TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly said Monday that she’s “very comfortable” with how Kansas is distributing COVID-19 vaccines despite U.S. government data showing its inoculation rate is the lowest of any state.

The Democratic governor argued that Kansas likely has a more efficient distribution system than other states and is getting vaccine doses more quickly to more communities. The state Department of Health and Environment has said the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Kansas behind other states because of a reporting lag. Kelly told reporters the state has concentrated on “getting vaccinations in people’s arms.”

The state health department has not published or posted online its own data for the number of shots given, and Kelly has faced criticism from top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature over the CDC’s vaccination data. House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, said Monday that Kansas residents “are tired of hearing excuses.”

Vaccine distribution has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-seniors-florida-coronavirus-pandemic-e106ffb05881cd474be554dac055bff6">slower and messier</a>&nbsp;than public health officials and federal leaders had anticipated. The CDC&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">reported Monday</a>&nbsp;that Kansas had administered 20,110 vaccine shots, or 690 for every 100,000 residents, making it the only state to inoculate fewer than 700 residents out of every 100,000.

“We’re working on the reporting and getting the data into the system, and so those numbers will change,” Kelly told reporters Monday at the Statehouse. “We’ve got people who right now are focused on getting vaccinations in people’s arms and their sidelight is then trying to get that data into the system.”

The health department reported that Kansas averaged 2,179 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases and 50 additional COVID-19 deaths a day for the seven days ending Monday. The state has reported more than 231,000 cases since the pandemic reached the state in early March, or one case for every 13 of its 2.9 million residents, and 2,798 deaths, or one for every 1,042 residents.

“We all know the importance of vaccines,” Ryckman said. “We know that’s the key to getting through this.”

The CDC reported that as of Monday, less than 30% of the vaccine doses distributed across the U.S. had been administered, or less than 4.6 million doses. In Kansas, the figure was about 15%.

The federal agency said Missouri has given 39% of the vaccines it has received, or 91,817 shots. Its inoculation rate is 1,496 per 100,000 people, or more than twice Kansas’ rate.

The state health department said not all providers are fully trained on using the computer system for reporting inoculations.

Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-e53bbe038a6cfab0be1dde53e93d5e42">previously heralded&nbsp;</a>the arrival of vaccines in rural communities and said Monday that “whatever we’re getting” from the federal government is “getting down into our local communities.”

“I think Kansas has probably one of the most efficient systems set up, where we’re really using a hub and spoke, while other states are just using the hub, and distributing from there, rather than getting it down into the local communities,” Kelly said.

Dr. Kevin Dishman, the chief medical officer for the Stormont Vail Health system in northeast Kansas, lauded the vaccination effort, saying about 3,000 of the health system’s 5,300 employees have been vaccinated to date and it has a clinic that can handle up to 1,000 shots a day.

“We have not seen a lot of wasted dosages or heard of mismanagement of the vaccine,” Dishman said. “I think that we’ve seen a monumental effort by a lot people to deliver this as quickly and safely as possible.”

The state health department added 3,572 coronavirus cases to the state’s pandemic tally since Friday, bringing it to 231,317. It also added 18 additional COVID-19 deaths since Monday.

Meanwhile, Ryckman, his aides and the Legislature’s staff were finishing up coronavirus preparations for lawmakers’ annual 90-day session, which is set to convene Jan. 11. Ryckman himself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-virus-outbreak-health-kansas-topeka-e9197aeed6ae76b393acb96ea31c736b">was briefly hospitalized</a>&nbsp;this summer with COVID-19.

Legislative leaders set aside $3 million for technology upgrades to allow live video and audio streaming of all committee meetings and to allow legislators, lobbyists and the public to participate remotely. Only about half of the House’s members will be seated on the floor, so members can social distance, with the others assigned seats in galleries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608071036687.png" alt="Vaccine arrived in Topeka December 15 - photo courtesy Stormont Vail Health" />
 <figcaption>Vaccine arrived in Topeka December 15 - photo courtesy Stormont Vail Health</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly said Monday that she’s “very comfortable” with how Kansas is distributing COVID-19 vaccines despite U.S. government data showing its inoculation rate is the lowest of any state.The Democratic governor argued that Kansas likely has a more efficient distribution system than other states and is getting vaccine doses more quickly to more communities. The state Department of Health and Environment has said the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Kansas behind other states because of a reporting lag. Kelly told reporters the state has concentrated on “getting vaccinations in people’s arms.”The state health department has not published or posted online its own data for the number of shots given, and Kelly has faced criticism from top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature over the CDC’s vaccination data. House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, said Monday that Kansas residents “are tired of hearing excuses.”Vaccine distribution has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-seniors-florida-coronavirus-pandemic-e106ffb05881cd474be554dac055bff6">slower and messier</a>&nbsp;than public health officials and federal leaders had anticipated. The CDC&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">reported Monday</a>&nbsp;that Kansas had administered 20,110 vaccine shots, or 690 for every 100,000 residents, making it the only state to inoculate fewer than 700 residents out of every 100,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609851067615.png" alt="Vaccine arrived in Southwest Kansas on Dec. 18- photo courtesy Western Plains Medical Center" />
 <figcaption>Vaccine arrived in Southwest Kansas on Dec. 18- photo courtesy Western Plains Medical Center</figcaption>
 </figure>“We’re working on the reporting and getting the data into the system, and so those numbers will change,” Kelly told reporters Monday at the Statehouse. “We’ve got people who right now are focused on getting vaccinations in people’s arms and their sidelight is then trying to get that data into the system.”The health department reported that Kansas averaged 2,179 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases and 50 additional COVID-19 deaths a day for the seven days ending Monday. The state has reported more than 231,000 cases since the pandemic reached the state in early March, or one case for every 13 of its 2.9 million residents, and 2,798 deaths, or one for every 1,042 residents.“We all know the importance of vaccines,” Ryckman said. “We know that’s the key to getting through this.”The CDC reported that as of Monday, less than 30% of the vaccine doses distributed across the U.S. had been administered, or less than 4.6 million doses. In Kansas, the figure was about 15%.The federal agency said Missouri has given 39% of the vaccines it has received, or 91,817 shots. Its inoculation rate is 1,496 per 100,000 people, or more than twice Kansas’ rate.The state health department said not all providers are fully trained on using the computer system for reporting inoculations.Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-e53bbe038a6cfab0be1dde53e93d5e42">previously heralded&nbsp;</a>the arrival of vaccines in rural communities and said Monday that “whatever we’re getting” from the federal government is “getting down into our local communities.”“I think Kansas has probably one of the most efficient systems set up, where we’re really using a hub and spoke, while other states are just using the hub, and distributing from there, rather than getting it down into the local communities,” Kelly said.Dr. Kevin Dishman, the chief medical officer for the Stormont Vail Health system in northeast Kansas, lauded the vaccination effort, saying about 3,000 of the health system’s 5,300 employees have been vaccinated to date and it has a clinic that can handle up to 1,000 shots a day.“We have not seen a lot of wasted dosages or heard of mismanagement of the vaccine,” Dishman said. “I think that we’ve seen a monumental effort by a lot people to deliver this as quickly and safely as possible.”The state health department added 3,572 coronavirus cases to the state’s pandemic tally since Friday, bringing it to 231,317. It also added 18 additional COVID-19 deaths since Monday.Meanwhile, Ryckman, his aides and the Legislature’s staff were finishing up coronavirus preparations for lawmakers’ annual 90-day session, which is set to convene Jan. 11. Ryckman himself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-virus-outbreak-health-kansas-topeka-e9197aeed6ae76b393acb96ea31c736b">was briefly hospitalized</a>&nbsp;this summer with COVID-19.Legislative leaders set aside $3 million for technology upgrades to allow live video and audio streaming of all committee meetings and to allow legislators, lobbyists and the public to participate remotely. Only about half of the House’s members will be seated on the floor, so members can social distance, with the others assigned seats in galleries.___

Kan. Gov. 'very comfortable' with vaccine distribution 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a fatal shooting in the 3900 Block of West Fairhaven in Wichita on December 29 have identified the victims as 43-year-old Bradley Michael Reece and 22-year-old Kayla Schmidt both of Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

Reece died at the scene. EMS transported Schmidt to a local hospital. She died on New Year's Eve, according to Blick.

Police continue to ask the&nbsp; the public for help to locate two suspects.

Deputies are looking for 34-year-old Joshua Dean Halstead and 28-year-old Jacquellyn Michelle Arthur in connection with the incident. If you&nbsp; know where they are or have any additional details on the suspects, call 911.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that left one dead and one wounded in Wichita and asking the public for help to locate two suspects, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

Just after 8p.m. Dec. 29, officers responded to the 3900 Block of W. Fairhaven in Wichita. They found one man dead and another victim injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609375270250.png" alt="Halstead has a previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated weapons and for drug possession and distribution, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections He was reported as an absconder in August-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Halstead has a previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated weapons and for drug possession and distribution, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections He was reported as an absconder in August-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a fatal shooting in the 3900 Block of West Fairhaven in Wichita on December 29 have identified the victims as 43-year-old Bradley Michael Reece and 22-year-old Kayla Schmidt both of Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.Reece died at the scene. EMS transported Schmidt to a local hospital. She died on New Year's Eve, according to Blick.Police continue to ask the&nbsp; the public for help to locate two suspects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609375240647.png" alt="Arthur-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Arthur-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies are looking for 34-year-old Joshua Dean Halstead and 28-year-old Jacquellyn Michelle Arthur in connection with the incident. If you&nbsp; know where they are or have any additional details on the suspects, call 911.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that left one dead and one wounded in Wichita and asking the public for help to locate two suspects, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609375270250.png" alt="Halstead has a previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated weapons and for drug possession and distribution, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections He was reported as an absconder in August-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Halstead has a previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated weapons and for drug possession and distribution, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections He was reported as an absconder in August-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609375240647.png" alt="Arthur-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Arthur-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 8p.m. Dec. 29, officers responded to the 3900 Block of W. Fairhaven in Wichita. They found one man dead and another victim injured.Deputies are looking for 34-year-old Joshua Dean Halstead and 28-year-old Jacquellyn Michelle Arthur in connection with the incident. If you&nbsp; know where they are or have any additional details on the suspects, call 911.

Sheriff: Kansas woman in Dec. 29 shooting has died

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement asking the public’s assistance in obtaining any information that would be helpful in the investigation of the Christmas Eve hit-and-run fatality crash.

Just after 6:00 p.m. Dec. 24, police were dispatched to the area of SE 23rd Street and SE Davies Street in Topeka and found 55-year-old Lora Ann Patillo in the roadway, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.

She had severe trauma to her body. EMS transported her to a local hospital with life threatening injuries and she died. The investigation suggests she was possibly struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.

Information can be sent to TPD by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org" target="_blank">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007.

TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities investigating a hit and run accident say the victim&nbsp;55-year-old Lora Ann Patillo has died of her injuries, according to Lt. John Trimble.

Just after 6:00 p.m. Thursday evening, police were dispatched to the area of SE 23rd Street and SE Davies Street in Topeka in regards to an adult woman laying in the roadway, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.

Officers arrived on scene and discovered the woman had severe trauma to her body. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. The initial investigation suggests the victim was possibly struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. 

SE 23rd Street between SE Market and SE Burr Street were closed off to traffic for an extended period of time during the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608902761458.png" alt="The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team on scene of the investigation Christmas Eve photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team on scene of the investigation Christmas Eve photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement asking the public’s assistance in obtaining any information that would be helpful in the investigation of the Christmas Eve hit-and-run fatality crash.Just after 6:00 p.m. Dec. 24, police were dispatched to the area of SE 23rd Street and SE Davies Street in Topeka and found 55-year-old Lora Ann Patillo in the roadway, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.She had severe trauma to her body. EMS transported her to a local hospital with life threatening injuries and she died. The investigation suggests she was possibly struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.Information can be sent to TPD by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org" target="_blank">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007.---------TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities investigating a hit and run accident say the victim&nbsp;55-year-old Lora Ann Patillo has died of her injuries, according to Lt. John Trimble.Just after 6:00 p.m. Thursday evening, police were dispatched to the area of SE 23rd Street and SE Davies Street in Topeka in regards to an adult woman laying in the roadway, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.Officers arrived on scene and discovered the woman had severe trauma to her body. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. The initial investigation suggests the victim was possibly struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. SE 23rd Street between SE Market and SE Burr Street were closed off to traffic for an extended period of time during the investigation.----------

Police ask for info on fatal Christmas Eve hit and run

TOPEKA&nbsp;–Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that a planning and design firm with extensive statewide experience will lead Kansas’ first comprehensive housing needs assessment in nearly 30 years. RDG Planning &amp; Design, an Omaha-based consultancy, will conduct an in-depth discovery process, assess current housing opportunities and identify goals, and develop strategic initiatives to guide the state’s future housing development efforts, according to a media release.

“A shortage of quality, affordable housing is one of our state’s biggest barriers to growth and development, particularly in our rural communities,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“This statewide housing assessment will provide us with a starting point on how we can positively affect communities’ abilities to grow and provide the quality of life that every Kansan deserves regardless of their zip code.”

RDG has worked in Kansas communities ranging from Scott City to Chanute, De Soto to Dickinson County. 

The firm’s initiatives have included collaborating with Dodge City officials to pioneer developing some of the state’s first Rural Housing Incentive Districts (RHID), working with Salina leaders to encourage greater reinvestment in core neighborhoods, and helping Johnson County navigate tremendous new growth.

“Dodge City has put a major focus on addressing our housing shortage to provide essential homes for our workforce,”&nbsp;said Joann Knight, executive director of the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation.&nbsp;“RDG plays a vital role in our success, and their attention to detail makes understanding housing needs much easier.”

“RDG has had the pleasure to work in every corner of Kansas, from the state's largest cities to its smallest communities,”&nbsp;said Amy Haase, RDG principal.&nbsp;“We have developed a deep understanding of the wide breadth of housing opportunities and challenges facing Kansans, and we are proud that communities continue to seek us out both for the expertise we provide and the passion we bring for creating great places.”

Kansas has not conducted a significant housing study in decades, resulting in a shortage of data on existing housing resources and current and projected needs. 

The Office of Rural Prosperity’s Housing Work Group, an interagency team of state leaders led by KHRC Executive Director Ryan Vincent, identified a needs assessment as a crucial first step in addressing the state’s housing needs and priorities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

“As I have discussed with Kansans across the state, housing is a barrier for communities to recruiting and retaining skilled workers,”&nbsp;Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers said.&nbsp;“This statewide assessment will allow us to determine what our current housing needs are and how best to address them.”

The state's Office of Rural Prosperity, in conjunction with Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), the state's housing finance agency, selected the firm through a competitive RFP process and will manage the project. The assessment process is expected to extend throughout 2021, with the final report's delivery anticipated in December 2021.

TOPEKA&nbsp;–Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that a planning and design firm with extensive statewide experience will lead Kansas’ first comprehensive housing needs assessment in nearly 30 years. RDG Planning &amp; Design, an Omaha-based consultancy, will conduct an in-depth discovery process, assess current housing opportunities and identify goals, and develop strategic initiatives to guide the state’s future housing development efforts, according to a media release.“A shortage of quality, affordable housing is one of our state’s biggest barriers to growth and development, particularly in our rural communities,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“This statewide housing assessment will provide us with a starting point on how we can positively affect communities’ abilities to grow and provide the quality of life that every Kansan deserves regardless of their zip code.”RDG has worked in Kansas communities ranging from Scott City to Chanute, De Soto to Dickinson County. The firm’s initiatives have included collaborating with Dodge City officials to pioneer developing some of the state’s first Rural Housing Incentive Districts (RHID), working with Salina leaders to encourage greater reinvestment in core neighborhoods, and helping Johnson County navigate tremendous new growth.“Dodge City has put a major focus on addressing our housing shortage to provide essential homes for our workforce,”&nbsp;said Joann Knight, executive director of the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation.&nbsp;“RDG plays a vital role in our success, and their attention to detail makes understanding housing needs much easier.”“RDG has had the pleasure to work in every corner of Kansas, from the state's largest cities to its smallest communities,”&nbsp;said Amy Haase, RDG principal.&nbsp;“We have developed a deep understanding of the wide breadth of housing opportunities and challenges facing Kansans, and we are proud that communities continue to seek us out both for the expertise we provide and the passion we bring for creating great places.”Kansas has not conducted a significant housing study in decades, resulting in a shortage of data on existing housing resources and current and projected needs. The Office of Rural Prosperity’s Housing Work Group, an interagency team of state leaders led by KHRC Executive Director Ryan Vincent, identified a needs assessment as a crucial first step in addressing the state’s housing needs and priorities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.“As I have discussed with Kansans across the state, housing is a barrier for communities to recruiting and retaining skilled workers,”&nbsp;Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers said.&nbsp;“This statewide assessment will allow us to determine what our current housing needs are and how best to address them.”The state's Office of Rural Prosperity, in conjunction with Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), the state's housing finance agency, selected the firm through a competitive RFP process and will manage the project. The assessment process is expected to extend throughout 2021, with the final report's delivery anticipated in December 2021.

First statewide housing needs assessment in 27-years for Kansas

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — A former school bus driver in southwest Missouri was sentenced Monday to four years in prison for having sexual contact with a female student.

Dennis R. Frakes, 68, was sentenced in Jasper County Circuit Court. He pleaded guilty Nov. 2 in a plea agreement that included dropping another count of second-degree statutory sodomy.

Frakes was a bus driver for the Carl Junction School District when he had sexual contact with the student twice. The girl was not a rider on the bus he drove. The contact happened in Frakes' vehicle and his home, according to a probable cause statement.

Frakes was a bus driver for the school district from January 2012 to Oct. 25, 2019, when the allegation first surfaced and he was fired.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609795229986.png" alt="Frakes photo Jasper Co." />
 <figcaption>Frakes photo Jasper Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — A former school bus driver in southwest Missouri was sentenced Monday to four years in prison for having sexual contact with a female student.Dennis R. Frakes, 68, was sentenced in Jasper County Circuit Court. He pleaded guilty Nov. 2 in a plea agreement that included dropping another count of second-degree statutory sodomy.Frakes was a bus driver for the Carl Junction School District when he had sexual contact with the student twice. The girl was not a rider on the bus he drove. The contact happened in Frakes' vehicle and his home, according to a probable cause statement.Frakes was a bus driver for the school district from January 2012 to Oct. 25, 2019, when the allegation first surfaced and he was fired.

School bus driver sentenced for sex contact with student

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two women on drug charges for the second time in just over a month.

Just after 11a.m. Sunday, Deputies stopped a vehicle for an alleged vehicle registration violation&nbsp; near the Prairie  Band Casino, according to sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver identified as Melissa Reser-Young, 49, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp. The passenger, Shakeita Tocara Young, 31, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp.

Deputies arrested both of them on similar charges Nov. 30.

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two women in drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 4p.m. Nov 30, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a northbound 2007 Dodge Charge for a traffic violation near 262nd and U.S. Highway 75 north of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

&nbsp;During the investigation of the traffic stop, the deputy located illegal drugs and paraphernalia.  The driver and passenger of the vehicle were subsequently arrested.  A quantity of methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and U.S. currency was seized from the vehicle. 

 The driver, Shakeita Tocara Young, 31, of Topeka was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp and transporting an open container. 

The passenger, Melissa Reser Young, 49, of Topeka was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp and transporting an open container.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607000418103.png" alt="Reser-Young-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Reser-Young-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two women on drug charges for the second time in just over a month.Just after 11a.m. Sunday, Deputies stopped a vehicle for an alleged vehicle registration violation&nbsp; near the Prairie Band Casino, according to sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607000440621.png" alt="Young-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Young-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver identified as Melissa Reser-Young, 49, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp. The passenger, Shakeita Tocara Young, 31, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp.Deputies arrested both of them on similar charges Nov. 30.---------JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two women in drug charges after a traffic stop.Just after 4p.m. Nov 30, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a northbound 2007 Dodge Charge for a traffic violation near 262nd and U.S. Highway 75 north of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;During the investigation of the traffic stop, the deputy located illegal drugs and paraphernalia. The driver and passenger of the vehicle were subsequently arrested. A quantity of methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and U.S. currency was seized from the vehicle. The driver, Shakeita Tocara Young, 31, of Topeka was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp and transporting an open container. The passenger, Melissa Reser Young, 49, of Topeka was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp and transporting an open container.

Sheriff: 2 Kan. women accused of drug distribution again 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) —Inmates at the Sedgwick County Jail now have access to tablet computers they can use for education, entertainment and staying in touch with family.

The jail started using the tablets provided by jail communications firm Securus Technologies in November. The devices include a number of free options, such as books and educational materials. The company charges $5 a month for access to premium services like making calls and downloading songs or movies.

“It’s stuff we couldn’t even imagine to offer before. It’s very exciting for us to have,” jail administrator Col. Jared Schechter said.

Securus said the tablets are being used at more than two dozen Kansas jails that it works with. The devices are provided to detention facilities free, and the company makes money off the subscription fees and by selling media to inmates. The detention facilities receive a commission on the purchases.

Officials said the tablets operate on a secure wireless network that Securus installed at the jail that doesn’t offer inmates regular Internet access. The tablets can be checked out for a couple hours at a time.

Schechter said about 500 inmates — or about one-third of the jail’s population — subscribed to the $5 a month premium service within the first week the tablets were available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595499501642.png" alt="Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) —Inmates at the Sedgwick County Jail now have access to tablet computers they can use for education, entertainment and staying in touch with family.The jail started using the tablets provided by jail communications firm Securus Technologies in November. The devices include a number of free options, such as books and educational materials. The company charges $5 a month for access to premium services like making calls and downloading songs or movies.“It’s stuff we couldn’t even imagine to offer before. It’s very exciting for us to have,” jail administrator Col. Jared Schechter said.Securus said the tablets are being used at more than two dozen Kansas jails that it works with. The devices are provided to detention facilities free, and the company makes money off the subscription fees and by selling media to inmates. The detention facilities receive a commission on the purchases.Officials said the tablets operate on a secure wireless network that Securus installed at the jail that doesn’t offer inmates regular Internet access. The tablets can be checked out for a couple hours at a time.Schechter said about 500 inmates — or about one-third of the jail’s population — subscribed to the $5 a month premium service within the first week the tablets were available.

Some Kan. jail inmates now use tablet computers for entertainment

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 32-year-old assistant prosecutor in the Kansas City area has died from the coronavirus.

Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Jean Peters Baker said on Twitter that JoEllen Engelbart died Saturday.

“Jo valiantly fought Covid but lost that battle today,” Baker wrote. “Jo was a lovely person. She was joyful, smart, so kind, happy without appearing to try and always volunteering. If you knew her, you would love her like I do.”

Engelbart is among 5,562 Missourians who have died from COVID-19. The state passed the 400,000 mark in confirmed cases over the weekend, and added another 1,196 cases Monday, bringing the total to 402,957. The state reported no new deaths Monday.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services spokeswoman Lisa Cox said Monday’s numbers may have been affected by limited reporting from counties due to the New Year’s holiday. She said data on Tuesday “should give us a better, more accurate view of case, deaths and hospitalizations.”

While many hospitals across Missouri remain dangerously crowded with COVID-19 patients, the numbers have stabilized enough in recent weeks that St. Louis County on Monday allowed indoor dining to start again, albeit with restrictions.

Bars and restaurants in Missouri’s largest county, with a population of 1 million, had been limited to outdoor dining and carryout since an order issued Nov. 17 amid a big spike in coronavirus cases.

Under the new order, capacity is limited to 25%. Another provision requires the establishments to maintain records of a customer’s name and contact information in case contact tracing becomes necessary. That provision has drawn criticism from some, including Republican County Councilman Tim Fitch.

Speaking at a news conference Monday, Democratic County Executive Sam Page said he expects only “rare” instances where diners refuse to give their contact information.

Republican Gov. Mike Parson has declined to implement mandatory measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, but St. Louis city and county, Kansas City and Jackson County and several other counties across the state have implemented their own requirements.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 32-year-old assistant prosecutor in the Kansas City area has died from the coronavirus.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We grieve with JoEllen’s family and will stand by them during this unimaginable grief. <a href="https://t.co/hEdNt518iV">https://t.co/hEdNt518iV</a>&mdash; Jean Peters Baker (@jeanpetersbaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeanpetersbaker/status/1345502294796861443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Jean Peters Baker said on Twitter that JoEllen Engelbart died Saturday.“Jo valiantly fought Covid but lost that battle today,” Baker wrote. “Jo was a lovely person. She was joyful, smart, so kind, happy without appearing to try and always volunteering. If you knew her, you would love her like I do.”Engelbart is among 5,562 Missourians who have died from COVID-19. The state passed the 400,000 mark in confirmed cases over the weekend, and added another 1,196 cases Monday, bringing the total to 402,957. The state reported no new deaths Monday.Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services spokeswoman Lisa Cox said Monday’s numbers may have been affected by limited reporting from counties due to the New Year’s holiday. She said data on Tuesday “should give us a better, more accurate view of case, deaths and hospitalizations.”While many hospitals across Missouri remain dangerously crowded with COVID-19 patients, the numbers have stabilized enough in recent weeks that St. Louis County on Monday allowed indoor dining to start again, albeit with restrictions.Bars and restaurants in Missouri’s largest county, with a population of 1 million, had been limited to outdoor dining and carryout since an order issued Nov. 17 amid a big spike in coronavirus cases.Under the new order, capacity is limited to 25%. Another provision requires the establishments to maintain records of a customer’s name and contact information in case contact tracing becomes necessary. That provision has drawn criticism from some, including Republican County Councilman Tim Fitch.Speaking at a news conference Monday, Democratic County Executive Sam Page said he expects only “rare” instances where diners refuse to give their contact information.Republican Gov. Mike Parson has declined to implement mandatory measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, but St. Louis city and county, Kansas City and Jackson County and several other counties across the state have implemented their own requirements.

COVID-19 claims life of Kansas City-area prosecutor

By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/35127c37-7082-4226-93a2-737ca8dfe227">St. Joseph Post</a>

Retired United States Sen. Pat Roberts is proud of his work
both on the Agriculture and the Intelligence Committees.

Roberts leaves Washington, D.C. after 40 years; representing
the First Congressional District of Kansas, then Senator for four terms.

Roberts is known for chairing both the U.S. House and U.S.
Senate Agriculture Committees, but he also chaired the Senate Intelligence
Committee which investigated worldwide intelligence failures in wake of the
first Iraq War, an investigation which became a blueprint for the 9/11
Commission.

“I think we’ve done a great deal. I wish we would renew our
efforts with (military) exercises that we used to conduct,” Roberts tells St.
Joseph Post.

Roberts went with others on the committee to Russia after the
Soviet Union fell, attempting to keep former Soviet scientists from going to
terrorist states. At a city he toured, he was shown a lab in which pathogens were
being designed to take out a country’s food supply.

“You do that and you have the country on their knees,” Roberts
says. “I was shocked and dismayed.”

The investigation eventually led to creation of the National
Bio and Agro-Defense Facility at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

Roberts had his disagreements with fellow Republican, President
Donald Trump, but says Trump hasn’t gotten enough credit for reviving an
economy which had grown stagnant.

“I know that a lot of people do not care for the president’s
personality and I get that,” Roberts says. “But, deregulation and that tax
bill, that enormous tax cut, really got our country back and competitive; more
jobs, everything else. And then, of course, we get hit by COVID.”

Roberts is leaving the Senate at a time when politics in
Washington is fraying.

Roberts says Senators from the two political parties don’t
bother to get to know each other, which prevents them from working together in
the country’s best interest.

“Today, we just don’t know people the way we should,”
according to Roberts. “We are a reflection, rightly or wrongly, of the balkanization
we have in the country. That shouldn’t stop us from (getting to know) an individual
and trying hard to get something to work out.”

Roberts says gridlock seems to be the new normal in
Washington. He adds it doesn’t have to be that way, that the Senate can decide
how to conduct itself and how to approach problems facing the country.

“I just haven’t made any decisions. I’ll keep my finger on the
pie. I’d like to be part of, at least a discussion on a future trade policy
that hopefully would be beneficial to our farmers and ranchers and growers.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609793170852.png" alt="Sen. Pat Roberts speaks with reporters in Washington, D.C./Photo courtesy of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Pat Roberts speaks with reporters in Washington, D.C./Photo courtesy of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/35127c37-7082-4226-93a2-737ca8dfe227">St. Joseph Post</a>Retired United States Sen. Pat Roberts is proud of his work
both on the Agriculture and the Intelligence Committees.Roberts leaves Washington, D.C. after 40 years; representing
the First Congressional District of Kansas, then Senator for four terms.Roberts is known for chairing both the U.S. House and U.S.
Senate Agriculture Committees, but he also chaired the Senate Intelligence
Committee which investigated worldwide intelligence failures in wake of the
first Iraq War, an investigation which became a blueprint for the 9/11
Commission.“I think we’ve done a great deal. I wish we would renew our
efforts with (military) exercises that we used to conduct,” Roberts tells St.
Joseph Post.Roberts went with others on the committee to Russia after the
Soviet Union fell, attempting to keep former Soviet scientists from going to
terrorist states. At a city he toured, he was shown a lab in which pathogens were
being designed to take out a country’s food supply.“You do that and you have the country on their knees,” Roberts
says. “I was shocked and dismayed.”The investigation eventually led to creation of the National
Bio and Agro-Defense Facility at Kansas State University in Manhattan.Roberts had his disagreements with fellow Republican, President
Donald Trump, but says Trump hasn’t gotten enough credit for reviving an
economy which had grown stagnant.“I know that a lot of people do not care for the president’s
personality and I get that,” Roberts says. “But, deregulation and that tax
bill, that enormous tax cut, really got our country back and competitive; more
jobs, everything else. And then, of course, we get hit by COVID.”Roberts is leaving the Senate at a time when politics in
Washington is fraying.Roberts says Senators from the two political parties don’t
bother to get to know each other, which prevents them from working together in
the country’s best interest.“Today, we just don’t know people the way we should,”
according to Roberts. “We are a reflection, rightly or wrongly, of the balkanization
we have in the country. That shouldn’t stop us from (getting to know) an individual
and trying hard to get something to work out.”Roberts says gridlock seems to be the new normal in
Washington. He adds it doesn’t have to be that way, that the Senate can decide
how to conduct itself and how to approach problems facing the country.What is next for Senator Roberts?“I just haven’t made any decisions. I’ll keep my finger on the
pie. I’d like to be part of, at least a discussion on a future trade policy
that hopefully would be beneficial to our farmers and ranchers and growers.”

Sen. Roberts' legacy more than just Ag Committee work

TOPEKA, Kansas –&nbsp;An El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) resident who died Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 had tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first COVID-19 related resident death at EDCF, and the thirteenth resident death related to COVID-19 for the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to a media release from the agency.

The resident tested positive for the virus on Dec. 28, 2020 and was transferred to the hospital on Jan. 2, 2021.&nbsp; He was a 65-year old white male with underlying medical concerns that contributed to his condition.

The resident was serving a 294-month sentence for attempted first degree murder and second degree murder. He had been imprisoned with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) since September 2010.

The 1,955 bed El Dorado Correctional Facility opened in 1991 and was expanded in 1995 and 2001. The facility is designed for&nbsp;maximum- and medium-custody residents and to serve as the Reception and Diagnostic Unit (RDU) for all adult males sentenced to KDOC. In RDU, residents receive orientation and are assigned to a custody classification, appropriate programs and a permanent housing assignment.

TOPEKA, Kansas –&nbsp;An El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) resident who died Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 had tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first COVID-19 related resident death at EDCF, and the thirteenth resident death related to COVID-19 for the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to a media release from the agency.The resident tested positive for the virus on Dec. 28, 2020 and was transferred to the hospital on Jan. 2, 2021.&nbsp; He was a 65-year old white male with underlying medical concerns that contributed to his condition.The resident was serving a 294-month sentence for attempted first degree murder and second degree murder. He had been imprisoned with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) since September 2010.The 1,955 bed El Dorado Correctional Facility opened in 1991 and was expanded in 1995 and 2001. The facility is designed for&nbsp;maximum- and medium-custody residents and to serve as the Reception and Diagnostic Unit (RDU) for all adult males sentenced to KDOC. In RDU, residents receive orientation and are assigned to a custody classification, appropriate programs and a permanent housing assignment.

13th Kan. inmate dies after positive COVID-19 test

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on numerous charges after a Sunday traffic stop.

Shortly after midnight Sunday, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2007 Chrysler minivan for a traffic infraction near 142nd and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Following an investigation, deputies arrested the driver, Danielle Lynn Haverkamp, 30 of Topeka for two outstanding Jackson County District Court no bond warrants and&nbsp;Alan Edward Panuco, 27, of Topeka, for an outstanding Jackson County District Court no bond warrant. 

Another passenger Raul Alejandro Jorge Munoz, 44, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609761522521.png" alt="Panuco-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Panuco-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on numerous charges after a Sunday traffic stop.Shortly after midnight Sunday, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2007 Chrysler minivan for a traffic infraction near 142nd and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609761472710.png" alt="Haverkamp photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Haverkamp photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Following an investigation, deputies arrested the driver, Danielle Lynn Haverkamp, 30 of Topeka for two outstanding Jackson County District Court no bond warrants and&nbsp;Alan Edward Panuco, 27, of Topeka, for an outstanding Jackson County District Court no bond warrant. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609765517748.png" alt="Munoz" />
 <figcaption>Munoz</figcaption>
 </figure>Another passenger Raul Alejandro Jorge Munoz, 44, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to Morse.

Sheriff: 2 jailed in Kansas for no bond warrants

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Kansas’ December total tax collections continues the state’s trend of outperforming the estimate. Total tax collections were up $64.5 million, or 9.1%, for the month with $770.2 million collected. That is a $13.6 million, or 1.8%, increase from December of Fiscal Year 2020, according to a media release from the governor's offie.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.4SL0uLs_dPqOPmmJxrmNf2qtuYvAuEiTaV4_my8OSBg/s/1303160919/br/92625873596-l" target="_blank">Click here to find the revenue numbers&nbsp;</a>

“While it appears that receipts are relatively stable, we must continue to be prudent and exercise caution as we move forward,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Additionally, we are still determining the full impact that the recent federal COVID-19 relief package will have on state receipts.”

For December, retail sales tax collections were $201.9 million; a $6.9 million, or 3.6%, increase from the estimate. That is 0.5%, or $995,601, more than the same month of last fiscal year. Compensating use tax collections grew 34.4%, or $13.4 million, over last December with the collection of $52.1 million. That’s $7.1 million, or 15.9%, more than estimated.

“With the 2020 tax filing season starting this month, we will get a clearer picture of the economic implications the COVID-19 pandemic has presented over the last ten months and how to address those issues,”&nbsp;Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said.

Individual income tax collections were $306.7 million; an increase of 2.2%, or $6.7 million, above the estimate. These collections were $9.5 million, or 3.0%, less than the same month of last fiscal year. Corporate income tax collections were $99.2 million for the month; $39.2 million, or 65.4%, more than estimated. That is $8.5 million, or 9.4%, more than last December.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Kansas’ December total tax collections continues the state’s trend of outperforming the estimate. Total tax collections were up $64.5 million, or 9.1%, for the month with $770.2 million collected. That is a $13.6 million, or 1.8%, increase from December of Fiscal Year 2020, according to a media release from the governor's offie.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.4SL0uLs_dPqOPmmJxrmNf2qtuYvAuEiTaV4_my8OSBg/s/1303160919/br/92625873596-l" target="_blank">Click here to find the revenue numbers&nbsp;</a>“While it appears that receipts are relatively stable, we must continue to be prudent and exercise caution as we move forward,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Additionally, we are still determining the full impact that the recent federal COVID-19 relief package will have on state receipts.”For December, retail sales tax collections were $201.9 million; a $6.9 million, or 3.6%, increase from the estimate. That is 0.5%, or $995,601, more than the same month of last fiscal year. Compensating use tax collections grew 34.4%, or $13.4 million, over last December with the collection of $52.1 million. That’s $7.1 million, or 15.9%, more than estimated.“With the 2020 tax filing season starting this month, we will get a clearer picture of the economic implications the COVID-19 pandemic has presented over the last ten months and how to address those issues,”&nbsp;Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said.Individual income tax collections were $306.7 million; an increase of 2.2%, or $6.7 million, above the estimate. These collections were $9.5 million, or 3.0%, less than the same month of last fiscal year. Corporate income tax collections were $99.2 million for the month; $39.2 million, or 65.4%, more than estimated. That is $8.5 million, or 9.4%, more than last December.

December total tax collections in Kan. up $13.6M 

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic stretch into 2021, millions of U.S. renters are bracing for the possibility of having to show up in housing court to avoid getting evicted. But unlike their landlords, only a small fraction of them will do so flanked by an attorney.

Fewer than 10 cities and counties nationwide guarantee tenants the right to a lawyer in housing-related disputes, and for people struggling to make ends meet, an attorney is beyond their means, leaving many to skip their court hearings or walk in knowing they have little chance. Unlike criminal cases, an attorney won’t be assigned if someone can’t afford one. Legal aid organizations and pro bono lawyers represent many renters every year, but the need outpaces what they can handle.

While housing advocates have primarily pushed for rent relief from the government, experts also expect more cities to join the movement to give tenants the right to an attorney.

“The push for right to counsel preceded the pandemic, but it’s particularly acute and particularly urgent in light of the pandemic, given just the overall precarity that renters are facing,” said Gretchen Purser, an associate professor of sociology at Syracuse University who specializes in housing, homelessness and urban poverty.

She said legal representation “is going to be one of the most important things that groups around the country can be pushing for.”

Many people owe months of back rent, having lost their jobs or faced mounting medical bills during the health crisis. By January, renters will owe as much as $34 billion, according to estimates by the global investment bank and advisory firm Stout. An estimated 23 million people are at risk of getting evicted.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa218012b8">federal COVID-19 relief package</a>&nbsp;includes $25 billion for rental assistance and an extension of an eviction moratorium through January.

The moratorium is what Zachary Kettering thought would protect him when he lost two jobs during the pandemic, fell behind on rent and received a notice in October to vacate his one-bedroom apartment in the Dallas suburb of McKinney.

But he fell victim to a caveat that housing attorneys have warned about: The order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not a blanket moratorium; tenants must sign a declaration and give a copy to their landlord. By early December, Kettering, a disabled veteran, owed $6,900 in rent and a constable knocked on his door with an eviction notice.

A friend loaned him the money to cover his debt, and he agreed to sign a document from his landlord saying he won’t renew his lease in February in exchange for dropping the case.

“I just kind of acquiesce to whatever they wanted,” said Kettering, 33, who is now raising money online. “It’s like you’re playing a game, and one of the people involved doesn’t know the rules of the game. And that game is a very high stakes, to the point where, like, you will be homeless if you don’t play the game.”

The federal relief bill also includes $20 million for legal assistance for renters.

In Baltimore, only 1% of tenants have legal representation in eviction cases, compared with 96% of landlords. But this month, Maryland’s largest city became the latest U.S. jurisdiction to grant renters a right to counsel in those cases. A Stout report estimated that 92% of tenants represented by lawyers in Baltimore would avoid having to leave their homes.

The new ordinance requires the city’s Department of Housing and Community Development to hire nonprofit legal organizations and calls for funding to help spread the word and educate tenants. It gives the city four years to fully implement the requirements.

Attorney Matthew Hill with the Public Justice Center, which advocated for the new ordinance, said Baltimore could draw from general funds and federal money to cover the program’s costs. He said a measure proposing a right to counsel also will be introduced in the Maryland Legislature, potentially making state funds available for Baltimore’s effort.

“This is really supposed to level the playing field and really provide tenants access, because eviction court often is just about evictions, but tenants have a lot of defenses,” Hill said, including whether the place is livable and if landlords are licensed. “So, we want to try and change eviction court into housing court and make sure we enforce tenants’ rights to safe, stable, healthy housing.”

The Stout report estimated that an investment of $5.7 million a year to get legal representation for Baltimore renters would result in $35.6 million in savings to the city and state on homeless shelters, Medicaid spending, school funding and foster care costs.

In 2017, New York became the first U.S. city to guarantee the right to an attorney in housing court. Between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 86% of tenants represented by lawyers were able to stay in their homes, according to a city report released this fall.

Other cities with similar laws include San Francisco, Philadelphia and Newark, New Jersey.

Before the pandemic, about 300,000 evictions were filed in the U.S. in an average month, according to the Eviction Lab at Princeton University. A patchwork of local and state guidelines combined with the federal moratorium have provided some protections for people unable to pay rent. But in some places, including cities in South Carolina, Ohio, Florida and Virginia, renters are losing their homes.

Pablo Estupiñan, interim co-coordinator of Right to Counsel NYC Coalition, said eviction filings dropped in New York since its right-to-counsel ordinance took effect three years ago. But he said landlords’ attorneys have increased pressure on tenants and sometimes people choose to leave because they may not know their rights.

“As a result of right to counsel, we saw landlords changing their tactics, and we definitely heard from community members that landlord attorneys were threatening them, saying, ‘If you get an attorney to represent you, then I will fight your case harder and not give you a fair settlement,’” Estupiñan said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic stretch into 2021, millions of U.S. renters are bracing for the possibility of having to show up in housing court to avoid getting evicted. But unlike their landlords, only a small fraction of them will do so flanked by an attorney.Fewer than 10 cities and counties nationwide guarantee tenants the right to a lawyer in housing-related disputes, and for people struggling to make ends meet, an attorney is beyond their means, leaving many to skip their court hearings or walk in knowing they have little chance. Unlike criminal cases, an attorney won’t be assigned if someone can’t afford one. Legal aid organizations and pro bono lawyers represent many renters every year, but the need outpaces what they can handle.While housing advocates have primarily pushed for rent relief from the government, experts also expect more cities to join the movement to give tenants the right to an attorney.“The push for right to counsel preceded the pandemic, but it’s particularly acute and particularly urgent in light of the pandemic, given just the overall precarity that renters are facing,” said Gretchen Purser, an associate professor of sociology at Syracuse University who specializes in housing, homelessness and urban poverty.She said legal representation “is going to be one of the most important things that groups around the country can be pushing for.”Many people owe months of back rent, having lost their jobs or faced mounting medical bills during the health crisis. By January, renters will owe as much as $34 billion, according to estimates by the global investment bank and advisory firm Stout. An estimated 23 million people are at risk of getting evicted.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa218012b8">federal COVID-19 relief package</a>&nbsp;includes $25 billion for rental assistance and an extension of an eviction moratorium through January.The moratorium is what Zachary Kettering thought would protect him when he lost two jobs during the pandemic, fell behind on rent and received a notice in October to vacate his one-bedroom apartment in the Dallas suburb of McKinney.But he fell victim to a caveat that housing attorneys have warned about: The order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not a blanket moratorium; tenants must sign a declaration and give a copy to their landlord. By early December, Kettering, a disabled veteran, owed $6,900 in rent and a constable knocked on his door with an eviction notice.A friend loaned him the money to cover his debt, and he agreed to sign a document from his landlord saying he won’t renew his lease in February in exchange for dropping the case.“I just kind of acquiesce to whatever they wanted,” said Kettering, 33, who is now raising money online. “It’s like you’re playing a game, and one of the people involved doesn’t know the rules of the game. And that game is a very high stakes, to the point where, like, you will be homeless if you don’t play the game.”The federal relief bill also includes $20 million for legal assistance for renters.In Baltimore, only 1% of tenants have legal representation in eviction cases, compared with 96% of landlords. But this month, Maryland’s largest city became the latest U.S. jurisdiction to grant renters a right to counsel in those cases. A Stout report estimated that 92% of tenants represented by lawyers in Baltimore would avoid having to leave their homes.The new ordinance requires the city’s Department of Housing and Community Development to hire nonprofit legal organizations and calls for funding to help spread the word and educate tenants. It gives the city four years to fully implement the requirements.Attorney Matthew Hill with the Public Justice Center, which advocated for the new ordinance, said Baltimore could draw from general funds and federal money to cover the program’s costs. He said a measure proposing a right to counsel also will be introduced in the Maryland Legislature, potentially making state funds available for Baltimore’s effort.“This is really supposed to level the playing field and really provide tenants access, because eviction court often is just about evictions, but tenants have a lot of defenses,” Hill said, including whether the place is livable and if landlords are licensed. “So, we want to try and change eviction court into housing court and make sure we enforce tenants’ rights to safe, stable, healthy housing.”The Stout report estimated that an investment of $5.7 million a year to get legal representation for Baltimore renters would result in $35.6 million in savings to the city and state on homeless shelters, Medicaid spending, school funding and foster care costs.In 2017, New York became the first U.S. city to guarantee the right to an attorney in housing court. Between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 86% of tenants represented by lawyers were able to stay in their homes, according to a city report released this fall.Other cities with similar laws include San Francisco, Philadelphia and Newark, New Jersey.Before the pandemic, about 300,000 evictions were filed in the U.S. in an average month, according to the Eviction Lab at Princeton University. A patchwork of local and state guidelines combined with the federal moratorium have provided some protections for people unable to pay rent. But in some places, including cities in South Carolina, Ohio, Florida and Virginia, renters are losing their homes.Pablo Estupiñan, interim co-coordinator of Right to Counsel NYC Coalition, said eviction filings dropped in New York since its right-to-counsel ordinance took effect three years ago. But he said landlords’ attorneys have increased pressure on tenants and sometimes people choose to leave because they may not know their rights.“As a result of right to counsel, we saw landlords changing their tactics, and we definitely heard from community members that landlord attorneys were threatening them, saying, ‘If you get an attorney to represent you, then I will fight your case harder and not give you a fair settlement,’” Estupiñan said.

Virus relief: Renters get right to lawyers in housing court

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 3572 to a total of 231,317 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,897 an increase of 18.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 3572 to a total of 231,317 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,897 an increase of 18.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609784137844.png" alt="Monday January 4 2021, KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday January 4 2021, KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — A pedestrian was hospitalized over the weekend after being hit by a Pittsburg police vehicle, the Kansas Highway Patrol said.

Marco Dias, 23, was struck by the vehicle Thursday night on a street in Pittsburg. He was taken to Ascension Via Christi Hospital.&nbsp; The hospital said he was not listed as a patient at the Pittsburg hospital on Monday.

The patrol car was southbound on Walnut Street, approaching an intersection, when Dias was hit, according to the Pittsburg police department. The car was driven by Nicholas Cook, 24, the patrol said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569406984684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — A pedestrian was hospitalized over the weekend after being hit by a Pittsburg police vehicle, the Kansas Highway Patrol said.Marco Dias, 23, was struck by the vehicle Thursday night on a street in Pittsburg. He was taken to Ascension Via Christi Hospital.&nbsp; The hospital said he was not listed as a patient at the Pittsburg hospital on Monday.The patrol car was southbound on Walnut Street, approaching an intersection, when Dias was hit, according to the Pittsburg police department. The car was driven by Nicholas Cook, 24, the patrol said.Police released no further information.

Authorities: Car driven by Kan. officer hits 23-year-old man

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers was sworn in as State Treasurer will and Commerce Secretary David Toland as Lieutenant Governor of Kansas&nbsp; during separate ceremonies Monday morning starting at 11a.m. in the First Floor Rotunda of the Kansas Statehouse.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers stepped down Jan. 2 to fill the vacancy in the state treasurer’s office. Watch his swearing in below.

Toland has been commerce secretary since Kelly took office in January 2019. Before that, Toland ran a nonprofit economic development group in Allen County in southeast Kansas for 11 years. He also served as the treasurer for Kelly’s successful 2018 campaign for governor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609783707098.png" alt="A fist bump from new Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland&nbsp; after taking the oath of office Monday morning." />
 <figcaption>A fist bump from new Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland&nbsp; after taking the oath of office Monday morning.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers was sworn in as State Treasurer will and Commerce Secretary David Toland as Lieutenant Governor of Kansas&nbsp; during separate ceremonies Monday morning starting at 11a.m. in the First Floor Rotunda of the Kansas Statehouse.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F1200969666971926%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>&nbsp;Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers stepped down Jan. 2 to fill the vacancy in the state treasurer’s office. Watch his swearing in below.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F220511426368252%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> Toland has been commerce secretary since Kelly took office in January 2019. Before that, Toland ran a nonprofit economic development group in Allen County in southeast Kansas for 11 years. He also served as the treasurer for Kelly’s successful 2018 campaign for governor.

🎥  Swearing in for new Kan. Lt. Gov., State Treasurer 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two men who were homeless were found dead in Kansas City on a weekend when temperatures fell below freezing.

A volunteer with Free Hot Soup Kansas City, which provides meals and supplies to the homeless, found a man dead inside a vacant building Sunday night.

Alina Heart, that volunteer with Free Hot Soup Kansas City, said she had been asked to check on the man because of the cold.

“It appeared that they were trying to stay warm without any shelter,” Heart said, “and it appeared -- I’m not sure, but it appeared like they suffered from the cold.”

On Friday, a 41-year-old homeless man was found dead in an area where homeless people stay.

The Kansas City area received several inches of snow on Friday and night time temperatures fell below freezing during the weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609772321759.png" alt="Cold, dark weekend&nbsp; with temperatures below freezing in Kansas City-image courtesy KC Scout and National Weather Service Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Cold, dark weekend&nbsp; with temperatures below freezing in Kansas City-image courtesy KC Scout and National Weather Service Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two men who were homeless were found dead in Kansas City on a weekend when temperatures fell below freezing.A volunteer with Free Hot Soup Kansas City, which provides meals and supplies to the homeless, found a man dead inside a vacant building Sunday night.Alina Heart, that volunteer with Free Hot Soup Kansas City, said she had been asked to check on the man because of the cold.“It appeared that they were trying to stay warm without any shelter,” Heart said, “and it appeared -- I’m not sure, but it appeared like they suffered from the cold.”On Friday, a 41-year-old homeless man was found dead in an area where homeless people stay.The Kansas City area received several inches of snow on Friday and night time temperatures fell below freezing during the weekend.

2 homeless men found dead in Kansas City

WASHINGTON—Following the lead of new U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, three Kansas congressman said Sunday they plan to support&nbsp;President Donald Trump and&nbsp; reject the results when Congress meets Wednesday to count the Electoral College votes that favor Joe Biden.

First District Representative Tracey Mann, Representatives Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner stated in a media release "It is the duty of Congress to certify electors for the presidential election based on the laws passed by state legislators. With several states facing serious allegations of voter fraud and violations of their own state laws, the Kansas Republican delegation in the House will object to the certification of electors in multiple states on Jan. 6.

 This action is not taken lightly and comes after extensive study and research. Kansans deserve to know that all legal, and only legal, votes were counted. We hope our actions begin to restore the confidence of tens of millions of our fellow Americans that feel their sacred right to vote is under attack."&nbsp;

Mann and LaTurner were sworn in on Sunday afternoon to serve their first terms in the House.

 On Saturday, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas announced a coalition of 11 senators who will vote against certain state electors unless Congress appoints an electoral commission to immediately conduct an audit of the election results.&nbsp;

Also on Sunday, a bipartisan group of 10 senators&nbsp; issued a statement calling for Congress to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s win.

The senators, including four Republicans, said in the statement on Sunday that efforts by some Republicans to overturn the results in favor of President Donald Trump “are contrary to the clearly expressed will of the American people and only serve to undermine Americans’ confidence in the already determined election results.”

Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Mitt Romney of Utah signed on to the statement, which said “it is time to move forward.”

The objections will force votes in both the House and Senate, but none are expected to prevail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604460700131.png" alt="New First District Rep. Tracey Mann" />
 <figcaption>New First District Rep. Tracey Mann</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON—Following the lead of new U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, three Kansas congressman said Sunday they plan to support&nbsp;President Donald Trump and&nbsp; reject the results when Congress meets Wednesday to count the Electoral College votes that favor Joe Biden.First District Representative Tracey Mann, Representatives Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner stated in a media release "It is the duty of Congress to certify electors for the presidential election based on the laws passed by state legislators. With several states facing serious allegations of voter fraud and violations of their own state laws, the Kansas Republican delegation in the House will object to the certification of electors in multiple states on Jan. 6. This action is not taken lightly and comes after extensive study and research. Kansans deserve to know that all legal, and only legal, votes were counted. We hope our actions begin to restore the confidence of tens of millions of our fellow Americans that feel their sacred right to vote is under attack."&nbsp;Mann and LaTurner were sworn in on Sunday afternoon to serve their first terms in the House. On Saturday, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas announced a coalition of 11 senators who will vote against certain state electors unless Congress appoints an electoral commission to immediately conduct an audit of the election results.&nbsp;Also on Sunday, a bipartisan group of 10 senators&nbsp; issued a statement calling for Congress to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s win.The senators, including four Republicans, said in the statement on Sunday that efforts by some Republicans to overturn the results in favor of President Donald Trump “are contrary to the clearly expressed will of the American people and only serve to undermine Americans’ confidence in the already determined election results.”Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Mitt Romney of Utah signed on to the statement, which said “it is time to move forward.”The objections will force votes in both the House and Senate, but none are expected to prevail.

3 Kan. congressmen join effort to reject Electoral College vote

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609375270250.png" alt="Halstead has a previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated weapons and for drug possession and distribution, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections He was reported as an absconder in August-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Halstead has a previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated weapons and for drug possession and distribution, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections He was reported as an absconder in August-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that left one dead and one wounded in Wichita and asking the public for help to locate two suspects, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609375240647.png" alt="Arthur-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Arthur-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 8p.m. Dec. 29, officers responded to the 3900 Block of W. Fairhaven in Wichita. They found one man dead and another victim injured.Deputies are looking for 34-year-old Joshua Dean Halstead and 28-year-old Jacquellyn Michelle Arthur in connection with the incident. If you&nbsp; know where they are or have any additional details on the suspects, call 911.

Police: Search continues for 2 Kan. murder suspects

COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of stolen vehicles found five of them in rural south central Kansas.

On December 27, 2020 an individual contacted deputies to report they discovered their stolen vehicle in rural Cowley county, according to Sheriff Dave Faletti.

Deputies responded to the 20000 block of 151st Road and made contact with the reporting party who advised their vehicle had been stolen several months ago and they were told where to find it. 

After checking the VIN number, deputies confirmed the vehicle was stolen.

Deputies contacted the landowner who gave consent to law enforcement to check all other vehicles on the property.&nbsp; Deputies discovered four other vehicles stolen from Wichita, Winfield and Collinsville, Oklahoma. 

Deputies notified all the owners and the vehicles were removed from the property. 

Further investigation is being conducted but the sheriff has not reported an arrest.

COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of stolen vehicles found five of them in rural south central Kansas.On December 27, 2020 an individual contacted deputies to report they discovered their stolen vehicle in rural Cowley county, according to Sheriff Dave Faletti.Deputies responded to the 20000 block of 151st Road and made contact with the reporting party who advised their vehicle had been stolen several months ago and they were told where to find it. After checking the VIN number, deputies confirmed the vehicle was stolen.Deputies contacted the landowner who gave consent to law enforcement to check all other vehicles on the property.&nbsp; Deputies discovered four other vehicles stolen from Wichita, Winfield and Collinsville, Oklahoma. Deputies notified all the owners and the vehicles were removed from the property. Further investigation is being conducted but the sheriff has not reported an arrest.

Sheriff: Five stolen vehicles discovered in rural Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court has cleared the way for the only woman on federal death row to be executed before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.

The ruling, handed down Friday by a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, concluded that a lower court judge erred when he vacated Lisa Montgomery’s execution date in an order last week.

U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss had ruled the Justice Department unlawfully rescheduled Montgomery’s execution and he vacated an order from the director of the Bureau of Prisons scheduling her death for Jan. 12.

Montgomery had been scheduled to be put to death at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana, in December, but Moss delayed the execution after her attorneys contracted coronavirus visiting their client and asked him to extend the time to file a clemency petition.

Moss concluded that the under his order the Bureau of Prisons could not even reschedule Montgomery’s execution until at least Jan. 1. But the appeals panel disagreed.

Meaghan VerGow, an attorney for Montgomery, said her legal team would ask for the full appeals court to review the case and said Montgomery should not be executed on Jan. 12.

Montgomery was convicted of killing 23-year-old Bobbie Jo Stinnett in the northwest Missouri town of Skidmore in December 2004. She used a rope to strangle Stinnett, who was eight months pregnant, and then cut the baby girl from the womb with a kitchen knife, authorities said. Montgomery took the child with her and attempted to pass the girl off as her own, prosecutors said.

Montgomery’s lawyers have argued that their client suffers from serious mental illnesses. Biden opposes the death penalty and his spokesman, TJ Ducklo, has said he would work to end its use. But Biden has not said whether he will halt federal executions after he takes office Jan. 20.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602895377835.png" alt="Montgomery is being held at the Federal Medical Center, Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas, according to online jail records." />
 <figcaption>Montgomery is being held at the Federal Medical Center, Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas, according to online jail records.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court has cleared the way for the only woman on federal death row to be executed before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.The ruling, handed down Friday by a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, concluded that a lower court judge erred when he vacated Lisa Montgomery’s execution date in an order last week.U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss had ruled the Justice Department unlawfully rescheduled Montgomery’s execution and he vacated an order from the director of the Bureau of Prisons scheduling her death for Jan. 12.Montgomery had been scheduled to be put to death at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana, in December, but Moss delayed the execution after her attorneys contracted coronavirus visiting their client and asked him to extend the time to file a clemency petition.Moss concluded that the under his order the Bureau of Prisons could not even reschedule Montgomery’s execution until at least Jan. 1. But the appeals panel disagreed.Meaghan VerGow, an attorney for Montgomery, said her legal team would ask for the full appeals court to review the case and said Montgomery should not be executed on Jan. 12.Montgomery was convicted of killing 23-year-old Bobbie Jo Stinnett in the northwest Missouri town of Skidmore in December 2004. She used a rope to strangle Stinnett, who was eight months pregnant, and then cut the baby girl from the womb with a kitchen knife, authorities said. Montgomery took the child with her and attempted to pass the girl off as her own, prosecutors said.Montgomery’s lawyers have argued that their client suffers from serious mental illnesses. Biden opposes the death penalty and his spokesman, TJ Ducklo, has said he would work to end its use. But Biden has not said whether he will halt federal executions after he takes office Jan. 20.