MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a search at a Kansas home.

On Monday, deputies executed a narcotic search warrant at a home in the 1000 block of north High Street, in Caney, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

 Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office worked with Caney Police Department to develop information that led to obtaining a search warrant for the residence. 

During the search warrant, investigators seized what is suspected to be methamphetamines, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. 

Deputies took two of the occupants of the home 40-year-old Kimberly Taylor and 19-year-old Stefanie Hopkins into custody based upon the evidence found in the home.

Investigators are requesting Taylor be charged with Possession of methamphetamines, possession of drug paraphernalia, and child endangerment. It has been requested that Hopkins be charged with possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Wade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612305354353.png" alt="Hopkins photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Hopkins photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a search at a Kansas home.On Monday, deputies executed a narcotic search warrant at a home in the 1000 block of north High Street, in Caney, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office worked with Caney Police Department to develop information that led to obtaining a search warrant for the residence. During the search warrant, investigators seized what is suspected to be methamphetamines, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612305103126.png" alt="Taylor-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Taylor-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies took two of the occupants of the home 40-year-old Kimberly Taylor and 19-year-old Stefanie Hopkins into custody based upon the evidence found in the home.Investigators are requesting Taylor be charged with Possession of methamphetamines, possession of drug paraphernalia, and child endangerment. It has been requested that Hopkins be charged with possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Wade.

Sheriff: 2 women jailed after drug bust at Kan. home

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday the launch of the “Find My Vaccine” mapping tool, designed to help Kansans locate sites that are administering vaccines in their communities. 

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to </a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here </a>to get more details on vaccine.

Kansans in vaccine phase 1 and 2 are recommended to use this tool as a resource for finding providers who are or will be offering the vaccine.

“The ‘find my vaccine’ mapping tool allows any Kansan, regardless of where they live, to find the closest vaccine provider to their community,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The national shortage continues to be the biggest obstacle to delivering vaccines, and that means, many of our enrolled providers do not yet have sufficient vaccines to offer to the general public. But we know it’s better to be ahead of the curve and have this platform ready to go before supply has caught up, so that every Kansan is familiar with the tool and so we can be prepared as more providers are activated.”

The Kansas&nbsp;Find My Vaccine tool&nbsp;allows Kansans to:

The tool includes locations that are participating in administering COVID-19 vaccines and have provided their information to share with the general public. As federal supply increases, Find My Vaccine will evolve to support the COVID-19 vaccination effort by listing more providers and linking to details and scheduling opportunities as they become available. As the vaccine supply continues to grow, the State asks all enrolled providers who intend to vaccinate the general public to provide their information for Kansans to see in Find My Vaccine. 

Vaccines are being delivered to all 105 Kansas counties on a weekly basis, but not all providers may be listed on the map at this time. If you do not see an active location in your area - and you are in Phase 1 or 2 - ask your&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.1ph59dP5HLY3U8RnYzWhr9P3g-RX5SY7QQB-Uk4ZJvc/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">local health department</a>&nbsp;how to access the vaccine.&nbsp; Weekly vaccine allocations for each county are available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.L2IBkzmD-wZ4LCb8YmsxAnu8XmXzyPJGa6EGqOBpTnI/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">KS COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610104544544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday the launch of the “Find My Vaccine” mapping tool, designed to help Kansans locate sites that are administering vaccines in their communities. <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to </a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here </a>to get more details on vaccine.Kansans in vaccine phase 1 and 2 are recommended to use this tool as a resource for finding providers who are or will be offering the vaccine.“The ‘find my vaccine’ mapping tool allows any Kansan, regardless of where they live, to find the closest vaccine provider to their community,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The national shortage continues to be the biggest obstacle to delivering vaccines, and that means, many of our enrolled providers do not yet have sufficient vaccines to offer to the general public. But we know it’s better to be ahead of the curve and have this platform ready to go before supply has caught up, so that every Kansan is familiar with the tool and so we can be prepared as more providers are activated.”The Kansas&nbsp;Find My Vaccine tool&nbsp;allows Kansans to:<ol>
 <li>Look up nearby COVID-19 vaccine locations</li><li>Identify which locations have recently received vaccine doses</li><li>Access contact information for each location to confirm eligibility and availability</li>
 </ol>The tool includes locations that are participating in administering COVID-19 vaccines and have provided their information to share with the general public. As federal supply increases, Find My Vaccine will evolve to support the COVID-19 vaccination effort by listing more providers and linking to details and scheduling opportunities as they become available. As the vaccine supply continues to grow, the State asks all enrolled providers who intend to vaccinate the general public to provide their information for Kansans to see in Find My Vaccine. Vaccines are being delivered to all 105 Kansas counties on a weekly basis, but not all providers may be listed on the map at this time. If you do not see an active location in your area - and you are in Phase 1 or 2 - ask your&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.1ph59dP5HLY3U8RnYzWhr9P3g-RX5SY7QQB-Uk4ZJvc/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">local health department</a>&nbsp;how to access the vaccine.&nbsp; Weekly vaccine allocations for each county are available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.L2IBkzmD-wZ4LCb8YmsxAnu8XmXzyPJGa6EGqOBpTnI/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">KS COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard</a>.

Kansas launches new 'Find My Vaccine' online tool

GARDNER, Kan. (AP) — The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office has identified skeletal remains found last month in northeastern Kansas near Gardner Lake.

Officials announced Tuesday that the remains are those of 48-year-old Matthew Lee Manion, Kansas City television station WDAF&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/sheriffs-office-identifies-skeletal-remains-found-near-gardner-lake/" target="_blank">reported</a>. The cause of death remains under investigation, officials said.

Manion’s remains were found Jan. 11 near the lake located just north of Gardner and recovered by crime scene investigators and detectives the next day. No other information on Manion or the investigation was immediately released.

Gardner is located just a few miles southwest of Olathe, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612362022354.png" alt="Police tape marks the scene of the investigation on January 11 near Gardner Lake -image courtesy Fox4Kansas City&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Police tape marks the scene of the investigation on January 11 near Gardner Lake -image courtesy Fox4Kansas City&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>GARDNER, Kan. (AP) — The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office has identified skeletal remains found last month in northeastern Kansas near Gardner Lake.Officials announced Tuesday that the remains are those of 48-year-old Matthew Lee Manion, Kansas City television station WDAF&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/sheriffs-office-identifies-skeletal-remains-found-near-gardner-lake/" target="_blank">reported</a>. The cause of death remains under investigation, officials said.Manion’s remains were found Jan. 11 near the lake located just north of Gardner and recovered by crime scene investigators and detectives the next day. No other information on Manion or the investigation was immediately released.Gardner is located just a few miles southwest of Olathe, Kansas.

Officials ID skeletal remains found near Kansas lake

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden signed a second spate of orders to undo his predecessor’s immigration policies, demonstrating the powers of the White House and its limitations without support from Congress.

His orders on family separation, border security and legal immigration bring to nine the number of executive actions on immigration during his first two weeks in office.

With proposed legislation to give legal status and a path to citizenship to all of the estimated 11 million people in the country who don't have it, Biden has quickly taken aim at many of former President Donald Trump’s sweeping changes to deter immigration, both legal and illegal, and established a vision that is likely to far outlast his tenure if he's able to muster enough support in a deeply divided Congress.

Biden rescinded some Trump actions and laid a foundation for more far-reaching repeals depending on the outcome of policy reviews over the next few months.

"I’m not making new law. I’m eliminating bad policy,” he said during a signing ceremony Tuesday.

Alejandro Mayorkas, who was sworn in as Homeland Security secretary after his nomination was confirmed Tuesday by the Senate, will lead a task force on family separation, focused largely on reuniting parents and children who remain apart. It is unclear exactly how many, but about 5,500 children have been identified in court documents as having been separated during Trump’s presidency, including about 600 whose parents have yet to be found by a court-appointed committee.

“We’re going to work to undo the moral and national shame of the previous administration," Biden said.

The review will address the possibility of legal status in the United States for separated families and providing mental health services.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which sued to reunite families, has asked the administration for legal status in the United States for all of the thousands of families that have been separated, as well as financial compensation for those families and attorneys at government expense.

A review of border security will include a policy that makes asylum-seekers wait in Mexican border cities for hearings in U.S. immigration court. It is a step toward fulfilling a campaign pledge to end the “Remain in Mexico” policy, known officially as Migrant Protection Protocols, which enrolled nearly 70,000 asylum-seekers since it began in January 2019. Biden asked for “a phased strategy for the safe and orderly entry into the United States” of those already enrolled who are waiting in Mexico for a judge to decide their cases.

Biden ended a policy that held asylum-seekers in Customs and Border Protection custody with virtually no access to attorneys while their claims were quickly decided. He ordered reviews of a nationwide expansion of fast-track deportation authority and of agreements with Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras for the U.S. to reject asylum applicants and instead send them to those Central American countries with an opportunity to seek protection there.

His order on legal immigration seeks ways to reduce backlogs and barriers to citizenship and considers scrapping Trump's “public charge rule,” which makes it more difficult for people who receive government benefits to obtain green cards.

Biden didn't address a freeze on many temporary work visas and green cards while the economy recovers from a pandemic, as some expected.

“That's a pretty big gap for them not to take action on those visa bans because the impact is so dramatic and significant,” said Greg Chen, director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

While immediate changes were limited, the impact of executive orders that Trump issued his first week in office didn’t start to become apparent until a month later when Homeland Security issued detailed enforcement priorities. Those orders laid a foundation for many other of his administration’s hundreds of immigration moves that followed.

Many changes will have to come from agencies like Homeland Security, not the White House, such as rescinding the public-charge rule, Chen said.

The announcements come as Biden aides warn that Trump’s border policies that put asylum increasingly out of reach may take months to unwind — a position that has caused grumbling among some pro-immigration advocates.

Roberta Jacobson, a top Biden aide on border issues, asked Spanish-language media on Friday to discourage audiences from coming to the U.S. border. “It is not the moment,” she said in Spanish, adding that the journey was “very dangerous, and we are in the middle of creating a new system.”

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki reinforced that message from the White House podium on Tuesday, saying it "remains a dangerous trip” and, “This is not the time to come to the United States.”

The orders demonstrate that, just as Trump remade immigration policies from the White House, Biden can undo them with the stroke of a pen — some more easily than others. More lasting changes would have to pass Congress, a daunting job that Trump and his predecessors Barack Obama and George W. Bush failed to achieve.

In an echo of failed legislative pushes in 2007 and 2013, familiar lines of division have formed with overheated rhetoric. Stephen Miller, a top architect of Trump’s policies, said Sunday on Fox News Channel that Biden's actions amount to the “end of all immigration enforcement in the United States of America.”

Pro-immigration groups largely applauded Biden’s latest moves, though they were more muted than the almost-giddy reception to the president's first-day actions.

“The positive steps the administration is taking must be the beginning, not an end unto themselves,” Ali Noorani, president of the National Immigration Forum, said Tuesday. “Congress should build on these first steps to find permanent solutions to improve our immigration system.”

Kelli Garcia, federal policy counsel of the Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund, said the orders were encouraging but “will not immediately benefit immigrant communities in dire need of concrete action.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612358967005.png" alt="Alejandro Mayorkas was officially sworn in Tuesday as the seventh Secretary of Homeland Security -Photo by Benjamin Applebaum courtesy Dept. of Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Alejandro Mayorkas was officially sworn in Tuesday as the seventh Secretary of Homeland Security -Photo by Benjamin Applebaum courtesy Dept. of Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden signed a second spate of orders to undo his predecessor’s immigration policies, demonstrating the powers of the White House and its limitations without support from Congress.His orders on family separation, border security and legal immigration bring to nine the number of executive actions on immigration during his first two weeks in office.With proposed legislation to give legal status and a path to citizenship to all of the estimated 11 million people in the country who don't have it, Biden has quickly taken aim at many of former President Donald Trump’s sweeping changes to deter immigration, both legal and illegal, and established a vision that is likely to far outlast his tenure if he's able to muster enough support in a deeply divided Congress.Biden rescinded some Trump actions and laid a foundation for more far-reaching repeals depending on the outcome of policy reviews over the next few months."I’m not making new law. I’m eliminating bad policy,” he said during a signing ceremony Tuesday.Alejandro Mayorkas, who was sworn in as Homeland Security secretary after his nomination was confirmed Tuesday by the Senate, will lead a task force on family separation, focused largely on reuniting parents and children who remain apart. It is unclear exactly how many, but about 5,500 children have been identified in court documents as having been separated during Trump’s presidency, including about 600 whose parents have yet to be found by a court-appointed committee.“We’re going to work to undo the moral and national shame of the previous administration," Biden said.The review will address the possibility of legal status in the United States for separated families and providing mental health services.The American Civil Liberties Union, which sued to reunite families, has asked the administration for legal status in the United States for all of the thousands of families that have been separated, as well as financial compensation for those families and attorneys at government expense.A review of border security will include a policy that makes asylum-seekers wait in Mexican border cities for hearings in U.S. immigration court. It is a step toward fulfilling a campaign pledge to end the “Remain in Mexico” policy, known officially as Migrant Protection Protocols, which enrolled nearly 70,000 asylum-seekers since it began in January 2019. Biden asked for “a phased strategy for the safe and orderly entry into the United States” of those already enrolled who are waiting in Mexico for a judge to decide their cases.Biden ended a policy that held asylum-seekers in Customs and Border Protection custody with virtually no access to attorneys while their claims were quickly decided. He ordered reviews of a nationwide expansion of fast-track deportation authority and of agreements with Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras for the U.S. to reject asylum applicants and instead send them to those Central American countries with an opportunity to seek protection there.His order on legal immigration seeks ways to reduce backlogs and barriers to citizenship and considers scrapping Trump's “public charge rule,” which makes it more difficult for people who receive government benefits to obtain green cards.Biden didn't address a freeze on many temporary work visas and green cards while the economy recovers from a pandemic, as some expected.“That's a pretty big gap for them not to take action on those visa bans because the impact is so dramatic and significant,” said Greg Chen, director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association.While immediate changes were limited, the impact of executive orders that Trump issued his first week in office didn’t start to become apparent until a month later when Homeland Security issued detailed enforcement priorities. Those orders laid a foundation for many other of his administration’s hundreds of immigration moves that followed.Many changes will have to come from agencies like Homeland Security, not the White House, such as rescinding the public-charge rule, Chen said.The announcements come as Biden aides warn that Trump’s border policies that put asylum increasingly out of reach may take months to unwind — a position that has caused grumbling among some pro-immigration advocates.Roberta Jacobson, a top Biden aide on border issues, asked Spanish-language media on Friday to discourage audiences from coming to the U.S. border. “It is not the moment,” she said in Spanish, adding that the journey was “very dangerous, and we are in the middle of creating a new system.”White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki reinforced that message from the White House podium on Tuesday, saying it "remains a dangerous trip” and, “This is not the time to come to the United States.”The orders demonstrate that, just as Trump remade immigration policies from the White House, Biden can undo them with the stroke of a pen — some more easily than others. More lasting changes would have to pass Congress, a daunting job that Trump and his predecessors Barack Obama and George W. Bush failed to achieve.In an echo of failed legislative pushes in 2007 and 2013, familiar lines of division have formed with overheated rhetoric. Stephen Miller, a top architect of Trump’s policies, said Sunday on Fox News Channel that Biden's actions amount to the “end of all immigration enforcement in the United States of America.”Pro-immigration groups largely applauded Biden’s latest moves, though they were more muted than the almost-giddy reception to the president's first-day actions.“The positive steps the administration is taking must be the beginning, not an end unto themselves,” Ali Noorani, president of the National Immigration Forum, said Tuesday. “Congress should build on these first steps to find permanent solutions to improve our immigration system.”Kelli Garcia, federal policy counsel of the Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund, said the orders were encouraging but “will not immediately benefit immigrant communities in dire need of concrete action.”___

New immigration order impacts border security, family separation 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration announced Tuesday that it is moving to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines, freeing up more doses for states and beginning to distribute them to retail pharmacies next week. The push comes amid new urgency to speed vaccinations to prevent the spread of potentially more serious strains of the virus that has killed more than 445,000 Americans.

Starting next week, 1 million doses will be distributed to some 6,500 pharmacies across the country, the White House said. 

Dillons stores in Salina, Hutchinson, Wichita, Andover and Derby will also receive doses of the Moderna vaccine.

The administration is also boosting by 500,000 the weekly allocation of vaccines sent directly to states and territories for the coming weeks, up to 10.5 million. It is allowing state and local governments to receive additional federal dollars to cover previously incurred expenses relating to the pandemic.

Coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients announced the moves on a call with the nation’s governors Tuesday morning and then detailed them to the public in an afternoon news conference.

Drugstores have become a mainstay for flu shots and shingles vaccines, and the industry is capable of vaccinating tens of millions of people monthly. “This will provide more sites for people to get vaccinated in their communities,” Zients said.

“This is a critical step to provide the public with convenient trusted places to get vaccinated in their communities,” he added.

The number of participating pharmacies and the allocation of vaccines are expected to accelerate as drug makers increase production. The White House said the ultimate goal was to distribute the vaccines through more than 40,000 pharmacies nationwide. State and local guidelines will determine who is eligible to get a shot at their neighborhood pharmacy. Availability will be limited at first.

“Getting it into pharmacies is a viable approach,” said Dan Mendelson, founder of the health care industry consulting firm Avalere Health. “The pharmacies know how to move people in and out.”

Part of the reason the vaccination campaign got off to a slow start, he added, is that states lacked their own infrastructure for mass vaccinations.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-alex-azar-coronavirus-pandemic-bfe002c987d7ed15e61a5b4d433704bb">partnership with drugstores</a>&nbsp;was originally announced by the Trump administration in November. At that time, no coronavirus vaccines had been approved. Participating are major chains like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid, big box stores such as Walmart and Costco, and supermarket pharmacies. CVS said it will receive 250,000 doses initially, to be distributed to pharmacies in 11 states.

The pharmacy doses will be distributed to states by population, but a priority will be to get the vaccine to minority communities that have suffered a disproportionately high toll of disease and deaths from the virus, Zients said.

He said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was “making sure that we are picking pharmacies in that first phase that are located in areas that are harder to reach to ensure that we have equitable distribution of the pharmacy doses.” Walgreens said it was selected in part to “optimize vaccine access in medically underserved areas.”

The 1 million doses being shipped to pharmacies will be on top of the increased allotments to states over the coming three weeks. The Biden administration has sought to increase certainty to state governments on their upcoming allocations to streamline deliveries and prevent stockpiling of second doses for the two-dose regimens.

The Tuesday announcement comes a day after Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert, called on Americans to get vaccinated as soon as they’re eligible to prevent further mutations of the virus. The U.S. is tracking the spread of potentially more virulent and treatment-resistant variants.

“Viruses cannot mutate if they don’t replicate,” Fauci said. “And if you stop their replication by vaccinating widely and not giving the virus an open playing field to continue to respond to the pressures that you put on it, you will not get mutations.”

Full Coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/tag/Coronaviruspandemic">Coronavirus pandemic</a>

The U.S. government has already starting working with vaccine manufacturers on potential booster shots to enhance protection against the variants.

Biden’s move to allow for an additional $3 billion to $5 billion in retroactive funding to state and local governments for reimbursement of pandemic-related spending was expected to free up more money for vaccine distribution.

“States will be fully repaid for things like masks, gloves and the mobilization of the National Guard, and they can use the additional resources for vaccination efforts and emergency supplies moving forward,” Zients said.

That is on top of additional assistance to state and local governments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency already authorized by the Biden administration for them to stand up and support vaccination sites across the country.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612292181344.png" alt="vaccine photo courtesy Walgreens" />
 <figcaption>vaccine photo courtesy Walgreens</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration announced Tuesday that it is moving to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines, freeing up more doses for states and beginning to distribute them to retail pharmacies next week. The push comes amid new urgency to speed vaccinations to prevent the spread of potentially more serious strains of the virus that has killed more than 445,000 Americans.Starting next week, 1 million doses will be distributed to some 6,500 pharmacies across the country, the White House said. Dillons stores in Salina, Hutchinson, Wichita, Andover and Derby will also receive doses of the Moderna vaccine.The administration is also boosting by 500,000 the weekly allocation of vaccines sent directly to states and territories for the coming weeks, up to 10.5 million. It is allowing state and local governments to receive additional federal dollars to cover previously incurred expenses relating to the pandemic.Coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients announced the moves on a call with the nation’s governors Tuesday morning and then detailed them to the public in an afternoon news conference.Drugstores have become a mainstay for flu shots and shingles vaccines, and the industry is capable of vaccinating tens of millions of people monthly. “This will provide more sites for people to get vaccinated in their communities,” Zients said.“This is a critical step to provide the public with convenient trusted places to get vaccinated in their communities,” he added.The number of participating pharmacies and the allocation of vaccines are expected to accelerate as drug makers increase production. The White House said the ultimate goal was to distribute the vaccines through more than 40,000 pharmacies nationwide. State and local guidelines will determine who is eligible to get a shot at their neighborhood pharmacy. Availability will be limited at first.“Getting it into pharmacies is a viable approach,” said Dan Mendelson, founder of the health care industry consulting firm Avalere Health. “The pharmacies know how to move people in and out.”Part of the reason the vaccination campaign got off to a slow start, he added, is that states lacked their own infrastructure for mass vaccinations.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-alex-azar-coronavirus-pandemic-bfe002c987d7ed15e61a5b4d433704bb">partnership with drugstores</a>&nbsp;was originally announced by the Trump administration in November. At that time, no coronavirus vaccines had been approved. Participating are major chains like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid, big box stores such as Walmart and Costco, and supermarket pharmacies. CVS said it will receive 250,000 doses initially, to be distributed to pharmacies in 11 states.The pharmacy doses will be distributed to states by population, but a priority will be to get the vaccine to minority communities that have suffered a disproportionately high toll of disease and deaths from the virus, Zients said.He said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was “making sure that we are picking pharmacies in that first phase that are located in areas that are harder to reach to ensure that we have equitable distribution of the pharmacy doses.” Walgreens said it was selected in part to “optimize vaccine access in medically underserved areas.”The 1 million doses being shipped to pharmacies will be on top of the increased allotments to states over the coming three weeks. The Biden administration has sought to increase certainty to state governments on their upcoming allocations to streamline deliveries and prevent stockpiling of second doses for the two-dose regimens.The Tuesday announcement comes a day after Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert, called on Americans to get vaccinated as soon as they’re eligible to prevent further mutations of the virus. The U.S. is tracking the spread of potentially more virulent and treatment-resistant variants.“Viruses cannot mutate if they don’t replicate,” Fauci said. “And if you stop their replication by vaccinating widely and not giving the virus an open playing field to continue to respond to the pressures that you put on it, you will not get mutations.”Full Coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/tag/Coronaviruspandemic">Coronavirus pandemic</a>The U.S. government has already starting working with vaccine manufacturers on potential booster shots to enhance protection against the variants.Biden’s move to allow for an additional $3 billion to $5 billion in retroactive funding to state and local governments for reimbursement of pandemic-related spending was expected to free up more money for vaccine distribution.“States will be fully repaid for things like masks, gloves and the mobilization of the National Guard, and they can use the additional resources for vaccination efforts and emergency supplies moving forward,” Zients said.That is on top of additional assistance to state and local governments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency already authorized by the Biden administration for them to stand up and support vaccination sites across the country.

COVID vaccine shipments are coming to US pharmacies

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue to search for 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon of Wichita. On Tuesday, police investigating a reported shooting identified the victim as Blackmon's boyfriend Michael Beasley, 17, of Wichita.

As part of the investigation, police are asking  for assistance to locate Blackm0n and her grey, 2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.

Police believe Blackmon may be in danger. Authorities ask that if you see the vehicle, please call 911.

Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call in the 1000 Block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

A passerby saw a man lying in the grass on the north side of an abandoned church. When the passerby approached the man later identified as Beasley to see if he needed help, he discovered the man was unresponsive and called police. Sedgwick County EMS and additional first responders arrived and determined Beasley was dead.&nbsp; 

Police have released no new information in the case.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a reported shooting have identified a victim as 17-year-old Michael Beasley of Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

As part of the investigation, police are asking&nbsp; for assistance to locate Beasley's 18-year-old girlfriend Kayla Blackm0n of Wichita and her grey, 2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.

Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call in the 1000 Block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Davidson.

Davidson released no additional information including Beasley's cause of death on Tuesday morning.&nbsp; Police also have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612284535821.png" alt="Officer Charley Davidson explained during a Tuesday press briefing that authorities are asking the public for help to locate Kayla Blackmon and the 2005 Ford&nbsp; Escape&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Officer Charley Davidson explained during a Tuesday press briefing that authorities are asking the public for help to locate Kayla Blackmon and the 2005 Ford&nbsp; Escape&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue to search for 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon of Wichita. On Tuesday, police investigating a reported shooting identified the victim as Blackmon's boyfriend Michael Beasley, 17, of Wichita.As part of the investigation, police are asking for assistance to locate Blackm0n and her grey, 2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.Police believe Blackmon may be in danger. Authorities ask that if you see the vehicle, please call 911.Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call in the 1000 Block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.A passerby saw a man lying in the grass on the north side of an abandoned church. When the passerby approached the man later identified as Beasley to see if he needed help, he discovered the man was unresponsive and called police. Sedgwick County EMS and additional first responders arrived and determined Beasley was dead.&nbsp; Police have released no new information in the case.------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a reported shooting have identified a victim as 17-year-old Michael Beasley of Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.As part of the investigation, police are asking&nbsp; for assistance to locate Beasley's 18-year-old girlfriend Kayla Blackm0n of Wichita and her grey, 2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612285744552.png" alt="Blackmon-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Blackmon-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Police believe Blackmon may be in danger. Authorities ask that if you see the vehicle, please call 911.Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call in the 1000 Block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612285804058.png" alt="2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK." />
 <figcaption>2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.</figcaption>
 </figure>A passerby saw a man lying in the grass on the north side of an abandoned church. When the passerby approached the man later identified as Beasley to see if he needed help, he discovered the man was unresponsive and called police. Sedgwick County EMS and additional first responders arrived and determined Beasley was dead.&nbsp; Davidson released no additional information including Beasley's cause of death on Tuesday morning.&nbsp; Police also have not reported an arrest.

Police: Kan. teen still missing; boyfriend found dead

KANSAS CITY —The search continues for Kenneth N. Crowley as a person of interest in a possible kidnapping and Saturday's homicide in the 1800 block of Minnesota Avenue in Kansas City. Officers found a man in his 40s dead inside a home at that location Saturday evening.

Crowley was also being sought in connection with the possible kidnapping of 37-year-old Laneia Taylor.&nbsp; Police took her into custody Sunday.

Crowley may be in a dark blue 2006 Hyundai Azera&nbsp; with Kansas license plate 878JAD.

KANSAS CITY —The search for Laneia Taylor has been cancelled as she came into police custody late Sunday, according to a media release from Kansas City Police.

 The search continues for Kenneth N. Crowley as a person of interest in her possible kidnapping and Saturday's homicide in the 1800 block of Minnesota Avenue.&nbsp;Officers found a man in his 40s dead inside a home at that location Saturday evening.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police are searching for a man they believe is connected to a man’s death and a possible kidnapping in Kansas City, Kansas, on Saturday. 

Officers found a man in his 40s dead inside a home in the 1800 block of Minnesota Avenue Saturday evening. 

Police have not released details of that homicide, including the victim’s identity. Kansas City, Kansas, police spokeswoman Nancy Chartrand said 27-year-old Kenneth Crowley is a person of interest in the homicide. 

Chartrand said Crowley is also being sought in connection with the possible kidnapping of 37-year-old Laneia Taylor. Crowley and Taylor may be in a dark blue 2006 Hyundai Azera.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1612120554650.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The search continues for Kenneth N. Crowley as a person of interest in a possible kidnapping and Saturday's homicide in the 1800 block of Minnesota Avenue in Kansas City. Officers found a man in his 40s dead inside a home at that location Saturday evening.Crowley was also being sought in connection with the possible kidnapping of 37-year-old Laneia Taylor.&nbsp; Police took her into custody Sunday.Crowley may be in a dark blue 2006 Hyundai Azera&nbsp; with Kansas license plate 878JAD.------KANSAS CITY —The search for Laneia Taylor has been cancelled as she came into police custody late Sunday, according to a media release from Kansas City Police. The search continues for Kenneth N. Crowley as a person of interest in her possible kidnapping and Saturday's homicide in the 1800 block of Minnesota Avenue.&nbsp;Officers found a man in his 40s dead inside a home at that location Saturday evening.----------KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police are searching for a man they believe is connected to a man’s death and a possible kidnapping in Kansas City, Kansas, on Saturday. Officers found a man in his 40s dead inside a home in the 1800 block of Minnesota Avenue Saturday evening. Police have not released details of that homicide, including the victim’s identity. Kansas City, Kansas, police spokeswoman Nancy Chartrand said 27-year-old Kenneth Crowley is a person of interest in the homicide. Chartrand said Crowley is also being sought in connection with the possible kidnapping of 37-year-old Laneia Taylor. Crowley and Taylor may be in a dark blue 2006 Hyundai Azera.

Search continues for Kansas murder suspect 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man accused of using a 6-year-old relative as a human shield after he fired at officers inside a Kansas City home has been charged, prosecutors said.

Willie Wren, 37, of Kansas City, was charged Monday with first-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said.

Officers responded Sunday night after witnesses reported a man dragging a screaming child in the street, police said in a news release. Arriving officers entered a house after hearing a child screaming inside. The officers encountered a 37-year-old man holding a gun in an upstairs bedroom, police said.

Police said after a brief exchange, an officer fired a stun gun at the man, who then fired at the officers. One officer was injured when he was pushed down the stairs as police retreated.

When officers tried to engage the man again, police said, he was holding the screaming girl in front of him. Officers overpowered the man and rescued the girl, who was not injured.

Prosecutors requested a bond of $100,000. Online court records do not name an attorney for Wren.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police rescued a 6-year-old girl after her father used her as a shield during a confrontation with officers, Kansas City police said.

Officers responding to a report that a man was dragging a screaming child down a street Sunday night tracked him to an east Kansas City home, where they could hear the child screaming inside.

Officers entered the home and saw the man holding a gun at the top of the stairs. One of the officers tried to use a Taser on the man and he responded by firing at officers who were on the stairs, police said in a news release Monday.

One officer was injured when he fell while retreating down the stairs.

When officers again contacted the man, he did not appear to be armed but was using the child as a shield, police said. Officers rushed at the man and were able to rescue the child and arrest the man, police said.

The child was not physically harmed. The suspect and other officers were not injured. No further details were released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612291360100.png" alt="Wren photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Wren photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man accused of using a 6-year-old relative as a human shield after he fired at officers inside a Kansas City home has been charged, prosecutors said.Willie Wren, 37, of Kansas City, was charged Monday with first-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said.Officers responded Sunday night after witnesses reported a man dragging a screaming child in the street, police said in a news release. Arriving officers entered a house after hearing a child screaming inside. The officers encountered a 37-year-old man holding a gun in an upstairs bedroom, police said.Police said after a brief exchange, an officer fired a stun gun at the man, who then fired at the officers. One officer was injured when he was pushed down the stairs as police retreated.When officers tried to engage the man again, police said, he was holding the screaming girl in front of him. Officers overpowered the man and rescued the girl, who was not injured.Prosecutors requested a bond of $100,000. Online court records do not name an attorney for Wren.KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police rescued a 6-year-old girl after her father used her as a shield during a confrontation with officers, Kansas City police said.Officers responding to a report that a man was dragging a screaming child down a street Sunday night tracked him to an east Kansas City home, where they could hear the child screaming inside.Officers entered the home and saw the man holding a gun at the top of the stairs. One of the officers tried to use a Taser on the man and he responded by firing at officers who were on the stairs, police said in a news release Monday.One officer was injured when he fell while retreating down the stairs.When officers again contacted the man, he did not appear to be armed but was using the child as a shield, police said. Officers rushed at the man and were able to rescue the child and arrest the man, police said.The child was not physically harmed. The suspect and other officers were not injured. No further details were released.

Police: Man used 6-year-old relative as human shield

JEWELL COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of firearms in Jewell County and have made an arrest.

On Nov. 14, 2020, deputies responded to report of a burglary in Mankato in which seven firearms were stolen, according to a news release from the Jewell County Sheriff.

Since the initial report, there have been 4 additional burglaries including 3 in Mankato and 1 in Burr Oak, with a total of 18 firearms stolen. Along with the firearms there were also jewelry, knives, money, and narcotic pain medications that were stolen.

&nbsp;Investigators discovered that a juvenile was attempting to sell firearms over Snapchat. The firearms matched the description of the firearms stolen in the recent burglaries, according to the the sheriff.

On Thursday, the sheriff's office, with the assistance of the Beloit Police Department, arrested three juveniles on the requested charges that include five counts of felony burglary, fifteen counts of felony theft, two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance

Authorities have recovered no firearms as part of the investigation.

JEWELL COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of firearms in Jewell County and have made an arrest.On Nov. 14, 2020, deputies responded to report of a burglary in Mankato in which seven firearms were stolen, according to a news release from the Jewell County Sheriff.Since the initial report, there have been 4 additional burglaries including 3 in Mankato and 1 in Burr Oak, with a total of 18 firearms stolen. Along with the firearms there were also jewelry, knives, money, and narcotic pain medications that were stolen.&nbsp;Investigators discovered that a juvenile was attempting to sell firearms over Snapchat. The firearms matched the description of the firearms stolen in the recent burglaries, according to the the sheriff.On Thursday, the sheriff's office, with the assistance of the Beloit Police Department, arrested three juveniles on the requested charges that include five counts of felony burglary, fifteen counts of felony theft, two counts of felony possession of a controlled substanceAuthorities have recovered no firearms as part of the investigation.

Sheriff: 3 caught selling stolen firearms on social media

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting during an attempted carjacking ten days ago have made an arrest.

Just before 8p.m. January 22, police were dispatched to 1510 SW Wanamaker on a report of a possible shooting, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson. 

Officers located an individual with an apparent gunshot wound that was found to be non-life threatening. The victim had been approached by an individual who attempted to rob him of his vehicle. 

During the robbery attempt, the suspect later identified as Lasharra Riley, 30, Topeka, shot the victim and ran from the area.

On February 1, police with the assistance of U.S. Marshals located Riley and took him into custody.

He booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following charges of Attempted Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Battery, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and a Registration Violation, according to Johnson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612280675482.png" alt="Riley-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Riley-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting during an attempted carjacking ten days ago have made an arrest.Just before 8p.m. January 22, police were dispatched to 1510 SW Wanamaker on a report of a possible shooting, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson. Officers located an individual with an apparent gunshot wound that was found to be non-life threatening. The victim had been approached by an individual who attempted to rob him of his vehicle. During the robbery attempt, the suspect later identified as Lasharra Riley, 30, Topeka, shot the victim and ran from the area.On February 1, police with the assistance of U.S. Marshals located Riley and took him into custody.He booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following charges of Attempted Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Battery, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and a Registration Violation, according to Johnson.

U.S. Marshals help arrest Kan. attempted car-jacking suspect 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an incident involving three teenagers that injured a police officer during a pursuit.

Just after 3:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a suspicious character call at an apartment complex in the 3500 Block of North Inwood in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

A 911 caller reported that multiple individuals in a red Dodge Durango and a White Chevy Silverado were checking vehicles door handles and entering unlocked vehicles in the area.

An officer arrived in the area and spotted and then attempted to stop the Durango. The driver refused to stop, accelerated and led officers on a short vehicle pursuit, according to Davidson.

During the pursuit, a 16-year-old driving the Chevy Silverado intentionally rammed the patrol vehicle at East 30th Street North. The collision caused significant damage to the patrol vehicle. The Silverado then struck several utility poles before intentionally ramming another police vehicle involved in the pursuit.

The 16-year-old exited the pickup and attempted to walk away. Police quickly arrest him on requested charges of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, according to Davidson.

EMS transported one officer to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Police later located the Dodge Durango near East 21st Street and Interstate 235. Police arrested a 15 and a 16-old boy in connection to an unrelated aggravated assault case that occurred in the 2400 Block of North Grove in Wichita.

Police will present the cases to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612298578251.png" alt="Suspects in the apartment complex parking lot checking&nbsp; vehicle door handles and entering vehicles, according to police-image Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Suspects in the apartment complex parking lot checking&nbsp; vehicle door handles and entering vehicles, according to police-image Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an incident involving three teenagers that injured a police officer during a pursuit.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F425496532049603%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Just after 3:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a suspicious character call at an apartment complex in the 3500 Block of North Inwood in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.A 911 caller reported that multiple individuals in a red Dodge Durango and a White Chevy Silverado were checking vehicles door handles and entering unlocked vehicles in the area.An officer arrived in the area and spotted and then attempted to stop the Durango. The driver refused to stop, accelerated and led officers on a short vehicle pursuit, according to Davidson.During the pursuit, a 16-year-old driving the Chevy Silverado intentionally rammed the patrol vehicle at East 30th Street North. The collision caused significant damage to the patrol vehicle. The Silverado then struck several utility poles before intentionally ramming another police vehicle involved in the pursuit.The 16-year-old exited the pickup and attempted to walk away. Police quickly arrest him on requested charges of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, according to Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612298421835.png" alt="One of the police vehicles damaged during the pursuit -photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>One of the police vehicles damaged during the pursuit -photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>EMS transported one officer to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Police later located the Dodge Durango near East 21st Street and Interstate 235. Police arrested a 15 and a 16-old boy in connection to an unrelated aggravated assault case that occurred in the 2400 Block of North Grove in Wichita.Police will present the cases to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office, according to Davidson.

🎥  Kan. officers injured during pursuit of burglary suspect

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Meatpacking companies and public health officials are trying to overcome any reluctance workers may have about coronavirus vaccines before they become eligible to get them.

Major companies such as Tyson Foods and JBS are encouraging workers to get the vaccine with campaigns to educate them about the benefits and safety of the shots. Also, JBS and Pilgrim’s Corp. are offering $100 bonuses to workers who get the vaccine.

Last spring, the virus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6e446ae82aff17f25024f0533b7009ee">spread quickly</a>&nbsp;through meatpacking plants, where workers stand shoulder-to-shoulder as they carve up meat on production lines.

But some workers, who are largely immigrants, distrust the government and some question the safety of the shots because they were developed in less than a year, said Eric Reeder, president of United Food &amp; Commercial Workers Local 293 union.

“It’s the same thing as when we tried to get people involved in the (vaccine) trials,” Reeder&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/meatpackers-try-to-overcome-workers-vaccine-skepticism-jbs-offers-100-bonus-to-get-shots/article_563db32e-5f25-11eb-ab45-3fdba41562dd.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Omaha World-Herald. “We had a hard time with the non-English-speaking population. A lot of them felt like this was a government plot to kill them.”

JBS spokeswoman Nikki Richardson said the company is trying to address workers’ concerns through flyers in their native languages and other efforts.

“We are currently focused on achieving the highest voluntary participation rate possible and preventing barriers to getting the vaccine,” said JBS spokeswoman Nikki Richardson. “We want to do everything we can to protect our team members, their families, their co-workers and our communities.”

Reeder said he got the first dose of the vaccine Monday because he participated in a trial as it was being developed last year. He plans to share pictures of himself getting the vaccine with workers to encourage them to get it.

“A lot of it is just gonna be building some level of trust,” Reeder said.

In Nebraska, meatpacking workers and other essential workers who can’t work from home are scheduled to get the vaccine in one of the next phases of the campaign after health officials finish vaccinating people 65 and older. Gov. Pete Ricketts said local health officials will work with companies to determine the best way to vaccinate workers when the time comes.

Eddie Habte Mekasha, who works as a chaplain with the Ethiopian Community Association and in health care, said most immigrants he knows are eager to get the vaccine.

“At first, people were fearful and suspicious,” he said. “But later, because of the good promotion by the media and health and community professionals, our members and similar immigrants are waiting eagerly to get vaccinated, and a few like me and my wife (have been) vaccinated.”

More than 100,000 people have registered to get the vaccine since a new state website launched late last week, state officials said. So far, about 3.3% of the state’s population has received both required doses of one of the vaccines, and 185,536 doses have been administered across Nebraska.

The state said 115 new cases of the virus were reported Monday, but that total will likely be adjusted in the next few days because Nebraska now reports positive cases by the date the tests were taken, not the day they were reported. A total of 191,437 virus cases and 1,929 deaths have been reported in the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593167451853.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Tyson Foods" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Tyson Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Meatpacking companies and public health officials are trying to overcome any reluctance workers may have about coronavirus vaccines before they become eligible to get them.Major companies such as Tyson Foods and JBS are encouraging workers to get the vaccine with campaigns to educate them about the benefits and safety of the shots. Also, JBS and Pilgrim’s Corp. are offering $100 bonuses to workers who get the vaccine.Last spring, the virus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6e446ae82aff17f25024f0533b7009ee">spread quickly</a>&nbsp;through meatpacking plants, where workers stand shoulder-to-shoulder as they carve up meat on production lines.But some workers, who are largely immigrants, distrust the government and some question the safety of the shots because they were developed in less than a year, said Eric Reeder, president of United Food &amp; Commercial Workers Local 293 union.“It’s the same thing as when we tried to get people involved in the (vaccine) trials,” Reeder&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/meatpackers-try-to-overcome-workers-vaccine-skepticism-jbs-offers-100-bonus-to-get-shots/article_563db32e-5f25-11eb-ab45-3fdba41562dd.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Omaha World-Herald. “We had a hard time with the non-English-speaking population. A lot of them felt like this was a government plot to kill them.”JBS spokeswoman Nikki Richardson said the company is trying to address workers’ concerns through flyers in their native languages and other efforts.“We are currently focused on achieving the highest voluntary participation rate possible and preventing barriers to getting the vaccine,” said JBS spokeswoman Nikki Richardson. “We want to do everything we can to protect our team members, their families, their co-workers and our communities.”Reeder said he got the first dose of the vaccine Monday because he participated in a trial as it was being developed last year. He plans to share pictures of himself getting the vaccine with workers to encourage them to get it.“A lot of it is just gonna be building some level of trust,” Reeder said.In Nebraska, meatpacking workers and other essential workers who can’t work from home are scheduled to get the vaccine in one of the next phases of the campaign after health officials finish vaccinating people 65 and older. Gov. Pete Ricketts said local health officials will work with companies to determine the best way to vaccinate workers when the time comes.Eddie Habte Mekasha, who works as a chaplain with the Ethiopian Community Association and in health care, said most immigrants he knows are eager to get the vaccine.“At first, people were fearful and suspicious,” he said. “But later, because of the good promotion by the media and health and community professionals, our members and similar immigrants are waiting eagerly to get vaccinated, and a few like me and my wife (have been) vaccinated.”More than 100,000 people have registered to get the vaccine since a new state website launched late last week, state officials said. So far, about 3.3% of the state’s population has received both required doses of one of the vaccines, and 185,536 doses have been administered across Nebraska.The state said 115 new cases of the virus were reported Monday, but that total will likely be adjusted in the next few days because Nebraska now reports positive cases by the date the tests were taken, not the day they were reported. A total of 191,437 virus cases and 1,929 deaths have been reported in the state.

Meatpacking firms encouraging workers to get virus vaccine

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.

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.

<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>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.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.

Update: Baby in Kan. drive-by shooting in critical condition 

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>


HUTCHINSON — A Midwest economic expert has concerns about an early policy goal
 of the Biden administration, to increase the federal minimum wage to 
$15 an hour.

"An increase in the minimum wage would certainly 
contribute to inflationary pressures," said Creighton University 
economist Ernie Goss. "There would be some job losses. There would also 
be some, if not job losses, certainly be a cut in the hours worked for 
current employees. In my judgment, this is particularly negative for our
 teenage workers. We'd like to see those young men and women get a leg 
up, or at least a first step on the economic ladder."

Goss is also concerned about how much more debt this would put the country in.

"This
 would probably mean the deficit for fiscal 2021 would be somewhere in 
the range of $3 to $4 trillion," Goss said. "That's putting us in the 
position where you are, in my judgment, going to see higher inflationary
 pressures."

The question is whether or not it would be outside 
the boundaries of what the Federal Reserve considers normal or 
acceptable. That remains to be seen, depending on what the final 
coronavirus relief deal ends up with. The Fed has said it will stick 
with the current low interest rates for some time going forward.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595014550898.jpeg" alt="Ernie Goss" />
 <figcaption>Ernie Goss</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — A Midwest economic expert has concerns about an early policy goal
 of the Biden administration, to increase the federal minimum wage to 
$15 an hour."An increase in the minimum wage would certainly 
contribute to inflationary pressures," said Creighton University 
economist Ernie Goss. "There would be some job losses. There would also 
be some, if not job losses, certainly be a cut in the hours worked for 
current employees. In my judgment, this is particularly negative for our
 teenage workers. We'd like to see those young men and women get a leg 
up, or at least a first step on the economic ladder."Goss is also concerned about how much more debt this would put the country in."This
 would probably mean the deficit for fiscal 2021 would be somewhere in 
the range of $3 to $4 trillion," Goss said. "That's putting us in the 
position where you are, in my judgment, going to see higher inflationary
 pressures."The question is whether or not it would be outside 
the boundaries of what the Federal Reserve considers normal or 
acceptable. That remains to be seen, depending on what the final 
coronavirus relief deal ends up with. The Fed has said it will stick 
with the current low interest rates for some time going forward.

Economist: Inflation concern if $15 minimum wage in virus aid deal

KANSAS CITY – An elected Missouri state representative has been indicted by a federal grand jury for a fraud scheme in which she made false claims about a supposed stem cell treatment marketed through her clinics in southern Missouri, and for illegally providing prescription drugs to clients of those clinics, according to the United States Attorney's office.

“This defendant abused her privileged position to enrich herself through deception,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison. “The indictment alleges she lied to her patients and she lied to federal agents. As an elected official and a health care provider, she deserves to be held to a high standard. This grand jury indictment exposes her deception and holds her accountable for her actions.”

Patricia “Tricia” Ashton Derges, 63, of Nixa, Missouri, was charged in a 20-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo. The indictment was unsealed and made public today following Derges’s self-surrender and initial court appearance.

This investigation began as a result of false or misleading statements made by Derges in April 2020 to a Springfield television station regarding her potential use of stem cells to treat COVID-19. Derges was elected in November 2020 as a Missouri state representative in District 140 (Christian County). Derges, who is not a physician but is licensed as an assistant physician, operates three Ozark Valley Medical Clinic locations in Springfield, Ozark, and Branson, Mo.

“We place our hope and our trust in health care providers and government officials,” said Timothy Langan, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Kansas City. “The defendant’s actions are not only a betrayal of that trust, but her actions erode the very core of our confidence in a system we rely on. Derges vowed to do no harm as a health care professional and was elected to serve the people, not deceive them. She used her position for personal gain and damaged the public’s trust.”

“Medical professionals who knowingly abuse their power by prescribing medications, without ensuring they are for legitimate medical purposes, take advantage of the public’s trust,” said Inez Davis, St. Louis Division Diversion Program Manager for the Drug Enforcement Administration. “With the support of our enforcement partners, DEA will investigate to the maximum extent of our ability to ensure these individuals are prevented from risking lives within our communities.”

“Ms. Derges knowingly provided false information and made false claims about the medical treatment she was providing, and these falsehoods may have significant consequences for the patients she served,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. &nbsp;“We will continue to hold accountable individuals who abuse their positions of power to prey on unsuspecting individuals.”

The federal indictment charges Derges with eight counts of wire fraud related to five specific victims (identified by their initials).These five victims were among those who lost a total of nearly $200,000 in the fraud scheme, which lasted from December 2018 to May 2020.

During this time, Derges exclusively obtained amniotic fluid, which she marketed under the name Regenerative Biologics, from the University of Utah. Derges advertised Ozark Valley Medical Clinic as a “Leader in … Regenerative Medicine,” including stem cells, and marketed her “stem cell” practice through seminars, media interviews, and social media. The federal indictment cites an August 2019 seminar in which Derges told her audience that the amniotic fluid she used in her stem cell practice was a “stem cell shot” and that it contained “mesenchymal stem cells.” According to the indictment, Derges made similar claims in personal consultations.

In fact, however, the amniotic fluid Derges administered to her patients did not contain mesenchymal stem cells, or any other stem cells. The amniotic fluid she obtained from the University of Utah was a sterile filtered amniotic fluid allograft (a tissue graft comprised of human amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid components derived from placental tissue). The amniotic fluid allograft was “acellular,” meaning it did not contain any cells, including stem cells.&nbsp;

Despite being told that the University of Utah’s amniotic fluid allograft was “acellular” and did not contain mesenchymal stem cells, Derges allegedly continued to tell her patients and the public that the amniotic fluid allograft contained stem cells.&nbsp;

Derges administered amniotic fluid, which she falsely claimed contained stem cells, to patients who suffered from, among other things, tissue damage, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Lyme disease, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. In an April 11, 2020, Facebook post Derges wrote of amniotic fluid allograft: “This amazing treatment stands to provide a potential cure for COVID-19 patients that is safe and natural.”

The University of Utah sold its amniotic fluid allograft to Derges for approximately $244 per milliliter and $438 for two milliliters. Derges charged her patients $950 to $1,450 per milliliter. In total, Derges’s patients paid her approximately $191,815 for amniotic fluid that did not contain stem cells.

The federal indictment charges Derges with 10 counts of distributing Oxycodone and Adderall over the internet without valid prescriptions.&nbsp;

The indictment alleges that Derges, without conducting in-person medical evaluations of the patients, wrote electronic prescriptions for Oxycodone and Adderall for patients and transmitted them to pharmacies over the internet.

Because none of the assistant physicians whom Derges employed at Ozark Valley Medical Clinic could prescribe Schedule II controlled substances, the indictment says, it was the standard practice of the assistant physicians to see a patient and later communicate to Derges the controlled substances they wanted her to prescribe to their patients. Derges, allegedly without conducting an in-person medical evaluation of the patients, wrote electronic prescriptions for the patients and transmitted the prescriptions over the internet to pharmacies.

The federal indictment charges Derges with two counts of making false statements to federal agents investigating this case in May 2020.&nbsp;

Derges allegedly told agents that the amniotic fluid allograft that she used in her practice contained mesenchymal stem cells, which she knew was false. Derges also allegedly told federal agents that she had not treated a patient for urinary incontinence with amniotic fluid allograft, which she knew was false.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Derges is not a physician but is licensed as an assistant physician. An assistant physician is a mid-level medical professional in the state of Missouri. Under Missouri law, medical school graduates who have not been accepted into a residency program but have passed Step 1 and Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination may apply to become an assistant physician. State law mandates that assistant physicians practice pursuant to a collaborative practice arrangement with a licensed physician.

Derges obtained her medical degree from the Caribbean Medical University of Curacao in May 2014 but was not accepted into a post-graduate residency program. Derges was licensed as an assistant physician by the state of Missouri on Sept. 8, 2017.

<figure>
 <img src="https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/styles/width_7/public/press-releases/images/2021/02/01/derges_press_conference_0.jpg?itok=zE6dYwe3" alt="U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison announces a federal indictment against Patricia Derges-photo courtesy office of U.S. Attorney" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison announces a federal indictment against Patricia Derges-photo courtesy office of U.S. Attorney</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – An elected Missouri state representative has been indicted by a federal grand jury for a fraud scheme in which she made false claims about a supposed stem cell treatment marketed through her clinics in southern Missouri, and for illegally providing prescription drugs to clients of those clinics, according to the United States Attorney's office.“This defendant abused her privileged position to enrich herself through deception,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison. “The indictment alleges she lied to her patients and she lied to federal agents. As an elected official and a health care provider, she deserves to be held to a high standard. This grand jury indictment exposes her deception and holds her accountable for her actions.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612227622244.png" alt="Rep. Tricia Derges photo courtesy Lift Up Springfield" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Tricia Derges photo courtesy Lift Up Springfield</figcaption>
 </figure>Patricia “Tricia” Ashton Derges, 63, of Nixa, Missouri, was charged in a 20-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo. The indictment was unsealed and made public today following Derges’s self-surrender and initial court appearance.This investigation began as a result of false or misleading statements made by Derges in April 2020 to a Springfield television station regarding her potential use of stem cells to treat COVID-19. Derges was elected in November 2020 as a Missouri state representative in District 140 (Christian County). Derges, who is not a physician but is licensed as an assistant physician, operates three Ozark Valley Medical Clinic locations in Springfield, Ozark, and Branson, Mo.“We place our hope and our trust in health care providers and government officials,” said Timothy Langan, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Kansas City. “The defendant’s actions are not only a betrayal of that trust, but her actions erode the very core of our confidence in a system we rely on. Derges vowed to do no harm as a health care professional and was elected to serve the people, not deceive them. She used her position for personal gain and damaged the public’s trust.”“Medical professionals who knowingly abuse their power by prescribing medications, without ensuring they are for legitimate medical purposes, take advantage of the public’s trust,” said Inez Davis, St. Louis Division Diversion Program Manager for the Drug Enforcement Administration. “With the support of our enforcement partners, DEA will investigate to the maximum extent of our ability to ensure these individuals are prevented from risking lives within our communities.”“Ms. Derges knowingly provided false information and made false claims about the medical treatment she was providing, and these falsehoods may have significant consequences for the patients she served,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. &nbsp;“We will continue to hold accountable individuals who abuse their positions of power to prey on unsuspecting individuals.”Wire Fraud SchemeThe federal indictment charges Derges with eight counts of wire fraud related to five specific victims (identified by their initials).These five victims were among those who lost a total of nearly $200,000 in the fraud scheme, which lasted from December 2018 to May 2020.During this time, Derges exclusively obtained amniotic fluid, which she marketed under the name Regenerative Biologics, from the University of Utah. Derges advertised Ozark Valley Medical Clinic as a “Leader in … Regenerative Medicine,” including stem cells, and marketed her “stem cell” practice through seminars, media interviews, and social media. The federal indictment cites an August 2019 seminar in which Derges told her audience that the amniotic fluid she used in her stem cell practice was a “stem cell shot” and that it contained “mesenchymal stem cells.” According to the indictment, Derges made similar claims in personal consultations.In fact, however, the amniotic fluid Derges administered to her patients did not contain mesenchymal stem cells, or any other stem cells. The amniotic fluid she obtained from the University of Utah was a sterile filtered amniotic fluid allograft (a tissue graft comprised of human amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid components derived from placental tissue). The amniotic fluid allograft was “acellular,” meaning it did not contain any cells, including stem cells.&nbsp;Despite being told that the University of Utah’s amniotic fluid allograft was “acellular” and did not contain mesenchymal stem cells, Derges allegedly continued to tell her patients and the public that the amniotic fluid allograft contained stem cells.&nbsp;Derges administered amniotic fluid, which she falsely claimed contained stem cells, to patients who suffered from, among other things, tissue damage, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Lyme disease, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. In an April 11, 2020, Facebook post Derges wrote of amniotic fluid allograft: “This amazing treatment stands to provide a potential cure for COVID-19 patients that is safe and natural.”The University of Utah sold its amniotic fluid allograft to Derges for approximately $244 per milliliter and $438 for two milliliters. Derges charged her patients $950 to $1,450 per milliliter. In total, Derges’s patients paid her approximately $191,815 for amniotic fluid that did not contain stem cells.The Controlled Substances ActThe federal indictment charges Derges with 10 counts of distributing Oxycodone and Adderall over the internet without valid prescriptions.&nbsp;The indictment alleges that Derges, without conducting in-person medical evaluations of the patients, wrote electronic prescriptions for Oxycodone and Adderall for patients and transmitted them to pharmacies over the internet.Because none of the assistant physicians whom Derges employed at Ozark Valley Medical Clinic could prescribe Schedule II controlled substances, the indictment says, it was the standard practice of the assistant physicians to see a patient and later communicate to Derges the controlled substances they wanted her to prescribe to their patients. Derges, allegedly without conducting an in-person medical evaluation of the patients, wrote electronic prescriptions for the patients and transmitted the prescriptions over the internet to pharmacies.False StatementsThe federal indictment charges Derges with two counts of making false statements to federal agents investigating this case in May 2020.&nbsp;Derges allegedly told agents that the amniotic fluid allograft that she used in her practice contained mesenchymal stem cells, which she knew was false. Derges also allegedly told federal agents that she had not treated a patient for urinary incontinence with amniotic fluid allograft, which she knew was false.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.Assistant PhysicianDerges is not a physician but is licensed as an assistant physician. An assistant physician is a mid-level medical professional in the state of Missouri. Under Missouri law, medical school graduates who have not been accepted into a residency program but have passed Step 1 and Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination may apply to become an assistant physician. State law mandates that assistant physicians practice pursuant to a collaborative practice arrangement with a licensed physician.Derges obtained her medical degree from the Caribbean Medical University of Curacao in May 2014 but was not accepted into a post-graduate residency program. Derges was licensed as an assistant physician by the state of Missouri on Sept. 8, 2017.

Indictment: Lawmaker provided fake stem cell treatments

Less revenue is hurting recruitment, retention of judges, says Chief Justice Marla Luckert

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/01/27/kansas-top-judge-praises-technological-advances-in-state-of-the-judiciary-speech/">Kansas Reflector</a>

In the <a href="https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Publications/State-of-Judiciary-2021.pdf">annual State of the Judiciary address</a>
 Wednesday, the leading judge of the Kansas Supreme Court said the focus
 of the judicial branch in 2020 was largely on weathering the financial 
and physical realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The
 judiciary worked toward maximizing access to fair justice and 
harnessing new technologies to overcome the challenges presented by the 
pandemic, said Chief Justice Marla Luckert.

Due to the efforts of court staff, she said essential court services never ceased in 2020.

“I
 am proud to say that Kansas judicial branch employees and judges 
reacted by harnessing bold ideas, implementing thoughtful solutions, and
 adopting a spirit of perseverance that moved our judiciary forward. 
Many innovations provided Kansans with easier means for accessing 
courts,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611847076223.png" alt="Marla Luckert, Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, delivered the annual state of the judiciary address virtually on Wednesday. She emphasized successes with videoconferencing in maintaining essential court services. (Screenshot from Kansas Supreme Court YouTube/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Marla Luckert, Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, delivered the annual state of the judiciary address virtually on Wednesday. She emphasized successes with videoconferencing in maintaining essential court services. (Screenshot from Kansas Supreme Court YouTube/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Less revenue is hurting recruitment, retention of judges, says Chief Justice Marla Luckert</h2>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/01/27/kansas-top-judge-praises-technological-advances-in-state-of-the-judiciary-speech/">Kansas Reflector</a>In the <a href="https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Publications/State-of-Judiciary-2021.pdf">annual State of the Judiciary address</a>
 Wednesday, the leading judge of the Kansas Supreme Court said the focus
 of the judicial branch in 2020 was largely on weathering the financial 
and physical realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.The
 judiciary worked toward maximizing access to fair justice and 
harnessing new technologies to overcome the challenges presented by the 
pandemic, said Chief Justice Marla Luckert.Due to the efforts of court staff, she said essential court services never ceased in 2020.“I
 am proud to say that Kansas judicial branch employees and judges 
reacted by harnessing bold ideas, implementing thoughtful solutions, and
 adopting a spirit of perseverance that moved our judiciary forward. 
Many innovations provided Kansans with easier means for accessing 
courts,” she said.Unlike
 years past, Luckert delivered the address to the governor and all 
members of the state Legislature virtually to maintain proper COVID-19 
protocol. She emphasized successes in using technology to overcome 
social distancing barriers, but highlighted a need for legislation 
extending the court’s authority to use such technology and for increased
 pay.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/measures/sb102/" target="_blank">A bill</a>
 passed through both chambers and approved by the governor in March 
2020, gave Luckert the authority in any state of emergency to extend or 
suspend statutory deadlines or authorize video conferencing in any court
 proceeding when necessary to ensure the health and safety of all.This
 allowed appellate courts to conduct all proceedings virtually for the 
past 10 months. District courts have conducted tens of thousands of 
videoconference hearings, Luckert said.“The
 judges and employees of the Kansas judicial branch channeled the drive 
to care for neighbors into virtual court hearings, remote working 
environments, carefully crafted plans for making court offices and 
courtrooms safer and new strategies for safeguarding the health of all 
who enter Kansas courthouses,” she said.Luckert
 said a record amount of grant funding received by the judicial branch 
also went toward technological improvements, including an online service
 that allows victims of abuse to seek protection orders and a way to 
apply for a marriage license without visiting a courthouse.However,
 the legislation allowing some of the technological advances is set to 
expire March 31, Luckert said. She urged legislators to extend the 
provisions.Luckert
 also called for a pay increase for judges in Kansas to help fill 
vacancies. She said a 16% decrease in revenue from docket fees led to a 
hiring freeze in the judicial branch. Now, 11% of branch vacancies 
remain unfilled.According to a July 2020 <a href="https://www.ncsc.org/salarytracker/explore-the-data">judicial salary survey</a>
 conducted by the National Center for State Courts, Kansas district 
judge pay ranks 48 out of 50 states in both actual pay and when adjusted
 for cost of living.“To
 encourage well qualified Kansans to apply to become judges, Kansas must
 offer salaries that align with the high level of responsibility of the 
position,” Luckert said. “Adequate salaries are necessary to attract and
 retain the quality of judges and employees Kansans expect and deserve.”