his co-workers are mourning the death of Marion County Sheriff Robert Craft.

He died Wednesday, according to a social media report from the Marion County Emergency Communications.

The Kansas Highway Patrol and members of the sheriff's office&nbsp; escorted the late retired KHP and current Marion County Sheriff back to Marion just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday.

They asked the public to show respect for him and support to Jan and Shaun along with the rest of his family and all gathered on east Main Street to bring Craft home

Funeral arrangements are pending and that Craft’s family and the sheriff’s office “greatly appreciate all the prayers and positive thoughts, according to Undersheriff Larry Starkey.

The Emergency Communications staff wrote, “Our hearts are breaking. But we will hold strong for you. Rest easy, sir, we have the watch from here.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645098262364.png" alt="Sheriff Robert Craft" />
 <figcaption>Sheriff Robert Craft</figcaption>
 </figure>MARION COUNTY— The community and his co-workers are mourning the death of Marion County Sheriff Robert Craft.He died Wednesday, according to a social media report from the Marion County Emergency Communications.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmarioncountyks911%2Fvideos%2F1893215834222873%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The Kansas Highway Patrol and members of the sheriff's office&nbsp; escorted the late retired KHP and current Marion County Sheriff back to Marion just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday.They asked the public to show respect for him and support to Jan and Shaun along with the rest of his family and all gathered on east Main Street to bring Craft homeFuneral arrangements are pending and that Craft’s family and the sheriff’s office “greatly appreciate all the prayers and positive thoughts, according to Undersheriff Larry Starkey.The Emergency Communications staff wrote, “Our hearts are breaking. But we will hold strong for you. Rest easy, sir, we have the watch from here.”

Community mourns the death of Kansas sheriff

KANSAS CITY(AP) — A Kansas City woman who authorities said decapitated her 6-year-old son was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said.

Tasha Haefs, 35, was charged after officers found her son dead at their east Kansas City home late Tuesday, according to a probable cause statement. It was not immediately known if Haefs had an attorney to speak on her behalf.

Police said in an affidavit for a search warrant that a woman called from the house and said the devil was trying to attack her before she hung up, local media reported.

The statement said responding officers saw blood on the front steps of the home and apparent blood and hair on the front door and a severed head near the home's threshold. A woman inside refused to open the door.

After police were told other children lived in the house and had not been seen for several days, they forcibly entered the home. They found the boy's body and saw Haefs with blood on her and knives and a screwdriver with apparent blood throughout the home, according to the affidavit.

No other children were found in the home. A decapitated dog was found in the basement.

During a police interview, Haefs identified the victim as her son and admitted that she killed him in a bathtub and decapitated him, according to the affidavit written by Detective Zakary Glidewell.

It was not immediately clear where the other children in the home were.

Haefs, who was also charged with armed criminal action, was being held in the Jackson County Jail on no bond.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said in a statement that the child's gruesome death “takes our breath away.”

She said the death calls for law enforcement, public health, social services and all their partners to work to better protect Kansas City's children.

“Let’s also focus, Kansas City, on the violence among us," Peters Baker wrote. “It’s a challenge we can no longer ignore. We cannot become complacent with 180 or 170 or even 150 homicides per year and hundreds more shot but not killed. ... Going forward let’s keep a clear goal: Reduce our community’s violence and alert mental health professionals whenever we are aware of someone in need of intervention.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645066201034.png" alt="Haefs photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Haefs photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — A Kansas City woman who authorities said decapitated her 6-year-old son was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said.Tasha Haefs, 35, was charged after officers found her son dead at their east Kansas City home late Tuesday, according to a probable cause statement. It was not immediately known if Haefs had an attorney to speak on her behalf.Police said in an affidavit for a search warrant that a woman called from the house and said the devil was trying to attack her before she hung up, local media reported.The statement said responding officers saw blood on the front steps of the home and apparent blood and hair on the front door and a severed head near the home's threshold. A woman inside refused to open the door.After police were told other children lived in the house and had not been seen for several days, they forcibly entered the home. They found the boy's body and saw Haefs with blood on her and knives and a screwdriver with apparent blood throughout the home, according to the affidavit.No other children were found in the home. A decapitated dog was found in the basement.During a police interview, Haefs identified the victim as her son and admitted that she killed him in a bathtub and decapitated him, according to the affidavit written by Detective Zakary Glidewell.It was not immediately clear where the other children in the home were.Haefs, who was also charged with armed criminal action, was being held in the Jackson County Jail on no bond.Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said in a statement that the child's gruesome death “takes our breath away.”She said the death calls for law enforcement, public health, social services and all their partners to work to better protect Kansas City's children.“Let’s also focus, Kansas City, on the violence among us," Peters Baker wrote. “It’s a challenge we can no longer ignore. We cannot become complacent with 180 or 170 or even 150 homicides per year and hundreds more shot but not killed. ... Going forward let’s keep a clear goal: Reduce our community’s violence and alert mental health professionals whenever we are aware of someone in need of intervention.”

Authorities: Kansas City mom decapitated 6-year-old son, dog

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a carjacking and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, police&nbsp; responded to a carjacking call near Harry and Hillside in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.. On arrival, they contacted a 59-year-old woman who reported two male suspects attempted to rob her of her purse and steal her vehicle. 

She said that one of the suspects produced a handgun and threatened to shoot her. She was able to get away and call 911, and the two men fled the scene in what was described as a dark color Chevy impala. She was also able to give police a tag number for the suspect vehicle.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., police were conducting follow-up when they located the vehicle near Merton and Seneca. Officers attempted to stop the car, but it refused to stop, and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued until the suspect vehicle crashed into a stop sign at 31st and Euclid, where two suspects fled the vehicle on foot. The driver was taken into custody and identified as 38-year-old Zachary Province of Haysville. Police did not locate the passenger was not located. The vehicle they were had been stolen, according to Macy.

Province was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County jail on requested charges of aggravated weapons violation, possession of paraphernalia, flee and elude, driving while suspended.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645065022585.png" alt="Province-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Province-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a carjacking and have a suspect in custody.Just before 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, police&nbsp; responded to a carjacking call near Harry and Hillside in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.. On arrival, they contacted a 59-year-old woman who reported two male suspects attempted to rob her of her purse and steal her vehicle. She said that one of the suspects produced a handgun and threatened to shoot her. She was able to get away and call 911, and the two men fled the scene in what was described as a dark color Chevy impala. She was also able to give police a tag number for the suspect vehicle.At approximately 3:30 p.m., police were conducting follow-up when they located the vehicle near Merton and Seneca. Officers attempted to stop the car, but it refused to stop, and a pursuit was initiated.The pursuit continued until the suspect vehicle crashed into a stop sign at 31st and Euclid, where two suspects fled the vehicle on foot. The driver was taken into custody and identified as 38-year-old Zachary Province of Haysville. Police did not locate the passenger was not located. The vehicle they were had been stolen, according to Macy.Province was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County jail on requested charges of aggravated weapons violation, possession of paraphernalia, flee and elude, driving while suspended.

Police track down Kan. man for attempted carjacking 

By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/biden-meets-with-county-leaders-in-d-c-promotes-build-back-better-plan/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON
 — President Joe Biden during a Tuesday meeting with county leaders 
called on Congress to pass his stalled social spending package as a way 
to fight inflation, saying it would help with expenses families face.

“Families
 are getting clobbered by the cost of everyday things,” Biden told 
members of the National Association of Counties at a conference here.

He
 stressed that his plan, Build Back Better, would help Americans who are
 seeing higher prices in grocery stories and high gas prices due to 
inflation.

“That’s what my Build Back Better plan was all about,” he said.&nbsp;

The
 massive social spending and climate plan foundered in the Senate after 
opposition emerged among key Democrats like West Virginia Sen. Joe 
Manchin III and Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema.

Biden
 added that he was pleased that states and local governments were 
implementing funding from the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure 
law and the American Rescue Plan, a relief package passed last year by 
Congress.&nbsp;

“This is only the beginning,” Biden said.&nbsp;

NACo is a bipartisan group that represents all 50 states — including nearly 40,000 county elected officials — and advocates for county priorities in federal policies.&nbsp;

The
 organization is hosting a week-long conference where policy issues are 
discussed such as broadband, agriculture, health, environment and public
 lands. The session on Tuesday focused on counties’ implementation of 
the recently passed bipartisan infrastructure bill.&nbsp;

Biden
 stressed that counties should also responsibly use the funds provided 
by the American Rescue Plan and take advantage of the flexible 
spending.&nbsp;

He
 added that as a former county official — he served two years on the New
 Castle County Council in Delaware — he knows that a flexible way to 
distribute funds is important, as every local government is unique.&nbsp;

“We
 have an incredible opportunity in front of us,” he said. “We know the 
challenges still remain, we’re still fighting a deadly virus, we still 
need people to get vaccinated.”

He
 thanked the counties for their work in helping enforce mask policies 
and fighting disinformation, and for pushing for their communities to 
get vaccinated against the coronavirus. More than 900,000 Americans have
 died from the virus since 2020.&nbsp;

“You’ve saved lives,” Biden said.&nbsp;

According to the White House, Biden participated in a photo line with local officials including:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645051173199.png" alt="President Joe Biden speaks to county officials at an event in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, Feb. 15. (Screenshot from White House YouTube stream)" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden speaks to county officials at an event in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, Feb. 15. (Screenshot from White House YouTube stream)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/biden-meets-with-county-leaders-in-d-c-promotes-build-back-better-plan/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON
 — President Joe Biden during a Tuesday meeting with county leaders 
called on Congress to pass his stalled social spending package as a way 
to fight inflation, saying it would help with expenses families face.“Families
 are getting clobbered by the cost of everyday things,” Biden told 
members of the National Association of Counties at a conference here.He
 stressed that his plan, Build Back Better, would help Americans who are
 seeing higher prices in grocery stories and high gas prices due to 
inflation.“That’s what my Build Back Better plan was all about,” he said.&nbsp;The
 massive social spending and climate plan foundered in the Senate after 
opposition emerged among key Democrats like West Virginia Sen. Joe 
Manchin III and Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema.Biden
 added that he was pleased that states and local governments were 
implementing funding from the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure 
law and the American Rescue Plan, a relief package passed last year by 
Congress.&nbsp;“This is only the beginning,” Biden said.&nbsp;NACo is a bipartisan group that represents all 50 states — including nearly 40,000 county elected officials — and advocates for county priorities in federal policies.&nbsp;The
 organization is hosting a week-long conference where policy issues are 
discussed such as broadband, agriculture, health, environment and public
 lands. The session on Tuesday focused on counties’ implementation of 
the recently passed bipartisan infrastructure bill.&nbsp;Biden
 stressed that counties should also responsibly use the funds provided 
by the American Rescue Plan and take advantage of the flexible 
spending.&nbsp;He
 added that as a former county official — he served two years on the New
 Castle County Council in Delaware — he knows that a flexible way to 
distribute funds is important, as every local government is unique.&nbsp;“We
 have an incredible opportunity in front of us,” he said. “We know the 
challenges still remain, we’re still fighting a deadly virus, we still 
need people to get vaccinated.”He
 thanked the counties for their work in helping enforce mask policies 
and fighting disinformation, and for pushing for their communities to 
get vaccinated against the coronavirus. More than 900,000 Americans have
 died from the virus since 2020.&nbsp;“You’ve saved lives,” Biden said.&nbsp;According to the White House, Biden participated in a photo line with local officials including:<ul>
 <li>Larry Johnson, Commissioner, DeKalb County, Georgia, National Association of Counties President</li><li>Mary Jo McGuire, Commissioner, Ramsey County, Minnesota, National Association of Counties Second Vice President</li><li>Joe Briggs, Commissioner, Cascade County, Montana</li><li>Ron Berry, Commissioner, Roane County, Tennessee</li><li>John O’Grady, Commissioner, Franklin County, Ohio</li><li>Phyllis Randall, Supervisor and Chair-at-Large, Loudoun County, Virginia</li><li>Mary Ann Borgeson, County Commissioner, Douglas County, Nebraska</li>
 </ul>

Biden meets with county leaders in D.C., promotes Build Back Better plan

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D. and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, alongside U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2.15.22-USDA-ELAP-Letter-RE-Wildfire-1.pdf">sent a letter&nbsp;</a>to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to request flexibility under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program and robust assistance for producers rebuilding following recent wildfires. The letter says in part:

“We write today to request flexibility under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program. Specifically we request the establishment of a winter grazing season and the elimination of the Livestock Needs calculation... Finally, as you work to establish assistance programs for disasters that occurred in 2020 and 2021, we strongly urge you to ensure producers in Kansas who are rebuilding from fires receive robust assistance... We appreciate your agency’s quick response to the needs of the Kansas wildfire victims and ask that you consider these additional changes to allow our family farmers and ranchers to rebuild and continue their operations for the next generation.”

This letter comes on the heels of USDA announcing a primary agricultural&nbsp;<a href="http://capwiz.com/agdepartment/utr/1/IFGRBBXEHFA/DRUOBBXEHFH/11974134411">disaster designation for counties in Kansas</a>&nbsp;earlier this week and additional grass fires in counties across Kansas this week. Additional information on USDA’s disaster assistance program, including county lists and maps, can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov/">http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641663878453.jpeg" alt="A child's toy is all that is left after a house in Paradise was burned to the ground on Dec. 15 as high winds tore through Russell County. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A child's toy is all that is left after a house in Paradise was burned to the ground on Dec. 15 as high winds tore through Russell County. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Roger MarshallWASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D. and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, alongside U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2.15.22-USDA-ELAP-Letter-RE-Wildfire-1.pdf">sent a letter&nbsp;</a>to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to request flexibility under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program and robust assistance for producers rebuilding following recent wildfires. The letter says in part:“We write today to request flexibility under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program. Specifically we request the establishment of a winter grazing season and the elimination of the Livestock Needs calculation... Finally, as you work to establish assistance programs for disasters that occurred in 2020 and 2021, we strongly urge you to ensure producers in Kansas who are rebuilding from fires receive robust assistance... We appreciate your agency’s quick response to the needs of the Kansas wildfire victims and ask that you consider these additional changes to allow our family farmers and ranchers to rebuild and continue their operations for the next generation.”This letter comes on the heels of USDA announcing a primary agricultural&nbsp;<a href="http://capwiz.com/agdepartment/utr/1/IFGRBBXEHFA/DRUOBBXEHFH/11974134411">disaster designation for counties in Kansas</a>&nbsp;earlier this week and additional grass fires in counties across Kansas this week. Additional information on USDA’s disaster assistance program, including county lists and maps, can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov/">http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov</a>.&nbsp;

Kan. lawmakers urge USDA to provide robust assistance to wildfire victims

Representatives give preliminary approval by a vote of 77-42

By NOAH TABORDA and SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/16/house-republicans-push-for-kansas-voters-to-limit-executive-branch-authority-agency-regulations/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Republican representatives are eager Wednesday to approve a 
constitutional amendment that could provide legislators with new powers 
over the executive branch should it receive Senate and public approval.

If passed by two-thirds of the House and Senate and approved by a vote of the people of Kansas, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/HCR5014/">the resolution</a>
 proposed would amend article 1 of the Kansas state constitution. By 
adding a new section to the constitution, the measure provides the 
Legislature a new authority to set and revoke new rules within state 
agencies housed under the executive branch.

Throughout the debate, House Republicans batted away concerns over 
the effect of the provisions on the separation of powers and amendment 
to place other issues like Medicaid expansion and legalizing Marijuana 
on the ballot.

“We’ve been given broad authority to not only carry out the law but 
also to create it,” said Rep. Barbra Wasinger, R-Hays. “This amendment 
approves that legislative oversight and allows us to be responsible for 
creating laws.”

The measure received preliminary approval 77-42 with five Republicans
 — Rep. Dave Baker, of Council Grove; Rep. Owen Donohoe, of Shawnee; 
Rep. Boyd Orr, of Fowler; Rep. Mark Schreiber, of Emporia;&nbsp;and Rep. John
 Wheeler, of Garden City — voting against it. The measure will need 84 
votes tomorrow to pass.

If passed by the House and Senate, the constitutional amendment would be on the general election ballot in 2022.

Republicans are motivated primarily by a recent decision by the 
Kansas Department of Labor to add or amend six regulations regarding 
workers’ compensation. The decision drew the frustrations of several 
business groups and legislators <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/2021/11/22/kansas-republican-lawmakers-target-bureaucratic-government-regulations-pro-workers-compensation/8643706002/">during a November hearing</a> who believed the regulations impeded statute and legislative authority.

Currently, the Legislature can only adopt a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/statute/077_000_0000_chapter/077_004_0000_article/077_004_0026_section/077_004_0026_k/">concurrent resolution expressing concern or requesting the revocation of a regulation</a>. The rules and regulations committee issues comments and recommendations on proposals from these agencies.

However, Rep. Boog Highberger, a Lawrence Democrat, said the systems 
in place already function to address any overreach in regulations by 
executive branch agencies.

“I think it’s clear that if there’s a problem in the system, it’s 
sent to the attorney general’s office, and the problem needs to be fixed
 there,” Highberger said. “I’ve been involved in the process during my 
time in state government over the years. It really works, and there are a
 lot of checks and balances on it, a lot of guardrails.”

A 1984 Kansas Supreme Court ruling held that a previous measure 
allowing the Legislature to suspend or revoke administrative rule was 
unconstitutional because it violated the separation of powers.

Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office signed off on the legality of
 this new resolution in July, after the state’s budget office and 
Department of Administration signed off in January.

House Speaker Ron Ryckman told House Republicans in a meeting before 
the House session Wednesday that Schmidt came up with the idea that 
“basically eliminates the fourth branch of government,” a reference to 
employees at state agencies who determine how to carry out the laws 
passed by the Legislature. Schmidt, a Republican, is running against 
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly in this year’s election.

Ryckman asked House Republicans if they want “these folks” to make 
decisions like closing churches, shutting down businesses and giving 
overseas fraudsters money from the unemployment fund, or allow the 
Legislature to have a final say.

“It doesn’t matter who the governor is,” Ryckman said. “Bureaucrats 
have been here longer than us. They’ll stay here longer than us.”

The proposed constitutional amendment would not apply to the examples
 Ryckman provided. The governor closed churches and shut down businesses
 in April 2020 through executive orders in response to COVID-19. Bogus 
unemployment claims were filed in every state.

Majority Leader Dan Hawkins told Republican representatives prior to debate that he is “really passionate” about securing the ability to usurp the authority of the executive branch.

He said the committee that oversees rules and regulations can voice 
complaints, but bureaucrats at state agencies rarely listen. The 
committee lacks the power to block new rules and regulations from taking
 effect.

“It doesn’t make any difference what the governor is,” Hawkins said. 
“Those bureaucrats stay year in and year out, and they literally change 
the course of any law they want.”

Rep. John Carmichael, D-Wichita, said if the amendment was such a 
pressing need, the measure ought to be on the August 2022 ballot,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/attorney-general-seeks-abortion-appeal-delay-until-after-constitutional-amendment-vote/">alongside the Value Them Both Amendment</a>.

When an amendment to do just that failed, Carmichael asked to push the vote back until after the gubernatorial election.

“In the event Derek Schmidt should be our governor, people can decide
 whether or not they want to do to Derek Schmidt what this is designed 
to do to Laura Kelly, because it’s bad legislation,” Carmichael told 
House Democrats in a meeting before the debate.

Other amendments offered by Democrats during the deliberation also 
fell short, including a revision to allow the governor the authority to 
veto a revocation, subject to a supermajority vote from the Legislature 
to override.

House minority leader Tom Sawyer and Rep. Jason Probst, who earlier 
this year offered constitutional amendments to expand Medicaid and 
legalize Marijuana, again proposed to let Kansas voters decide on these 
hot-button issues.

The House Rules Committee ruled the amendments not germane to the resolution, promptly rejecting them.

“There are some other things I think people care about quite a bit,” 
Probst, a Hutchinson Democrat, said. “We’ve demonstrated to an excessive
 degree this year that we enjoy the opportunity to allow Kansans to vote
 on things.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645046631697.png" alt="Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, touted a measure that would leave up to Kansas voters whether the Legislature should have the authority to curtail rules and regulations from executive branch agencies. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, touted a measure that would leave up to Kansas voters whether the Legislature should have the authority to curtail rules and regulations from executive branch agencies. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Representatives give preliminary approval by a vote of 77-42</h2>By NOAH TABORDA and SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/16/house-republicans-push-for-kansas-voters-to-limit-executive-branch-authority-agency-regulations/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Republican representatives are eager Wednesday to approve a 
constitutional amendment that could provide legislators with new powers 
over the executive branch should it receive Senate and public approval.If passed by two-thirds of the House and Senate and approved by a vote of the people of Kansas, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/HCR5014/">the resolution</a>
 proposed would amend article 1 of the Kansas state constitution. By 
adding a new section to the constitution, the measure provides the 
Legislature a new authority to set and revoke new rules within state 
agencies housed under the executive branch.Throughout the debate, House Republicans batted away concerns over 
the effect of the provisions on the separation of powers and amendment 
to place other issues like Medicaid expansion and legalizing Marijuana 
on the ballot.“We’ve been given broad authority to not only carry out the law but 
also to create it,” said Rep. Barbra Wasinger, R-Hays. “This amendment 
approves that legislative oversight and allows us to be responsible for 
creating laws.”The measure received preliminary approval 77-42 with five Republicans
 — Rep. Dave Baker, of Council Grove; Rep. Owen Donohoe, of Shawnee; 
Rep. Boyd Orr, of Fowler; Rep. Mark Schreiber, of Emporia;&nbsp;and Rep. John
 Wheeler, of Garden City — voting against it. The measure will need 84 
votes tomorrow to pass.If passed by the House and Senate, the constitutional amendment would be on the general election ballot in 2022.Republicans are motivated primarily by a recent decision by the 
Kansas Department of Labor to add or amend six regulations regarding 
workers’ compensation. The decision drew the frustrations of several 
business groups and legislators <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/2021/11/22/kansas-republican-lawmakers-target-bureaucratic-government-regulations-pro-workers-compensation/8643706002/">during a November hearing</a> who believed the regulations impeded statute and legislative authority.Currently, the Legislature can only adopt a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/statute/077_000_0000_chapter/077_004_0000_article/077_004_0026_section/077_004_0026_k/">concurrent resolution expressing concern or requesting the revocation of a regulation</a>. The rules and regulations committee issues comments and recommendations on proposals from these agencies.However, Rep. Boog Highberger, a Lawrence Democrat, said the systems 
in place already function to address any overreach in regulations by 
executive branch agencies.“I think it’s clear that if there’s a problem in the system, it’s 
sent to the attorney general’s office, and the problem needs to be fixed
 there,” Highberger said. “I’ve been involved in the process during my 
time in state government over the years. It really works, and there are a
 lot of checks and balances on it, a lot of guardrails.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645046694700.jpeg" alt="House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins told House Republicans he is “really passionate” about securing the abilities prescribed in the resolution allowing the Legislature to overrule the authority of the executive branch. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins told House Republicans he is “really passionate” about securing the abilities prescribed in the resolution allowing the Legislature to overrule the authority of the executive branch. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>A 1984 Kansas Supreme Court ruling held that a previous measure 
allowing the Legislature to suspend or revoke administrative rule was 
unconstitutional because it violated the separation of powers.Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office signed off on the legality of
 this new resolution in July, after the state’s budget office and 
Department of Administration signed off in January.House Speaker Ron Ryckman told House Republicans in a meeting before 
the House session Wednesday that Schmidt came up with the idea that 
“basically eliminates the fourth branch of government,” a reference to 
employees at state agencies who determine how to carry out the laws 
passed by the Legislature. Schmidt, a Republican, is running against 
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly in this year’s election.Ryckman asked House Republicans if they want “these folks” to make 
decisions like closing churches, shutting down businesses and giving 
overseas fraudsters money from the unemployment fund, or allow the 
Legislature to have a final say.“It doesn’t matter who the governor is,” Ryckman said. “Bureaucrats 
have been here longer than us. They’ll stay here longer than us.”The proposed constitutional amendment would not apply to the examples
 Ryckman provided. The governor closed churches and shut down businesses
 in April 2020 through executive orders in response to COVID-19. Bogus 
unemployment claims were filed in every state.Majority Leader Dan Hawkins told Republican representatives prior to debate that he is “really passionate” about securing the ability to usurp the authority of the executive branch.He said the committee that oversees rules and regulations can voice 
complaints, but bureaucrats at state agencies rarely listen. The 
committee lacks the power to block new rules and regulations from taking
 effect.“It doesn’t make any difference what the governor is,” Hawkins said. 
“Those bureaucrats stay year in and year out, and they literally change 
the course of any law they want.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645046722598.jpeg" alt="Rep. John Carmichael was among those to propose amendments and subsequently see them rejected. Democrat House members argued the measure was highly partisan and hypocritical, pointing to action taken by Republicans to deny amendments placing other issues on the ballot. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. John Carmichael was among those to propose amendments and subsequently see them rejected. Democrat House members argued the measure was highly partisan and hypocritical, pointing to action taken by Republicans to deny amendments placing other issues on the ballot. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rep. John Carmichael, D-Wichita, said if the amendment was such a 
pressing need, the measure ought to be on the August 2022 ballot,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/attorney-general-seeks-abortion-appeal-delay-until-after-constitutional-amendment-vote/">alongside the Value Them Both Amendment</a>.When an amendment to do just that failed, Carmichael asked to push the vote back until after the gubernatorial election.“In the event Derek Schmidt should be our governor, people can decide
 whether or not they want to do to Derek Schmidt what this is designed 
to do to Laura Kelly, because it’s bad legislation,” Carmichael told 
House Democrats in a meeting before the debate.Other amendments offered by Democrats during the deliberation also 
fell short, including a revision to allow the governor the authority to 
veto a revocation, subject to a supermajority vote from the Legislature 
to override.House minority leader Tom Sawyer and Rep. Jason Probst, who earlier 
this year offered constitutional amendments to expand Medicaid and 
legalize Marijuana, again proposed to let Kansas voters decide on these 
hot-button issues.The House Rules Committee ruled the amendments not germane to the resolution, promptly rejecting them.“There are some other things I think people care about quite a bit,” 
Probst, a Hutchinson Democrat, said. “We’ve demonstrated to an excessive
 degree this year that we enjoy the opportunity to allow Kansans to vote
 on things.”

House GOP pushes for Kan. voters to limit executive branch authority

INDEPENDENCE — A Coffeyville man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years for first-degree murder in a 2019 shooting death in southeast Kansas, Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today.

Benjamin Job Mason II, 20, of Coffeyville, was sentenced Tuesday in Montgomery County District Court by Judge F. William Cullins on one count of first-degree murder.

Mason pleaded no contest to the charges on December 20, 2021, for his role in the 2019 shooting death of Kimberly Meeks in Independence. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Independence Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff and U.S. Postal Inspectors.

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

Office of the Attorney GeneralINDEPENDENCE — A Coffeyville man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years for first-degree murder in a 2019 shooting death in southeast Kansas, Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today.Benjamin Job Mason II, 20, of Coffeyville, was sentenced Tuesday in Montgomery County District Court by Judge F. William Cullins on one count of first-degree murder.Mason pleaded no contest to the charges on December 20, 2021, for his role in the 2019 shooting death of Kimberly Meeks in Independence. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Independence Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff and U.S. Postal Inspectors.The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Michael Gayoso and Stephanie Plaschka of Schmidt’s office.

Kan. man sentenced to life for for 2019 shooting death

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 28-year-old man who killed one person and injured three others when he fired into a party in Wichita has pleaded guilty to murder. 

Markeithen "Red" McClaine pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder and three counts of attempted second-degree murder. Prosecutors said the July 27, 2019, shooting at an apartment complex killed 20-year-old Airman 1st Class Chancelor Williams, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, who was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base. 

Prosecutors said McClaine was picking someone up from a party when an argument broke out. Investigators said the car he was in began to drive away, but McClaine got out and fired into the crowd.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 28-year-old man who killed one person and injured three others when he fired into a party in Wichita has pleaded guilty to murder. Markeithen "Red" McClaine pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder and three counts of attempted second-degree murder. Prosecutors said the July 27, 2019, shooting at an apartment complex killed 20-year-old Airman 1st Class Chancelor Williams, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, who was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base. Prosecutors said McClaine was picking someone up from a party when an argument broke out. Investigators said the car he was in began to drive away, but McClaine got out and fired into the crowd.

Man who fired into Wichita party pleads guilty to murder

OTTAWA, Ontario — Police in Canada's capital are telling protesting truckers who have paralyzed the city for more than two weeks that it's time to leave. 

Meanwhile, the last of the truck blockades at the U.S.-Canadian border has come to an end. Authorities say the final blockaders have left Emerson, Manitoba, and the crossing into North Dakota has reopened. 

Now all of the attention in the protests over the country's COVID-19 restrictions has shifted to Canada's capital, where hundreds of trucks remain parked in the center city. 

Authorities in Ottawa are warning protesters that they are risking arrest.

Associated PressOTTAWA, Ontario — Police in Canada's capital are telling protesting truckers who have paralyzed the city for more than two weeks that it's time to leave. Meanwhile, the last of the truck blockades at the U.S.-Canadian border has come to an end. Authorities say the final blockaders have left Emerson, Manitoba, and the crossing into North Dakota has reopened. Now all of the attention in the protests over the country's COVID-19 restrictions has shifted to Canada's capital, where hundreds of trucks remain parked in the center city. Authorities in Ottawa are warning protesters that they are risking arrest.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Truckers end U.S. border blockade, continue in Ottawa

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/16/house-republican-wants-bonus-pay-for-teachers-to-replace-funding-for-at-risk-students/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Rep. Kristey Williams dueled Tuesday with school board 
lobbyist Mark Tallman over her proposal to create a bonus pay system for
 teachers by redirecting money earmarked for schools with high 
concentrations of low-income families.

<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2690/">House Bill 2690</a>
 would reward teachers in schools where students show 5% gains in 
standardized tests over the previous four years, or maintain a 90% level
 of proficiency. The $5,000 bonuses — or $2,500 for marginal student 
progress — would begin in the 2025-26 school year.

Funding for the merit pay program would come from a $50 million 
annual boost intended to raise the performance of at-risk students. That
 funding source is set to expire in 2024, which would leave a one-year 
gap in funding for public schools.

The Kansas Policy Institute, a longstanding adversary of public 
school funding, was the only supporter of the bill. Opponents include 
the Kansas Association of School Boards, which Tallman represents, as 
well as the teachers union, a coalition of public school advocates, the 
Kansas State Board of Education, and the Kansas PTA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645040761734.png" alt="Mark Tallman, lobbyist for the Kansas Association of School Boards, appears Tuesday before the K-12 Education Budget Committee at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Mark Tallman, lobbyist for the Kansas Association of School Boards, appears Tuesday before the K-12 Education Budget Committee at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/16/house-republican-wants-bonus-pay-for-teachers-to-replace-funding-for-at-risk-students/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Rep. Kristey Williams dueled Tuesday with school board 
lobbyist Mark Tallman over her proposal to create a bonus pay system for
 teachers by redirecting money earmarked for schools with high 
concentrations of low-income families.<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2690/">House Bill 2690</a>
 would reward teachers in schools where students show 5% gains in 
standardized tests over the previous four years, or maintain a 90% level
 of proficiency. The $5,000 bonuses — or $2,500 for marginal student 
progress — would begin in the 2025-26 school year.Funding for the merit pay program would come from a $50 million 
annual boost intended to raise the performance of at-risk students. That
 funding source is set to expire in 2024, which would leave a one-year 
gap in funding for public schools.The Kansas Policy Institute, a longstanding adversary of public 
school funding, was the only supporter of the bill. Opponents include 
the Kansas Association of School Boards, which Tallman represents, as 
well as the teachers union, a coalition of public school advocates, the 
Kansas State Board of Education, and the Kansas PTA.Williams, a Republican from Augusta and chairwoman of the House K-12 
Education Budget Committee, said the funding for at-risk students is 
supposed to drive achievement. Without those gains, the money is “lost,”
 she said.“We can’t just keep doing the same thing that we’ve always done, and 
we can’t not expect achievement gains, and we can’t not incentivize or 
reward achievement gains,” Williams said.She asked Tallman: “What do you think incentivizes schools to increase proficiency?”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645040814779.jpeg" alt="Rep. Kristey Williams, R-Augusta, questions Mark Tallman during a hearing Tuesday at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Kristey Williams, R-Augusta, questions Mark Tallman during a hearing Tuesday at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Tallman said he doesn’t know a school board or teacher that isn’t concerned about achievement gains.He offered a historical perspective: When resources for Kansas public
 schools have increased, districts have used those funds to improve 
educational outcomes. When resources declined from 2009-2017, he said, 
achievement measures fell.Lawmakers in 2018 adopted a plan to increase spending for public 
schools over a five-year period to restore funding to 2009 levels, 
adjusted for inflation. Progress was interrupted by the COVID-19 
pandemic, Tallman said.Williams claimed that funding actually increased during the timespan 
Tallman referenced — a claim based on KPI’s strategy to conflate 
spending levels before Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration with spending
 levels plus contributions to the state employee retirement fund.Tallman said the districts that have the biggest needs would see the 
biggest loss under Williams’ plan, including eight districts that would 
lose $300 per pupil. Another 27 districts would lose between $200 and 
$300 per pupil.“If the answer to better student performance is just better teachers 
or better teaching, why is low performance so disproportionately focused
 on lower-income families and schools with high percentage of these 
kids?” Tallman said. “It seems to us because these kids bring so many 
other factors to school that teaching alone cannot overcome.”By converting at-risk money into incentives for teachers, Tallman 
said, the Legislature would impose a single strategy for improving 
education outcomes.“If you take those dollars away, then that teacher may be able to get
 a bonus, but there would be fewer aides or assistants, or one-on-one or
 summer school programs,” Tallman said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645040847157.jpeg" alt="Rep. Susan Estes, R-Wichita, questions Mark Tallman during a hearing Tuesday at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Susan Estes, R-Wichita, questions Mark Tallman during a hearing Tuesday at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rep. Susan Estes, a Republican from Wichita, said she was 
disappointed the school boards that Tallman represents have not used 
funding increases to pay teachers what they deserve.“It’s hard to do your job well when you’re worrying about paying your
 bills,” Estes said. “We have teachers who qualify for free and reduced 
lunches — and that’s shameful.”