SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman shot by police after she pointed a gun at officers was scheduled for sentencing Tuesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The hearing was continued and and authorities have not scheduled a new sentencing date, according to the DA's office.

Jennifer Miller, 34 of Wichita, was found guilty of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and criminal possession of a firearm.

On March 31, two police officers were proactively checking the Red Roof Inn, 7335 East Kellogg and Sky Palace, 7321 East Kellogg in Wichita after numerous calls and complaints over several months involving assaults, burglaries, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the businesses.

While checking the businesses, the officers saw a stolen Subaru Legacy behind the Red Roof Inn. The car had been reported stolen on March 30. As officers approached the car, they saw Miller enter the car's trunk, grab items and walk toward her room at the Sky Palace.

One officer approached Miller. A second officer arrived to assist and asked Miller for identification. Miller reached into her purse, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at both officers, according to Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens.

One officer pulled his handgun and fired one shot striking Miller in the neck. The officers began life saving measures and called EMS.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

She was released from the hospital April 9 and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;Before sentencing this week, Miller's attorney told Judge Williams his client was high on methamphetamine and heroin at the time of the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618056359501.png" alt="Miller photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Miller photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman shot by police after she pointed a gun at officers was scheduled for sentencing Tuesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The hearing was continued and and authorities have not scheduled a new sentencing date, according to the DA's office.Jennifer Miller, 34 of Wichita, was found guilty of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and criminal possession of a firearm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617291763952.png" alt="Photo from the officers body camera released by Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo from the officers body camera released by Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On March 31, two police officers were proactively checking the Red Roof Inn, 7335 East Kellogg and Sky Palace, 7321 East Kellogg in Wichita after numerous calls and complaints over several months involving assaults, burglaries, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the businesses.While checking the businesses, the officers saw a stolen Subaru Legacy behind the Red Roof Inn. The car had been reported stolen on March 30. As officers approached the car, they saw Miller enter the car's trunk, grab items and walk toward her room at the Sky Palace.One officer approached Miller. A second officer arrived to assist and asked Miller for identification. Miller reached into her purse, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at both officers, according to Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617293757915.png" alt="Miller has previous convictions that include ID theft, forgery, theft and flee and elude, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick County&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Miller has previous convictions that include ID theft, forgery, theft and flee and elude, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick County&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>One officer pulled his handgun and fired one shot striking Miller in the neck. The officers began life saving measures and called EMS.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;She was released from the hospital April 9 and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;Before sentencing this week, Miller's attorney told Judge Williams his client was high on methamphetamine and heroin at the time of the incident.-----------

Kan. woman shot by police after she pointed gun will go to prison

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 19-year-old has been charged with fatally shooting his 15-year-old friend with a pink gun while playing with it at a Kansas City-area home, according to court records.

Elijah Soliz was charged Friday with first-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the Dec. 11 shooting in Independence. No attorney is listed for him in online court records.

A police detective wrote in the probable cause statement that Soliz described the shooting as accidental. He told an officer at the scene that he was just holding the gun and it went off. During a later interview, he said he dropped it and that it went off when he caught it. He also admitted to smoking marijuana, the probable cause statement said.

Several days later, the mother of a witness reached out to police. The witness said that someone else racked the slide of the pistol, putting a round in the chamber, before handing it to Soliz, the probable cause statement said.

The witness said Soliz had the pistol pointed at the victim’s head for 30 to 45 seconds before it slipped and fired. The witness said he wasn't sure if Soliz knew that there was a bullet in the chamber and that he didn't believe the shooting was intentional.

The 15-year-old was struck in the head and was pronounced dead at a hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639857344524.png" alt="Soliz-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Soliz-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 19-year-old has been charged with fatally shooting his 15-year-old friend with a pink gun while playing with it at a Kansas City-area home, according to court records.Elijah Soliz was charged Friday with first-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the Dec. 11 shooting in Independence. No attorney is listed for him in online court records.A police detective wrote in the probable cause statement that Soliz described the shooting as accidental. He told an officer at the scene that he was just holding the gun and it went off. During a later interview, he said he dropped it and that it went off when he caught it. He also admitted to smoking marijuana, the probable cause statement said.Several days later, the mother of a witness reached out to police. The witness said that someone else racked the slide of the pistol, putting a round in the chamber, before handing it to Soliz, the probable cause statement said.The witness said Soliz had the pistol pointed at the victim’s head for 30 to 45 seconds before it slipped and fired. The witness said he wasn't sure if Soliz knew that there was a bullet in the chamber and that he didn't believe the shooting was intentional.The 15-year-old was struck in the head and was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Teens playing with gun before 15-year-old was killed

WASHINGTON (AP) — All of the U.S. military services have now begun disciplinary actions and discharges for troops who have refused to get the mandated coronavirus vaccine, officials said, with as many as 20,000 unvaccinated forces at risk of being removed from service.

On Thursday, the Marine Corps said it has discharged 103 Marines so far for refusing the vaccine, and the Army said it has reprimanded more than 2,700 soldiers and will begin discharge proceedings in January. The Air Force said earlier this week that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-257b231698d17ab3c6aef71867520346">27 airmen had been discharged for refusing the vaccine order</a>. And the Navy laid out its new discipline procedure this week, and has already fired one sailor from his command job for refusing to be tested while he pursues an exemption.

Military leaders have warned for months that troops would face consequences if they did not follow what is considered to be a lawful order to get the COVID-19 vaccine. But only in the last week or so have they publicly begun following through on those threats.

It’s not clear how many could end up being discharged. But according to the services, at least 30,000 service members are not yet vaccinated, but several thousand of those have gotten temporary or permanent medical or administrative exemptions approved. Of the remaining — which is likely 20,000 or more — thousands are working their way through the exemptions process or have flatly refused. That’s about 1.5% of the roughly 1.3 million active duty troops.

The figures reflect a calculated risk — that the number of troops who would be forced from service for refusing the vaccine posed less of a threat to military readiness than the prospect of the virus running rampant among unvaccinated troops.

More than 12,000 have sought religious exemptions. And about 4,800 Army soldiers and Air Force airmen have flatly refused the vaccine, without seeking an exemption. The Navy and Marine Corps have not released their refusal totals.

Pentagon chief spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s main concern is getting as many service members vaccinated as possible.

“What he would tell these individuals if he had the chance to speak to them directly is to get the vaccine, if they are medically eligible,” Kirby said. “Get the vaccine because it’s the best way to protect themselves and their units. That’s the readiness concern — getting the vaccination rate as close to 100% as possible.”

His comments came as the Army became the last military service to reach the deadline for requiring active duty troops to get vaccines. On Thursday, the Army said 98% of its active duty force had gotten at least one shot, but that more than 3,800 soldiers flatly refused and could start being removed from the military next month.

The Marine Corps said 95% of its force has gotten at least one dose as of Thursday. About 97.5% of the Air Force and Space Force have gotten at least one shot, and a bit more than 1,000 have flatly refused. And 98.4% of the Navy is fully vaccinated. The Navy does not release totals of those with one dose.

Asked about the impact on military readiness if service members continue to refuse the shots and are discharged from the service, Kirby said troops still have time to do the right thing.

“We obviously hope that they will,” he said. “But if they don’t, it is a lawful order and it has to be obeyed because it is a valid medical requirement.”

While each service has developed its own process, all are following existing rules for when a service member disobeys a lawful order. Getting thrown out of the military for refusing a vaccine has been done very rarely. But service members are routinely discharged for disobeying orders — often getting an honorable discharge or general discharge with honorable conditions.

According to the data released Thursday, the Army, the largest military service, reported the fewest service members seeking religious exemptions — a bit more than 1,700 soldiers — compared with the three smaller services. In comparison, more than 4,700 in the Air Force, 3,100 in the Marine Corps and 2,700 in the Navy sought religious exemptions, according to data released by the services in the past week. None has yet been approved.

The Pentagon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-us-military-requirement-pentagon-3975940c732352f72e41f6e34a3a2669">this year made the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory</a>&nbsp;for all service members, including the National Guard and Reserve. Austin has said repeatedly that getting the vaccine is critical to maintaining a heathy, ready force that can be prepared to defend the nation. The Pentagon is also weighing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-lloyd-austin-john-kirby-06508de37647d9c94e0f120dbacabde8">making the vaccine booster shots mandatory</a>&nbsp;for service members.

The Army’s 478,000 active duty soldiers had until Wednesday to get the shots. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-b145976254f6deab1ae3130cf8159b00">Air Force required vaccines for the active duty by Nov. 2</a>, while members of the Navy and the Marine Corps had until Nov. 28 to get the shots and their Reserve members have until Dec. 28. Air Force Guard and Reserves had until Dec. 2, and the Army Guard and Reserve soldiers have until next June.

“Vaccinating our soldiers against COVID-19 is first and foremost about Army readiness,” Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said in a statement. “To those who continue to refuse the vaccine and are not pending a final decision on a medical or administrative exemption, I strongly encourage you to get the vaccine. If not, we will begin involuntary separation proceedings.”

In addition to the more than 2,700 Army soldiers who received written reprimands for refusing the shot, six were fired from leadership positions. Students at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point who refuse the vaccine and do not get an approved exemption will not be commissioned as officers.

The Army said more than 6,200 soldiers are seeking a temporary or permanent exemption, including the 1,746 religious requests. Nearly 3,900 have received temporary medical or administrative exemptions and four got a permanent medical exemption.

Temporary medical exemptions can include pregnancy or other reasons, and administrative can include those who are retiring or are in remote locations with no available vaccines.

Across the military, the vaccine reaction has mirrored that of society, with thousands reluctant to get shots. But overall the percentage of troops — particularly active duty members — who quickly were vaccinated exceeds nationwide numbers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 72% of the U.S. population age 18 or older has gotten at least one shot.

Members of the U.S. military are already required to get as many as 17 vaccines, depending on where they are deployed, including for smallpox, hepatitis, polio and the flu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635861962000.png" alt="Photo Department of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Photo Department of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — All of the U.S. military services have now begun disciplinary actions and discharges for troops who have refused to get the mandated coronavirus vaccine, officials said, with as many as 20,000 unvaccinated forces at risk of being removed from service.On Thursday, the Marine Corps said it has discharged 103 Marines so far for refusing the vaccine, and the Army said it has reprimanded more than 2,700 soldiers and will begin discharge proceedings in January. The Air Force said earlier this week that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-257b231698d17ab3c6aef71867520346">27 airmen had been discharged for refusing the vaccine order</a>. And the Navy laid out its new discipline procedure this week, and has already fired one sailor from his command job for refusing to be tested while he pursues an exemption.Military leaders have warned for months that troops would face consequences if they did not follow what is considered to be a lawful order to get the COVID-19 vaccine. But only in the last week or so have they publicly begun following through on those threats.It’s not clear how many could end up being discharged. But according to the services, at least 30,000 service members are not yet vaccinated, but several thousand of those have gotten temporary or permanent medical or administrative exemptions approved. Of the remaining — which is likely 20,000 or more — thousands are working their way through the exemptions process or have flatly refused. That’s about 1.5% of the roughly 1.3 million active duty troops.The figures reflect a calculated risk — that the number of troops who would be forced from service for refusing the vaccine posed less of a threat to military readiness than the prospect of the virus running rampant among unvaccinated troops.More than 12,000 have sought religious exemptions. And about 4,800 Army soldiers and Air Force airmen have flatly refused the vaccine, without seeking an exemption. The Navy and Marine Corps have not released their refusal totals.Pentagon chief spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s main concern is getting as many service members vaccinated as possible.“What he would tell these individuals if he had the chance to speak to them directly is to get the vaccine, if they are medically eligible,” Kirby said. “Get the vaccine because it’s the best way to protect themselves and their units. That’s the readiness concern — getting the vaccination rate as close to 100% as possible.”His comments came as the Army became the last military service to reach the deadline for requiring active duty troops to get vaccines. On Thursday, the Army said 98% of its active duty force had gotten at least one shot, but that more than 3,800 soldiers flatly refused and could start being removed from the military next month.The Marine Corps said 95% of its force has gotten at least one dose as of Thursday. About 97.5% of the Air Force and Space Force have gotten at least one shot, and a bit more than 1,000 have flatly refused. And 98.4% of the Navy is fully vaccinated. The Navy does not release totals of those with one dose.Asked about the impact on military readiness if service members continue to refuse the shots and are discharged from the service, Kirby said troops still have time to do the right thing.“We obviously hope that they will,” he said. “But if they don’t, it is a lawful order and it has to be obeyed because it is a valid medical requirement.”While each service has developed its own process, all are following existing rules for when a service member disobeys a lawful order. Getting thrown out of the military for refusing a vaccine has been done very rarely. But service members are routinely discharged for disobeying orders — often getting an honorable discharge or general discharge with honorable conditions.According to the data released Thursday, the Army, the largest military service, reported the fewest service members seeking religious exemptions — a bit more than 1,700 soldiers — compared with the three smaller services. In comparison, more than 4,700 in the Air Force, 3,100 in the Marine Corps and 2,700 in the Navy sought religious exemptions, according to data released by the services in the past week. None has yet been approved.The Pentagon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-us-military-requirement-pentagon-3975940c732352f72e41f6e34a3a2669">this year made the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory</a>&nbsp;for all service members, including the National Guard and Reserve. Austin has said repeatedly that getting the vaccine is critical to maintaining a heathy, ready force that can be prepared to defend the nation. The Pentagon is also weighing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-lloyd-austin-john-kirby-06508de37647d9c94e0f120dbacabde8">making the vaccine booster shots mandatory</a>&nbsp;for service members.The Army’s 478,000 active duty soldiers had until Wednesday to get the shots. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-b145976254f6deab1ae3130cf8159b00">Air Force required vaccines for the active duty by Nov. 2</a>, while members of the Navy and the Marine Corps had until Nov. 28 to get the shots and their Reserve members have until Dec. 28. Air Force Guard and Reserves had until Dec. 2, and the Army Guard and Reserve soldiers have until next June.“Vaccinating our soldiers against COVID-19 is first and foremost about Army readiness,” Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said in a statement. “To those who continue to refuse the vaccine and are not pending a final decision on a medical or administrative exemption, I strongly encourage you to get the vaccine. If not, we will begin involuntary separation proceedings.”In addition to the more than 2,700 Army soldiers who received written reprimands for refusing the shot, six were fired from leadership positions. Students at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point who refuse the vaccine and do not get an approved exemption will not be commissioned as officers.The Army said more than 6,200 soldiers are seeking a temporary or permanent exemption, including the 1,746 religious requests. Nearly 3,900 have received temporary medical or administrative exemptions and four got a permanent medical exemption.Temporary medical exemptions can include pregnancy or other reasons, and administrative can include those who are retiring or are in remote locations with no available vaccines.Across the military, the vaccine reaction has mirrored that of society, with thousands reluctant to get shots. But overall the percentage of troops — particularly active duty members — who quickly were vaccinated exceeds nationwide numbers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 72% of the U.S. population age 18 or older has gotten at least one shot.Members of the U.S. military are already required to get as many as 17 vaccines, depending on where they are deployed, including for smallpox, hepatitis, polio and the flu.

Across services, troops face discipline for refusing vaccine

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Wichita police chief who was one of the first law enforcement officials to call the death of George Floyd a murder has announced that he is resigning. 

Gordon Ramsay announced Friday morning that he plans to resign from his position on March 1. Ramsay said he wanted to spend more time with family and is weighing a run for St. Louis County Sheriff in Duluth, where he was police chief before getting hired in Wichita. 

Ramsay said his diversification of the police department is one of his proudest accomplishments.

Ramsay was appointed as the Wichita Police Chief in January 2016 and has served as a police officer since 1993, according to his bio on the city web site.

He is nationally recognized for his work and expertise with citizen oversight boards, co-responders models, police-community relations, and the use of technology and crime reduction.&nbsp; Due to his work in these areas, Chief Ramsay was selected to serve as a Commissioner on the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Kansas Governor's Commission on Racial Equity and Justice.&nbsp;

Overall, WPD experienced a decrease in part one crimes under Chief Ramsay's leadership. In partnership with his staff, he has implemented innovative methods to reduce crime, including shot spotter technology, Operation Save a Casing, and created the first Crime Gun Intelligence Center in Kansas.&nbsp; Additionally, they have added several embedded caseworkers who assist families in crisis, caseworkers who assist with housing stabilization, and a co-responder model for mental health response. Chief Ramsay implemented Wichita's first Citizen Review Board in 2018.

Under Chief Ramsay's leadership, federal grants have quadrupled in dollar amounts and are helping reduce gun violence and fund important crime reduction initiatives.&nbsp;

Chief Ramsay is currently an executive board member with the Major City Police Chiefs Association representing the central U.S. and has his Bachelor's Degree in Criminology and Sociology and a Master's Degree in Management. He previously served as the General Chair of the Mid-Sized Agency Section of the IACP, President of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and is currently an Advisory Board Member of the Council of State Governments-Justice Center and is on the Board of the Wichita area YMCA's, the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas and Rise Up for Youth.&nbsp; He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy session 222.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591132639079.png" alt="Chief Gordon Ramsay-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Chief Gordon Ramsay-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Wichita police chief who was one of the first law enforcement officials to call the death of George Floyd a murder has announced that he is resigning. Gordon Ramsay announced Friday morning that he plans to resign from his position on March 1. Ramsay said he wanted to spend more time with family and is weighing a run for St. Louis County Sheriff in Duluth, where he was police chief before getting hired in Wichita. Ramsay said his diversification of the police department is one of his proudest accomplishments.Ramsay was appointed as the Wichita Police Chief in January 2016 and has served as a police officer since 1993, according to his bio on the city web site. He is nationally recognized for his work and expertise with citizen oversight boards, co-responders models, police-community relations, and the use of technology and crime reduction.&nbsp; Due to his work in these areas, Chief Ramsay was selected to serve as a Commissioner on the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Kansas Governor's Commission on Racial Equity and Justice.&nbsp; Overall, WPD experienced a decrease in part one crimes under Chief Ramsay's leadership. In partnership with his staff, he has implemented innovative methods to reduce crime, including shot spotter technology, Operation Save a Casing, and created the first Crime Gun Intelligence Center in Kansas.&nbsp; Additionally, they have added several embedded caseworkers who assist families in crisis, caseworkers who assist with housing stabilization, and a co-responder model for mental health response. Chief Ramsay implemented Wichita's first Citizen Review Board in 2018.Under Chief Ramsay's leadership, federal grants have quadrupled in dollar amounts and are helping reduce gun violence and fund important crime reduction initiatives.&nbsp;Chief Ramsay is currently an executive board member with the Major City Police Chiefs Association representing the central U.S. and has his Bachelor's Degree in Criminology and Sociology and a Master's Degree in Management. He previously served as the General Chair of the Mid-Sized Agency Section of the IACP, President of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and is currently an Advisory Board Member of the Council of State Governments-Justice Center and is on the Board of the Wichita area YMCA's, the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas and Rise Up for Youth.&nbsp; He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy session 222.

Largest police department in Kansas looking for new leader

DOUGLAS COUNTY —The Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health was notified Friday of the first confirmed case of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Douglas County by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, according to a media release from the agency.

It is the second confirmed case of Omicron in Kansas. On Thursday, the KDHE reported the state's first individual with the Omicron variant. A vaccinated adult in Franklin County.

Dr. Jennifer Schrimsher, deputy county health officer and infectious disease physician at LMH Health, said detection of the variant in Douglas County does not come as a surprise as it has rapidly spread across the country since the first confirmed U.S. case of Omicron was identified on Dec. 1.

“This virus is highly infectious and transmittable,” she said. “Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging.”

The individual with the Omicron variant in Douglas County is a vaccinated adult who has received a booster dose. The health department released no additional details on the individual to protect their privacy.

Health officials urge residents to use the following tools to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant:

“Masks work and vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious disease and death,” Schrimsher said. “These are two keystones of keeping our loved ones and the community at large safer.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638148803210.png" alt="3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron -photo courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron -photo courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —The Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health was notified Friday of the first confirmed case of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Douglas County by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, according to a media release from the agency.It is the second confirmed case of Omicron in Kansas. On Thursday, the KDHE reported the state's first individual with the Omicron variant. A vaccinated adult in Franklin County.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In Kansas we now have 2 documented cases of Omicron. There could be 1,000 in two week’s time. Say we actually have 50 Omicron cases today, we could have well over 1,000 new cases every 7 days. Seniors and those at risk: GET YOUR BOOSTERS ASAP. <a href="https://t.co/W4q4TC1O6k">https://t.co/W4q4TC1O6k</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1472243654278492171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Dr. Jennifer Schrimsher, deputy county health officer and infectious disease physician at LMH Health, said detection of the variant in Douglas County does not come as a surprise as it has rapidly spread across the country since the first confirmed U.S. case of Omicron was identified on Dec. 1.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639685332683.png" alt="Omicron detected in over half of U.S. states-image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>Omicron detected in over half of U.S. states-image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>“This virus is highly infectious and transmittable,” she said. “Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging.”The individual with the Omicron variant in Douglas County is a vaccinated adult who has received a booster dose. The health department released no additional details on the individual to protect their privacy.Health officials urge residents to use the following tools to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant:<ul>
 <li>Get vaccinated and boosted. The three authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death. Scientists expect the vaccines to prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and death in people infected with the Omicron variant. COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for people ages 5 and older. The COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for all individuals ages 16 and older. To find a vaccine near you, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccines.gov/">Vaccines.gov</a>.</li><li>Wear a mask. Masks offer protection against all variants. It is recommended that people wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings, where COVID-19 transmission remains high, regardless of vaccination status.</li><li>Get tested. If you are sick or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, it is recommended that you get tested for COVID-19. COVID-19 tests are widely available. Go to&nbsp;<a href="http://knowbeforeyougoks.com/">KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com</a>&nbsp;to find a free testing location near you. At-home tests are available for purchase at grocery stores and pharmacies. These can be used at home, work or anywhere and can provide rapid results. If a positive result is received through an at-home test, individuals should follow up with a health care provider about a confirmation test.</li><li>Social distance. When in public settings, stay at least 6 feet from other people, especially if you are at higher risk of getting sick.</li>
 </ul>“Masks work and vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious disease and death,” Schrimsher said. “These are two keystones of keeping our loved ones and the community at large safer.”

Omicron detected in Kan. vaccinated adult who received a booster

The obituary for Renay Corren has been lighting up the internet since her passing on Dec. 11.

Click <a href="https://www.fayobserver.com/obituaries/m0028451?fbclid=IwAR2AEE8XiBNg8zymJj8g4e640P5ZiIu223RQANGOZ8hmeCKMoV89fXXLk6Y">HERE</a> to read the tribute.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.hutchpost.com/posts/5ed6bba3ebfb13423b26c8f6">In 2020, there was a similarly themes tribute written.&nbsp;</a>

The obituary for Renay Corren has been lighting up the internet since her passing on Dec. 11.Click <a href="https://www.fayobserver.com/obituaries/m0028451?fbclid=IwAR2AEE8XiBNg8zymJj8g4e640P5ZiIu223RQANGOZ8hmeCKMoV89fXXLk6Y">HERE</a> to read the tribute.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hutchpost.com/posts/5ed6bba3ebfb13423b26c8f6">In 2020, there was a similarly themes tribute written.&nbsp;</a>

Irreverent — and hilarious — obituary goes viral

CLAY COUNTY —Wildlife experts are working to help an injured bald eagle rescued from Smithville Lake north of Kansas City, according to a report from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Corporal Brian Bartlett responded to a call about an injured eagle at the lake.&nbsp; He transported the eagle to a local vet, but an x-ray found no shotgun injuries or broken wings. 

Blood tests are being performed to see if the raptor is suffering from lead poisoning or a bacterial infection. 

Authorities will then take the eagle for rehabilitation.&nbsp; The Missouri Department of Conservation thanked all who participated in the rescue and are hoping for a speedy recovery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639843128652.png" alt="Photo Missouri Dept. of Conservation" />
 <figcaption>Photo Missouri Dept. of Conservation</figcaption>
 </figure>CLAY COUNTY —Wildlife experts are working to help an injured bald eagle rescued from Smithville Lake north of Kansas City, according to a report from the Missouri Department of Conservation.Corporal Brian Bartlett responded to a call about an injured eagle at the lake.&nbsp; He transported the eagle to a local vet, but an x-ray found no shotgun injuries or broken wings. Blood tests are being performed to see if the raptor is suffering from lead poisoning or a bacterial infection. Authorities will then take the eagle for rehabilitation.&nbsp; The Missouri Department of Conservation thanked all who participated in the rescue and are hoping for a speedy recovery.

Injured bald eagle rescued from lake near Kansas City

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-17/kansas-city-hospitals-are-full-again-omicron-has-arrived-and-doctors-are-begging-for-your-help">Kansas News Service</a>

Doctors across Kansas City, Lawrence and Topeka banded together 
Friday to offer a sobering public message: They’ve seen COVID-19 cases 
and hospitalizations double, triple and continue to get worse in a 
matter of weeks.

Some hospitals are once again postponing 
non-emergency, non-coronavirus care to free up beds and health care 
workers for the region’s second dramatic surge in hospitalizations since
 the delta variant arrived last summer.

Hospitals are struggling daily to find enough nurses and scrambling to recruit health care workers from other countries.

Chief medical officers said the vast majority of the patients in local hospitals have not gotten the COVID-19 vaccine.

At
 a briefing for reporters and the public, they urged people to roll up 
their sleeves for a shot that shields themselves and their loved ones.

“For
 the past couple of weeks, all 100% (of people) in ICU, all 100% on 
ventilators have been unvaccinated people,” Raghu Adiga, chief medical 
officer at Liberty Hospital in Missouri, said of the situation at his 
facility. “We just want people to help us take better care of them.”

The delta variant continues to fuel most cases locally, but omicron has joined the mix <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2021-12-16/an-eastern-kansas-resident-is-the-states-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-covid-19-variant" target="_blank">in Kansas</a> and <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-12-03/a-st-louis-resident-is-missouris-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-variant" target="_blank">Missouri</a>.
 Doctors fear the swift surge of hospitalizations in recent weeks could 
set the stage for numbers in January and February that will surpass last
 winter’s crisis.

White House chief medical advisor <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/15/fauci-says-covid-boosters-work-against-omicron-no-need-for-variant-specific-third-shot-.html" target="_blank">Dr. Anthony Fauci</a> says vaccines and booster shots protect most people against landing in the hospital with the omicron variant.

“We
 still have a lot of unvaccinated folks. We set ourselves up for 
danger,” University of Kansas Health System chief medical officer Steven
 Stites said. “That danger is real. … It’s at our doorstep. … We are in 
trouble.”

Other states face a similar predicament. Hospitals in 
Kansas City are receiving calls in search of open beds from facilities 
as far away as Michigan, Minnesota and Texas.

The KU Health System is so strained, it’s now turning down 70% to 80% of transfer requests.

And other local health systems described similar situations.

“We
 currently have 43 patients … in our ERs waiting for inpatient beds,” 
said Kim Megow, chief medical officer for HCA Midwest Health. “No beds 
available. And only 12 ICU beds across the market are available this 
morning.”

The situation echoes the virus’ earlier peaks last winter and this summer.

But staffing levels, hospitals say, have only gotten worse over the course of the pandemic.

The
 rush of hospitalizations since November has filled beds fast, but even 
facilities that still have space often can’t take in more patients 
because they lack enough nurses.

“At the beginning of the 
pandemic, it was like going off to war … the energy level was high,” 
said Elizabeth Long, chief medical officer for Olathe Health.

But since then, many health care workers have burned out and quit.

“We are definitely in a dire situation,” Long said. “We’re trying to even get foreign nurses in” but face immigration hurdles.

Megow at HCA Midwest Health called the situation more than a daily struggle – it’s an “hourly struggle.”

“We
 have gone outside of the country to hire nurses. We have pulled nurses 
in from other areas,” she said. “We have hired temporary and contract 
nurses.”

“Every hour, we are constantly monitoring how many nurses
 we need,” she said. “How many can we get? When can they get here? How 
long can they stay? What do we need to pay them?”

The KU Health 
System’s St. Francis hospital in Topeka was forced to push back several 
inpatient surgeries this month. LMH Health in Lawrence said it can’t 
accept any patients from outside of Douglas County.

So
 far, daily hospitalizations remain below the peak they saw last winter,
 but have already climbed back to the levels seen during this summer’s 
intense and swift initial delta wave.

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html" target="_blank">The omicron variant</a>
 has been found in at least 37 states as of Friday morning. Public 
health officials had expected it to turn up in Missouri and Kansas fast,
 which it did.

Kansas announced <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2021-12-16/an-eastern-kansas-resident-is-the-states-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-covid-19-variant" target="_blank">its first confirmed case</a> of the omicron variant on Thursday, in Franklin County south of Lawrence. Missouri first identified one <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-12-03/a-st-louis-resident-is-missouris-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-variant" target="_blank">two weeks ago</a> in St. Louis.

Scientists are scrambling to learn more about the variant. <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/14/who-says-omicron-is-spreading-at-a-rate-not-seen-with-any-other-covid-variant.html" target="_blank">The World Health Organization says</a> omicron is moving faster across the globe than other versions of COVID-19.

The
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s too early to say 
with certainty how omicron infections differ from delta and other 
iterations.

Anyone ages 5 and up can get vaccinated. The vaccines 
are free, and so are the booster shots available to people over the age 
of 16.

Vaccines prevent the vast majority of people from ending up in the hospital with COVID-19.

Still,
 even if someone who is vaccinated comes in contact with the virus and 
develops little to no symptoms, they could still pass the germs to loved
 ones and other people.

Wearing masks and exercising caution remain important.

Many places also offer free COVID-19 tests. In Kansas, you can find a free test by visiting <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTYuNTA0MzMzNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lmtub3diZWZvcmV5b3Vnb2tzLmNvbS8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.7w6dgJFBcZfLiw-HfEmluWBIWYGzpij5RSfEDlNpCSU%2Fs%2F1305913544%2Fbr%2F123296003041-l&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cllopisjepsenc%40umkc.edu%7Cd9091a3ddb1e4fcf9e6a08d9c0ceee51%7Ce3fefdbef7e9401ba51a355e01b05a89%7C0%7C0%7C637752817259443487%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=mBVatLZzUEwe15IjLuxLJAooUD2A4zSTZcbpiSEUcOE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com</a>.

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/2021/12/1639772265433.png" alt="Physicians are urging more people to get the COVID-19 vaccine as cases surge again. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Physicians are urging more people to get the COVID-19 vaccine as cases surge again. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-17/kansas-city-hospitals-are-full-again-omicron-has-arrived-and-doctors-are-begging-for-your-help">Kansas News Service</a>Doctors across Kansas City, Lawrence and Topeka banded together 
Friday to offer a sobering public message: They’ve seen COVID-19 cases 
and hospitalizations double, triple and continue to get worse in a 
matter of weeks.Some hospitals are once again postponing 
non-emergency, non-coronavirus care to free up beds and health care 
workers for the region’s second dramatic surge in hospitalizations since
 the delta variant arrived last summer.Hospitals are struggling daily to find enough nurses and scrambling to recruit health care workers from other countries.Chief medical officers said the vast majority of the patients in local hospitals have not gotten the COVID-19 vaccine.At
 a briefing for reporters and the public, they urged people to roll up 
their sleeves for a shot that shields themselves and their loved ones.“For
 the past couple of weeks, all 100% (of people) in ICU, all 100% on 
ventilators have been unvaccinated people,” Raghu Adiga, chief medical 
officer at Liberty Hospital in Missouri, said of the situation at his 
facility. “We just want people to help us take better care of them.”The delta variant continues to fuel most cases locally, but omicron has joined the mix <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2021-12-16/an-eastern-kansas-resident-is-the-states-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-covid-19-variant" target="_blank">in Kansas</a> and <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-12-03/a-st-louis-resident-is-missouris-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-variant" target="_blank">Missouri</a>.
 Doctors fear the swift surge of hospitalizations in recent weeks could 
set the stage for numbers in January and February that will surpass last
 winter’s crisis.White House chief medical advisor <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/15/fauci-says-covid-boosters-work-against-omicron-no-need-for-variant-specific-third-shot-.html" target="_blank">Dr. Anthony Fauci</a> says vaccines and booster shots protect most people against landing in the hospital with the omicron variant.“We
 still have a lot of unvaccinated folks. We set ourselves up for 
danger,” University of Kansas Health System chief medical officer Steven
 Stites said. “That danger is real. … It’s at our doorstep. … We are in 
trouble.”Other states face a similar predicament. Hospitals in 
Kansas City are receiving calls in search of open beds from facilities 
as far away as Michigan, Minnesota and Texas.The KU Health System is so strained, it’s now turning down 70% to 80% of transfer requests.And other local health systems described similar situations.“We
 currently have 43 patients … in our ERs waiting for inpatient beds,” 
said Kim Megow, chief medical officer for HCA Midwest Health. “No beds 
available. And only 12 ICU beds across the market are available this 
morning.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639772352620.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The situation echoes the virus’ earlier peaks last winter and this summer.But staffing levels, hospitals say, have only gotten worse over the course of the pandemic.The
 rush of hospitalizations since November has filled beds fast, but even 
facilities that still have space often can’t take in more patients 
because they lack enough nurses.“At the beginning of the 
pandemic, it was like going off to war … the energy level was high,” 
said Elizabeth Long, chief medical officer for Olathe Health.But since then, many health care workers have burned out and quit.“We are definitely in a dire situation,” Long said. “We’re trying to even get foreign nurses in” but face immigration hurdles.Megow at HCA Midwest Health called the situation more than a daily struggle – it’s an “hourly struggle.”“We
 have gone outside of the country to hire nurses. We have pulled nurses 
in from other areas,” she said. “We have hired temporary and contract 
nurses.”“Every hour, we are constantly monitoring how many nurses
 we need,” she said. “How many can we get? When can they get here? How 
long can they stay? What do we need to pay them?”The KU Health 
System’s St. Francis hospital in Topeka was forced to push back several 
inpatient surgeries this month. LMH Health in Lawrence said it can’t 
accept any patients from outside of Douglas County.More about the omicron variantSo
 far, daily hospitalizations remain below the peak they saw last winter,
 but have already climbed back to the levels seen during this summer’s 
intense and swift initial delta wave.<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html" target="_blank">The omicron variant</a>
 has been found in at least 37 states as of Friday morning. Public 
health officials had expected it to turn up in Missouri and Kansas fast,
 which it did.Kansas announced <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2021-12-16/an-eastern-kansas-resident-is-the-states-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-covid-19-variant" target="_blank">its first confirmed case</a> of the omicron variant on Thursday, in Franklin County south of Lawrence. Missouri first identified one <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-12-03/a-st-louis-resident-is-missouris-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-variant" target="_blank">two weeks ago</a> in St. Louis.Scientists are scrambling to learn more about the variant. <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/14/who-says-omicron-is-spreading-at-a-rate-not-seen-with-any-other-covid-variant.html" target="_blank">The World Health Organization says</a> omicron is moving faster across the globe than other versions of COVID-19.The
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s too early to say 
with certainty how omicron infections differ from delta and other 
iterations.Anyone ages 5 and up can get vaccinated. The vaccines 
are free, and so are the booster shots available to people over the age 
of 16.Vaccines prevent the vast majority of people from ending up in the hospital with COVID-19.Still,
 even if someone who is vaccinated comes in contact with the virus and 
develops little to no symptoms, they could still pass the germs to loved
 ones and other people.Wearing masks and exercising caution remain important.Many places also offer free COVID-19 tests. In Kansas, you can find a free test by visiting <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTYuNTA0MzMzNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lmtub3diZWZvcmV5b3Vnb2tzLmNvbS8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.7w6dgJFBcZfLiw-HfEmluWBIWYGzpij5RSfEDlNpCSU%2Fs%2F1305913544%2Fbr%2F123296003041-l&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cllopisjepsenc%40umkc.edu%7Cd9091a3ddb1e4fcf9e6a08d9c0ceee51%7Ce3fefdbef7e9401ba51a355e01b05a89%7C0%7C0%7C637752817259443487%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=mBVatLZzUEwe15IjLuxLJAooUD2A4zSTZcbpiSEUcOE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com</a>.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.

KC hospitals are full again — and doctors are begging for your help

RENO COUNTY —As law enforcement authorities investigate nationwide threats made against schools, a student in USD 308-Hutchinson is facing charges for a joke on social media that was not funny.

On Friday, the administration and School Resource Officer at Hutchinson High School were made aware of a photoshopped image on social media of a gun being pointed at one of the students, according to a statement from principal&nbsp;Ryan Ewy,

The student was quickly identified by school staff and the School Resource Officer immediately started investigating and took the student into custody.

The student responsible for the photo has admitted it was fake and done as a joke. The photo has been sent to several students, and the case has been turned over to the Hutchinson Police Department.

&nbsp;The student is facing a serious person felony, according to Hutchinson Police.

We will continue to be vigilant with an increased police presence and the monitoring of social media, according to Ewy's statement

RENO COUNTY —As law enforcement authorities investigate nationwide threats made against schools, a student in USD 308-Hutchinson is facing charges for a joke on social media that was not funny.On Friday, the administration and School Resource Officer at Hutchinson High School were made aware of a photoshopped image on social media of a gun being pointed at one of the students, according to a statement from principal&nbsp;Ryan Ewy,The student was quickly identified by school staff and the School Resource Officer immediately started investigating and took the student into custody.The student responsible for the photo has admitted it was fake and done as a joke. The photo has been sent to several students, and the case has been turned over to the Hutchinson Police Department.&nbsp;The student is facing a serious person felony, according to Hutchinson Police.We will continue to be vigilant with an increased police presence and the monitoring of social media, according to Ewy's statement

Police: Student facing charges after gun joke on social media

WASHINGTON (AP) —A federal appeals court panel on Friday allowed President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for larger private employers to move ahead.

The 2-1 decision by a panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reverses a decision by a federal judge in a separate court that had paused the mandate nationwide.

The rule from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration was to take effect Jan. 4. With Friday’s ruling, it’s not clear when the requirement may be put in place.

Republican-led states joined with conservative groups, business associations and some individual businesses to push back against the requirement as soon as OSHA published the rules in early November. They argued that OSHA was not authorized to make the emergency rule.

The case was consolidated before the Cincinnati-based 6th circuit, which is dominated by Republican-appointed judges. Of the two ruling in favor of the OSHA mandate, one was appointed by a Democratic president and the other by a Republican. The dissenting judge was appointed by former President Donald Trump.

“Given OSHA’s clear and exercised authority to regulate viruses, OSHA necessarily has the authority to regulate infectious diseases that are not unique to the workplace,” Judge Julia Smith Gibbons wrote in her majority opinion.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said she would ask the U.S. Supreme Court to block the order.

“The Sixth Circuit’s decision is extremely disappointing for Arkansans because it will force them to get the shot or lose their jobs,” she said.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who also is chairman of the Republican Attorneys General Association, said in a Twitter message Friday that he was confident the mandate could be stopped.

The vaccine requirement would apply to companies with 100 or more employees and would cover about 84 million workers. Employees who are not fully vaccinated would have to wear masks and be subject to weekly tests for the coronavirus. There would be exceptions for those who work outdoors or only at home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636210096288.png" alt="The rule from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration was to take effect Jan. 4. With Friday’s ruling, it’s not clear when the requirement may be put in place -White House Photo" />
 <figcaption>The rule from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration was to take effect Jan. 4. With Friday’s ruling, it’s not clear when the requirement may be put in place -White House Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —A federal appeals court panel on Friday allowed President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for larger private employers to move ahead.The 2-1 decision by a panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reverses a decision by a federal judge in a separate court that had paused the mandate nationwide.The rule from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration was to take effect Jan. 4. With Friday’s ruling, it’s not clear when the requirement may be put in place.Republican-led states joined with conservative groups, business associations and some individual businesses to push back against the requirement as soon as OSHA published the rules in early November. They argued that OSHA was not authorized to make the emergency rule.The case was consolidated before the Cincinnati-based 6th circuit, which is dominated by Republican-appointed judges. Of the two ruling in favor of the OSHA mandate, one was appointed by a Democratic president and the other by a Republican. The dissenting judge was appointed by former President Donald Trump.“Given OSHA’s clear and exercised authority to regulate viruses, OSHA necessarily has the authority to regulate infectious diseases that are not unique to the workplace,” Judge Julia Smith Gibbons wrote in her majority opinion.Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said she would ask the U.S. Supreme Court to block the order.“The Sixth Circuit’s decision is extremely disappointing for Arkansans because it will force them to get the shot or lose their jobs,” she said.South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who also is chairman of the Republican Attorneys General Association, said in a Twitter message Friday that he was confident the mandate could be stopped.The vaccine requirement would apply to companies with 100 or more employees and would cover about 84 million workers. Employees who are not fully vaccinated would have to wear masks and be subject to weekly tests for the coronavirus. There would be exceptions for those who work outdoors or only at home.

Court allows Biden employer vaccine mandate to take effect

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges.

On Thursday,&nbsp;members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant at a home in the 2000 Block Illinois Avenue in Topeka related to an ongoing investigation, according to Lt Jerry Monasmith. 

Officers located marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.

As a result, officer arrested 21-year-old Amari Wilkerson and 21-year-old Blanca Cortes both of Topeka. They were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

&nbsp;Wilkerson is being held on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with the intent of distribution, Aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation, unlawful to acquire proceeds from a drug transaction, Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution and&nbsp;Felony Obstruction.

Blanca Cortes is jailed on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with the intent of distribution,&nbsp;Aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation, Unlawful to acquire proceeds from a drug transaction, Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution and Felony Obstruction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639739787285.png" alt="Wilkerson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wilkerson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges.On Thursday,&nbsp;members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant at a home in the 2000 Block Illinois Avenue in Topeka related to an ongoing investigation, according to Lt Jerry Monasmith. Officers located marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.As a result, officer arrested 21-year-old Amari Wilkerson and 21-year-old Blanca Cortes both of Topeka. They were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639739696335.png" alt="Cortes-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cortes-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Wilkerson is being held on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with the intent of distribution, Aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation, unlawful to acquire proceeds from a drug transaction, Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution and&nbsp;Felony Obstruction.Blanca Cortes is jailed on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with the intent of distribution,&nbsp;Aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation, Unlawful to acquire proceeds from a drug transaction, Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution and Felony Obstruction.

Police finds drugs, a gun and children at Kan. home

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH, Associated Press

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Hospitals in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;are delaying surgeries, turning away transfers, holding patients in emergency rooms while they wait for beds to open up and desperately trying to hire traveling nurses as COVID-19 cases double and triple before the holidays in an eerie reminder of last year.

Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas, said in a news conference Friday with hospitals throughout the region that he is particularly alarmed that the surge is coming even before the omicron variant hits the region in full force.

“Hospitals are full," he said. “There’s no place to go. Our staff are tired. We’re going to run out of travelers and Omicron is at our doorstep. This is a tornado warning to our community."

In Merriam, the number of COVID-19 patients with active infections at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission tripled from 12 in mid-November to 37 as of Thursday, said Dr. Lisa Hays, the hospital's chief medical officer. The hospital is also facing an increase in transfer requests from places like&nbsp;Minnesota&nbsp;and&nbsp;Oklahoma.

“A large part of the week for me has been spent helping manage how to juggle all those transfers," Hays said. “We’re in a bed crunch.”

Stites said his hospital normally accepts 65 to 70% of the transfer patients; it is now accepting less than 30% of them.

“We simply don’t have the beds,” he explained. “And even if you have a bed, sometimes it’s very difficult to find staff. So these are difficult times.”

At Children’s Mercy, 14 patents are hospitalized with acute COVID-19 infections, three in the intensive care unit. The number of positive results from its walk-in and drive-through testing clinics has doubled to 400 from 200 over the past two weeks, said Dr. Jennifer Watts, the chief emergency management medical officer.

She said the lifting of mask mandates in several area school districts is “extremely" concerning, adding that it comes as nurses are in short supply and flu season is beginning. She's worried “that we’re going to see schools shut down” because of illness.

The number of COVID-19 patients rose so sharply at the University of Kansas Health System’s St. Francis campus in Topeka, that it delayed eight surgeries that were scheduled for this week, said Dr. Jackie Hyland, the hospital’s chief medical officer.

“Those phone calls are incredibly difficult," she said. “Patients are upset. A lot of them are crying and don’t understand.”

University Health's campuses in Kansas City, Missouri and Lee's Summit, Missouri, have 62 COVID-19 patients who are filling up nearly 20% of the hospitals beds. That is double the number of patients the hospital had a week ago and six times higher than a month ago, said Dr. Mark Steele, executive chief clinical officer.

The percentage is even higher at Olathe Health in Kansas, where 41 COVID-19 patients are filling up 27% of its beds, said Dr. Elizabeth Long, the hospital's chief medical officer.

“We are struggling to with our staff. They are tired, they are overworked and we continue to ask them to do more and more with these volumes. And so we are anticipating issues with our travelers," she said, noting that their contracts are expiring. “So the next few weeks are going to be critical as far as the ability to take care of patients.

Dr. Kim Megow, chief medical officer for HCA Midwest Health, said staffing is worse than it was a year ago.

“Every hour, we are constantly monitoring how many nurses we need, how many can we get. When can they get here? How long can they stay? What do we need to pay them?”

Dr. Jennifer Schrimsher, an infectious diseases physician at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Kansas and deputy public health officer for Douglas County, said she would recommend rethinking holiday plans.

“I would look for smaller gatherings, trying to stay with your own household, not traveling across the U.S. You know, if it’s nice, open the windows, wear your mask when you’re not eating. All the things we’ve been saying since pretty much day one."

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH, Associated PressMISSION, Kan. (AP) — Hospitals in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;are delaying surgeries, turning away transfers, holding patients in emergency rooms while they wait for beds to open up and desperately trying to hire traveling nurses as COVID-19 cases double and triple before the holidays in an eerie reminder of last year.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lmk9uWNqftQ?start=201" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas, said in a news conference Friday with hospitals throughout the region that he is particularly alarmed that the surge is coming even before the omicron variant hits the region in full force.“Hospitals are full," he said. “There’s no place to go. Our staff are tired. We’re going to run out of travelers and Omicron is at our doorstep. This is a tornado warning to our community."In Merriam, the number of COVID-19 patients with active infections at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission tripled from 12 in mid-November to 37 as of Thursday, said Dr. Lisa Hays, the hospital's chief medical officer. The hospital is also facing an increase in transfer requests from places like&nbsp;Minnesota&nbsp;and&nbsp;Oklahoma.“A large part of the week for me has been spent helping manage how to juggle all those transfers," Hays said. “We’re in a bed crunch.”Stites said his hospital normally accepts 65 to 70% of the transfer patients; it is now accepting less than 30% of them.“We simply don’t have the beds,” he explained. “And even if you have a bed, sometimes it’s very difficult to find staff. So these are difficult times.”At Children’s Mercy, 14 patents are hospitalized with acute COVID-19 infections, three in the intensive care unit. The number of positive results from its walk-in and drive-through testing clinics has doubled to 400 from 200 over the past two weeks, said Dr. Jennifer Watts, the chief emergency management medical officer.She said the lifting of mask mandates in several area school districts is “extremely" concerning, adding that it comes as nurses are in short supply and flu season is beginning. She's worried “that we’re going to see schools shut down” because of illness.The number of COVID-19 patients rose so sharply at the University of Kansas Health System’s St. Francis campus in Topeka, that it delayed eight surgeries that were scheduled for this week, said Dr. Jackie Hyland, the hospital’s chief medical officer.“Those phone calls are incredibly difficult," she said. “Patients are upset. A lot of them are crying and don’t understand.”University Health's campuses in Kansas City, Missouri and Lee's Summit, Missouri, have 62 COVID-19 patients who are filling up nearly 20% of the hospitals beds. That is double the number of patients the hospital had a week ago and six times higher than a month ago, said Dr. Mark Steele, executive chief clinical officer.The percentage is even higher at Olathe Health in Kansas, where 41 COVID-19 patients are filling up 27% of its beds, said Dr. Elizabeth Long, the hospital's chief medical officer.“We are struggling to with our staff. They are tired, they are overworked and we continue to ask them to do more and more with these volumes. And so we are anticipating issues with our travelers," she said, noting that their contracts are expiring. “So the next few weeks are going to be critical as far as the ability to take care of patients.Dr. Kim Megow, chief medical officer for HCA Midwest Health, said staffing is worse than it was a year ago.“Every hour, we are constantly monitoring how many nurses we need, how many can we get. When can they get here? How long can they stay? What do we need to pay them?”Dr. Jennifer Schrimsher, an infectious diseases physician at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Kansas and deputy public health officer for Douglas County, said she would recommend rethinking holiday plans.“I would look for smaller gatherings, trying to stay with your own household, not traveling across the U.S. You know, if it’s nice, open the windows, wear your mask when you’re not eating. All the things we’ve been saying since pretty much day one."

Hospitals in Kansas, Missouri report spike in COVID cases

ELLIS COUNTY —On Friday morning, the remains of Derrick Kelley were found east of Codell Avenue in rural Ellis County near a burned vehicle determined to be a Dodge Durango registered to Kelley, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The coroner's office identified the remains as Kelley.

ELLIS COUNTY —The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating Derrick Scott&nbsp;Kelley who was reported missing by his fiance after being overdue from work.

Kelley was last seen around 11th and Ash Street ln Hays on Dec. 15, 2021, at approximately 3:30 p.m. and was reportedly heading to an address In Natoma. It's believed Kelley was traveling country roads.

Kelley is described as a white male, age 38, 5-foot-9 and 220 pounds. He was last seen wearing jeans and work shoes and driving a 2004 blue Dodge Durango with a Kansas license plate. His photo accompanies this release.

Kelley is considered at risk due to the dangerous weather conditions accompanied by large grass fires and smoke that were occurring at the time he was traveling in northern Ellis County.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the sheriff's office at 785-625-1040.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639741727079.png" alt="Derrick Scott Kelley-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Derrick Scott Kelley-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY —On Friday morning, the remains of Derrick Kelley were found east of Codell Avenue in rural Ellis County near a burned vehicle determined to be a Dodge Durango registered to Kelley, according to the Sheriff's Office.The coroner's office identified the remains as Kelley.-----------ELLIS COUNTY —The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating Derrick Scott&nbsp;Kelley who was reported missing by his fiance after being overdue from work.Kelley was last seen around 11th and Ash Street ln Hays on Dec. 15, 2021, at approximately 3:30 p.m. and was reportedly heading to an address In Natoma. It's believed Kelley was traveling country roads.Kelley is described as a white male, age 38, 5-foot-9 and 220 pounds. He was last seen wearing jeans and work shoes and driving a 2004 blue Dodge Durango with a Kansas license plate. His photo accompanies this release.Kelley is considered at risk due to the dangerous weather conditions accompanied by large grass fires and smoke that were occurring at the time he was traveling in northern Ellis County.Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the sheriff's office at 785-625-1040.

Sheriff: Remains of Kan. man missing since windstorm found

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A moratorium on voluntary admissions at Osawatomie State Hospital will be lifted in January to provide more space for adults with long-term mental health issues.

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services announced Thursday that the ban, which has been in place since 2015, will end as of Jan. 3.

The hospital, one of two state-run hospitals for the seriously mentally ill, stopped taking voluntary admissions after receiving citations for not doing enough to help suicidal patients and routinely housing three patients in rooms meant for two because of capacity issues.

The policy caused problems for other mental health providers, law enforcement and health care facilities who struggled to place people with serious mental health issues.

The department also has created a new classification for mental health providers called State Institutional Alternative, which allows private psychiatric facilities to accept mentally ill patients who have been approved for admission to state hospitals.

Currently, eight hospitals in the state are classified as SIAs, and they have cared for 122 adults and 291 youth since September.

The agency is also planning renovations on the Osawatomie campus that will eventually increase capacity to 72 certified beds and 110 licensed beds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639775012060.png" alt="Osawatomie State Hospital-photo&nbsp;Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services" />
 <figcaption>Osawatomie State Hospital-photo&nbsp;Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A moratorium on voluntary admissions at Osawatomie State Hospital will be lifted in January to provide more space for adults with long-term mental health issues.The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services announced Thursday that the ban, which has been in place since 2015, will end as of Jan. 3.The hospital, one of two state-run hospitals for the seriously mentally ill, stopped taking voluntary admissions after receiving citations for not doing enough to help suicidal patients and routinely housing three patients in rooms meant for two because of capacity issues.The policy caused problems for other mental health providers, law enforcement and health care facilities who struggled to place people with serious mental health issues.The department also has created a new classification for mental health providers called State Institutional Alternative, which allows private psychiatric facilities to accept mentally ill patients who have been approved for admission to state hospitals.Currently, eight hospitals in the state are classified as SIAs, and they have cared for 122 adults and 291 youth since September.The agency is also planning renovations on the Osawatomie campus that will eventually increase capacity to 72 certified beds and 110 licensed beds.

Osawatomie State Hospital to accept voluntary admissions

SALINE COUNTY —A series of earthquakes continues to shake central Kansas. Just before 8:30a.m. Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported a 3.3 magnitude quake southwest of Gypsum in Saline County.

The Kansas Geological Survey reported several smaller quakes later Friday morning in the same area. 

The USGS reported a 4.0 magnitude quake Wednesday as part of a dozen quakes in Saline County. The KGS also reported several smaller quakes in the area on Thursday.

There are no reports of damage or injury.

SALINE COUNTY —A series of earthquakes continues to shake central Kansas. Just before 8:30a.m. Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported a 3.3 magnitude quake southwest of Gypsum in Saline County.The Kansas Geological Survey reported several smaller quakes later Friday morning in the same area. The USGS reported a 4.0 magnitude quake Wednesday as part of a dozen quakes in Saline County. The KGS also reported several smaller quakes in the area on Thursday.There are no reports of damage or injury.

Dozens of earthquakes continue to rattle central Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Some parents kept their children home, police stepped up patrols and educators tightened security protocols Friday in response to viral TikTok posts alluding to unconfirmed threats of violence that raised anxiety levels at schools nationwide.

Many school districts in Kansas sent messages to parents alerting them to the threat spreading on social media.

TikTok said it was working with law enforcement to investigate. The posts follow a disturbing trend that has had students acting out in response to social media challenges.

Vickie Cartwright, the interim superintendent of schools in Broward County, Florida, one of the nation’s largest school districts, said the posts on TikTok represent an attack on the American education system.

“We are under attack by a social media platform that will not intervene when it is necessary,” she said. “I’m asking for our federal government at this point in time to intervene. We need help. I cannot fathom that any other country would allow this type of attack to be occurring on their education system,” she said.

With stress levels already soaring from the effects of the pandemic and a rash of hoax threats following a deadly school shooting in Michigan on Nov. 30, districts said they were taking precautions out of an abundance of caution.

The posts circulating online said schools would face shooting and bomb threats Friday. Law enforcement agencies said there did not appear to be a credible threat, but several districts opted to cancel classes for the day including Carson City, Nevada; Polk County, Georgia; and several Pittsburgh-area school systems.

Some other districts increased security staffing levels and limited where students could go inside school buildings. More than a half dozen school districts in the Houston area told middle and high school students to leave their backpacks at home Friday in response to the TikTok posts, though none of the districts had received credible threats, officials said.

In a tweet, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it did not “have any information indicating any specific, credible threats to schools but recommends communities remain alert.”

TikTok has said it is working with law enforcement to look into the warnings. In Twitter posts on Friday, the company said it had not found content promoting violence at schools but found videos discussing the rumor and warning others to stay safe.

“Local authorities, the FBI, and DHS have confirmed there’s no credible threat, so we’re working to remove alarmist warnings that violate our misinformation policy,” the company said.

The post most widely associated with Friday’s fears is “not really a threat, it’s just saying they are hearing this thing is happening,” said Justin Patchin, a criminal justice professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center.

How to respond to that presents a dilemma both to TikTok and educators, especially since many of the previous panics about TikTok challenges have proven to be bogus and acknowledging them can make them more influential.

“It definitely puts schools in a tough spot,” said Patchin, whose center has worked with TikTok and other social media companies in the past to research online bullying. “There are these potential threats they can’t ignore but they also can’t shut down schools every time someone posts a generalized threat on social media.”

Educators have been on edge in many places since the deadly shooting in Michigan as copycat threats have led to isolated cases of schools switching to remote learning over the last several weeks.

In Newtown, Connecticut, all schools were open Friday, with an increased police presence. District schools had switched to remote learning Tuesday, the ninth anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, due in part to threats that schools elsewhere were receiving in the aftermath of the Michigan shooting.

As her 15-year-old son studied for his big algebra test, word of vague threats of school violence on TikTok prompted Kelley Swiney to quiz the freshman about other calculations: What’s your fastest exit from that classroom? Where would you run? Do you feel safe going to school Friday?

Swiney, a mom of three school-age boys in Upper Arlington, Ohio, said she’d had a similar conversation with him and her middle son, a sixth-grader, after the recent school shooting in Michigan. She asked them to take a few seconds in each classroom they enter to think about where they could hide and how they could get out.

She told her son that if he felt truly unsafe – not just trying to skip the test or the last day before holiday break – he could stay home Friday, even if it meant a failing grade.

“I think it’s really pretty depressing that we live in a world where I have to have that conversation with my child,” Swiney said.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Some parents kept their children home, police stepped up patrols and educators tightened security protocols Friday in response to viral TikTok posts alluding to unconfirmed threats of violence that raised anxiety levels at schools nationwide.Many school districts in Kansas sent messages to parents alerting them to the threat spreading on social media.TikTok said it was working with law enforcement to investigate. The posts follow a disturbing trend that has had students acting out in response to social media challenges.Vickie Cartwright, the interim superintendent of schools in Broward County, Florida, one of the nation’s largest school districts, said the posts on TikTok represent an attack on the American education system.“We are under attack by a social media platform that will not intervene when it is necessary,” she said. “I’m asking for our federal government at this point in time to intervene. We need help. I cannot fathom that any other country would allow this type of attack to be occurring on their education system,” she said.With stress levels already soaring from the effects of the pandemic and a rash of hoax threats following a deadly school shooting in Michigan on Nov. 30, districts said they were taking precautions out of an abundance of caution.The posts circulating online said schools would face shooting and bomb threats Friday. Law enforcement agencies said there did not appear to be a credible threat, but several districts opted to cancel classes for the day including Carson City, Nevada; Polk County, Georgia; and several Pittsburgh-area school systems.Some other districts increased security staffing levels and limited where students could go inside school buildings. More than a half dozen school districts in the Houston area told middle and high school students to leave their backpacks at home Friday in response to the TikTok posts, though none of the districts had received credible threats, officials said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">DHS is aware of public reporting that suggests possible threats to schools on December 17, 2021. DHS does not have any information indicating any specific, credible threats to schools but recommends communities remain alert.&mdash; Homeland Security (@DHSgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/1471816260845506568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a tweet, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it did not “have any information indicating any specific, credible threats to schools but recommends communities remain alert.”TikTok has said it is working with law enforcement to look into the warnings. In Twitter posts on Friday, the company said it had not found content promoting violence at schools but found videos discussing the rumor and warning others to stay safe.“Local authorities, the FBI, and DHS have confirmed there’s no credible threat, so we’re working to remove alarmist warnings that violate our misinformation policy,” the company said.The post most widely associated with Friday’s fears is “not really a threat, it’s just saying they are hearing this thing is happening,” said Justin Patchin, a criminal justice professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center.How to respond to that presents a dilemma both to TikTok and educators, especially since many of the previous panics about TikTok challenges have proven to be bogus and acknowledging them can make them more influential.“It definitely puts schools in a tough spot,” said Patchin, whose center has worked with TikTok and other social media companies in the past to research online bullying. “There are these potential threats they can’t ignore but they also can’t shut down schools every time someone posts a generalized threat on social media.”Educators have been on edge in many places since the deadly shooting in Michigan as copycat threats have led to isolated cases of schools switching to remote learning over the last several weeks.In Newtown, Connecticut, all schools were open Friday, with an increased police presence. District schools had switched to remote learning Tuesday, the ninth anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, due in part to threats that schools elsewhere were receiving in the aftermath of the Michigan shooting.As her 15-year-old son studied for his big algebra test, word of vague threats of school violence on TikTok prompted Kelley Swiney to quiz the freshman about other calculations: What’s your fastest exit from that classroom? Where would you run? Do you feel safe going to school Friday?Swiney, a mom of three school-age boys in Upper Arlington, Ohio, said she’d had a similar conversation with him and her middle son, a sixth-grader, after the recent school shooting in Michigan. She asked them to take a few seconds in each classroom they enter to think about where they could hide and how they could get out.She told her son that if he felt truly unsafe – not just trying to skip the test or the last day before holiday break – he could stay home Friday, even if it meant a failing grade.“I think it’s really pretty depressing that we live in a world where I have to have that conversation with my child,” Swiney said.On Friday morning, he felt comfortable enough to head to school for the exam, and by midday he was safely back home.<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar">Click here to&nbsp;</a>report suspicious activity with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. You may also anonymously report threats of school violence to the Kansas School Safety Hotline 1-877-626-8203