BROWN COUNTY —The Brown County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County deputies and investigators were jointly working to locate a person of interest in a Brown County incident that occurred Thursday night, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

On Friday night, deputies in both counties believed the person of interest may be located near T4 Road near the Shawnee County line in southeastern Jackson County. 

A Jackson County deputy located a vehicle with a flat tire near T.4 Road on 94th&nbsp;Road in Jackson County that appeared to have a flat tire, according to Morse.

Deputies recognized the male passenger as being the Brown County person of interest identified as Phillip A. Doerr, 26, of Horton. 

Doerr allegedly provided a false name and was subsequently arrested by deputies. 

He is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal possession of a firearm. Doerr was also wanted on a Topeka parole warrant. 

The driver, Shelli Renea Gibbs, 51, of Topeka was arrested by deputies on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and vehicle registration violations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602967572830.png" alt="Doerr-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Doerr-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —The Brown County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County deputies and investigators were jointly working to locate a person of interest in a Brown County incident that occurred Thursday night, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.On Friday night, deputies in both counties believed the person of interest may be located near T4 Road near the Shawnee County line in southeastern Jackson County. A Jackson County deputy located a vehicle with a flat tire near T.4 Road on 94th&nbsp;Road in Jackson County that appeared to have a flat tire, according to Morse.Deputies recognized the male passenger as being the Brown County person of interest identified as Phillip A. Doerr, 26, of Horton. Doerr allegedly provided a false name and was subsequently arrested by deputies. He is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal possession of a firearm. Doerr was also wanted on a Topeka parole warrant. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602967604654.png" alt="Gibbs-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Gibbs-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, Shelli Renea Gibbs, 51, of Topeka was arrested by deputies on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and vehicle registration violations.

Sheriff: Wanted Kan. suspect captured after he has flat tire 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is past the point at which it can deliver more coronavirus relief before the election, with differences between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, her Senate Republican rivals and President Donald Trump proving insurmountable despite the glaring needs of the country.

Trump’s GOP allies are reconvening the Senate this week to vote on a virus proposal, but it’s a bill that failed once before, and that Trump himself now derides as too puny. The debate promises to bring a hefty dose of posturing and political gamesmanship, but little more.

Even the architect of the Senate measure, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., isn’t claiming the vote will advance the ball. Once the measure fails, he plans to turn the chamber’s full attention to cementing a 6-3 conservative majority on the Supreme Court by confirming Judge Amy Coney Barrett. It is likely to be the Senate’s final act before Election Day.

In that context, this week’s vote has the chief benefit of giving Republicans in tough reelection races one last opportunity to try to show voters they are prioritizing COVID relief — and to make the case to voters that Democrats are the ones standing in the way.

“It was important to indicate to the American people before the election — not after — that we were not in favor of a stalemate, that we were not in favor of doing nothing,” McConnell said in a Kentucky appearance last week.

McConnell is resurrecting a measure in the $650 billion range that would repurpose $138 billion in small business subsidies to provide a second round of paycheck relief, add $300 per week in supplemental unemployment benefits, and help schools and universities reopen. The last version of the bill left out help for states and local governments sought by Democrats and another round of $1,200 direct payments demanded by Trump.

The last coronavirus relief package, the $1.8 trillion bipartisan CARES Act, passed in March by an overwhelming margin as the economy went into lockdown amid fear and uncertainty about the virus. Since then, Trump and many of his GOP allies have focused on loosening social and economic restrictions as the key to recovery instead of more taxpayer-funded help.

Trump has been anything but consistent. He now insists that lawmakers should “go big” with a bill of up to perhaps $2 trillion, a total reversal after abandoning the talks earlier this month. But Trump’s political problems aren’t swaying Senate Republicans.

“He’s talking about a much larger amount than I can sell to my members,” McConnell said.

The most recent bill from House Democrats weighs in at $2.4 trillion — or more than $2.6 trillion when excluding a $246 billion tax increase on businesses that’s unlikely to gain GOP acceptance. The package is a nonstarter with Senate Republicans and McConnell, who is making the case for a more targeted approach that’s well south of $1 trillion.

The moment is challenging for Pelosi as well. For months she has been promising a COVID relief package of more than $2 trillion stuffed with Obama-era stimulus ideas. Even though the Senate and White House are both in GOP hands — and will be at least into January — she has sharply rebuffed anyone who suggests that Democrats should take a smaller deal now rather than risk going home empty-handed until next year.

“This is not the time to say, ‘Okay, let’s fold.’ This is what we have been building up to,” Pelosi told fellow Democrats on a recent teleconference. She said Sunday that she remains optimistic of reaching an agreement with the administration but that a deal would have to come within 48 hours — or Tuesday — for it to be enacted by Election Day.

Taking a smaller bill now would likely require Pelosi to give up tax cuts for the working poor and accept a far smaller aid package for states and local governments. But it would also mean that relief would flow immediately to millions of workers whose supplemental unemployment benefits were cut off this summer.

Liberal economist Jared Bernstein, who worked for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in 2009 and advises him now, says inaction would mean “a lot of completely avoidable suffering for economically vulnerable people.”

When an aid bill finally passes may depend on the outcome of the election.

If Trump loses, Congress is likely to stagger through a nonproductive lame-duck session comparable to the abbreviated session after the decisive 2008 Obama-Biden victory or the 2016 session that punted most of its leftovers to the Trump administration. That scenario would push virus aid into 2021.

Delays in coronavirus aid come as the recovery from this spring’s economic shutdown is slowing and as the massive stimulus effects of the $1.8 trillion March relief measure wear off. COVID cases are spiking again heading into a third wave of the pandemic this winter. Poverty is climbing and the virus is continuing to take a disproportionate toll on minority communities.

“If Congress doesn’t act the next administration is going to inherit a real mess,” said Harvard economist Jason Furman, a former top Obama adviser. “Economic problems tend to feed on themselves.” He is in the Democratic camp that prefers imperfect stimulus now rather than a larger package in four months or so.

Instead, if history repeats, COVID relief is likely to be the first major item out of the gate next year, but it’s not clear even then that it’ll be as big as Democrats hope.

“Pelosi decided in July that the political benefit of the next package would accrue to the president’s benefit and therefore she was going to lay out the most aggressive terms possible,” said veteran GOP Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, who predicts that Pelosi won’t get much more next year than she could have gotten now “unless they’re willing to break the filibuster for a $3 trillion bailout for blue states.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603103335078.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday a deal would have to come within 48 hours. -photo courtesy office of House Speaker" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday a deal would have to come within 48 hours. -photo courtesy office of House Speaker</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is past the point at which it can deliver more coronavirus relief before the election, with differences between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, her Senate Republican rivals and President Donald Trump proving insurmountable despite the glaring needs of the country.Trump’s GOP allies are reconvening the Senate this week to vote on a virus proposal, but it’s a bill that failed once before, and that Trump himself now derides as too puny. The debate promises to bring a hefty dose of posturing and political gamesmanship, but little more.Even the architect of the Senate measure, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., isn’t claiming the vote will advance the ball. Once the measure fails, he plans to turn the chamber’s full attention to cementing a 6-3 conservative majority on the Supreme Court by confirming Judge Amy Coney Barrett. It is likely to be the Senate’s final act before Election Day.In that context, this week’s vote has the chief benefit of giving Republicans in tough reelection races one last opportunity to try to show voters they are prioritizing COVID relief — and to make the case to voters that Democrats are the ones standing in the way.“It was important to indicate to the American people before the election — not after — that we were not in favor of a stalemate, that we were not in favor of doing nothing,” McConnell said in a Kentucky appearance last week.McConnell is resurrecting a measure in the $650 billion range that would repurpose $138 billion in small business subsidies to provide a second round of paycheck relief, add $300 per week in supplemental unemployment benefits, and help schools and universities reopen. The last version of the bill left out help for states and local governments sought by Democrats and another round of $1,200 direct payments demanded by Trump.The last coronavirus relief package, the $1.8 trillion bipartisan CARES Act, passed in March by an overwhelming margin as the economy went into lockdown amid fear and uncertainty about the virus. Since then, Trump and many of his GOP allies have focused on loosening social and economic restrictions as the key to recovery instead of more taxpayer-funded help.Trump has been anything but consistent. He now insists that lawmakers should “go big” with a bill of up to perhaps $2 trillion, a total reversal after abandoning the talks earlier this month. But Trump’s political problems aren’t swaying Senate Republicans.“He’s talking about a much larger amount than I can sell to my members,” McConnell said.The most recent bill from House Democrats weighs in at $2.4 trillion — or more than $2.6 trillion when excluding a $246 billion tax increase on businesses that’s unlikely to gain GOP acceptance. The package is a nonstarter with Senate Republicans and McConnell, who is making the case for a more targeted approach that’s well south of $1 trillion.The moment is challenging for Pelosi as well. For months she has been promising a COVID relief package of more than $2 trillion stuffed with Obama-era stimulus ideas. Even though the Senate and White House are both in GOP hands — and will be at least into January — she has sharply rebuffed anyone who suggests that Democrats should take a smaller deal now rather than risk going home empty-handed until next year.“This is not the time to say, ‘Okay, let’s fold.’ This is what we have been building up to,” Pelosi told fellow Democrats on a recent teleconference. She said Sunday that she remains optimistic of reaching an agreement with the administration but that a deal would have to come within 48 hours — or Tuesday — for it to be enacted by Election Day.Taking a smaller bill now would likely require Pelosi to give up tax cuts for the working poor and accept a far smaller aid package for states and local governments. But it would also mean that relief would flow immediately to millions of workers whose supplemental unemployment benefits were cut off this summer.Liberal economist Jared Bernstein, who worked for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in 2009 and advises him now, says inaction would mean “a lot of completely avoidable suffering for economically vulnerable people.”When an aid bill finally passes may depend on the outcome of the election.If Trump loses, Congress is likely to stagger through a nonproductive lame-duck session comparable to the abbreviated session after the decisive 2008 Obama-Biden victory or the 2016 session that punted most of its leftovers to the Trump administration. That scenario would push virus aid into 2021.Delays in coronavirus aid come as the recovery from this spring’s economic shutdown is slowing and as the massive stimulus effects of the $1.8 trillion March relief measure wear off. COVID cases are spiking again heading into a third wave of the pandemic this winter. Poverty is climbing and the virus is continuing to take a disproportionate toll on minority communities.“If Congress doesn’t act the next administration is going to inherit a real mess,” said Harvard economist Jason Furman, a former top Obama adviser. “Economic problems tend to feed on themselves.” He is in the Democratic camp that prefers imperfect stimulus now rather than a larger package in four months or so.Instead, if history repeats, COVID relief is likely to be the first major item out of the gate next year, but it’s not clear even then that it’ll be as big as Democrats hope.“Pelosi decided in July that the political benefit of the next package would accrue to the president’s benefit and therefore she was going to lay out the most aggressive terms possible,” said veteran GOP Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, who predicts that Pelosi won’t get much more next year than she could have gotten now “unless they’re willing to break the filibuster for a $3 trillion bailout for blue states.”

COVID delay: New virus relief slipping past election

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 12:15 a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of a business burglary to the Relax Inn located, 1224 SW Wanamaker in Topeka, according to&nbsp; LT Kelvin Johnson,

Officers arrived on scene and set up a perimeter. While conducting a search of the business, officers located a subject who was hiding in a storage closet. 

Police arrested Kenneth Swopes, 50 of Topeka, and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Burglary, Criminal Damage and Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603057195468.png" alt="Swopes -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Swopes -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.Just after 12:15 a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of a business burglary to the Relax Inn located, 1224 SW Wanamaker in Topeka, according to&nbsp; LT Kelvin Johnson,Officers arrived on scene and set up a perimeter. While conducting a search of the business, officers located a subject who was hiding in a storage closet. Police arrested Kenneth Swopes, 50 of Topeka, and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Burglary, Criminal Damage and Theft.

Police find Kan. burglary suspect hiding in closet

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Jon Tester (D-Mont.)—Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee—today applauded President Donald Trump’s historic signing of their landmark&nbsp;<a href="https://www.veterans.senate.gov/newsroom/news/us-senate-advances-landmark-veterans-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-legislation" target="_blank">Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act</a>&nbsp;into law.

In an effort to curb veteran suicide nationwide, Sens. Moran and Tester&nbsp;<a href="https://www.veterans.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-news/tester-moran-introduce-landmark-veterans-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-bill" target="_blank">introduced</a>&nbsp;their bill last Congress to bolster the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) mental health workforce and increase rural veterans' access to care, while expanding&nbsp;veterans’ access to alternative and local treatment options like animal therapy, outdoor sports and activities.

“Many of our veterans are suffering from daunting, sometimes overwhelming mental health challenges, that have only been made worse by this pandemic, and lack access to modern, effective and compassionate mental health care and suicide prevention services,”&nbsp;said Chairman Moran.&nbsp;“Today, President Trump signed into law the&nbsp;Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act&nbsp;that will reform mental health care at the VA by hiring and training more professionals in this field, developing innovative methods to reach veterans with care, and establishing a grant program to better collaborate with community organizations across the country already serving veterans. This is a significant day for veterans, and I am grateful to Ranking Member Jon Tester, President Trump and many of my colleagues for working tirelessly this Congress to get this landmark bill signed into law and improve suicide prevention research, services and programs for our nation’s veterans.”

“This is a historic day for veterans across the country who will now have better access to live-saving mental health services,”&nbsp;said Ranking Member Tester.&nbsp;“This new law combines the best ideas from veterans, Veterans Service Organizations, the VA, and mental health care advocates to deliver innovative solutions that’ll help heal invisible wounds of war through increased access to care, alternate therapies and local treatment options. I couldn’t be prouder to have worked alongside the Hannon family and Chairman Moran to successfully push for this monumental bill to become law. Together, we are following through on our commitment to supporting our nation’s heroes, making sure that no veteran falls through the cracks.”

This law honors the legacy of Commander John Scott Hannon, a member of the Navy SEALs who served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years. Scott Hannon retired to Montana where he received treatment for his invisible wounds of war while helping other veterans find their own paths to recovery. Scott died by suicide on February 25, 2018.

“This is a very proud moment for my brother and our entire family, as we celebrate the landmark signing of the&nbsp;Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act&nbsp;into law,”&nbsp;said Kim Parrott, John Scott’s sister, on behalf of the Hannon family. “This law will provide veterans greater and earlier access to the mental health care they need by requiring the DOD and VA to work together to bridge the transition between military service and civilian life and conduct research in evidence-based treatments. This has been a long journey shepherded by the shared vision and leadership of both Senators Tester and Moran, and my family thanks them and the many others who worked tirelessly to make this law a reality. Not only will veterans benefit from this work, so will their families and communities.”

It is estimated that more than 20 veterans die by suicide every day. Of those, 14 have received no treatment or care from VA. The&nbsp;Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act&nbsp;will improve outreach to veterans and their mental health care options in six major ways:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bolstering VA’s mental health workforce to serve more veterans by offering scholarships to mental health professionals to work at Vet Centers and placing at least one Suicide Prevention Coordinator in every VA hospital.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Improving rural veterans’ access to mental health care by increasing the number of locations at which veterans can access VA telehealth services.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Implementing a pilot program to provide veterans access to complementary and integrative health programs through animal therapy, agritherapy, sports and recreation therapy, art therapy and post-traumatic growth.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Establishing a grant program that requires VA to better collaborate with community organizations across the country already serving veterans. This collaboration will result in earlier identification of veterans who are at risk of suicide and will provide the ability to intervene with preventative services.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Studying the impact of living at high altitude on veterans’ suicide risk and diagnostic biomarker research to identify depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and other conditions.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Holding the VA accountable for its mental health care and suicide prevention efforts by examining how the Department manages its suicide prevention resources.

"We started working on this legislation with Senator Tester and Senator Moran's staff two years ago,”&nbsp;said Matt Kuntz, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Montana.&nbsp;“It's been a remarkable journey to get to this point, and I look forward&nbsp;to seeing the critical efforts laid out in this legislation to help our nation's heroes get the right care at&nbsp;the right time for their mental health conditions. NAMI is deeply grateful to Congress and the President for putting this bill into law and in naming it after Commander Hannon, a dear friend and ally."

"On behalf of IAVA, I offer our strongest&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;to Chairman Moran and Ranking Member Tester on the occasion of President Trump signing into law the&nbsp;Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act,"&nbsp;said Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America CEO Jeremy Butler.&nbsp;"Battling veteran and military suicide has been, and remains, a very personal priority for our organization, and we greatly appreciate the incredibly bipartisan response to this national crisis. Time and again, we are proud of the work that you do to rise above partisanship on behalf of our community."

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Jon Tester (D-Mont.)—Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee—today applauded President Donald Trump’s historic signing of their landmark&nbsp;<a href="https://www.veterans.senate.gov/newsroom/news/us-senate-advances-landmark-veterans-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-legislation" target="_blank">Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act</a>&nbsp;into law.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> is a champion for veterans today by signing <a href="https://twitter.com/SenateVA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenateVa</a>’s landmark bill, the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act into law. This is an historic accomplishment for our nation&#39;s veterans.&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1317599115388256257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In an effort to curb veteran suicide nationwide, Sens. Moran and Tester&nbsp;<a href="https://www.veterans.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-news/tester-moran-introduce-landmark-veterans-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-bill" target="_blank">introduced</a>&nbsp;their bill last Congress to bolster the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) mental health workforce and increase rural veterans' access to care, while expanding&nbsp;veterans’ access to alternative and local treatment options like animal therapy, outdoor sports and activities.“Many of our veterans are suffering from daunting, sometimes overwhelming mental health challenges, that have only been made worse by this pandemic, and lack access to modern, effective and compassionate mental health care and suicide prevention services,”&nbsp;said Chairman Moran.&nbsp;“Today, President Trump signed into law the&nbsp;Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act&nbsp;that will reform mental health care at the VA by hiring and training more professionals in this field, developing innovative methods to reach veterans with care, and establishing a grant program to better collaborate with community organizations across the country already serving veterans. This is a significant day for veterans, and I am grateful to Ranking Member Jon Tester, President Trump and many of my colleagues for working tirelessly this Congress to get this landmark bill signed into law and improve suicide prevention research, services and programs for our nation’s veterans.”“This is a historic day for veterans across the country who will now have better access to live-saving mental health services,”&nbsp;said Ranking Member Tester.&nbsp;“This new law combines the best ideas from veterans, Veterans Service Organizations, the VA, and mental health care advocates to deliver innovative solutions that’ll help heal invisible wounds of war through increased access to care, alternate therapies and local treatment options. I couldn’t be prouder to have worked alongside the Hannon family and Chairman Moran to successfully push for this monumental bill to become law. Together, we are following through on our commitment to supporting our nation’s heroes, making sure that no veteran falls through the cracks.”This law honors the legacy of Commander John Scott Hannon, a member of the Navy SEALs who served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years. Scott Hannon retired to Montana where he received treatment for his invisible wounds of war while helping other veterans find their own paths to recovery. Scott died by suicide on February 25, 2018.“This is a very proud moment for my brother and our entire family, as we celebrate the landmark signing of the&nbsp;Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act&nbsp;into law,”&nbsp;said Kim Parrott, John Scott’s sister, on behalf of the Hannon family. “This law will provide veterans greater and earlier access to the mental health care they need by requiring the DOD and VA to work together to bridge the transition between military service and civilian life and conduct research in evidence-based treatments. This has been a long journey shepherded by the shared vision and leadership of both Senators Tester and Moran, and my family thanks them and the many others who worked tirelessly to make this law a reality. Not only will veterans benefit from this work, so will their families and communities.”It is estimated that more than 20 veterans die by suicide every day. Of those, 14 have received no treatment or care from VA. The&nbsp;Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act&nbsp;will improve outreach to veterans and their mental health care options in six major ways:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bolstering VA’s mental health workforce to serve more veterans by offering scholarships to mental health professionals to work at Vet Centers and placing at least one Suicide Prevention Coordinator in every VA hospital.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Improving rural veterans’ access to mental health care by increasing the number of locations at which veterans can access VA telehealth services.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Implementing a pilot program to provide veterans access to complementary and integrative health programs through animal therapy, agritherapy, sports and recreation therapy, art therapy and post-traumatic growth.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Establishing a grant program that requires VA to better collaborate with community organizations across the country already serving veterans. This collaboration will result in earlier identification of veterans who are at risk of suicide and will provide the ability to intervene with preventative services.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Studying the impact of living at high altitude on veterans’ suicide risk and diagnostic biomarker research to identify depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and other conditions.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Holding the VA accountable for its mental health care and suicide prevention efforts by examining how the Department manages its suicide prevention resources."We started working on this legislation with Senator Tester and Senator Moran's staff two years ago,”&nbsp;said Matt Kuntz, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Montana.&nbsp;“It's been a remarkable journey to get to this point, and I look forward&nbsp;to seeing the critical efforts laid out in this legislation to help our nation's heroes get the right care at&nbsp;the right time for their mental health conditions. NAMI is deeply grateful to Congress and the President for putting this bill into law and in naming it after Commander Hannon, a dear friend and ally.""On behalf of IAVA, I offer our strongest&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;to Chairman Moran and Ranking Member Tester on the occasion of President Trump signing into law the&nbsp;Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act,"&nbsp;said Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America CEO Jeremy Butler.&nbsp;"Battling veteran and military suicide has been, and remains, a very personal priority for our organization, and we greatly appreciate the incredibly bipartisan response to this national crisis. Time and again, we are proud of the work that you do to rise above partisanship on behalf of our community."

President signs Moran’s veterans mental health, suicide prevention bill

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Missouri man pleaded guilty to an armed carjacking in Kansas, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Antonio Duane Simpson, 43, Kansas City pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking.

In his plea, Simpson admitted he stopped a man near SW 13th&nbsp;and College Avenue in Topeka and demanded his wallet. 

The victim refused and during a struggle Simpson shot him. Simpson took the victim’s keys and drove away. He left behind a hat and wig he had been wearing. A DNA test on those items tied Simpson to the crime. When the victim’s Toyota Tacoma was recovered in Kansas City, Mo., it had been destroyed by fire. Sentencing is set for Feb. 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602623382078.png" alt="Simpson-photo MODC" />
 <figcaption>Simpson-photo MODC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – A Missouri man pleaded guilty to an armed carjacking in Kansas, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Antonio Duane Simpson, 43, Kansas City pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking.In his plea, Simpson admitted he stopped a man near SW 13th&nbsp;and College Avenue in Topeka and demanded his wallet. The victim refused and during a struggle Simpson shot him. Simpson took the victim’s keys and drove away. He left behind a hat and wig he had been wearing. A DNA test on those items tied Simpson to the crime. When the victim’s Toyota Tacoma was recovered in Kansas City, Mo., it had been destroyed by fire. Sentencing is set for Feb. 2.

Suspect wore wig during carjacking in Kansas

WICHITA, KAN.&nbsp;– A man was sentenced Thursday to 108 months in federal prison for concealing 40 pounds of methamphetamine in his fuel tank, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Miguel Angel Ramirez, 30, from New Mexico pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking.

In his plea, Ramirez admitted he was stopped by the Kansas Highway Patrol on Highway 54 in Liberal, Kan. Troopers found 40 pounds of methamphetamine in the fuel tank of the Dodge Challenger he was driving. Ramirez had driven from New Mexico with orders to deliver the drugs to Wichita. He kept other conspirators advised of his progress by telephone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602788220386.png" alt="Ramirez is being held in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Ramirez is being held in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN.&nbsp;– A man was sentenced Thursday to 108 months in federal prison for concealing 40 pounds of methamphetamine in his fuel tank, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Miguel Angel Ramirez, 30, from New Mexico pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking.In his plea, Ramirez admitted he was stopped by the Kansas Highway Patrol on Highway 54 in Liberal, Kan. Troopers found 40 pounds of methamphetamine in the fuel tank of the Dodge Challenger he was driving. Ramirez had driven from New Mexico with orders to deliver the drugs to Wichita. He kept other conspirators advised of his progress by telephone.

Driver admits hiding 40 pounds of meth in fuel tank

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A hospital in southeast Kansas is putting the brakes on some procedures as coronavirus cases continue to climb steadily statewide and the positivity rate tops 17%.

Randy Cason, President of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/via.christi.health.in.pittsburg/photos/a.705472402981236/1486598948201907" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that the plan to pause elective and non-emergent procedures will allows leaders to reallocate staff to help care for an influx of patients.

“Our first priority is always the safety of our patients and associates,” said Cason. “We are fortunate to have close relationships with our sister hospitals in Wichita and Manhattan who may be called upon to help provide additional clinical support and resources.

Statewide, 3,370 patients are hospitalized with the coronavirus, with 35% of ICU beds still available, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Friday.

The agency also said the state had 1,700 new confirmed or probable cases since Wednesday, a 2.5% increase that brought the total for the pandemic to 70,855. Over the past week, the state has averaged 721 new cases a day. The state also said the number of deaths increased by 27 to 859.

According to data from The COVID Tracking Project, the 7-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Kansas has risen over the past two weeks from 15.51% on Oct. 1 to 17.1% on Thursday. Only six states are reporting a higher percentage.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A hospital in southeast Kansas is putting the brakes on some procedures as coronavirus cases continue to climb steadily statewide and the positivity rate tops 17%.Randy Cason, President of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/via.christi.health.in.pittsburg/photos/a.705472402981236/1486598948201907" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that the plan to pause elective and non-emergent procedures will allows leaders to reallocate staff to help care for an influx of patients.“Our first priority is always the safety of our patients and associates,” said Cason. “We are fortunate to have close relationships with our sister hospitals in Wichita and Manhattan who may be called upon to help provide additional clinical support and resources.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602868240669.png" alt="Friday Oct. 16, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday Oct. 16, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Statewide, 3,370 patients are hospitalized with the coronavirus, with 35% of ICU beds still available, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Friday.The agency also said the state had 1,700 new confirmed or probable cases since Wednesday, a 2.5% increase that brought the total for the pandemic to 70,855. Over the past week, the state has averaged 721 new cases a day. The state also said the number of deaths increased by 27 to 859.According to data from The COVID Tracking Project, the 7-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Kansas has risen over the past two weeks from 15.51% on Oct. 1 to 17.1% on Thursday. Only six states are reporting a higher percentage.

Kan. hospital puts brakes on some procedures as virus cases climb

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The attorney for a Black Missouri woman whose arrest when she was nine-months pregnant sparked outrage says she's given birth to a girl. Deja Stallings of Kansas City, Missouri, had an emergency  cesarean section late Wednesday. 

Attorney Stacy Shaw said that the newborn is in the neonatal intensive care unit. 

The infant was born two weeks early and had an elevated heart rate. Stallings ended up on the ground with a Kansas City, Missouri, police officer’s knee in her back during the Sept. 30 arrest that was captured on video.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601602944860.png" alt="Image from cell phone video of the arrest courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Image from cell phone video of the arrest courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The attorney for a Black Missouri woman whose arrest when she was nine-months pregnant sparked outrage says she's given birth to a girl. Deja Stallings of Kansas City, Missouri, had an emergency cesarean section late Wednesday. Attorney Stacy Shaw said that the newborn is in the neonatal intensive care unit. The infant was born two weeks early and had an elevated heart rate. Stallings ended up on the ground with a Kansas City, Missouri, police officer’s knee in her back during the Sept. 30 arrest that was captured on video.

Woman whose KC arrest sparked outrage gives birth

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/report-kansas-obesity-rate-at-10-6-for-youth-ages-10-to-17/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas 
obesity rate for youth 10 to 17 years of age tied for third lowest in 
the nation at 10.6%, a national report said last week.

The Robert Wood Johnson 
Foundation’s analysis shows the rate in Kansas ranked 47th among the 
states and District of Columbia. The national average stood at 15.5% for
 this age group. On a national scale, based on a 2018-2019 health 
survey, one in seven youth were obese.

Comparable rates in states
 surrounding Kansas: Colorado, 10.9%; Nebraska, 11.5%; Missouri, 16.3% 
and Oklahoma, 18.8%. The nation’s highest rate was in Kentucky at 23.8%,
 while the lowest was in Utah at 9.6%.

The foundation said the 
latest assessment of obesity affirmed racial, ethnic and economic 
disparities persist. Black, Hispanic and Native American children have 
significantly higher obesity rates than white or Asian children. Young 
people in households making less than the federal poverty level are more
 than twice as likely to have obesity as those at the top of the income 
ladder.

“This year, we’ve also 
seen people of color and people with low incomes hit hardest by the 
COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jamie Bussel, who leads the foundation’s effort
 to prevent childhood obesity. “The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing 
economic recession have worsened many of the broader factors we know 
contribute to obesity, including poverty and health disparities.”

The foundation said levels
 of obesity in Kansas ranged from 12.5% among 2-4 year olds; 10.6% for 
10-17 year olds; 13.1% among high school students; and 34.4% with 
adults.

Congress should provide 
additional funding to account for an enrollment surge in the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the foundation said. The 
organization recommended lawmakers sustain broadened access to school 
meal programs through the 2020-2021 year and extend reach of the Special
 Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or 
WIC.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602874138923.png" alt="The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports Kansas residents ages 10 to 17 have an obesity rate of 10.6%, which is statistically lower than the national average and ranks 47th among the states and District of Columbia. This image is of the floor map in the Kansas Capitol. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports Kansas residents ages 10 to 17 have an obesity rate of 10.6%, which is statistically lower than the national average and ranks 47th among the states and District of Columbia. This image is of the floor map in the Kansas Capitol. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/report-kansas-obesity-rate-at-10-6-for-youth-ages-10-to-17/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas 
obesity rate for youth 10 to 17 years of age tied for third lowest in 
the nation at 10.6%, a national report said last week.The Robert Wood Johnson 
Foundation’s analysis shows the rate in Kansas ranked 47th among the 
states and District of Columbia. The national average stood at 15.5% for
 this age group. On a national scale, based on a 2018-2019 health 
survey, one in seven youth were obese.Comparable rates in states
 surrounding Kansas: Colorado, 10.9%; Nebraska, 11.5%; Missouri, 16.3% 
and Oklahoma, 18.8%. The nation’s highest rate was in Kentucky at 23.8%,
 while the lowest was in Utah at 9.6%.The foundation said the 
latest assessment of obesity affirmed racial, ethnic and economic 
disparities persist. Black, Hispanic and Native American children have 
significantly higher obesity rates than white or Asian children. Young 
people in households making less than the federal poverty level are more
 than twice as likely to have obesity as those at the top of the income 
ladder.“This year, we’ve also 
seen people of color and people with low incomes hit hardest by the 
COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jamie Bussel, who leads the foundation’s effort
 to prevent childhood obesity. “The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing 
economic recession have worsened many of the broader factors we know 
contribute to obesity, including poverty and health disparities.”The foundation said levels
 of obesity in Kansas ranged from 12.5% among 2-4 year olds; 10.6% for 
10-17 year olds; 13.1% among high school students; and 34.4% with 
adults.Congress should provide 
additional funding to account for an enrollment surge in the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the foundation said. The 
organization recommended lawmakers sustain broadened access to school 
meal programs through the 2020-2021 year and extend reach of the Special
 Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or 
WIC.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

Report: Kansas obesity rate at 10.6% for youth ages 10 to 17

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man accused in the fatal shooting of his brother made a first court appearance Thursday.

Thomas Harris, 61, Wichita, was charged with 2nd&nbsp;degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney. He’s being held on a bond of $200,000.

Just after 1p.m. Oct. 12, police responded to a shooting call at apartments in the 2700 block of South St. Francis in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

The victim identified as 68-year-old Troy Harris reportedly walked down the stairs of the apartment complex and called 911 to report he had been shot.

EMS found him in the complex parking lot and transported him to a nearby hospital with life threatening injuries and he later died, according to Davidson.&nbsp;

Investigators learned that Thomas Harris was inside his apartment and his brother Troy was there.&nbsp; There was a dispute between them, according to Davidson. During the argument, Thomas fired multiple shots at his brother and then fled the apartment complex.

Police located and arrested him Monday night, according to Davidson. He recently moved to Wichita and has a previous felony conviction.

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

Just after 1p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call at apartments in the 2700 block of South St. Francis in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

The victim, a man in his late 60s reportedly walked down the stairs of the apartment complex and called 911 to report he had been shot.

EMS transported him to a nearby hospital with life threatening injuries where he later died, according to Davidson.&nbsp;It is not believed to be a random incident.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602602777451.png" alt="Harris-photo Sedgwick County." />
 <figcaption>Harris-photo Sedgwick County.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man accused in the fatal shooting of his brother made a first court appearance Thursday.Thomas Harris, 61, Wichita, was charged with 2nd&nbsp;degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney. He’s being held on a bond of $200,000.Just after 1p.m. Oct. 12, police responded to a shooting call at apartments in the 2700 block of South St. Francis in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.The victim identified as 68-year-old Troy Harris reportedly walked down the stairs of the apartment complex and called 911 to report he had been shot.EMS found him in the complex parking lot and transported him to a nearby hospital with life threatening injuries and he later died, according to Davidson.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602543491190.png" alt="Police a the scene of the fatal shooting investigation Monday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police a the scene of the fatal shooting investigation Monday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators learned that Thomas Harris was inside his apartment and his brother Troy was there.&nbsp; There was a dispute between them, according to Davidson. During the argument, Thomas fired multiple shots at his brother and then fled the apartment complex.Police located and arrested him Monday night, according to Davidson. He recently moved to Wichita and has a previous felony conviction.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just after 1p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call at apartments in the 2700 block of South St. Francis in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.The victim, a man in his late 60s reportedly walked down the stairs of the apartment complex and called 911 to report he had been shot.EMS transported him to a nearby hospital with life threatening injuries where he later died, according to Davidson.&nbsp;It is not believed to be a random incident.&nbsp;

Kansas man charged with murder of his brother 

WICHITA, KAN.&nbsp;– A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday to serve three years on federal probation for making false statements when she purchased guns from a pawnshop, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Kristi S. Praseuth, 25, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of providing false information in order to purchase firearms. In her plea, she admitted she bought two 9 mm pistols and a .357 caliber revolver from Loan at Last, a pawnshop at 3375 E. 47th&nbsp;South in Wichita. She was required to fill out an ATF form 4473, in which she falsely stated that she was buying the guns for herself. In fact, she turned the guns over to other people who were the real buyers.

WICHITA, KAN.&nbsp;– A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday to serve three years on federal probation for making false statements when she purchased guns from a pawnshop, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Kristi S. Praseuth, 25, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of providing false information in order to purchase firearms. In her plea, she admitted she bought two 9 mm pistols and a .357 caliber revolver from Loan at Last, a pawnshop at 3375 E. 47th&nbsp;South in Wichita. She was required to fill out an ATF form 4473, in which she falsely stated that she was buying the guns for herself. In fact, she turned the guns over to other people who were the real buyers.

Kan. woman admits she lied when she purchased 2 guns

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security’s cybersecurity agency have issued a <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-warns-voters-about-election-crimes-ahead-of-the-november-2020-election">series of advisories</a> in recent weeks aimed at warning voters about problems that could surface in the election — as well as steps Americans can take to counter the foreign interference threat.

The issues identified in the public service announcements run the gamut from the spread of online disinformation about the electoral process to cyberattacks targeting election infrastructure. Taken together, the advisories make clear that American agencies are tracking a broad range of potential threats that they believe voters should know about — not just for transparency’s sake but also so voters can be prepared.

The warnings come even though U.S. officials expressed&nbsp;confidence in the integrity of the vote despite repeated efforts by President Donald Trump to denigrate it.

Some of the announcements from the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency:

DISINFORMATION THROUGH BOGUS INTERNET DOMAINS AND EMAIL ACCOUNTS

It’s not hard to set up a fake, or spoofed, email account or website to closely resemble a legitimate one. That’s precisely what the FBI and CISA are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/201002.aspx" target="_blank">warning may take place to trick Americans</a>&nbsp;during the election.

Cyber criminals routinely forge websites with slight misspellings or other barely perceptively alterations to dupe internet users.

In the context of an election, for instance, a bogus website ending in “.com” versus “.gov” that purports to have legitimate voting information or results could trick people who visit the page into thinking that what they’re reading is an authentic, trustworthy government source.

Besides spreading false information, officials say, such spoofed websites and email accounts can gather personally identifiable information and spread malicious software.

One precaution voters can take is to verify the spelling of websites and email addresses that may look legitimate but are actually not.

Foreign intelligence services could use websites like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/201001.aspx" target="_blank">pseudo-academic online journals&nbsp;</a>to cause confusion around the election and undermine confidence in the legitimacy of its results.

That could include promoting claims of voter suppression and ballot fraud, denigrating individual political candidates, disseminating information about cyberattacks — both real and alleged — and spreading otherwise misleading or unsubstantiated assertions to manipulate public opinion and discredit the election process.

U.S. officials are encouraging voters to rely on trustworthy sources of information, including state and local election officials, and to verify through credible channels reports about problems with voting before recirculating them online.

How someone voted is private. But information about who is eligible to vote, how often a person votes and for which party is publicly available through a variety of sources.

That’s why authorities said there was nothing to be concerned about last month when Russian media reported that some U.S. voter registration information was available on a hacker’s forum.

The FBI and CISA issued a reminder not long after that unnamed “foreign actors” and cyber criminals are spreading false information intended to discredit the American electoral process, including by falsely claiming to have hacked and leaked voter information.

Even if those foreign actors or cyber criminals had such information, it wouldn’t do anything to stop an American from casting a ballot or provide a way to manipulate the vote. The U.S. agencies say&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200928.aspx" target="_blank">they have no information that any attack&nbsp;</a>targeting election infrastructure has compromised the integrity of election results or the accuracy of voter registration information, or prevented an election from occurring.

The advisories describe possible threats to election infrastructure that they say may slow voting, or impede access to voting information, but that should not compromise the integrity of the results.

One concern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200930.aspx" target="_blank">relates to so-called distributed denial-of-service</a>, or DDoS, attacks in which a server gets knocked at least temporarily offline by a flood requests, which could leave election-related websites inaccessible or slow access to voting information or results.

Even in such attacks, though, the underlying voting data should not be affected, according to federal officials who say they’ve been working with their local election counterparts to make sure they can minimize the impact and recover quickly from such a disruption.

The FBI and CISA say in another of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200924.aspx" target="_blank">recently issued warnings</a>&nbsp;that cyber actors are continuing to try to break into voter registration and vote reporting systems. But the agencies say they haven’t identified any incidents that could prevent Americans from voting or that could change vote tallies.

In 2016, Russia searched for vulnerabilities in state elections systems across the U.S. and also breached the Illinois voter registration system, probing for access to voting machines, internal networks, voter registration systems, electronic pollbooks and vote reporting websites. But there is no evidence that any votes were changed, or that the Russian activity affected the outcome.

This year, the agencies say they believe it would be difficult to manipulate votes in a way that could affect the election, and that election officials have developed safeguards like provisional ballots, paper backups and backup pollbooks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602066852640.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security’s cybersecurity agency have issued a <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-warns-voters-about-election-crimes-ahead-of-the-november-2020-election">series of advisories</a> in recent weeks aimed at warning voters about problems that could surface in the election — as well as steps Americans can take to counter the foreign interference threat.The issues identified in the public service announcements run the gamut from the spread of online disinformation about the electoral process to cyberattacks targeting election infrastructure. Taken together, the advisories make clear that American agencies are tracking a broad range of potential threats that they believe voters should know about — not just for transparency’s sake but also so voters can be prepared.The warnings come even though U.S. officials expressed&nbsp;confidence in the integrity of the vote despite repeated efforts by President Donald Trump to denigrate it.Some of the announcements from the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency:DISINFORMATION THROUGH BOGUS INTERNET DOMAINS AND EMAIL ACCOUNTSIt’s not hard to set up a fake, or spoofed, email account or website to closely resemble a legitimate one. That’s precisely what the FBI and CISA are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/201002.aspx" target="_blank">warning may take place to trick Americans</a>&nbsp;during the election.Cyber criminals routinely forge websites with slight misspellings or other barely perceptively alterations to dupe internet users.In the context of an election, for instance, a bogus website ending in “.com” versus “.gov” that purports to have legitimate voting information or results could trick people who visit the page into thinking that what they’re reading is an authentic, trustworthy government source.Besides spreading false information, officials say, such spoofed websites and email accounts can gather personally identifiable information and spread malicious software.One precaution voters can take is to verify the spelling of websites and email addresses that may look legitimate but are actually not.DISINFORMATION THROUGH ONLINE JOURNALSForeign intelligence services could use websites like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/201001.aspx" target="_blank">pseudo-academic online journals&nbsp;</a>to cause confusion around the election and undermine confidence in the legitimacy of its results.That could include promoting claims of voter suppression and ballot fraud, denigrating individual political candidates, disseminating information about cyberattacks — both real and alleged — and spreading otherwise misleading or unsubstantiated assertions to manipulate public opinion and discredit the election process.U.S. officials are encouraging voters to rely on trustworthy sources of information, including state and local election officials, and to verify through credible channels reports about problems with voting before recirculating them online.FALSE CLAIMS OF HACKED VOTER INFORMATIONHow someone voted is private. But information about who is eligible to vote, how often a person votes and for which party is publicly available through a variety of sources.That’s why authorities said there was nothing to be concerned about last month when Russian media reported that some U.S. voter registration information was available on a hacker’s forum.The FBI and CISA issued a reminder not long after that unnamed “foreign actors” and cyber criminals are spreading false information intended to discredit the American electoral process, including by falsely claiming to have hacked and leaked voter information.Even if those foreign actors or cyber criminals had such information, it wouldn’t do anything to stop an American from casting a ballot or provide a way to manipulate the vote. The U.S. agencies say&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200928.aspx" target="_blank">they have no information that any attack&nbsp;</a>targeting election infrastructure has compromised the integrity of election results or the accuracy of voter registration information, or prevented an election from occurring.CYBER THREATS TO VOTING SYSTEMSThe advisories describe possible threats to election infrastructure that they say may slow voting, or impede access to voting information, but that should not compromise the integrity of the results.One concern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200930.aspx" target="_blank">relates to so-called distributed denial-of-service</a>, or DDoS, attacks in which a server gets knocked at least temporarily offline by a flood requests, which could leave election-related websites inaccessible or slow access to voting information or results.Even in such attacks, though, the underlying voting data should not be affected, according to federal officials who say they’ve been working with their local election counterparts to make sure they can minimize the impact and recover quickly from such a disruption.The FBI and CISA say in another of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200924.aspx" target="_blank">recently issued warnings</a>&nbsp;that cyber actors are continuing to try to break into voter registration and vote reporting systems. But the agencies say they haven’t identified any incidents that could prevent Americans from voting or that could change vote tallies.In 2016, Russia searched for vulnerabilities in state elections systems across the U.S. and also breached the Illinois voter registration system, probing for access to voting machines, internal networks, voter registration systems, electronic pollbooks and vote reporting websites. But there is no evidence that any votes were changed, or that the Russian activity affected the outcome.This year, the agencies say they believe it would be difficult to manipulate votes in a way that could affect the election, and that election officials have developed safeguards like provisional ballots, paper backups and backup pollbooks.

Voter beware: US tells public how to avoid election mischief

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 7p.m. Saturday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Fusion driven by&nbsp;Franz, Joyce M. Franz, 86, North Newton, was northbound on Webb Road at K254. The driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic. An eastbound 2013 Kia Soul driven by Raegan Marie Hunter, 17, Wichita, struck the front driver's side of the Ford.

Franz was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics Center. EMS transported Hunter to St. Francis. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 7p.m. Saturday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Fusion driven by&nbsp;Franz, Joyce M. Franz, 86, North Newton, was northbound on Webb Road at K254. The driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic. An eastbound 2013 Kia Soul driven by Raegan Marie Hunter, 17, Wichita, struck the front driver's side of the Ford.Franz was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics Center. EMS transported Hunter to St. Francis. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

86-year-old Kan. woman dies, teen injured after crash

BUTLER COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred at a Kwik Shop in Andover, Kansas

Just before 3:30p.m. Saturday, the Andover Police Department received a 911 call indicating there was a man brandishing a gun outside the Kwik Shop located at 114 W Highway 54 in Andover, according to a media release.

Officers responded and made contact with the 46-year-old male subject from Dodge City.

After a verbal exchange, an Andover police officer shot the armed subject. The man then led multiple law enforcement agencies on a foot pursuit through several businesses in the area. The man was apprehended at Braum’s located at 401 S Andover Road.

The man was transported to Wesley Hospital in Wichita, Kan. He sustained serious, but non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp; No officers were injured during this incident.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office, the Augusta Department of Safety, the Andover Police Department, and the Butler County EMS transport were involved in this incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602983353508.png" alt="Officers on the scene of Saturday's officer-involved shooting in Andover -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Officers on the scene of Saturday's officer-involved shooting in Andover -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred at a Kwik Shop in Andover, KansasJust before 3:30p.m. Saturday, the Andover Police Department received a 911 call indicating there was a man brandishing a gun outside the Kwik Shop located at 114 W Highway 54 in Andover, according to a media release.Officers responded and made contact with the 46-year-old male subject from Dodge City.After a verbal exchange, an Andover police officer shot the armed subject. The man then led multiple law enforcement agencies on a foot pursuit through several businesses in the area. The man was apprehended at Braum’s located at 401 S Andover Road.The man was transported to Wesley Hospital in Wichita, Kan. He sustained serious, but non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp; No officers were injured during this incident.The Butler County Sheriff’s Office, the Augusta Department of Safety, the Andover Police Department, and the Butler County EMS transport were involved in this incident.

KBI: SW Kan. man hospitalized after officer-involved shooting

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man is hospitalized in serious condition after accidentally shooting himself Saturday in Wichita.

Just before 5p.m., police responded to an accidental shooting at Towne East Mall, 7700 E. Kellogg, in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

The investigation revealed a 28-year-old man was inside the mall and carrying a handgun inside the waistband of his pants.

The gun accidentally fired, striking him in the leg.&nbsp; Two off-duty nurses nearby and arriving officers quickly provided medical treatment to the man. An ambulance transported him to an area hospital for treatment of a serious injury, according to Davidson. There were no other injuries.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man is hospitalized in serious condition after accidentally shooting himself Saturday in Wichita.Just before 5p.m., police responded to an accidental shooting at Towne East Mall, 7700 E. Kellogg, in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.The investigation revealed a 28-year-old man was inside the mall and carrying a handgun inside the waistband of his pants.The gun accidentally fired, striking him in the leg.&nbsp; Two off-duty nurses nearby and arriving officers quickly provided medical treatment to the man. An ambulance transported him to an area hospital for treatment of a serious injury, according to Davidson. There were no other injuries.

Man hospitalized after accidental shooting at Kan. mall

TOPEKA, KAN. – A man and woman who are in custody in Topeka were indicted Wednesday on federal charges of robbing three Kansas businesses, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Lekeith Markez Mosley, 29, Liberal, Kan., and&nbsp;Shelbi Paige Ricks, 25, Liberal, Kan., are charged with three counts of robbery. The indictment alleges they committed the following robberies: Sept. 27, 2020: Jimmy John’s restaurant, 1025 Southwest Wanamaker Road in Topeka.

Sept. 7, 2020: Family Dollar, 303 E. Kansas Avenue, Greensburg, Kan and Sept. 6, 2020: Subway restaurant, 711 N. Main Street, Hutchinson, Kan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601304109622.png" alt="Mosley-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Mosley-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – A man and woman who are in custody in Topeka were indicted Wednesday on federal charges of robbing three Kansas businesses, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601304138069.png" alt="Ricks-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ricks-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Lekeith Markez Mosley, 29, Liberal, Kan., and&nbsp;Shelbi Paige Ricks, 25, Liberal, Kan., are charged with three counts of robbery. The indictment alleges they committed the following robberies: Sept. 27, 2020: Jimmy John’s restaurant, 1025 Southwest Wanamaker Road in Topeka.Sept. 7, 2020: Family Dollar, 303 E. Kansas Avenue, Greensburg, Kan and Sept. 6, 2020: Subway restaurant, 711 N. Main Street, Hutchinson, Kan.

Indictment: 2 from SW Kansas robbed three businesses 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City has reached an unwanted milestone — a new record for homicides in a year.

Two people died in separate shootings Thursday in Kansas City, the 155th and 156th killings in 2020.&nbsp; That breaks the record set in 2017. Meanwhile, the city has recorded 35 more killings this year than at the same time in 2019.

The first shooting happened just before 8 p.m. Officers sent to an apartment complex found a man in the hallway suffering from gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.

Officers responded about 10:45 p.m. to a home in the historic Northeast area. Witnesses told police they heard gunshots and then found a man and woman both shot inside their home, police spokesman Doaa El-Ashkar said.

Both victims were taken to hospitals. The male victim was pronounced dead. The female victim's injuries were non-life-threatening, El-Ashkar said.

Witnesses told police that they believed the shooter was a man who had been staying at the home.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City has reached an unwanted milestone — a new record for homicides in a year.Two people died in separate shootings Thursday in Kansas City, the 155th and 156th killings in 2020.&nbsp; That breaks the record set in 2017. Meanwhile, the city has recorded 35 more killings this year than at the same time in 2019.The first shooting happened just before 8 p.m. Officers sent to an apartment complex found a man in the hallway suffering from gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.Officers responded about 10:45 p.m. to a home in the historic Northeast area. Witnesses told police they heard gunshots and then found a man and woman both shot inside their home, police spokesman Doaa El-Ashkar said.Both victims were taken to hospitals. The male victim was pronounced dead. The female victim's injuries were non-life-threatening, El-Ashkar said.Witnesses told police that they believed the shooter was a man who had been staying at the home.

Kansas City tops record for killings with 2 1/2 months left

THOMAS COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) responded to investigate an officer-involved shooting at that occurred at a rest stop in Colby, Kansas.

Preliminary information indicates just after 8:30p.m. Friday, Thomas County Dispatch received a report of a stolen vehicle from the Pilot Travel Center in Colby. A Thomas County Sheriff’s Office deputy was on duty and located the vehicle approximately 10 miles west of Colby at mile marker 49.

During the incident, a shot was fired by the deputy that struck the driver of the stolen vehicle, 24-year-old Colorado resident, Jackson Bayer. EMS responded, and Bayer was transported to the Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colo. with non-life threatening injuries. Bayer is in stable condition.

The investigation is ongoing. The KBI will conduct a complete and thorough investigation into this incident. Once completed, the findings will be turned over to the Thomas County Attorney for review.

THOMAS COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) responded to investigate an officer-involved shooting at that occurred at a rest stop in Colby, Kansas.Preliminary information indicates just after 8:30p.m. Friday, Thomas County Dispatch received a report of a stolen vehicle from the Pilot Travel Center in Colby. A Thomas County Sheriff’s Office deputy was on duty and located the vehicle approximately 10 miles west of Colby at mile marker 49.During the incident, a shot was fired by the deputy that struck the driver of the stolen vehicle, 24-year-old Colorado resident, Jackson Bayer. EMS responded, and Bayer was transported to the Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colo. with non-life threatening injuries. Bayer is in stable condition.The investigation is ongoing. The KBI will conduct a complete and thorough investigation into this incident. Once completed, the findings will be turned over to the Thomas County Attorney for review.

KBI investigates NW Kansas officer-involved shooting 

ANDERSON COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Saturday in Anderson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy S-10 pickup driven by Todd Parker Vogts, 55, Olpe, was eastbound on 1400 Road three miles north of Westphalia. 

The driver failed to yield&nbsp; at Colorado Road. The pickup and a northbound 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Ronald L&nbsp;Jost II, 55, Olathe, collided at the intersection.

A passenger in the S1-10 Roy Vogts, 52, Olpe, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Feuerborn Family Funeral Home.

EMS transported Todd Vogts,&nbsp;Jost II and a passenger in the Silverado Terri S. Jost, 52, Olathe, to the Anderson County Hospital. The occupants in the S-10 were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

ANDERSON COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Saturday in Anderson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy S-10 pickup driven by Todd Parker Vogts, 55, Olpe, was eastbound on 1400 Road three miles north of Westphalia. The driver failed to yield&nbsp; at Colorado Road. The pickup and a northbound 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Ronald L&nbsp;Jost II, 55, Olathe, collided at the intersection.A passenger in the S1-10 Roy Vogts, 52, Olpe, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Feuerborn Family Funeral Home.EMS transported Todd Vogts,&nbsp;Jost II and a passenger in the Silverado Terri S. Jost, 52, Olathe, to the Anderson County Hospital. The occupants in the S-10 were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kan. man dead, 3 hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

RICE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Lyons Police Department identified the officer shot Friday afternoon outside of a Lyons residence.

Officer Cory Ryan, 36, of Lyons, was shot multiple times when responding to a 911 call from a citizen who reported being threatened with a gun. Ryan joined the Lyons Police Department in 2012. He is currently being treated at a Wichita hospital, where he is improving. Ryan is in critical, but stable condition, according to a media release from the KBI.

Lyons Police Chief Justin Holliday also sustained minor injuries when removing the 56-year-old Lyons man from the shooting scene. Holliday was treated at a local hospital and is now recovering at home.

The 56-year-old injured man is now in good condition, and could be released from the hospital as early as today.

Adam Hrabik, 40, was arrested related to the incident, and is being held at the Reno County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. He has not yet been formally charged.

A fund has been set up to cover the expenses of Officer Cory Ryan and his family at the Lyons Federal Bank,&nbsp;200 E. Ave. S., Lyons, KS 67554. Donations will also be taken at the First Bank-Sterling,&nbsp;128 S. Broadway Ave., Sterling, KS 67579, or the Lyons Police Department&nbsp;303 E. Main St., Lyons, KS 67554.

RICE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) responded to investigate an officer-involved shooting that critically injured a Lyons police officer.

Preliminary information indicates that officers from the Lyons Police Department received a 911 call at approximately 3:40 p.m. from a man who was being threatened with a gun, according to a media release.

When the first responding officer arrived at 1 Arrowhead Dr. in Lyons, Kan., he was shot by 40-year-old Adam Hrabik, who lived at the residence. 

Two nearby citizens who saw the shooting helped coax the officer away from the scene. They then drove him to a local hospital in their private vehicle. The officer was then transported to a Wichita hospital where he is currently in critical condition.

When additional officers and deputies arrived on scene, they discovered a 56-year-old Lyons man outside who had also been shot. They removed the man from the scene. He was taken to a local hospital and then transported to a Wichita hospital. He is currently in serious condition.&nbsp;

Numerous law enforcement agencies responded to Lyons to assist. Hrabik retreated into the residence and a standoff ensued. At approximately 7:10 p.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Special Response Team negotiated him out of the residence, and the Hutchinson and Reno County Emergency Response Team took Hrabik into custody.

Hrabik was turned over to KBI agents for questioning. The investigation is ongoing.

RICE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting in Rice County.

On Friday afternoon, agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to the incident, according to KBI spokesperson Melissa Underwood.

Few details were released late Friday afternoon. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602896609117.png" alt="Law enforcement on the scene in Lyons Friday afternoon -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement on the scene in Lyons Friday afternoon -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>RICE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Lyons Police Department identified the officer shot Friday afternoon outside of a Lyons residence.Officer Cory Ryan, 36, of Lyons, was shot multiple times when responding to a 911 call from a citizen who reported being threatened with a gun. Ryan joined the Lyons Police Department in 2012. He is currently being treated at a Wichita hospital, where he is improving. Ryan is in critical, but stable condition, according to a media release from the KBI.Lyons Police Chief Justin Holliday also sustained minor injuries when removing the 56-year-old Lyons man from the shooting scene. Holliday was treated at a local hospital and is now recovering at home.The 56-year-old injured man is now in good condition, and could be released from the hospital as early as today.Adam Hrabik, 40, was arrested related to the incident, and is being held at the Reno County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. He has not yet been formally charged.A fund has been set up to cover the expenses of Officer Cory Ryan and his family at the Lyons Federal Bank,&nbsp;200 E. Ave. S., Lyons, KS 67554. Donations will also be taken at the First Bank-Sterling,&nbsp;128 S. Broadway Ave., Sterling, KS 67579, or the Lyons Police Department&nbsp;303 E. Main St., Lyons, KS 67554.----------RICE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) responded to investigate an officer-involved shooting that critically injured a Lyons police officer.Preliminary information indicates that officers from the Lyons Police Department received a 911 call at approximately 3:40 p.m. from a man who was being threatened with a gun, according to a media release.When the first responding officer arrived at 1 Arrowhead Dr. in Lyons, Kan., he was shot by 40-year-old Adam Hrabik, who lived at the residence. Two nearby citizens who saw the shooting helped coax the officer away from the scene. They then drove him to a local hospital in their private vehicle. The officer was then transported to a Wichita hospital where he is currently in critical condition.When additional officers and deputies arrived on scene, they discovered a 56-year-old Lyons man outside who had also been shot. They removed the man from the scene. He was taken to a local hospital and then transported to a Wichita hospital. He is currently in serious condition.&nbsp;Numerous law enforcement agencies responded to Lyons to assist. Hrabik retreated into the residence and a standoff ensued. At approximately 7:10 p.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Special Response Team negotiated him out of the residence, and the Hutchinson and Reno County Emergency Response Team took Hrabik into custody.Hrabik was turned over to KBI agents for questioning. The investigation is ongoing.------RICE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting in Rice County.On Friday afternoon, agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to the incident, according to KBI spokesperson Melissa Underwood.Few details were released late Friday afternoon. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Update: KBI IDs police officer shot in Lyons

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/100000-plus-kansans-struggle-pay-utility-bills-and-could-mean-higher-bills-everyone">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — The blow the coronavirus dealt to 
the Kansas economy left tens of thousands of people in the state 
struggling to pay their utility bills.

That puts them at risk of 
losing electricity or natural gas — and raises the prospect that 
better-off Kansans weathering price hikes to make up the difference.

Utility
 companies say the number of households unable to keep up with payments 
looks likely to increase during the winter. Agencies that help the poor 
pay for utilities are braced for more requests than they can cover.

“I’m not going to lie. I’m a little nervous about this coming year,” said Lewis Kimsey, the manager of the<a href="http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx" target="_blank"> Kansas Low Income Energy Assistance Program</a>, or LIEAP.

That
 federally funded program offers financial assistance to utility 
customers based on income, household size and other factors. It’s 
available to Kansans between the months of December and March.

This year, <a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ocs/dcl_liheap_reallotfr1table_statesterrs_fy2020.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas got about $47.5 million dollars</a>.
 About 10% goes to administration costs. Another 15% goes toward 
weatherization programs. The rest is used to help low-income households 
pay utility bills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602870479375.png" alt=" An electric utility smart meter. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> An electric utility smart meter. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/100000-plus-kansans-struggle-pay-utility-bills-and-could-mean-higher-bills-everyone">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — The blow the coronavirus dealt to 
the Kansas economy left tens of thousands of people in the state 
struggling to pay their utility bills.That puts them at risk of 
losing electricity or natural gas — and raises the prospect that 
better-off Kansans weathering price hikes to make up the difference.Utility
 companies say the number of households unable to keep up with payments 
looks likely to increase during the winter. Agencies that help the poor 
pay for utilities are braced for more requests than they can cover.“I’m not going to lie. I’m a little nervous about this coming year,” said Lewis Kimsey, the manager of the<a href="http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx" target="_blank"> Kansas Low Income Energy Assistance Program</a>, or LIEAP.That
 federally funded program offers financial assistance to utility 
customers based on income, household size and other factors. It’s 
available to Kansans between the months of December and March.This year, <a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ocs/dcl_liheap_reallotfr1table_statesterrs_fy2020.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas got about $47.5 million dollars</a>.
 About 10% goes to administration costs. Another 15% goes toward 
weatherization programs. The rest is used to help low-income households 
pay utility bills.Kimsey said he’s actually seen a decline in 
the number of people applying for the program each of the past 5 years. 
Even this year, with an expanded deadline that went through May, Kimsey 
said the agency only approved about 34,000 applications, which is 600 
fewer than last year.He said some of the effects of 
coronavirus-related hardships will be delayed, and that we’re likely far
 from the peak of people needing assistance. That’s because earlier this
 year people got beefed-up federal unemployment checks and the state of 
Kansas declared a moratorium on all utility disconnects. Both of those 
have now gone away.“Now that moratorium is done and they’re 
feeling pressure,” Kimsey said. “We’re planning that our application 
volume for 2021 is going to be significantly higher.”<h2>100,000 Kansans struggle</h2>To gauge the toll of the pandemic on the industry, several utilities asked state regulators to <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/portal/kscc/page/docket-docs/PSC/DocketDetails.aspx?DocketId=6387a52a-f672-49a1-a7a5-b1ebf3a76bf6" target="_blank">record their increased costs</a>
 for things such as personal protective gear and laptops for employees 
to be able to work from home. That tally could give the companies 
ammunition the next time they ask regulators to raise rates to 
customers.State regulators are also curious about how many 
customers are behind on their bills or being involuntarily disconnected 
from service. The reports give a fresh look at the scale of the problem.In August, Evergy, the state’s largest electric utility, had <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202009251436011956.pdf?Id=bf8aee79-b8a6-403d-b4e7-f05f51eff750" target="_blank">100,050 residential accounts</a>
 that were either more than 30 days past due — or that had signed up for
 a 12-month payment plan that evens out outstanding utility costs across
 the year.That’s more than one in 10en of all residential customers.Evergy
 spokesperson Gina Penzig said the company started reaching out to 
customers on the brink of being disconnected in early June to offer them
 the 12-month payment plan.“The payment plans are a valuable 
tool in order to give customers an opportunity to keep their account 
current, keep their service engaged,” Penzig said.And it seems 
to have worked. In June, just 3,283 residential customers signed up for a
 12-month payment plan. Two months later, that number rocketed six-fold 
to nearly 20,000.Penzig says the increased adoption of the 
payment plan has kept involuntary disconnections about the same as they 
would be in a normal year.And even though high winter heating 
bills have yet to hit, the state’s larger natural gas providers are 
already seeing evidence that customers are struggling to keep up.In August, almost <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202009251616397641.pdf?Id=e9e0d2cc-2d96-4ede-8db2-82e4149391bc" target="_blank">75,000 Kansas Gas Service residential customers</a> were more than 30 days past due or had signed up for a 12-month payment plan.That’s about 13% of residential customers.Kansas
 Gas Service spokesperson Lindsay Freeman said the company has also 
tried to help people apply for payment help and sign up for the 12-month
 payment plan.“We can still work with them on payment options and arrangements, but they must reach out to us,” Freeman said.<h2>Delayed problem</h2>While
 12-month payment plans have helped remove customers from the bad-debt 
list and prevented involuntary disconnections, the relief may be 
temporary.“We hope that the 12-month payment 
plans are going to work out, that they’re not just pushing the problem 
out,” said David Nickel, consumer counsel with the <a href="http://curb.kansas.gov/" target="_blank">Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board</a>, a government agency that represents consumers and small businesses before state regulators.Jim
 Zakoura, president of the advocacy group Kansans For Lower Electric 
Rates, said he’s skeptical that unemployed people without the extra 
federal unemployment benefits offered earlier in the year will be able 
to keep up with the plans in the months ahead.And Zakoura said other ratepayers may get stuck with higher bills.“All of those expenses will be included in the next rate case and will be added to the bills of customers who can pay,” he said.Kimsey,
 the Kansas LIEAP program manager, said looking at the tens of millions 
of dollars in unpaid bills out there is shocking. But, the program has 
money — he just needs more people to apply.“I’d much rather have
 people apply and not qualify,” he said, “than have people not apply 
that qualify and are in desperate need of the help.”Brian 
Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en" target="_blank">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.