RENO COUNTY — Items on floor furnace caused a Friday night fire at an apartment in Hutchinson.

Just before 10p.m. fire crews responded to 319 W. 9th Street in Hutchinson after report of a fire in a commercial apartment building, according to Battalion Chief&nbsp;Jeremy Unruh

Upon arrival, crews reported a working fire with heavy smoke showing from a 1st floor apartment in a multifamily 2 ½ story home. 

Crews made a quick aggressive attack containing the fire to one room.  Smoke and heat damage were noted in the adjacent rooms.  The two occupants of the affected apartment were not home at the time of the fire.&nbsp; One other apartment was occupied and that individual escaped without injury. 

The cause of the fire was the result of unattended items left on a floor furnace grate. Crews were on scene for 2 hours to complete overhaul and investigation.&nbsp; Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612609367256.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — Items on floor furnace caused a Friday night fire at an apartment in Hutchinson.Just before 10p.m. fire crews responded to 319 W. 9th Street in Hutchinson after report of a fire in a commercial apartment building, according to Battalion Chief&nbsp;Jeremy UnruhUpon arrival, crews reported a working fire with heavy smoke showing from a 1st floor apartment in a multifamily 2 ½ story home. Crews made a quick aggressive attack containing the fire to one room. Smoke and heat damage were noted in the adjacent rooms. The two occupants of the affected apartment were not home at the time of the fire.&nbsp; One other apartment was occupied and that individual escaped without injury. The cause of the fire was the result of unattended items left on a floor furnace grate. Crews were on scene for 2 hours to complete overhaul and investigation.&nbsp; Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

Chief: Items left on floor furnace cause Kan. apartment fire

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Police in Lincoln arrested a man in a domestic assault case, accusing him of attacking his girlfriend with a hatchet.

On Thursday, police arrested Nathan Ueding, 29, of Lincoln, on suspicion of second-degree assault, use of a deadly weapon, strangulation, making terroristic threats and false imprisonment.

The woman told officers that Ueding assaulted her Thursday morning, hitting her several times with a hatchet and not allowing her to leave the home for several hours, police said.

Police reported that the woman had significant bruising and injuries all over her body from the attack. Officers later found Ueding waiting in a vehicle outside the woman's workplace Thursday night and arrested him, police said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612548738944.png" alt="Ueding photo Lancaster County" />
 <figcaption>Ueding photo Lancaster County</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Police in Lincoln arrested a man in a domestic assault case, accusing him of attacking his girlfriend with a hatchet.On Thursday, police arrested Nathan Ueding, 29, of Lincoln, on suspicion of second-degree assault, use of a deadly weapon, strangulation, making terroristic threats and false imprisonment.The woman told officers that Ueding assaulted her Thursday morning, hitting her several times with a hatchet and not allowing her to leave the home for several hours, police said.Police reported that the woman had significant bruising and injuries all over her body from the attack. Officers later found Ueding waiting in a vehicle outside the woman's workplace Thursday night and arrested him, police said.

Police: Man used hatchet in attack on girlfriend

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid, the son of head coach Andy Reid, was involved in a multi-vehicle crash late Thursday that injured two young children near the team’s training complex adjacent to Arrowhead Stadium. 

The team confirmed in a statement Friday that Britt Reid was involved in the accident but declined additional comment. Local television station KSHB reported that Reid told an officer on the scene that he had “two or three drinks,” according to a search warrant filed just before midnight. Reid then complained of stomach pain and also was taken to an area hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612570726901.png" alt="Britt Reid photo courtesy KC Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Britt Reid photo courtesy KC Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid, the son of head coach Andy Reid, was involved in a multi-vehicle crash late Thursday that injured two young children near the team’s training complex adjacent to Arrowhead Stadium. The team confirmed in a statement Friday that Britt Reid was involved in the accident but declined additional comment. Local television station KSHB reported that Reid told an officer on the scene that he had “two or three drinks,” according to a search warrant filed just before midnight. Reid then complained of stomach pain and also was taken to an area hospital.

Chiefs coach Britt Reid in car crash injuring 2 young kids

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy and are seeking the community’s assistance in locating and identifying several vehicles and the individuals associated with them.

One vehicle is believed to be a Chevrolet Suburban or GMC Yukon XL. Information about the location of this vehicle can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org" target="_blank">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&nbsp;or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

Just after 4:00 a.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

While en route to the shooting scene, officers were flagged down near SE 6th Avenue and SE Golden Avenue by family members of an injured baby who were driving to a local hospital. 

Officers began rendering aid and called for American Medical Response to respond to their location. AMR transported the baby to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A crime scene was located at 804 SE Sherman Avenue where dozens of shell casings were located.

Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy was in critical condition late Tuesday.&nbsp; Police did not released additional information on his condition Friday afternoon and have&nbsp;also not released the names of the baby or family members.

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy.

Just after 4:00 a.m. the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy remained in critical condition as 4p.m. Tuesday, according to Spiker.

Police have not released the names of the baby or family members.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Topeka are investigating an early-morning shooting that left a 1-year-old baby critically injured. 

The shooting happened around 4 a.m. Tuesday, when someone riddled a home near Eighth Street and Southeast Sherman Avenue with gunfire. 

Police say one of the shots hit a baby inside the home. Investigators report they found about two dozen bullet casings in the street outside the home. Officers called to the scene found a family leaving the home with the baby and rushed the child in critical condition to an area hospital. 

The names of the baby and family members were not immediately released, and no arrests have been announced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612561551282.png" alt="Photo of suspect vehicle released Friday afternoon from Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo of suspect vehicle released Friday afternoon from Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy and are seeking the community’s assistance in locating and identifying several vehicles and the individuals associated with them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612477615451.png" alt="photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>One vehicle is believed to be a Chevrolet Suburban or GMC Yukon XL. Information about the location of this vehicle can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org" target="_blank">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&nbsp;or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.Just after 4:00 a.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.While en route to the shooting scene, officers were flagged down near SE 6th Avenue and SE Golden Avenue by family members of an injured baby who were driving to a local hospital. Officers began rendering aid and called for American Medical Response to respond to their location. AMR transported the baby to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.A crime scene was located at 804 SE Sherman Avenue where dozens of shell casings were located.Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy was in critical condition late Tuesday.&nbsp; Police did not released additional information on his condition Friday afternoon and have&nbsp;also not released the names of the baby or family members.-----------TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612303293079.png" alt="Police near the scene of the shooting early Tuesday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police near the scene of the shooting early Tuesday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 4:00 a.m. the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.While en route to the shooting scene, officers were flagged down near SE 6th Avenue and SE Golden Avenue by family members of an injured baby who were driving to a local hospital. Officers began rendering aid and called for American Medical Response to respond to their location. AMR transported the baby to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.A crime scene was located at 804 SE Sherman Avenue where dozens of shell casings were located.Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy remained in critical condition as 4p.m. Tuesday, according to Spiker.Police have not released the names of the baby or family members.-------------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Topeka are investigating an early-morning shooting that left a 1-year-old baby critically injured. The shooting happened around 4 a.m. Tuesday, when someone riddled a home near Eighth Street and Southeast Sherman Avenue with gunfire. Police say one of the shots hit a baby inside the home. Investigators report they found about two dozen bullet casings in the street outside the home. Officers called to the scene found a family leaving the home with the baby and rushed the child in critical condition to an area hospital. The names of the baby and family members were not immediately released, and no arrests have been announced.

Police work to ID SUV in Kan. shooting that injured baby

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to avoid 
"ghost" tax return preparers whose refusal to sign returns can cause a 
frightening array of problems. It is important to file a valid, accurate
 tax return because the taxpayer is ultimately responsible for it.

Ghost preparers get their scary name because they don't sign tax 
returns they prepare. Like a ghost, they try to be invisible to the fact
 they've prepared the return and will print the return and get the 
taxpayer to sign and mail it. For e-filed returns, the ghost preparer 
will prepare but refuse to digitally sign it as the paid preparer.

By law, anyone who is paid to prepare or assists in preparing federal tax returns must have a valid <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/ptin-requirements-for-tax-return-preparers">Preparer Tax Identification Number</a>,
 or PTIN. Paid preparers must sign and include their PTIN on the return.
 Not signing a return is a red flag that the paid preparer may be 
looking to make a fast buck by promising a big refund or charging fees 
based on the size of the refund.

Unscrupulous tax return preparers may also:

The IRS urges taxpayers to choose a tax return preparer wisely. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> page on IRS.gov has information about tax preparer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/understanding-tax-return-preparer-credentials-and-qualifications">credentials and qualifications</a>. The IRS <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a> can help identify many preparers by type of credential or qualification.

No matter who prepares the return, the IRS urges taxpayers to review 
it carefully and ask questions about anything not clear before signing. 
Taxpayers should verify both their routing and bank account number on 
the completed tax return for any direct deposit refund. And taxpayers 
should watch out for preparers putting their bank account information 
onto the returns.

Taxpayers can report preparer misconduct to the IRS using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14157.pdf">Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer&nbsp;PDF</a>. If a taxpayer suspects a tax preparer filed or changed their tax return without their consent, they should file <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14157a.pdf">Form 14157-A, Tax Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit&nbsp;PDF</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to avoid 
"ghost" tax return preparers whose refusal to sign returns can cause a 
frightening array of problems. It is important to file a valid, accurate
 tax return because the taxpayer is ultimately responsible for it.Ghost preparers get their scary name because they don't sign tax 
returns they prepare. Like a ghost, they try to be invisible to the fact
 they've prepared the return and will print the return and get the 
taxpayer to sign and mail it. For e-filed returns, the ghost preparer 
will prepare but refuse to digitally sign it as the paid preparer.By law, anyone who is paid to prepare or assists in preparing federal tax returns must have a valid <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/ptin-requirements-for-tax-return-preparers">Preparer Tax Identification Number</a>,
 or PTIN. Paid preparers must sign and include their PTIN on the return.
 Not signing a return is a red flag that the paid preparer may be 
looking to make a fast buck by promising a big refund or charging fees 
based on the size of the refund.Unscrupulous tax return preparers may also:<ul>
 <li>Require payment in cash only and not provide a receipt.</li><li>Invent income to qualify their clients for tax credits.</li><li>Claim fake deductions to boost the size of the refund.</li><li>Direct refunds into their bank account, not the taxpayer's account.</li>
 </ul>The IRS urges taxpayers to choose a tax return preparer wisely. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> page on IRS.gov has information about tax preparer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/understanding-tax-return-preparer-credentials-and-qualifications">credentials and qualifications</a>. The IRS <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a> can help identify many preparers by type of credential or qualification.No matter who prepares the return, the IRS urges taxpayers to review 
it carefully and ask questions about anything not clear before signing. 
Taxpayers should verify both their routing and bank account number on 
the completed tax return for any direct deposit refund. And taxpayers 
should watch out for preparers putting their bank account information 
onto the returns.Taxpayers can report preparer misconduct to the IRS using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14157.pdf">Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer&nbsp;PDF</a>. If a taxpayer suspects a tax preparer filed or changed their tax return without their consent, they should file <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14157a.pdf">Form 14157-A, Tax Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit&nbsp;PDF</a>.

IRS: Beware of 'ghost' preparers who don’t sign tax returns

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man was killed and a woman critically injured in a shooting in a neighborhood on Kansas City's south side, police said.

The shooting was reported around 3 p.m. Thursday, and arriving officers found a man dead at the scene, police said in a news release. An injured woman at the scene was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Their names were not immediately released.

Police said the pair were shot by an unknown suspect who then fled the area.

The man’s death marked the city’s 12th homicide so far this year, compared with 19 homicides by this time last year, according to data kept by The Kansas City Star.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man was killed and a woman critically injured in a shooting in a neighborhood on Kansas City's south side, police said.The shooting was reported around 3 p.m. Thursday, and arriving officers found a man dead at the scene, police said in a news release. An injured woman at the scene was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Their names were not immediately released.Police said the pair were shot by an unknown suspect who then fled the area.The man’s death marked the city’s 12th homicide so far this year, compared with 19 homicides by this time last year, according to data kept by The Kansas City Star.

Police: Man killed, woman injured in Kansas City shooting

NEWTON, Kan. (AP) — Kansas plans to invest the nearly $85 million the state received in federal coronavirus relief funding for infrastructure programs and services in every county, leaving no part of the state behind, Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday.

The governor was joined by Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz at a street paving project in Newton to announce plans for the&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/COVID-Relief-Highways-Funding-Breakdown-020321.pdf" target="_blank">statewide distribution</a>&nbsp;of the federal COVID-19 relief money.

In deciding how to best invest the money it received, the state also decided on an approach that would invest the maximum amount of dollars into the economy in the least amount of time. It also is targeting additional economic opportunities in communities that have been hardest hit during the pandemic, Kelly said.

The federal coronavirus relief funding approved by Congress in December included $10 billion for state highway and transportation systems. Kansas received a total of $94 million, with $9.1 million of that money federally designated to go directly to the Kansas City and Wichita metro areas.

The Kansas Department of Transportation said it will distributed the remaining funds to cities and counties to restore motor fuel tax revenue losses, advance preservation work, and increase funding for the popular local partnership programs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612535550328.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly during a virtual press conference Thursday to make the announcement." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly during a virtual press conference Thursday to make the announcement.</figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. (AP) — Kansas plans to invest the nearly $85 million the state received in federal coronavirus relief funding for infrastructure programs and services in every county, leaving no part of the state behind, Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday.The governor was joined by Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz at a street paving project in Newton to announce plans for the&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/COVID-Relief-Highways-Funding-Breakdown-020321.pdf" target="_blank">statewide distribution</a>&nbsp;of the federal COVID-19 relief money.In deciding how to best invest the money it received, the state also decided on an approach that would invest the maximum amount of dollars into the economy in the least amount of time. It also is targeting additional economic opportunities in communities that have been hardest hit during the pandemic, Kelly said.The federal coronavirus relief funding approved by Congress in December included $10 billion for state highway and transportation systems. Kansas received a total of $94 million, with $9.1 million of that money federally designated to go directly to the Kansas City and Wichita metro areas.The Kansas Department of Transportation said it will distributed the remaining funds to cities and counties to restore motor fuel tax revenue losses, advance preservation work, and increase funding for the popular local partnership programs.

$85M in pandemic relief slated for Kan. infrastructure

RENO COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating to suspects following the search of a home in Hutchinson.

On Thursday, police along with detectives from the Special Operations Unit, executed a search warrant at 1421 ½ N. Main St., Apt. B in Hutchinson and arrested 36-year-old  Tia McKenna on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, possession of heroin, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

They also arrested Robert Prebble, 38, Wichita&nbsp; at the residence for a probation violation.&nbsp;

Bond for McKenna was set&nbsp; at $23,500 while Prebble is being held without bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612556518526.jpeg" alt="McKenna has previous convictions for burglary, unlawfully obtaining a prescription and for drug possession, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>McKenna has previous convictions for burglary, unlawfully obtaining a prescription and for drug possession, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating to suspects following the search of a home in Hutchinson.On Thursday, police along with detectives from the Special Operations Unit, executed a search warrant at 1421 ½ N. Main St., Apt. B in Hutchinson and arrested 36-year-old Tia McKenna on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, possession of heroin, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. They also arrested Robert Prebble, 38, Wichita&nbsp; at the residence for a probation violation.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612556557813.jpeg" alt="Prebble-has previous convictions for criminal threat, falsely reporting a crime and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Reno Co.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Prebble-has previous convictions for criminal threat, falsely reporting a crime and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Reno Co.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Bond for McKenna was set&nbsp; at $23,500 while Prebble is being held without bond.

Police send 2 felons back to jail after search of Kan. home

TOPEKA —The state's COVID-19<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas"> case update Friday i</a>ncluded the death of a 6-year-old, according to the Kansas Department of Health.

This is the youngest virus death reported in Kansas. The child died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.

Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.

According to the KHDE, a COVID-19 death is any person who dies and their death certificate lists COVID-19 or SARS-CO-V-2 as the underlying cause of death or a significant contributing factor to death.

The state's virus death toll topped 4100 Friday with the addition of of 206 additional deaths linked to COVID-19

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612552423695.png" alt="<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE image</a>&nbsp;Friday February 5, 2021" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE image</a>&nbsp;Friday February 5, 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —The state's COVID-19<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas"> case update Friday i</a>ncluded the death of a 6-year-old, according to the Kansas Department of Health.This is the youngest virus death reported in Kansas. The child died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.According to the KHDE, a COVID-19 death is any person who dies and their death certificate lists COVID-19 or SARS-CO-V-2 as the underlying cause of death or a significant contributing factor to death.The state's virus death toll topped 4100 Friday with the addition of of 206 additional deaths linked to COVID-19<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612551327421.png" alt="Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE reports death of 6-year-old due to COVID-19

NEW YORK (AP) — Christopher Plummer, the dashing award-winning actor who played Captain von Trapp in the film “The Sound of Music” and at 82 became the oldest Academy Award acting winner in history, has died. He was 91.

Plummer died Friday morning at his home in Connecticut with his wife, Elaine Taylor, by his side, said Lou Pitt, his longtime friend and manager

Over more than 50 years in the industry, Plummer enjoyed varied roles ranging from the film “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” to the voice of the villain in 2009′s “Up” and as a canny lawyer in Broadway’s “Inherit the Wind.”

But it was opposite Julie Andrews as von Trapp that made him a star. He played an Austrian captain who must flee the country with his folk-singing family to escape service in the Nazi navy, a role he lamented was “humorless and one-dimensional.” Plummer spent the rest of his life referring to the film as “The Sound of Mucus” or “S&amp;M.”

“We tried so hard to put humor into it,” he told The Associated Press in 2007. “It was almost impossible. It was just agony to try to make that guy not a cardboard figure.”

The role catapulted Plummer to stardom, but he never took to leading men parts, despite his silver hair, good looks and ever-so-slight English accent. He preferred character parts, considering them more meaty.

Plummer had a remarkable film renaissance late in life, which began with his acclaimed performance as Mike Wallace in Michael Mann’s 1999 film “The Insider,” continued in films such as 2001’s “A Beautiful Mind” and 2009′s “The Last Station,” in which he played a deteriorating Tolstoy and was nominated for an Oscar.

In 2012, Plummer won a supporting actor Oscar for his role in “Beginners” as Hal Fields, a museum director who becomes openly gay after his wife of 44 years dies. His loving, final relationship becomes an inspiration for his son, who struggles with his father’s death and how to find intimacy in a new relationship.

“Too many people in the world are unhappy with their lot. And then they retire and they become vegetables. I think retirement in any profession is death, so I’m determined to keep crackin’,” he told AP in 2011.

Plummer in 2017 replaced Kevin Spacey as J. Paul Getty in “All the Money in the World” just six weeks before the film was set to hit theaters. That choice that was officially validated in the best possible way for the film — a supporting Oscar nomination for Plummer, his third. In 2019, he starred in the TV suspense drama series “Departure.”

There were fallow periods in his career — a “Pink Panther” movie here, a “Dracula 2000″ there and even a “Star Trek” — as a Klingon, no less. But Plummer had other reasons than the scripts in mind.

“For a long time, I accepted parts that took me to attractive places in the world. Rather than shooting in the Bronx, I would rather go to the south of France, crazed creature than I am,” he told AP in 2007. “And so I sacrificed a lot of my career for nicer hotels and more attractive beaches.”

The Canadian-born actor performed most of the major Shakespeare roles, including Hamlet, Cyrano, Iago, Othello, Prospero, Henry V and a staggering “King Lear” at Lincoln Center in 2004. He was frequent star at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada.

“I’ve become simpler and simpler with playing Shakespeare,” he said in 2007. “I’m not as extravagant as I used to be. I don’t listen to my voice so much anymore. All the pitfalls of playing the classics — you can fall in love with yourself.”

He won two Tony Awards. The first was in 1974 for best actor in a musical for playing the title role in “Cyrano” and his second in 1997 for his portrayal of John Barrymore in “Barrymore.” He also won two Emmys.

Plummer was born Arthur Christopher Orme Plummer in Toronto. His maternal great-grandfather was former Canadian Prime Minister Sir John Abbott. His parents divorced shortly after his birth and he was raised by his mother and aunts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612550038988.png" alt="Plummer from the cover of his autobiography <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spite-Myself-Christopher-Plummer/dp/0345803221/ref=asc_df_0345803221/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=312174487654&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=6139120484327924993&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9024462&amp;hvtargid=pla-525566511796&amp;psc=1">"In Spite of Myself"</a>" />
 <figcaption>Plummer from the cover of his autobiography <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spite-Myself-Christopher-Plummer/dp/0345803221/ref=asc_df_0345803221/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=312174487654&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=6139120484327924993&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9024462&amp;hvtargid=pla-525566511796&amp;psc=1">"In Spite of Myself"</a></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Christopher Plummer, the dashing award-winning actor who played Captain von Trapp in the film “The Sound of Music” and at 82 became the oldest Academy Award acting winner in history, has died. He was 91.Plummer died Friday morning at his home in Connecticut with his wife, Elaine Taylor, by his side, said Lou Pitt, his longtime friend and managerOver more than 50 years in the industry, Plummer enjoyed varied roles ranging from the film “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” to the voice of the villain in 2009′s “Up” and as a canny lawyer in Broadway’s “Inherit the Wind.”But it was opposite Julie Andrews as von Trapp that made him a star. He played an Austrian captain who must flee the country with his folk-singing family to escape service in the Nazi navy, a role he lamented was “humorless and one-dimensional.” Plummer spent the rest of his life referring to the film as “The Sound of Mucus” or “S&amp;M.”“We tried so hard to put humor into it,” he told The Associated Press in 2007. “It was almost impossible. It was just agony to try to make that guy not a cardboard figure.”The role catapulted Plummer to stardom, but he never took to leading men parts, despite his silver hair, good looks and ever-so-slight English accent. He preferred character parts, considering them more meaty.Plummer had a remarkable film renaissance late in life, which began with his acclaimed performance as Mike Wallace in Michael Mann’s 1999 film “The Insider,” continued in films such as 2001’s “A Beautiful Mind” and 2009′s “The Last Station,” in which he played a deteriorating Tolstoy and was nominated for an Oscar.In 2012, Plummer won a supporting actor Oscar for his role in “Beginners” as Hal Fields, a museum director who becomes openly gay after his wife of 44 years dies. His loving, final relationship becomes an inspiration for his son, who struggles with his father’s death and how to find intimacy in a new relationship.“Too many people in the world are unhappy with their lot. And then they retire and they become vegetables. I think retirement in any profession is death, so I’m determined to keep crackin’,” he told AP in 2011.Plummer in 2017 replaced Kevin Spacey as J. Paul Getty in “All the Money in the World” just six weeks before the film was set to hit theaters. That choice that was officially validated in the best possible way for the film — a supporting Oscar nomination for Plummer, his third. In 2019, he starred in the TV suspense drama series “Departure.”There were fallow periods in his career — a “Pink Panther” movie here, a “Dracula 2000″ there and even a “Star Trek” — as a Klingon, no less. But Plummer had other reasons than the scripts in mind.“For a long time, I accepted parts that took me to attractive places in the world. Rather than shooting in the Bronx, I would rather go to the south of France, crazed creature than I am,” he told AP in 2007. “And so I sacrificed a lot of my career for nicer hotels and more attractive beaches.”The Canadian-born actor performed most of the major Shakespeare roles, including Hamlet, Cyrano, Iago, Othello, Prospero, Henry V and a staggering “King Lear” at Lincoln Center in 2004. He was frequent star at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada.“I’ve become simpler and simpler with playing Shakespeare,” he said in 2007. “I’m not as extravagant as I used to be. I don’t listen to my voice so much anymore. All the pitfalls of playing the classics — you can fall in love with yourself.”He won two Tony Awards. The first was in 1974 for best actor in a musical for playing the title role in “Cyrano” and his second in 1997 for his portrayal of John Barrymore in “Barrymore.” He also won two Emmys.Plummer was born Arthur Christopher Orme Plummer in Toronto. His maternal great-grandfather was former Canadian Prime Minister Sir John Abbott. His parents divorced shortly after his birth and he was raised by his mother and aunts.

Oscar winner, ‘Sound of Music’ star Christopher Plummer dies

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2647 to a total of 281,562, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4101 an increase of 206.

Friday's COVID-19 case update, includes the death of 6-year-old connected to COVID-19, according to the Kansas Department of Health.

This is the youngest death reported in Kansas. The individual died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.

 Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2647 to a total of 281,562, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4101 an increase of 206.Friday's COVID-19 case update, includes the death of 6-year-old connected to COVID-19, according to the Kansas Department of Health.This is the youngest death reported in Kansas. The individual died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19. Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.<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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612551327421.png" alt="Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a woman to the hospital.

Just after 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, police&nbsp; responded to a shooting at a home in the 400 block of West Hazel Court in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located a 30-year-old woman who had been shot.&nbsp; She was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed a disturbance occurred at the home between the victim and a suspect.&nbsp; During the disturbance, the victim was shot.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Investigators are currently working to determine the circumstances of what occurred.&nbsp; A lack of all cooperation in this investigation has affected investigators from learning all the details of this case.&nbsp; Davidson did not release the names of those involved or report an arrest.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a woman to the hospital.Just after 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, police&nbsp; responded to a shooting at a home in the 400 block of West Hazel Court in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located a 30-year-old woman who had been shot.&nbsp; She was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed a disturbance occurred at the home between the victim and a suspect.&nbsp; During the disturbance, the victim was shot.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Investigators are currently working to determine the circumstances of what occurred.&nbsp; A lack of all cooperation in this investigation has affected investigators from learning all the details of this case.&nbsp; Davidson did not release the names of those involved or report an arrest.

Police: 30-year-old Kan. woman shot during home disturbance

GYPSUM&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest in Saline County.

Just after 8p.m Thursday, sheriff's deputies were sent to the rural Saline County community of Gypsum for a report that a gray 2005 Ford Focus that was reported to have been stolen in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan,

Deputies located the car in the 400 block of East Second Street and arrested Theodore Meadows, 44, of Gypsum, on the requested charge of possession of stolen property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612541067772.jpeg" alt="Meadows has three previous convictions for burglary and several for DUI and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Meadows has three previous convictions for burglary and several for DUI and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GYPSUM&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest in Saline County.Just after 8p.m Thursday, sheriff's deputies were sent to the rural Saline County community of Gypsum for a report that a gray 2005 Ford Focus that was reported to have been stolen in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan,Deputies located the car in the 400 block of East Second Street and arrested Theodore Meadows, 44, of Gypsum, on the requested charge of possession of stolen property.

Sheriff: Kansas felon caught with stolen car

WASHINGTON (AP) — The cost of deploying about 26,000 National Guard troops to secure the U.S. Capitol in the wake of the deadly Jan. 6 riot is nearly $500 million, U.S. military officials said Thursday.

The deployment brought troops in from all 50 states and four territories as law enforcement agencies tried to lock down the Capitol for the inauguration of the President Joe Biden. Thousands of Guard members poured into the nation’s capital and were stationed across the city to block traffic and protect lawmakers and landmarks.

Officials said the nearly $500 million includes the costs of transporting Guard troops from their states to Washington, their salaries and benefits, as well as housing and other essentials. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss internal figures and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Because the troops were activated by the federal government for more than 30 days, their health benefits are also covered, adding to the price of the deployment.

Officials say the money is expected to cover the costs of the Guard through mid-March, when the troops are expected to leave. Between 5,000 and 7,000 troops are scheduled to stay in Washington through March 14.

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a terrorism bulletin warning about possible additional violence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611346427579.png" alt="Some members of the National Guard spent a night in a parking garage- photo courtesy Senator Tim Scott" />
 <figcaption>Some members of the National Guard spent a night in a parking garage- photo courtesy Senator Tim Scott</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The cost of deploying about 26,000 National Guard troops to secure the U.S. Capitol in the wake of the deadly Jan. 6 riot is nearly $500 million, U.S. military officials said Thursday.The deployment brought troops in from all 50 states and four territories as law enforcement agencies tried to lock down the Capitol for the inauguration of the President Joe Biden. Thousands of Guard members poured into the nation’s capital and were stationed across the city to block traffic and protect lawmakers and landmarks.Officials said the nearly $500 million includes the costs of transporting Guard troops from their states to Washington, their salaries and benefits, as well as housing and other essentials. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss internal figures and spoke on condition of anonymity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611848655634.png" alt="Members of the Kansas National Guard took photos with several member of the Kansas Congressional delegation during their stay in DC including Senator Jerry Moran.&nbsp;Approximately 230 Kansas National Guard Soldiers and Airmen returned home from Washington, D.C., last week.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Kansas National Guard took photos with several member of the Kansas Congressional delegation during their stay in DC including Senator Jerry Moran.&nbsp;Approximately 230 Kansas National Guard Soldiers and Airmen returned home from Washington, D.C., last week.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Because the troops were activated by the federal government for more than 30 days, their health benefits are also covered, adding to the price of the deployment.Officials say the money is expected to cover the costs of the Guard through mid-March, when the troops are expected to leave. Between 5,000 and 7,000 troops are scheduled to stay in Washington through March 14.The Department of Homeland Security has issued a terrorism bulletin warning about possible additional violence.

Guard deployment to secure DC will cost $500 million

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate early Friday took a key step toward fast-track passage of President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan without support from Republicans. Vice President Kamala Harris was in the chair to cast the tie-breaking vote, her first.

Democrats in the chamber applauded after Harris announced the 51-50 vote at around 5:30 a.m. The action came after a grueling all-night session, where senators voted on amendments that could define the contours of the eventual COVID-19 aid bill.

The budget now returns to the House, where it will have to be approved again due to the changes made by the Senate. Final passage will unlock the next phase in drafting of the virus relief bill, with the work divided among several congressional committees.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer D-N.Y., called passage of the resolution the “first big step to putting our country back on the road to recovery.”

By moving on a fast track, the goal for Democrats is to have COVID relief approved by March, when extra unemployment assistance and other pandemic aid expires. It’s an aggressive timeline that will test the ability of the new administration and Congress to deliver.

Biden, who has been meeting with lawmakers in recent days to discuss the package, will talk Friday at the White House with the House committee chairs who will be assembling the bill under the budget process known as “reconciliation.”

Biden also plans to make remarks Friday on the economy as he keeps up the pressure on Congress to “act big” on his relief package.

With a rising virus death toll and strained economy, the president’s goal is to have COVID-19 relief approved by March, when extra unemployment assistance and other pandemic aid measures expire. Money for vaccine distributions, direct payments to households, school reopenings and business aid are at stake.

The marathon Senate session brought test votes on several Democratic priorities, including a $15 minimum wage. The Senate by voice vote adopted an amendment from Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, opposed to raising the wage during the pandemic. Ernst said a wage hike at this time would be “devastating” for small businesses.

None of the amendments to the budget are binding on Democrats as they draft their COVID plan, but passage of a wage increase could prove difficult. Even if a $15 wage can get past procedural challenges in the final bill, passage will require the support from every Democrat in the 50-50 Senate, which could be a tall order.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, a vocal proponent of the wage increase, vowed to press ahead. “We need to end the crisis of starvation wages,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612529465267.png" alt="Vice President Kamala Harris as she announced her vote to break the tie just after 5a.m. Friday in the United State's Senate- photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Kamala Harris as she announced her vote to break the tie just after 5a.m. Friday in the United State's Senate- photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate early Friday took a key step toward fast-track passage of President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan without support from Republicans. Vice President Kamala Harris was in the chair to cast the tie-breaking vote, her first.Democrats in the chamber applauded after Harris announced the 51-50 vote at around 5:30 a.m. The action came after a grueling all-night session, where senators voted on amendments that could define the contours of the eventual COVID-19 aid bill.The budget now returns to the House, where it will have to be approved again due to the changes made by the Senate. Final passage will unlock the next phase in drafting of the virus relief bill, with the work divided among several congressional committees.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer D-N.Y., called passage of the resolution the “first big step to putting our country back on the road to recovery.”By moving on a fast track, the goal for Democrats is to have COVID relief approved by March, when extra unemployment assistance and other pandemic aid expires. It’s an aggressive timeline that will test the ability of the new administration and Congress to deliver.Biden, who has been meeting with lawmakers in recent days to discuss the package, will talk Friday at the White House with the House committee chairs who will be assembling the bill under the budget process known as “reconciliation.”Biden also plans to make remarks Friday on the economy as he keeps up the pressure on Congress to “act big” on his relief package.With a rising virus death toll and strained economy, the president’s goal is to have COVID-19 relief approved by March, when extra unemployment assistance and other pandemic aid measures expire. Money for vaccine distributions, direct payments to households, school reopenings and business aid are at stake.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612529745380.png" alt="Early Friday morning on the floor of the. U.S. Senate-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Early Friday morning on the floor of the. U.S. Senate-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>The marathon Senate session brought test votes on several Democratic priorities, including a $15 minimum wage. The Senate by voice vote adopted an amendment from Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, opposed to raising the wage during the pandemic. Ernst said a wage hike at this time would be “devastating” for small businesses.None of the amendments to the budget are binding on Democrats as they draft their COVID plan, but passage of a wage increase could prove difficult. Even if a $15 wage can get past procedural challenges in the final bill, passage will require the support from every Democrat in the 50-50 Senate, which could be a tall order.Sen. Bernie Sanders, a vocal proponent of the wage increase, vowed to press ahead. “We need to end the crisis of starvation wages,” he said.

Senate takes step toward $1.9T COVID relief; VP casts tie-breaker vote

Kan. man with over a dozen convictions jailed after chase 

WASHINGTON — Biden administration officials are weighing sending masks to every American as they hope to nudge individuals to do their part in lowering coronavirus transmission rates.

White House chief of staff Ron Klain said in an interview with NBC News that administration officials are looking at using mask supplies that the government already has in its stockpile.

Klain said that the administration hopes to make an announcement on a potential move “in the next few days or next week.”

Biden has pleaded for Americans to wear masks during the first 100 days of his administration. It’s a step he said could help save thousands of lives as Americans await their turn to be vaccinated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612486295120.png" alt="President Biden and Vice President Harris wearing masks as the podium is cleaned prior to his foreign policy address at the State Department on Thursday-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden and Vice President Harris wearing masks as the podium is cleaned prior to his foreign policy address at the State Department on Thursday-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Biden administration officials are weighing sending masks to every American as they hope to nudge individuals to do their part in lowering coronavirus transmission rates.White House chief of staff Ron Klain said in an interview with NBC News that administration officials are looking at using mask supplies that the government already has in its stockpile.Klain said that the administration hopes to make an announcement on a potential move “in the next few days or next week.”Biden has pleaded for Americans to wear masks during the first 100 days of his administration. It’s a step he said could help save thousands of lives as Americans await their turn to be vaccinated.

US officials mull sending masks to every American

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series business burglaries and have made an arrest.

Just after 10:00 p.m. Tuesday, a police officer driving on Interstate 70 in Topeka observed a vehicle matching the description of one believed to be involved in multiple business burglaries, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and the driver of the vehicle was identified as 54-year-old Raynard Walton.

He is suspected of burglarizing Topeka Sports &amp; Family Chiropractic, Joy &amp; Co CPA and HQ Technologies LLC in recent months.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested Walton and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Correction in requested charges of Burglary, Theft and Criminal damage to property. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612391496958.png" alt="Walton photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Walton photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series business burglaries and have made an arrest.Just after 10:00 p.m. Tuesday, a police officer driving on Interstate 70 in Topeka observed a vehicle matching the description of one believed to be involved in multiple business burglaries, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.The officer conducted a traffic stop and the driver of the vehicle was identified as 54-year-old Raynard Walton.He is suspected of burglarizing Topeka Sports &amp; Family Chiropractic, Joy &amp; Co CPA and HQ Technologies LLC in recent months.As a result of the investigation, police arrested Walton and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Correction in requested charges of Burglary, Theft and Criminal damage to property. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Suspect jailed for series of Kansas business burglaries

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A faster-spreading coronavirus variant first identified in the United Kingdom is probably more widespread in Kansas than a single confirmed case in the state’s northwest suggests, officials with a major health system said Thursday.

The first identified case of the variant came as the number of new COVID-19 cases dropped in the state and with officials focused on distributing vaccines. State health department data showed that Kansas averaged 914 new confirmed and probable cases a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, the lowest seven-day rolling average since late October and just a third of the record average of 2,767 cases for the seven days ending Nov. 18.

Public health officials also are concerned that people will attend gatherings and not maintain social distances at Super Bowl parties this weekend.

<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/2-3-21%20variant%20final.pdf" target="_blank">The state health department announced</a>&nbsp;Wednesday that it had confirmed a case of the U.K. variant, in Ellis County, which is home to Hays and Fort Hays State University. Officials had worried that the variant was responsible for a fast-developing outbreak at a minimum-security state prison in Winfield in south-central Kansas, but genetic testing ruled that out.

“If it is in Hays, is there a chance it is in Kansas City? I think there is a chance it is in Kansas City and surrounding areas,” Dr. Dana Hawkinson, director of infection control for the University of Kansas Health System, said during an online briefing Thursday.

Dr. David Wild, a University of Kansas Health System vice president, said even before the first Kansas case was identified, he could “nearly guarantee” coronavirus variants were spreading already in Kansas and the Kansas City area.

“We know now of one in the state,” he said. “There will be more.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-many-coronavirus-variants-are-there-12d1f000ed9601f99c1c7c08e020ba7b">Cases of the U.K. and other variants</a>&nbsp;are identified through a full review of the virus’ genome.

Fort Hays State and the local health department said the person infected with variant was a student-athlete at the university, which tests its athletes weekly for COVID-19. Officials said the athlete’s contacts are being traced and that the state health department was sending a mobile testing van to Hays.

Hawkinson said it’s “well established” that the U.K. variant is “more transmissible,” and public health officials fear it could be deadlier. But he added, “We have to be concerned about other variants arising as well.”

“We are all tired, and it is one day at a time, but that is why we need to continue to need to be more vigilant, especially this weekend,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Republican-controlled Kansas Senate debated formally condemning a decision by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration to make prison inmates eligible for COVID-19 vaccines during the second phase of vaccine distribution, which Kansas launched last month.

Prison inmates are in line with people 65 and older, workers critical to the economy and other people in group living situations. They’re ahead of most of the state’s 2.9 million residents, including people under 65 with medical conditions putting them at risk of severe complications if they are infected with COVID-19.

The Senate’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sr1707_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">nonbinding resolution</a>&nbsp;was drafted by health committee Chair Richard Hilderbrand, a Galena Republican. It called on Kelly to reverse her policy on inoculating inmates “without delay,” criticizing the idea that violent offenders could get shots before their victims.

Kelly has defended the policy, saying it will protect prison workers and helps keep COVID-19 in check in communities with prisons. Kansas also is following the recommendations of public health officials and experts, and state prisons have been especially hard-hit with virus outbreaks.

“I continue to believe that we are doing the right thing,” she said during a Wednesday news conference at the Statehouse.

But Kelly also said the state is for now vaccinating prison employees and, “Then, when we have finished with the staff, we will move on and begin with inmates who are 65 or older.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608566572342.png" alt="Virus variant -image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>Virus variant -image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A faster-spreading coronavirus variant first identified in the United Kingdom is probably more widespread in Kansas than a single confirmed case in the state’s northwest suggests, officials with a major health system said Thursday.The first identified case of the variant came as the number of new COVID-19 cases dropped in the state and with officials focused on distributing vaccines. State health department data showed that Kansas averaged 914 new confirmed and probable cases a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, the lowest seven-day rolling average since late October and just a third of the record average of 2,767 cases for the seven days ending Nov. 18.Public health officials also are concerned that people will attend gatherings and not maintain social distances at Super Bowl parties this weekend.<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/2-3-21%20variant%20final.pdf" target="_blank">The state health department announced</a>&nbsp;Wednesday that it had confirmed a case of the U.K. variant, in Ellis County, which is home to Hays and Fort Hays State University. Officials had worried that the variant was responsible for a fast-developing outbreak at a minimum-security state prison in Winfield in south-central Kansas, but genetic testing ruled that out.“If it is in Hays, is there a chance it is in Kansas City? I think there is a chance it is in Kansas City and surrounding areas,” Dr. Dana Hawkinson, director of infection control for the University of Kansas Health System, said during an online briefing Thursday.Dr. David Wild, a University of Kansas Health System vice president, said even before the first Kansas case was identified, he could “nearly guarantee” coronavirus variants were spreading already in Kansas and the Kansas City area.“We know now of one in the state,” he said. “There will be more.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-many-coronavirus-variants-are-there-12d1f000ed9601f99c1c7c08e020ba7b">Cases of the U.K. and other variants</a>&nbsp;are identified through a full review of the virus’ genome.Fort Hays State and the local health department said the person infected with variant was a student-athlete at the university, which tests its athletes weekly for COVID-19. Officials said the athlete’s contacts are being traced and that the state health department was sending a mobile testing van to Hays.Hawkinson said it’s “well established” that the U.K. variant is “more transmissible,” and public health officials fear it could be deadlier. But he added, “We have to be concerned about other variants arising as well.”“We are all tired, and it is one day at a time, but that is why we need to continue to need to be more vigilant, especially this weekend,” he said.Meanwhile, the Republican-controlled Kansas Senate debated formally condemning a decision by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration to make prison inmates eligible for COVID-19 vaccines during the second phase of vaccine distribution, which Kansas launched last month.Prison inmates are in line with people 65 and older, workers critical to the economy and other people in group living situations. They’re ahead of most of the state’s 2.9 million residents, including people under 65 with medical conditions putting them at risk of severe complications if they are infected with COVID-19.The Senate’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sr1707_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">nonbinding resolution</a>&nbsp;was drafted by health committee Chair Richard Hilderbrand, a Galena Republican. It called on Kelly to reverse her policy on inoculating inmates “without delay,” criticizing the idea that violent offenders could get shots before their victims.Kelly has defended the policy, saying it will protect prison workers and helps keep COVID-19 in check in communities with prisons. Kansas also is following the recommendations of public health officials and experts, and state prisons have been especially hard-hit with virus outbreaks.“I continue to believe that we are doing the right thing,” she said during a Wednesday news conference at the Statehouse.But Kelly also said the state is for now vaccinating prison employees and, “Then, when we have finished with the staff, we will move on and begin with inmates who are 65 or older.”___

Officials: Coronavirus variant likely more common in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislation that would make it a felony for doctors to provide medical treatments that help transgender youth transition is unlikely to get a hearing, the head of the committee to which it has been assigned said Thursday.

Four conservative GOP members of the Kansas House introduced&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2210_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the measure&nbsp;</a>Wednesday, drawing immediate and strong condemnation from the Legislature’s first transgender member, its two other openly LGBTQ lawmakers and the executive director of the state’s leading LGBTQ-rights organization.

It is among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-bills-judiciary-helena-060d274f606d9e8e08b786be0398efd3">measures in more than a dozen state legislatures</a>&nbsp;targeting transgender youth in sports or medical treatments for them. States are considering them after an executive order from Democratic President Joe Biden prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in school sports and elsewhere sparked a backlash from conservative groups.

“It turns off the medical interventions that a parent can seek for their child,” said Democratic Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, a transgender woman who was elected last year.

Byers added: “I’ve known who I am since I was — before kindergarten.”

The House health committee probably will not have a hearing for the measure because it has too much other work, such as proposals for modernizing the state’s mental health system, said Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican.

The bill would apply not only to performing surgery on transgender minors but also to other treatments, such as prescribing drugs to block the onset of puberty to prepare a child for transitioning. Under the measure, doctors could be sentenced to up to eight months in prison for “unlawful gender reassignment service” and lose their medical licenses for unprofessional conduct.

One of the Kansas measure’s sponsors, rural northeast Kansas Republican Rep. Randy Garber, said it is designed to protect minors when they are “too young to be making those decisions.”

Asked about LGBTQ advocates’ statements that transgender people often know from a young age that their identities don’t match the gender assigned to them at birth, Garber said: “They probably know they want to get drunk, too, but we don’t let them drink alcohol, do we? Or smoke, or whatever.”

Kansas is among at least eight states where lawmakers are considering such a measure. At least seven states are considering proposals to restrict transgender students’ participation in sports, a measure that was introduced in the Kansas House last year but died without getting a hearing. Lawmakers in Montana and South Carolina are considering both ideas.

“Ever since (same-sex) marriage was declared constitutional, they’ve changed their targets,” said Tom Witt, executive director of Equality Kansas. “Instead of going after grownups, almost every single one of these bills across the country has been targeted at little kids.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612468437256.png" alt="Rep. Stephanie Byers of Wichita, a transgender woman who was elected last year." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Stephanie Byers of Wichita, a transgender woman who was elected last year.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislation that would make it a felony for doctors to provide medical treatments that help transgender youth transition is unlikely to get a hearing, the head of the committee to which it has been assigned said Thursday.Four conservative GOP members of the Kansas House introduced&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2210_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the measure&nbsp;</a>Wednesday, drawing immediate and strong condemnation from the Legislature’s first transgender member, its two other openly LGBTQ lawmakers and the executive director of the state’s leading LGBTQ-rights organization.It is among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-bills-judiciary-helena-060d274f606d9e8e08b786be0398efd3">measures in more than a dozen state legislatures</a>&nbsp;targeting transgender youth in sports or medical treatments for them. States are considering them after an executive order from Democratic President Joe Biden prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in school sports and elsewhere sparked a backlash from conservative groups.“It turns off the medical interventions that a parent can seek for their child,” said Democratic Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, a transgender woman who was elected last year.Byers added: “I’ve known who I am since I was — before kindergarten.”The House health committee probably will not have a hearing for the measure because it has too much other work, such as proposals for modernizing the state’s mental health system, said Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican.The bill would apply not only to performing surgery on transgender minors but also to other treatments, such as prescribing drugs to block the onset of puberty to prepare a child for transitioning. Under the measure, doctors could be sentenced to up to eight months in prison for “unlawful gender reassignment service” and lose their medical licenses for unprofessional conduct.One of the Kansas measure’s sponsors, rural northeast Kansas Republican Rep. Randy Garber, said it is designed to protect minors when they are “too young to be making those decisions.”Asked about LGBTQ advocates’ statements that transgender people often know from a young age that their identities don’t match the gender assigned to them at birth, Garber said: “They probably know they want to get drunk, too, but we don’t let them drink alcohol, do we? Or smoke, or whatever.”Kansas is among at least eight states where lawmakers are considering such a measure. At least seven states are considering proposals to restrict transgender students’ participation in sports, a measure that was introduced in the Kansas House last year but died without getting a hearing. Lawmakers in Montana and South Carolina are considering both ideas.“Ever since (same-sex) marriage was declared constitutional, they’ve changed their targets,” said Tom Witt, executive director of Equality Kansas. “Instead of going after grownups, almost every single one of these bills across the country has been targeted at little kids.”

Kan. measure would criminalize care for transgender youth

SHAWNEE COUNTY– A Topeka Police officer was charged and attacked by a suspect Thursday morning while responding to an unrelated call for service.

Just after 9:00 a.m. the officer was dispatched to a home in the 200 block of SE 34th St. to investigate a possible unwanted subject, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

When the officer arrived on scene at a boarded up home, a man unrelated to the original call came riding by on a bicycle.&nbsp; Police Sgt. Scott Scurlock says the bicyclist tried to get the officer's attention. 

Scurlock says when the officer asked the man to wait, the suspect charged the officer, knocked him over and punched him several times. During the tussle, the man tried unsuccessfully to grab the officer's gun.&nbsp;

A community member immediately stepped in to assist the officer. The suspect later identified as 22-year-old Justin Reed was then taken into custody. The officer was not seriously hurt in the attack, according to Spiker.

“The Topeka Police Department is very grateful to the citizen who assisted during the incident. Above and beyond that, we have all been profoundly moved by the widespread community outpouring of support and concern that we received afterwards,” said Topeka Police Chief Bryan Wheeles. “I am very proud of the brave work that our police officers do every day to keep us safe.”

As a result of the investigation Reed was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges including Aggravated battery on LEO, Interference with LEO, Robbery and Possession of marijuana.

The circumstances of this attack remain under investigation. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612474840434.png" alt="Reed photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Reed photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY– A Topeka Police officer was charged and attacked by a suspect Thursday morning while responding to an unrelated call for service.Just after 9:00 a.m. the officer was dispatched to a home in the 200 block of SE 34th St. to investigate a possible unwanted subject, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.When the officer arrived on scene at a boarded up home, a man unrelated to the original call came riding by on a bicycle.&nbsp; Police Sgt. Scott Scurlock says the bicyclist tried to get the officer's attention. Scurlock says when the officer asked the man to wait, the suspect charged the officer, knocked him over and punched him several times. During the tussle, the man tried unsuccessfully to grab the officer's gun.&nbsp;A community member immediately stepped in to assist the officer. The suspect later identified as 22-year-old Justin Reed was then taken into custody. The officer was not seriously hurt in the attack, according to Spiker.“The Topeka Police Department is very grateful to the citizen who assisted during the incident. Above and beyond that, we have all been profoundly moved by the widespread community outpouring of support and concern that we received afterwards,” said Topeka Police Chief Bryan Wheeles. “I am very proud of the brave work that our police officers do every day to keep us safe.”As a result of the investigation Reed was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges including Aggravated battery on LEO, Interference with LEO, Robbery and Possession of marijuana.The circumstances of this attack remain under investigation.

Kan. police officer attacked by man who grabbed for gun

HUTCHINSON— Four people facing charges of smuggling synthetic marijuana into the Hutchinson Correctional Facility were arraigned in Reno County District Court Thursday.

Zachary Wood, 22, faces single counts of possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of codeine with intent to sell along with the original charges, which include three counts of conspiracy, three counts of using a communication device to distribute drugs, one count of drug distribution and one count of trafficking contraband into a correctional facility. He was bound over for trial after his preliminary hearing last month.&nbsp;

The three women arrested in the case, Esther Davis, Denisha Starnes and Stephanie Thindiu, all waived their right to a preliminary hearing and were bound over for trial. All four entered not guilty pleas and their cases will now go to trial.

Wood is accused of using three women to help smuggle K2 into the prison over a period of two months while employed at the prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600357864536.jpeg" alt="Wood -photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Wood -photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON— Four people facing charges of smuggling synthetic marijuana into the Hutchinson Correctional Facility were arraigned in Reno County District Court Thursday.Zachary Wood, 22, faces single counts of possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of codeine with intent to sell along with the original charges, which include three counts of conspiracy, three counts of using a communication device to distribute drugs, one count of drug distribution and one count of trafficking contraband into a correctional facility. He was bound over for trial after his preliminary hearing last month.&nbsp;The three women arrested in the case, Esther Davis, Denisha Starnes and Stephanie Thindiu, all waived their right to a preliminary hearing and were bound over for trial. All four entered not guilty pleas and their cases will now go to trial.Wood is accused of using three women to help smuggle K2 into the prison over a period of two months while employed at the prison.

Former employee enters plea to smuggling K2 into Kan. prison

The vehicle is believed to be a Chevrolet Suburban or GMC Yukon XL. Information about the location of this vehicle can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org" target="_blank">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&nbsp;or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy was in critical condition late Tuesday.&nbsp; Police did not released additional information on his condition Thursday afternoon and have&nbsp;also not released the names of the baby or family members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612477615451.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy and are seeking the community’s assistance in locating and identifying several vehicles and the individuals associated with them.The vehicle is believed to be a Chevrolet Suburban or GMC Yukon XL. Information about the location of this vehicle can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org" target="_blank">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&nbsp;or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.Just after 4:00 a.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.While en route to the shooting scene, officers were flagged down near SE 6th Avenue and SE Golden Avenue by family members of an injured baby who were driving to a local hospital. Officers began rendering aid and called for American Medical Response to respond to their location. AMR transported the baby to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.A crime scene was located at 804 SE Sherman Avenue where dozens of shell casings were located.Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy was in critical condition late Tuesday.&nbsp; Police did not released additional information on his condition Thursday afternoon and have&nbsp;also not released the names of the baby or family members.-----------TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612303293079.png" alt="Police near the scene of the shooting early Tuesday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police near the scene of the shooting early Tuesday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 4:00 a.m. the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.While en route to the shooting scene, officers were flagged down near SE 6th Avenue and SE Golden Avenue by family members of an injured baby who were driving to a local hospital. Officers began rendering aid and called for American Medical Response to respond to their location. AMR transported the baby to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.A crime scene was located at 804 SE Sherman Avenue where dozens of shell casings were located.Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy remained in critical condition as 4p.m. Tuesday, according to Spiker.Police have not released the names of the baby or family members.-------------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Topeka are investigating an early-morning shooting that left a 1-year-old baby critically injured. The shooting happened around 4 a.m. Tuesday, when someone riddled a home near Eighth Street and Southeast Sherman Avenue with gunfire. Police say one of the shots hit a baby inside the home. Investigators report they found about two dozen bullet casings in the street outside the home. Officers called to the scene found a family leaving the home with the baby and rushed the child in critical condition to an area hospital. The names of the baby and family members were not immediately released, and no arrests have been announced.

Police want to ID SUV in Kan. shooting that injured baby

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly unveiled on Thursday an economic development plan that aims to provide a blueprint for the state’s future as it looks to the new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dubbed the&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Framework-for-Growth-Report.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas Framework for Growth</a>, the plan was lauded as the first of its kind in more than 30 years. It was showcased in a virtual announcement joined by two of the state’s former governors, Democrat John Carlin and Republican Mike Hayden.

Work on drafting the plan began in late 2019, but the new challenges brought on by the pandemic created an urgent need to rethink an approach with the flexibility to respond to ever-changing economic conditions, its supporters said.

Kelly called it a “bold plan” to address current and future challenges, saying it takes a long-range view of the headwinds facing Kansas and lays out a set strategy and initiatives to guide state level economic development for decades to come.

“This strategic plan takes a forward thinking, nimble approach to encouraging economic growth and prosperity, particularly when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kelly said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612467982505.png" alt="Governor Kelly joined Lt. Governor Toland and former Governors John Carlin and Mike Hayden to announce the new Framework for Growth plan - the first of its kind in 30 years. "This initiative will act as a blueprint to spur economic development for all Kansans, in every part of Kansas."" />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly joined Lt. Governor Toland and former Governors John Carlin and Mike Hayden to announce the new Framework for Growth plan - the first of its kind in 30 years. "This initiative will act as a blueprint to spur economic development for all Kansans, in every part of Kansas."</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly unveiled on Thursday an economic development plan that aims to provide a blueprint for the state’s future as it looks to the new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic.Dubbed the&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Framework-for-Growth-Report.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas Framework for Growth</a>, the plan was lauded as the first of its kind in more than 30 years. It was showcased in a virtual announcement joined by two of the state’s former governors, Democrat John Carlin and Republican Mike Hayden.Work on drafting the plan began in late 2019, but the new challenges brought on by the pandemic created an urgent need to rethink an approach with the flexibility to respond to ever-changing economic conditions, its supporters said.Kelly called it a “bold plan” to address current and future challenges, saying it takes a long-range view of the headwinds facing Kansas and lays out a set strategy and initiatives to guide state level economic development for decades to come.“This strategic plan takes a forward thinking, nimble approach to encouraging economic growth and prosperity, particularly when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kelly said.Its key initiatives are based on four pillars: talent, innovation, community assets, and policy.