By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-01-10/dealers-are-spiking-drugs-with-fentanyl-and-killing-even-more-kansans-during-the-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>

People come to Valley Hope in Atchison, Kansas, to get clean. They’re
 fed up with addiction to cocaine or methamphetamine or OxyContin.

And
 that’s when some find out through a drug test that they’re actually 
hooked on something else, too: A drug they didn’t even know they were 
taking.

This synthetic opioid is <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2016/09/29/why-fentanyl-is-deadlier-than-heroin/" target="_blank">far more potent</a> than morphine or heroin. Even small amounts can kill. Withdrawal from it is painful.

And
 the growing practice of spiking other drugs with fentanyl — to heighten
 the addiction and keep buyers coming back for more — is fueling a sharp
 increase in fatal overdoses across Kansas and the U.S.

Physician 
Jon Siebert, Valley Hope Association’s medical director, sees the shock 
that patients experience when they learn they’re addicted to fentanyl. 
He asks them what they’ve been buying.

“The typical answer is, 
they’ll say, ‘Well, I’m doing Oxy-30,’” he said. “People who are 
manufacturing fentanyl, they press it into a pill.”

The pills look
 like 30mg OxyContin. It’s enough to trick people into trying it. Some 
eventually realize it contains fentanyl, but by then stopping is no easy
 feat.

The latest <a href="https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/VSRR-Provisional-Drug-Overdose-Death-Counts/xkb8-kh2a" target="_blank">preliminary federal and state tallies</a> of drug deaths paint an alarming picture for 2020 that appears to be worsening in 2021.

Overdose deaths increased 30% <a href="https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/VSRR-Provisional-Drug-Overdose-Death-Counts/xkb8-kh2a" target="_blank">across the country</a> in 2020, and rose by one-quarter in Kansas and by one-fifth in Missouri.

The federal government says the national death toll — it topped 
90,000 in 2020 — set a grim record. In Kansas, it appears nearly 500 
people died from overdoses.

Figures aren’t complete for 2021, but 
the most recent tallies published by the Centers for Disease Control and
 Prevention suggest fatal overdoses continue to trend upward.

Experts say the alarming trend is fueled largely by the <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/22/989833102/overdose-deaths-surged-in-pandemic-as-more-drugs-were-laced-with-fentanyl" target="_blank">prevalence of fentanyl</a> and similar substances that people often consume unknowingly when mixed into other opioids and drugs.

National
 health officials suspect a direct link to the spread of COVID-19, which
 isolated people, destabilized their finances and housing, and 
complicated their access to medical and mental health care.

For
 many people, he said, “addiction is a disease of isolation.” Staying 
clean requires support, and the pandemic cuts off more people from loved
 ones, friends or professionals.

“You’re not able to be around your peers and get the help you need when you’re having a bad day,” he said.

Valley
 Hope Association, which has residential centers in seven states, has 
continued to serve people through the pandemic. COVID-19 regularly 
interrupts that work.

Across the Valley Hope network, Siebert said COVID-19 disruptions happen almost weekly.

“You
 can’t guarantee that everyone’s not got COVID when they check in,” 
Siebert said. “And so occasionally someone does get sick, and you have 
to pause admissions.”

Though a <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/issue-brief-increases-in-opioid-related-overdose.pdf" target="_blank">federal survey</a>
 found many people said the pandemic interrupted their access to illegal
 drugs, it also found that millions reported increasing their 
consumption in 2020.

In October, the Biden administration said it would back strategies meant to save lives among people struggling with addiction.

That
 includes approaches that are sometimes controversial, such as providing
 test strips that help drug users check for fentanyl contamination in 
other substances they buy from dealers, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/27/1049245787/biden-hhs-tackle-drug-overdose-deaths" target="_blank">NPR reported</a>.

Kansas is one of a handful of states <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm" target="_blank">reporting the biggest jumps</a> — percentage-wise — in lives lost to overdoses during a 12-month period early in the pandemic.

Kansans can get <a href="https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">free training</a>
 in administering naloxone to someone experiencing an opioid overdose. 
Naloxone (also known by the brand name, Narcan) counteracts the 
overdose.

<a href="https://pharmacy.ks.gov/k-tracs/pharmacists/naloxone-dispensing" target="_blank">Many pharmacies</a> across Kansas dispense it without a prescription. A state-federal program also offers limited supplies of <a href="https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">free naloxone</a>.

Kansas
 health officials say that an analysis of overdoses during the first six
 months of 2021 shows the vast majority of deaths involved 
methamphetamine, fentanyl or similar substances called fentanyl analogs.

Prescription opioids and cocaine also played a role, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says.

Federal officials say even in fatal overdoses on methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs, <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/22/989833102/overdose-deaths-surged-in-pandemic-as-more-drugs-were-laced-with-fentanyl" target="_blank">fentanyl contamination</a> is usually involved.

The federal government operates <a href="https://findtreatment.gov/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">a website</a>
 meant to help people struggling with addiction to find treatment. The 
Kansas hotline for substance addictions is (866) 645-8216.

The <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/issue-brief-increases-in-opioid-related-overdose.pdf" target="_blank">American Medical Association</a>
 says every state has seen overdose spikes during the pandemic. It wants
 the federal government to help remove insurance hurdles and other 
barriers to addiction treatment.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641841246356.png" alt="Fake OxyContin pills often contain fentanyl. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration" />
 <figcaption>Fake OxyContin pills often contain fentanyl. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-01-10/dealers-are-spiking-drugs-with-fentanyl-and-killing-even-more-kansans-during-the-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>People come to Valley Hope in Atchison, Kansas, to get clean. They’re
 fed up with addiction to cocaine or methamphetamine or OxyContin.And
 that’s when some find out through a drug test that they’re actually 
hooked on something else, too: A drug they didn’t even know they were 
taking.Fentanyl.This synthetic opioid is <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2016/09/29/why-fentanyl-is-deadlier-than-heroin/" target="_blank">far more potent</a> than morphine or heroin. Even small amounts can kill. Withdrawal from it is painful.And
 the growing practice of spiking other drugs with fentanyl — to heighten
 the addiction and keep buyers coming back for more — is fueling a sharp
 increase in fatal overdoses across Kansas and the U.S.Physician 
Jon Siebert, Valley Hope Association’s medical director, sees the shock 
that patients experience when they learn they’re addicted to fentanyl. 
He asks them what they’ve been buying.“The typical answer is, 
they’ll say, ‘Well, I’m doing Oxy-30,’” he said. “People who are 
manufacturing fentanyl, they press it into a pill.”The pills look
 like 30mg OxyContin. It’s enough to trick people into trying it. Some 
eventually realize it contains fentanyl, but by then stopping is no easy
 feat.The latest <a href="https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/VSRR-Provisional-Drug-Overdose-Death-Counts/xkb8-kh2a" target="_blank">preliminary federal and state tallies</a> of drug deaths paint an alarming picture for 2020 that appears to be worsening in 2021.Overdose deaths increased 30% <a href="https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/VSRR-Provisional-Drug-Overdose-Death-Counts/xkb8-kh2a" target="_blank">across the country</a> in 2020, and rose by one-quarter in Kansas and by one-fifth in Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641841308282.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The federal government says the national death toll — it topped 
90,000 in 2020 — set a grim record. In Kansas, it appears nearly 500 
people died from overdoses.Figures aren’t complete for 2021, but 
the most recent tallies published by the Centers for Disease Control and
 Prevention suggest fatal overdoses continue to trend upward.Experts say the alarming trend is fueled largely by the <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/22/989833102/overdose-deaths-surged-in-pandemic-as-more-drugs-were-laced-with-fentanyl" target="_blank">prevalence of fentanyl</a> and similar substances that people often consume unknowingly when mixed into other opioids and drugs.National
 health officials suspect a direct link to the spread of COVID-19, which
 isolated people, destabilized their finances and housing, and 
complicated their access to medical and mental health care.Siebert agrees.For
 many people, he said, “addiction is a disease of isolation.” Staying 
clean requires support, and the pandemic cuts off more people from loved
 ones, friends or professionals.“You’re not able to be around your peers and get the help you need when you’re having a bad day,” he said.Valley
 Hope Association, which has residential centers in seven states, has 
continued to serve people through the pandemic. COVID-19 regularly 
interrupts that work.Across the Valley Hope network, Siebert said COVID-19 disruptions happen almost weekly.“You
 can’t guarantee that everyone’s not got COVID when they check in,” 
Siebert said. “And so occasionally someone does get sick, and you have 
to pause admissions.”Though a <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/issue-brief-increases-in-opioid-related-overdose.pdf" target="_blank">federal survey</a>
 found many people said the pandemic interrupted their access to illegal
 drugs, it also found that millions reported increasing their 
consumption in 2020.In October, the Biden administration said it would back strategies meant to save lives among people struggling with addiction.That
 includes approaches that are sometimes controversial, such as providing
 test strips that help drug users check for fentanyl contamination in 
other substances they buy from dealers, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/27/1049245787/biden-hhs-tackle-drug-overdose-deaths" target="_blank">NPR reported</a>.Kansas is one of a handful of states <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm" target="_blank">reporting the biggest jumps</a> — percentage-wise — in lives lost to overdoses during a 12-month period early in the pandemic.Kansans can get <a href="https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">free training</a>
 in administering naloxone to someone experiencing an opioid overdose. 
Naloxone (also known by the brand name, Narcan) counteracts the 
overdose.<a href="https://pharmacy.ks.gov/k-tracs/pharmacists/naloxone-dispensing" target="_blank">Many pharmacies</a> across Kansas dispense it without a prescription. A state-federal program also offers limited supplies of <a href="https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">free naloxone</a>.Kansas
 health officials say that an analysis of overdoses during the first six
 months of 2021 shows the vast majority of deaths involved 
methamphetamine, fentanyl or similar substances called fentanyl analogs.Prescription opioids and cocaine also played a role, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says.Federal officials say even in fatal overdoses on methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs, <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/22/989833102/overdose-deaths-surged-in-pandemic-as-more-drugs-were-laced-with-fentanyl" target="_blank">fentanyl contamination</a> is usually involved.The federal government operates <a href="https://findtreatment.gov/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">a website</a>
 meant to help people struggling with addiction to find treatment. The 
Kansas hotline for substance addictions is (866) 645-8216.The <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/issue-brief-increases-in-opioid-related-overdose.pdf" target="_blank">American Medical Association</a>
 says every state has seen overdose spikes during the pandemic. It wants
 the federal government to help remove insurance hurdles and other 
barriers to addiction treatment.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on
 consumer health for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on 
Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Dealers spiking drugs with fentanyl, and killing even more Kansans

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

There was no stopping the multiple wildfires that started racing east across Ellis County last month and burned for three days.

"Even with all 19 of our trucks, with the wind blowing 100 miles an hour, we couldn't put it out," said Darin Myers, Ellis County Rural Fire Chief.

An after action review of the wildland fires that burned in Ellis County Dec. 15-17 was presented Tuesday night. Among those attending were&nbsp;county commissioners,&nbsp;public works director, sheriff, assistant director for fire and emergency management, several of the county's 88 volunteer firefighters, and at least one rural resident.

Myers, along with other county emergency services personnel, talked about what went well with the local response, what can be improved, and reviewed the resources used.&nbsp;

The Ellis County 17 wildfires covered 74 square miles, burning 46,720 acres. The fires' perimeter was more than 57 miles.

Myers described the rural landscape as "disintegrated. In some places, it looks like sand dunes of fine dust."

"We could have doubled all our resources -&nbsp; people, trucks, water - and it would not have been enough."

One man died when he drove out of Hays into the smoke, became disoriented and ultimately landed in a ravine as he was overcome by the smoke and fire.&nbsp;

There were no public safety injuries and just one fire engine was damaged.

Fires, most likely started by power lines according to the state fire marshal, were <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/24e11ab6-f29c-4355-91e5-47e7511a74ce">reported in 11 area counties</a>, burning a total of nearly 164,000 acres.

In Ellis County, the challenges included 100 mph winds, rough terrain, near zero visibility due to the smoke, long distances between fires, and multiple related incidents requiring the response of emergency medical services, fire trucks, rescue units, and law enforcement.

The Saline River bridge, six miles east of Highway 183, is closed for repair and the northeast part of the county does not have roads at every mile line.&nbsp;

"Getting from one side of the fire to the other took a lot longer," Myers said.

Three bridges were completely burned in the fire.

Downed power lines and multiple burned poles also caused widespread power outages, including at the emergency dispatch center in Hays.&nbsp;

Communication -&nbsp; with the public, people who had to be evacuated from their homes, between the five other county fire departments providing mutual aid, and public safety radio traffic - was also a challenge.&nbsp;

"In any disaster, communications is the one thing that can always be improved. ... We're fortunate in Ellis County that we have a good [emergency] radio system."&nbsp;

Ten homes, two of them unoccupied, were destroyed along with 16 other structures. The county is asking residents to report any affected structures not on the list. Fire reports will be created for each incident.&nbsp;

The destroyed structures list has been shared with the treasurer's department, whose employees are inspecting the properties to qualify for tax abatements in 2021 and 2022.&nbsp;

John Holub, president of the Hays Board of Realtors, discussed the local group's work with the National Association of Realtors® relief fund to provide financial assistance to homeowners who were displaced by the fire.

Manpower resources utilized by Ellis County to fight the blaze included all six fire companies, EMS, public works, and sheriff department, along with mutual aid from rural fire companies in Rooks, Ness, Russell, Osborne and Phillips counties.&nbsp;

Ellis County firefighters, most of whom work full-time jobs, were on the scene for a collective 1,700 hours over the three days.&nbsp;

Also assisting were the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Forestry Service, Kansas Dept. of Emergency Management, Midwest Energy, Midland Marketing, CG Oil, American Red Cross, contract airplanes that dumped water on the flames, and landowners helping disc pastures to create back burning.&nbsp;

Myers talked about many things that were done well during the event.&nbsp;

He had high praise for the emergency communications department, which handled 153 911 calls between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. as the fire began spreading.&nbsp;

The incident command system implemented about five years ago kept fire crews working within their divisions in either the east or west side of the county, instead of moving into an area already covered.&nbsp;

The after action review concluded with discussion of what can be done better during a similar disaster.

At the top of the list was communications, as is expected Myers said.&nbsp;

"We're always going to have [mutual aid] departments and private operators of water and farm implements that are not able to operate on our radios."

Even communications between county departments can be misunderstood. Law enforcement uses 10 code; rural fire does not.

Myers also pointed out the difficulty of establishing a water supply.

"You can't keep it one place. The fire moved 17 miles within a couple hours. You have to constantly move that."&nbsp;

Two new projects by the county will rectify some of the concerns brought up by Myers. 

The rural fire department has received a grant for a water supply trailer and new pickup to pull it.

Ellis County is working on a new computerized system that places electronic markers on the maps which will move anytime an incident location changes.&nbsp;

Ellis County Commission Chairman Butch Schlyer issued a local disaster declaration at 8 p.m. Dec. 15. This will help local emergency departments and landowners with funding that could be available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642019288157.jpeg" alt="Ellis County wildfires the night of Dec. 15, 2021 (Courtesy Ellis County Rural Fire Dept.)&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County wildfires the night of Dec. 15, 2021 (Courtesy Ellis County Rural Fire Dept.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThere was no stopping the multiple wildfires that started racing east across Ellis County last month and burned for three days."Even with all 19 of our trucks, with the wind blowing 100 miles an hour, we couldn't put it out," said Darin Myers, Ellis County Rural Fire Chief.An after action review of the wildland fires that burned in Ellis County Dec. 15-17 was presented Tuesday night. Among those attending were&nbsp;county commissioners,&nbsp;public works director, sheriff, assistant director for fire and emergency management, several of the county's 88 volunteer firefighters, and at least one rural resident.Myers, along with other county emergency services personnel, talked about what went well with the local response, what can be improved, and reviewed the resources used.&nbsp;The Ellis County 17 wildfires covered 74 square miles, burning 46,720 acres. The fires' perimeter was more than 57 miles.Myers described the rural landscape as "disintegrated. In some places, it looks like sand dunes of fine dust.""We could have doubled all our resources -&nbsp; people, trucks, water - and it would not have been enough."One man died when he drove out of Hays into the smoke, became disoriented and ultimately landed in a ravine as he was overcome by the smoke and fire.&nbsp;There were no public safety injuries and just one fire engine was damaged.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642022468627.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy Ellis County)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Ellis County)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642022519918.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy Ellis County)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Ellis County)</figcaption>
 </figure>Fires, most likely started by power lines according to the state fire marshal, were <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/24e11ab6-f29c-4355-91e5-47e7511a74ce">reported in 11 area counties</a>, burning a total of nearly 164,000 acres.In Ellis County, the challenges included 100 mph winds, rough terrain, near zero visibility due to the smoke, long distances between fires, and multiple related incidents requiring the response of emergency medical services, fire trucks, rescue units, and law enforcement.The Saline River bridge, six miles east of Highway 183, is closed for repair and the northeast part of the county does not have roads at every mile line.&nbsp;"Getting from one side of the fire to the other took a lot longer," Myers said.Three bridges were completely burned in the fire.Downed power lines and multiple burned poles also caused widespread power outages, including at the emergency dispatch center in Hays.&nbsp;Communication -&nbsp; with the public, people who had to be evacuated from their homes, between the five other county fire departments providing mutual aid, and public safety radio traffic - was also a challenge.&nbsp;"In any disaster, communications is the one thing that can always be improved. ... We're fortunate in Ellis County that we have a good [emergency] radio system."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642025904570.jpeg" alt="Ten homes and 16 other structures were destroyed the fires. (Courtesy Ellis County)" />
 <figcaption>Ten homes and 16 other structures were destroyed the fires. (Courtesy Ellis County)</figcaption>
 </figure>Ten homes, two of them unoccupied, were destroyed along with 16 other structures. The county is asking residents to report any affected structures not on the list. Fire reports will be created for each incident.&nbsp;The destroyed structures list has been shared with the treasurer's department, whose employees are inspecting the properties to qualify for tax abatements in 2021 and 2022.&nbsp;John Holub, president of the Hays Board of Realtors, discussed the local group's work with the National Association of Realtors® relief fund to provide financial assistance to homeowners who were displaced by the fire.Manpower resources utilized by Ellis County to fight the blaze included all six fire companies, EMS, public works, and sheriff department, along with mutual aid from rural fire companies in Rooks, Ness, Russell, Osborne and Phillips counties.&nbsp;Ellis County firefighters, most of whom work full-time jobs, were on the scene for a collective 1,700 hours over the three days.&nbsp;Also assisting were the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Forestry Service, Kansas Dept. of Emergency Management, Midwest Energy, Midland Marketing, CG Oil, American Red Cross, contract airplanes that dumped water on the flames, and landowners helping disc pastures to create back burning.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642029054712.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers discusses what was done well during the December fires.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers discusses what was done well during the December fires.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Myers talked about many things that were done well during the event.&nbsp;He had high praise for the emergency communications department, which handled 153 911 calls between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. as the fire began spreading.&nbsp;The incident command system implemented about five years ago kept fire crews working within their divisions in either the east or west side of the county, instead of moving into an area already covered.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642030186996.jpeg" alt="In any disaster, communications is the one thing that can always be improved, according to Myers. (Courtesy Ellis County)" />
 <figcaption>In any disaster, communications is the one thing that can always be improved, according to Myers. (Courtesy Ellis County)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5yYI4SxXBBQ"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The after action review concluded with discussion of what can be done better during a similar disaster.At the top of the list was communications, as is expected Myers said.&nbsp;"We're always going to have [mutual aid] departments and private operators of water and farm implements that are not able to operate on our radios."Even communications between county departments can be misunderstood. Law enforcement uses 10 code; rural fire does not.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642037189770.jpeg" alt="Scott Braun, Ellis Co. sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Scott Braun, Ellis Co. sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Myers also pointed out the difficulty of establishing a water supply."You can't keep it one place. The fire moved 17 miles within a couple hours. You have to constantly move that."&nbsp;Two new projects by the county will rectify some of the concerns brought up by Myers. The rural fire department has received a grant for a water supply trailer and new pickup to pull it.Ellis County is working on a new computerized system that places electronic markers on the maps which will move anytime an incident location changes.&nbsp;Ellis County Commission Chairman Butch Schlyer issued a local disaster declaration at 8 p.m. Dec. 15. This will help local emergency departments and landowners with funding that could be available.

🎥 10 homes, 16 other NW Kan. structures destroyed during 3-day wildfire

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Doctors in Kansas and Missouri are hunting down ventilators and running out of monoclonal antibodies as COVID-19 patient counts hit pandemic highs at a growing number of hospitals.

Health officials for hospitals in the Kansas City and Wichita areas issued a desperate plea Wednesday for people to wear masks and avoid crowds. And the situation was so bad in the St. Louis area that health officials there urged people just to stay home, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

“Any social gathering of any kind at this time is risky, it will put people at risk,” said St. Louis’ health director, Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis. She urged people to only leave home to go to work, school, doctor's appointments and grocery shopping.

The strain has prevented bigger, city hospitals from accepting as many rural transfer patients as they otherwise might, including patients who need treatment for heart attacks, strokes, serious car accidents or other non-COVID-19 reasons.

One of those bigger hospitals, Liberty Hospital on the northern edge of the Kansas City area, had to borrow ventilators from the state of Missouri's stockpile and hunt for more high-flow oxygen machines, said Dr. Raghu Adiga, the hospital's chief medical officer.

“Every day is a new record,” Adiga said, adding the hospital is treating 60 COVID-19 patients, which was 11 more than its previous high in December of 2020.

He said the hospital only had two doses of monoclonal antibodies left and was administering them Wednesday. Nonessential surgeries were postponed and the hospital's staffing was so thin on Tuesday that its office staff helped make beds.

“This is all hands on deck time, unfortunately," he said. “And this is the situation everywhere in the city right now. This is not a time to slip and fall."

Dr. Lisa Hays, the chief medical officer at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, described the ventilator situation at the hospital in the Kansas City suburb of Merriam, Kansas, as “tenuous."

She said she received an emergency call on Saturday night from the chief nursing officer because the hospital was down to just one available ventilator. She said the hospital managed to hunt down more, but that the situation is complicated by the fact that not all of the machines can handle the high-oxygen flow that COVID-19 patients require.

Meanwhile, more than 100 employees tested positive for COVID-19 and were on sick leave, and patient deaths are mounting, Hays said.

“I had to learn how many bodies our morgue could hold yesterday and determine whether that was going to be adequate for what our needs are," she said.

HCA Midwest Health has been shuffling ventilators around among its Kansas City-area hospitals, where 255 COVID-19 patients were filling about a quarter of the beds, said Dr. Kim Megow, the chief medical officer. Another 25 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized Wednesday in the health system's rural facilities.

Megow said she had hoped that the arrival of a federal disaster medical assistance team at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri, would allow the system to handle more patients. But she said the federal contingent instead has had to act as substitutes because more than 400 employees were out sick.

“The COVID blizzard continues,” she lamented.

Ascension Via Christi Health's Wichita hospitals were treating more than 170 COVID-19 patients, said Dr. Sam Antonios, the system's chief clinical officer. He said about 30 more were hospitalized in the system elsewhere in the state.

“We have unfortunately beat the 2020 record that we had," he said. “And it's obviously putting strain on the system.”

He said Ascension has been able to move ventilators around to prevent a shortage, adding that the bigger concern was the low supply of monoclonal antibodies.

His comments came after Wichita’s City Council received a dire report from medical officials Tuesday. The council took no action on the report, but it directed the city manager to look for ways that the city can contribute to efforts to improve testing availability and promote the vaccine, The Wichita Eagle reported.

Dr. Catherine Satterwhite, a U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services official for a region that includes Kansas and Missouri, said case counts were on “a very, very steep trajectory."

“We anticipate that it will be a sharp decline," she said. “What we don’t know is when, and we also know that there are still a lot of pockets of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people. A lot of people haven’t started their vaccine series, and a lot of people haven’t gotten their booster yet. So those kind of things impact how long omicron will hang around."

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Doctors in Kansas and Missouri are hunting down ventilators and running out of monoclonal antibodies as COVID-19 patient counts hit pandemic highs at a growing number of hospitals.Health officials for hospitals in the Kansas City and Wichita areas issued a desperate plea Wednesday for people to wear masks and avoid crowds. And the situation was so bad in the St. Louis area that health officials there urged people just to stay home, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.“Any social gathering of any kind at this time is risky, it will put people at risk,” said St. Louis’ health director, Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis. She urged people to only leave home to go to work, school, doctor's appointments and grocery shopping.The strain has prevented bigger, city hospitals from accepting as many rural transfer patients as they otherwise might, including patients who need treatment for heart attacks, strokes, serious car accidents or other non-COVID-19 reasons.One of those bigger hospitals, Liberty Hospital on the northern edge of the Kansas City area, had to borrow ventilators from the state of Missouri's stockpile and hunt for more high-flow oxygen machines, said Dr. Raghu Adiga, the hospital's chief medical officer.“Every day is a new record,” Adiga said, adding the hospital is treating 60 COVID-19 patients, which was 11 more than its previous high in December of 2020.He said the hospital only had two doses of monoclonal antibodies left and was administering them Wednesday. Nonessential surgeries were postponed and the hospital's staffing was so thin on Tuesday that its office staff helped make beds.“This is all hands on deck time, unfortunately," he said. “And this is the situation everywhere in the city right now. This is not a time to slip and fall."Dr. Lisa Hays, the chief medical officer at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, described the ventilator situation at the hospital in the Kansas City suburb of Merriam, Kansas, as “tenuous."She said she received an emergency call on Saturday night from the chief nursing officer because the hospital was down to just one available ventilator. She said the hospital managed to hunt down more, but that the situation is complicated by the fact that not all of the machines can handle the high-oxygen flow that COVID-19 patients require.Meanwhile, more than 100 employees tested positive for COVID-19 and were on sick leave, and patient deaths are mounting, Hays said.“I had to learn how many bodies our morgue could hold yesterday and determine whether that was going to be adequate for what our needs are," she said.HCA Midwest Health has been shuffling ventilators around among its Kansas City-area hospitals, where 255 COVID-19 patients were filling about a quarter of the beds, said Dr. Kim Megow, the chief medical officer. Another 25 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized Wednesday in the health system's rural facilities.Megow said she had hoped that the arrival of a federal disaster medical assistance team at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri, would allow the system to handle more patients. But she said the federal contingent instead has had to act as substitutes because more than 400 employees were out sick.“The COVID blizzard continues,” she lamented.Ascension Via Christi Health's Wichita hospitals were treating more than 170 COVID-19 patients, said Dr. Sam Antonios, the system's chief clinical officer. He said about 30 more were hospitalized in the system elsewhere in the state.“We have unfortunately beat the 2020 record that we had," he said. “And it's obviously putting strain on the system.”He said Ascension has been able to move ventilators around to prevent a shortage, adding that the bigger concern was the low supply of monoclonal antibodies.His comments came after Wichita’s City Council received a dire report from medical officials Tuesday. The council took no action on the report, but it directed the city manager to look for ways that the city can contribute to efforts to improve testing availability and promote the vaccine, The Wichita Eagle reported.Dr. Catherine Satterwhite, a U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services official for a region that includes Kansas and Missouri, said case counts were on “a very, very steep trajectory."“We anticipate that it will be a sharp decline," she said. “What we don’t know is when, and we also know that there are still a lot of pockets of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people. A lot of people haven’t started their vaccine series, and a lot of people haven’t gotten their booster yet. So those kind of things impact how long omicron will hang around."

Stressed Kansas and Missouri hospitals hunt for ventilators

To settle <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/1723196dunbradstreetcomplaint.pdf">Federal Trade Commission charges</a>&nbsp;that
 it engaged in deceptive and unfair practices, Dun &amp; Bradstreet 
(D&amp;B) has agreed to an order requiring substantial changes in the 
firm’s operations that will benefit small- and mid-sized businesses. 
Under the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/1723196dunbradstreetacco.pdf">proposed order</a>,
 D&amp;B will also provide refunds to certain businesses that purchased 
the company’s products in the belief that using the products would 
improve their business credit scores and ratings.

D&amp;B is a 
leading provider of business credit reports, which can impact firms’ 
ability to build relationships with vendors and other counterparties. 
But many businesses have complained of errors in these reports that have
 cost them time, expense, and opportunities. As detailed in the FTC’s 
administrative complaint, D&amp;B failed to give these businesses a 
clear, consistent, and reliable process to get these errors fixed. 
Moreover, D&amp;B profited from businesses’ pain by selling them a line 
of products that purported to help them improve their reports. In fact, 
for many businesses, these benefits proved illusory, while the costs 
were all too real.

“A faulty D&amp;B credit report can be a huge 
burden on a small business, raising costs and choking off 
opportunities,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of 
Consumer Protection. “This order arms businesses with new tools to 
ensure a fair shake, stops D&amp;B from profiting illegally from 
businesses’ pain, and returns funds to firms that got fleeced.”

D&amp;B
 credit reports, ratings, and scores, the complaint notes, are often key
 factors in whether and on what terms businesses will extend credit or 
award contracts to other businesses. This means that the contents of 
D&amp;B reports can be vitally important to many small and mid-sized 
businesses. In many cases, however, the reports contain incorrect 
information, including items as fundamental as a business’s name or 
address. 

Often, when a business would question or try to correct 
an inaccuracy in its report, D&amp;B pitched a suite of services under 
the name CreditBuilder costing hundreds or thousands of dollars each 
year. According to the FTC’s complaint, D&amp;B claimed that its 
CreditBuilder products allowed the business to have its payment history 
added to its credit report, which would improve the business’s scores 
and ratings.

According to the FTC’s complaint, though, the company
 regularly failed to deliver on its promises about CreditBuilder. While 
D&amp;B’s salespeople pitched CreditBuilder by promising businesses that
 the product would make it easy for them to add payment history 
information to their credit reports, thousands of CreditBuilder 
subscribers could not get any such information added to their reports at
 all. In fact, the complaint alleges, D&amp;B refused CreditBuilder 
subscribers’ submissions more often than it accepted them.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

The 
FTC’s complaint also alleges that D&amp;B’s telemarketers deceptively 
pitched CreditBuilder to new businesses and to businesses unfamiliar 
with D&amp;B by falsely claiming that the business had to purchase 
CreditBuilder so that D&amp;B could conduct a background check and 
provide the business with a complete credit report.

In addition, 
according to the complaint, D&amp;B did not clearly tell businesses that
 CreditBuilder subscriptions automatically renewed each year, nor did it
 properly disclose other renewal practices that led to ever-increasing 
costs for its customers. 

Under the terms of a proposed settlement
 order, D&amp;B would be required to make numerous changes to its 
processes that will help ensure that D&amp;B responds promptly and fully
 to businesses’ complaints about incorrect information in their D&amp;B 
reports. Among the notable changes:

The
 settlement also provides that D&amp;B must make clear disclosures to 
companies to which it is selling CreditBuilder about the rate at which 
D&amp;B accepts subscribers’ requests to add payment history 
information. D&amp;B would also have to make up-front disclosures about 
ways that D&amp;B limits its role in helping them add such information. 
These provisions will help prospective customers make informed choices 
when deciding whether to subscribe to D&amp;B’s CreditBuilder products.&nbsp;

The
 settlement would also require D&amp;B to provide refunds to many 
businesses that first purchased CreditBuilder products between April, 
2015 and May, 2020, as well as providing opportunities for many current 
customers to cancel their services and obtain refunds if they so choose.
 &nbsp;

In addition, the settlement would put restrictions on D&amp;B’s
 ability to automatically renew CreditBuilder subscriptions, requiring 
disclosures and prohibiting D&amp;B from using automatic renewal to 
switch a subscriber into a more expensive product that the subscriber 
did not order. The settlement would also prohibit D&amp;B from 
misrepresenting to current or potential customers any material fact 
about the price or features of any product. 

The FTC is committed to taking action to halt abuses aimed at small businesses and other organizations. In a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2022/01/merchant-cash-advance-providers-banned-industry-ordered-redress">recent case against Richmond Capital</a>,
 the agency took action against two defendants behind a small business 
financing scheme by banning them from the merchant cash advance and debt
 collection industries and ordering them to provide funds for redress.

The
 Commission vote to issue the administrative complaint and to accept the
 consent agreement was 4-0. The FTC will publish a description of the 
consent agreement package in the Federal Register soon. The agreement 
will be subject to public comment for 30 days from publication in the 
Federal Register, after which the Commission will decide whether to make
 the proposed consent order final. Once processed, comments will be 
posted on Regulations.gov.

NOTE: The Commission 
issues an administrative complaint when it has “reason to believe” that 
the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission 
that a proceeding is in the public interest. When the Commission issues a
 consent order on a final basis, it carries the force of law with 
respect to future actions. Each violation of such an order may result in
 a civil penalty of up to $46,517.

The Federal Trade Commission works to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-competition">promote competition</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">stop deceptive and unfair business practices and scams</a>, and <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">educate consumers</a>. Report fraud, scams, or bad business practices at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Get consumer advice at <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">consumer.ftc.gov</a>. Also, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a>, and read the FTC’s <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCTo settle <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/1723196dunbradstreetcomplaint.pdf">Federal Trade Commission charges</a>&nbsp;that
 it engaged in deceptive and unfair practices, Dun &amp; Bradstreet 
(D&amp;B) has agreed to an order requiring substantial changes in the 
firm’s operations that will benefit small- and mid-sized businesses. 
Under the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/1723196dunbradstreetacco.pdf">proposed order</a>,
 D&amp;B will also provide refunds to certain businesses that purchased 
the company’s products in the belief that using the products would 
improve their business credit scores and ratings. D&amp;B is a 
leading provider of business credit reports, which can impact firms’ 
ability to build relationships with vendors and other counterparties. 
But many businesses have complained of errors in these reports that have
 cost them time, expense, and opportunities. As detailed in the FTC’s 
administrative complaint, D&amp;B failed to give these businesses a 
clear, consistent, and reliable process to get these errors fixed. 
Moreover, D&amp;B profited from businesses’ pain by selling them a line 
of products that purported to help them improve their reports. In fact, 
for many businesses, these benefits proved illusory, while the costs 
were all too real.“A faulty D&amp;B credit report can be a huge 
burden on a small business, raising costs and choking off 
opportunities,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of 
Consumer Protection. “This order arms businesses with new tools to 
ensure a fair shake, stops D&amp;B from profiting illegally from 
businesses’ pain, and returns funds to firms that got fleeced.”D&amp;B
 credit reports, ratings, and scores, the complaint notes, are often key
 factors in whether and on what terms businesses will extend credit or 
award contracts to other businesses. This means that the contents of 
D&amp;B reports can be vitally important to many small and mid-sized 
businesses. In many cases, however, the reports contain incorrect 
information, including items as fundamental as a business’s name or 
address. Often, when a business would question or try to correct 
an inaccuracy in its report, D&amp;B pitched a suite of services under 
the name CreditBuilder costing hundreds or thousands of dollars each 
year. According to the FTC’s complaint, D&amp;B claimed that its 
CreditBuilder products allowed the business to have its payment history 
added to its credit report, which would improve the business’s scores 
and ratings.According to the FTC’s complaint, though, the company
 regularly failed to deliver on its promises about CreditBuilder. While 
D&amp;B’s salespeople pitched CreditBuilder by promising businesses that
 the product would make it easy for them to add payment history 
information to their credit reports, thousands of CreditBuilder 
subscribers could not get any such information added to their reports at
 all. In fact, the complaint alleges, D&amp;B refused CreditBuilder 
subscribers’ submissions more often than it accepted them.&nbsp;&nbsp; The 
FTC’s complaint also alleges that D&amp;B’s telemarketers deceptively 
pitched CreditBuilder to new businesses and to businesses unfamiliar 
with D&amp;B by falsely claiming that the business had to purchase 
CreditBuilder so that D&amp;B could conduct a background check and 
provide the business with a complete credit report.In addition, 
according to the complaint, D&amp;B did not clearly tell businesses that
 CreditBuilder subscriptions automatically renewed each year, nor did it
 properly disclose other renewal practices that led to ever-increasing 
costs for its customers. Under the terms of a proposed settlement
 order, D&amp;B would be required to make numerous changes to its 
processes that will help ensure that D&amp;B responds promptly and fully
 to businesses’ complaints about incorrect information in their D&amp;B 
reports. Among the notable changes:<ul>
 <li>When a business informs 
D&amp;B of incorrect information in its report, D&amp;B will be required
 to either delete the disputed information or perform a reinvestigation 
of the information to confirm its accuracy. If the reinvestigation finds
 the disputed information to be inaccurate, or if it cannot verify 
payment experience information, D&amp;B must delete the information and 
must also ensure that it is not readded to the report at a later date.</li><li>D&amp;B
 has to comply with specific periods of time within which to promptly 
investigate and correct errors. The time allowed depends on the 
complexity of the investigation.</li><li>D&amp;B will be required to 
inform businesses of the results of their investigations and provide 
businesses with free access to the information as revised.&nbsp; </li>
 </ul>The
 settlement also provides that D&amp;B must make clear disclosures to 
companies to which it is selling CreditBuilder about the rate at which 
D&amp;B accepts subscribers’ requests to add payment history 
information. D&amp;B would also have to make up-front disclosures about 
ways that D&amp;B limits its role in helping them add such information. 
These provisions will help prospective customers make informed choices 
when deciding whether to subscribe to D&amp;B’s CreditBuilder products.&nbsp;The
 settlement would also require D&amp;B to provide refunds to many 
businesses that first purchased CreditBuilder products between April, 
2015 and May, 2020, as well as providing opportunities for many current 
customers to cancel their services and obtain refunds if they so choose.
 &nbsp;In addition, the settlement would put restrictions on D&amp;B’s
 ability to automatically renew CreditBuilder subscriptions, requiring 
disclosures and prohibiting D&amp;B from using automatic renewal to 
switch a subscriber into a more expensive product that the subscriber 
did not order. The settlement would also prohibit D&amp;B from 
misrepresenting to current or potential customers any material fact 
about the price or features of any product. The FTC is committed to taking action to halt abuses aimed at small businesses and other organizations. In a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2022/01/merchant-cash-advance-providers-banned-industry-ordered-redress">recent case against Richmond Capital</a>,
 the agency took action against two defendants behind a small business 
financing scheme by banning them from the merchant cash advance and debt
 collection industries and ordering them to provide funds for redress.The
 Commission vote to issue the administrative complaint and to accept the
 consent agreement was 4-0. The FTC will publish a description of the 
consent agreement package in the Federal Register soon. The agreement 
will be subject to public comment for 30 days from publication in the 
Federal Register, after which the Commission will decide whether to make
 the proposed consent order final. Once processed, comments will be 
posted on Regulations.gov.NOTE: The Commission 
issues an administrative complaint when it has “reason to believe” that 
the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission 
that a proceeding is in the public interest. When the Commission issues a
 consent order on a final basis, it carries the force of law with 
respect to future actions. Each violation of such an order may result in
 a civil penalty of up to $46,517.The Federal Trade Commission works to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-competition">promote competition</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">stop deceptive and unfair business practices and scams</a>, and <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">educate consumers</a>. Report fraud, scams, or bad business practices at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Get consumer advice at <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">consumer.ftc.gov</a>. Also, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a>, and read the FTC’s <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

FTC: Dun & Bradstreet to clean up credit reporting, refund customers

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Kansas City, Kansas investigating the first homicide of 2022 have identified the victim as 42-year-old Roberto Antonio Alaniz.

Just before 3a.m. Monday, police responded to report of a shooting at a home in 2600 Block of 37th Street, according to a media release.

First responders discovered Alaniz inside the home, a victim of gunfire. He lived at the home and was pronounced deceased on scene.

The KCPD major case unit is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Kansas City, Kansas are investigating the first homicide of 2022.

Just before 3a.m. Monday, police responded to report of a shooting the 2600 Block of 37th Street, according to a media release.

First responders discovered a deceased Hispanic man inside the home, a victim of gunfire. The KCPD major case unit is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; &nbsp;Authorities released no additional details Monday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641833217883.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Kansas City, Kansas investigating the first homicide of 2022 have identified the victim as 42-year-old Roberto Antonio Alaniz.Just before 3a.m. Monday, police responded to report of a shooting at a home in 2600 Block of 37th Street, according to a media release.First responders discovered Alaniz inside the home, a victim of gunfire. He lived at the home and was pronounced deceased on scene.The KCPD major case unit is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;-----------WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Kansas City, Kansas are investigating the first homicide of 2022.Just before 3a.m. Monday, police responded to report of a shooting the 2600 Block of 37th Street, according to a media release.First responders discovered a deceased Hispanic man inside the home, a victim of gunfire. The KCPD major case unit is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; &nbsp;Authorities released no additional details Monday morning.

KC Kan. Police ID victim in city's first homicide of 2022

SEATTLE — A leader of a scheme to cheat Washington State out of more 
than $10 million in tobacco excise taxes was sentenced today in U.S. 
District Court in Seattle to 26 months in prison, announced U.S. 
Attorney Nick Brown. Hyung Il Kwon of Henderson, Nevada, was the secret 
owner of TK Mac, a company that owned and operated two smoke shops in 
Federal Way and Lynnwood, Washington. Kwon conspired with others to 
cheat the state out of tobacco excise taxes; he also evaded more than 
$850,000 in federal income taxes. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. 
District Judge James L. Robart noted that Kwon has a prior state 
conviction from a similar tobacco fraud scheme, and said, "You [Kwon] 
have almost no respect for the law whatsoever when it gets in the way of
 making money."

"For years, Mr. Kwon repeatedly laundered cash and created false 
invoices to avoid paying tobacco excise taxes. This didn't just hurt the
 state coffers, it gave his business a competitive advantage over other 
small stores," said U.S. Attorney Brown. "Now Mr. Kwon has a substantial
 restitution obligation, which will follow him even after he serves his 
prison term."

According to records filed in the case, between 2009 and 2017, Kwon 
engaged in two schemes to defraud the state of tobacco excise taxes. The
 schemes involved two tribal smoke shops on the Puyallup reservation 
which sold significant quantities of tobacco products to TK Mac, the 
non-tribal tobacco distributor. Most of the sales were in cash, and TK 
Mac failed to report the purchases to the state, thus avoiding millions 
of dollars in excise taxes. When TK Mac then resold the products for 
cash, the company had a problem, since large deposits of cash would have
 triggered state scrutiny of its tobacco business. So, beginning in 2013
 and continuing until 2017, Kwon and his coconspirators engaged in a 
money-laundering scheme: the two tribal smoke shops wrote checks to TK 
Mac as if the tribal smoke shops had purchased tobacco products from the
 non-tribal store. In fact, TK Mac simply provided the tribal smoke 
shops with large amounts of cash equal to the checks. No tobacco 
products changed hands, but TK Mac received an excise tax credit. As a 
result of these schemes, Washington State suffered losses of more than 
$10 million.

The president of the company that owns the tribal smoke shops, 
Anthony Edwin Paul, was sentenced last month to 14 months in prison, a 
$5,000 fine, and $1,764,818 in restitution. Paul's subordinate, Theodore
 Kai Silva, who operated the scheme on behalf of the tribal smoke shops,
 was sentenced today to four years of probation with six months of home 
confinement, plus $25,000 in restitution. Kwon's coconspirator and 
business partner Tae Young Kim will be sentenced in February 2022.

"Taxes, whether state or federal, are levied for the benefit of the 
public. When individuals like Mr. Silva, Mr. Kwon, Mr. Paul, and Mr. Kim
 scheme in a flagrant attempt to evade taxes, they are hurting the 
communities they purport to serve with their businesses," said Bret 
Kressin, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI) Special Agent in Charge, 
Seattle Field Office. "Today's sentence is a reminder that those who 
willfully dodge their duty to pay federal and state taxes will be held 
accountable for their actions. IRS:CI is committed to investigating 
those who choose their own greed over paying their fair share of taxes 
for the good of the public."

Following the indictment of various coconspirators, the government 
seized more than $5 million from Kwon and Kim. Today, Judge Robart 
imposed a $10,000 fine on Kwon and ordered him to pay $5,098,249 in 
restitution to the Washington State Department of Revenue, plus 
restitution to the IRS.

The case was investigated by IRS-CI, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James Oesterle and Jonas Lerman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSSEATTLE — A leader of a scheme to cheat Washington State out of more 
than $10 million in tobacco excise taxes was sentenced today in U.S. 
District Court in Seattle to 26 months in prison, announced U.S. 
Attorney Nick Brown. Hyung Il Kwon of Henderson, Nevada, was the secret 
owner of TK Mac, a company that owned and operated two smoke shops in 
Federal Way and Lynnwood, Washington. Kwon conspired with others to 
cheat the state out of tobacco excise taxes; he also evaded more than 
$850,000 in federal income taxes. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. 
District Judge James L. Robart noted that Kwon has a prior state 
conviction from a similar tobacco fraud scheme, and said, "You [Kwon] 
have almost no respect for the law whatsoever when it gets in the way of
 making money.""For years, Mr. Kwon repeatedly laundered cash and created false 
invoices to avoid paying tobacco excise taxes. This didn't just hurt the
 state coffers, it gave his business a competitive advantage over other 
small stores," said U.S. Attorney Brown. "Now Mr. Kwon has a substantial
 restitution obligation, which will follow him even after he serves his 
prison term."According to records filed in the case, between 2009 and 2017, Kwon 
engaged in two schemes to defraud the state of tobacco excise taxes. The
 schemes involved two tribal smoke shops on the Puyallup reservation 
which sold significant quantities of tobacco products to TK Mac, the 
non-tribal tobacco distributor. Most of the sales were in cash, and TK 
Mac failed to report the purchases to the state, thus avoiding millions 
of dollars in excise taxes. When TK Mac then resold the products for 
cash, the company had a problem, since large deposits of cash would have
 triggered state scrutiny of its tobacco business. So, beginning in 2013
 and continuing until 2017, Kwon and his coconspirators engaged in a 
money-laundering scheme: the two tribal smoke shops wrote checks to TK 
Mac as if the tribal smoke shops had purchased tobacco products from the
 non-tribal store. In fact, TK Mac simply provided the tribal smoke 
shops with large amounts of cash equal to the checks. No tobacco 
products changed hands, but TK Mac received an excise tax credit. As a 
result of these schemes, Washington State suffered losses of more than 
$10 million.The president of the company that owns the tribal smoke shops, 
Anthony Edwin Paul, was sentenced last month to 14 months in prison, a 
$5,000 fine, and $1,764,818 in restitution. Paul's subordinate, Theodore
 Kai Silva, who operated the scheme on behalf of the tribal smoke shops,
 was sentenced today to four years of probation with six months of home 
confinement, plus $25,000 in restitution. Kwon's coconspirator and 
business partner Tae Young Kim will be sentenced in February 2022."Taxes, whether state or federal, are levied for the benefit of the 
public. When individuals like Mr. Silva, Mr. Kwon, Mr. Paul, and Mr. Kim
 scheme in a flagrant attempt to evade taxes, they are hurting the 
communities they purport to serve with their businesses," said Bret 
Kressin, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI) Special Agent in Charge, 
Seattle Field Office. "Today's sentence is a reminder that those who 
willfully dodge their duty to pay federal and state taxes will be held 
accountable for their actions. IRS:CI is committed to investigating 
those who choose their own greed over paying their fair share of taxes 
for the good of the public."Following the indictment of various coconspirators, the government 
seized more than $5 million from Kwon and Kim. Today, Judge Robart 
imposed a $10,000 fine on Kwon and ordered him to pay $5,098,249 in 
restitution to the Washington State Department of Revenue, plus 
restitution to the IRS.The case was investigated by IRS-CI, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James Oesterle and Jonas Lerman.

Leader of $10M tobacco tax fraud, money laundering conspiracy sentenced

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers 
to use IRS online tools and resources to find the information they need 
to be ready to file their 2021 federal tax returns, including important 
special steps related to Economic Impact Payments and advance Child Tax 
Credit payments.

Individuals, especially those who don't usually file a tax return, are urged to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file their 2021 tax return electronically</a>
 beginning January 24, 2022. Using tax preparation software or a trusted
 tax professional will help guide people through the process and avoid 
making errors. Filing an incomplete or inaccurate return may mean a 
processing delay that slows the resulting tax refund.

"There are some simple steps people can take to make sure they avoid 
delays and receive a quick refund," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "It's
 critical this year to avoid a paper tax return whenever possible and 
file electronically with direct deposit. And it's more important than 
ever to make sure you're filing an accurate tax return. The IRS urges 
people to review some straightforward tips that can help them avoid 
problems and get their tax refunds quickly."

This is the third in a series of reminders to help taxpayers get ready for the upcoming tax filing season. A <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">special page</a>, updated and available on IRS.gov, outlines steps taxpayers can take now to make tax filing easier.

IRS.gov tools are easy to use and available 24 hours a day. Millions 
of people use them to find information about their accounts, get answers
 to tax questions or file and pay taxes.

Recovery Rebate Credit/Economic Impact Payments

Individuals who didn't qualify for a third Economic Impact Payment or
 got less than the full amount may be eligible to claim the Recovery 
Rebate Credit. They will need to know the total amount of their third <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-information-letters-to-advance-child-tax-credit-recipients-and-recipients-of-the-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-taxpayers-should-hold-onto-letters-to-help-the-2022-filing-season">Economic Impact Payments</a>
 received to calculate their correct 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit amount 
when they file their 2021 tax return. Ensuring they use the correct 
payment amounts will help them avoid a processing delay that may slow 
their refund. Beginning in late January, the IRS will send Letter 6475 
with the total amount of the third Economic Impact Payment received. 
People can also view their economic impact payments using their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>.

People will need to know the total amount of advance payments they received in 2021 to compare them with the full amount of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">Child Tax Credit</a> that they can properly claim when they file their 2021 tax return. People who received the advance <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-information-letters-to-advance-child-tax-credit-recipients-and-recipients-of-the-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-taxpayers-should-hold-onto-letters-to-help-the-2022-filing-season">payments</a>
 can access their online account to check the total amount of their 
payments. The IRS is also sending Letter 6419 to provide the total 
amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments received in 2021. Eligible 
families who did not get monthly advance payments in 2021 can still get a
 lump-sum payment by claiming the Child Tax Credit when they file a 2021
 federal income tax return this year. This includes families who don't 
normally need to file a return.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>&nbsp;answers
 general tax law questions, including helping to determine if a type of 
income is taxable or if someone is eligible to claim certain credits and
 deductions. With changes to income and other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/did-you-know-life-events-like-marriage-birth-and-divorce-may-have-a-significant-tax-impact">life events</a>&nbsp;for many in 2021, tax&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-and-deductions">credits and deductions</a>&nbsp;can mean more money in a taxpayer's pocket. Thinking about eligibility now can help make tax filing easier.

Taxpayers can use their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 to securely see important information when preparing to file their tax 
return or following up on balances or notices. Taxpayers can view the 
amount they owe, make and track payments and view payment plan details. 
Taxpayers can now also manage their communication preferences to go 
paperless for certain notices from the IRS, or to receive email 
notifications when the IRS sends them a new digital notice. They can 
also access information about Economic Impact Payments and advance Child
 Tax Credit payments needed to file a complete and accurate return. Act 
now to create an account.

Taxpayers can check the status of their refund using the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;tool.
 The status is available within 24 hours after the IRS accepts their 
e-filed tax return or up to four weeks after they mailed a paper return.
 The Where's My Refund? tool updates once every 24 hours, usually 
overnight, so taxpayers only need to check once a day.

Get ready to use direct deposit for tax refunds

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">Direct deposit</a>&nbsp;gives taxpayers access to their refund faster than a paper check.&nbsp;Individuals
 can use a bank account, prepaid debit card or mobile app to use direct 
deposit and will need to provide routing and account numbers. Learn how 
to open an account at an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked/">FDIC-Insured bank</a>&nbsp;or through the National&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">Credit Union Locator Tool</a>. Veterans should see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a>&nbsp;for access to financial services at participating banks.

Everyone can file electronically for free. Starting January 14, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File program</a>, available only through IRS.gov or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go app</a>,
 offers brand-name tax preparation software packages. For those who 
earned $73,000 or less in 2021, they may qualify for Free File guided 
tax software. The software does all the work of finding deductions, 
credits and exemptions. Some of the Free File offers may include a free 
state tax return. Taxpayers comfortable filling out tax forms, can use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a>, the electronic federal tax forms paper version to file their tax returns online, regardless of income.

Members of the military and qualifying veterans can use <a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services/">MilTax</a>,
 a Department of Defense program that generally offers free online tax 
preparation and e-filing software for federal returns and up to three 
state returns.

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free tax help</a> and e-file for taxpayers who qualify.

The IRS has several options for finding a tax preparer.&nbsp;The IRS provides an online database to help taxpayers locate an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/authorized-irs-e-file-providers-for-individuals">authorized e-file provider</a> in their area who can electronically file their tax return. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> provides information for selecting a tax professional. The&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;can
 help taxpayers find preparers in their area who currently hold 
professional credentials recognized by the IRS, or who hold an Annual 
Filing Season Program Record of Completion. Taxpayers need to remember 
that they, not the tax preparer, are responsible for information on 
their tax return once they sign it.

Links to online tools, publications, and other helpful resources are available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Get Ready</a>&nbsp;page. For more information about planning ahead, see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5348.pdf">Publication 5348, Get Ready to File</a>&nbsp;PDF&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5349.pdf">Publication 5349, Year-Round Tax Planning is for Everyone</a>&nbsp;PDF.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers 
to use IRS online tools and resources to find the information they need 
to be ready to file their 2021 federal tax returns, including important 
special steps related to Economic Impact Payments and advance Child Tax 
Credit payments.Individuals, especially those who don't usually file a tax return, are urged to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file their 2021 tax return electronically</a>
 beginning January 24, 2022. Using tax preparation software or a trusted
 tax professional will help guide people through the process and avoid 
making errors. Filing an incomplete or inaccurate return may mean a 
processing delay that slows the resulting tax refund."There are some simple steps people can take to make sure they avoid 
delays and receive a quick refund," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "It's
 critical this year to avoid a paper tax return whenever possible and 
file electronically with direct deposit. And it's more important than 
ever to make sure you're filing an accurate tax return. The IRS urges 
people to review some straightforward tips that can help them avoid 
problems and get their tax refunds quickly."This is the third in a series of reminders to help taxpayers get ready for the upcoming tax filing season. A <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">special page</a>, updated and available on IRS.gov, outlines steps taxpayers can take now to make tax filing easier.IRS.gov tools are easy to use and available 24 hours a day. Millions 
of people use them to find information about their accounts, get answers
 to tax questions or file and pay taxes.<h2>Recovery Rebate Credit/Economic Impact Payments</h2>Individuals who didn't qualify for a third Economic Impact Payment or
 got less than the full amount may be eligible to claim the Recovery 
Rebate Credit. They will need to know the total amount of their third <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-information-letters-to-advance-child-tax-credit-recipients-and-recipients-of-the-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-taxpayers-should-hold-onto-letters-to-help-the-2022-filing-season">Economic Impact Payments</a>
 received to calculate their correct 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit amount 
when they file their 2021 tax return. Ensuring they use the correct 
payment amounts will help them avoid a processing delay that may slow 
their refund. Beginning in late January, the IRS will send Letter 6475 
with the total amount of the third Economic Impact Payment received. 
People can also view their economic impact payments using their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>.<h2>Advance Child Tax Credit payments</h2>People will need to know the total amount of advance payments they received in 2021 to compare them with the full amount of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">Child Tax Credit</a> that they can properly claim when they file their 2021 tax return. People who received the advance <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-information-letters-to-advance-child-tax-credit-recipients-and-recipients-of-the-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-taxpayers-should-hold-onto-letters-to-help-the-2022-filing-season">payments</a>
 can access their online account to check the total amount of their 
payments. The IRS is also sending Letter 6419 to provide the total 
amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments received in 2021. Eligible 
families who did not get monthly advance payments in 2021 can still get a
 lump-sum payment by claiming the Child Tax Credit when they file a 2021
 federal income tax return this year. This includes families who don't 
normally need to file a return.<h2>Interactive Tax Assistant</h2>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>&nbsp;answers
 general tax law questions, including helping to determine if a type of 
income is taxable or if someone is eligible to claim certain credits and
 deductions. With changes to income and other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/did-you-know-life-events-like-marriage-birth-and-divorce-may-have-a-significant-tax-impact">life events</a>&nbsp;for many in 2021, tax&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-and-deductions">credits and deductions</a>&nbsp;can mean more money in a taxpayer's pocket. Thinking about eligibility now can help make tax filing easier.<h2>Online Account</h2>Taxpayers can use their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 to securely see important information when preparing to file their tax 
return or following up on balances or notices. Taxpayers can view the 
amount they owe, make and track payments and view payment plan details. 
Taxpayers can now also manage their communication preferences to go 
paperless for certain notices from the IRS, or to receive email 
notifications when the IRS sends them a new digital notice. They can 
also access information about Economic Impact Payments and advance Child
 Tax Credit payments needed to file a complete and accurate return. Act 
now to create an account.<h2>Where's My Refund?</h2>Taxpayers can check the status of their refund using the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;tool.
 The status is available within 24 hours after the IRS accepts their 
e-filed tax return or up to four weeks after they mailed a paper return.
 The Where's My Refund? tool updates once every 24 hours, usually 
overnight, so taxpayers only need to check once a day.<h2>Get ready to use direct deposit for tax refunds</h2><a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">Direct deposit</a>&nbsp;gives taxpayers access to their refund faster than a paper check.&nbsp;Individuals
 can use a bank account, prepaid debit card or mobile app to use direct 
deposit and will need to provide routing and account numbers. Learn how 
to open an account at an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked/">FDIC-Insured bank</a>&nbsp;or through the National&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">Credit Union Locator Tool</a>. Veterans should see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a>&nbsp;for access to financial services at participating banks.<h2>IRS Free File</h2>Everyone can file electronically for free. Starting January 14, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File program</a>, available only through IRS.gov or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go app</a>,
 offers brand-name tax preparation software packages. For those who 
earned $73,000 or less in 2021, they may qualify for Free File guided 
tax software. The software does all the work of finding deductions, 
credits and exemptions. Some of the Free File offers may include a free 
state tax return. Taxpayers comfortable filling out tax forms, can use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a>, the electronic federal tax forms paper version to file their tax returns online, regardless of income.Members of the military and qualifying veterans can use <a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services/">MilTax</a>,
 a Department of Defense program that generally offers free online tax 
preparation and e-filing software for federal returns and up to three 
state returns.<h2>Free tax return preparation site</h2>The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free tax help</a> and e-file for taxpayers who qualify.<h2>Choosing a preparer</h2>The IRS has several options for finding a tax preparer.&nbsp;The IRS provides an online database to help taxpayers locate an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/authorized-irs-e-file-providers-for-individuals">authorized e-file provider</a> in their area who can electronically file their tax return. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> provides information for selecting a tax professional. The&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;can
 help taxpayers find preparers in their area who currently hold 
professional credentials recognized by the IRS, or who hold an Annual 
Filing Season Program Record of Completion. Taxpayers need to remember 
that they, not the tax preparer, are responsible for information on 
their tax return once they sign it.<h2>IRS.gov/getready</h2>Links to online tools, publications, and other helpful resources are available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Get Ready</a>&nbsp;page. For more information about planning ahead, see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5348.pdf">Publication 5348, Get Ready to File</a>&nbsp;PDF&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5349.pdf">Publication 5349, Year-Round Tax Planning is for Everyone</a>&nbsp;PDF.

Get ready for taxes: Resources, online tools for before, during and after filing

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A former Kan. teacher accused of an inappropriate relationship with a student made her first court appearance in the case Wednesday.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Christin Covel, 31, was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to the daily booking report. On Wednesday, she made her first court appearance and was charged with 3 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of unlawful sexual relations, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

On Jan. 4, police arrested Covel, a teacher at Edison Preparatory Schools in Tulsa, on complaints out of Sedgewick County, according to Tulsa Police Department. She is accused of having inappropriate relations with a boy while working at Mead Middle School&nbsp;2601 E Skinner Street in Wichita.

The incidents involving the boy happened between 2018 and 2019, according to police. Covel worked in the district from 2015 to 2020, according to USD 259.

The Tulsa school district sent a letter to parents Jan. 4 to inform them of her arrest, according to the district web site.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641428925404.png" alt="Covel from the Tulsa County jail booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Covel from the Tulsa County jail booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A former Kan. teacher accused of an inappropriate relationship with a student made her first court appearance in the case Wednesday.&nbsp;On Tuesday, Christin Covel, 31, was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to the daily booking report. On Wednesday, she made her first court appearance and was charged with 3 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of unlawful sexual relations, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.On Jan. 4, police arrested Covel, a teacher at Edison Preparatory Schools in Tulsa, on complaints out of Sedgewick County, according to Tulsa Police Department. She is accused of having inappropriate relations with a boy while working at Mead Middle School&nbsp;2601 E Skinner Street in Wichita.The incidents involving the boy happened between 2018 and 2019, according to police. Covel worked in the district from 2015 to 2020, according to USD 259.The Tulsa school district sent a letter to parents Jan. 4 to inform them of her arrest, according to the district web site.

Teacher arrested in Okla. charged with child sex crimes in Kansas

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for help to locate a Kansas felon with nearly two dozen convictions in connection with a probation violation, according the&nbsp;&nbsp;Douglas County 

On Dec. 29, Tyrone “Ty” Leroy Alexander, 48, of Baldwin City, fled a traffic stop and led deputies on a high speed chase through portions of Lawrence.

Alexander has 23 previous convictions that include robbery, burglary, forgery, theft, criminal use of a financial card, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

The new charges would include aggravated assault, felony flee and elude and interference with law enforcement, according to the Sheriff's office.

Anyone with information about Alexander’s whereabouts can contact our office, 785-843-0250, or anonymously at Crime Stoppers, 785-843-TIPS (8477).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642021103301.png" alt="Alexander has&nbsp;convictions that include robbery, burglary, forgery, theft, criminal use of a financial card, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Alexander has&nbsp;convictions that include robbery, burglary, forgery, theft, criminal use of a financial card, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for help to locate a Kansas felon with nearly two dozen convictions in connection with a probation violation, according the&nbsp;&nbsp;Douglas County On Dec. 29, Tyrone “Ty” Leroy Alexander, 48, of Baldwin City, fled a traffic stop and led deputies on a high speed chase through portions of Lawrence.Alexander has 23 previous convictions that include robbery, burglary, forgery, theft, criminal use of a financial card, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.The new charges would include aggravated assault, felony flee and elude and interference with law enforcement, according to the Sheriff's office.Anyone with information about Alexander’s whereabouts can contact our office, 785-843-0250, or anonymously at Crime Stoppers, 785-843-TIPS (8477).

Search continues for wanted Kan. felon who fled traffic stop

The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care. Amid this crisis, doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available, according to a statement from the organization.

Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments.

“While some types of medical care can wait, others can’t,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the Red Cross. “Hospitals are still seeing accident victims, cancer patients, those with blood disorders like sickle cell disease, and individuals who are seriously ill who all need blood transfusions to live even as Omicron cases surge across the country. We’re doing everything we can to increase blood donations to ensure every patient can receive medical treatments without delay, but we cannot do it without more donors. We need the help of the American people.”

The Red Cross asks the country to roll up a sleeve to help ensure people receive the care they need. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/">RedCrossBlood.org</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

The Red Cross has experienced a 10% decline in the number of people donating blood since the beginning of the pandemic and continues to confront relentless issues due to the pandemic, including ongoing blood drive cancellations and staffing limitations. Adding to the concern is the surge of COVID-19 cases. The Red Cross has experienced low donor turnout ever since the delta variant began spreading in August, and that trend continues as the Omicron variant takes over.

All types are needed now, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations, to help reverse this national blood crisis. If there is not an immediate opportunity available to donate, donors are asked to make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and maintain a sufficient blood supply

Supplying 40% of the nation’s blood, the Red Cross has had to limit blood distributions to hospitals in recent weeks. In fact, on certain days, some hospitals may not receive as much as one-quarter of the blood products requested. Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled and can only be made available through the kindness of volunteer donors.

All of this comes as January marks National Blood Donor Month, a time to raise awareness about the need for blood donations when regular seasonal illnesses like colds and the flu, as well as winter weather often leads to a decline in donations.

“Every community in America needs blood on a daily basis. At a time when many businesses and organizations across the country are experiencing pandemic challenges – the Red Cross is no different. And while we are all learning how to live in this new environment, how we spend our time, where we work, how we give back, how we make a difference in the lives of others – donating blood must continue to be part of it,” added Dr. Young.

The Red Cross appreciates the patience of blood donors and blood drive hosts. As the nation faces the latest challenges of this pandemic environment, there may not be an immediate appointment available or an individual may be asked to reschedule an appointment — but the Red Cross still needs donors. The Red Cross is grateful for donors’ understanding as the organization works tirelessly to meet the needs of patients.

The Personal Impact of Blood Shortages

Kristen Mill of Spring Grove, Illinois, suffers from ongoing health problems caused by a tick bite in 2008. Her body doesn’t produce enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen in her blood, and when her hemoglobin levels drop, blood transfusions are essential for her to survive. She has needed weekly transfusions to treat this condition for much of the summer and fall of 2021.

On a recent visit to the hospital for a transfusion, she was told the hospital had no blood that matched her blood type and she would have to wait until the right match became available.

“The hospital came to me and they apologized, and they said, ‘We’re so sorry, our blood bank is depleted to the point where we don’t have anyone that matches with you,’” said Kristen. “It’s very scary, especially if you don’t know if the blood is coming, because this is something that you need to live.”

Unfortunately, Kristen has had to wait for blood on multiple occasions in recent weeks. “It has become quite common that I would have to wait two or three days for blood. Then my condition would get worse, and I’d need to be hospitalized while waiting for blood. It usually took two days, sometimes three days, which is a long time when you are waiting for something that could save your life,” said Kristen.

Kristen worries that the next time she needs blood, it may not arrive in time to keep her alive. After seeing firsthand what a blood shortage means, she has become an advocate for blood donation.

“I don’t want this to happen to other people,” Kristen said. “There is nothing greater you can give someone than the gift of life. To have people donating lifesaving blood is just incredible and essential.”

Special Thank You to Those Who Come to Give

The Red Cross and the NFL are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to kick off 2022 with a blood or platelet donation. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Terms apply; visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/super_bowl.html">RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl</a>&nbsp;for more information.

In addition to blood donors, the Red Cross also needs the help of volunteers to support critical blood collections across the country. Blood drive volunteers play an important role by greeting, registering, answering questions and providing information to blood donors throughout the donation process. Blood transportation specialists – another volunteer opportunity – provide a critical link between blood donors and blood recipients by delivering blood to hospitals in communities across the country. To volunteer to support Red Cross blood collections, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday">redcross.org/volunteertoday</a>.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are still eligible to donate blood and platelets. Knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they receive is important in determining blood donation eligibility.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive">donate blood</a>. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass®&nbsp;to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a>&nbsp;or use the Blood Donor App.

The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care. Amid this crisis, doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available, according to a statement from the organization.Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments.“While some types of medical care can wait, others can’t,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the Red Cross. “Hospitals are still seeing accident victims, cancer patients, those with blood disorders like sickle cell disease, and individuals who are seriously ill who all need blood transfusions to live even as Omicron cases surge across the country. We’re doing everything we can to increase blood donations to ensure every patient can receive medical treatments without delay, but we cannot do it without more donors. We need the help of the American people.”The Red Cross asks the country to roll up a sleeve to help ensure people receive the care they need. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/">RedCrossBlood.org</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)The Red Cross has experienced a 10% decline in the number of people donating blood since the beginning of the pandemic and continues to confront relentless issues due to the pandemic, including ongoing blood drive cancellations and staffing limitations. Adding to the concern is the surge of COVID-19 cases. The Red Cross has experienced low donor turnout ever since the delta variant began spreading in August, and that trend continues as the Omicron variant takes over.All types are needed now, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations, to help reverse this national blood crisis. If there is not an immediate opportunity available to donate, donors are asked to make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and maintain a sufficient blood supplyBlood Donation ChallengesSupplying 40% of the nation’s blood, the Red Cross has had to limit blood distributions to hospitals in recent weeks. In fact, on certain days, some hospitals may not receive as much as one-quarter of the blood products requested. Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled and can only be made available through the kindness of volunteer donors.All of this comes as January marks National Blood Donor Month, a time to raise awareness about the need for blood donations when regular seasonal illnesses like colds and the flu, as well as winter weather often leads to a decline in donations.“Every community in America needs blood on a daily basis. At a time when many businesses and organizations across the country are experiencing pandemic challenges – the Red Cross is no different. And while we are all learning how to live in this new environment, how we spend our time, where we work, how we give back, how we make a difference in the lives of others – donating blood must continue to be part of it,” added Dr. Young.The Red Cross appreciates the patience of blood donors and blood drive hosts. As the nation faces the latest challenges of this pandemic environment, there may not be an immediate appointment available or an individual may be asked to reschedule an appointment — but the Red Cross still needs donors. The Red Cross is grateful for donors’ understanding as the organization works tirelessly to meet the needs of patients.The Personal Impact of Blood ShortagesKristen Mill of Spring Grove, Illinois, suffers from ongoing health problems caused by a tick bite in 2008. Her body doesn’t produce enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen in her blood, and when her hemoglobin levels drop, blood transfusions are essential for her to survive. She has needed weekly transfusions to treat this condition for much of the summer and fall of 2021.On a recent visit to the hospital for a transfusion, she was told the hospital had no blood that matched her blood type and she would have to wait until the right match became available.“The hospital came to me and they apologized, and they said, ‘We’re so sorry, our blood bank is depleted to the point where we don’t have anyone that matches with you,’” said Kristen. “It’s very scary, especially if you don’t know if the blood is coming, because this is something that you need to live.”Unfortunately, Kristen has had to wait for blood on multiple occasions in recent weeks. “It has become quite common that I would have to wait two or three days for blood. Then my condition would get worse, and I’d need to be hospitalized while waiting for blood. It usually took two days, sometimes three days, which is a long time when you are waiting for something that could save your life,” said Kristen.Kristen worries that the next time she needs blood, it may not arrive in time to keep her alive. After seeing firsthand what a blood shortage means, she has become an advocate for blood donation.“I don’t want this to happen to other people,” Kristen said. “There is nothing greater you can give someone than the gift of life. To have people donating lifesaving blood is just incredible and essential.”Special Thank You to Those Who Come to GiveThe Red Cross and the NFL are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to kick off 2022 with a blood or platelet donation. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Terms apply; visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/super_bowl.html">RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl</a>&nbsp;for more information.Blood Drive Volunteers NeededIn addition to blood donors, the Red Cross also needs the help of volunteers to support critical blood collections across the country. Blood drive volunteers play an important role by greeting, registering, answering questions and providing information to blood donors throughout the donation process. Blood transportation specialists – another volunteer opportunity – provide a critical link between blood donors and blood recipients by delivering blood to hospitals in communities across the country. To volunteer to support Red Cross blood collections, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday">redcross.org/volunteertoday</a>.COVID-19 Safety ProtocolsEach Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are still eligible to donate blood and platelets. Knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they receive is important in determining blood donation eligibility.About Blood DonationA blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive">donate blood</a>. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass®&nbsp;to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a>&nbsp;or use the Blood Donor App.

Red Cross declares first-ever blood crisis amid Omicron surge

WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation jumped at its fastest pace in nearly 40 years last month, a 7% spike from a year earlier that is increasing household expenses, eating into wage gains and heaping pressure on President Joe Biden and the Federal Reserve to address what has become the biggest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-prices-inflation-jerome-powell-9521329e7a977c78f7765784112e5c63">threat to the U.S. economy</a>.

Prices rose sharply in 2021 for cars, gas, food and furniture&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-consumer-prices-economy-5f69bed77f98221f9936ae99f96fd361">as part of a rapid recovery</a>&nbsp;from the pandemic recession. Vast infusions of government aid and ultra-low interest rates helped spur demand for goods, while vaccinations gave people confidence to dine out and travel.

As Americans ramped up spending,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-technology-business-health-hurricanes-46bce9cc36dab2b330309dae0354cf53">supply chains remained squeezed</a>&nbsp;by shortages of workers and raw materials and this magnified price pressures.

The Labor Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf" target="_blank">reported Wednesday&nbsp;</a>that a measure of inflation that excludes volatile food and gas prices jumped 5.5% in December, also the highest in decades. Overall inflation rose 0.5% from November, down from 0.8% the previous month.

Price gains could slow further as snags in supply chains ease, but most economists say inflation won’t fall back to pre-pandemic levels anytime soon.

“U.S. inflation pressures show no sign of easing,” said James Knightley, chief international economist at the financial services company ING. “It hasn’t been this high since the days of Thatcher and Reagan. We could be close to the peak, but the risk is that inflation stays higher for longer.’’

High inflation isn’t only a problem for the U.S. In the 19 European countries that use the euro currency, inflation rose 5% in December compared with a year earlier, the biggest increase on record.

Companies large and small are adapting as best they can.

Nicole Pomije, a bakery owner in the Minneapolis area, said she plans to raise prices for cookies because of surging ingredient costs.

Her basic cookies were priced at 99 cents each, while premium versions were selling for $1.50 each. But Pomije said she will have to jack up the prices of her basic cookies to the premium price.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638185017979.png" alt="President Biden during a November shopping trip-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden during a November shopping trip-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation jumped at its fastest pace in nearly 40 years last month, a 7% spike from a year earlier that is increasing household expenses, eating into wage gains and heaping pressure on President Joe Biden and the Federal Reserve to address what has become the biggest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-prices-inflation-jerome-powell-9521329e7a977c78f7765784112e5c63">threat to the U.S. economy</a>.Prices rose sharply in 2021 for cars, gas, food and furniture&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-consumer-prices-economy-5f69bed77f98221f9936ae99f96fd361">as part of a rapid recovery</a>&nbsp;from the pandemic recession. Vast infusions of government aid and ultra-low interest rates helped spur demand for goods, while vaccinations gave people confidence to dine out and travel.As Americans ramped up spending,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-technology-business-health-hurricanes-46bce9cc36dab2b330309dae0354cf53">supply chains remained squeezed</a>&nbsp;by shortages of workers and raw materials and this magnified price pressures.The Labor Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf" target="_blank">reported Wednesday&nbsp;</a>that a measure of inflation that excludes volatile food and gas prices jumped 5.5% in December, also the highest in decades. Overall inflation rose 0.5% from November, down from 0.8% the previous month.Price gains could slow further as snags in supply chains ease, but most economists say inflation won’t fall back to pre-pandemic levels anytime soon.“U.S. inflation pressures show no sign of easing,” said James Knightley, chief international economist at the financial services company ING. “It hasn’t been this high since the days of Thatcher and Reagan. We could be close to the peak, but the risk is that inflation stays higher for longer.’’High inflation isn’t only a problem for the U.S. In the 19 European countries that use the euro currency, inflation rose 5% in December compared with a year earlier, the biggest increase on record.Companies large and small are adapting as best they can.Nicole Pomije, a bakery owner in the Minneapolis area, said she plans to raise prices for cookies because of surging ingredient costs.Her basic cookies were priced at 99 cents each, while premium versions were selling for $1.50 each. But Pomije said she will have to jack up the prices of her basic cookies to the premium price.“We have to make money,” she said. “We don’t want to lose our customers. But I think we might.”Businesses struggling to hire have hiked pay, but rising prices for goods and services have eroded those income gains for many Americans. Lower-income families have felt it the most, and polls show that inflation has started&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-elections-bb16c5c52e2bf719ec8a0c5415aaf66c">displacing even the coronavirus as a public concern.</a>The United States hasn’t seen anything like it since the early 1980s. Back then, Fed Chair Paul Volcker responded by pushing interest rates to painful levels — the prime rate for banks’ best customers hit 20% in 1980 — and sent the economy into a deep recession. But Volcker succeeded in taming inflation that had been running at double-digit year-over-year levels for much of 1979-1981.High inflation has put President Biden on the defensive. His administration, echoing officials at the Fed, initially suggested that price increases would be temporary. Now that inflation has persisted, Biden and some congressional Democrats have begun to blame large corporations. They say meat producers and other industries are taking advantage of pandemic-induced shortages to drive up prices and profits. But even some left-of-center economists disagree with that diagnosis.On Wednesday, the president issued a statement arguing that the drop in gas prices in December and a smaller increase in food costs showed progress.One trend experts fear is a wage-price spiral. That happens when workers seek more pay to offset higher costs, and then companies raise costs further to cover that higher pay. On Tuesday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told a Senate panel that he has yet to see evidence that wages are broadly driving up prices across the economy.The biggest driver of inflation, according to economists, are mismatches between supply and demand. Used car prices have soared more than 37% over the past year because a shortage of semiconductors has prevented auto companies from making enough new cars. Supply-chain constraints have driven furniture prices nearly 14% higher over the past year.Shoppers are feeling the pinch all around them, from the gas station to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-lifestyle-health-weather-166cc40b0ff095af9d0bf4041fa1b5fc">the grocery store.</a>Vicki Bernardo Hill, 65, an occupational therapist in Gaithersburg, Maryland, says she no longer throws extra canned food, boxes of cereal or bakery items into her shopping cart at the Giant Food store.“I am trying to stick to my list and buying things that are on sale, ” said Hill.Because she couldn’t find a good deal on a used car, Hill recently bought a new Mazda, spending $5,000 more than she had planned.Inflation could ease as the omicron wave fades and as Americans shift more of their spending to services such as travel, eating out and movie-going. That would reduce the demand for goods and help clear supply chains.But some higher prices, such as rents, could prove to be stickier. Rental costs, which have accelerated since summer, rose 0.4% in December, the third consecutive monthly increase. That’s significant because housing costs make up one-third of the government’s consumer price index.Powell told Congress that if it becomes necessary to fight high inflation more aggressively, the Federal Reserve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-prices-inflation-jerome-powell-9521329e7a977c78f7765784112e5c63">is prepared to accelerate the interest rate hikes&nbsp;</a>it plans to begin this year. The Fed’s benchmark short-term rate, now pegged near zero, is expected to be bumped up at least three times this year.Rate increases would make borrowing for a home or car more expensive, and therefore help to cool off the economy.Some economists and members of Congress fear the Fed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-inflation-jerome-powell-2fb1b598126f5a26a0388033e277c7bc">has acted too slowly</a>&nbsp;to head off inflation and that this could eventually force even sharper rate increases that could damage the economy.Republicans in Congress and even some liberal economists say Biden deserves at least some of the blame for high inflation, arguing that the financial rescue package he pushed through Congress last March added significant stimulus to an already strengthening economy.______