By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/people/brian-grimmett">Brian Grimmett</a>, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-13/kansans-will-pay-more-for-natural-gas-this-winter">Kansas News Service</a>

Your natural gas bill will increase this winter as supply issues drive up market prices.

WICHITA, Kansas&nbsp;— Your natural gas bill is going to go up this winter.

Natural gas prices run nearly double what they did a year ago and experts predict the increased prices to last at least through the winter.

Utility companies pass the cost of natural gas directly on to their customers. As the price of wholesale natural gas increases, so will the fee your utility charges every month.

For Kansas Gas Service customers, that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasgasservice.com//media/KGS/Tariffs/current_cog.pdf" target="_blank">fee this month</a>&nbsp;is $5.67 per thousand cubic feet of gas used. Last October it was only $3.76.

Other large gas utilities have made similar increases.

The Atmos Energy gas purchase fee this month is nearly $1.50 more than last year. At&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/sites/blackhillsenergy.com/files/ksg_pga.pdf" target="_blank">Black Hills Energy</a>&nbsp;it’s more than $3 more.

“Right now, what we see is a relatively tight market, and higher prices signalling that more (gas) supplies are needed on the market,” said Richard Meyer, vice-president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aga.org/" target="_blank">American Gas Association</a>&nbsp;that represents natural gas utilities.

The U.S. Energy Information Agency said a few things are<a href="https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/report/prices.php" target="_blank">&nbsp;causing strain on natural gas supply</a>&nbsp;that contribute to higher-than-normal natural gas prices.

First, the amount of gas in underground storage is lower than normal. That’s partly caused by February’s winter storm that set record cold temperatures for much of the central U.S. It’s also caused by increased usage by gas-fired power plants during a particularly hot August.

Hurricane Ida also&nbsp;cut natural gas production and supplies.

While the EIA expects many of those supply issues to get resolved, it said the price will likely remain high all winter.

If it does, the average Kansan could see a monthly bill increase as much as $100 higher than last year.

Kansas Gas Service spokeswoman Dawn Tripp said the company has several tools to help keep the cost of gas down even as market prices rise.

The company has purchased and stored large amounts of gas this summer when prices were generally lower. It also will enter into long- and medium-term contracts to try to lock a price in and hedge against future increases.

“By doing that, we’re able to place a price cap on a portion of our winter supply,” Tripp said.

Increased natural gas prices will also greatly impact Kansas farmers. Natural gas is the main ingredient in nitrogen fertilizers. When the price of gas goes up, so does the price of fertilizer.

“Fertilizer is the largest direct cost (for farmers),” said Mark Nelson with the Kansas Farm Bureau.

Higher fertilizer prices will mean thinner profit margins, he said.

Last year the price to put fertilizer on no-till corn was $60 an acre. Nelson said many people are preparing for that cost to double.

“That’s a lot of money just for that one cost input,” Nelson said.

Brian Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-13/kansans-will-pay-more-for-natural-gas-this-winter">Kansas News Service.&nbsp;</a>

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/people/brian-grimmett">Brian Grimmett</a>, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-13/kansans-will-pay-more-for-natural-gas-this-winter">Kansas News Service</a><h2>Your natural gas bill will increase this winter as supply issues drive up market prices.</h2>WICHITA, Kansas&nbsp;— Your natural gas bill is going to go up this winter.Natural gas prices run nearly double what they did a year ago and experts predict the increased prices to last at least through the winter.Utility companies pass the cost of natural gas directly on to their customers. As the price of wholesale natural gas increases, so will the fee your utility charges every month.For Kansas Gas Service customers, that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasgasservice.com//media/KGS/Tariffs/current_cog.pdf" target="_blank">fee this month</a>&nbsp;is $5.67 per thousand cubic feet of gas used. Last October it was only $3.76.Other large gas utilities have made similar increases.The Atmos Energy gas purchase fee this month is nearly $1.50 more than last year. At&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/sites/blackhillsenergy.com/files/ksg_pga.pdf" target="_blank">Black Hills Energy</a>&nbsp;it’s more than $3 more.“Right now, what we see is a relatively tight market, and higher prices signalling that more (gas) supplies are needed on the market,” said Richard Meyer, vice-president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aga.org/" target="_blank">American Gas Association</a>&nbsp;that represents natural gas utilities.The U.S. Energy Information Agency said a few things are<a href="https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/report/prices.php" target="_blank">&nbsp;causing strain on natural gas supply</a>&nbsp;that contribute to higher-than-normal natural gas prices.First, the amount of gas in underground storage is lower than normal. That’s partly caused by February’s winter storm that set record cold temperatures for much of the central U.S. It’s also caused by increased usage by gas-fired power plants during a particularly hot August.Hurricane Ida also&nbsp;cut natural gas production and supplies.While the EIA expects many of those supply issues to get resolved, it said the price will likely remain high all winter.If it does, the average Kansan could see a monthly bill increase as much as $100 higher than last year.Kansas Gas Service spokeswoman Dawn Tripp said the company has several tools to help keep the cost of gas down even as market prices rise.The company has purchased and stored large amounts of gas this summer when prices were generally lower. It also will enter into long- and medium-term contracts to try to lock a price in and hedge against future increases.“By doing that, we’re able to place a price cap on a portion of our winter supply,” Tripp said.Increased natural gas prices will also greatly impact Kansas farmers. Natural gas is the main ingredient in nitrogen fertilizers. When the price of gas goes up, so does the price of fertilizer.“Fertilizer is the largest direct cost (for farmers),” said Mark Nelson with the Kansas Farm Bureau.Higher fertilizer prices will mean thinner profit margins, he said.Last year the price to put fertilizer on no-till corn was $60 an acre. Nelson said many people are preparing for that cost to double.“That’s a lot of money just for that one cost input,” Nelson said.Brian Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-13/kansans-will-pay-more-for-natural-gas-this-winter">Kansas News Service.&nbsp;</a>

Expect to pay much more for natural gas this winter in Kansas

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — President Joe Biden said Friday that although he expects his social safety net and climate spending package to shrink, “we’re going to come back and get the rest” after it’s passed, a seeming effort to assuage progressives worried their priorities may get cut in the negotiations.

“We’re not going to get $3.5 trillion. We’ll get less than that, but we’re gonna get it. And we’re going to come back and get the rest,” he said during remarks at a child care center in Connecticut.

Democrats on Capitol Hill are working to reduce the sweeping package down to about $2 trillion in spending, which would be paid for with higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. The proposal includes everything from free child care and community college to dental, vision and hearing aid benefits for seniors and a number of significant provisions meant to combat climate change, all key items for progressives, but moderates have balked at the original $3.5 trillion price tag.

With slim margins in the House and an evenly-divided Senate, Democrats have no votes to spare on the bill. The whittling process&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-3d3e926b5856b36f82818b8a2d916231">has sparked concern</a>&nbsp;from some progressives that their priorities could be left out of the bill.

But Biden has openly acknowledged the price tag will have to come down. On Friday, he visited a child development center in Hartford to speak about the need for investments in child care and other social safety net programs, arguing they’re imperative to keep America competitive in the global economy.

At the center, Biden promoted his proposal to make such care free for lower-income families, and ensure that families making up to 150% of their state’s median income pay less than 7% of their salaries on child care. It’s part of a massive expansion of the social safety net that Biden has championed and is aiming to pass with just Democratic votes in Congress.

“Too many folks in Washington still don’t realize it isn’t enough just to invest in our physical infrastructure. We also have to invest in our people,” he said.

Biden went on to outline how his plan would reduce child care costs for Connecticut residents, and noted the disparity between U.S. spending on early child care versus greater investments in other countries, to argue that the lack of investment is causing the U.S. to fall behind.

“How can we compete in the world if millions of American parents, especially moms, can’t be part of the workforce because they can’t afford the cost of child care or eldercare?”

He briefly greeted some of the children at the center’s playground before speaking, at one point kneeling down to give a child a hug.

The president’s sales pitch comes as his Democratic allies have raised alarm that the American public does not understand the benefits of the package.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-congress-health-house-elections-b0719b901d945a9b63ed5cf6f036c4ef">There is renewed urgency among Democrats</a>&nbsp;to push through the package ahead of an end-of-month deadline on transportation funding, Biden’s upcoming foreign trip, and a closer-than-anticipated race for Virginia’s next governor.

Talks between the White House and members of Congress continue, as they try to reach consensus both on the total spending level for the legislation and what particular programs should be included. Objections by centrist Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-congress-health-seniors-29366e47034eb12d0d4b28b314cace60">forcing Democrats to shrink the package from Biden’s proposed $3.5 trillion to closer to $2 trillion</a>.

The fate of that legislation, branded “Build Back Better” by Biden, is also holding up a more than $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed the Senate this summer. House progressives are balking at supporting that bill until agreement is reached on a path forward on the social safety net package.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-barack-obama-congress-terry-mcauliffe-only-on-ap-89137912636ec3dcea9fda2857085370">In an interview this week with The Associated Press</a>, Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for Virginia governor, criticized Democrats and Biden over the stalled infrastructure package.

“They all got to get their act together and vote,” McAuliffe said. Asked specifically if he was calling out Biden, McAuliffe said, “I put everybody there.” McAuliffe is in a tight race with Republican newcomer Glenn Youngkin in a state Biden carried by 10 points just last fall.

Biden is also set to deliver remarks Friday at the dedication of the Dodd Center for Human Rights at the University of Connecticut, which is being renamed to honor a longtime friend, former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, in addition to Dodd’s father, who was also a former senator.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to highlight his plan to lower the cost of child care for most American families as he makes the case for his stalled social spending bill during a visit to Connecticut on Friday.

Biden visited a child development center in Hartford to promote his proposal to make such care free for lower-income families and ensure that families making up to 150% of their state’s median income pay less than 7% of their salaries on child care. The proposal is part of a massive expansion of the social safety net that Biden has championed and is aiming to pass with just Democratic votes in Congress.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634336393644.png" alt="On Friday, President Biden visited a child development center in Hartford to speak about the need for investments in child care and other social safety net programs, arguing they’re imperative to keep America competitive in the global economy.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>On Friday, President Biden visited a child development center in Hartford to speak about the need for investments in child care and other social safety net programs, arguing they’re imperative to keep America competitive in the global economy.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — President Joe Biden said Friday that although he expects his social safety net and climate spending package to shrink, “we’re going to come back and get the rest” after it’s passed, a seeming effort to assuage progressives worried their priorities may get cut in the negotiations.“We’re not going to get $3.5 trillion. We’ll get less than that, but we’re gonna get it. And we’re going to come back and get the rest,” he said during remarks at a child care center in Connecticut.Democrats on Capitol Hill are working to reduce the sweeping package down to about $2 trillion in spending, which would be paid for with higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. The proposal includes everything from free child care and community college to dental, vision and hearing aid benefits for seniors and a number of significant provisions meant to combat climate change, all key items for progressives, but moderates have balked at the original $3.5 trillion price tag.With slim margins in the House and an evenly-divided Senate, Democrats have no votes to spare on the bill. The whittling process&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-3d3e926b5856b36f82818b8a2d916231">has sparked concern</a>&nbsp;from some progressives that their priorities could be left out of the bill.But Biden has openly acknowledged the price tag will have to come down. On Friday, he visited a child development center in Hartford to speak about the need for investments in child care and other social safety net programs, arguing they’re imperative to keep America competitive in the global economy.At the center, Biden promoted his proposal to make such care free for lower-income families, and ensure that families making up to 150% of their state’s median income pay less than 7% of their salaries on child care. It’s part of a massive expansion of the social safety net that Biden has championed and is aiming to pass with just Democratic votes in Congress.“Too many folks in Washington still don’t realize it isn’t enough just to invest in our physical infrastructure. We also have to invest in our people,” he said.Biden went on to outline how his plan would reduce child care costs for Connecticut residents, and noted the disparity between U.S. spending on early child care versus greater investments in other countries, to argue that the lack of investment is causing the U.S. to fall behind.“How can we compete in the world if millions of American parents, especially moms, can’t be part of the workforce because they can’t afford the cost of child care or eldercare?”He briefly greeted some of the children at the center’s playground before speaking, at one point kneeling down to give a child a hug.The president’s sales pitch comes as his Democratic allies have raised alarm that the American public does not understand the benefits of the package.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-congress-health-house-elections-b0719b901d945a9b63ed5cf6f036c4ef">There is renewed urgency among Democrats</a>&nbsp;to push through the package ahead of an end-of-month deadline on transportation funding, Biden’s upcoming foreign trip, and a closer-than-anticipated race for Virginia’s next governor.Talks between the White House and members of Congress continue, as they try to reach consensus both on the total spending level for the legislation and what particular programs should be included. Objections by centrist Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-congress-health-seniors-29366e47034eb12d0d4b28b314cace60">forcing Democrats to shrink the package from Biden’s proposed $3.5 trillion to closer to $2 trillion</a>.The fate of that legislation, branded “Build Back Better” by Biden, is also holding up a more than $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed the Senate this summer. House progressives are balking at supporting that bill until agreement is reached on a path forward on the social safety net package.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-barack-obama-congress-terry-mcauliffe-only-on-ap-89137912636ec3dcea9fda2857085370">In an interview this week with The Associated Press</a>, Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for Virginia governor, criticized Democrats and Biden over the stalled infrastructure package.“They all got to get their act together and vote,” McAuliffe said. Asked specifically if he was calling out Biden, McAuliffe said, “I put everybody there.” McAuliffe is in a tight race with Republican newcomer Glenn Youngkin in a state Biden carried by 10 points just last fall.Biden is also set to deliver remarks Friday at the dedication of the Dodd Center for Human Rights at the University of Connecticut, which is being renamed to honor a longtime friend, former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, in addition to Dodd’s father, who was also a former senator.___HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to highlight his plan to lower the cost of child care for most American families as he makes the case for his stalled social spending bill during a visit to Connecticut on Friday.Biden visited a child development center in Hartford to promote his proposal to make such care free for lower-income families and ensure that families making up to 150% of their state’s median income pay less than 7% of their salaries on child care. The proposal is part of a massive expansion of the social safety net that Biden has championed and is aiming to pass with just Democratic votes in Congress.The president’s sales pitch comes as his Democratic allies have raised alarm that the American public does not understand the benefits of the package.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-congress-health-house-elections-b0719b901d945a9b63ed5cf6f036c4ef">There is renewed urgency among Democrats</a>&nbsp;to push through the package ahead of an end-of-month deadline on transportation funding, Biden’s upcoming foreign trip, and a closer-than-anticipated race for Virginia’s next governor.Talks between the White House and members of Congress continue, as they try to reach consensus both on the total spending level for the legislation and what particular programs should be included. Objections by centrist Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-congress-health-seniors-29366e47034eb12d0d4b28b314cace60">forcing Democrats to shrink the package from Biden’s proposed $3.5 trillion to closer to $2 trillion</a>.The fate of that legislation, branded “Build Back Better” by Biden, is also holding up a more than $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed the Senate this summer. House progressives are balking at supporting that bill until agreement is reached on a path forward on the social safety net package.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-barack-obama-congress-terry-mcauliffe-only-on-ap-89137912636ec3dcea9fda2857085370">In an interview this week with The Associated Press</a>, Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for Virginia governor, criticized Democrats and Biden over the stalled infrastructure package.“They all got to get their act together and vote,” McAuliffe said. Asked specifically if he was calling out Biden, McAuliffe said, “I put everybody there.” McAuliffe is in a tight race with Republican newcomer Glenn Youngkin in a state Biden carried by 10 points just last fall.Biden is also set to deliver remarks Friday at the dedication of the Dodd Center for Human Rights at the University of Connecticut, which is being renamed to honor a longtime friend, former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, in addition to Dodd’s father, who was also a former senator.

Pres. Biden pushing child care provisions in stalled $3.5T bill

Your monthly phone bill can be confusing. Some 
less-than-scrupulous companies take advantage of this by “cramming.” 
Cramming is the illegal act of adding <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/mobile-technology/mobile-cramming" target="_blank">unauthorized service charges</a> to your account without your knowledge or approval.

Usually, crammers add small charges and describe them with generic 
terms, such as “service fee,” “voicemail,” or “other fees,” hoping a few
 dollars here and there will go unnoticed. Many times, they do. In fact,
 the Federal Communications Commission estimates that cramming has 
harmed <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/understanding-your-telephone-bill" target="_blank">tens of thousands of American households</a> and recently the Federal Trade Commission sent <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/09/ftc-sends-nearly-5-million-refunds-people-who-lost-money-cramming" target="_blank">$5 million in refunds</a> to people who lost money to cramming.

To protect yourself from cramming, BBB recommends the following tips.

To learn more ways to avoid falling victim to scams, visit <a href="http://www.BBB.org/AvoidScams" target="_blank">BBB.org/AvoidScams</a>.

If you’ve been the victim of cramming and neither your service 
provider nor the third-party company will resolve the issue, file a 
complaint with your <a href="https://www.naruc.org/">state public service commission</a> for telephone services and the <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/">FTC</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Better Business BureauYour monthly phone bill can be confusing. Some 
less-than-scrupulous companies take advantage of this by “cramming.” 
Cramming is the illegal act of adding <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/mobile-technology/mobile-cramming" target="_blank">unauthorized service charges</a> to your account without your knowledge or approval.Usually, crammers add small charges and describe them with generic 
terms, such as “service fee,” “voicemail,” or “other fees,” hoping a few
 dollars here and there will go unnoticed. Many times, they do. In fact,
 the Federal Communications Commission estimates that cramming has 
harmed <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/understanding-your-telephone-bill" target="_blank">tens of thousands of American households</a> and recently the Federal Trade Commission sent <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/09/ftc-sends-nearly-5-million-refunds-people-who-lost-money-cramming" target="_blank">$5 million in refunds</a> to people who lost money to cramming.To protect yourself from cramming, BBB recommends the following tips.<h2>How to Avoid Getting Crammed</h2><ul>
 <li>Thoroughly review your phone bill each month. Make 
sure you know all the companies who added charges to the bill and double
 check that you personally authorized each charge. In addition, make 
sure you weren’t billed more than you were quoted for any service. </li><li>Reach out to your service provider if you notice any charges you are unsure about. Crammers love to add tiny <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/cramming_-_unauthorized_charges_on_your_phone_bill.pdf" target="_blank">mystery charges</a>
 for just few dollars to thousands of consumers’ bills at a time. These 
fees can recur and stay on your bill for years if you don’t follow up. 
If you notice a charge you don’t remember authorizing or the description
 is vague, call your service provider and ask them to explain the charge
 before you pay it. </li><li>Ask for a refund. If you do find bogus charges on 
your account, request a refund. Some service providers will ask you to 
reach out to the third-party first, but in most cases they will refund 
the money directly. </li><li>Request a block on third-party charges. If you 
don’t generally use add-on services in connection with your phone 
service, you can ask your provider to block all third-party charges. 
This will make it impossible for scammers to cram your bill. </li><li>Don’t be quick to give out your cell phone number. Sometimes, the only thing a scammer needs to cram your bill is your phone number. Be <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/15/technology/personaltech/i-shared-my-phone-number-i-learned-i-shouldnt-have.html" target="_blank">wary about entering your cell phone number</a>
 in order to enter contests, auctions, giveaways, and surveys. In 
addition, watch out for unfamiliar websites that ask you for your phone 
number in exchange for free tips, daily news, sports scores, horoscopes,
 and the like. </li><li>Pay for services with your credit card. If you do 
decide to purchase a third-party service, it’s best to pay directly with
 your credit card instead of authorizing charges through your service 
provider. It’s much easier to dispute fraudulent charges and get your 
money back from a credit card company.</li>
 </ul><h2>For More Information</h2>To learn more ways to avoid falling victim to scams, visit <a href="http://www.BBB.org/AvoidScams" target="_blank">BBB.org/AvoidScams</a>.If you’ve been the victim of cramming and neither your service 
provider nor the third-party company will resolve the issue, file a 
complaint with your <a href="https://www.naruc.org/">state public service commission</a> for telephone services and the <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/">FTC</a>.

Overcharged on your phone bill? Tips to avoid 'cramming'

BARBER COUNTY — A Kansas man was sentenced to life in prison Friday for a July 2020 murder, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Clinton Wayne Rogers, 35, of Medicine Lodge, was sentenced by Barber County District Court Judge Francis Meisenheimer. Rogers was sentenced to life in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility without the possibility of parole for 653 months on one count of first degree murder. Rogers pleaded guilty to the charge on October 1.

Rogers was convicted for the July 26, 2020, murder of Joyce A. Foulkrod in Medicine Lodge. A family member found Foulkrod deceased inside her home at 3 Whitney Lane in Medicine Lodge.&nbsp;Deputies in Montana arrested Rogers on August 11, 2020, on a warrant for theft out of Kingman County, Kansas, according to the KBI. Investigators believe Rogers stole a 1995 Chevrolet Camaro in Kingman County on August 2 on his way to Montana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597423172012.png" alt="Rogers after his arrest in Dawson County Montana" />
 <figcaption>Rogers after his arrest in Dawson County Montana</figcaption>
 </figure>BARBER COUNTY — A Kansas man was sentenced to life in prison Friday for a July 2020 murder, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Clinton Wayne Rogers, 35, of Medicine Lodge, was sentenced by Barber County District Court Judge Francis Meisenheimer. Rogers was sentenced to life in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility without the possibility of parole for 653 months on one count of first degree murder. Rogers pleaded guilty to the charge on October 1.Rogers was convicted for the July 26, 2020, murder of Joyce A. Foulkrod in Medicine Lodge. A family member found Foulkrod deceased inside her home at 3 Whitney Lane in Medicine Lodge.&nbsp;Deputies in Montana arrested Rogers on August 11, 2020, on a warrant for theft out of Kingman County, Kansas, according to the KBI. Investigators believe Rogers stole a 1995 Chevrolet Camaro in Kingman County on August 2 on his way to Montana.

Kansas man captured in Montana sentenced for woman's murder

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A task force formed three years ago to investigate clergy sexual abuse in Kansas Catholic dioceses has received 215 tips and opened 122 cases, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Robert Jacobs, executive officer of the KBI, reported on the work of the <a href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/reportClergyAbuse.shtml">agency’s Catholic Clergy Taskforce</a> this week during a hearing of a state legislative committee. He said investigators set up a phone line and email address for people to report abuse.

The task force has been working with Catholic dioceses to review almost 40,000 diocesan records since its work began in 2019, Jacobs said.

Along with considering a specific allegation, investigators are working to determine if the allegation was made to the diocese or to law enforcement “and what the follow-through was on that claim when it was initially made.”

Sen. Jeff Pittman, a Democrat from Leavenworth, questioned why no prosecutions had arisen from the investigation.

“Why, with 40,000 different records, there doesn’t seem to be any action on this?” Pittman said. “Is the pursuit not revealing anything? I mean, it seems like there’s a lot in the news about this. What’s the story?”

Jacobs replied that one issue has been that some of the alleged acts took place years ago.

“Obviously, we run into time constraints with how far back these incidents occurred,” he said.

The KBI&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/57cc36e6a1b8497b8011483585615f80">announced in early 2019</a>&nbsp;that it had set up the task force at the request of Attorney General Derek Schmidt. The task force consists of six agents who investigate abuse reports from the public and review church documents from the state’s Roman Catholic dioceses in Wichita, Salina, Dodge City and Kansas City, Kansas. It also investigates reports from the Society of St. Pius X, a breakaway Catholic group known for its traditional Latin Mass with a large branch in St. Marys in northeast Kansas.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A task force formed three years ago to investigate clergy sexual abuse in Kansas Catholic dioceses has received 215 tips and opened 122 cases, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Robert Jacobs, executive officer of the KBI, reported on the work of the <a href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/reportClergyAbuse.shtml">agency’s Catholic Clergy Taskforce</a> this week during a hearing of a state legislative committee. He said investigators set up a phone line and email address for people to report abuse.The task force has been working with Catholic dioceses to review almost 40,000 diocesan records since its work began in 2019, Jacobs said.Along with considering a specific allegation, investigators are working to determine if the allegation was made to the diocese or to law enforcement “and what the follow-through was on that claim when it was initially made.”Sen. Jeff Pittman, a Democrat from Leavenworth, questioned why no prosecutions had arisen from the investigation.“Why, with 40,000 different records, there doesn’t seem to be any action on this?” Pittman said. “Is the pursuit not revealing anything? I mean, it seems like there’s a lot in the news about this. What’s the story?”Jacobs replied that one issue has been that some of the alleged acts took place years ago.“Obviously, we run into time constraints with how far back these incidents occurred,” he said.The KBI&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/57cc36e6a1b8497b8011483585615f80">announced in early 2019</a>&nbsp;that it had set up the task force at the request of Attorney General Derek Schmidt. The task force consists of six agents who investigate abuse reports from the public and review church documents from the state’s Roman Catholic dioceses in Wichita, Salina, Dodge City and Kansas City, Kansas. It also investigates reports from the Society of St. Pius X, a breakaway Catholic group known for its traditional Latin Mass with a large branch in St. Marys in northeast Kansas.

Report: KBI has opened 122 clergy sex abuse cases in Kansas

DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) — The National Weather Service in Dodge City confirmed Friday that seven tornadoes touched down in southwest Kansas during storms earlier this week.

<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ddc/QLCSTornadoesOct122021\">Click here to read the</a> overview from the National Weather Service

The tornadoes that hit on Tuesday were rated EF-0 to EF-1 strength, with wind speeds mostly between 80 mph and 110 mph.

They touched down in rural areas and damage was generally confined to irrigation systems and outbuildings, the weather service said. No serious injuries were reported.

Two tornadoes were confirmed near Greensburg, while others were confirmed near Sublette, Howell, Spearville, Fellsburg and Trousdale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634166341781.png" alt="Storm damage from Tuesday night's tornadoes -photo courtesy Ford County Emergency management" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage from Tuesday night's tornadoes -photo courtesy Ford County Emergency management</figcaption>
 </figure>DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) — The National Weather Service in Dodge City confirmed Friday that seven tornadoes touched down in southwest Kansas during storms earlier this week.<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ddc/QLCSTornadoesOct122021\">Click here to read the</a> overview from the National Weather ServiceThe tornadoes that hit on Tuesday were rated EF-0 to EF-1 strength, with wind speeds mostly between 80 mph and 110 mph.They touched down in rural areas and damage was generally confined to irrigation systems and outbuildings, the weather service said. No serious injuries were reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634149009998.png" alt="Storm damage in Wallace County -photo courtesy Sharon Springs golf course" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage in Wallace County -photo courtesy Sharon Springs golf course</figcaption>
 </figure>Two tornadoes were confirmed near Greensburg, while others were confirmed near Sublette, Howell, Spearville, Fellsburg and Trousdale.

Weather Service: 7 tornadoes in southwest Kansas Tuesday night

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health advisers on Friday tackled who should get boosters of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s single-shot COVID-19 vaccine and when — and whether using a competing brand for the second dose might provide better protection.

The push for boosters kicked off last month after the Food and Drug Administration authorized third doses of the Pfizer vaccine for seniors and younger adults with health problems, jobs or living conditions that place them at higher risk from the coronavirus. On Thursday, an FDA advisory panel unanimously recommended a half-dose booster of the similar Moderna vaccine for the same groups.

Friday, the same panel discussed a booster of J&amp;J's vaccine but the decision is more complex. Moderna and Pfizer asked the FDA to OK boosters at least six months after immunization, but J&amp;J proposed a sliding schedule with an extra dose as early as two months later.

Adding another twist, the experts also will discuss preliminary data from a government “mix-and-match” study that suggested J&amp;J recipients may have a far stronger immune response if they get either a Moderna or Pfizer booster rather than a second J&amp;J dose.

J&amp;J’s single-shot vaccine is made with a different technology than the two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines -- and it has consistently shown lower effectiveness levels.

On Friday, J&amp;J executives pitched a booster as a way to strengthen a robust vaccine that they said has retained its protective power over eight months. But FDA scientists pointedly challenged that assertion.

“There are data that suggest the effectiveness of this vaccine is actually less robust than the company’s presentation here," said Dr. Peter Marks, FDA's top vaccines official. “And that is a finding of concern particularly because that’s been seen in minority communities potentially and others.”

The panel's chair said regulators have a responsibility to shore up protection for J&amp;J recipients.

“There is some urgency here to do something,” said Dr. Arnold Monto of the University of Michigan.

The FDA will use its advisers’ recommendations to decide whether to authorize boosters for both J&amp;J and Moderna, after which another government agency will rule on who should roll up their sleeves.

All three vaccines in the U.S. still offer strong protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19 — and the nation's priority remains getting first doses to 66 million eligible but unvaccinated Americans who are most at risk as the extra-contagious delta variant continues to circulate.

J&amp;J presented results from a large study that found giving a second dose just two months after the first bumped protection against symptomatic COVID-19 to 94% from 70% in U.S. recipients. Giving that booster six months later instead prompted an even bigger jump in virus-fighting antibodies.

But in their own review, FDA scientists flagged a number of shortcomings with J&amp;J's booster studies, including only a tiny portion of cases involving the delta variant, by far the dominant strain in the U.S. Reviewers also warned that J&amp;J had only followed booster recipients for a little more than a month after a second dose, making it hard to draw conclusions about the durability of protection. Finally, FDA staff emphasized that they had not had time to independently confirm J&amp;J's findings, which were submitted shortly before the meeting.

FDA's reviewers found no new safety concerns after a second J&amp;J dose, but again, they cautioned about the small number of patients studied and short follow-up period.

The J&amp;J vaccine was highly anticipated for its one-and-done formulation. But its rollout earlier this year was hurt by a series of troubles including manufacturing problems and some rare but serious side effects including a blood clot disorder and a neurological reaction called Guillain-Barre syndrome. In both cases, regulators decided the shot’s benefits outweighed those risks.

The vast majority of the 188 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while J&amp;J recipients account for only about 15 million.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health advisers on Friday tackled who should get boosters of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s single-shot COVID-19 vaccine and when — and whether using a competing brand for the second dose might provide better protection.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c-H40GrvWz4?start=11443" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The push for boosters kicked off last month after the Food and Drug Administration authorized third doses of the Pfizer vaccine for seniors and younger adults with health problems, jobs or living conditions that place them at higher risk from the coronavirus. On Thursday, an FDA advisory panel unanimously recommended a half-dose booster of the similar Moderna vaccine for the same groups.Friday, the same panel discussed a booster of J&amp;J's vaccine but the decision is more complex. Moderna and Pfizer asked the FDA to OK boosters at least six months after immunization, but J&amp;J proposed a sliding schedule with an extra dose as early as two months later.Adding another twist, the experts also will discuss preliminary data from a government “mix-and-match” study that suggested J&amp;J recipients may have a far stronger immune response if they get either a Moderna or Pfizer booster rather than a second J&amp;J dose.J&amp;J’s single-shot vaccine is made with a different technology than the two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines -- and it has consistently shown lower effectiveness levels.On Friday, J&amp;J executives pitched a booster as a way to strengthen a robust vaccine that they said has retained its protective power over eight months. But FDA scientists pointedly challenged that assertion.“There are data that suggest the effectiveness of this vaccine is actually less robust than the company’s presentation here," said Dr. Peter Marks, FDA's top vaccines official. “And that is a finding of concern particularly because that’s been seen in minority communities potentially and others.”The panel's chair said regulators have a responsibility to shore up protection for J&amp;J recipients.“There is some urgency here to do something,” said Dr. Arnold Monto of the University of Michigan.The FDA will use its advisers’ recommendations to decide whether to authorize boosters for both J&amp;J and Moderna, after which another government agency will rule on who should roll up their sleeves.All three vaccines in the U.S. still offer strong protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19 — and the nation's priority remains getting first doses to 66 million eligible but unvaccinated Americans who are most at risk as the extra-contagious delta variant continues to circulate.J&amp;J presented results from a large study that found giving a second dose just two months after the first bumped protection against symptomatic COVID-19 to 94% from 70% in U.S. recipients. Giving that booster six months later instead prompted an even bigger jump in virus-fighting antibodies.But in their own review, FDA scientists flagged a number of shortcomings with J&amp;J's booster studies, including only a tiny portion of cases involving the delta variant, by far the dominant strain in the U.S. Reviewers also warned that J&amp;J had only followed booster recipients for a little more than a month after a second dose, making it hard to draw conclusions about the durability of protection. Finally, FDA staff emphasized that they had not had time to independently confirm J&amp;J's findings, which were submitted shortly before the meeting.FDA's reviewers found no new safety concerns after a second J&amp;J dose, but again, they cautioned about the small number of patients studied and short follow-up period.The J&amp;J vaccine was highly anticipated for its one-and-done formulation. But its rollout earlier this year was hurt by a series of troubles including manufacturing problems and some rare but serious side effects including a blood clot disorder and a neurological reaction called Guillain-Barre syndrome. In both cases, regulators decided the shot’s benefits outweighed those risks.The vast majority of the 188 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while J&amp;J recipients account for only about 15 million.___

🎥 FDA panel endorses booster shot for J&J COVID-19 vaccine

WASHINGTON — The IRS has set forth the information that taxpayers 
will be required to include for a research credit claim for refund to be
 considered valid. Existing Treasury Regulations require that for a 
refund claim to be valid, it must set forth sufficient facts to apprise 
IRS of the basis of the claim. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-lafa/20214101f.pdf">Chief Counsel memorandum</a>&nbsp;PDF
 will be used to improve tax administration with clearer instructions 
for eligible taxpayers to claim the credit while reducing the number of 
disputes over such claims.

Effective tax administration entails ensuring taxpayers understand 
what is required to support the claim for the research and 
experimentation (R&amp;E) credit. Each year, the IRS receives thousands 
of R&amp;E claims for credits in the hundreds of millions of dollars 
from corporations, businesses, and individual taxpayers. Claims for 
research credit under IRC Section 41 are currently examined in a 
substantial number of cases and consume significant resources for both 
the IRS and taxpayers.

The Chief Counsel legal advice released today is the result of 
ongoing efforts to manage research credit issues and resources in the 
most effective and efficient manner. By requiring taxpayers to provide 
the information referenced below, the IRS will be better able to 
determine upfront if an R&amp;E credit claim for refund should be paid 
immediately or whether further review is needed.

Specifically, the opinion provides that for a Section 41 research 
credit claim for refund to be considered a valid claim, taxpayers are 
required to provide the following information at the time the refund 
claim is filed with the IRS:

The IRS will provide a grace period (until January 10, 2022) 
before requiring the inclusion of this information with timely filed 
Section 41 research credit claims for refund. Upon the expiration of the
 grace period, there will be a one-year transition period during which 
taxpayers will have 30 days to perfect a research credit claim for 
refund prior to the IRS' final determination on the claim. Further 
details will be forthcoming; however, taxpayers may begin immediately 
providing this information.

The IRS plans to continue engaging with stakeholders on research credit issues. Comments may be sent to <a href="mailto:irs.feedback.recredit.claims@irs.gov">irs.feedback.recredit.claims@irs.gov</a>.

IRSWASHINGTON — The IRS has set forth the information that taxpayers 
will be required to include for a research credit claim for refund to be
 considered valid. Existing Treasury Regulations require that for a 
refund claim to be valid, it must set forth sufficient facts to apprise 
IRS of the basis of the claim. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-lafa/20214101f.pdf">Chief Counsel memorandum</a>&nbsp;PDF
 will be used to improve tax administration with clearer instructions 
for eligible taxpayers to claim the credit while reducing the number of 
disputes over such claims.Effective tax administration entails ensuring taxpayers understand 
what is required to support the claim for the research and 
experimentation (R&amp;E) credit. Each year, the IRS receives thousands 
of R&amp;E claims for credits in the hundreds of millions of dollars 
from corporations, businesses, and individual taxpayers. Claims for 
research credit under IRC Section 41 are currently examined in a 
substantial number of cases and consume significant resources for both 
the IRS and taxpayers.The Chief Counsel legal advice released today is the result of 
ongoing efforts to manage research credit issues and resources in the 
most effective and efficient manner. By requiring taxpayers to provide 
the information referenced below, the IRS will be better able to 
determine upfront if an R&amp;E credit claim for refund should be paid 
immediately or whether further review is needed.Specifically, the opinion provides that for a Section 41 research 
credit claim for refund to be considered a valid claim, taxpayers are 
required to provide the following information at the time the refund 
claim is filed with the IRS:<ul>
 <li>Identify all the business components to which the Section 41 research credit claim relates for that year.</li><li>For each business component, identify all research activities 
performed and name the individuals who performed each research activity,
 as well as the information each individual sought to discover.</li><li>Provide the total qualified employee wage expenses, total qualified
 supply expenses, and total qualified contract research expenses for the
 claim year. This may be done using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f6765.pdf">Form 6765, Credit for Increasing Research Activities</a>&nbsp;PDF.</li>
 </ul>The IRS will provide a grace period (until January 10, 2022) 
before requiring the inclusion of this information with timely filed 
Section 41 research credit claims for refund. Upon the expiration of the
 grace period, there will be a one-year transition period during which 
taxpayers will have 30 days to perfect a research credit claim for 
refund prior to the IRS' final determination on the claim. Further 
details will be forthcoming; however, taxpayers may begin immediately 
providing this information.The IRS plans to continue engaging with stakeholders on research credit issues. Comments may be sent to <a href="mailto:irs.feedback.recredit.claims@irs.gov">irs.feedback.recredit.claims@irs.gov</a>.

IRS sets forth required information for a valid research credit claim for refund

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1820 to a total of 423,283, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 14 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6165

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1820 to a total of 423,283, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 14 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6165<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634318510162.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 1800 new cases, 14 more COVID deaths

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a drive-by shooting at a home in Wichita that injured an 11-year-old girl have made an arrest, according to the Sedgwick County booking report.

On Thursday, police arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18777609">25-year-old Byron Monroe Purcell</a> on <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18777609">requested charges</a> of aggravated assault, aggravated battery and weapons, drug and parole violation charges.

He's accused of being the gunman in a shooting that happened early Tuesday in the city's Ken-Mar neighborhood in which bullets hit a house.

Police say the<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/victim-of-shooting-family-needs-help?member=14541373&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=more&amp;utm_source=customer"> 11-year-old girl </a>was in the house and asleep in her bed when she was hit by the gunfire. She was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Police say four other people in the home at the time of the shooting were not injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634298594579.png" alt="Purcell photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Purcell photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a drive-by shooting at a home in Wichita that injured an 11-year-old girl have made an arrest, according to the Sedgwick County booking report.On Thursday, police arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18777609">25-year-old Byron Monroe Purcell</a> on <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18777609">requested charges</a> of aggravated assault, aggravated battery and weapons, drug and parole violation charges. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634162750977.png" alt="Image of the suspect vehicle driving by the home early Tuesday-Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image of the suspect vehicle driving by the home early Tuesday-Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>He's accused of being the gunman in a shooting that happened early Tuesday in the city's Ken-Mar neighborhood in which bullets hit a house.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634171148198.png" alt="A cousin established a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/victim-of-shooting-family-needs-help?member=14541373&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=more&amp;utm_source=customer">GoFundMe page </a>to help the girl's family with medical expenses. She was in the ICU at a Wichita hospital late Wednesday, according to the fundraiser account." />
 <figcaption>A cousin established a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/victim-of-shooting-family-needs-help?member=14541373&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=more&amp;utm_source=customer">GoFundMe page </a>to help the girl's family with medical expenses. She was in the ICU at a Wichita hospital late Wednesday, according to the fundraiser account.</figcaption>
 </figure> Police say the<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/victim-of-shooting-family-needs-help?member=14541373&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=more&amp;utm_source=customer"> 11-year-old girl </a>was in the house and asleep in her bed when she was hit by the gunfire. She was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Police say four other people in the home at the time of the shooting were not injured.---------

Arrest made in shooting that injured Kan. girl asleep in her bed

CLOUD COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Thursday in Cloud County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford F150 driven by Damon J. Beckman, 20, Concordia, was northbound on 210th Road five miles east of Concordia. The pickup left the roadway, entered the east ditch and rolled.

Beckman was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Chaput-Bouy Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592389654778.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CLOUD COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Thursday in Cloud County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford F150 driven by Damon J. Beckman, 20, Concordia, was northbound on 210th Road five miles east of Concordia. The pickup left the roadway, entered the east ditch and rolled.Beckman was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Chaput-Bouy Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after pickup rolls into ditch

SHAWNEE COUNTY —There were no injuries in a house fire Friday morning in Topeka.

Just before 12:30 a.m., fire crews responded to fire in the one-story residential home at 1614 S.W. Buchanan Street, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and fire coming from a side window of the home. A search of the structure revealed that no occupants were inside and they were able to escape.

Investigators determined&nbsp;the cause of the fire as Accidental, Careless use of smoking materials, according to Harrison. The estimated dollar loss – $14,500; $10,500 is associated with structural loss and $4,000 is associated with content loss. No smoke detectors were located within the structure, according to Harrison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634306018298.png" alt="Friday morning house fire -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Friday morning house fire -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —There were no injuries in a house fire Friday morning in Topeka.Just before 12:30 a.m., fire crews responded to fire in the one-story residential home at 1614 S.W. Buchanan Street, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and fire coming from a side window of the home. A search of the structure revealed that no occupants were inside and they were able to escape.Investigators determined&nbsp;the cause of the fire as Accidental, Careless use of smoking materials, according to Harrison. The estimated dollar loss – $14,500; $10,500 is associated with structural loss and $4,000 is associated with content loss. No smoke detectors were located within the structure, according to Harrison.

Careless use of smoking materials caused Kan. house fire

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Federal authorities are investigating a former Kansas City, Kansas, police detective who has been accused of sexually abusing minority and poor women for decades and framing Lamonte McIntyre, who was wrongfully imprisoned for a 1994 double murder. 

The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department acknowledged Thursday that since 2019 it's been responding to subpoenas from the FBI involving allegations against Roger Golubski. 

CNN reported Thursday that federal authorities have convened a grand jury for the investigation. Former Kansas City Police Chief Terry Zeigler told the network he and more than a half-dozen officers have or will testify before the grand jury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593723693793.png" alt="Roger Golubski photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Roger Golubski photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Federal authorities are investigating a former Kansas City, Kansas, police detective who has been accused of sexually abusing minority and poor women for decades and framing Lamonte McIntyre, who was wrongfully imprisoned for a 1994 double murder. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department acknowledged Thursday that since 2019 it's been responding to subpoenas from the FBI involving allegations against Roger Golubski. CNN reported Thursday that federal authorities have convened a grand jury for the investigation. Former Kansas City Police Chief Terry Zeigler told the network he and more than a half-dozen officers have or will testify before the grand jury.

Feds investigate ex- Kan. police detective accused of corruption 

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) —&nbsp;Kansas' Republican secretary of state did not violate the state's open records law by ordering the removal of an election database function that generates a statewide report showing which provisional ballots were not counted, a judge ruled.

The decision Wednesday by Shawnee County District Judge Teresa Watson comes in a lawsuit filed by voting rights activist Davis Hammet, who is the president of Loud Light, a nonprofit that strives to increase voter turnout. The group helps voters fix issues that led them to cast provisional ballots so that their votes are counted.

Voters are given provisional ballots if they don’t appear to be registered, if they fail to present the required identification or if they are trying to vote at the wrong polling place.

The judge sided with Secretary of State Scott Schwab in finding that the ability to produce a statewide provisional ballot detail report in the election database is not a public record as defined by the Kansas Open Records Act. Watson found that eliminating that functionality does not violate the state law as written.

The lawsuit contended Schwab altered the software to hide election records.

“Hammet understandably raises the question about why Schwab would purposely eliminate the ability to expediently and inexpensively produce a statewide provisional detail report (in the state database), even if the Secretary of State's office has no use for it," according to the ruling.

But the judge wrote that Schwab's “motives and reasoning are only conjecture” at this point in the litigation and are not material to the purely legal questions on summary judgment.

Watson also rejected Hammet's argument that Schwab destroyed government records by removing the program that allowed his office to generate the report, because functionality itself is not a government record.

Hammet won a separate lawsuit last year that forced Schwab to turn over to him the names of voters who cast provisional ballots in the 2018 general election, including whether their votes were counted.

Schwab complied with the court’s order for the 2018 data, then instructed the outside firm that manages the database to end the secretary of state’s access to the statewide provisional ballot detail report. The state’s 105 counties can still run those reports, but only for their own local data.

Hammet said he planned to meet with his lawyers to explore his options, and would comment later.

In an emailed statement, Schwab's office said it appreciated the ruling .

“The decision to remove the provisional ballot detailed report function was based in a desire to provide accurate and complete data as a state agency,” according to that statement. “The function produced a report that was incomplete and could easily have led to misinformation, something the Secretary of State's office strives to prevent.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586715324051.jpeg" alt=" Republican Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab- Credit Stephen Koranda / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Republican Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab- Credit Stephen Koranda / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROXANA HEGEMANBELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) —&nbsp;Kansas' Republican secretary of state did not violate the state's open records law by ordering the removal of an election database function that generates a statewide report showing which provisional ballots were not counted, a judge ruled.The decision Wednesday by Shawnee County District Judge Teresa Watson comes in a lawsuit filed by voting rights activist Davis Hammet, who is the president of Loud Light, a nonprofit that strives to increase voter turnout. The group helps voters fix issues that led them to cast provisional ballots so that their votes are counted.Voters are given provisional ballots if they don’t appear to be registered, if they fail to present the required identification or if they are trying to vote at the wrong polling place.The judge sided with Secretary of State Scott Schwab in finding that the ability to produce a statewide provisional ballot detail report in the election database is not a public record as defined by the Kansas Open Records Act. Watson found that eliminating that functionality does not violate the state law as written.The lawsuit contended Schwab altered the software to hide election records.“Hammet understandably raises the question about why Schwab would purposely eliminate the ability to expediently and inexpensively produce a statewide provisional detail report (in the state database), even if the Secretary of State's office has no use for it," according to the ruling.But the judge wrote that Schwab's “motives and reasoning are only conjecture” at this point in the litigation and are not material to the purely legal questions on summary judgment.Watson also rejected Hammet's argument that Schwab destroyed government records by removing the program that allowed his office to generate the report, because functionality itself is not a government record.Hammet won a separate lawsuit last year that forced Schwab to turn over to him the names of voters who cast provisional ballots in the 2018 general election, including whether their votes were counted.Schwab complied with the court’s order for the 2018 data, then instructed the outside firm that manages the database to end the secretary of state’s access to the statewide provisional ballot detail report. The state’s 105 counties can still run those reports, but only for their own local data.Hammet said he planned to meet with his lawyers to explore his options, and would comment later.In an emailed statement, Schwab's office said it appreciated the ruling .“The decision to remove the provisional ballot detailed report function was based in a desire to provide accurate and complete data as a state agency,” according to that statement. “The function produced a report that was incomplete and could easily have led to misinformation, something the Secretary of State's office strives to prevent.”

Judge: Kansas election database function not public record

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman accused in the abuse death of her 1-year-old daughter made her first court appearance Thursday.

Neriah Dilley, 27 of Wichita, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and abuse of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

Just after 3 p.m. Oct. 9, police responded to a home in the 800 block of South Mission in Wichita after report of an infant not breathing, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located 1-year-old Myonna Townley in critical condition. EMS transported her an area hospital for medical treatment where she succumbed to her injuries. Townley was also found to have trauma on her body, according to Davidson.

Interviews and the examination of evidence led police to arrest Dilley, the girl's mother.&nbsp;Her next court date is October 28. She remains jailed on a $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633901481923.png" alt="Dilley photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dilley photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman accused in the abuse death of her 1-year-old daughter made her first court appearance Thursday.Neriah Dilley, 27 of Wichita, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and abuse of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.Just after 3 p.m. Oct. 9, police responded to a home in the 800 block of South Mission in Wichita after report of an infant not breathing, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located 1-year-old Myonna Townley in critical condition. EMS transported her an area hospital for medical treatment where she succumbed to her injuries. Townley was also found to have trauma on her body, according to Davidson.Interviews and the examination of evidence led police to arrest Dilley, the girl's mother.&nbsp;Her next court date is October 28. She remains jailed on a $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney.

Kan. mother charged with abuse, murder of infant daughter

WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation at the wholesale level rose 8.6% in September compared to a year ago, the largest advance since the 12-month change was first calculated in 2010.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that the monthly increase in its producer price index, which measures inflationary pressures before they reach consumers, was 0.5% for September compared to a 0.7% gain in August.

The 8.6% rise for the 12 months ending in September compared to an 8.3% increase for the 12 months ending in August, which had been the previous record 12-month gain.

On Wednesday, the government reported that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-consumer-prices-inflation-prices-e80c0c24a6ec5ca1c977eccd6294d01b">inflation at the retail level rose 0.4% in September with its consumer price index up 5.4% over the past 12 months</a>, matching the fastest pace since 2008.

The jump in inflation this year reflects higher prices for food and energy and a number of other items from furniture to autos as the pandemic has snarled supply chains and demand has outstripped supply.

The report on wholesale prices showed that core inflation at the wholesale level, excluding volatile energy and food, was up 0.2% in September from August and was 6.8% higher over the past 12 months.

Almost 80% of the overall increase in wholesale prices last month was attributed to a 1.3% rise in the price of goods, the largest increase since May. In September, 40% of the jump in goods prices reflected rising energy prices. Price increases for services rose a smaller 0.2%

Food costs at the wholesale level rose 2% in September while energy prices were up 2.8%, the biggest jump since a 5% surge in March.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden took actions in an effort to address the supply chain problems including announcing that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-los-angeles-health-48ff262b882a37308e4a3f15934b2ee4">Port of Los Angeles would begin operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week to clear bottlenecks&nbsp;</a>at one of America’s largest ports.

Economists said that the jump in wholesale and retail prices reflected impacts of the pandemic as strong demand is running up against supply chain problems.

“The demand impact will fade further over coming months,” said Rubeela Farooqi, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics. “But there is a risk of more persistent headwinds from broken supply chains that could keep goods prices and inflation high for longer than expected.”

Minutes released Wednesday of the Federal Reserve’s September meeting provided further indications that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-inflation-economy-3137e678ed459364dd3e1bc3a909920a">the central bank is preparing to start pulling back on its $120 billion in monthly bond purchases</a>, possibly at its next meeting in November, as the first step in unwinding the extraordinary support the central bank has been providing the economy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587348963152.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation at the wholesale level rose 8.6% in September compared to a year ago, the largest advance since the 12-month change was first calculated in 2010.The Labor Department reported Thursday that the monthly increase in its producer price index, which measures inflationary pressures before they reach consumers, was 0.5% for September compared to a 0.7% gain in August.The 8.6% rise for the 12 months ending in September compared to an 8.3% increase for the 12 months ending in August, which had been the previous record 12-month gain.On Wednesday, the government reported that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-consumer-prices-inflation-prices-e80c0c24a6ec5ca1c977eccd6294d01b">inflation at the retail level rose 0.4% in September with its consumer price index up 5.4% over the past 12 months</a>, matching the fastest pace since 2008.The jump in inflation this year reflects higher prices for food and energy and a number of other items from furniture to autos as the pandemic has snarled supply chains and demand has outstripped supply.The report on wholesale prices showed that core inflation at the wholesale level, excluding volatile energy and food, was up 0.2% in September from August and was 6.8% higher over the past 12 months.Almost 80% of the overall increase in wholesale prices last month was attributed to a 1.3% rise in the price of goods, the largest increase since May. In September, 40% of the jump in goods prices reflected rising energy prices. Price increases for services rose a smaller 0.2%Food costs at the wholesale level rose 2% in September while energy prices were up 2.8%, the biggest jump since a 5% surge in March.On Wednesday, President Joe Biden took actions in an effort to address the supply chain problems including announcing that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-los-angeles-health-48ff262b882a37308e4a3f15934b2ee4">Port of Los Angeles would begin operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week to clear bottlenecks&nbsp;</a>at one of America’s largest ports.Economists said that the jump in wholesale and retail prices reflected impacts of the pandemic as strong demand is running up against supply chain problems.“The demand impact will fade further over coming months,” said Rubeela Farooqi, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics. “But there is a risk of more persistent headwinds from broken supply chains that could keep goods prices and inflation high for longer than expected.”Minutes released Wednesday of the Federal Reserve’s September meeting provided further indications that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-inflation-economy-3137e678ed459364dd3e1bc3a909920a">the central bank is preparing to start pulling back on its $120 billion in monthly bond purchases</a>, possibly at its next meeting in November, as the first step in unwinding the extraordinary support the central bank has been providing the economy.

Record: US wholesale prices rose 8.6% over past 12-months

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas has reinstalled a Native American art exhibit that was vandalized in September.

Museum officials announced Wednesday that the exhibit, “Native Hosts” by Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds, is back in front of the museum.

The work consists of five aluminum signs, which each name Native tribes who historically or currently live in what is now known as Kansas. On each sign, the colonial name is printed backward while the name of the land’s original occupants is printed forward.

The exhibit was removed for repairs after two people damaged four of the pieces on Sept. 4. The fifth panel was later taken but was recovered.

The museum is planning a public celebration of the exhibit on Thursday afternoon, which will be led by Native American faculty and students from Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633119849006.png" alt="Photos courtesy Spencer Museum of Art at KU" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Spencer Museum of Art at KU</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas has reinstalled a Native American art exhibit that was vandalized in September.Museum officials announced Wednesday that the exhibit, “Native Hosts” by Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds, is back in front of the museum.The work consists of five aluminum signs, which each name Native tribes who historically or currently live in what is now known as Kansas. On each sign, the colonial name is printed backward while the name of the land’s original occupants is printed forward.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634238139558.png" alt="Spencer Museum" />
 <figcaption>Spencer Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>The exhibit was removed for repairs after two people damaged four of the pieces on Sept. 4. The fifth panel was later taken but was recovered.The museum is planning a public celebration of the exhibit on Thursday afternoon, which will be led by Native American faculty and students from Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University.

Museum at KU reinstalls vandalized Native American exhibit

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. (AP) — Two steers that escaped from a suburban Kansas City meat processing plant were shot and killed by police — including one on a high school football field, officials said.

The incident happened Wednesday afternoon, after three steers escaped the Valley Oaks meat processing plant and headed through residential and business district streets, Blue Springs Police spokeswoman Jennifer Brady confirmed.

While crews managed to corral one steer and load it onto a trailer, the other two had to be killed, Brady said. One steer was shot by police as it headed onto Interstate 70. The other made its way to Blue Springs High School’s freshman campus football field, where it was fatally shot.

“Unfortunately, we could not get a veterinarian to respond and officers had to shoot the steers, which had displayed erratic behavior and presented an immediate danger to persons and property," Brady said in an email to The Associated Press on Thursday.

Brady said the students were kept safe inside the school as the animal was shot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634293469971.png" alt="&nbsp;One steer was shot by police as it headed onto Interstate 70-photo courtesy KMBC TV&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;One steer was shot by police as it headed onto Interstate 70-photo courtesy KMBC TV&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. (AP) — Two steers that escaped from a suburban Kansas City meat processing plant were shot and killed by police — including one on a high school football field, officials said.The incident happened Wednesday afternoon, after three steers escaped the Valley Oaks meat processing plant and headed through residential and business district streets, Blue Springs Police spokeswoman Jennifer Brady confirmed.While crews managed to corral one steer and load it onto a trailer, the other two had to be killed, Brady said. One steer was shot by police as it headed onto Interstate 70. The other made its way to Blue Springs High School’s freshman campus football field, where it was fatally shot.“Unfortunately, we could not get a veterinarian to respond and officers had to shoot the steers, which had displayed erratic behavior and presented an immediate danger to persons and property," Brady said in an email to The Associated Press on Thursday.Brady said the students were kept safe inside the school as the animal was shot.

Police kill 2 steers that fled KC-area processing plant

JACKSON COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges following a two county chase.

Just before 10:30p.m. Wednesday, a sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a 2016 Chevy Equinox on US Highway 75 near 110th&nbsp;Road for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver of the vehicle, later identified as 28-year-old Chelsea Jean finch of Powhattan, allegedly failed to stop. The vehicle continued south into Shawnee County.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;Several law enforcement agencies including the Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Topeka Police Department assisted and attempted to stop the pursuit with tire deflation devices which resulted in the deflation of two passenger side tires.

 The pursuit continued west on Interstate 70 where the suspect vehicle left the interstate on Danbury Lane and sideswiped another vehicle.&nbsp; 

The suspect vehicle continued, striking a mailbox with the pursuit coming to a stop near Fairlawn and West Drive. Officers took Finch into custody. The Chevy Equinox she was driving had been reported stolen out of Lawrence. 

Deputies transported Finch to the Jackson County Jail where she is being held on requested charges of felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement,&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp; possession of drug paraphernalia, felony theft, identity theft, avoiding spike strips, reckless driving, driving while suspended, multiple counts of stolen property, according to Morse. Further charges on Finch are possible.&nbsp; 

Finch is known to area law enforcement. In 2020, Finch was involved in a pursuit in Shawnee County. In 2018, Jackson County Deputies pulled Finch through a ceiling in a Horton residence where she was hiding in an attic from law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634242739616.png" alt=" In 2018, Jackson county deputies pulled Finch through a ceiling in a Horton residence where she was hiding in an attic from law enforcement.-photo Jackson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption> In 2018, Jackson county deputies pulled Finch through a ceiling in a Horton residence where she was hiding in an attic from law enforcement.-photo Jackson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges following a two county chase.Just before 10:30p.m. Wednesday, a sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a 2016 Chevy Equinox on US Highway 75 near 110th&nbsp;Road for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver of the vehicle, later identified as 28-year-old Chelsea Jean finch of Powhattan, allegedly failed to stop. The vehicle continued south into Shawnee County.&nbsp; &nbsp;Several law enforcement agencies including the Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Topeka Police Department assisted and attempted to stop the pursuit with tire deflation devices which resulted in the deflation of two passenger side tires. The pursuit continued west on Interstate 70 where the suspect vehicle left the interstate on Danbury Lane and sideswiped another vehicle.&nbsp; The suspect vehicle continued, striking a mailbox with the pursuit coming to a stop near Fairlawn and West Drive. Officers took Finch into custody. The Chevy Equinox she was driving had been reported stolen out of Lawrence. Deputies transported Finch to the Jackson County Jail where she is being held on requested charges of felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement,&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp; possession of drug paraphernalia, felony theft, identity theft, avoiding spike strips, reckless driving, driving while suspended, multiple counts of stolen property, according to Morse. Further charges on Finch are possible.&nbsp; Finch is known to area law enforcement. In 2020, Finch was involved in a pursuit in Shawnee County. In 2018, Jackson County Deputies pulled Finch through a ceiling in a Horton residence where she was hiding in an attic from law enforcement.

Kan. woman driving stolen SUV captured after 2-county chase

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two Kansas City men were charged with murder after a shooting that left two men dead in March, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Earl L. Dunn III, 20, and Vontez G. Howard, 24, were each with two counts of first-degree murder, robbery, and five other counts.

Kansas City police responding to a call about a shooting and crash on March 1 found Kyle Gerhardt and Kristopher Lunsford-Barrett inside a burning car. Both men had been shot. Detectives said the car caught fire after it crashed into a tree.

Video showed the suspects chasing the vehicle the victims were in until their car crashed, according to court documents. Prosecutors said investigators also used phones, ballistics, and DNA evidence to connect the shooters to the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634213484056.png" alt="Howard photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Howard photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two Kansas City men were charged with murder after a shooting that left two men dead in March, prosecutors said Wednesday.Earl L. Dunn III, 20, and Vontez G. Howard, 24, were each with two counts of first-degree murder, robbery, and five other counts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634213429981.png" alt="&nbsp;Dunn photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Dunn photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City police responding to a call about a shooting and crash on March 1 found Kyle Gerhardt and Kristopher Lunsford-Barrett inside a burning car. Both men had been shot. Detectives said the car caught fire after it crashed into a tree.Video showed the suspects chasing the vehicle the victims were in until their car crashed, according to court documents. Prosecutors said investigators also used phones, ballistics, and DNA evidence to connect the shooters to the victims.

2 charged after victims in Kansas City found shot, left in burning car

PAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have arrested a third accomplice in connection with the escape of John Freeman Colt from the sex offender treatment program at the Larned State Hospital, according to Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King.

This third employee identified as 29-year-old Sydni Eileen Hartman&nbsp; was also employed by Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services at the time of the escape.&nbsp;

The other two accomplices in the escape identified as&nbsp;Rachel Rena Perez, 50, Larned, and Liliana Guadalupe Houser, 45 now of Garden City,  were employed by Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services leading up to the time of the escape. They face multiple charges, according to King.

Perez is charged with a 15 count Felony Criminal Complaint. Houser is charged with a 13 count Felony Criminal Complaint, according to the Pawnee Co. Attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634300894930.png" alt="Hartman -photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hartman -photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have arrested a third accomplice in connection with the escape of John Freeman Colt from the sex offender treatment program at the Larned State Hospital, according to Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King.This third employee identified as 29-year-old Sydni Eileen Hartman&nbsp; was also employed by Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services at the time of the escape.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632850718422.png" alt="Colt-photo Sevier Co. Utah Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Colt-photo Sevier Co. Utah Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The other two accomplices in the escape identified as&nbsp;Rachel Rena Perez, 50, Larned, and Liliana Guadalupe Houser, 45 now of Garden City, were employed by Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services leading up to the time of the escape. They face multiple charges, according to King.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634076399777.png" alt="Perez -photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Perez -photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Perez is charged with a 15 count Felony Criminal Complaint. Houser is charged with a 13 count Felony Criminal Complaint, according to the Pawnee Co. Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634076547899.png" alt="Houser photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Houser photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/chron/2021/colt.pdf"> John Freeman Colt</a>, 42, was sentenced on Dec. 14, 2001, to five years in state prison for aggravated sexual battery, attempted rape, aggravated burglary, and four counts of aggravated battery against law enforcement. He was required to register as a sexual offender for the remainder of his life.After his criminal sentence was completed, the State of Kansas courts deemed him a Sexually Violent Predator at high risk to commit a future sex offense and too dangerous to be released. He was indefinitely civilly committed and sent to the Larned State Hospital’s Sexual Predator Treatment Program in 2007, where he has resided until the escape.Investigators believe Colt planned his escape several months in advance, obtaining a replica of a staff ID badge and dress clothes. The morning of his escape he shaved off his long hair and beard. He put blankets under his bed covers making it appear he was still in bed sleeping. He was then able to convince a new staff worker (that he targeted) that he was in fact a new doctor and needed help finding his way out. Posing as a doctor, Colt was able to make his way past five secured doors and ultimately outside the gates.Several hours passed before staff noticed he was missing and alerted the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office.After escaping, Colt received a ride from a local farmer into Larned, where he was last seen leaving a hardware store on a motorcycle he’d purchased prior to his escape with the help of an accomplice.&nbsp; U.S. Marshals arrested him in Wayne County Utah on Sept. 27.