SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; an assault on an inmate with a makeshift weapon in the Sedgwick County Jail by another inmate, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick&nbsp;

Just before 2p.m. Wednesday, the suspect 39-year-old Jermall L. Campbell, who is in custody for First Degree Murder exited his housing area. 

Campbell then approached the entry to the victim’s housing area and when the victim opened the door attacked him with a makeshift weapon. Sheriff’s Office deputies quickly responded and took control of the area stopping the attack.

The victim involved received approximately seven lacerations. Two of the lacerations required sutures to close. He was treated onsite by medical staff and did not require transportation to an area hospital, according to Blick.

 During the course of the investigation it was discovered the victim was the nephew of 47-year-old Deandre Freeman of Wichita in Campbell’s First Degree Murder case, according to Blick.

On Father's Day, June 20, police responded to a check residence call at a home in the 1700 block of North Harding in Wichita, according to Office Charley Davidson.

 Upon arrival, officers entered the home and found Freeman had been shot multiple times.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp; Officers also located a 53-year-old man who had been shot.&nbsp; He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

The investigation revealed the two victims, a suspect later identified as Campbell and two other men were all at the home and are known to each other.&nbsp; A disturbance occurred between the suspect and others when the Campbell allegedly fired multiple shots striking the victims.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=102632">Campbell turne</a>d himself in to police in June 30. He is charged with 1st degree murder, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and gambling, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625142361655.png" alt="Campbell-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Campbell-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; an assault on an inmate with a makeshift weapon in the Sedgwick County Jail by another inmate, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick&nbsp;Just before 2p.m. Wednesday, the suspect 39-year-old Jermall L. Campbell, who is in custody for First Degree Murder exited his housing area. Campbell then approached the entry to the victim’s housing area and when the victim opened the door attacked him with a makeshift weapon. Sheriff’s Office deputies quickly responded and took control of the area stopping the attack.The victim involved received approximately seven lacerations. Two of the lacerations required sutures to close. He was treated onsite by medical staff and did not require transportation to an area hospital, according to Blick. During the course of the investigation it was discovered the victim was the nephew of 47-year-old Deandre Freeman of Wichita in Campbell’s First Degree Murder case, according to Blick.On Father's Day, June 20, police responded to a check residence call at a home in the 1700 block of North Harding in Wichita, according to Office Charley Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624291759233.png" alt="Police at the scene of the shooting early June 20 -photo courtesy KWCH TV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the shooting early June 20 -photo courtesy KWCH TV</figcaption>
 </figure> Upon arrival, officers entered the home and found Freeman had been shot multiple times.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp; Officers also located a 53-year-old man who had been shot.&nbsp; He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.The investigation revealed the two victims, a suspect later identified as Campbell and two other men were all at the home and are known to each other.&nbsp; A disturbance occurred between the suspect and others when the Campbell allegedly fired multiple shots striking the victims.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=102632">Campbell turne</a>d himself in to police in June 30. He is charged with 1st degree murder, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and gambling, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Kan. inmate attacked nephew of victim in Father's Day murder 

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2021-17.pdf">updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>&nbsp;PDF
 (FS-2021-17). Individuals who didn't get the full first and second 
Economic Impact Payments may be eligible to claim the 2020 Recovery 
Rebate Credit.

The first and second rounds of Economic Impact Payments were issued 
in 2020 and early 2021. The first two rounds of Economic Impact Payments
 were advance payments of the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit claimed on a 
2020 tax return.

Individuals who are missing the first or second stimulus payments 
should review the revised answers to determine their eligibility and 
whether they need to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit for tax year 2020. 
If they're eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, they will need 
to file a 2020 tax return if they have not filed yet or amend their 2020
 tax return if it's already been processed.

These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible

More information about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/general-overview-of-taxpayer-reliance-on-guidance-published-in-the-internal-revenue-bulletin-and-faqs">reliance</a> is available.

More information on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> is available on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2021-17.pdf">updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>&nbsp;PDF
 (FS-2021-17). Individuals who didn't get the full first and second 
Economic Impact Payments may be eligible to claim the 2020 Recovery 
Rebate Credit.The first and second rounds of Economic Impact Payments were issued 
in 2020 and early 2021. The first two rounds of Economic Impact Payments
 were advance payments of the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit claimed on a 
2020 tax return.Individuals who are missing the first or second stimulus payments 
should review the revised answers to determine their eligibility and 
whether they need to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit for tax year 2020. 
If they're eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, they will need 
to file a 2020 tax return if they have not filed yet or amend their 2020
 tax return if it's already been processed.These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possibleMore information about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/general-overview-of-taxpayer-reliance-on-guidance-published-in-the-internal-revenue-bulletin-and-faqs">reliance</a> is available.More information on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> is available on IRS.gov.

IRS: Guidance on 2020 credits for COVID Economic Impact Payments

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-dole-sports-mens-college-basketball-college-basketball-kansas-9b5a99a4d2689bf51a534b581f897d21">Bob Dole</a>&nbsp;was honored Friday at Washington National Cathedral as top leaders from both parties gathered to display the kind of bipartisanship now rare in modern government, a tribute to the longtime Kansas senator’s ability to practice bare-knuckle politics without losing an overriding sense of civility.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?516624-1/memorial-service-bob-dole-national-cathedral">Click here to</a> watch a replay of the service

Dole’s flag-draped casket was carried in by a military honor guard as the congregation stood and Dole’s wife, former North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole, and daughter, Robin, looked on. Joining top leaders of Congress at the invitation-only ceremony were President Joe Biden, members of his Cabinet and former Republican Vice Presidents Mike Pence, Dick Cheney and Dan Quayle. Bill Clinton, who beat Dole to win reelection as president in 1996 and was recently hospitalized for an infection unrelated to COVID-19, was also there.

“There’s something that connects that past and present, war time and peace, then and now. The courage, the grit, the goodness and the grace of Bob Dole,” said Biden, who touched Dole’s casket before speaking and mentioned his “50 years of friendship” with the longtime senator.

Biden called Dole a “giant of our time and of all time.” The president also said that Dole was worried at the end of his life about American democracy being threatened by today’s bitter political battles — noting that infighting from both parties “grows more unacceptable day by day.”

Dole, who died Sunday at age 98, was wounded during World War II, served nearly 36 years in Congress and was GOP Senate leader for more than a decade. In February, he announced he’d been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

Later Friday, Dole’s casket will travel to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall for a public “celebration of life” featuring Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the U.S. Army Band.

Besides his sharp, often sarcastic tongue, among Dole’s best-known attributes were his pragmatic brand of politics and self-deprecating wit — representing the sense of compromise of a bygone era.

Biden delivered a vivid, visceral eulogy speaking about Dole volunteering for military service and being gravely wounded, and how he came back to “painful” years recovering from the wounds.

“God, what courage Bob Dole had,” Biden said, adding that “I found Bob to be a man of principle, pragmatism and enormous integrity” who the president said was devoted to “country, to honor. Literally dedicated to finding the common good.”

Former Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts told those gathered about Dole’s deep and lasting influence on their home state, and noted that he was able to “let the air out of the partisan balloons.” Roberts also highlighted Dole’s work to honor the “Greatest Generation,” saying “there would not be” a World War II memorial without Dole using his influence to help make sure it was built.

Dole’s body will later travel to Kansas, where weekend events include a public viewing at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in his hometown of Russell. He will later be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

“No question, Bob Dole left this world a much better place because of his legacy of leadership and service,” Mike Ford, chair of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and the late President Ford’s eldest son, said in a statement. “As we read the obituaries and see the responses to his passing, my family is struck by the genuine affection expressed across the political spectrum. His warmth, wit, and wisdom will be sorely missed.”

Ford selected Dole as his running mate while unsuccessfully seeking to hang on to the presidency in the 1976 election.

Friday’s services followed Dole lying in state on Thursday under the dome of the U.S. Capitol he so loved. Among those paying respects was Quayle, who at one point touched Dole’s casket and said “Bye, buddy.”

Born a child of the Dust Bowl, Bob Dole suffered paralyzing and near-fatal wounds after being shot in World War II that sent him home with a severely damaged right arm that he could not use to shake hands. Instead, Dole held a pen in it and reached out with his left as a way to put greeters at ease.

He served as a Kansas state legislator before running for Congress in 1960, joining the House for eight years then going on to win the Senate seat. The 1996 race was Dole’s third and final White House campaign.

Dole’s sense of humor was on display after losing to Clinton. McConnell recalled that when it was time for Dole’s remarks, he stood at the podium and began: “I, Robert J. Dole … do solemnly swear … oh, sorry, wrong speech!”

But that humor was rarely seen on the campaign trail, where it could have helped him win more votes. Instead, Dole was seen as a GOP “hatchet man,” a mentee of Richard Nixon and chairman of the Republican National Committee during the Watergate era.

Still, it was during Dole’s long Senate career that he grew to see the value of reaching across the aisle to Democrats and secured his more lasting achievements — most notably the Americans with Disabilities Act that to this day ensures a level of accessibility as a civil right.

Dole also supported civil rights and helped secure a federal holiday named in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., despite then-strong opposition from some in both parties — hard work that Biden saluted on Friday.

“Bob Dole did that,” the president said of the holiday.

WASHINGTON (AP) —WASHINGTON (AP) — Bob Dole is being&nbsp; honored with a private service at Washington National Cathedral and a public one at the World War II Memorial a day after lying in state at the U.S. Capitol, where President Joe Biden and top leaders from both parties saluted a “giant in our history."

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?516624-1/memorial-service-bob-dole-national-cathedral">Click here to</a> watch the service

A friend of Dole's from the decades both men spent in the Senate, Biden was also planning to speak at Friday's invitation-only cathedral ceremony, along with the late Kansas senator's family and close friends.

Dole's casket was then set to travel to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall for a public “celebration of life” featuring Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, actor Tom Hanks and the U.S. Army Band. Dole's wife, former North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole, will also then lay a wreath in his honor.

Dole, who died Sunday at age 98, served nearly 36 years in Congress, more than a decade as GOP Senate leader and was his party's presidential nominee when he lost to Bill Clinton during the 1996 election. In February, he announced he'd been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

Besides his sharp, often sarcastic tongue, among Dole's best-known attributes were his pragmatic brand of politics and self-deprecating wit — representing the sense of common civility and compromise of a bygone era.

“As divided as we are, the only way forward for democracy is unity — consensus — the only way,” Biden said Thursday. “We may follow his wisdom and his timeless truth and reach consensus on the basic fundamental principles we all agree on.”

Dole’s casket, draped with the American flag, sat under the Capitol dome. Biden said Dole “belongs here, in this place, this temple to liberty and temple to possibility.”

“He, too, was a giant of our history,” the president said.

Dole's body will later travel to Kansas, where weekend events include a public viewing at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in his hometown of Russell. He will later be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

“No question, Bob Dole left this world a much better place because of his legacy of leadership and service," Mike Ford, chair of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and the late President Ford's eldest son, said in a statement. "As we read the obituaries and see the responses to his passing, my family is struck by the genuine affection expressed across the political spectrum. His warmth, wit, and wisdom will be sorely missed.”

Black draperies hung on doorways under the dome as Dole lay in state and the lectern was positioned in a way that the statue of another Kansas stateman, Dwight Eisenhower, would be seen in the background. Sen. Mitch McConnell, now the longest-serving Republican Senate leader, said Dole idolized Eisenhower, calling the former president and general a hero who embodied “the finest qualities of the American people.”

“We can say with certainty that Eisenhower isn’t the only Kansan who meets those standards,” McConnell said in a speech earlier this week.

McConnell had raised concerns that an event planner for the memorial service, Tim Unes, had been subpoenaed by the House committee investigating a mob's deadly Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol over his role in planning that day for former President Donald Trump, according to a person granted anonymity to discuss the private conversation. Trump had urged his followers to head to the Capitol to fight the certification of Biden’s election victory.

Dole family spokesperson Steve Schwab said in a statement that Unes, a former Dole campaign staffer, had “volunteered his time to serve on the advance team for this week’s memorial events.” Schwab said Elizabeth Dole “was previously unaware” of Unes’ participation in the January attack and once he made her aware she “terminated his volunteer role."

He served as a Kansas state legislator before running for Congress in 1960, joining the House for eight years then going on to win the Senate seat. The 1996 race was Dole's third and final White House campaign.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639151025907.png" alt="Bob Dole's casket arrived at National Cathedral -photos courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Bob Dole's casket arrived at National Cathedral -photos courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-dole-sports-mens-college-basketball-college-basketball-kansas-9b5a99a4d2689bf51a534b581f897d21">Bob Dole</a>&nbsp;was honored Friday at Washington National Cathedral as top leaders from both parties gathered to display the kind of bipartisanship now rare in modern government, a tribute to the longtime Kansas senator’s ability to practice bare-knuckle politics without losing an overriding sense of civility.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?516624-1/memorial-service-bob-dole-national-cathedral">Click here to</a> watch a replay of the service<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/4QHR0uQATsc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Dole’s flag-draped casket was carried in by a military honor guard as the congregation stood and Dole’s wife, former North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole, and daughter, Robin, looked on. Joining top leaders of Congress at the invitation-only ceremony were President Joe Biden, members of his Cabinet and former Republican Vice Presidents Mike Pence, Dick Cheney and Dan Quayle. Bill Clinton, who beat Dole to win reelection as president in 1996 and was recently hospitalized for an infection unrelated to COVID-19, was also there.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639160921379.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“There’s something that connects that past and present, war time and peace, then and now. The courage, the grit, the goodness and the grace of Bob Dole,” said Biden, who touched Dole’s casket before speaking and mentioned his “50 years of friendship” with the longtime senator.Biden called Dole a “giant of our time and of all time.” The president also said that Dole was worried at the end of his life about American democracy being threatened by today’s bitter political battles — noting that infighting from both parties “grows more unacceptable day by day.”Dole, who died Sunday at age 98, was wounded during World War II, served nearly 36 years in Congress and was GOP Senate leader for more than a decade. In February, he announced he’d been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.Later Friday, Dole’s casket will travel to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall for a public “celebration of life” featuring Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the U.S. Army Band.Besides his sharp, often sarcastic tongue, among Dole’s best-known attributes were his pragmatic brand of politics and self-deprecating wit — representing the sense of compromise of a bygone era.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639161014311.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Biden delivered a vivid, visceral eulogy speaking about Dole volunteering for military service and being gravely wounded, and how he came back to “painful” years recovering from the wounds.“God, what courage Bob Dole had,” Biden said, adding that “I found Bob to be a man of principle, pragmatism and enormous integrity” who the president said was devoted to “country, to honor. Literally dedicated to finding the common good.”Former Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts told those gathered about Dole’s deep and lasting influence on their home state, and noted that he was able to “let the air out of the partisan balloons.” Roberts also highlighted Dole’s work to honor the “Greatest Generation,” saying “there would not be” a World War II memorial without Dole using his influence to help make sure it was built.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639160784205.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dole’s body will later travel to Kansas, where weekend events include a public viewing at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in his hometown of Russell. He will later be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.“No question, Bob Dole left this world a much better place because of his legacy of leadership and service,” Mike Ford, chair of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and the late President Ford’s eldest son, said in a statement. “As we read the obituaries and see the responses to his passing, my family is struck by the genuine affection expressed across the political spectrum. His warmth, wit, and wisdom will be sorely missed.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639160698209.png" alt="Lee Greenwood singing at Bob Dole's funeral service at the National Cathedral" />
 <figcaption>Lee Greenwood singing at Bob Dole's funeral service at the National Cathedral</figcaption>
 </figure>Ford selected Dole as his running mate while unsuccessfully seeking to hang on to the presidency in the 1976 election.Friday’s services followed Dole lying in state on Thursday under the dome of the U.S. Capitol he so loved. Among those paying respects was Quayle, who at one point touched Dole’s casket and said “Bye, buddy.”Born a child of the Dust Bowl, Bob Dole suffered paralyzing and near-fatal wounds after being shot in World War II that sent him home with a severely damaged right arm that he could not use to shake hands. Instead, Dole held a pen in it and reached out with his left as a way to put greeters at ease.He served as a Kansas state legislator before running for Congress in 1960, joining the House for eight years then going on to win the Senate seat. The 1996 race was Dole’s third and final White House campaign.Dole’s sense of humor was on display after losing to Clinton. McConnell recalled that when it was time for Dole’s remarks, he stood at the podium and began: “I, Robert J. Dole … do solemnly swear … oh, sorry, wrong speech!”But that humor was rarely seen on the campaign trail, where it could have helped him win more votes. Instead, Dole was seen as a GOP “hatchet man,” a mentee of Richard Nixon and chairman of the Republican National Committee during the Watergate era.Still, it was during Dole’s long Senate career that he grew to see the value of reaching across the aisle to Democrats and secured his more lasting achievements — most notably the Americans with Disabilities Act that to this day ensures a level of accessibility as a civil right.Dole also supported civil rights and helped secure a federal holiday named in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., despite then-strong opposition from some in both parties — hard work that Biden saluted on Friday.“Bob Dole did that,” the president said of the holiday.-------------WASHINGTON (AP) —WASHINGTON (AP) — Bob Dole is being&nbsp; honored with a private service at Washington National Cathedral and a public one at the World War II Memorial a day after lying in state at the U.S. Capitol, where President Joe Biden and top leaders from both parties saluted a “giant in our history."<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?516624-1/memorial-service-bob-dole-national-cathedral">Click here to</a> watch the service<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/4QHR0uQATsc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>A friend of Dole's from the decades both men spent in the Senate, Biden was also planning to speak at Friday's invitation-only cathedral ceremony, along with the late Kansas senator's family and close friends.Dole's casket was then set to travel to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall for a public “celebration of life” featuring Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, actor Tom Hanks and the U.S. Army Band. Dole's wife, former North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole, will also then lay a wreath in his honor.Dole, who died Sunday at age 98, served nearly 36 years in Congress, more than a decade as GOP Senate leader and was his party's presidential nominee when he lost to Bill Clinton during the 1996 election. In February, he announced he'd been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.Besides his sharp, often sarcastic tongue, among Dole's best-known attributes were his pragmatic brand of politics and self-deprecating wit — representing the sense of common civility and compromise of a bygone era.“As divided as we are, the only way forward for democracy is unity — consensus — the only way,” Biden said Thursday. “We may follow his wisdom and his timeless truth and reach consensus on the basic fundamental principles we all agree on.”Dole’s casket, draped with the American flag, sat under the Capitol dome. Biden said Dole “belongs here, in this place, this temple to liberty and temple to possibility.”“He, too, was a giant of our history,” the president said.Dole's body will later travel to Kansas, where weekend events include a public viewing at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in his hometown of Russell. He will later be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.“No question, Bob Dole left this world a much better place because of his legacy of leadership and service," Mike Ford, chair of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and the late President Ford's eldest son, said in a statement. "As we read the obituaries and see the responses to his passing, my family is struck by the genuine affection expressed across the political spectrum. His warmth, wit, and wisdom will be sorely missed.”Ford selected Dole as his running mate while unsuccessfully seeking to hang on to the presidency in the 1976 election.Black draperies hung on doorways under the dome as Dole lay in state and the lectern was positioned in a way that the statue of another Kansas stateman, Dwight Eisenhower, would be seen in the background. Sen. Mitch McConnell, now the longest-serving Republican Senate leader, said Dole idolized Eisenhower, calling the former president and general a hero who embodied “the finest qualities of the American people.”“We can say with certainty that Eisenhower isn’t the only Kansan who meets those standards,” McConnell said in a speech earlier this week.McConnell had raised concerns that an event planner for the memorial service, Tim Unes, had been subpoenaed by the House committee investigating a mob's deadly Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol over his role in planning that day for former President Donald Trump, according to a person granted anonymity to discuss the private conversation. Trump had urged his followers to head to the Capitol to fight the certification of Biden’s election victory.Dole family spokesperson Steve Schwab said in a statement that Unes, a former Dole campaign staffer, had “volunteered his time to serve on the advance team for this week’s memorial events.” Schwab said Elizabeth Dole “was previously unaware” of Unes’ participation in the January attack and once he made her aware she “terminated his volunteer role."Born a child of the Dust Bowl, Bob Dole suffered paralyzing and near-fatal wounds after being shot in World War II that sent him home with a severely damaged right arm that he could not use to shake hands. Instead, Dole held a pen in it and reached out with his left as a way to put greeters at ease.He served as a Kansas state legislator before running for Congress in 1960, joining the House for eight years then going on to win the Senate seat. The 1996 race was Dole's third and final White House campaign.Dole’s sense of humor was on display after losing to Clinton. McConnell recalled that when it was time for Dole’s remarks, he stood at the podium and began: “I, Robert J. Dole … do solemnly swear … oh, sorry, wrong speech!”But that humor was rarely seen on the campaign trail, where it could have helped him win more votes. Instead, Dole was seen as a GOP “hatchet man,” a mentee of Richard Nixon and chairman of the Republican National Committee during the Watergate era.Still, it was during Dole’s long Senate career that he grew to see the value of reaching across the aisle to Democrats and secured his more lasting achievements — most notably the Americans with Disabilities Act that to this day ensures a level of accessibility as a civil right.

🎥Bob Dole remembered as 'giant of our time and of all time'

WASHINGTON(AP) — The Supreme Court has ruled that Texas abortion providers can sue over the state’s ban on most abortions, but the justices are allowing the law to remain in effect.

The court acted Friday, more than a month after hearing arguments over the law that makes abortion illegal after cardiac activity is detected in an embryo. That’s around six weeks, before some women even know they are pregnant. There are no exceptions for rape or incest.

The outcome is at best only a partial victory for abortion providers. The same federal judge who already has once blocked the law almost certainly will be asked to do so again. But then his decision will be reviewed by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has twice voted to allow enforcement of the abortion ban.

The case could return to the justices and so far there have not been five votes on the nine-member court to put the law on hold while the legal fight plays out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1571309298669.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON(AP) — The Supreme Court has ruled that Texas abortion providers can sue over the state’s ban on most abortions, but the justices are allowing the law to remain in effect.The court acted Friday, more than a month after hearing arguments over the law that makes abortion illegal after cardiac activity is detected in an embryo. That’s around six weeks, before some women even know they are pregnant. There are no exceptions for rape or incest.The law has been in place since Sept. 1.The outcome is at best only a partial victory for abortion providers. The same federal judge who already has once blocked the law almost certainly will be asked to do so again. But then his decision will be reviewed by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has twice voted to allow enforcement of the abortion ban.The case could return to the justices and so far there have not been five votes on the nine-member court to put the law on hold while the legal fight plays out.

Supreme Court won't stop nation's most restrictive abortion law

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bob Dole is to be honored with a private service at Washington National Cathedral and a public one at the World War II Memorial on Friday, one day after lying in state at the U.S. Capitol.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?516621-1/bob-doles-casket-departs-us-capitol&amp;live">Click here to view </a>the transition from the U.S. Capitol

President Joe Biden and top leaders from both parties on Thursday saluted Dole as a “giant in our history.”

 Biden is also planning to speak at Friday’s invitation-only cathedral ceremony, along with Dole's family and close friends. Dole’s casket is then set to travel to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall for a public service featuring Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and actor Tom Hanks.

A public viewing of Dole’s casket and a memorial service are set for Saturday morning at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.

A private ceremony will follow on Saturday afternoon at the Statehouse in Topeka, with remarks by Governor Kelly and senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall.

Dole died Sunday at the age of 98 after announcing in February he had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He is to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639148641953.png" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Bob Dole is to be honored with a private service at Washington National Cathedral and a public one at the World War II Memorial on Friday, one day after lying in state at the U.S. Capitol.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?516621-1/bob-doles-casket-departs-us-capitol&amp;live">Click here to view </a>the transition from the U.S. CapitolPresident Joe Biden and top leaders from both parties on Thursday saluted Dole as a “giant in our history.” Biden is also planning to speak at Friday’s invitation-only cathedral ceremony, along with Dole's family and close friends. Dole’s casket is then set to travel to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall for a public service featuring Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and actor Tom Hanks.A public viewing of Dole’s casket and a memorial service are set for Saturday morning at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.A private ceremony will follow on Saturday afternoon at the Statehouse in Topeka, with remarks by Governor Kelly and senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall.Dole died Sunday at the age of 98 after announcing in February he had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He is to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

🎥 Bob Dole's casket departs U.S. Capitol for National Cathedral

LABETTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a case of alleged felony animal cruelty are offering a reward for information in the case.

On Dec. 3, an off duty police officer in the city of Parsons reported their dog 'Ranger' had been killed at a home in the 1400 Block of South 14th Street, according to a media release.

Ranger was a 3-month-old, black, pure bred German Shepherd. The owners let the dog out into a fenced back yard at approximately 7a.m. Just after 2p.m. the owners found the puppy with its head severed, according to the release.

Investigators believe the puppy was removed from the yard by a suspect, taken to another location and killed. Then in a brazen act, the suspect returned the decapitated body and muzzle of Ranger to the police officer's back yard, according to the release.

The crime of cruelty to an animal is a felony for knowingly and maliciously killing an animal. Additionally police would consider requesting a charge of criminal trespass in the case.

Because this was a targeted attack on a Parsons police officer, the Police Department is now offering a $4000.00 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

Anyone with information should contact Parsons Police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639092204370.png" alt="Ranger-photo Parsons Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Ranger-photo Parsons Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>LABETTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a case of alleged felony animal cruelty are offering a reward for information in the case.On Dec. 3, an off duty police officer in the city of Parsons reported their dog 'Ranger' had been killed at a home in the 1400 Block of South 14th Street, according to a media release.Ranger was a 3-month-old, black, pure bred German Shepherd. The owners let the dog out into a fenced back yard at approximately 7a.m. Just after 2p.m. the owners found the puppy with its head severed, according to the release.Investigators believe the puppy was removed from the yard by a suspect, taken to another location and killed. Then in a brazen act, the suspect returned the decapitated body and muzzle of Ranger to the police officer's back yard, according to the release.The crime of cruelty to an animal is a felony for knowingly and maliciously killing an animal. Additionally police would consider requesting a charge of criminal trespass in the case.Because this was a targeted attack on a Parsons police officer, the Police Department is now offering a $4000.00 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.Anyone with information should contact Parsons Police.

Reward offered in killing of Kansas police officer's puppy

By DAVID A. LIEB and GEOFF MULVIHILL, Associated Press

Tens of millions of workers across the U.S. are in limbo as federal courts have put President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates affecting private companies on hold. On Tuesday, a federal judge in Georgia stayed a vaccine mandate for employers of companies that contract with the federal government. That follows similar nationwide suspensions of Biden administration mandates for employees of larger private companies and certain health care workers.

The courts are responding to lawsuits brought by Republican-led states, businesses and other opponents. Numerous other legal challenges are pending, some involving groups of states and others filed by states acting alone.

The rulings have led vaccine mandates to be halted at some large employers. They include Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center of the University of Michigan, the three largest state universities in Kansas and the city of Phoenix. Two large aircraft parts makers in Wichita also suspended their vaccination deadlines.

Despite other legal challenges, separate Biden administration vaccine mandates for federal government employees and the military remain in effect, as do mask requirements for airline passengers and people using public transportation.

The legal cases concern whether the federal government can force employers to require vaccinations. Courts have generally been accepting of requirements that businesses and universities have put in place on their own.

<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations_vacc-people-onedose-pop-5yr">More than four-fifths of adults nationwide already have received at least one dose&nbsp;</a>of a COVID-19 vaccine. But Biden contends his various workforce vaccine mandates are an important step to drive up vaccination rates and containing the virus outbreak, which has killed more than 790,000 people in the U.S.

Opponents have taken a three-tiered approach to challenging the requirements. In lawsuits, they contend the vaccine mandates were imposed without proper public comment, were not authorized by Congress and infringe on states' rights to regulate public health matters.

“The reasoning across the cases is basically the same, which is that these statutes don’t give the president or the agency in question the authority to issue the mandates," said Gregory Magarian, a constitutional law professor at Washington University in St. Louis.

The Biden administration contends its rule-making authority is firm and supersedes any state policies prohibiting vaccine requirements. Recent experience shows that such mandates generally prompt people to get vaccinated: By the time a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-travel-99b820492135ceeaf23e51b834d6ab79">Biden requirement for federal workers to be vaccinated&nbsp;</a>took effect last month, 92% had received at least their first dose of the shot.

Following is a rundown of some of Biden's most sweeping vaccine requirements and the status of the legal fights over them.

What it would do: Under&nbsp;<a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2021-23643.pdf">a rule published by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration&nbsp;</a>on Nov. 5, businesses with 100 or more workers are to require employees to be vaccinated. If they are not, they would need to be tested weekly and wear masks while working, with exceptions for those who work alone or mostly outdoors. The rule was to go into effect Jan. 4. The requirement would affect businesses with a cumulative 84 million employees, and OSHA projected it could save 6,500 lives and prevent 250,000 hospitalizations over six months.

Who’s challenging it: The requirement is being challenged by 27 Republican-led state governments plus conservative and business groups and some individual businesses. The states mostly filed lawsuits in groups, though Indiana challenged it alone. Their arguments include that it’s the job of states, not the federal government, to deal with public health measures. The Biden administration maintains that the measure is legal. Some labor unions also contested the rule, though not for the same reasons as the Republicans and business group. They say it doesn't go far enough to protect workers.

Where it stands: The rule is on hold. A day after states challenged the rule, a panel of three&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/appeals-court-stays-vaccine-mandate-coronavirus-biden-b235b6fa858bd23b02ab5f9c009428db">judges in the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked it</a>. At first, it was a temporary suspension, then a more permanent one. The legal challenges originally were filed in various U.S. appeals courts. The cases subsequently were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-us-supreme-court-business-health-62a918becbcd80a77fbc12ca56dd14ad">consolidated&nbsp;</a>into a court that was selected at random, the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

What’s next: The Biden administration is asking the 6th Circuit to set aside the order from the 5th Circuit and allow the vaccine requirement. In the meantime, OSHA has suspended implementation of the rule. Groups that are suing want the questions decided by all the judges on the 6th Circuit rather than a panel of just some of them.

What it would do:: Under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-issues-emergency-regulation-requiring-covid-19-vaccination-health-care">a rule published by the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid</a>&nbsp;on Nov. 5, a wide range of health care providers that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid funding were to require workers to receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Dec. 6 and be fully vaccinated by Jan. 4. The rule would affect more than 17 million workers in about 76,000 health care facilities and home health care providers.

Who's challenging it: The rule was challenged in four separate lawsuits filed by Republican-led states, mostly in groups. Florida and Texas mounted their own challenges. The states argued that there were no grounds for an emergency rule, that CMS had no clear legal authority to issue the mandate and that the rule infringes on states' responsibilities.

Where it stands: The rule is on hold.&nbsp;<a href="https://hosted.ap.org/semissourian/article/2d05c688115e139b034ec4a497140c3b/e710c221e0648cfa24346c36e60e6ae9">A Missouri-based federal judge issued a preliminary injunction</a>&nbsp;Nov. 29 barring its enforcement in 10 states that had originally sued. The next day, a Louisiana-based federal judge also issued a preliminary injunction barring enforcement in the rest of the states.

What's next: Both court rulings are being appealed by the Biden administration. The case filed in Missouri is being considered by the St. Louis-based 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The case filed in Louisiana, which was brought by a coalition of 14 states, is being considered by the 5th Circuit. So far, there's been no move to consolidate the challenges in a single court.

What would it do: Under an executive order issued by Biden on Sept. 9, contractors and subcontractors for the federal government are required to comply with workplace safety guidelines developed by a federal task force. That task force&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/downloads/Guidance%20for%20Federal%20Contractors_Safer%20Federal%20Workforce%20Task%20Force_20211110.pdf">subsequently issued guidelines</a>&nbsp;requiring that new, renewed or extended contracts include a clause requiring employees to be fully vaccinated Jan. 18. That meant those receiving a two-dose vaccine must get their second shot by Jan. 4. There are limited exceptions for medical or religions reasons. The requirements could apply to millions of employees.

Who's challenging it: The guidelines have been challenged through more than a dozen lawsuits, including seven brought by Republican-led states or coalitions of states. The arguments are similar to those against other vaccine mandates, asserting the Biden administration exceeded the procurement rule-making powers granted by Congress, infringed on states' responsibilities and didn't properly gather public comment.

Where it stands: The rule is on hold. A federal judge in Georgia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-augusta-684571e6fb81014caed440c66e2b7fa2">issued a ruling Dec. 7</a>&nbsp;prohibiting enforcement of the requirement for contractors nationally. The ruling came a week after a judge in Kentucky barred enforcement of the requirement in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.

What's next: Legal challenges pending in several other states could lead to additional rulings on requests for injunctions. The Kentucky or Georgia rulings also could be appealed.

A quick consolidation of the federal contractor lawsuits appears unlikely.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630439593928.png" alt="The Biden administration contends its rule-making authority is firm-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The Biden administration contends its rule-making authority is firm-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID A. LIEB and GEOFF MULVIHILL, Associated PressTens of millions of workers across the U.S. are in limbo as federal courts have put President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates affecting private companies on hold. On Tuesday, a federal judge in Georgia stayed a vaccine mandate for employers of companies that contract with the federal government. That follows similar nationwide suspensions of Biden administration mandates for employees of larger private companies and certain health care workers.The courts are responding to lawsuits brought by Republican-led states, businesses and other opponents. Numerous other legal challenges are pending, some involving groups of states and others filed by states acting alone.The rulings have led vaccine mandates to be halted at some large employers. They include Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center of the University of Michigan, the three largest state universities in Kansas and the city of Phoenix. Two large aircraft parts makers in Wichita also suspended their vaccination deadlines.Despite other legal challenges, separate Biden administration vaccine mandates for federal government employees and the military remain in effect, as do mask requirements for airline passengers and people using public transportation.The legal cases concern whether the federal government can force employers to require vaccinations. Courts have generally been accepting of requirements that businesses and universities have put in place on their own.<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations_vacc-people-onedose-pop-5yr">More than four-fifths of adults nationwide already have received at least one dose&nbsp;</a>of a COVID-19 vaccine. But Biden contends his various workforce vaccine mandates are an important step to drive up vaccination rates and containing the virus outbreak, which has killed more than 790,000 people in the U.S.Opponents have taken a three-tiered approach to challenging the requirements. In lawsuits, they contend the vaccine mandates were imposed without proper public comment, were not authorized by Congress and infringe on states' rights to regulate public health matters.“The reasoning across the cases is basically the same, which is that these statutes don’t give the president or the agency in question the authority to issue the mandates," said Gregory Magarian, a constitutional law professor at Washington University in St. Louis.The Biden administration contends its rule-making authority is firm and supersedes any state policies prohibiting vaccine requirements. Recent experience shows that such mandates generally prompt people to get vaccinated: By the time a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-travel-99b820492135ceeaf23e51b834d6ab79">Biden requirement for federal workers to be vaccinated&nbsp;</a>took effect last month, 92% had received at least their first dose of the shot.Following is a rundown of some of Biden's most sweeping vaccine requirements and the status of the legal fights over them.LARGE BUSINESS MANDATEWhat it would do: Under&nbsp;<a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2021-23643.pdf">a rule published by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration&nbsp;</a>on Nov. 5, businesses with 100 or more workers are to require employees to be vaccinated. If they are not, they would need to be tested weekly and wear masks while working, with exceptions for those who work alone or mostly outdoors. The rule was to go into effect Jan. 4. The requirement would affect businesses with a cumulative 84 million employees, and OSHA projected it could save 6,500 lives and prevent 250,000 hospitalizations over six months.Who’s challenging it: The requirement is being challenged by 27 Republican-led state governments plus conservative and business groups and some individual businesses. The states mostly filed lawsuits in groups, though Indiana challenged it alone. Their arguments include that it’s the job of states, not the federal government, to deal with public health measures. The Biden administration maintains that the measure is legal. Some labor unions also contested the rule, though not for the same reasons as the Republicans and business group. They say it doesn't go far enough to protect workers.Where it stands: The rule is on hold. A day after states challenged the rule, a panel of three&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/appeals-court-stays-vaccine-mandate-coronavirus-biden-b235b6fa858bd23b02ab5f9c009428db">judges in the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked it</a>. At first, it was a temporary suspension, then a more permanent one. The legal challenges originally were filed in various U.S. appeals courts. The cases subsequently were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-us-supreme-court-business-health-62a918becbcd80a77fbc12ca56dd14ad">consolidated&nbsp;</a>into a court that was selected at random, the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.What’s next: The Biden administration is asking the 6th Circuit to set aside the order from the 5th Circuit and allow the vaccine requirement. In the meantime, OSHA has suspended implementation of the rule. Groups that are suing want the questions decided by all the judges on the 6th Circuit rather than a panel of just some of them.HEALTH WORKER MANDATEWhat it would do:: Under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-issues-emergency-regulation-requiring-covid-19-vaccination-health-care">a rule published by the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid</a>&nbsp;on Nov. 5, a wide range of health care providers that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid funding were to require workers to receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Dec. 6 and be fully vaccinated by Jan. 4. The rule would affect more than 17 million workers in about 76,000 health care facilities and home health care providers.Who's challenging it: The rule was challenged in four separate lawsuits filed by Republican-led states, mostly in groups. Florida and Texas mounted their own challenges. The states argued that there were no grounds for an emergency rule, that CMS had no clear legal authority to issue the mandate and that the rule infringes on states' responsibilities.Where it stands: The rule is on hold.&nbsp;<a href="https://hosted.ap.org/semissourian/article/2d05c688115e139b034ec4a497140c3b/e710c221e0648cfa24346c36e60e6ae9">A Missouri-based federal judge issued a preliminary injunction</a>&nbsp;Nov. 29 barring its enforcement in 10 states that had originally sued. The next day, a Louisiana-based federal judge also issued a preliminary injunction barring enforcement in the rest of the states.What's next: Both court rulings are being appealed by the Biden administration. The case filed in Missouri is being considered by the St. Louis-based 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The case filed in Louisiana, which was brought by a coalition of 14 states, is being considered by the 5th Circuit. So far, there's been no move to consolidate the challenges in a single court.FEDERAL CONTRACTOR MANDATEWhat would it do: Under an executive order issued by Biden on Sept. 9, contractors and subcontractors for the federal government are required to comply with workplace safety guidelines developed by a federal task force. That task force&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/downloads/Guidance%20for%20Federal%20Contractors_Safer%20Federal%20Workforce%20Task%20Force_20211110.pdf">subsequently issued guidelines</a>&nbsp;requiring that new, renewed or extended contracts include a clause requiring employees to be fully vaccinated Jan. 18. That meant those receiving a two-dose vaccine must get their second shot by Jan. 4. There are limited exceptions for medical or religions reasons. The requirements could apply to millions of employees.Who's challenging it: The guidelines have been challenged through more than a dozen lawsuits, including seven brought by Republican-led states or coalitions of states. The arguments are similar to those against other vaccine mandates, asserting the Biden administration exceeded the procurement rule-making powers granted by Congress, infringed on states' responsibilities and didn't properly gather public comment.Where it stands: The rule is on hold. A federal judge in Georgia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-augusta-684571e6fb81014caed440c66e2b7fa2">issued a ruling Dec. 7</a>&nbsp;prohibiting enforcement of the requirement for contractors nationally. The ruling came a week after a judge in Kentucky barred enforcement of the requirement in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.What's next: Legal challenges pending in several other states could lead to additional rulings on requests for injunctions. The Kentucky or Georgia rulings also could be appealed.A quick consolidation of the federal contractor lawsuits appears unlikely.

Workers across U.S. are in limbo over Biden's vaccine mandate

RENO COUNTY—A Kansas man avoided serious injury in a small plane accident just after 4:30p.m. Thursday in Reno County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported an ultralight plane piloted by Scott M.&nbsp;Bontrager, 43, Hutchinson,&nbsp;was westbound and going to land on Morgan Road. 

The pilot did not see the power lines and struck them. The plane came to rest on the southwest corner of Partridge and Morgan.&nbsp; The KHP reported Bontranger had possible injuries but they did not report he was transported for treatment.

RENO COUNTY— Emergency crews were on the scene of an ultralight plane crash just after 4:30p.m. Thursday in Reno County. The pilot escaped serious injury.

The ultralight went down in a field approximately 60 yards southwest of the corner of Morgan Road and Partridge Road in rural Reno County.

The name of the pilot has not been released. Electric crews were on scene to repair downed power lines that were still causing the closure of Morgan Road east of Partridge as of 6:30 p.m.

Rural fire districts three and four were called out as well as EMS.

Later information will come from the Kansas Highway Patrol, the agency that investigates small plane incidents in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639096425913.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY—A Kansas man avoided serious injury in a small plane accident just after 4:30p.m. Thursday in Reno County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported an ultralight plane piloted by Scott M.&nbsp;Bontrager, 43, Hutchinson,&nbsp;was westbound and going to land on Morgan Road. The pilot did not see the power lines and struck them. The plane came to rest on the southwest corner of Partridge and Morgan.&nbsp; The KHP reported Bontranger had possible injuries but they did not report he was transported for treatment.----------ROD ZOOKHutch PostRENO COUNTY— Emergency crews were on the scene of an ultralight plane crash just after 4:30p.m. Thursday in Reno County. The pilot escaped serious injury.The ultralight went down in a field approximately 60 yards southwest of the corner of Morgan Road and Partridge Road in rural Reno County.The name of the pilot has not been released. Electric crews were on scene to repair downed power lines that were still causing the closure of Morgan Road east of Partridge as of 6:30 p.m.Rural fire districts three and four were called out as well as EMS.Later information will come from the Kansas Highway Patrol, the agency that investigates small plane incidents in Kansas.

KHP IDs pilot who avoided serious injury in small plane crash 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas felon jailed for a violent, fatal stabbing made his first court appearance on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Goldy Metcalf, 36, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, attempted 1st&nbsp;degree murder, aggravated burglary, burglary, theft, two counts of criminal damage to property, criminal damage to property and criminal trespass, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

Just after 8 a.m. Saturday, police responded to a disturbance with a weapon at a home in the 600 block of South Green in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

 Upon arrival, officers located a 64-year-old woman and a 73-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. 

EMS transported both victims to an area hospital where the 64-year-old woman died, according to Davidson. The 73-year-old man had serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed at approximately 5 a.m. on Saturday, officers responded to a call in the 1800 block of North Kansas regarding a citizen who had 36-year-old Goldy L. Metcalf of Wichita at gunpoint for unlawfully entering his vehicle.&nbsp; 

Metcalf was cooperative with officers, cited for misdemeanor tampering with an automobile, and given a courtesy transport to St. Francis Hospital for medical treatment due to a previous injury to his mouth, according to Davidson.

Metcalf left St. Francis against medical advice and at approximately 8 a.m. stole a blue Ford pick-up in the 600 block of North Waco that was left running.

Metcalf fled in the truck and crashed it into a building in the 600 block of South Green. Metcalf then fled the scene and forced his way into the residence on South Green, where he stabbed the two victims. Metcalf fled from that residence and entered an unoccupied residence in 600 block of South Erie, and attempted to gain access to a church in the same block. Thanks to information provided by citizens, police responded quickly, located&nbsp; Metcalf and arrested him.

Metcalf was paroled from prison in July and has prior convictions for aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm, burglary, flee law enforcement, and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

His next court appearance is scheduled for December 20, according to the district attorneys office. He remains jailed on a bond $507,500.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638721469657.png" alt="Metcalf-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Metcalf-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas felon jailed for a violent, fatal stabbing made his first court appearance on Wednesday.&nbsp;Goldy Metcalf, 36, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, attempted 1st&nbsp;degree murder, aggravated burglary, burglary, theft, two counts of criminal damage to property, criminal damage to property and criminal trespass, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.Just after 8 a.m. Saturday, police responded to a disturbance with a weapon at a home in the 600 block of South Green in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers located a 64-year-old woman and a 73-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. EMS transported both victims to an area hospital where the 64-year-old woman died, according to Davidson. The 73-year-old man had serious but non-life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed at approximately 5 a.m. on Saturday, officers responded to a call in the 1800 block of North Kansas regarding a citizen who had 36-year-old Goldy L. Metcalf of Wichita at gunpoint for unlawfully entering his vehicle.&nbsp; Metcalf was cooperative with officers, cited for misdemeanor tampering with an automobile, and given a courtesy transport to St. Francis Hospital for medical treatment due to a previous injury to his mouth, according to Davidson.Metcalf left St. Francis against medical advice and at approximately 8 a.m. stole a blue Ford pick-up in the 600 block of North Waco that was left running.Metcalf fled in the truck and crashed it into a building in the 600 block of South Green. Metcalf then fled the scene and forced his way into the residence on South Green, where he stabbed the two victims. Metcalf fled from that residence and entered an unoccupied residence in 600 block of South Erie, and attempted to gain access to a church in the same block. Thanks to information provided by citizens, police responded quickly, located&nbsp; Metcalf and arrested him.Metcalf was paroled from prison in July and has prior convictions for aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm, burglary, flee law enforcement, and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.His next court appearance is scheduled for December 20, according to the district attorneys office. He remains jailed on a bond $507,500.&nbsp;

Kan. man paroled in July, charged with killing woman in her home

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a crime reported in November.

Just before 9:00AM on November 20, police responded to a burglary that had occurred at an apartment in the 200 block North 3rd in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The subsequent investigation determined that forced entry had been made during the night into an apartment located within the apartment complex. 

The suspects took clothing and household items.

 Two suspects identified as Kala Woods and Janice Jimenez-Saavedra were taken into custody on November 20 and charged with burglary and theft in the case.

On Wednesday police arrested Tamara K. Mies, 56, Atchison, on a District Court warrant for burglary and theft. She is being held on a $25,000 Bond, according to Wilson.&nbsp;

Police have arrested Mies seven times over the past six years for a variety of alleged crimes including aggravated failure to appear, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639068794247.png" alt="Mies photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Mies photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a crime reported in November.Just before 9:00AM on November 20, police responded to a burglary that had occurred at an apartment in the 200 block North 3rd in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The subsequent investigation determined that forced entry had been made during the night into an apartment located within the apartment complex. The suspects took clothing and household items.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637597244001.png" alt="Jimenez-Saavedra photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Jimenez-Saavedra photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Two suspects identified as Kala Woods and Janice Jimenez-Saavedra were taken into custody on November 20 and charged with burglary and theft in the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636469263291.png" alt="Woods-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Woods-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday police arrested Tamara K. Mies, 56, Atchison, on a District Court warrant for burglary and theft. She is being held on a $25,000 Bond, according to Wilson.&nbsp;Police have arrested Mies seven times over the past six years for a variety of alleged crimes including aggravated failure to appear, according to online jail records.

Police arrest 3rd suspect in Kansas apartment burglary

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SWAT teams from the Salina Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol were able to talk a Saline County man out of a residence east of Salina Wednesday night after an alleged domestic violence incident that left an 83-year-old man injured.

According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, deputies were called to the Salina Regional Health Center emergency room at approximately 4:40 p.m. Wednesday for the report of an 83-year-old man who was being treated for head injuries after an alleged incident at his home east of Salina. 

Deputies were told that the man was struck in the head with a handgun by a family member who Soldan identified as 43-year-oild Lance Clemence.

When deputies were unable to make contact with Clemence at the residence in the 6400 block of Country Club Road, the sheriff's office called in the Salina Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol SWAT teams to assist, Soldan said.

At approximately 10 p.m. Wednesday, the SWAT teams were able to make contact with Clemence and talk him out of the house without incident, according to Soldan.

Clemence was arrested on the following requested charges of Criminal threat, Criminal restrainn, Aggravated assault, Aggravated battery, and Interference with law enforcement officers/obstruction. The 83-year-old man has been released from the hospital, according to Soldan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639061201188.jpeg" alt="Clemence-photo&nbsp; Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Clemence-photo&nbsp; Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSWAT teams from the Salina Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol were able to talk a Saline County man out of a residence east of Salina Wednesday night after an alleged domestic violence incident that left an 83-year-old man injured.According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, deputies were called to the Salina Regional Health Center emergency room at approximately 4:40 p.m. Wednesday for the report of an 83-year-old man who was being treated for head injuries after an alleged incident at his home east of Salina. Deputies were told that the man was struck in the head with a handgun by a family member who Soldan identified as 43-year-oild Lance Clemence.When deputies were unable to make contact with Clemence at the residence in the 6400 block of Country Club Road, the sheriff's office called in the Salina Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol SWAT teams to assist, Soldan said.At approximately 10 p.m. Wednesday, the SWAT teams were able to make contact with Clemence and talk him out of the house without incident, according to Soldan.Clemence was arrested on the following requested charges of Criminal threat, Criminal restrainn, Aggravated assault, Aggravated battery, and Interference with law enforcement officers/obstruction. The 83-year-old man has been released from the hospital, according to Soldan.

SWAT team helps make arrest after 83-year-old Kan. man injured 

SALINE COUNTY —Christmas came early for the Rolling Hills Zoo family with the birth of the Zoo’s first southern white rhino calf Thursday.

The calf and Evey, the calf’s mother, are doing well and bonding as animal care staff monitors the pair from a distance. The sex of the calf not been confirmed at this time.

Evey had been part of a 15 member white rhino herd (or “crash”) at The Wilds Safari Park and Conservation Center at Cumberland, Ohio, prior to her arrival at RHZ. Since she had been with males within the herd, RHZ staff were hopeful that she was pregnant when she arrived in October 2020 and have been monitoring her pregnancy ever since. White rhino gestation can last 16 to 18 months.

“The Rolling Hills Zoo staff and I are over the moon for Evey and the first baby rhino birth at the Zoo,” said Ryan VanZant, RHZ executive director. “This a truly wonderful gift right before the holidays.”

Born at The Wilds Safari Park and Conservation Center, Evey was named for her birth date - December 31st. She will turn fifteen at the end of the month. While her parents have moved to other zoos as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), Evey remained at The Wilds Safari Park as part of their white rhino herd which is managed as one large social group, and the only rhinos that were not born there are two adult breeding males. Evey made the move to Rolling Hills Zoo on a breeding recommendation by the SSP of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), of which Rolling Hills Zoo is an accredited member.

Evey is an experienced mother, successfully giving birth to three offspring: Jaycambo, a male born in 2011; Agnes, a female born in 2014; and Gordon, a male born in 2017, and has been a great mother to all three. While Jaycambo is no longer at The Wilds, Agnes and Gordon have remained as part of the herd.

At this time, the rhino barn is closed for public viewing. The zoo asks for the public’s patience and understanding as they allow time for the mother and calf to bond. For now, animal care staff are entering the building as necessary and the pair is being monitored via cameras.

The white rhino, the second largest land mammal after the elephant, is a major conservation success story after having been brought back from the very brink of extinction. But the current surge in poaching for their horns, particularly in South Africa, has seen record numbers killed in recent years and urgent efforts are now underway to stop the poaching and end the illegal trade. In Africa today, more than 20,000 southern white rhinos now thrive in protected sanctuaries and are classified as near threatened.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639089538189.jpeg" alt="The rhino calf was born Thursday&nbsp;Photos courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo" />
 <figcaption>The rhino calf was born Thursday&nbsp;Photos courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Christmas came early for the Rolling Hills Zoo family with the birth of the Zoo’s first southern white rhino calf Thursday.The calf and Evey, the calf’s mother, are doing well and bonding as animal care staff monitors the pair from a distance. The sex of the calf not been confirmed at this time.Evey had been part of a 15 member white rhino herd (or “crash”) at The Wilds Safari Park and Conservation Center at Cumberland, Ohio, prior to her arrival at RHZ. Since she had been with males within the herd, RHZ staff were hopeful that she was pregnant when she arrived in October 2020 and have been monitoring her pregnancy ever since. White rhino gestation can last 16 to 18 months.“The Rolling Hills Zoo staff and I are over the moon for Evey and the first baby rhino birth at the Zoo,” said Ryan VanZant, RHZ executive director. “This a truly wonderful gift right before the holidays.”Born at The Wilds Safari Park and Conservation Center, Evey was named for her birth date - December 31st. She will turn fifteen at the end of the month. While her parents have moved to other zoos as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), Evey remained at The Wilds Safari Park as part of their white rhino herd which is managed as one large social group, and the only rhinos that were not born there are two adult breeding males. Evey made the move to Rolling Hills Zoo on a breeding recommendation by the SSP of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), of which Rolling Hills Zoo is an accredited member.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639089719931.jpeg" alt="Evey, right, and her calf." />
 <figcaption>Evey, right, and her calf.</figcaption>
 </figure>Evey is an experienced mother, successfully giving birth to three offspring: Jaycambo, a male born in 2011; Agnes, a female born in 2014; and Gordon, a male born in 2017, and has been a great mother to all three. While Jaycambo is no longer at The Wilds, Agnes and Gordon have remained as part of the herd.At this time, the rhino barn is closed for public viewing. The zoo asks for the public’s patience and understanding as they allow time for the mother and calf to bond. For now, animal care staff are entering the building as necessary and the pair is being monitored via cameras.The white rhino, the second largest land mammal after the elephant, is a major conservation success story after having been brought back from the very brink of extinction. But the current surge in poaching for their horns, particularly in South Africa, has seen record numbers killed in recent years and urgent efforts are now underway to stop the poaching and end the illegal trade. In Africa today, more than 20,000 southern white rhinos now thrive in protected sanctuaries and are classified as near threatened.

Early Christmas present at Kan. zoo: White rhino calf

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;has changed a policy that denied sex reassignment surgery to people who did not legally change their names, the company confirmed Thursday.

The change came after the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund raised the issue on behalf of Charley Osman, a transgender man, who was rejected after he sought pre-authorization in June for two surgeries.

“I’m pretty sure I’m not the first person to go through this, but I want to be sure I’m the last,” Osman said in a news release issued by ACLU Kansas. “This is an incredibly expensive surgery, and for a long time I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to have it. I’m very glad Blue Cross Blue Shield changed their policies so that no one else has to go through what I did.”

Several medical providers agreed Osman’s surgery was medically necessary, ACLU of Kansas said. The organizations sent a letter to Blue Cross Blue Shield on Osman’s behalf in August saying the name change requirement was outdated, inconsistent with medical standards, discriminatory and illegal.

With the policy change, Osman will undergo the surgeries by the end of the year, according to the statement.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas said it makes decisions based on feedback and insights from its members.

“Policies are important to ensure we keep costs down and insurance affordable," the company said in a statement. "However, we are constantly reviewing and updating these policies to meet the evolving needs of our members, and this is a good example of that process working.”

Ezra Cukor, senior staff attorney with the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, said many transgender people may not want to change their names. Legal name changes can also be expensive and time consuming and have no relation to medical necessity, she said.

“We’re glad that BCBS of Kansas stepped up to change this antiquated policy requirement," said Sharon Brett, legal director for the ACLU of Kansas. "This is an important first step toward ensuring that Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas provides care that is inclusive, non-discriminatory, and rooted in clinical standards.”

Thomas Witt, executive director for Equality Kansas, the state's leading LGBTQ advocacy group, praised the change.

“Transgender Kansans have struggled for years overcoming disparities in access to health care and insurance,” Witt said in a statement. "Today’s news signals another step forward for LGBTQ Kansans on our long road to full equality.”

The insurance company's new policy lists 18 procedures often associated with gender reassignment that it said are considered cosmetic and will not be covered. Those include such things as breast or calf implants, hair removal, voice modification or chin reshaping.

Brett said the two advocacy groups will continue to work with Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kansas for policy changes to ensure other subscribers are not denied "medically necessary care.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598133486005.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MARGARET STAFFORD, Associated PressBlue Cross and Blue Shield of&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;has changed a policy that denied sex reassignment surgery to people who did not legally change their names, the company confirmed Thursday.The change came after the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund raised the issue on behalf of Charley Osman, a transgender man, who was rejected after he sought pre-authorization in June for two surgeries.“I’m pretty sure I’m not the first person to go through this, but I want to be sure I’m the last,” Osman said in a news release issued by ACLU Kansas. “This is an incredibly expensive surgery, and for a long time I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to have it. I’m very glad Blue Cross Blue Shield changed their policies so that no one else has to go through what I did.”Several medical providers agreed Osman’s surgery was medically necessary, ACLU of Kansas said. The organizations sent a letter to Blue Cross Blue Shield on Osman’s behalf in August saying the name change requirement was outdated, inconsistent with medical standards, discriminatory and illegal.With the policy change, Osman will undergo the surgeries by the end of the year, according to the statement.Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas said it makes decisions based on feedback and insights from its members.“Policies are important to ensure we keep costs down and insurance affordable," the company said in a statement. "However, we are constantly reviewing and updating these policies to meet the evolving needs of our members, and this is a good example of that process working.”Ezra Cukor, senior staff attorney with the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, said many transgender people may not want to change their names. Legal name changes can also be expensive and time consuming and have no relation to medical necessity, she said.“We’re glad that BCBS of Kansas stepped up to change this antiquated policy requirement," said Sharon Brett, legal director for the ACLU of Kansas. "This is an important first step toward ensuring that Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas provides care that is inclusive, non-discriminatory, and rooted in clinical standards.”Thomas Witt, executive director for Equality Kansas, the state's leading LGBTQ advocacy group, praised the change.“Transgender Kansans have struggled for years overcoming disparities in access to health care and insurance,” Witt said in a statement. "Today’s news signals another step forward for LGBTQ Kansans on our long road to full equality.”The insurance company's new policy lists 18 procedures often associated with gender reassignment that it said are considered cosmetic and will not be covered. Those include such things as breast or calf implants, hair removal, voice modification or chin reshaping.Brett said the two advocacy groups will continue to work with Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kansas for policy changes to ensure other subscribers are not denied "medically necessary care.”

Blue Cross of Kansas changes policy on transgender surgery

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman died from injuries in an accident just before 9a.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.

According to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick, a Dodge Caravan driven by Donnelle Sholtess, 74, Wichita, was eastbound on 55th Street and entered the intersection without yielding to crossing traffic on Kansas 15.&nbsp; A southbound Mercedes Sprinter van driven by a 33-year-old man from Bel Aire struck the driver side door of the Dodge.

EMS transported Sholtess to a local hospital and later died, according to Blick. The other driver sustained minor injuries and refused medical treatment.

The accident remains under investigation, according to Blick.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman died from injuries in an accident just before 9a.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.According to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick, a Dodge Caravan driven by Donnelle Sholtess, 74, Wichita, was eastbound on 55th Street and entered the intersection without yielding to crossing traffic on Kansas 15.&nbsp; A southbound Mercedes Sprinter van driven by a 33-year-old man from Bel Aire struck the driver side door of the Dodge.EMS transported Sholtess to a local hospital and later died, according to Blick. The other driver sustained minor injuries and refused medical treatment.The accident remains under investigation, according to Blick.

Sheriff: 74-year-old Kansas woman dies from injuries in crash

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a vehicle near the intersection of Northeast 120 Avenue and NE 10 Road north of Ellinwood for an equipment violation, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.&nbsp;

During the course of the traffic stop, deputies became suspicious and obtained consent to search the vehicle. During the investigation, approximately 29 grams of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle. Deputies also located $2,300 in U.S. currency. The suspected drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash were seized by officers.

The driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene. He was identified as Swen Finnigan, age 39 of Great Bend.

Finnigan was transported to the Barton County jail without incident where he was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Finnigan is being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639076423798.jpeg" alt="Finnigan photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Finnigan photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just before 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a vehicle near the intersection of Northeast 120 Avenue and NE 10 Road north of Ellinwood for an equipment violation, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.&nbsp;During the course of the traffic stop, deputies became suspicious and obtained consent to search the vehicle. During the investigation, approximately 29 grams of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle. Deputies also located $2,300 in U.S. currency. The suspected drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash were seized by officers.The driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene. He was identified as Swen Finnigan, age 39 of Great Bend.Finnigan was transported to the Barton County jail without incident where he was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Finnigan is being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond.

Kan. deputies seize drugs, $2300 in cash during traffic stop

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to&nbsp;sequence&nbsp;positive COVID-19&nbsp;samples and has not&nbsp;yet&nbsp;identified the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant&nbsp;in Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.

While there is more to learn about&nbsp;Omicron, the same prevention methods used throughout the pandemic remain the best tools to help stop the spread&nbsp;of the virus and prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;SARS-CoV-2 Variants tab on the&nbsp;COVID-19 Dashboard&nbsp;is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday and includes the total count of&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;cases in the state. When the first case of the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant is identified, KDHE will issue a statement—identifying information such as age, location and gender will not be released to protect the individual's privacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tools to&nbsp;Protect Yourselves from COVID-19 and the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant&nbsp;

Get vaccinated&nbsp;and boosted.&nbsp;Vaccines remain the best&nbsp;tool to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging.&nbsp;The three&nbsp;authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly&nbsp;effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death&nbsp;and scientists&nbsp;expect they will also prevent serious illness, hospitalizations and death in people infected with the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant. COVID-19 vaccines are&nbsp;now&nbsp;authorized for&nbsp;people&nbsp;aged 5 and over. The COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for&nbsp;all adults&nbsp;aged 18 and over.&nbsp;

Wear a mask.&nbsp;Masks offer&nbsp;protection against all variants.&nbsp;It is recommended that&nbsp;people&nbsp;wear a&nbsp;well-fitting&nbsp;mask in public indoor settings in&nbsp;Kansas where COVID-19 transmission remains high,&nbsp;regardless of vaccination status.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Get tested.&nbsp;If you are&nbsp;sick&nbsp;or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19,&nbsp;it is recommended&nbsp;that you&nbsp;get tested for COVID-19.&nbsp;COVID-19 tests are available across Kansas. Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMDguNDk5ODYxNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va25vd2JlZm9yZXlvdWdva3MuY29tLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.N1Ou_8LlG47-O1SAMUbS5HVMUzIyUG7KNwB_A4U8XWs/s/1305913448/br/122593551916-l" target="_blank">KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com</a>&nbsp;to find a free testing location near you.&nbsp;

Social distance.&nbsp;When in public settings, stay at least 6 feet from other people, especially&nbsp;if you are&nbsp;at higher risk of getting sick.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At home&nbsp;tests are available for purchase at grocery&nbsp;stores and pharmacies. These can be used at home, work or anywhere and can provide rapid results.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<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>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to&nbsp;sequence&nbsp;positive COVID-19&nbsp;samples and has not&nbsp;yet&nbsp;identified the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant&nbsp;in Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.While there is more to learn about&nbsp;Omicron, the same prevention methods used throughout the pandemic remain the best tools to help stop the spread&nbsp;of the virus and prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639080198409.png" alt="Omicron variant identified in Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri and many other U.S. States-image GISAID" />
 <figcaption>Omicron variant identified in Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri and many other U.S. States-image GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;SARS-CoV-2 Variants tab on the&nbsp;COVID-19 Dashboard&nbsp;is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday and includes the total count of&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;cases in the state. When the first case of the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant is identified, KDHE will issue a statement—identifying information such as age, location and gender will not be released to protect the individual's privacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;What We Know about&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Reports from South Africa suggest the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant spreads&nbsp;more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2&nbsp;virus&nbsp;and&nbsp;the Delta virus.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>More data is needed to&nbsp;understand the severity of infections caused by the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness,&nbsp;hospitalizations&nbsp;and deaths due to infection with the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant.&nbsp;However, breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated people are likely to occur.&nbsp;One early study showed that getting a booster dose of Pfizer vaccine may protect against infection with&nbsp;Omicron.&nbsp;The recent emergence of&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work on the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Tools to&nbsp;Protect Yourselves from COVID-19 and the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant&nbsp;Get vaccinated&nbsp;and boosted.&nbsp;Vaccines remain the best&nbsp;tool to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging.&nbsp;The three&nbsp;authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly&nbsp;effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death&nbsp;and scientists&nbsp;expect they will also prevent serious illness, hospitalizations and death in people infected with the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant. COVID-19 vaccines are&nbsp;now&nbsp;authorized for&nbsp;people&nbsp;aged 5 and over. The COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for&nbsp;all adults&nbsp;aged 18 and over.&nbsp;Wear a mask.&nbsp;Masks offer&nbsp;protection against all variants.&nbsp;It is recommended that&nbsp;people&nbsp;wear a&nbsp;well-fitting&nbsp;mask in public indoor settings in&nbsp;Kansas where COVID-19 transmission remains high,&nbsp;regardless of vaccination status.&nbsp;&nbsp;Get tested.&nbsp;If you are&nbsp;sick&nbsp;or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19,&nbsp;it is recommended&nbsp;that you&nbsp;get tested for COVID-19.&nbsp;COVID-19 tests are available across Kansas. Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMDguNDk5ODYxNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va25vd2JlZm9yZXlvdWdva3MuY29tLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.N1Ou_8LlG47-O1SAMUbS5HVMUzIyUG7KNwB_A4U8XWs/s/1305913448/br/122593551916-l" target="_blank">KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com</a>&nbsp;to find a free testing location near you.&nbsp;Social distance.&nbsp;When in public settings, stay at least 6 feet from other people, especially&nbsp;if you are&nbsp;at higher risk of getting sick.&nbsp;&nbsp;At home&nbsp;tests are available for purchase at grocery&nbsp;stores and pharmacies. These can be used at home, work or anywhere and can provide rapid results.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

KDHE has yet to ID the Omicron variant in Kansas

By STEVE VOCKRODT <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-06/leavenworth-prison-beset-by-reports-of-violence-and-mismanagement-faces-uncertain-future">Kansas News Service</a>

Prisoners awaiting trial or sentencing at the troubled Leavenworth 
Detention Center should have new confines by the end of the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638889062735.png" alt="The main gate of the privately run Leavenworth Detention Center in 2016. At the time, the prison's operator was known as the Corrections Corporation of America but has since been renamed CoreCivic. Legal advocates are hoping the facility shuts down when its federal contract ends at the end of 2021. KNS file photo" />
 <figcaption>The main gate of the privately run Leavenworth Detention Center in 2016. At the time, the prison's operator was known as the Corrections Corporation of America but has since been renamed CoreCivic. Legal advocates are hoping the facility shuts down when its federal contract ends at the end of 2021. KNS file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE VOCKRODT <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-06/leavenworth-prison-beset-by-reports-of-violence-and-mismanagement-faces-uncertain-future">Kansas News Service</a>Prisoners awaiting trial or sentencing at the troubled Leavenworth 
Detention Center should have new confines by the end of the year.<a href="https://www.corecivic.com/" target="_blank">CoreCivic,</a> a publicly traded prison operator, owns the Leavenworth Detention Center, which has been the center of a <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-09-03/aclu-public-defenders-urge-white-house-to-shut-down-violent-private-corrections-facility-in-kansas" target="_blank">number of controversies</a> in recent years. They range from reports of poor conditions to authorities eavesdropping on phone calls <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2018-10-01/did-attorneys-listen-thats-the-question-at-hearing-on-leavenworth-tapings" target="_blank">between prisoners and their attorneys</a>.The
 U.S. Marshals Service’s (USMS) lease at the Leavenworth Detention 
Center ends on Dec. 31 and won’t be renewed. That comes after President 
Biden <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/26/executive-order-reforming-our-incarceration-system-to-eliminate-the-use-of-privately-operated-criminal-detention-facilities/" target="_blank">issued an executive order</a> early this year to curtail the Justice Department’s use of private prisons.Plans are underway to transfer the prisoners to another government-run <a href="https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/lvn/" target="_blank">prison facility in Leavenworth.</a>“Currently,
 the USMS and BOP (Bureau of Prisons) are collaborating to transfer 
individuals from the Leavenworth Detention Center to the nearby U.S. 
Penitentiary Leavenworth,” said Lynzey Donahue, a spokeswoman for the 
USMS. “Preparations are underway to accommodate the particular needs and
 rights of those individuals being transferred.”That leaves 
unanswered the question of what CoreCivic will do with its Leavenworth 
facility. An NPR report earlier this year speculated that it may be 
repurposed to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/09/13/1036576308/biden-ended-contracts-with-private-prisons-so-one-may-turn-to-house-immigrants" target="_blank">house immigration detainees</a>.
 The Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs 
Enforcement have responsibility over immigrant detainees and neither is 
subject to Biden’s executive order on private prisons.Currently, 
immigration detainees are kept at the Chase County, Kansas, Detention 
Center, about 130 miles southwest of Kansas City. Larry Sigler, the 
administrator for the Chase County Detention Center, referred questions 
to the U.S. Marshals Service.The U.S. Marshals Service did not 
directly address the immigration detainee question in its response. A 
spokesperson for the U.S. Immigration &amp; Customs Enforcement (ICE) 
declined to comment on the record for this story.Michael 
Sharma-Crawford, an immigration attorney in Kansas City, said he 
understood ICE was unlikely to lease the Leavenworth Detention Center.“There
 have been meetings of community and immigration folks, and based on 
those meetings, it doesn’t appear ICE is going to lease the CoreCivic 
facility at this time,” Sharma-Crawford said.Sharon Brett, legal 
director of the ACLU of Kansas, said she has heard similar indications 
but has not been able to verify the information.She said a 
Freedom of Information Act request sent by her office to ICE seeking 
contracts or correspondence for the Leavenworth facility won’t be 
fulfilled for at least four months.“We can’t get definitive answers from anyone,” Brett saidThe
 Kansas City region falls under a larger ICE jurisdiction that’s 
headquartered in Chicago. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law a 
ban on <a href="https://news.wttw.com/2021/10/23/illinois-way-forward-act-maps-new-path-immigrants" target="_blank">private contracts for immigration detention</a> in that state that goes into effect in 2022, causing some to wonder where detainees in Illinois will end up.A spokesman for CoreCivic also referred questions to the U.S. Marshals Service.CoreCivic, whose shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange, <a href="https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1070985/000156459021055438/cxw-10q_20210930.htm" target="_blank">noted in a quarterly filing</a>
 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Nov. 9 that its lease in
 Leavenworth with the U.S. Marshals Service was ending in December.It’s
 one of seven CoreCivic detention facilities used primarily by the U.S. 
Marshals Service and whose terms would expire in the next several years.
 CoreCivic said if those leases are not renewed or the Biden executive 
order is expanded to apply to ICE, it could have a “material adverse 
effect” on the company’s business and financial condition.CoreCivic’s
 work on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service accounted for 23% of the 
company’s total revenue so far this year, according to SEC filings. 
Contracts with ICE represented 30% of CoreCivic’s revenue.“It’s a huge business for them,” Brett said.The
 quarterly SEC filing said that CoreCivic had entered negotiations with 
other government partners to use the Leavenworth Detention Center, but 
it did not specify which ones.The Leavenworth Detention Center is a 1,033-bed prison that opened in 1992.The Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General <a href="https://oig.justice.gov/sites/default/files/2019-12/2017-04-25.pdf" target="_blank">examined the prison in a 2017</a>
 report that found a number of management issues, including frequent 
understaffing and the placement of three prisoners in cells designed to 
hold two. The inspector general uncovered efforts to conceal the 
presence of a third inmate in the cells.The inspector general 
also criticized the U.S. Marshals Service for its lack of oversight of 
CoreCivic, including failing to reduce payouts to the company when it 
understaffed the prison.A letter earlier this year from ACLU 
chapters in several Midwest states to the White House and Leavenworth 
County Commission urged both to stop using CoreCivic in Leavenworth by 
the end of the year. The letter <a href="https://www.aclukansas.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/letter_regarding_corecivic_leavenworth_redacted.pdf" target="_blank">painted a grim picture</a> of conditions inside the prison, including prison doors that don’t lock and multiple incidents of stabbings this year alone.“Federal
 public defenders with clients inside CoreCivic Leavenworth report that 
stabbings like this are so routine recently that they are almost 
unnoteworthy,” the letter said.The prison has also been at the 
heart of ongoing court proceedings brought by one-time inmates who claim
 their privileged conversations with their attorneys were illegally 
recorded and, in some cases, made available to federal prosecutors. The 
prisoners are seeking to have their convictions vacated or their 
sentences thrown out.This story comes from the Midwest Newsroom, an investigative journalism collaboration including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/" target="_blank">KCUR 89.3</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iowapublicradio.org/" target="_blank">IPR</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska Public Media News</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.stlpublicradio.org/" target="_blank">St. Louis Public Radio&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/" target="_blank">NPR</a>.