HUTCHINSON — Renewable energy firm Siemens Gamesa is laying off 69 employees in Hutchinson and 121 in Iowa. Employees were told in meetings on Wednesday.&nbsp; The company builds wind turbines and related services, according to the their web site.

After Wednesday’s workforce reduction, 254 employees remain at the Fort Madison facility and 117 employees remain at the Hutchinson facility.

Shannon Sturgil, CEO of Onshore North America said in a statement that the patent challenge case brought by GE forced the company not to pursue new orders while that was being fought out in court. Sturgil also said that buyers are waiting to see what new climate legislation may come out before making decisions, which has slowed production.

The company said it will provide employees with severance, benefits continuation, career counseling, resume preparation and job placement assistance.

HUTCHINSON — Renewable energy firm Siemens Gamesa is laying off 69 employees in Hutchinson and 121 in Iowa. Employees were told in meetings on Wednesday.&nbsp; The company builds wind turbines and related services, according to the their web site.After Wednesday’s workforce reduction, 254 employees remain at the Fort Madison facility and 117 employees remain at the Hutchinson facility.Shannon Sturgil, CEO of Onshore North America said in a statement that the patent challenge case brought by GE forced the company not to pursue new orders while that was being fought out in court. Sturgil also said that buyers are waiting to see what new climate legislation may come out before making decisions, which has slowed production.The company said it will provide employees with severance, benefits continuation, career counseling, resume preparation and job placement assistance.

Renewable energy firm laying off employees in Kansas 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man who has insisted for more than 20 years that he was wrongly convicted as a teenager of killing his mother has been granted parole.

Attorneys for 37-year-old Michael Politte confirmed Tuesday that he had been given parole, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article258190203.html#storylink=cpy">Kansas City Star reported.</a>&nbsp;He is set to be released April 23 from the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

Politte was 14 years old in 1998 when, according to his lawyers, he found the burning body of his mother, Rita Politte, on the floor of their home in the eastern Missouri town of Hopewell as he and a friend, who said they awoke to smoke, scrambled to escape.

Investigators said the fire was started with gasoline and determined that Rita Politte had also suffered blunt force head trauma. The investigation focused on her teenage son as the main suspect and four years later, he was convicted as an adult of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

The Midwest Innocence Project and the MacArthur Justice Center, which both work to overturn wrongful convictions,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-business-missouri-c11bb1934a7b50779da9776d2221a49c">have sought to exonerate Politte,</a>&nbsp;saying he was convicted based on debunked science and a biased investigation.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jefferson-city-missouri-8c18acad73cd26d834e535ebbca6cf1b">petition by Politte's attorneys</a>&nbsp;last year seeking his release from prison faulted investigators who determined that the teen had gasoline on his shoes, which was the only physical evidence they said linked him to the crime. The findings were based on now-discredited fire investigation techniques, and the state has conceded that Politte did not have gas on his shoes, the attorneys said.

The petition said investigators ignored other potential suspects, including Politte’s father, who was going through a difficult divorce with Rita Politte at the time of her killing.

Michael Politte's attorneys said Tuesday that his parole will not curtail their efforts to get him exonerated.

"We will continue to litigate in court to overturn his conviction,” his lawyers said in a statement. “His release on parole means he can now continue this fight from home with his sisters.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644424817527.png" alt="Politte-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Politte-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man who has insisted for more than 20 years that he was wrongly convicted as a teenager of killing his mother has been granted parole.Attorneys for 37-year-old Michael Politte confirmed Tuesday that he had been given parole, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article258190203.html#storylink=cpy">Kansas City Star reported.</a>&nbsp;He is set to be released April 23 from the Jefferson City Correctional Center.Politte was 14 years old in 1998 when, according to his lawyers, he found the burning body of his mother, Rita Politte, on the floor of their home in the eastern Missouri town of Hopewell as he and a friend, who said they awoke to smoke, scrambled to escape.Investigators said the fire was started with gasoline and determined that Rita Politte had also suffered blunt force head trauma. The investigation focused on her teenage son as the main suspect and four years later, he was convicted as an adult of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.The Midwest Innocence Project and the MacArthur Justice Center, which both work to overturn wrongful convictions,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-business-missouri-c11bb1934a7b50779da9776d2221a49c">have sought to exonerate Politte,</a>&nbsp;saying he was convicted based on debunked science and a biased investigation.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jefferson-city-missouri-8c18acad73cd26d834e535ebbca6cf1b">petition by Politte's attorneys</a>&nbsp;last year seeking his release from prison faulted investigators who determined that the teen had gasoline on his shoes, which was the only physical evidence they said linked him to the crime. The findings were based on now-discredited fire investigation techniques, and the state has conceded that Politte did not have gas on his shoes, the attorneys said.The petition said investigators ignored other potential suspects, including Politte’s father, who was going through a difficult divorce with Rita Politte at the time of her killing.Michael Politte's attorneys said Tuesday that his parole will not curtail their efforts to get him exonerated."We will continue to litigate in court to overturn his conviction,” his lawyers said in a statement. “His release on parole means he can now continue this fight from home with his sisters.”

Man convicted at 14 of killing his mom gets parole

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has pleaded no contest to second-degree murder for the shooting death last year of a 12-year-old boy outside a Leavenworth pharmacy. 

The Kansas City Star reports that 26-year-old Darvon Deshawn Thomas entered the plea Tuesday in Leavenworth County District Court, admitting to his role in the April death of 12-year-old Brian Henderson, of Kansas City, Missouri. 

Prosecutors say the boy was not the intended target, but simply in the backseat of a car with someone meeting Thomas to sell a gun when the deal went bad and someone with Thomas began shooting. Two teens allegedly with Thomas during the shooting are also standing trial. Thomas is set to be sentenced in March.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618591549655.png" alt="Thomas" />
 <figcaption>Thomas</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has pleaded no contest to second-degree murder for the shooting death last year of a 12-year-old boy outside a Leavenworth pharmacy. The Kansas City Star reports that 26-year-old Darvon Deshawn Thomas entered the plea Tuesday in Leavenworth County District Court, admitting to his role in the April death of 12-year-old Brian Henderson, of Kansas City, Missouri. Prosecutors say the boy was not the intended target, but simply in the backseat of a car with someone meeting Thomas to sell a gun when the deal went bad and someone with Thomas began shooting. Two teens allegedly with Thomas during the shooting are also standing trial. Thomas is set to be sentenced in March.

Kan. man enters plea in killing of 12-year-old outside pharmacy

"American Pickers" is returning to Kansas, planning to film episodes of The History Channel television series in April.


"American Pickers" is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The
History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable
antiques. They are always excited to find sizable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories
behind them.


As they hit the backroads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten
relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. They hope to give
historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the
way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something
they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.


Show producers will be following all COVID guidelines and
protocols for safe filming outlined by the state and CDC.&nbsp;

"American Pickers" is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. 

If you or
someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the
better part of the day looking through, send your name, phone number, location and description of the
collection with photos to: <a href="mailto:americanpickers@cineflix.com">americanpickers@cineflix.com</a> or call (646) 493-2184

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644437416399.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News release"American Pickers" is returning to Kansas, planning to film episodes of The History Channel television series in April.
"American Pickers" is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The
History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable
antiques. They are always excited to find sizable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories
behind them.
As they hit the backroads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten
relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. They hope to give
historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the
way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something
they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.
Show producers will be following all COVID guidelines and
protocols for safe filming outlined by the state and CDC.&nbsp;"American Pickers" is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or
someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the
better part of the day looking through, send your name, phone number, location and description of the
collection with photos to: <a href="mailto:americanpickers@cineflix.com">americanpickers@cineflix.com</a> or call (646) 493-2184
facebook: @GotAPick

'American Pickers' looking for Kansas filming locations

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/09/kansas-medical-officers-warn-declining-covid-19-caseload-doesnt-mean-people-are-in-the-clear/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — While COVID-19 case 
numbers are beginning to decline in Kansas hospitals, officials are 
issuing a warning to stay vigilant and follow the pillars of infection 
prevention.

Hospital administrators reported on a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/712320636599906">University of Kansas Health System briefing</a>
 Wednesday that they are seeing improvements across the board with 
additional bandwidth for non-COVID patients. Still, they are reminding 
people to remain on guard as the ebbs and flows of the pandemic remain 
uncertain.

Richard Watson, the co-founder of Motient, which assists the Kansas 
Department of Health and Environment in connecting rural hospitals when 
transferring patients, said beds are beginning to clear up. Transfers 
remain well behind pre-pandemic speeds, however.

“Patients are waiting 10-plus hours for transport, as opposed to what
 we usually see if it were normal capacity, where it would be one to two
 hours with time-critical diseases being less than an hour to move 
patients,” Watson said. “This is an unbelievably exceptional moment we 
have, and while there is a good trend all across the board, we don’t 
think that this is letting up next week or the week after.”

Since the onset of the pandemic, KDHE has recorded 748,520 COVID-19 
cases, 7,725 deaths and 18,562 hospitalizations. Currently, 33% of 
Intensive Care Unit beds are available statewide, an improvement from 
21% just a month ago.

A major factor is the number of long-haul COVID-19 patients, said Stephen Stites, chief medical officer at the health system.

“That’s a whole group of folks we’re not talking a lot about yet, but
 we’re going to be talking about for years to come because there are a 
lot of people who are going to suffer or are suffering for a very long 
time,” Stites said.

For those fully vaccinated and boosted, administrators said letting 
your guard down when around others who are taking similar precautionary 
measures may be all right in specific situations. Still, unpredictable 
mutations and warning signs from countries like the United Kingdom have 
administrators concerned spring could bring another surge.

James Alexander, chief medical officer for St. Catherine Hospital in 
Garden City, said in times where hospitals are struggling, it is 
paramount the public pick up the slack to ensure they are not 
overwhelmed.

“I have a concern about this little glitch where omicron wasn’t ‘as 
bad’ as delta, but who knows what’s next,” Alexander said. “Maybe we’ll 
have another delta. That’s my concern, and so we just have to educate 
communities.”

Issues extend beyond high case numbers and limited beds. For example,
 Lisa Hays, chief medical officer of AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, said 
they have had difficulties with the supply chain, particularly Styrofoam
 cups for patients.

“Our emergency management manager had to do a Costco run and buy up as many Styrofoam cups as he could,” Hays said.

Robert Freelove, chief medical officer of Salina Regional Health 
Center, said they have encountered struggles in the PCR testing supply 
chain.

“We’ve had to send more tests out to reference labs, and there’s a 
lag there of three to five days to get some of those results back,” 
Freelove said. “So, while it does look like our case rate has dropped 
some, it’s hard to tell for sure because of that lag.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644437145082.png" alt="While COVID-19 cases are starting to decline, Richard Watson said hospital transfers are still taking up to 10 hours, rather than the one or two hours patients usually face. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from University of Kansas Health System Facebook)" />
 <figcaption>While COVID-19 cases are starting to decline, Richard Watson said hospital transfers are still taking up to 10 hours, rather than the one or two hours patients usually face. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from University of Kansas Health System Facebook)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/09/kansas-medical-officers-warn-declining-covid-19-caseload-doesnt-mean-people-are-in-the-clear/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — While COVID-19 case 
numbers are beginning to decline in Kansas hospitals, officials are 
issuing a warning to stay vigilant and follow the pillars of infection 
prevention.Hospital administrators reported on a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/712320636599906">University of Kansas Health System briefing</a>
 Wednesday that they are seeing improvements across the board with 
additional bandwidth for non-COVID patients. Still, they are reminding 
people to remain on guard as the ebbs and flows of the pandemic remain 
uncertain.Richard Watson, the co-founder of Motient, which assists the Kansas 
Department of Health and Environment in connecting rural hospitals when 
transferring patients, said beds are beginning to clear up. Transfers 
remain well behind pre-pandemic speeds, however.“Patients are waiting 10-plus hours for transport, as opposed to what
 we usually see if it were normal capacity, where it would be one to two
 hours with time-critical diseases being less than an hour to move 
patients,” Watson said. “This is an unbelievably exceptional moment we 
have, and while there is a good trend all across the board, we don’t 
think that this is letting up next week or the week after.”Since the onset of the pandemic, KDHE has recorded 748,520 COVID-19 
cases, 7,725 deaths and 18,562 hospitalizations. Currently, 33% of 
Intensive Care Unit beds are available statewide, an improvement from 
21% just a month ago.A major factor is the number of long-haul COVID-19 patients, said Stephen Stites, chief medical officer at the health system.“That’s a whole group of folks we’re not talking a lot about yet, but
 we’re going to be talking about for years to come because there are a 
lot of people who are going to suffer or are suffering for a very long 
time,” Stites said.For those fully vaccinated and boosted, administrators said letting 
your guard down when around others who are taking similar precautionary 
measures may be all right in specific situations. Still, unpredictable 
mutations and warning signs from countries like the United Kingdom have 
administrators concerned spring could bring another surge.James Alexander, chief medical officer for St. Catherine Hospital in 
Garden City, said in times where hospitals are struggling, it is 
paramount the public pick up the slack to ensure they are not 
overwhelmed.“I have a concern about this little glitch where omicron wasn’t ‘as 
bad’ as delta, but who knows what’s next,” Alexander said. “Maybe we’ll 
have another delta. That’s my concern, and so we just have to educate 
communities.”Issues extend beyond high case numbers and limited beds. For example,
 Lisa Hays, chief medical officer of AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, said 
they have had difficulties with the supply chain, particularly Styrofoam
 cups for patients.“Our emergency management manager had to do a Costco run and buy up as many Styrofoam cups as he could,” Hays said.Robert Freelove, chief medical officer of Salina Regional Health 
Center, said they have encountered struggles in the PCR testing supply 
chain.“We’ve had to send more tests out to reference labs, and there’s a 
lag there of three to five days to get some of those results back,” 
Freelove said. “So, while it does look like our case rate has dropped 
some, it’s hard to tell for sure because of that lag.”

Kan. docs: Declining COVID caseload doesn’t mean people are in the clear

TOPEKA —Kansas legislators completed an override of Governor Laura Kelly's veto of a controversial congressional redistricting map.

(Click below to listen to portions of the debate on Wednesday)

On Wednesday afternoon, member of the Kansas House voted 85-37 to override the veto. The Senate vote Tuesday was 27-11 giving Republican leaders the two-thirds majority they needed.

The new map splits the state’s portion of the Kansas City area into two congressional districts, costing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-kansas-kansas-city-lawrence-topeka-7e616acdf227d7ce8356a821fda8ea76">Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids</a>&nbsp;some of the territory in her 3rd District.

The map also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-election-2020-kansas-city-kansas-donald-trump-85844d07388c25e71440059be29b7a6e">moves the liberal northeast Kansas community of Lawrence,</a>&nbsp;home to the main University of Kansas campus, from the 2nd District of eastern Kansas into the 1st District of central and western Kansas with conservative communities six or more hours away by car.

In a statement from her office when she issued the veto Governor Kelly stated, “The process of drawing districts each decade is the core to ensuring that all Kansans have the opportunity to participate in their government and have their voices heard. The courts and the Legislature have established case law and criteria on how to draw Kansas districts fairly and constitutionally.&nbsp; &nbsp;

-The Associated Press contributed to this report

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644433454226.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Representative Barbara Ballard of Lawrence expressed her opposition to the veto override during the debate Wednesday morning in the House.- image Kansas Legislature YouTube" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Representative Barbara Ballard of Lawrence expressed her opposition to the veto override during the debate Wednesday morning in the House.- image Kansas Legislature YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Kansas legislators completed an override of Governor Laura Kelly's veto of a controversial congressional redistricting map.(Click below to listen to portions of the debate on Wednesday)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xbLwFz3tAfE?start=1432" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On Wednesday afternoon, member of the Kansas House voted 85-37 to override the veto. The Senate vote Tuesday was 27-11 giving Republican leaders the two-thirds majority they needed.The new map splits the state’s portion of the Kansas City area into two congressional districts, costing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-kansas-kansas-city-lawrence-topeka-7e616acdf227d7ce8356a821fda8ea76">Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids</a>&nbsp;some of the territory in her 3rd District.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643147273216.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The map also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-election-2020-kansas-city-kansas-donald-trump-85844d07388c25e71440059be29b7a6e">moves the liberal northeast Kansas community of Lawrence,</a>&nbsp;home to the main University of Kansas campus, from the 2nd District of eastern Kansas into the 1st District of central and western Kansas with conservative communities six or more hours away by car.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">If Kansas Republicans override the Governor&#39;s veto and enact an unconstitutional map, Kansas will be sued. <a href="https://t.co/hTZvJtjiKL">pic.twitter.com/hTZvJtjiKL</a>&mdash; Marc E. Elias (@marceelias) <a href="https://twitter.com/marceelias/status/1491417742821707781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a statement from her office when she issued the veto Governor Kelly stated, “The process of drawing districts each decade is the core to ensuring that all Kansans have the opportunity to participate in their government and have their voices heard. The courts and the Legislature have established case law and criteria on how to draw Kansas districts fairly and constitutionally.&nbsp; &nbsp;-The Associated Press contributed to this report

🎥Kan. legislators kill governor's veto of congressional map

BY JARED STRONG <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/carroll-superintendent-no-litter-boxes-schools">States Newsroom</a>

CARROLL, Iowa — There are no litter boxes in the restrooms of the Carroll Community 
School District, its superintendent stressed, despite internet rumors 
that some schools are installing them for children who “identify” as 
cats.

“Staff members are not encouraging or accommodating anyone behaving 
or identifying as a cat or any other animal,” Superintendent Casey 
Berlau said Tuesday in a note to parents in the western Iowa district. 
“It is very unfortunate that this rumor has been spread over the last 
several weeks.”

His exasperated note came amid a heightened scrutiny of schools across the nation, where <a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/06/08/iowa-bans-divisive-concepts-from-diversity-trainings-school-curriculum/">curriculum about race</a> is being questioned and the recommendations of certain books might lead to <a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/bill-would-charge-teachers-administrators-with-serious-misdemeanor-for-obscene-content/">criminal prosecution</a>. Iowa lawmakers are also considering a requirement to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=89&amp;ba=HF2177">surveil teachers with cameras</a>.

The latest notion that schools would supply litter boxes for students
 who consider themselves cats is apparently rooted in an increasingly 
tolerant student culture for those that openly question their sexual 
identities and gender preferences.

“WARNING RANT!!!!” wrote Carroll resident Shelly Loew on Facebook, in
 a now-deleted Monday post of which Iowa Capital Dispatch obtained 
screenshots. “So 2 middle school kids are allowed to identify as cats 
and go to school? &amp; Now some schools are also allowing litter 
boxes??!!”

Loew did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.

Her post elicited comments from a former Carroll school board 
president, Jen Munson, that “I warned people during the election about 
this type of stuff” and from an area resident, Tristan Hinners, who 
claimed that Des Moines has students who say they are a dog and a 
falcon.

“The one that identifies as a dog has to be taken outside to use the 
bathroom by a teacher..,” she wrote, “and the falcon screeches up and 
down the hallways.”

Phil Roeder, a spokesperson for Des Moines Public Schools, is aware 
of the swirling claims but said: “We have real education issues to deal 
with here. Litter box rumor control isn’t one of them.”

Berlau wrote that Carroll is not alone in Iowa in dispelling rumors of litter boxes in bathrooms. Indeed, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/23/us/politics/michigan-litter-box-school.html">schools in other states</a> have been forced to grapple with the perplexing notions.

“This issue gains negative attention because of its outrageousness,” Berlau wrote in his note to parents.

He did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.

<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/02/09/carroll-superintendent-no-litter-boxes-in-schools/">Courtesy Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644438968621.png" alt="Unfounded rumors of cat litter boxes in school restrooms prompted a note to parents from one Iowa superintendent. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption>Unfounded rumors of cat litter boxes in school restrooms prompted a note to parents from one Iowa superintendent. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY JARED STRONG <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/carroll-superintendent-no-litter-boxes-schools">States Newsroom</a>CARROLL, Iowa — There are no litter boxes in the restrooms of the Carroll Community 
School District, its superintendent stressed, despite internet rumors 
that some schools are installing them for children who “identify” as 
cats.“Staff members are not encouraging or accommodating anyone behaving 
or identifying as a cat or any other animal,” Superintendent Casey 
Berlau said Tuesday in a note to parents in the western Iowa district. 
“It is very unfortunate that this rumor has been spread over the last 
several weeks.”His exasperated note came amid a heightened scrutiny of schools across the nation, where <a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/06/08/iowa-bans-divisive-concepts-from-diversity-trainings-school-curriculum/">curriculum about race</a> is being questioned and the recommendations of certain books might lead to <a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/bill-would-charge-teachers-administrators-with-serious-misdemeanor-for-obscene-content/">criminal prosecution</a>. Iowa lawmakers are also considering a requirement to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=89&amp;ba=HF2177">surveil teachers with cameras</a>.The latest notion that schools would supply litter boxes for students
 who consider themselves cats is apparently rooted in an increasingly 
tolerant student culture for those that openly question their sexual 
identities and gender preferences.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644439063249.png" alt="A screenshot of a now-deleted Facebook post." />
 <figcaption>A screenshot of a now-deleted Facebook post.</figcaption>
 </figure>“WARNING RANT!!!!” wrote Carroll resident Shelly Loew on Facebook, in
 a now-deleted Monday post of which Iowa Capital Dispatch obtained 
screenshots. “So 2 middle school kids are allowed to identify as cats 
and go to school? &amp; Now some schools are also allowing litter 
boxes??!!”Loew did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.Her post elicited comments from a former Carroll school board 
president, Jen Munson, that “I warned people during the election about 
this type of stuff” and from an area resident, Tristan Hinners, who 
claimed that Des Moines has students who say they are a dog and a 
falcon.“The one that identifies as a dog has to be taken outside to use the 
bathroom by a teacher..,” she wrote, “and the falcon screeches up and 
down the hallways.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644439096211.png" alt="A screenshot of a now-deleted Facebook post." />
 <figcaption>A screenshot of a now-deleted Facebook post.</figcaption>
 </figure>Phil Roeder, a spokesperson for Des Moines Public Schools, is aware 
of the swirling claims but said: “We have real education issues to deal 
with here. Litter box rumor control isn’t one of them.”Berlau wrote that Carroll is not alone in Iowa in dispelling rumors of litter boxes in bathrooms. Indeed, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/23/us/politics/michigan-litter-box-school.html">schools in other states</a> have been forced to grapple with the perplexing notions.“This issue gains negative attention because of its outrageousness,” Berlau wrote in his note to parents.He did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/02/09/carroll-superintendent-no-litter-boxes-in-schools/">Courtesy Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

No, there are no litter boxes in Iowa schools for students identifying as cats

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of Americans who have never filed a tax return will need to do so this year in order to claim what's coming to them under the enhanced child tax credit.

Previously, only people who earned enough money to owe income taxes could qualify for the full credit.

But as part of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, President Joe Biden expanded the program, increasing the payments to up to $3,600 annually for each child aged 5 or under and $3,000 for those who are ages 6 to 17.

The monthly payments have amounted to $300 for each child 5 and younger and $250 for those between 5 and 17.

The government began to send the payments out — an overall $93 billion — on a monthly basis starting last July. Now, there are an additional six months' worth of payments waiting to be claimed. And some families haven't collected any of the benefits they're due yet. In all, an estimated $193 billion is yet to be claimed.

The only way to receive that money is to file a tax return.

Some questions and answers about who's eligible for the credit and how to get it:

More than 36 million families received the advanced payments in December alone, which marked the last month that advanced monthly payments were sent to households. Families qualify for the full credit if their 2021 adjusted gross income was at or below $150,000 for married couples filing a joint return, or $75,000 for single-filer parents.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY AND WHAT IF I DON'T OWE TAXES?

Whether or not a family owes tax money or has filed taxes before, they will need to file a return to get all or the rest of their money.

Eligible families that didn’t receive any advance child tax credit payments during 2021 can still claim the full amount of the child tax credit on their federal tax return. Those families that are unsure of whether they've received payments, or potentially received paper checks that went uncashed, can visit the Child Tax Credit Update Portal, to see how much of the credit they should have received.

Additionally, families that received payments should have received a "Letter 6419, 2021 advance CTC" notice, which includes information on the amount of advance payments families have received and tax information for filing purposes.

However, the IRS has said that some people may have received incorrect information on their forms. The portal can help people who want to confirm the correct amount they should have received. Despite any inconsistencies in documentation, the IRS advises that taxpayers should keep the letter, and any other IRS communications about advance payments, with their tax records.

The IRS urges individuals to file their taxes electronically to process forms quicker, and provides links on the agency website to free filing sites like GetYourRefund.org, which helps families earning less than about $66,000 a year file their taxes for free. The organization partners with IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and provides free help in English and Spanish. Another option is MyFreeTaxes.com, which provides virtual assistance to people who make $58,000 or less to file their federal and state taxes for free. That service is offered through the United Way.

The IRS also has a tool to help individuals identify other free file sites that offer tax filing help.

While the coronavirus relief package included child tax credit benefits for residents of Puerto Rico, they were not eligible to receive the advance monthly payments. Instead, Puerto Rican residents can receive the full amount of child tax credit that they are eligible for by filing a federal income tax return this year. Additionally, residents of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands may be eligible for the full child tax credit payments, but they will need to contact their local U.S. territory tax agency.

The IRS has launched a website, called ChildTaxCredit.gov, which lists criteria that filers must meet in order to receive the full credit. Additionally, the federal agency will begin offering walk-in assistance with IRS volunteers in limited locations for individuals who need help filing their taxes, beginning Feb. 12.

Thirty-five tax assistance centers around the country will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second Saturday of the next four months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644421639295.png" alt="Vice President Kamala Harris during a virtual child tax credit event Tuesday-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Kamala Harris during a virtual child tax credit event Tuesday-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of Americans who have never filed a tax return will need to do so this year in order to claim what's coming to them under the enhanced child tax credit.Previously, only people who earned enough money to owe income taxes could qualify for the full credit.But as part of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, President Joe Biden expanded the program, increasing the payments to up to $3,600 annually for each child aged 5 or under and $3,000 for those who are ages 6 to 17.The monthly payments have amounted to $300 for each child 5 and younger and $250 for those between 5 and 17.The government began to send the payments out — an overall $93 billion — on a monthly basis starting last July. Now, there are an additional six months' worth of payments waiting to be claimed. And some families haven't collected any of the benefits they're due yet. In all, an estimated $193 billion is yet to be claimed.The only way to receive that money is to file a tax return.Some questions and answers about who's eligible for the credit and how to get it:WHO GETS THE CHILD TAX CREDIT?More than 36 million families received the advanced payments in December alone, which marked the last month that advanced monthly payments were sent to households. Families qualify for the full credit if their 2021 adjusted gross income was at or below $150,000 for married couples filing a joint return, or $75,000 for single-filer parents.HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY AND WHAT IF I DON'T OWE TAXES?Whether or not a family owes tax money or has filed taxes before, they will need to file a return to get all or the rest of their money.Eligible families that didn’t receive any advance child tax credit payments during 2021 can still claim the full amount of the child tax credit on their federal tax return. Those families that are unsure of whether they've received payments, or potentially received paper checks that went uncashed, can visit the Child Tax Credit Update Portal, to see how much of the credit they should have received.Additionally, families that received payments should have received a "Letter 6419, 2021 advance CTC" notice, which includes information on the amount of advance payments families have received and tax information for filing purposes.However, the IRS has said that some people may have received incorrect information on their forms. The portal can help people who want to confirm the correct amount they should have received. Despite any inconsistencies in documentation, the IRS advises that taxpayers should keep the letter, and any other IRS communications about advance payments, with their tax records.WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO FILE?The IRS urges individuals to file their taxes electronically to process forms quicker, and provides links on the agency website to free filing sites like GetYourRefund.org, which helps families earning less than about $66,000 a year file their taxes for free. The organization partners with IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and provides free help in English and Spanish. Another option is MyFreeTaxes.com, which provides virtual assistance to people who make $58,000 or less to file their federal and state taxes for free. That service is offered through the United Way.The IRS also has a tool to help individuals identify other free file sites that offer tax filing help.WHAT IF I LIVE OUTSIDE THE 50 STATES?While the coronavirus relief package included child tax credit benefits for residents of Puerto Rico, they were not eligible to receive the advance monthly payments. Instead, Puerto Rican residents can receive the full amount of child tax credit that they are eligible for by filing a federal income tax return this year. Additionally, residents of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands may be eligible for the full child tax credit payments, but they will need to contact their local U.S. territory tax agency.WHO CAN HELP ME SORT THIS OUT?The IRS has launched a website, called ChildTaxCredit.gov, which lists criteria that filers must meet in order to receive the full credit. Additionally, the federal agency will begin offering walk-in assistance with IRS volunteers in limited locations for individuals who need help filing their taxes, beginning Feb. 12.Thirty-five tax assistance centers around the country will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second Saturday of the next four months.The tax filing deadline is April 18.

White House explains how to get up to $3,600 per child in tax credit

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 4,454 to a total of 752,974, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The state reported 95 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,820.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> 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 (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>.

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 4,454 to a total of 752,974, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 95 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,820.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644429886933.png" alt="Wednesday February 9, 2022 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday February 9, 2022 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> 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 (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: 4,454 new cases, 95 more COVID-19 deaths

SALINA—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating&nbsp;a body found in the pond at Indian Rock Park in Salina have identified the victim as 56-year-old John Palmgren of Salina.&nbsp;

Just after&nbsp; 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, a citizen walking the trails at Indian Rock Park, 1300 Gypsum Avenue Salina reported he saw what he believed to be a person lying in the pond in the middle of the park, according to a statement from Salina Police.

Officers responded and located the body of Palmgren who was pronounced dead.

The Salina Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident, and at this time no foul play is suspected.

Police are asking the public for any information they may have regarding Palmgren’s whereabouts or activities proceeding his death.

If you have any information concerning this event or identification of the individual(s) involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950</a>&nbsp;to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward and you are not required to give your name. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210. Case 2022-3667.

SALINA—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating&nbsp;a body found in the pond at Indian Rock Park in Salina have identified the victim as 56-year-old John Palmgren of Salina.&nbsp;Just after&nbsp; 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, a citizen walking the trails at Indian Rock Park, 1300 Gypsum Avenue Salina reported he saw what he believed to be a person lying in the pond in the middle of the park, according to a statement from Salina Police.Officers responded and located the body of Palmgren who was pronounced dead.The Salina Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident, and at this time no foul play is suspected.Police are asking the public for any information they may have regarding Palmgren’s whereabouts or activities proceeding his death.If you have any information concerning this event or identification of the individual(s) involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950</a>&nbsp;to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward and you are not required to give your name. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210. Case 2022-3667.

Police ID Kansas man found dead in Salina park pond

The former Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary expressed his opinion on the actions of the Kansas Senate from the past couple of days on Tuesday. 

He didn't use his name, but Dr. Lee Norman appeared to call out Hutchinson's Sen. Dr. Mark Steffen.

Hutch Post reached out to Norman for an interview so he could further clarify his comments. 

He declined, only saying on the record,&nbsp;"I cannot figure out why his GOP colleagues are not reeling him in.  It's almost like they're afraid of him."

Norman was removed as Secretary by Gov. Laura Kelly's administration for commenting on issues beyond what was authorized by her office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599677747477.png" alt="Lee Norman--Photo from Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Lee Norman--Photo from Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>The former Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary expressed his opinion on the actions of the Kansas Senate from the past couple of days on Tuesday. He didn't use his name, but Dr. Lee Norman appeared to call out Hutchinson's Sen. Dr. Mark Steffen.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">I pray that the KS House stops the Senate gerrymanderers from selling their souls to the charlatans pushing pre-vaccination Medieval veterinary medicine on them and on Kansans. Don&#39;t trust him. It isn&#39;t worth selling your souls for. Or for sacrificing your constituents. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a>&mdash; Lee A. Norman (@LeeNormanMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeeNormanMD/status/1491239791781834752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>Hutch Post reached out to Norman for an interview so he could further clarify his comments. He declined, only saying on the record,&nbsp;"I cannot figure out why his GOP colleagues are not reeling him in. It's almost like they're afraid of him."Norman was removed as Secretary by Gov. Laura Kelly's administration for commenting on issues beyond what was authorized by her office.

Former KDHE Secretary encourages Kan. House to defeat Congresssional map 

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/attorney-general-endorses-mandatory-prison-for-felons-using-guns-in-violent-crimes/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Attorney General Derek 
Schmidt endorsed legislation requiring felons prohibited from possessing
 firearms to be sentenced to prison if found guilty of new violent 
felonies.

Schmidt said many violent crimes were committed by armed repeat 
felons who know the most likely consequence of conviction would 
probation rather than incarceration.

The bill introduced in the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice 
Committee would mandate felons illegally possessing firearms while 
committing new violent felonies would be imprisoned for the weapons 
charge in addition to sanctions for the underlying offense.

If adopted by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Laura Kelly, 
sentences under the bill would run consecutively with the weapons 
violation carrying a sentence ranging from seven months to 23 months.

“This proposal focuses on taking off our streets those criminals who 
repeatedly misuse firearms to commit violent crime in our communities,” 
Schmidt said. “We are proposing to give this existing statute real bite 
by requiring that felons who repeatedly and illegally carry firearms 
while committing new violent crimes be sent to prison, not granted 
probation.”

Kelly, a Democrat, is seeking re-election and Schmidt is campaigning 
for the Republican Party’s nomination for governor in August.

Existing Kansas law places a ban ranging from five years to a 
lifetime on possession of a firearm or knife by individuals convicted of
 felony crimes. Expungement of that prior felony, under existing 
statute, doesn’t restore a person’s ability to lawfully possess firearms
 in the state.

Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay said the overwhelming 
majority of gun crime in Topeka was perpetrated by felons legally 
prohibited from possessing firearms.

“This is not an effective deterrent for the offenders, and they simply repeat their behavior,” he said.

Kansas prosecutors have recommended similar reform in the past, but the Legislature declined to approve those changes in law.

Former Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a GOP candidate for attorney 
general, urged state lawmakers in 2021 to adopt a bill allowing felons 
who had convictions expunged or pardoned to regain the right to possess a
 firearm.

A Senate committee conducted a hearing but didn’t act on the measure 
retaining lifetime bans for people convicted of person felonies with a 
firearm and the 10-year ban for people convicted of murder, assault, 
battery, rape and controlled substance crimes even if not in possession 
of a firearm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644342121344.png" alt="Attorney General Derek Schmidt, right, a Republican candidate for governor, endorsed legislation requiring prison sentences for felons convicted of using firearms in a new crime. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Derek Schmidt, right, a Republican candidate for governor, endorsed legislation requiring prison sentences for felons convicted of using firearms in a new crime. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/attorney-general-endorses-mandatory-prison-for-felons-using-guns-in-violent-crimes/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Attorney General Derek 
Schmidt endorsed legislation requiring felons prohibited from possessing
 firearms to be sentenced to prison if found guilty of new violent 
felonies.Schmidt said many violent crimes were committed by armed repeat 
felons who know the most likely consequence of conviction would 
probation rather than incarceration.The bill introduced in the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice 
Committee would mandate felons illegally possessing firearms while 
committing new violent felonies would be imprisoned for the weapons 
charge in addition to sanctions for the underlying offense.If adopted by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Laura Kelly, 
sentences under the bill would run consecutively with the weapons 
violation carrying a sentence ranging from seven months to 23 months.“This proposal focuses on taking off our streets those criminals who 
repeatedly misuse firearms to commit violent crime in our communities,” 
Schmidt said. “We are proposing to give this existing statute real bite 
by requiring that felons who repeatedly and illegally carry firearms 
while committing new violent crimes be sent to prison, not granted 
probation.”Kelly, a Democrat, is seeking re-election and Schmidt is campaigning 
for the Republican Party’s nomination for governor in August.Existing Kansas law places a ban ranging from five years to a 
lifetime on possession of a firearm or knife by individuals convicted of
 felony crimes. Expungement of that prior felony, under existing 
statute, doesn’t restore a person’s ability to lawfully possess firearms
 in the state.Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay said the overwhelming 
majority of gun crime in Topeka was perpetrated by felons legally 
prohibited from possessing firearms.“This is not an effective deterrent for the offenders, and they simply repeat their behavior,” he said.Kansas prosecutors have recommended similar reform in the past, but the Legislature declined to approve those changes in law.Former Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a GOP candidate for attorney 
general, urged state lawmakers in 2021 to adopt a bill allowing felons 
who had convictions expunged or pardoned to regain the right to possess a
 firearm.A Senate committee conducted a hearing but didn’t act on the measure 
retaining lifetime bans for people convicted of person felonies with a 
firearm and the 10-year ban for people convicted of murder, assault, 
battery, rape and controlled substance crimes even if not in possession 
of a firearm.

Kan. AG endorses mandatory prison for felons using guns in violent crimes


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann sees China as a risk to the security of the United States.

"I just think we have to realize that China is not our friend," Mann said. "They are our adversary. You look at what they are doing around the world, you look at how they are unabashedly promoting their interests, you look at their human rights abuses, I think we've got to acknowledge that really, for the rest of this century, the debt and China are our two big adversaries."

That doesn't mean we still shouldn't sell them food and they shouldn't sell us other products, but it's a balance that bears watching and that China hasn't kept its end of the bargain.

"Really, I'm frustrated to see that the phase one China trade deal has now transitioned to phase two," Mann said. "You look back over the last two years and they were short $16 billion on their commitments to buy our ag products. There's got to be accountability there. There also has to be accountability on the intellectual property that they steal and some of the things that they are doing on the world stage."

Mann doesn't have answers for why China didn't spend what they said they would, especially since the weak dollar has made overseas exports, of grain in particular, more competitive.

"That's the question that we're asking," Mann said. "We've been raising this on the floor. We've been raising this at committee. That's exactly the question we're asking. What is the administration's plan to work to make up that difference? Every indication is that as China's economy transforms, they are moving toward commercial hog operations, confined hog feeding, which is a good thing for us, which means they are going to need more sorghum and other commodities that we grow here, but why they've not met their commitments. Those are the questions we're asking right now to try to get to the bottom of it."

Mann opposed the COMPETES Act that passed the House earlier this month due, at least in part, to those concerns about concessions to China.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611747599085.png" alt="Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann" />
 <figcaption>Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann sees China as a risk to the security of the United States."I just think we have to realize that China is not our friend," Mann said. "They are our adversary. You look at what they are doing around the world, you look at how they are unabashedly promoting their interests, you look at their human rights abuses, I think we've got to acknowledge that really, for the rest of this century, the debt and China are our two big adversaries."That doesn't mean we still shouldn't sell them food and they shouldn't sell us other products, but it's a balance that bears watching and that China hasn't kept its end of the bargain."Really, I'm frustrated to see that the phase one China trade deal has now transitioned to phase two," Mann said. "You look back over the last two years and they were short $16 billion on their commitments to buy our ag products. There's got to be accountability there. There also has to be accountability on the intellectual property that they steal and some of the things that they are doing on the world stage."Mann doesn't have answers for why China didn't spend what they said they would, especially since the weak dollar has made overseas exports, of grain in particular, more competitive."That's the question that we're asking," Mann said. "We've been raising this on the floor. We've been raising this at committee. That's exactly the question we're asking. What is the administration's plan to work to make up that difference? Every indication is that as China's economy transforms, they are moving toward commercial hog operations, confined hog feeding, which is a good thing for us, which means they are going to need more sorghum and other commodities that we grow here, but why they've not met their commitments. Those are the questions we're asking right now to try to get to the bottom of it."Mann opposed the COMPETES Act that passed the House earlier this month due, at least in part, to those concerns about concessions to China.

Kan. First District Congressman: China is not our friend

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are close to authorizing more than $1 billion in state incentives in hopes of attracting an undisclosed, $4 billion project from an unnamed company.

The Republican-controlled House&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20220208153724_561436/" target="_blank">voted 80-41</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday to approve&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb347_04_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would set up a new program within the state Department of Commerce to offer such a big package of incentives to a single company this year and another firm again in 2023. The GOP-controlled Senate expects to vote on the measure Wednesday, and its approval would send it to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

The bill also would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-legislature-kansas-topeka-15b9bbc969b7a90b3191bcab9a337dc5">cut the state’s corporate income tax</a>&nbsp;by a half-percentage point with each deal.

Kelly pushed for a new incentives program in hopes of luring the $4 billion project to Kansas. Officials have said Kansas is competing with another state and that the company expects to make a decision on the site for its project within three weeks.

Lawmakers in both parties remained frustrated that details about the company or its proposed project haven’t been disclosed publicly.

Kelly’s version of the measure would have allowed more incentives over a shorter period of time. Republicans rewrote the bill to make it less generous, spread out the incentives over a longer time and require legislative leaders to sign off on a deal.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are close to authorizing more than $1 billion in state incentives in hopes of attracting an undisclosed, $4 billion project from an unnamed company.The Republican-controlled House&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20220208153724_561436/" target="_blank">voted 80-41</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday to approve&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb347_04_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would set up a new program within the state Department of Commerce to offer such a big package of incentives to a single company this year and another firm again in 2023. The GOP-controlled Senate expects to vote on the measure Wednesday, and its approval would send it to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.The bill also would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-legislature-kansas-topeka-15b9bbc969b7a90b3191bcab9a337dc5">cut the state’s corporate income tax</a>&nbsp;by a half-percentage point with each deal.Kelly pushed for a new incentives program in hopes of luring the $4 billion project to Kansas. Officials have said Kansas is competing with another state and that the company expects to make a decision on the site for its project within three weeks.Lawmakers in both parties remained frustrated that details about the company or its proposed project haven’t been disclosed publicly.Kelly’s version of the measure would have allowed more incentives over a shorter period of time. Republicans rewrote the bill to make it less generous, spread out the incentives over a longer time and require legislative leaders to sign off on a deal.

Kansas plan for $1B-plus in breaks for project nears passage

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Air Force became the second military service to approve religious exemptions to the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine, granting requests from nine airmen to avoid the shots, officials said Tuesday.

The nine approved so far represent just a tiny fraction of the more than 6,400 requested by Air Force troops, and they come as other service members are challenging the lack of religious exemptions in court cases. The Marine Corps is the only other military service to grant any religious accommodations, allowing three so far. The Army and Navy have not approved any.

The services have come under criticism for their failure to grant religious exemptions, with members of Congress, the military and the public questioning if the review processes have been fair. All together, the services have received more than 14,000 requests for religious exemptions.

Military leaders have argued that religious exemptions to any of the many vaccines troops are required to get have been very rare over the years. Service members are required to get as many as 17 different vaccines, depending on where they deploy.

A federal judge in Texas granted a preliminary injunction last month, stopping the Navy from acting against 35 sailors for refusing on religious grounds to comply with an order to get the COVID vaccine.

Eight of the Air Force approvals came during the initial review process, and one was granted on appeal to senior Air Force leaders. So far, religious exemption requests from more than 3,200 airmen were denied, and another 3,200 are pending.

“The Department of the Air Force determined the service members’ accommodations could be supported with no impact to mission readiness,” the statement Tuesday said.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and military leaders have argued that the vaccine is critical to maintaining military readiness and the health of the force. And all of the services have now either discharged personnel for refusing the vaccine, or put a system in place to do so.

The Marine Corps has discharged 469, the Air Force has discharged 179 and the Navy has discharged 118, according to data released in the last week. The number include active-duty personnel and entry-level recruits who were still in boot camp. The Army has issued more than 3,000 formal letters of reprimand, and fired six soldiers, but has not discharged anyone yet.

All the military services have said the exemption decisions are based not only on the individual request, but also on its impact on the unit, its mission and readiness, and the health and safety of other troops.

Those who get an exemption and are allowed to stay in the service may, however, see an impact on their jobs.

The Navy and the Marine Corps have said unvaccinated service members are not allowed to deploy out to sea on ships, where infections can more easily spread. Those who have approved exemptions — either medical, administrative or religious — are assigned to shore duties.

At least 97% of the troops in each service have gotten at least one shot.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Air Force became the second military service to approve religious exemptions to the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine, granting requests from nine airmen to avoid the shots, officials said Tuesday.The nine approved so far represent just a tiny fraction of the more than 6,400 requested by Air Force troops, and they come as other service members are challenging the lack of religious exemptions in court cases. The Marine Corps is the only other military service to grant any religious accommodations, allowing three so far. The Army and Navy have not approved any.The services have come under criticism for their failure to grant religious exemptions, with members of Congress, the military and the public questioning if the review processes have been fair. All together, the services have received more than 14,000 requests for religious exemptions.Military leaders have argued that religious exemptions to any of the many vaccines troops are required to get have been very rare over the years. Service members are required to get as many as 17 different vaccines, depending on where they deploy.A federal judge in Texas granted a preliminary injunction last month, stopping the Navy from acting against 35 sailors for refusing on religious grounds to comply with an order to get the COVID vaccine.Eight of the Air Force approvals came during the initial review process, and one was granted on appeal to senior Air Force leaders. So far, religious exemption requests from more than 3,200 airmen were denied, and another 3,200 are pending.“The Department of the Air Force determined the service members’ accommodations could be supported with no impact to mission readiness,” the statement Tuesday said.Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and military leaders have argued that the vaccine is critical to maintaining military readiness and the health of the force. And all of the services have now either discharged personnel for refusing the vaccine, or put a system in place to do so.The Marine Corps has discharged 469, the Air Force has discharged 179 and the Navy has discharged 118, according to data released in the last week. The number include active-duty personnel and entry-level recruits who were still in boot camp. The Army has issued more than 3,000 formal letters of reprimand, and fired six soldiers, but has not discharged anyone yet.All the military services have said the exemption decisions are based not only on the individual request, but also on its impact on the unit, its mission and readiness, and the health and safety of other troops.Those who get an exemption and are allowed to stay in the service may, however, see an impact on their jobs.The Navy and the Marine Corps have said unvaccinated service members are not allowed to deploy out to sea on ships, where infections can more easily spread. Those who have approved exemptions — either medical, administrative or religious — are assigned to shore duties.At least 97% of the troops in each service have gotten at least one shot.

Air Force approves religious exemptions for COVID vaccine

RUSH COUNTY– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Rush County Sheriff’s Office are searching for a Black 2006 GMC Envoy in connection with the homicide of 61-year-old Leslie Randa of La Crosse on January 21.

 The vehicle has Kansas tag 463HAE&nbsp; and front grill guard is chrome. 

 The SUV was observed in Wichita after Randa was killed, and may still be in the Wichita area. 

If anyone saw this SUV on January 11, or after, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KSCRIME, or the Rush County Sheriff’s Office at 785-222-2578.

Leslie Randa, 61, was discovered in his home, located at 205 E 5th St in LaCrosse, Kan. Randa was found by a family member who then contacted 911 at 1:39 p.m. on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643198011225.png" alt="Photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSH COUNTY– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Rush County Sheriff’s Office are searching for a Black 2006 GMC Envoy in connection with the homicide of 61-year-old Leslie Randa of La Crosse on January 21. The vehicle has Kansas tag 463HAE&nbsp; and front grill guard is chrome. The SUV was observed in Wichita after Randa was killed, and may still be in the Wichita area. If anyone saw this SUV on January 11, or after, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KSCRIME, or the Rush County Sheriff’s Office at 785-222-2578.Leslie Randa, 61, was discovered in his home, located at 205 E 5th St in LaCrosse, Kan. Randa was found by a family member who then contacted 911 at 1:39 p.m. on Friday.

Search continues for vehicle connected to  Kan. homicide investigation

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Federally funded family planning clinics can continue to make abortion referrals for now, a federal court ruled Tuesday, in a setback for a dozen Republican attorneys general who have sued to restore a Trump-era ban on the practice.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati denied a request by the 12 states to pause rules for the federal government’s family planning program while their case is heard. The states were eager to stop implementation before the next round of federal grants starts rolling out in March.

At issue are new rules from President Joe Biden’s Department of Health and Human Services that returned the federal family planning program, called Title X, to how it ran under the Obama administration, when clinics were able to refer women seeking abortions to a provider.

Rules that Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who brought the lawsuit, wants permanently reinstated were put into place in 2019 under former President Donald Trump. One required federally funded family planning clinics to be physically and financially independent of abortion clinics. The other required them to refrain from referring patients for abortions.

He argues the rules were intended as firewalls between family planning clinics, which can receive taxpayer funding, and their abortion services, which cannot.

U.S District Judge Timothy Black rejected that argument in a ruling last month, denying a preliminary injunction that would have temporarily paused the rules. The 12 states appealed his decision to the 6th Circuit. which said they failed to prove they’d be irreparably harmed by the rules going into effect.

States joining the challenge are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina and West Virginia. Not all states participate in Title X.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Federally funded family planning clinics can continue to make abortion referrals for now, a federal court ruled Tuesday, in a setback for a dozen Republican attorneys general who have sued to restore a Trump-era ban on the practice.The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati denied a request by the 12 states to pause rules for the federal government’s family planning program while their case is heard. The states were eager to stop implementation before the next round of federal grants starts rolling out in March.At issue are new rules from President Joe Biden’s Department of Health and Human Services that returned the federal family planning program, called Title X, to how it ran under the Obama administration, when clinics were able to refer women seeking abortions to a provider.Rules that Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who brought the lawsuit, wants permanently reinstated were put into place in 2019 under former President Donald Trump. One required federally funded family planning clinics to be physically and financially independent of abortion clinics. The other required them to refrain from referring patients for abortions.He argues the rules were intended as firewalls between family planning clinics, which can receive taxpayer funding, and their abortion services, which cannot.U.S District Judge Timothy Black rejected that argument in a ruling last month, denying a preliminary injunction that would have temporarily paused the rules. The 12 states appealed his decision to the 6th Circuit. which said they failed to prove they’d be irreparably harmed by the rules going into effect.States joining the challenge are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina and West Virginia. Not all states participate in Title X.

Appeals court rules in Biden’s favor on abortion referrals

BUHLER, Kan. — A major wildfire broke out east of Hutchinson Tuesday afternoon. According to Reno County Dispatch, the fire was called out around 1:30 p.m. near 30th and Willison. The fire quickly raced south threatening many homes around the 4th and Willison area.&nbsp;

According to Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer, the fire threatened several properties, but no homes were destroyed. Beer said mutual aid, including resources in place with the help of the Kansas Forestry Service, were prepared to deal with the dry windy conditions that were in place. The Kansas Forest Service used an aerial plane to help fight the fire.

Crews spent the night patrolling the area from 30th to 4th and from Willison to Buhler Road putting out numerous hot spots.&nbsp;

No word on how much damage was done nor were there any reports of injuries. Buhler schools that had students living in the fire area held them at schools until parents or guardians could pick them up. Many of the usual bus routes were closed due to the fire.

Volunteers provided bulldozers to help cut fire lines and a semi tanker full of water was put in place to refill fire trucks.&nbsp;

RENO COUNTY —&nbsp;Fire crews are working a brush fire near Buhler, according to the Reno County Sheriff's office. Some evacuations were also reported.&nbsp; Crews from Sedgwick County were assisting along with Tthe Kansas Forest Service using an aerial tanker.

The fire was called around 1:30p.m. and&nbsp; is located between 4th to 30th and from Buhler Road to Willison. Because of this many rural roads in the area were closed.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Fire crews are working to save several homes and structures north of 4th and Willison. Still no word of damage or injuries.

Buhler USD 313 asked any students that would normally be dropped off by buses in those areas, will need to be picked up from their school.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644362622016.jpeg" alt="Tanker 95, under the Kansas Forest Service, has been requested to assist on a wildfire in Reno County, approximately 5 miles east of Hutchinson Airport in the Sand Hills-photo courtesy Kan. Forrest Service" />
 <figcaption>Tanker 95, under the Kansas Forest Service, has been requested to assist on a wildfire in Reno County, approximately 5 miles east of Hutchinson Airport in the Sand Hills-photo courtesy Kan. Forrest Service</figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — A major wildfire broke out east of Hutchinson Tuesday afternoon. According to Reno County Dispatch, the fire was called out around 1:30 p.m. near 30th and Willison. The fire quickly raced south threatening many homes around the 4th and Willison area.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644370578664.jpeg" alt="Crews spent the night patrolling the area from 30th to 4th and from Willison to Buhler Road putting out numerous hot spots.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Crews spent the night patrolling the area from 30th to 4th and from Willison to Buhler Road putting out numerous hot spots.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>According to Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer, the fire threatened several properties, but no homes were destroyed. Beer said mutual aid, including resources in place with the help of the Kansas Forestry Service, were prepared to deal with the dry windy conditions that were in place. The Kansas Forest Service used an aerial plane to help fight the fire.Crews spent the night patrolling the area from 30th to 4th and from Willison to Buhler Road putting out numerous hot spots.&nbsp;No word on how much damage was done nor were there any reports of injuries. Buhler schools that had students living in the fire area held them at schools until parents or guardians could pick them up. Many of the usual bus routes were closed due to the fire.Volunteers provided bulldozers to help cut fire lines and a semi tanker full of water was put in place to refill fire trucks.&nbsp;---------RENO COUNTY —&nbsp;Fire crews are working a brush fire near Buhler, according to the Reno County Sheriff's office. Some evacuations were also reported.&nbsp; Crews from Sedgwick County were assisting along with Tthe Kansas Forest Service using an aerial tanker.The fire was called around 1:30p.m. and&nbsp; is located between 4th to 30th and from Buhler Road to Willison. Because of this many rural roads in the area were closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fire crews are working to save several homes and structures north of 4th and Willison. Still no word of damage or injuries.Buhler USD 313 asked any students that would normally be dropped off by buses in those areas, will need to be picked up from their school.&nbsp;

Update: Crews control large grass fire east of Hutchinson 

SEDGWICK COUNTU-&nbsp;A former Kansas high school teacher who admitted being sexually attracted to children was sentenced Friday for sexual exploitation of a child.

Shawn Winfield, 49, was sentenced to 36 months probation, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In November he pleaded guilty to the charges.

Wingfield resigned in July from teaching gifted English and debate at Wichita Northwest High School. 

The investigation began after a woman Wingfield dated turned over what she considered worrisome text messages to police. A court affidavit said Winfield admitted to being sexually attracted to 11- to 14-year-old children.&nbsp;

At the time of his surprise resignation, Wingfield wrote on social media, "This morning, for reasons involving personal health and well being, I resigned from Wichita Public Schools. Without going into details, I have come to believe that this is not only the best decision for myself, but also for the district and my students. And while I do regret the timing of this decision so close to the start of the new school year, I believe that to stay any longer would prove to be a greater inconvenience to everyone in the end."

He then added, "Time for me to check out for a while.  A little earlier than I had hoped.  See everyone, I hope, on the other side."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627295318183.png" alt="Wingfield-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Wingfield-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTU-&nbsp;A former Kansas high school teacher who admitted being sexually attracted to children was sentenced Friday for sexual exploitation of a child.Shawn Winfield, 49, was sentenced to 36 months probation, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In November he pleaded guilty to the charges.Wingfield resigned in July from teaching gifted English and debate at Wichita Northwest High School. The investigation began after a woman Wingfield dated turned over what she considered worrisome text messages to police. A court affidavit said Winfield admitted to being sexually attracted to 11- to 14-year-old children.&nbsp;At the time of his surprise resignation, Wingfield wrote on social media, "This morning, for reasons involving personal health and well being, I resigned from Wichita Public Schools. Without going into details, I have come to believe that this is not only the best decision for myself, but also for the district and my students. And while I do regret the timing of this decision so close to the start of the new school year, I believe that to stay any longer would prove to be a greater inconvenience to everyone in the end."He then added, "Time for me to check out for a while. A little earlier than I had hoped. See everyone, I hope, on the other side."------------

Kan. man sentenced after date turned him in for child porn on phone

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans on Tuesday revived a redistricting plan that would make it harder for the only&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Democrat in Congress to win reelection, engineering a second-chance override of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of the measure in the state Senate.

The Senate vote Tuesday was 27-11 and gave Republican leaders exactly the two-thirds majority they needed, with two GOP senators abstaining. The measure goes next to the House, which has a month to decide whether to override Kelly's veto and make the new district lines law. It wasn't clear whether Republicans yet have the necessary two-thirds majority there, but they are close.

Republican senators faced questions from their colleagues and reporters about how much legislative horse-trading led up to Tuesday's vote. The first veto override attempt on Monday failed, 24-15, because four GOP senators broke with their leaders. The Republican-controlled Legislature's rules allow lawmakers to reconsider any action by the next day.

“I hope whoever got them to change their mind will get what it is they bargained for,” said Democratic state Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, which is split under the map. “It lends discredit to this process.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643147273216.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans on Tuesday revived a redistricting plan that would make it harder for the only&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Democrat in Congress to win reelection, engineering a second-chance override of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of the measure in the state Senate.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t3ioC4jdpjQ?start=906" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Senate vote Tuesday was 27-11 and gave Republican leaders exactly the two-thirds majority they needed, with two GOP senators abstaining. The measure goes next to the House, which has a month to decide whether to override Kelly's veto and make the new district lines law. It wasn't clear whether Republicans yet have the necessary two-thirds majority there, but they are close.Republican senators faced questions from their colleagues and reporters about how much legislative horse-trading led up to Tuesday's vote. The first veto override attempt on Monday failed, 24-15, because four GOP senators broke with their leaders. The Republican-controlled Legislature's rules allow lawmakers to reconsider any action by the next day.“I hope whoever got them to change their mind will get what it is they bargained for,” said Democratic state Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, which is split under the map. “It lends discredit to this process.”Even if the House overrides Kelly's veto, the GOP plan is expected to face challenges in federal and possibly state courts. Republicans are seeking to recapture a U.S. House majority, and both parties are watching redistricting closely.Kansas Republicans' plan would split the state’s portion of the Kansas City area into two congressional districts, costing Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids some of the territory in her 3rd District where she performs best. The map also would move the liberal northeast Kansas community of Lawrence, home to the main University of Kansas campus, from the 2nd District of eastern Kansas into the 1st District of central and western Kansas with conservative communities six or more hours away by car.Top Republicans said all of the changes resulted from the need to balance the population in each of the state's four congressional districts after a decade of shifts. States are required to redraw lines at least once a decade to make their districts as equal in population as possible. The GOP plan gives every Kansas district the ideal population of 734,470.Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, argued that even with the new lines district, Davids would have won reelection in 2020, based on that year's results.“It's a fair map,” he told reporters after the vote.Masterson joined the four GOP dissenters in voting against an override Monday, but only so that he would be able to ask senators to reconsider Tuesday. A person on the winning side has to do it.Both conservative Republicans who switched from no Monday to yes Tuesday are from communities an hour or more northwest of Wichita, Sens. Mark Steffen and Alicia Straub.Straub explained her yes vote Tuesday by saying she's never supported anything Kelly has, adding, “This is standing for freedom.”Steffen didn't sound much like a supporter of GOP leaders' map in his explanation of his yes vote Tuesday, deriding the plan for moving Lawrence into the district long known as the “Big First” because it sprawls over much of the state.“Now they are dumping the Lawrence liberals in our lap,” he said. “Just like illegal hunting killed off our buffalo in the 1800s, insidious redistricting will kill off the true conservative character of my beloved Big First.”Both senators are COVID-19 vaccine skeptics. On Tuesday morning, a Senate committee approved a bill containing proposals from Steffen aimed at protecting doctors who prescribe the anti-worm medication ivermectin to treat COVID-19 and at making it easier for parents to enroll their children in school or day care without getting them vaccinated.Masterson said he had conversations with the senators about multiple issues, but when asked why they switched their votes, he told reporters: “You're going to have to talk to them."Steffen declined comment multiple times when reporters asked whether the committee action Tuesday influenced his change of vote. Straub ducked reporters immediately after the vote.