KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man was shot to death early Monday in Kansas City's Ivanhoe Northeast neighborhood, police said.

Officers responded to the area following a report around 2 a.m. Monday of shots fired, police said in a news release. Arriving officers found a man in a vacant lot suffering from gunshot wounds. Police said the man was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The victim's name had not been released by midmorning Monday.

The death marked the city’s 63rd homicide of the year, compared with 76 homicides by May 31, 2020, according to data kept by the Kansas City Star.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man was shot to death early Monday in Kansas City's Ivanhoe Northeast neighborhood, police said.Officers responded to the area following a report around 2 a.m. Monday of shots fired, police said in a news release. Arriving officers found a man in a vacant lot suffering from gunshot wounds. Police said the man was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The victim's name had not been released by midmorning Monday.The death marked the city’s 63rd homicide of the year, compared with 76 homicides by May 31, 2020, according to data kept by the Kansas City Star.

Police: Man shot to death in Kansas City neighborhood

LINDSBORG - The employees and residents of Bethany Village,&nbsp;321 N Chestnut Street in Lindsborg are mourning the death of their chaplain.

Phillip Hett, 39, of Lindsborg, was one of three people killed in a two-vehicle accident on Interstate 135 Sunday afternoon. His daughter, Abigail Hett, 10, also was killed, as was the other driver, Christopher Lee Giroux, 24, of Salina. Hett's other daughter, Jillian Hett, 13, was transported to Wesley Medical Center.

In a post on the Bethany Village&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethanyVillageKS">Facebook page</a>, CEO Kris Erickson wrote:

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of our beloved Pastor Phillip Hett. He and his daughters were involved in a collision today, Sunday, May 30, 2021. Phil and Abigail did not survive the accident, and daughter Jillian is in Wesley Medical Center. Please keep their family in your prayers and hold one another close as we all come to terms with this tragedy.

Phil was truly a wonderful man and a servant of our Lord. I hope we can all honor him by supporting one another as he supported us through our hardest times. While there are no words for a time like this, let us all be grateful for having known this family, for the joy they brought into our lives, and for the caring they demonstrated toward others.

We will be working with area ministers in the coming days to help those in need and determine how we can continue to honor Phil’s work in our mission. May God’s Peace be with us all.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622499753464.jpeg" alt="Phil Hett and his daughters&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Phil Hett and his daughters&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>LINDSBORG - The employees and residents of Bethany Village,&nbsp;321 N Chestnut Street in Lindsborg are mourning the death of their chaplain.Phillip Hett, 39, of Lindsborg, was one of three people killed in a two-vehicle accident on Interstate 135 Sunday afternoon. His daughter, Abigail Hett, 10, also was killed, as was the other driver, Christopher Lee Giroux, 24, of Salina. Hett's other daughter, Jillian Hett, 13, was transported to Wesley Medical Center.In a post on the Bethany Village&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethanyVillageKS">Facebook page</a>, CEO Kris Erickson wrote:It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of our beloved Pastor Phillip Hett. He and his daughters were involved in a collision today, Sunday, May 30, 2021. Phil and Abigail did not survive the accident, and daughter Jillian is in Wesley Medical Center. Please keep their family in your prayers and hold one another close as we all come to terms with this tragedy.Phil was truly a wonderful man and a servant of our Lord. I hope we can all honor him by supporting one another as he supported us through our hardest times. While there are no words for a time like this, let us all be grateful for having known this family, for the joy they brought into our lives, and for the caring they demonstrated toward others.We will be working with area ministers in the coming days to help those in need and determine how we can continue to honor Phil’s work in our mission. May God’s Peace be with us all.

Kan. retirement community mourns loss of chaplain in crash

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 1 a.m. Saturday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a 2007 Chrysler Aspen for a traffic infraction near U.S. 75 Highway and Third Street in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies arrested the passenger of the vehicle, Justin Wayne Nidiffer, 40, of Bonner Springs, on a Wyandotte County, Kansas warrant for possession of methamphetamine. 

Deputies also found illicit contraband in his possession, and he was booked into jail on requested charges that include possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of prescription drugs and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622489445668.png" alt="Nidiffer photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Nidiffer photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple drug charges after a traffic stop.Just before 1 a.m. Saturday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a 2007 Chrysler Aspen for a traffic infraction near U.S. 75 Highway and Third Street in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Deputies arrested the passenger of the vehicle, Justin Wayne Nidiffer, 40, of Bonner Springs, on a Wyandotte County, Kansas warrant for possession of methamphetamine. Deputies also found illicit contraband in his possession, and he was booked into jail on requested charges that include possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of prescription drugs and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Kan. deputies find heroin, meth during traffic stop

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kansas City, Kansas, police say a man has been charged in the death of a neighbor who was hit by a stray bullet while standing in his house. 

James Edward Merritt Jr., is charged with first-degree murder in the March 31 death of 50-year-old Mark Winner. 

Police say Merritt was involved in a shooting outside Winner's home when a stray bullet went through a window and hit Winner, who died at the scene. 

Merrick fled but was arrested earlier this month in Topeka. The investigation into the shooting is continuing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622199148244.png" alt="Police at the investigation in March photo courtesy KSHB TV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the investigation in March photo courtesy KSHB TV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kansas City, Kansas, police say a man has been charged in the death of a neighbor who was hit by a stray bullet while standing in his house. James Edward Merritt Jr., is charged with first-degree murder in the March 31 death of 50-year-old Mark Winner. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622489072327.png" alt="Merritt is being held in Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Merritt is being held in Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>Police say Merritt was involved in a shooting outside Winner's home when a stray bullet went through a window and hit Winner, who died at the scene. Merrick fled but was arrested earlier this month in Topeka. The investigation into the shooting is continuing.

Kansas man charged after neighbor killed by stray bullet

NEOSHO, Mo. (AP) — Officials have found the body of a 12-year-old girl who was swept away in Shoal Creek last week at the Lime Kiln Park in Neosho.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the body of Kaylin Brown was found in the creek Sunday night by a recovery team.

The girl was swept away by rushing water last Wednesday after getting caught up in the hydraulic current below the dam. Rescue crews had to suspend the search on Thursday and Friday because of severe storms and rising water.

A man who had tried to rescue Kaylin, 34-year-old Trevor Hicks, was pulled from the water by rescue crews on Wednesday. His medical condition was not immediately known Monday.

NEOSHO, Mo. (AP) — Search teams were looking for a 12-year-old girl who was swept away in a strong creek in Shoal Creek at Lime Kiln Park near Neosho, authorities said.

Officials were called to the park Wednesday afternoon for a water rescue. They pulled Trevor Hicks, 34, from the water, Neosho police Chief Jason Baird said in a news release.

Hicks went under while trying to rescue Kaylin Brown, who had been pulled into water by a strong current, Baird said.

Searchers looked for Kaylin until 9 p.m. Wednesday and resumed the search Thursday morning.

Hicks was unresponsive when he was rescued and remained in critical condition, Baird said.&nbsp; The creek is 90 minutes east of Coffeyville, Kansas

NEOSHO, Mo. (AP) — Officials have found the body of a 12-year-old girl who was swept away in Shoal Creek last week at the Lime Kiln Park in Neosho.The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the body of Kaylin Brown was found in the creek Sunday night by a recovery team.The girl was swept away by rushing water last Wednesday after getting caught up in the hydraulic current below the dam. Rescue crews had to suspend the search on Thursday and Friday because of severe storms and rising water.A man who had tried to rescue Kaylin, 34-year-old Trevor Hicks, was pulled from the water by rescue crews on Wednesday. His medical condition was not immediately known Monday.--------NEOSHO, Mo. (AP) — Search teams were looking for a 12-year-old girl who was swept away in a strong creek in Shoal Creek at Lime Kiln Park near Neosho, authorities said.Officials were called to the park Wednesday afternoon for a water rescue. They pulled Trevor Hicks, 34, from the water, Neosho police Chief Jason Baird said in a news release.Hicks went under while trying to rescue Kaylin Brown, who had been pulled into water by a strong current, Baird said.Searchers looked for Kaylin until 9 p.m. Wednesday and resumed the search Thursday morning.Hicks was unresponsive when he was rescued and remained in critical condition, Baird said.&nbsp; The creek is 90 minutes east of Coffeyville, Kansas

Officials find body of 12-year-old girl swept away in creek

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Asking dogs to follow their noses won't work anymore in states that have legalized marijuana.

As&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;prepares to legalize adult possession of up to an ounce of marijuana on July 1, drug-sniffing police dogs from around the state are being forced into early retirement, following a trend in other states where legalization has led to K-9s being put out to pasture earlier than planned.

In Virginia, the rush to take marijuana-detecting dogs out of service began even before lawmakers voted last month to accelerate the timetable for legalization. A separate law that went into effect in March prohibits police from stopping or searching anyone based solely on the odor of marijuana.

Virginia state police are retiring 13 K-9s, while many smaller police departments and sheriff’s offices are retiring one or two dogs. Most are in the process of purchasing and training new dogs to detect only illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines. Some departments are unable to afford up to $15,000 to buy and train a new dog, so they are disbanding their K-9 units.

The dogs trained on multiple drugs alert in the same way for all of them, so it's impossible to tell whether they are indicating the presence of marijuana or an illicit drug. The dogs also cannot distinguish between a small, legal amount of marijuana or a larger, still-illegal amount of the drug. For police, that means they can no longer be used to establish probable cause for a search.

“We won't use our dogs trained in marijuana because that could be a defense an attorney would raise for a client, to say, 'Which odor did the K-9 alert on — was it marijuana or was it an illegal drug?" said Bedford County Sheriff Mike Miller.

Using a dog that has been trained to detect all drugs except marijuana can help "guarantee he didn’t hit on marijuana, that he found heroin or something else,” Miller said.

Miller's office retired one dog and is now using a second dog for tracking and apprehension duties only, not for drug detection. His office also bought a new dog not trained on the scent of marijuana; that dog will be used to detect other drugs. Miller said he'd like to purchase a second drug-sniffing dog, but isn't sure when he will find the money in his budget.

Other states that legalized marijuana earlier have had to make similar adjustments.

“The trend is everywhere,” said Don Slavik, executive director of the United States Police Canine Association.

“Once you train a behavior in a dog, that never goes away. They don't want any mistakes, so that is why they want to bring in new dogs,” he said.

A 2017 ruling from the&nbsp;Colorado&nbsp;Court of Appeals solidified concerns that using marijuana-trained dogs in places where the drug is legal may not withstand legal challenges.

Kilo, a Moffat County Sheriff's Office dog trained on multiple drugs, alerted on a man's truck during a 2015 traffic stop. Officers found a methamphetamine pipe containing white residue. The court found that Kilo's alert was not a reliable indicator of illegal activity because the dog could not differentiate between marijuana and an illegal drug. The court overturned the man's drug possession conviction, finding that police did not have legal grounds to search his truck. The ruling was later upheld by the Colorado Supreme Court.

In&nbsp;Massachusetts, where recreational marijuana became legal in 2016, the Quincy Police Department shifted two dogs from drug detection to patrol work, then retired them about 18 months later.

Lt. Bob Gillan, the department's K-9 Unit Supervisor, said drug traffickers quickly figured out how to raise doubt about the legality of a search by a dog trained to detect marijuana.

“Usually, when they're delivering their illegal drugs, they will always have marijuana burning in the car. Any defense attorney worth his or her salt will say, ‘Well, your dog hit on a legal substance,’ (not the illegal drugs),” he said.

Sgt. Scott Amos, the canine training coordinator for Virginia State Police, said that with the July 1 legalization date approaching, police are busy training new dogs to detect MDMA, also known as ecstasy; cocaine, heroine and methamphetamines, while also getting 13 dogs ready for retirement. Apollo, Aries, Bandit, Blaze, Jax, Kane, Mater, Nina, Reno, Sarge, Thunder, Zeus and Zoey are being adopted by their handlers, Amos said.

Cumberland County Sheriff Darrell Hodges said his office recently had to retire its drug-detecting K-9, a Belgian Malinois named Mambo. He said his 17-person department doesn't have the money to purchase and train a new dog.

“You work with them day in and day out, and they become part of you, and to just take it away is kind of tough,” he said.

Hodges said all turned out well for Mambo, who was adopted by his handler.

“The dog is actually living a wonderful life,'" he said. “He has his own bedroom in a house and is getting spoiled rotten.”

By DENISE LAVOIE, Associated PressRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Asking dogs to follow their noses won't work anymore in states that have legalized marijuana.As&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;prepares to legalize adult possession of up to an ounce of marijuana on July 1, drug-sniffing police dogs from around the state are being forced into early retirement, following a trend in other states where legalization has led to K-9s being put out to pasture earlier than planned.In Virginia, the rush to take marijuana-detecting dogs out of service began even before lawmakers voted last month to accelerate the timetable for legalization. A separate law that went into effect in March prohibits police from stopping or searching anyone based solely on the odor of marijuana.Virginia state police are retiring 13 K-9s, while many smaller police departments and sheriff’s offices are retiring one or two dogs. Most are in the process of purchasing and training new dogs to detect only illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines. Some departments are unable to afford up to $15,000 to buy and train a new dog, so they are disbanding their K-9 units.The dogs trained on multiple drugs alert in the same way for all of them, so it's impossible to tell whether they are indicating the presence of marijuana or an illicit drug. The dogs also cannot distinguish between a small, legal amount of marijuana or a larger, still-illegal amount of the drug. For police, that means they can no longer be used to establish probable cause for a search.“We won't use our dogs trained in marijuana because that could be a defense an attorney would raise for a client, to say, 'Which odor did the K-9 alert on — was it marijuana or was it an illegal drug?" said Bedford County Sheriff Mike Miller.Using a dog that has been trained to detect all drugs except marijuana can help "guarantee he didn’t hit on marijuana, that he found heroin or something else,” Miller said.Miller's office retired one dog and is now using a second dog for tracking and apprehension duties only, not for drug detection. His office also bought a new dog not trained on the scent of marijuana; that dog will be used to detect other drugs. Miller said he'd like to purchase a second drug-sniffing dog, but isn't sure when he will find the money in his budget.Other states that legalized marijuana earlier have had to make similar adjustments.“The trend is everywhere,” said Don Slavik, executive director of the United States Police Canine Association.“Once you train a behavior in a dog, that never goes away. They don't want any mistakes, so that is why they want to bring in new dogs,” he said.A 2017 ruling from the&nbsp;Colorado&nbsp;Court of Appeals solidified concerns that using marijuana-trained dogs in places where the drug is legal may not withstand legal challenges.Kilo, a Moffat County Sheriff's Office dog trained on multiple drugs, alerted on a man's truck during a 2015 traffic stop. Officers found a methamphetamine pipe containing white residue. The court found that Kilo's alert was not a reliable indicator of illegal activity because the dog could not differentiate between marijuana and an illegal drug. The court overturned the man's drug possession conviction, finding that police did not have legal grounds to search his truck. The ruling was later upheld by the Colorado Supreme Court.In&nbsp;Massachusetts, where recreational marijuana became legal in 2016, the Quincy Police Department shifted two dogs from drug detection to patrol work, then retired them about 18 months later.Lt. Bob Gillan, the department's K-9 Unit Supervisor, said drug traffickers quickly figured out how to raise doubt about the legality of a search by a dog trained to detect marijuana.“Usually, when they're delivering their illegal drugs, they will always have marijuana burning in the car. Any defense attorney worth his or her salt will say, ‘Well, your dog hit on a legal substance,’ (not the illegal drugs),” he said.Sgt. Scott Amos, the canine training coordinator for Virginia State Police, said that with the July 1 legalization date approaching, police are busy training new dogs to detect MDMA, also known as ecstasy; cocaine, heroine and methamphetamines, while also getting 13 dogs ready for retirement. Apollo, Aries, Bandit, Blaze, Jax, Kane, Mater, Nina, Reno, Sarge, Thunder, Zeus and Zoey are being adopted by their handlers, Amos said.Cumberland County Sheriff Darrell Hodges said his office recently had to retire its drug-detecting K-9, a Belgian Malinois named Mambo. He said his 17-person department doesn't have the money to purchase and train a new dog.“You work with them day in and day out, and they become part of you, and to just take it away is kind of tough,” he said.Hodges said all turned out well for Mambo, who was adopted by his handler.“The dog is actually living a wonderful life,'" he said. “He has his own bedroom in a house and is getting spoiled rotten.”

Marijuana legalization prompting police K-9 retirements

The Kansas State Fair warns of a scam. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansasstatefair/">Kansas State Fair</a> Facebook page:

The Kansas State Fair warns of a scam. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansasstatefair/">Kansas State Fair</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkansasstatefair%2Fposts%2F10158555845079620&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="627" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Kansas State Fair warns of a prize scam

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Remains turned over to the United States by North Korea have been identified as those of a soldier from Oklahoma who disappeared during the Korean War. 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said Thursday that the remains are those of Army Pfc. Bill Hobbs of South Coffeyville. Hobbs was 20 when he was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, when his unit was attacked near the Chosin River in North Korea. 

The remains are among 55 boxes of remains returned in June 2018 and identified using methods like DNA analysis. Burial is scheduled for June 26 in Coffeyville, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622148723979.png" alt="Army Pfc. Bill Hobbs photo courtesy&nbsp;Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency" />
 <figcaption>Army Pfc. Bill Hobbs photo courtesy&nbsp;Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Remains turned over to the United States by North Korea have been identified as those of a soldier from Oklahoma who disappeared during the Korean War. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said Thursday that the remains are those of Army Pfc. Bill Hobbs of South Coffeyville. Hobbs was 20 when he was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, when his unit was attacked near the Chosin River in North Korea. The remains are among 55 boxes of remains returned in June 2018 and identified using methods like DNA analysis. Burial is scheduled for June 26 in Coffeyville, Kansas.

Remains of soldier found in Korea will be buried in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting

Just after 9p.m. on Saturday, police responded to a shooting at the apartment complex in the 2500 block of West 31st&nbsp;Street South in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.]

At the scene&nbsp; officers located a 25-year-old man who had been shot.&nbsp; EMS transported him to an area hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury.

The victim reported meeting two suspects he was familiar with at the apartments regarding his stolen car.&nbsp; While meeting with them one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and shot him.&nbsp; The suspects then fled.

This was not a random incident and detectives continue working to determine the circumstances of what occurred.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shootingJust after 9p.m. on Saturday, police responded to a shooting at the apartment complex in the 2500 block of West 31st&nbsp;Street South in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.]At the scene&nbsp; officers located a 25-year-old man who had been shot.&nbsp; EMS transported him to an area hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury.The victim reported meeting two suspects he was familiar with at the apartments regarding his stolen car.&nbsp; While meeting with them one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and shot him.&nbsp; The suspects then fled.This was not a random incident and detectives continue working to determine the circumstances of what occurred.&nbsp;

Police: Stolen car victim shot at Kan. apartment complex

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/fauci-effect-inspiring-young-kansans-pursue-health-care-careers">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — Gracie Dean will graduate from Maize South High 
School this month, but she’s already working in a field that drew 
increasing interest during the pandemic.

As a certified nursing 
assistant at a long-term care facility, she’s among a growing number of 
young people pursuing careers in health care because of what they’ve 
witnessed or experienced during COVID-19.

“These nurses have put their lives on the line to help people,” the 17-year-old said. “And that’s just what I aspire to be.”

Some
 are calling it "the Fauci effect": a new generation of health care 
workers on a public health mission inspired by people like Anthony 
Fauci, the face of the White House coronavirus task force.

Medical school applications <a href="https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/medicaleducation/90581" target="_blank">are up 18% over last year</a>, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm" target="_blank">health educators and community health workers will see a 13% increase in jobs between 2019 and 2029.</a>

Kansas State University recently launched the region’s <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2020-12/public-health-bachelors12720.html" target="_blank">first bachelor of science in public health</a>,
 and student interest already is high. The program aims to prepare 
people for jobs such as epidemiologist, public health analyst and 
wellness coordinator.

The trend mirrors one after Sept. 11, when 
colleges saw a burst of interest in Middle Eastern studies, Arabic 
language and homeland security. Other young people sought careers in the
 military or public safety. Or post-Watergate, when the work of Bob 
Woodward and Carl Bernstein launched the careers of would-be 
investigative journalists.

Lindsay King knows the feeling. A 
high-schooler during the attacks on 9/11, she joined the U.S. Air Force.
 She later earned her master’s and doctorate in education and now serves
 as principal of <a href="https://www.usd266.com/mca" target="_blank">Maize Career Academy</a>.

She
 said enrollment in high school medical programs is on the rise. This 
year, the academy saw a 20% increase in students interested in certified
 nursing assistant, or CNA, certification. The school also added classes
 in anatomy and physiology, a foundational course for students pursuing 
careers in health care.

“Students are going to see how dangerous 
it is to be on the front lines in health care, but they make the other 
choice — to be brave and to help others,” King said. “They can see 
that’s how you make a difference, how you change the world.”

Dean,
 the Maize South student, earned her CNA certification and works 
part-time in the memory care department of a nursing home. She 
experienced the effects of COVID first-hand, working with patients who 
lost spouses, suffered with isolation or had to go into long-term care 
because of the virus.

“They love to talk, and I love listening to them,” she said. “Their stories are just incredible, and they matter.”

She plans to attend Wichita State University to continue her nursing education. She ultimately wants to become a trauma nurse.

Lindsey Dean, Gracie’s mother, says the career seems a perfect fit for her oldest daughter.

“This
 fits with Gracie so easily and so well,” she said. “She just has such a
 quiet, calm, sweet spirit and I think she’s going to be great at that.”

Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT&nbsp;or email her at perez@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622061955493.png" alt="Maize High graduate Gracie Dean is among a growing number of young adults pursuing health careers. Courtesy Maize High" />
 <figcaption>Maize High graduate Gracie Dean is among a growing number of young adults pursuing health careers. Courtesy Maize High</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/fauci-effect-inspiring-young-kansans-pursue-health-care-careers">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — Gracie Dean will graduate from Maize South High 
School this month, but she’s already working in a field that drew 
increasing interest during the pandemic.As a certified nursing 
assistant at a long-term care facility, she’s among a growing number of 
young people pursuing careers in health care because of what they’ve 
witnessed or experienced during COVID-19.“These nurses have put their lives on the line to help people,” the 17-year-old said. “And that’s just what I aspire to be.”Some
 are calling it "the Fauci effect": a new generation of health care 
workers on a public health mission inspired by people like Anthony 
Fauci, the face of the White House coronavirus task force.Medical school applications <a href="https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/medicaleducation/90581" target="_blank">are up 18% over last year</a>, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm" target="_blank">health educators and community health workers will see a 13% increase in jobs between 2019 and 2029.</a>Kansas State University recently launched the region’s <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2020-12/public-health-bachelors12720.html" target="_blank">first bachelor of science in public health</a>,
 and student interest already is high. The program aims to prepare 
people for jobs such as epidemiologist, public health analyst and 
wellness coordinator.The trend mirrors one after Sept. 11, when 
colleges saw a burst of interest in Middle Eastern studies, Arabic 
language and homeland security. Other young people sought careers in the
 military or public safety. Or post-Watergate, when the work of Bob 
Woodward and Carl Bernstein launched the careers of would-be 
investigative journalists.Lindsay King knows the feeling. A 
high-schooler during the attacks on 9/11, she joined the U.S. Air Force.
 She later earned her master’s and doctorate in education and now serves
 as principal of <a href="https://www.usd266.com/mca" target="_blank">Maize Career Academy</a>.She
 said enrollment in high school medical programs is on the rise. This 
year, the academy saw a 20% increase in students interested in certified
 nursing assistant, or CNA, certification. The school also added classes
 in anatomy and physiology, a foundational course for students pursuing 
careers in health care.“Students are going to see how dangerous 
it is to be on the front lines in health care, but they make the other 
choice — to be brave and to help others,” King said. “They can see 
that’s how you make a difference, how you change the world.”Dean,
 the Maize South student, earned her CNA certification and works 
part-time in the memory care department of a nursing home. She 
experienced the effects of COVID first-hand, working with patients who 
lost spouses, suffered with isolation or had to go into long-term care 
because of the virus.“They love to talk, and I love listening to them,” she said. “Their stories are just incredible, and they matter.”She plans to attend Wichita State University to continue her nursing education. She ultimately wants to become a trauma nurse.Lindsey Dean, Gracie’s mother, says the career seems a perfect fit for her oldest daughter.“This
 fits with Gracie so easily and so well,” she said. “She just has such a
 quiet, calm, sweet spirit and I think she’s going to be great at that.”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT&nbsp;or email her at perez@kmuw.org.

'Fauci effect' inspiring young people to pursue health care careers 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Topeka.

Just after 1a.m. Sunday, fire crews&nbsp;responded to a house fire at 1240 NE Madison Street in Topeka, according to Public Education Officer Alan Stahl.

&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the single story residence. A primary search revealed there were no occupants at the time of the fire. The house was vacant.

A preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be intentionally set, according to Stahl. The estimated dollar loss – $16,000.00; of which $15,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $1,000.00 associated with contents loss. Working smoke detectors were not located within the home, according to Stahl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622391188236.png" alt="Fire crews at the scene early Sunday in Topeka-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Fire crews at the scene early Sunday in Topeka-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Topeka.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, fire crews&nbsp;responded to a house fire at 1240 NE Madison Street in Topeka, according to Public Education Officer Alan Stahl.&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the single story residence. A primary search revealed there were no occupants at the time of the fire. The house was vacant.A preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be intentionally set, according to Stahl. The estimated dollar loss – $16,000.00; of which $15,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $1,000.00 associated with contents loss. Working smoke detectors were not located within the home, according to Stahl.

Kansas house fire intentionally set

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities have charged a Higginsville man in the shooting deaths of a man and woman whose bodies were found in a bullet-riddled sport utility vehicle in Independence.

The bodies of Billy Davis and Ashley Walker were found Sunday in the SUV, which was parked behind a house in Independence, police said. On Thursday, Independence police announced in a Facebook post that 44-year-old Steven Turner Jr. had been arrested. Police also said they recovered a gun believed to have been used in the shooting.

Turner is charged in Jackson County with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action. Investigators said Turner was friends with Walker, but did not get along with Davis.

Turner told investigators he emptied his gun, shooting 17 times at Davis’ SUV, police said. He said he did not know Walker was in the vehicle at the time, police said.

Court document say shell casings found at Sunday's shooting scene matched shell casings found in five other shootings in the area, including a homicide in September 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622236602356.png" alt="Turner photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Turner photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities have charged a Higginsville man in the shooting deaths of a man and woman whose bodies were found in a bullet-riddled sport utility vehicle in Independence.The bodies of Billy Davis and Ashley Walker were found Sunday in the SUV, which was parked behind a house in Independence, police said. On Thursday, Independence police announced in a Facebook post that 44-year-old Steven Turner Jr. had been arrested. Police also said they recovered a gun believed to have been used in the shooting.Turner is charged in Jackson County with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action. Investigators said Turner was friends with Walker, but did not get along with Davis.Turner told investigators he emptied his gun, shooting 17 times at Davis’ SUV, police said. He said he did not know Walker was in the vehicle at the time, police said.Court document say shell casings found at Sunday's shooting scene matched shell casings found in five other shootings in the area, including a homicide in September 2020.

Man charged after KC couple found in bullet-riddled SUV

SALINE COUNTY —Three people died in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Sunday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 driven by Christopher Lee&nbsp;Giroux, 24, Salina, was&nbsp; northbound on Interstate 135 eight miles south of Salina.

The pickup failed to maintain its lane, traveled into the median, merged onto the southbound side of Interstate 135 and struck a southbound Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Phillip Ray Hett, 39, Lindsborg,&nbsp;

Giroux, Hett and and one passenger in the Dodge identified as Abigail Hett, 10, Lindsborg, were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Ryan's Mortuary.

EMS transported a second passenger in the Dodge Jillian Hett, 13, Lindsborg, to Wesley Medical Center.

The KHP did not have complete seat belt information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622414736181.png" alt="KHP at the scene of the fatal Sunday crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>KHP at the scene of the fatal Sunday crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Three people died in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Sunday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 driven by Christopher Lee&nbsp;Giroux, 24, Salina, was&nbsp; northbound on Interstate 135 eight miles south of Salina.The pickup failed to maintain its lane, traveled into the median, merged onto the southbound side of Interstate 135 and struck a southbound Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Phillip Ray Hett, 39, Lindsborg,&nbsp;Giroux, Hett and and one passenger in the Dodge identified as Abigail Hett, 10, Lindsborg, were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Ryan's Mortuary.EMS transported a second passenger in the Dodge Jillian Hett, 13, Lindsborg, to Wesley Medical Center.The KHP did not have complete seat belt information.

2 adults, 10-year-old dead after Kansas crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal crash have arrested 32-year-old Michael Walker of Wichita.

Just before 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, police responded to an injury accident at Pawnee and Glenn in Wichita&nbsp;with individuals trapped in a vehicle, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The investigation revealed that Walker was driving a 2005 Kia Sorrento eastbound on Pawnee with a 29-year-old passenger.&nbsp; 

The vehicle crossed the center line into the westbound lanes of Pawnee and collided with a 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer being driven by a 66-year-old woman.&nbsp;

The crash causing the Sorrento to roll onto its top.&nbsp; Walker and his passenger received minor injuries.&nbsp; The three occupants of the Lancer were trapped inside of the vehicle and were removed with the assistance of the Wichita Fire Department.&nbsp; 

EMS transported a passenger in the Lancer identified as 74-year-old Rita Hawkins of Wichita and a 77-year-old male passenger to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries, according to Davidson.&nbsp; They were both taken to an area hospital, where Hawkins succumbed to her injuries.&nbsp;

The driver of the Lancer also had serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment.&nbsp;

Walker <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20021402">is being held on </a>requested charge of of aggravated battery, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving with a suspected license, and driving on the right side of the road required.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622403819164.png" alt="Five people were injured and a Kansas woman died in the crash-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Five people were injured and a Kansas woman died in the crash-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal crash have arrested 32-year-old Michael Walker of Wichita.Just before 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, police responded to an injury accident at Pawnee and Glenn in Wichita&nbsp;with individuals trapped in a vehicle, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622403143966.png" alt="Walker photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Walker photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed that Walker was driving a 2005 Kia Sorrento eastbound on Pawnee with a 29-year-old passenger.&nbsp; The vehicle crossed the center line into the westbound lanes of Pawnee and collided with a 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer being driven by a 66-year-old woman.&nbsp;The crash causing the Sorrento to roll onto its top.&nbsp; Walker and his passenger received minor injuries.&nbsp; The three occupants of the Lancer were trapped inside of the vehicle and were removed with the assistance of the Wichita Fire Department.&nbsp; EMS transported a passenger in the Lancer identified as 74-year-old Rita Hawkins of Wichita and a 77-year-old male passenger to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries, according to Davidson.&nbsp; They were both taken to an area hospital, where Hawkins succumbed to her injuries.&nbsp;The driver of the Lancer also had serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment.&nbsp;Walker <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20021402">is being held on </a>requested charge of of aggravated battery, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving with a suspected license, and driving on the right side of the road required.&nbsp;&nbsp;The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Police: Kan. man jailed for DUI crash that killed 74-year-old

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as&nbsp; Shakeita Young, 32, of Topeka.

Just after 5 a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 1800 block of NE Burgess Court in Topeka in reference to a shooting, according to Lt. Shane Hilton.

First responders found Young suffering from a gunshot. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no additional details Sunday afternoon.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.

First responders found one victim suffering from a gunshot. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Police released no additional details early Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607000440621.png" alt="Deputies in Jackson County arrested Young and another woman for alleged drug distribution in December, according to Sheriff Tim Morse" />
 <figcaption>Deputies in Jackson County arrested Young and another woman for alleged drug distribution in December, according to Sheriff Tim Morse</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as&nbsp; Shakeita Young, 32, of Topeka.Just after 5 a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 1800 block of NE Burgess Court in Topeka in reference to a shooting, according to Lt. Shane Hilton.First responders found Young suffering from a gunshot. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no additional details Sunday afternoon.------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just after 5 a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 1800 block of NE Burgess Court in Topeka in reference to a shooting, according to Lt. Shane Hilton.First responders found one victim suffering from a gunshot. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Police released no additional details early Saturday.

Police ID Kansas woman who died in Saturday shooting

LYONS, Kan. (AP) — The mother of the man who killed his father and shot two Rice County law officers in 2019 will go to jail for providing a gun to her son. 

Shirley Loder, who was 67 when she was charged in January, was ordered Friday to serve 60 days in jail before serving probation for the rest of a year after she pleaded no contest.  Prosecutors allege Loder gave her son, David Madden, a weapon he used in April 2019. 

He shot and killed his father and also shot two Rice County Sheriff's Department officers before killing himself. Madden was a convicted felon who was not legally allowed to have a gun.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611784474350.png" alt="Loder photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Loder photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LYONS, Kan. (AP) — The mother of the man who killed his father and shot two Rice County law officers in 2019 will go to jail for providing a gun to her son. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611782761461.png" alt="David Madden photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>David Madden photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>Shirley Loder, who was 67 when she was charged in January, was ordered Friday to serve 60 days in jail before serving probation for the rest of a year after she pleaded no contest. Prosecutors allege Loder gave her son, David Madden, a weapon he used in April 2019. He shot and killed his father and also shot two Rice County Sheriff's Department officers before killing himself. Madden was a convicted felon who was not legally allowed to have a gun.

Mom of Kan. man who killed his father, shot 2 lawmen gets jail

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran will present the remains of Kansan Sergeant Carol Eugene Domer to the surviving family at Nemaha County Veterans’ Memorial in Seneca, Kan. on Memorial Day, according to a release from his office.

Sgt. Domer was killed in action off the coast of Papua New Guinea&nbsp;when his crew had to ditch their B-24 plane while returning from a bombing mission on January 1, 1943. Sen. Moran and family member Ken Domer have been working since 2003 to recover Sgt. Domer’s remains and return them to his final resting place at the Nemaha County Veterans’ Memorial.

“After sixteen years of work to bring Sgt. Domer’s remains back home to Kansas, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to present his family with this ring and honor his ultimate sacrifice during WWII,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“I would also like to thank Ken Domer and his family for their persistent effort to recover Sgt. Domer’s remains, Pacific Wrecks for their insight into the crash area and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency for the recovery of Sgt. Domer’s remains and their work to bring peace to families of our country’s fallen servicemembers.”

Senator Moran's office provided details on the recovery effort:

December 2003:&nbsp;Ken Domer of Spearville, Kan., Sgt. Domer’s nephew, contacted then-Congressman Moran’s office with a request to have his uncle’s remains returned to Kansas. Then-Congressman Moran made this request to the Army upon determination of if the site of the crash was recoverable. The Army indicated the request had been shared with the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;February 2004:&nbsp;JPAC informed then-Congressman Moran that Sgt. Domer’s loss was on their list for investigation/recovery and they were working to develop a strategy for underwater recoveries in Papua New Guinea. They later informed then-Congressman Moran that,&nbsp;at that time, JPAC was not able to survey the site of the crash to make a determination of whether recovery of Sgt. Domer’s remains was possible.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;June 2008:&nbsp;Then-Congressman Moran’s office requested a status update on Sgt. Domer’s case. The Army responded that the site of Sgt. Domer’s crash had yet to be surveyed.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;July 2012:&nbsp;Sen. Moran’s office inquired again into the status of recovering Sgt. Domer from the plane crash site to see if there was any new information available. The Army later informed Sen. Moran that JPAC’s November 2012 mission for the underwater investigation/survey of the wreckage in New Guinea has been rescheduled for January 2013 and recommended follow-up in March 2013.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;March 2013:&nbsp;Sen. Moran contacted JPAC about the New Guinea mission, who responded the mission had been rescheduled for a November 2013 timeframe.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;January 2015:&nbsp;JPAC transitioned into the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;February 2015:&nbsp;After the mission was repeatedly delayed, Sen. Moran elevated the case to the Secretary of Defense’s (SecDef) office.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;April 2015:&nbsp;Sen. Moran was informed DPAA was working with the Navy regarding the navigability of the waters to assess the mission. Upon further research and Ken Domer’s personal knowledge, Sen. Moran’s staff found information that Pacific Wrecks, a non-governmental organization, had discovered Sgt. Domer’s plane in 2000 and completed a dive to the plane in 2002. This information was shared with SecDef’s office.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;June 2015:&nbsp;Sen. Moran was informed an investigative dive was scheduled for Jan. 2016. Sen. Moran later sent a letter to Director of DPAA Michael Linnington to make certain the investigation and recovery of Sgt. Domer was a priority in the Jan. 2016 planned missions.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;September 2015:&nbsp;Sen. Moran and Director Linnington met in person in Washington, D.C. Sen. Moran asked for a commitment to schedule the search for January 2016, and after hearing the details of the site, Director Linnington agreed. Sen. Moran’s staff stayed in continual contact with DPAA through the rest of year leading up to the investigative mission.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;January 2016:&nbsp;DPAA confirmed the investigative mission occurred. Later, DPAA provided an update that a recovery mission would be conducted. Several photos of the site where shared (Appendix A-D).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;November 2016:&nbsp;DPAA confirmed the recovery mission occurred and would share the report when completed after 3-6 months.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;April 2017:&nbsp;The Army shared the report (see “DPAA Search and Recovery Report” pdf).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;October 2017:&nbsp;Following a request for additional information, the Department of Defense responded to Ken about the artifacts found during the recovery mission (see “Material Evidence Report” pdf).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;September 2019:&nbsp;After nearly two years of waiting for DNA analysis on the ring, Sen. Moran began additional inquiries on the status of the case. Later, the Army produced a report that no DNA could be recovered from the ring.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;December 2019:&nbsp;Sen. Moran met with DPAA Director Kelly McKeague to officially request to provide the Domer family with the ring. In an effort to produce any evidence connecting the ring to Sgt. Domer, the Domer family discovered a photo of Sgt. Domer wearing the ring. The ring is seen on the third finger of his right hand. The photo was shared with DPAA (Appendix E). Following the proper approvals, the ring was delivered to Sgt. Domer’s next of kin, Mr. Robin R. Domer III on Monday, February 17, 2020.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;February 28, 2020:&nbsp;Sen. Moran flew an American flag over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Sgt. Domer’s 100th birthday.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;March 2020:&nbsp;Sen. Moran was invited to a memorial service at the Nemaha County Veterans’ Memorial Park on Memorial Day, May 23. It was later postponed due to COVID-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622298504339.png" alt="Sergeant Carol Eugene Domer -photo courtesy office of Senator Moran" />
 <figcaption>Sergeant Carol Eugene Domer -photo courtesy office of Senator Moran</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran will present the remains of Kansan Sergeant Carol Eugene Domer to the surviving family at Nemaha County Veterans’ Memorial in Seneca, Kan. on Memorial Day, according to a release from his office.Sgt. Domer was killed in action off the coast of Papua New Guinea&nbsp;when his crew had to ditch their B-24 plane while returning from a bombing mission on January 1, 1943. Sen. Moran and family member Ken Domer have been working since 2003 to recover Sgt. Domer’s remains and return them to his final resting place at the Nemaha County Veterans’ Memorial.“After sixteen years of work to bring Sgt. Domer’s remains back home to Kansas, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to present his family with this ring and honor his ultimate sacrifice during WWII,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“I would also like to thank Ken Domer and his family for their persistent effort to recover Sgt. Domer’s remains, Pacific Wrecks for their insight into the crash area and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency for the recovery of Sgt. Domer’s remains and their work to bring peace to families of our country’s fallen servicemembers.”Senator Moran's office provided details on the recovery effort:December 2003:&nbsp;Ken Domer of Spearville, Kan., Sgt. Domer’s nephew, contacted then-Congressman Moran’s office with a request to have his uncle’s remains returned to Kansas. Then-Congressman Moran made this request to the Army upon determination of if the site of the crash was recoverable. The Army indicated the request had been shared with the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;February 2004:&nbsp;JPAC informed then-Congressman Moran that Sgt. Domer’s loss was on their list for investigation/recovery and they were working to develop a strategy for underwater recoveries in Papua New Guinea. They later informed then-Congressman Moran that,&nbsp;at that time, JPAC was not able to survey the site of the crash to make a determination of whether recovery of Sgt. Domer’s remains was possible.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;June 2008:&nbsp;Then-Congressman Moran’s office requested a status update on Sgt. Domer’s case. The Army responded that the site of Sgt. Domer’s crash had yet to be surveyed.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;July 2012:&nbsp;Sen. Moran’s office inquired again into the status of recovering Sgt. Domer from the plane crash site to see if there was any new information available. The Army later informed Sen. Moran that JPAC’s November 2012 mission for the underwater investigation/survey of the wreckage in New Guinea has been rescheduled for January 2013 and recommended follow-up in March 2013.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;March 2013:&nbsp;Sen. Moran contacted JPAC about the New Guinea mission, who responded the mission had been rescheduled for a November 2013 timeframe.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;January 2015:&nbsp;JPAC transitioned into the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;February 2015:&nbsp;After the mission was repeatedly delayed, Sen. Moran elevated the case to the Secretary of Defense’s (SecDef) office.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;April 2015:&nbsp;Sen. Moran was informed DPAA was working with the Navy regarding the navigability of the waters to assess the mission. Upon further research and Ken Domer’s personal knowledge, Sen. Moran’s staff found information that Pacific Wrecks, a non-governmental organization, had discovered Sgt. Domer’s plane in 2000 and completed a dive to the plane in 2002. This information was shared with SecDef’s office.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;June 2015:&nbsp;Sen. Moran was informed an investigative dive was scheduled for Jan. 2016. Sen. Moran later sent a letter to Director of DPAA Michael Linnington to make certain the investigation and recovery of Sgt. Domer was a priority in the Jan. 2016 planned missions.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;September 2015:&nbsp;Sen. Moran and Director Linnington met in person in Washington, D.C. Sen. Moran asked for a commitment to schedule the search for January 2016, and after hearing the details of the site, Director Linnington agreed. Sen. Moran’s staff stayed in continual contact with DPAA through the rest of year leading up to the investigative mission.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622298810946.png" alt="Recovery site photo -Courtesy office of Senator Moran" />
 <figcaption>Recovery site photo -Courtesy office of Senator Moran</figcaption>
 </figure>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;January 2016:&nbsp;DPAA confirmed the investigative mission occurred. Later, DPAA provided an update that a recovery mission would be conducted. Several photos of the site where shared (Appendix A-D).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;November 2016:&nbsp;DPAA confirmed the recovery mission occurred and would share the report when completed after 3-6 months.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;April 2017:&nbsp;The Army shared the report (see “DPAA Search and Recovery Report” pdf).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;October 2017:&nbsp;Following a request for additional information, the Department of Defense responded to Ken about the artifacts found during the recovery mission (see “Material Evidence Report” pdf).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;September 2019:&nbsp;After nearly two years of waiting for DNA analysis on the ring, Sen. Moran began additional inquiries on the status of the case. Later, the Army produced a report that no DNA could be recovered from the ring.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;December 2019:&nbsp;Sen. Moran met with DPAA Director Kelly McKeague to officially request to provide the Domer family with the ring. In an effort to produce any evidence connecting the ring to Sgt. Domer, the Domer family discovered a photo of Sgt. Domer wearing the ring. The ring is seen on the third finger of his right hand. The photo was shared with DPAA (Appendix E). Following the proper approvals, the ring was delivered to Sgt. Domer’s next of kin, Mr. Robin R. Domer III on Monday, February 17, 2020.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;February 28, 2020:&nbsp;Sen. Moran flew an American flag over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Sgt. Domer’s 100th birthday.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;March 2020:&nbsp;Sen. Moran was invited to a memorial service at the Nemaha County Veterans’ Memorial Park on Memorial Day, May 23. It was later postponed due to COVID-19.

Sen. Moran to present remains of WWII pilot to Kansas family 

WASHINGTON
 — Last week, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of the 
Treasury, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they have 
disbursed more than 1.8 million additional Economic Impact Payments 
under the American Rescue Plan.

<a href="https://jcpost.com/posts/9bea2cac-3981-4065-a6c1-fe2715da5fc1">RELATED:&nbsp;Despite May 17 deadline, still time to get refund, cut penalties</a>

Today's announcement covering the most recent two weeks of the effort
 brings the total disbursed so far to nearly 167 million payments. They 
represent a total value of approximately $391 billion since these 
payments began rolling out to Americans in batches <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">on March 12</a>.

Here is additional information on the last two weeks of payments, 
which includes those with official payment dates through May 26:

The IRS will continue to make Economic Impact Payments on a 
weekly basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to eligible individuals for 
whom the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but 
who recently filed a tax return, as well to people who qualify for 
"plus-up" payments.

Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return

Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to
 urge people who don't normally file a tax return and haven't received 
Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the 
benefits they're entitled to under the law, including tax credits such 
as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>,
 the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Filing a 2020 
tax return will also assist the IRS in determining whether someone is 
eligible for an advance payment of the 2021 Child Tax Credit, which will
 begin to be disbursed this summer.

For example, some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020
 tax return – even if they don't usually file – to provide information 
the IRS needs to send payments for a qualifying dependent. Eligible 
individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as 
possible to be considered for an additional payment for their qualifying
 dependents.

People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/those-experiencing-homelessness-can-get-economic-impact-payments-and-other-tax-benefits-permanent-address-not-required">homelessness</a>,
 the rural poor, and others. Individuals who didn't get a first or 
second round Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts 
may be eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.

Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this third round 
of Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.

Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — Last week, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of the 
Treasury, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they have 
disbursed more than 1.8 million additional Economic Impact Payments 
under the American Rescue Plan.<a href="https://jcpost.com/posts/9bea2cac-3981-4065-a6c1-fe2715da5fc1">RELATED:&nbsp;Despite May 17 deadline, still time to get refund, cut penalties</a>Today's announcement covering the most recent two weeks of the effort
 brings the total disbursed so far to nearly 167 million payments. They 
represent a total value of approximately $391 billion since these 
payments began rolling out to Americans in batches <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">on March 12</a>.Here is additional information on the last two weeks of payments, 
which includes those with official payment dates through May 26:<ul>
 <li>In total, this includes more than 1.8 million payments with a value of more than $3.5 billion.</li><li>More than 900,000 payments, with a value of approximately $1.9 
billion, went to eligible individuals for whom the IRS previously did 
not have information to issue an Economic Impact Payment but who 
recently filed a tax return.&nbsp;</li><li>This also includes additional ongoing supplemental payments for 
people who earlier this year received payments based on their 2019 tax 
returns but are eligible for a new or larger payment based on their 
recently processed 2020 tax returns. In the last two weeks, there were 
more than 900,000 of these "plus-up" payments, with a value of more than
 $1.6 billion. In all, the IRS has made nearly 7 million of these 
supplemental payments this year.</li><li>Overall, the last two weeks of payments contain more than 900,000 
direct deposit payments (with a total value over $1.6 billion) with the 
remainder as paper check payments.</li>
 </ul>The IRS will continue to make Economic Impact Payments on a 
weekly basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to eligible individuals for 
whom the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but 
who recently filed a tax return, as well to people who qualify for 
"plus-up" payments.<h2>Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return</h2>Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to
 urge people who don't normally file a tax return and haven't received 
Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the 
benefits they're entitled to under the law, including tax credits such 
as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>,
 the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Filing a 2020 
tax return will also assist the IRS in determining whether someone is 
eligible for an advance payment of the 2021 Child Tax Credit, which will
 begin to be disbursed this summer.For example, some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020
 tax return – even if they don't usually file – to provide information 
the IRS needs to send payments for a qualifying dependent. Eligible 
individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as 
possible to be considered for an additional payment for their qualifying
 dependents.People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/those-experiencing-homelessness-can-get-economic-impact-payments-and-other-tax-benefits-permanent-address-not-required">homelessness</a>,
 the rural poor, and others. Individuals who didn't get a first or 
second round Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts 
may be eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this third round 
of Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

IRS: 1.8M more COVID stimulus payments sent to Americans

HUTCHINSON — After having the schedule reduced to three days per week in October of 2020, Amtrak will restore daily service on the Southwest Chief starting Monday.

Under the current schedule, the Chief departs Chicago on Monday, Thursday and Saturday and arrives in Hutchinson on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. The eastbound train comes through Hutchinson on Thursday, Saturday and Monday. One thing that is still being held back because of the pandemic is the dining car food service. Traditional dining service is still suspended until June 30. It was to be re-established June 1.

The daily service begins with the trains leaving Chicago and Los Angeles on Monday. The westbound train arrives in Hutchinson at 3:20 a.m. with the eastbound train pulling into Hutchinson at 1:17 a.m.&nbsp;

At last check, the train leaving Chicago for Hutchison on Monday was more than 85% full.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609263248923.png" alt="The Southwest Chief route across Kansas includes stops in Lawrence, Topeka, Newton, Hutchinson, Dodge City and Garden City." />
 <figcaption>The Southwest Chief route across Kansas includes stops in Lawrence, Topeka, Newton, Hutchinson, Dodge City and Garden City.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — After having the schedule reduced to three days per week in October of 2020, Amtrak will restore daily service on the Southwest Chief starting Monday.Under the current schedule, the Chief departs Chicago on Monday, Thursday and Saturday and arrives in Hutchinson on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. The eastbound train comes through Hutchinson on Thursday, Saturday and Monday. One thing that is still being held back because of the pandemic is the dining car food service. Traditional dining service is still suspended until June 30. It was to be re-established June 1.The daily service begins with the trains leaving Chicago and Los Angeles on Monday. The westbound train arrives in Hutchinson at 3:20 a.m. with the eastbound train pulling into Hutchinson at 1:17 a.m.&nbsp;At last check, the train leaving Chicago for Hutchison on Monday was more than 85% full.

Amtrak to restore daily service across Kansas starting Monday

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Advocates for renters in Kansas are troubled by the end of the state’s ban on evictions and foreclosures on home mortgages for people who are struggling financially because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Top Republican lawmakers on Friday rescinded the executive order from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly imposing the ban. State law gives leaders of the GOP-controlled Legislature the power to rescind such orders.

Republicans have long argued that the state’s moratorium prevents landlords from getting paid. Many landlords have their own mortgages to pay on the properties they rent.

But advocates say that ending the state’s ban is troubling because of questions about how long a nationwide ban from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will stay in place. The CDC ban, imposed through June, would prevent evictions and foreclosures in Kansas, but it could be nullified by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-government-and-politics-49a750861b619b9dabae9153a369afe3">a federal lawsuit.</a>

“If that goes away, I think we’re going to be in for a world of hurt,” said Dustin Hare, a Wyandotte County organizer.

Hare said the CDC’s ban was more effective. But Vince Munoz, an organizer with the advocacy group Rent Zero Kansas, said providing rental assistance is not as helpful as “simply saying we aren’t going to have evictions.”

The state has a rental assistance program and an aid program specifically for Wichita residents.

But advocates don’t like that the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program pays landlords instead tenants. Also, it has processed only 167 of 4,038 applications.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Advocates for renters in Kansas are troubled by the end of the state’s ban on evictions and foreclosures on home mortgages for people who are struggling financially because of the coronavirus pandemic.Top Republican lawmakers on Friday rescinded the executive order from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly imposing the ban. State law gives leaders of the GOP-controlled Legislature the power to rescind such orders.Republicans have long argued that the state’s moratorium prevents landlords from getting paid. Many landlords have their own mortgages to pay on the properties they rent.But advocates say that ending the state’s ban is troubling because of questions about how long a nationwide ban from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will stay in place. The CDC ban, imposed through June, would prevent evictions and foreclosures in Kansas, but it could be nullified by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-government-and-politics-49a750861b619b9dabae9153a369afe3">a federal lawsuit.</a>“If that goes away, I think we’re going to be in for a world of hurt,” said Dustin Hare, a Wyandotte County organizer.Hare said the CDC’s ban was more effective. But Vince Munoz, an organizer with the advocacy group Rent Zero Kansas, said providing rental assistance is not as helpful as “simply saying we aren’t going to have evictions.”The state has a rental assistance program and an aid program specifically for Wichita residents.But advocates don’t like that the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program pays landlords instead tenants. Also, it has processed only 167 of 4,038 applications.

Advocates worry about end of Kan. ban on COVID evictions

ARLINGTON, TX (AP) —B.J. Thomas, the Grammy-winning singer who enjoyed success on the pop, country and gospel charts with such hits as “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” and “Hooked on a Feeling,” has died. He was 78.

Thomas, who announced in March that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer, died from complications of the disease Saturday at his home in Arlington, Texas, his publicist Jeremy Westby said in a statement.

A Hugo, Oklahoma-native who grew up in Houston, Billy Joe Thomas broke through in 1966 with a gospel-styled cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and went on to sell millions of records and have dozens of hits across genres. He reached No. 1 with pop, adult contemporary and country listeners in 1976 with ″(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.” The same year, his “Home Where I Belong” became one of the first gospel albums to be certified platinum for selling more than 1 million copies.

Dionne Warwick, who duetted with Thomas, sent out a tweet Saturday with her condolences.

“My sincere condolences to the family of one of my favorite duet partners, BJ Thomas. I will miss him as I know so many others will as well. Rest In Peace my friend,” she said.

Thomas’ signature recording was “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” a No. 1 pop hit and an Oscar winner for best original song as part of the soundtrack to one of the biggest movies of 1969, the irreverent Western “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Thomas wasn’t the first choice to perform the whimsical ballad composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David; Ray Stevens turned the songwriters down. But his warm, soulful tenor fit the song’s easygoing mood, immortalized on film during the scene when Butch (Paul Newman) shows off his new bicycle to Etta Place (Katharine Ross), the girlfriend of the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford).

“Raindrops” has since been heard everywhere from “The Simpsons” to “Forrest Gump” and was voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013. But, at first, not everyone was satisfied. Thomas was recovering from laryngitis while recording the soundtrack version and his vocals are raspier than for the track released on its own. Redford, meanwhile, doubted the song even belonged in “Butch Cassidy.”

“When the film was released, I was highly critical — how did the song fit with the film? There was no rain,” Redford told USA Today in 2019. “At the time, it seemed like a dumb idea. How wrong I was.”

Thomas would later say the phenomenon of “Raindrops” exacerbated an addiction to pills and alcohol which dated back to his teens, when a record producer in Houston suggested he take amphetamines to keep his energy up. He was touring and recording constantly and taking dozens of pills a day. By 1976, while ″(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” was hitting No. 1, he felt like he was “number 1,000.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622341060284.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, TX (AP) —B.J. Thomas, the Grammy-winning singer who enjoyed success on the pop, country and gospel charts with such hits as “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” and “Hooked on a Feeling,” has died. He was 78.Thomas, who announced in March that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer, died from complications of the disease Saturday at his home in Arlington, Texas, his publicist Jeremy Westby said in a statement.A Hugo, Oklahoma-native who grew up in Houston, Billy Joe Thomas broke through in 1966 with a gospel-styled cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and went on to sell millions of records and have dozens of hits across genres. He reached No. 1 with pop, adult contemporary and country listeners in 1976 with ″(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.” The same year, his “Home Where I Belong” became one of the first gospel albums to be certified platinum for selling more than 1 million copies.Dionne Warwick, who duetted with Thomas, sent out a tweet Saturday with her condolences.“My sincere condolences to the family of one of my favorite duet partners, BJ Thomas. I will miss him as I know so many others will as well. Rest In Peace my friend,” she said.Thomas’ signature recording was “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” a No. 1 pop hit and an Oscar winner for best original song as part of the soundtrack to one of the biggest movies of 1969, the irreverent Western “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Thomas wasn’t the first choice to perform the whimsical ballad composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David; Ray Stevens turned the songwriters down. But his warm, soulful tenor fit the song’s easygoing mood, immortalized on film during the scene when Butch (Paul Newman) shows off his new bicycle to Etta Place (Katharine Ross), the girlfriend of the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford).“Raindrops” has since been heard everywhere from “The Simpsons” to “Forrest Gump” and was voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013. But, at first, not everyone was satisfied. Thomas was recovering from laryngitis while recording the soundtrack version and his vocals are raspier than for the track released on its own. Redford, meanwhile, doubted the song even belonged in “Butch Cassidy.”“When the film was released, I was highly critical — how did the song fit with the film? There was no rain,” Redford told USA Today in 2019. “At the time, it seemed like a dumb idea. How wrong I was.”Thomas would later say the phenomenon of “Raindrops” exacerbated an addiction to pills and alcohol which dated back to his teens, when a record producer in Houston suggested he take amphetamines to keep his energy up. He was touring and recording constantly and taking dozens of pills a day. By 1976, while ″(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” was hitting No. 1, he felt like he was “number 1,000.”“I was at the bottom with my addictions and my problems,” he said in 2020 on “The Debby Campbell Goodtime Show.” He cited a “spiritual awakening,” shared with his wife, Gloria Richardson, with helping him to get clean.Thomas had few pop hits after the mid-1970s, but he continued to score on the country charts with such No. 1 songs as “Whatever Happened to Old-Fashioned Love” and “New Looks from an Old Lover.” In the late 1970s and early ’80s, he was also a top gospel and inspirational singer, winning two Dove awards and five Grammys, including a Grammy in 1979 for best gospel performance for “The Lord’s Prayer.”Fans of the 1980s sitcom “Growing Pains” heard him as the singer of the show’s theme song. He also acted in a handful of movies, including “Jory” and “Jake’s Corner” and toured often. Recent recordings included “Living Room Music,” featuring cameos from Lyle Lovett, Vince Gill and Richard Marx. He had planned to record in 2020 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, but the sessions were delayed because of the pandemic.Thomas married Richardson in 1968, and had three daughters: Paige, Nora and Erin. He and his wife worked on the 1982 memoir “In Tune: Finding How Good Life Can Be.” His book “Home Where I Belong” came out in 1978 and was co-authored by Jerry B. Jenkins, later famous for the million-selling “Left Behind” religious novels written with Tim LaHaye.Besides music, Thomas loved baseball as a kid and started calling himself B.J. because so many Little League teammates also were named Billy Joe. By his teens, he was singing in church and had joined a local rock band, the Triumphs, whom he would stay with into his 20s. He enjoyed Ernest Tubbs, Hank Williams and other country performers his parents liked, but on his own he was inspired by the soul and rhythm and blues singers he heard on the radio or saw on stage, notably Jackie Wilson, whose hit ballad “To Be Loved” Thomas later covered and adopted as a kind of guide to his life.“I was raised in a fairly dysfunctional situation and I went through years of intense alcoholism and drug addiction so the song was always a touchstone for me. When you open yourself up to drugs and alcohol at such a young age it becomes something you have to deal with the rest of your life,” he told the Huffington Post in 2014.“What a road block and heartbreak and times of failure these addictions have caused me. But I had that little piece of lightning from that song. That’s the essence of the whole thing. To love and be loved. And that takes a lifetime to accomplish. It’s always been an important part of my emotions.”___