FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in southwest Kansas and have made an arrest.

Just before 9a.m. Thursday, police responded to Room 114 of the Magnuson Hotel for a shooting that had just occurred.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located a man with a gunshot wound to his lower leg. 

Officers were able to identify the shooter as 47-year-old Clayton Mays of Piedmont, Missouri. Police found him on the east side of the hotel arrested him. EMS transported the victim&nbsp; to St. Catherine Hospital for treatment. 

The investigation revealed that the victim was in the north parking lot working on his semi-truck when he was approached by Mays, who allegedly had a handgun and fired at the victim. 

The victim told officers he thought several gunshots fired and was struck in the leg by one of them. Mays left the scene while the victim went back to his room. The motive for the incident is under investigation. 

Mays is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; Attempted First-Degree Murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627655277542.png" alt="Mays photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Mays photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in southwest Kansas and have made an arrest.Just before 9a.m. Thursday, police responded to Room 114 of the Magnuson Hotel for a shooting that had just occurred.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located a man with a gunshot wound to his lower leg. Officers were able to identify the shooter as 47-year-old Clayton Mays of Piedmont, Missouri. Police found him on the east side of the hotel arrested him. EMS transported the victim&nbsp; to St. Catherine Hospital for treatment. The investigation revealed that the victim was in the north parking lot working on his semi-truck when he was approached by Mays, who allegedly had a handgun and fired at the victim. The victim told officers he thought several gunshots fired and was struck in the leg by one of them. Mays left the scene while the victim went back to his room. The motive for the incident is under investigation. Mays is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; Attempted First-Degree Murder.

Man accused in southwest Kansas motel shooting

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged drunk driving crash that sent 4 to the hospital.

Just after 10 a.m. Friday, deputies were dispatched to a report of a suspected intoxicated driver near 95th Street South and Broadway, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick. 

Moments later, a two vehicle injury accident was reported south of 103rd Street South and Broadway. Deputies arrived and located a severely damaged Ford Escape and Ford Fiesta.

During the collision investigation deputies learned the southbound Ford Escape operated by a 46-year-old man crossed the center line and struck the northbound Ford Fiesta driven by a 46-year-old woman. It was also determined the Ford Escape was the vehicle described in the earlier report of a suspected intoxicated driver.

The driver of the Ford Escape was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.

The driver of the Ford Fiesta was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Two passengers in the Ford Fiesta, ages 21 and 11, were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Authorities released no additional details Friday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627691639051.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the crash photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the crash photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged drunk driving crash that sent 4 to the hospital.Just after 10 a.m. Friday, deputies were dispatched to a report of a suspected intoxicated driver near 95th Street South and Broadway, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick. Moments later, a two vehicle injury accident was reported south of 103rd Street South and Broadway. Deputies arrived and located a severely damaged Ford Escape and Ford Fiesta.During the collision investigation deputies learned the southbound Ford Escape operated by a 46-year-old man crossed the center line and struck the northbound Ford Fiesta driven by a 46-year-old woman. It was also determined the Ford Escape was the vehicle described in the earlier report of a suspected intoxicated driver.The driver of the Ford Escape was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.The driver of the Ford Fiesta was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Two passengers in the Ford Fiesta, ages 21 and 11, were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Authorities released no additional details Friday afternoon.

Sheriff: 4 hospitalized in Kan. after DUI crash

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 17-year-old suburban Wichita boy who shot his mother to death has been sentenced to two years of probation. The teenager, who was never charged as an adult, shot 41-year-old Lisa Trimmell in June 2018 in Andover. 

He pleaded no contest last month to aggravated battery and criminal use of a weapon. KAKE-TV reports court documents indicate the boy, who was 14 at the time, shot his mother because she was attacking his younger brother. 

Attorney Dan Monnat said in a previous motion that Trimmell had a history of alcoholism and of abusing her sons.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas teenager who shot and killed his mother in 2018 pleaded no contest Wednesday to lesser charges in her death.

A teen, who was not charged as an adult, was originally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3e237d00ca84e1aacb5638ab2e3b181">charged</a>&nbsp;with second-degree murder in the death of Lisa Trimmell, 41, on June 20, 2018 at a home near Andover. He pleaded no contest Wednesday to aggravated battery and criminal use of a weapon.

Prosecutors said Trimmell was arguing with her young son, who was 12, and made “physical contact” with him. Her older son, who was 14, retrieved a gun and shot her once.

The teenager’s attorney argued he was protecting his brother and himself from his mother, who was drunk at the time of the shooting.

An autopsy found Trimmell had “acute and chronic alcoholism” and scarring of the liver. Her blood-alcohol level was more than double the legal limit for driving.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623880631080.png" alt="Lisa Trimmell's blood-alcohol level was more than double the legal limit for driving the night of her death, according to autopsy-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Lisa Trimmell's blood-alcohol level was more than double the legal limit for driving the night of her death, according to autopsy-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 17-year-old suburban Wichita boy who shot his mother to death has been sentenced to two years of probation. The teenager, who was never charged as an adult, shot 41-year-old Lisa Trimmell in June 2018 in Andover. He pleaded no contest last month to aggravated battery and criminal use of a weapon. KAKE-TV reports court documents indicate the boy, who was 14 at the time, shot his mother because she was attacking his younger brother. Attorney Dan Monnat said in a previous motion that Trimmell had a history of alcoholism and of abusing her sons.-----------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas teenager who shot and killed his mother in 2018 pleaded no contest Wednesday to lesser charges in her death.A teen, who was not charged as an adult, was originally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3e237d00ca84e1aacb5638ab2e3b181">charged</a>&nbsp;with second-degree murder in the death of Lisa Trimmell, 41, on June 20, 2018 at a home near Andover. He pleaded no contest Wednesday to aggravated battery and criminal use of a weapon.Prosecutors said Trimmell was arguing with her young son, who was 12, and made “physical contact” with him. Her older son, who was 14, retrieved a gun and shot her once.The teenager’s attorney argued he was protecting his brother and himself from his mother, who was drunk at the time of the shooting.An autopsy found Trimmell had “acute and chronic alcoholism” and scarring of the liver. Her blood-alcohol level was more than double the legal limit for driving.

Kan. teen who fatally shot mother sentenced 

CLOUD COUNTY –&nbsp;Another subject was arrested, and an additional arrest warrant was issued following a Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) investigation into former employees of the Cloud County Jail.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nicholas Clanin, 33, of Concordia, was arrested at approximately 11 a.m. on Friday, July 30, in Belleville. He was arrested for theft, misuse of public funds, official misconduct, and destroying a written instrument. Clanin was a Cloud County jail lieutenant at the time the alleged crimes took place. He was booked into the Republic County Jail.

An arrest warrant was also secured for Alexandra Wilcox, 22, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, for misdemeanor theft related to the case. She was formerly a corrections officer at the Jail.

The Lincoln County Attorney was appointed as special prosecutor and is expected to prosecute the case.

On Wednesday, a former north-central Kansas jail employee and her mother were arrested, accused by Kansas Bureau of Investigation officials of theft of public money.

Agents arrested Amber Lindberg, 40, of Concordia, in Minneapolis, Kansas, on suspicion of theft, misuse of public funds, official misconduct and several other counts, the KBI said in a news release.

Also arrested was Lindberg’s mother, 62-year-old Joyce Jasper of Concordia, on suspicion of theft.

It was unclear early Friday whether the women yet had an attorney representing them.

Lindberg was the Cloud County Jail administrator in June 2019, when the KBI began its investigation.

The KBI did not give other details about the alleged theft, including how much was reportedly stolen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627671300355.png" alt="Clanin-photo Republic Co." />
 <figcaption>Clanin-photo Republic Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>CLOUD COUNTY –&nbsp;Another subject was arrested, and an additional arrest warrant was issued following a Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) investigation into former employees of the Cloud County Jail.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nicholas Clanin, 33, of Concordia, was arrested at approximately 11 a.m. on Friday, July 30, in Belleville. He was arrested for theft, misuse of public funds, official misconduct, and destroying a written instrument. Clanin was a Cloud County jail lieutenant at the time the alleged crimes took place. He was booked into the Republic County Jail.An arrest warrant was also secured for Alexandra Wilcox, 22, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, for misdemeanor theft related to the case. She was formerly a corrections officer at the Jail.The Lincoln County Attorney was appointed as special prosecutor and is expected to prosecute the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627656091487.png" alt="Jasper photo Cloud County" />
 <figcaption>Jasper photo Cloud County</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, a former north-central Kansas jail employee and her mother were arrested, accused by Kansas Bureau of Investigation officials of theft of public money.Agents arrested Amber Lindberg, 40, of Concordia, in Minneapolis, Kansas, on suspicion of theft, misuse of public funds, official misconduct and several other counts, the KBI said in a news release.Also arrested was Lindberg’s mother, 62-year-old Joyce Jasper of Concordia, on suspicion of theft.It was unclear early Friday whether the women yet had an attorney representing them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627595225257.png" alt="Lindberg is being held in Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Lindberg is being held in Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Lindberg was the Cloud County Jail administrator in June 2019, when the KBI began its investigation.The KBI did not give other details about the alleged theft, including how much was reportedly stolen.--------

KBI makes additional arrest in Cloud Co. Jail investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate advanced a roughly $1 trillion infrastructure plan on Friday with a bipartisan group of senators helping it clear one more hurdle and bracing to see if support can hold during the next few days of debate and efforts to amend it.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said that the chamber should be able to process the legislation quickly given the bipartisan support.

“We may need the weekend, we may vote on several amendments, but with the cooperation of our Republican colleagues I believe we can finish the bipartisan infrastructure bill in a matter of days,” Schumer said.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran voted against a motion to proceed on the legislation. “I appreciate the bipartisan effort that is taking place to craft and negotiate an infrastructure bill. It is important we get infrastructure right, and Leader Schumer shouldn’t set arbitrary deadlines until we have a final product. I do not support moving this bill forward until we have the full legislative text.”

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, predicted, “It’s going to be a grind.”

The effort got off to a haphazard start on Friday. Shortly after the Senate began the procedural vote, it was stopped. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., indicated Republicans would need to see the full text of the bill before agreeing to go forward.

Moments later, the vote resumed and the effort to proceed to consideration of the bill passed by a vote of 66-28.

Earlier this week, 17 GOP senators joined all Democrats in voting to start the debate, launching what will be a dayslong process to consider the bill. That support largely held Friday with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky again voting yes to nudge the process along.

But whether the number of Republican senators willing to pass a key part of President Joe Biden’s agenda grows or shrinks in the days ahead will determine if the president’s signature issue can make it across the finish line.

Cornyn said that he expects Schumer to allow all senators to have a chance to shape the bill and allow for amendments from members of both political parties.

“I’ve been disappointed that Senator Schumer has seen to fit to try to force us to vote on a bill that does not exist in its entirety, but I hope we can now pump the brakes a little bit and take the time and care to evaluate the benefits and the cost of this legislation,” Cornyn said.

Schumer planned to introduce the text of the bill later in the day with supporters hoping to complete action before leaving for the August recess. Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., released a statement saying they were close to finalizing the legislative text and hope to make it public later in the day.

“When legislative text is finalized that reflects the product of our group, we will make it public together consistent with the bipartisan way we’ve worked for the last four months,” the senators said.

The bipartisan plan is big, with $550 billion in new spending over five years beyond the typical highway and public works accounts. It’s being financed from funding sources that may not pass muster with deficit hawks, including repurposing untapped COVID-19 relief aid and relying on projected future economic growth.

Among the major investments are $110 billion for roads and bridges, $39 billion for public transit and $66 billion for rail. There’s also $55 billion for water and wastewater infrastructure as well as billions for airports, ports, broadband and electric vehicle charging stations.

The outcome will set the stage for the next debate over Biden’s much more ambitious $3.5 trillion spending package, a strictly partisan pursuit of far-reaching programs and services including child care, tax breaks and health care that touch almost every corner of American life. Republicans strongly oppose that bill, which would require a simple majority, and may try to stop both.

On the other side of the Capitol, a bipartisan group of senators and representative gathered to voice their support for the narrower, bipartisan infrastructure effort and to encourage House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to allow a quick vote on it after it passes the Senate. However, Pelosi has stated there won’t be an infrastructure bill vote unless the Senate also passes the more ambitious package, too.

“I’m not asking Speaker Pelosi today to support the bill. I’m asking for something a lot more basic than that. I’m asking to give us a vote,” said Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D. “Let us vote.”

Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. also appealed for a stand-alone vote on the bipartisan plan because “that’s what the country wants.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626283910947.png" alt="Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said that the chamber should be able to process the legislation quickly given the bipartisan support. Schumer and President Biden met for lunch earlier this month to discuss the legislation -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said that the chamber should be able to process the legislation quickly given the bipartisan support. Schumer and President Biden met for lunch earlier this month to discuss the legislation -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate advanced a roughly $1 trillion infrastructure plan on Friday with a bipartisan group of senators helping it clear one more hurdle and bracing to see if support can hold during the next few days of debate and efforts to amend it.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said that the chamber should be able to process the legislation quickly given the bipartisan support.“We may need the weekend, we may vote on several amendments, but with the cooperation of our Republican colleagues I believe we can finish the bipartisan infrastructure bill in a matter of days,” Schumer said.U.S. Senator Jerry Moran voted against a motion to proceed on the legislation. “I appreciate the bipartisan effort that is taking place to craft and negotiate an infrastructure bill. It is important we get infrastructure right, and Leader Schumer shouldn’t set arbitrary deadlines until we have a final product. I do not support moving this bill forward until we have the full legislative text.”Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, predicted, “It’s going to be a grind.”The effort got off to a haphazard start on Friday. Shortly after the Senate began the procedural vote, it was stopped. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., indicated Republicans would need to see the full text of the bill before agreeing to go forward.Moments later, the vote resumed and the effort to proceed to consideration of the bill passed by a vote of 66-28.Earlier this week, 17 GOP senators joined all Democrats in voting to start the debate, launching what will be a dayslong process to consider the bill. That support largely held Friday with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky again voting yes to nudge the process along.But whether the number of Republican senators willing to pass a key part of President Joe Biden’s agenda grows or shrinks in the days ahead will determine if the president’s signature issue can make it across the finish line.Cornyn said that he expects Schumer to allow all senators to have a chance to shape the bill and allow for amendments from members of both political parties.“I’ve been disappointed that Senator Schumer has seen to fit to try to force us to vote on a bill that does not exist in its entirety, but I hope we can now pump the brakes a little bit and take the time and care to evaluate the benefits and the cost of this legislation,” Cornyn said.Schumer planned to introduce the text of the bill later in the day with supporters hoping to complete action before leaving for the August recess. Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., released a statement saying they were close to finalizing the legislative text and hope to make it public later in the day.“When legislative text is finalized that reflects the product of our group, we will make it public together consistent with the bipartisan way we’ve worked for the last four months,” the senators said.The bipartisan plan is big, with $550 billion in new spending over five years beyond the typical highway and public works accounts. It’s being financed from funding sources that may not pass muster with deficit hawks, including repurposing untapped COVID-19 relief aid and relying on projected future economic growth.Among the major investments are $110 billion for roads and bridges, $39 billion for public transit and $66 billion for rail. There’s also $55 billion for water and wastewater infrastructure as well as billions for airports, ports, broadband and electric vehicle charging stations.The outcome will set the stage for the next debate over Biden’s much more ambitious $3.5 trillion spending package, a strictly partisan pursuit of far-reaching programs and services including child care, tax breaks and health care that touch almost every corner of American life. Republicans strongly oppose that bill, which would require a simple majority, and may try to stop both.On the other side of the Capitol, a bipartisan group of senators and representative gathered to voice their support for the narrower, bipartisan infrastructure effort and to encourage House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to allow a quick vote on it after it passes the Senate. However, Pelosi has stated there won’t be an infrastructure bill vote unless the Senate also passes the more ambitious package, too.“I’m not asking Speaker Pelosi today to support the bill. I’m asking for something a lot more basic than that. I’m asking to give us a vote,” said Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D. “Let us vote.”Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. also appealed for a stand-alone vote on the bipartisan plan because “that’s what the country wants.”

Moran votes no; Senate advances $1T infrastructure plan


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — President Joe Biden on Thursday announced a new safety mandate for federal employees and contractors who work on-site at government facilities. Employees are to attest that they have been vaccinated, or agree to wear masks at all times and submit to regular screening for COVID-19. Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann does not support the idea.

"The federal government should not be mandating vaccines," Mann said. "The federal government should not be mandating masks and the federal government should not be mandating vaccine passports. I strongly oppose all three of those things. The federal government's role is to provide a vaccine, which they have done, provide the information, which they've done. Then, it's up to individual Americans or Kansans to decide if they want the vaccine or not."

Mann said even those employees under the mandate can push back, if they so choose.

"Per federal law, you do not have to get vaccinated, if you're a federal employee," Mann said. "Number one, if you have a note from your doctor saying you don't have to, or number two, if, for religious beliefs you don't believe in taking vaccines. My understanding is, you can then sign an affidavit, or you can attest that this is against your religious belief. At least, that's what the legal standard has been so far."

Mann and his wife are vaccinated and he said it was the right decision for him and his family. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627660813904.png" alt="First District Congressman Tracey Mann standing outside his DC office this week" />
 <figcaption>First District Congressman Tracey Mann standing outside his DC office this week</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — President Joe Biden on Thursday announced a new safety mandate for federal employees and contractors who work on-site at government facilities. Employees are to attest that they have been vaccinated, or agree to wear masks at all times and submit to regular screening for COVID-19. Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann does not support the idea."The federal government should not be mandating vaccines," Mann said. "The federal government should not be mandating masks and the federal government should not be mandating vaccine passports. I strongly oppose all three of those things. The federal government's role is to provide a vaccine, which they have done, provide the information, which they've done. Then, it's up to individual Americans or Kansans to decide if they want the vaccine or not."Mann said even those employees under the mandate can push back, if they so choose."Per federal law, you do not have to get vaccinated, if you're a federal employee," Mann said. "Number one, if you have a note from your doctor saying you don't have to, or number two, if, for religious beliefs you don't believe in taking vaccines. My understanding is, you can then sign an affidavit, or you can attest that this is against your religious belief. At least, that's what the legal standard has been so far."Mann and his wife are vaccinated and he said it was the right decision for him and his family.

Rep. Mann against mandates, even though he is vaccinated

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2001 to a total of 332,933, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 8 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5255.

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2001 to a total of 332,933, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 8 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5255.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627664671074.png" alt="Friday July 30, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday July 30, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA— Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), the state’s housing finance agency, has provided&nbsp;$21,670,326.79&nbsp;in emergency rental and utility assistance to&nbsp;4,054&nbsp;Kansas households experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic. The funds, made available through the&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance">Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA)</a>&nbsp;program, were allocated to the state through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously issued a temporary nationwide halt in residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. That moratorium is set to expire on July 31, 2021. Kansans who may be facing eviction due to financial hardship incurred as a result of the COVID pandemic are encouraged to apply for KERA assistance.

“It’s so gratifying to know our team is getting these funds out the door and into our communities where they are so desperately needed,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director. “We recognize that the need is vast, and we look forward to providing this crucial assistance to Kansas tenants, landlords, and service providers as the program continues.”

KERA funds helped Gary Evert and his wife Sheryl, a couple in their 70s, remain in their Olathe home. “To anyone else out there who has applied for KERA I would say, ‘Don’t get discouraged. We’re all nervous, but when a customer service representative can calm you down and give you a sense of hope, it’s quite comforting,’” Evert said.

The KERA program previously served Kansans across the state except Wichita residents, who were served by the city’s rental assistance program. Recognizing the importance of serving tenants and landlords in our state’s most populous city, Wichita residents are now eligible to apply for the KERA program, though duplication of benefits is prohibited.

To be eligible to receive KERA assistance, tenants must rent their homes and must have experienced a documented financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples of hardship may include qualifying for unemployment benefits, experiencing a reduction of household income, or incurring significant costs due to the pandemic. Additionally, the tenant’s household’s income may not exceed 80 percent of the area median income.

Nyrica Hall of Topeka was facing eviction when she applied for KERA assistance. Her request resulted in funding for rental and utility assistance, as well as a $600 lump sum payment to cover internet service.&nbsp;“When the customer service manager called me back to say my application had been approved, I cried,” Hall said.

KERA applicants must provide the following documentation:

Approved KERA applicants are eligible to receive a maximum of twelve months of rental and utility assistance, in addition to reasonable fees and security deposits. Qualified applicants are also eligible to receive a lump sum of $600 in credit to their internet providers to cover past-due or future internet costs, at a rate of $50 per month for 12 months. Tenants may apply for three months of prospective assistance at a time. Program guidelines require tenants and landlords to apply jointly, with payments made directly to the landlord or service provider.

The KERA program builds on KHRC’s success administering the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program, a statewide rental assistance initiative funded by the federal CARES Act in 2020. In the roughly 60 days that program was in statewide operation, KHRC processed&nbsp;10,138&nbsp;applications for more than&nbsp;$25.8 million&nbsp;in requested funding, ultimately serving&nbsp;27,200&nbsp;Kansans with&nbsp;$17,007,614&nbsp;in rental assistance.

To learn more, to locate a community partner to assist with the application process, and to apply, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance">kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance</a>.

TOPEKA— Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), the state’s housing finance agency, has provided&nbsp;$21,670,326.79&nbsp;in emergency rental and utility assistance to&nbsp;4,054&nbsp;Kansas households experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic. The funds, made available through the&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance">Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA)</a>&nbsp;program, were allocated to the state through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously issued a temporary nationwide halt in residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. That moratorium is set to expire on July 31, 2021. Kansans who may be facing eviction due to financial hardship incurred as a result of the COVID pandemic are encouraged to apply for KERA assistance.“It’s so gratifying to know our team is getting these funds out the door and into our communities where they are so desperately needed,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director. “We recognize that the need is vast, and we look forward to providing this crucial assistance to Kansas tenants, landlords, and service providers as the program continues.”KERA funds helped Gary Evert and his wife Sheryl, a couple in their 70s, remain in their Olathe home. “To anyone else out there who has applied for KERA I would say, ‘Don’t get discouraged. We’re all nervous, but when a customer service representative can calm you down and give you a sense of hope, it’s quite comforting,’” Evert said.The KERA program previously served Kansans across the state except Wichita residents, who were served by the city’s rental assistance program. Recognizing the importance of serving tenants and landlords in our state’s most populous city, Wichita residents are now eligible to apply for the KERA program, though duplication of benefits is prohibited.To be eligible to receive KERA assistance, tenants must rent their homes and must have experienced a documented financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples of hardship may include qualifying for unemployment benefits, experiencing a reduction of household income, or incurring significant costs due to the pandemic. Additionally, the tenant’s household’s income may not exceed 80 percent of the area median income.Nyrica Hall of Topeka was facing eviction when she applied for KERA assistance. Her request resulted in funding for rental and utility assistance, as well as a $600 lump sum payment to cover internet service.&nbsp;“When the customer service manager called me back to say my application had been approved, I cried,” Hall said.KERA applicants must provide the following documentation:<ul>
 <li>Past due utility bill or overdue rent or eviction notice from April 2020 to the present</li><li>Signed lease identifying the residential unit and the rental payment amount</li><li>2020 Federal Income Tax Return as filed with the IRS (if tenant hasn’t filed 2020 federal income taxes, their W-2 wage statement and all IRS 1099 forms are acceptable)</li><li>Proof of identification, including a current state-issued photo ID, court filing notice, or mail from a federal, state, county, or city agency displaying the rental unit address</li>
 </ul>Approved KERA applicants are eligible to receive a maximum of twelve months of rental and utility assistance, in addition to reasonable fees and security deposits. Qualified applicants are also eligible to receive a lump sum of $600 in credit to their internet providers to cover past-due or future internet costs, at a rate of $50 per month for 12 months. Tenants may apply for three months of prospective assistance at a time. Program guidelines require tenants and landlords to apply jointly, with payments made directly to the landlord or service provider.The KERA program builds on KHRC’s success administering the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program, a statewide rental assistance initiative funded by the federal CARES Act in 2020. In the roughly 60 days that program was in statewide operation, KHRC processed&nbsp;10,138&nbsp;applications for more than&nbsp;$25.8 million&nbsp;in requested funding, ultimately serving&nbsp;27,200&nbsp;Kansans with&nbsp;$17,007,614&nbsp;in rental assistance.To learn more, to locate a community partner to assist with the application process, and to apply, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance">kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance</a>.

Assistance available when eviction moratorium expires

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A COVID-19 surge in Kansas fueled by the faster-spreading delta variant is filling up hospital beds in some areas.

Four times as many patients with confirmed COVID-19 infections were hospitalized this week as were hospitalized in early June, according to a survey from the Kansas Hospital Association. Hospitals said they’re dealing with a regular load of non-COVID patients as delta variant cases surge — unlike last fall and winter, when new COVID-19 case numbers hit record highs.

“We’re seeing more cases of a variety of other things that have patients in the ER and ICU,” Cindy Samuelson, a senior Kansas Hospital Association vice president, said Thursday. “Then you add the COVID on top of that.”

Confirmed delta variant cases in Kansas are doubling every two weeks, and new COVID-19 cases overall have been rising for five weeks.

The University of Kansas is recommending that all people wear masks indoors on its main campus in Lawrence and a satellite campus in the Kansas City area when two or more people gather.

Meanwhile, the Kansas Hospital Association said that 116 Kansas hospitals surveyed this week reported having 399 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. For early June, 125 hospitals reported having 99 — and the association stopped posting numbers on its website for five weeks.

University of Kansas Health System officials disclosed last week that they were refusing to admit some patients from outside their system.

For about a month, the Salina Regional Health Center has a times been full capacity. Chief Medical Officer Robert Freelove said the hospital has struggled to find beds for patients who have needed a higher level of care, recently sending one more than three hours away to Garden City in southwest Kansas.

“Normally when we’d send somebody to another hospital, it’s going up to a higher level of care, like a bigger hospital with more services,” Freelove said. “But now, at times, we’re just looking for a bed wherever we can find one.”

In Wichita, the Ascension Via Christi system had some good news with the slowing this week of a recent increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

“We accept transfers as we are able, but when the volumes are running high there often are times when we cannot,” said Kris Hill, vice president of nursing for the system’s St. Francis hospital in Wichita.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A COVID-19 surge in Kansas fueled by the faster-spreading delta variant is filling up hospital beds in some areas.Four times as many patients with confirmed COVID-19 infections were hospitalized this week as were hospitalized in early June, according to a survey from the Kansas Hospital Association. Hospitals said they’re dealing with a regular load of non-COVID patients as delta variant cases surge — unlike last fall and winter, when new COVID-19 case numbers hit record highs.“We’re seeing more cases of a variety of other things that have patients in the ER and ICU,” Cindy Samuelson, a senior Kansas Hospital Association vice president, said Thursday. “Then you add the COVID on top of that.”Confirmed delta variant cases in Kansas are doubling every two weeks, and new COVID-19 cases overall have been rising for five weeks.The University of Kansas is recommending that all people wear masks indoors on its main campus in Lawrence and a satellite campus in the Kansas City area when two or more people gather.Meanwhile, the Kansas Hospital Association said that 116 Kansas hospitals surveyed this week reported having 399 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. For early June, 125 hospitals reported having 99 — and the association stopped posting numbers on its website for five weeks.University of Kansas Health System officials disclosed last week that they were refusing to admit some patients from outside their system.For about a month, the Salina Regional Health Center has a times been full capacity. Chief Medical Officer Robert Freelove said the hospital has struggled to find beds for patients who have needed a higher level of care, recently sending one more than three hours away to Garden City in southwest Kansas.“Normally when we’d send somebody to another hospital, it’s going up to a higher level of care, like a bigger hospital with more services,” Freelove said. “But now, at times, we’re just looking for a bed wherever we can find one.”In Wichita, the Ascension Via Christi system had some good news with the slowing this week of a recent increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations.“We accept transfers as we are able, but when the volumes are running high there often are times when we cannot,” said Kris Hill, vice president of nursing for the system’s St. Francis hospital in Wichita.___

Delta variant fills Kansas hospital beds with COVID patients

HUTCHINSON— A dog alerted a Kansas family to a fire early Friday in Hutchinson.

Just after 3:30 a.m. fire crews responded to a home at 826 E 7th Street for a residential fire, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.

Smoke was showing from the roof eaves on a small single-story residence. There was a fire in the kitchen at the back of the house. The fire was quickly controlled, and no one was hurt, all occupants were out of the house.

The residence suffered light smoke damage throughout. Fire damage was contained to the kitchen.

Occupants were asleep at the time the fire started and was alerted by their dog. An investigation found and overloaded outlet in the kitchen, according to Beer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627645964298.jpeg" alt="An investigation found and overloaded outlet in the kitchen that caused the fire.-photo Hutchinson Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>An investigation found and overloaded outlet in the kitchen that caused the fire.-photo Hutchinson Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON— A dog alerted a Kansas family to a fire early Friday in Hutchinson.Just after 3:30 a.m. fire crews responded to a home at 826 E 7th Street for a residential fire, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.Smoke was showing from the roof eaves on a small single-story residence. There was a fire in the kitchen at the back of the house. The fire was quickly controlled, and no one was hurt, all occupants were out of the house.The residence suffered light smoke damage throughout. Fire damage was contained to the kitchen.Occupants were asleep at the time the fire started and was alerted by their dog. An investigation found and overloaded outlet in the kitchen, according to Beer.

Fire Chief: Dog alerts family to fire at Kan. home

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?513806-1/president-biden-announces-federal-employees-vaccinated-tested-regularly">Click here</a> to watch the President's comments

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday announced sweeping new pandemic requirements aimed at boosting vaccination rates for millions of federal workers and contractors as he lamented the “American tragedy” of rising-yet-preventable deaths among the unvaccinated.

Federal workers will be required to sign forms attesting they’ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus or else comply with new rules on mandatory masking, weekly testing, distancing and more. The strict new guidelines are aimed at increasing sluggish vaccination rates among the huge number of Americans who draw federal paychecks — and to set an example for private employers around the country.

“Right now, too many people are dying or watching someone they love die and say, ‘If I’d just got the vaccine,’” Biden said in a somber address from the East Room of the White House. “This is an American tragedy. People are dying who don’t have to die.”

However, pushback is certain to Biden’s action. It puts him squarely in the center of a fierce political debate surrounding the government’s ability to compel Americans to follow public health guidelines.

The federal government directly employs about 4 million people, but Biden’s action could affect many more when federal contractors are factored in. New York University professor of public service Paul Light estimates there are nearly 7 million more employees who could potentially be included, combining those who work for companies that contract with the government and those working under federal grants.

Biden, seemingly fed up with persistent vaccine resistance among many Americans, delivered a sharp rebuke to those who have yet to get shots, saying “they get sick and fill up our hospitals,” taking beds away from others who need them.

“If in fact you are unvaccinated, you present a problem to yourself, to your family and those with whom you work,” he said bluntly.”

At the same time, he expressed sympathy for people who have received their shots and are “frustrated with the consequences of the minority that fail to get vaccinated.” And he again emphasized that the fight against the virus is far from over, girding Americans to remain strong in the face of setbacks in the pandemic.

“I know this is hard to hear. I know it’s frustrating. I know it’s exhausting to think we’re still in this fight. I know we hoped this would be a simple straightforward line, without problems or new challenges. But that isn’t real life,” he said.

His comments came as some 60% of American adults have been fully vaccinated. He had set a July 4 goal to get at least one shot in 70% of adults, and is still not quite there. The latest figure is 69.3%. And there remains significant resistance from many Republicans and some unions to vaccine mandates for employers.

Reflecting an awareness of the political landmines surrounding mandates, administration officials emphasize that their plan does not require workers to receive the vaccine but aims to make life more difficult for those who are unvaccinated to encourage them to comply. Biden directed his team to take steps to apply similar requirements to all federal contractors.

He also directed the Defense Department to look into adding the COVID-19 shot to its list of required vaccinations for members of the military. Service members already are required to get as many as 17 vaccines, depending on where they are based around the world.

Over and over, the president repeated that the vast majority of those falling ill and dying in the new wave of the delta virus are unvaccinated, putting others at risk and endangering the nation’s fragile economic recovery and return to normalcy.

“It’s an American blessing that we have vaccines for each and every American. It’s such a shame to squander that blessing,” said Biden.

He praised the recent increase in Republican lawmakers urging those who are not vaccinated — many of whom, polling suggests, identify as conservatives — to get their shots. And seeking to push back against skepticism among some Republicans over the safety of the vaccine, he gave a nod to predecessor Donald Trump, noting that it was “developed and authorized under a Republican administration.”

“This is not about red states and blue states,” he said. “It’s literally about life and death, life and death.”

Biden renewed his calls for schools to fully open this fall, although children under 12 are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine. And he said that public health officials do not yet believe Americans need a booster vaccine despite the highly contagious delta variant fueling the surge.

The new pressure on workers to get vaccinated could work because evidence shows people would rather get the vaccine than deal with burdens they consider onerous at work, said Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law at Georgetown University Law School.

“People would much rather roll up their sleeves and get a jab, than undergo weekly testing and universal masking,” he said. “In many ways, this is really not a mandate, it’s giving workers a choice.”

Thursday’s move is not just about federal workers.

The administration hopes it will nudge private companies push their workers harder to get vaccines that, while widely recognized as safe and effective, have yet to receive full approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

“I think we’ve reached this tipping point, and Biden’s announcement will provide a lot of air cover for companies and boards of directors who have difficult decisions facing them,” said Jeff Hyman, a Chicago-based business author and recruiter for start-up companies.

Some of the nation’s biggest corporations have moved to require vaccinations for their workers. Tech giants Facebook and Google announced this week their employees would have to show proof they’ve been fully vaccinated before returning to work.

Delta and United airlines are requiring new employees to show proof of vaccination. Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are requiring workers to disclose their vaccination status though not requiring them to be vaccinated.

But fewer than 10% of employers have said they intend to require all employees to be vaccinated, based on periodic surveys by the research firm Gartner.

State lawmakers across the U.S. have introduced more than 100 bills aiming to prohibit employers from requiring vaccination as a condition of employment, according to the National Academy for State Health Policy. At least six states have approved such bills.

The Justice Department and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have both said no federal laws prevent businesses from requiring vaccinations as a condition of employment and the federal policy would take precedent. But the “medical freedom” bills underscore the resistance such guidance may encounter at the state level.

Government actions in New York City and California have faced resistance from local unions. And prior to Biden’s announcement, some national unions were speaking out against it.

Larry Cosme, President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, which represents 30,000 federal officers and agents, said in a statement while the organization supports the vaccine it opposes compelling it.

“Forcing people to undertake a medical procedure is not the American way and is a clear civil rights violation no matter how proponents may seek to justify it,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627593916386.png" alt="President Biden, seemingly fed up with persistent vaccine resistance among many Americans, delivered a sharp rebuke to those who have yet to get shots-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden, seemingly fed up with persistent vaccine resistance among many Americans, delivered a sharp rebuke to those who have yet to get shots-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?513806-1/president-biden-announces-federal-employees-vaccinated-tested-regularly">Click here</a> to watch the President's commentsWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday announced sweeping new pandemic requirements aimed at boosting vaccination rates for millions of federal workers and contractors as he lamented the “American tragedy” of rising-yet-preventable deaths among the unvaccinated.Federal workers will be required to sign forms attesting they’ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus or else comply with new rules on mandatory masking, weekly testing, distancing and more. The strict new guidelines are aimed at increasing sluggish vaccination rates among the huge number of Americans who draw federal paychecks — and to set an example for private employers around the country.“Right now, too many people are dying or watching someone they love die and say, ‘If I’d just got the vaccine,’” Biden said in a somber address from the East Room of the White House. “This is an American tragedy. People are dying who don’t have to die.”However, pushback is certain to Biden’s action. It puts him squarely in the center of a fierce political debate surrounding the government’s ability to compel Americans to follow public health guidelines.The federal government directly employs about 4 million people, but Biden’s action could affect many more when federal contractors are factored in. New York University professor of public service Paul Light estimates there are nearly 7 million more employees who could potentially be included, combining those who work for companies that contract with the government and those working under federal grants.Biden, seemingly fed up with persistent vaccine resistance among many Americans, delivered a sharp rebuke to those who have yet to get shots, saying “they get sick and fill up our hospitals,” taking beds away from others who need them.“If in fact you are unvaccinated, you present a problem to yourself, to your family and those with whom you work,” he said bluntly.”At the same time, he expressed sympathy for people who have received their shots and are “frustrated with the consequences of the minority that fail to get vaccinated.” And he again emphasized that the fight against the virus is far from over, girding Americans to remain strong in the face of setbacks in the pandemic.“I know this is hard to hear. I know it’s frustrating. I know it’s exhausting to think we’re still in this fight. I know we hoped this would be a simple straightforward line, without problems or new challenges. But that isn’t real life,” he said.His comments came as some 60% of American adults have been fully vaccinated. He had set a July 4 goal to get at least one shot in 70% of adults, and is still not quite there. The latest figure is 69.3%. And there remains significant resistance from many Republicans and some unions to vaccine mandates for employers.Reflecting an awareness of the political landmines surrounding mandates, administration officials emphasize that their plan does not require workers to receive the vaccine but aims to make life more difficult for those who are unvaccinated to encourage them to comply. Biden directed his team to take steps to apply similar requirements to all federal contractors.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627590438752.png" alt="Thursday’s move is not just about federal workers.&nbsp;The administration hopes it will nudge private companies push their workers harder to get vaccines." />
 <figcaption>Thursday’s move is not just about federal workers.&nbsp;The administration hopes it will nudge private companies push their workers harder to get vaccines.</figcaption>
 </figure>He also directed the Defense Department to look into adding the COVID-19 shot to its list of required vaccinations for members of the military. Service members already are required to get as many as 17 vaccines, depending on where they are based around the world.Over and over, the president repeated that the vast majority of those falling ill and dying in the new wave of the delta virus are unvaccinated, putting others at risk and endangering the nation’s fragile economic recovery and return to normalcy.“It’s an American blessing that we have vaccines for each and every American. It’s such a shame to squander that blessing,” said Biden.He praised the recent increase in Republican lawmakers urging those who are not vaccinated — many of whom, polling suggests, identify as conservatives — to get their shots. And seeking to push back against skepticism among some Republicans over the safety of the vaccine, he gave a nod to predecessor Donald Trump, noting that it was “developed and authorized under a Republican administration.”“This is not about red states and blue states,” he said. “It’s literally about life and death, life and death.”Biden renewed his calls for schools to fully open this fall, although children under 12 are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine. And he said that public health officials do not yet believe Americans need a booster vaccine despite the highly contagious delta variant fueling the surge.The new pressure on workers to get vaccinated could work because evidence shows people would rather get the vaccine than deal with burdens they consider onerous at work, said Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law at Georgetown University Law School.“People would much rather roll up their sleeves and get a jab, than undergo weekly testing and universal masking,” he said. “In many ways, this is really not a mandate, it’s giving workers a choice.”Thursday’s move is not just about federal workers.The administration hopes it will nudge private companies push their workers harder to get vaccines that, while widely recognized as safe and effective, have yet to receive full approval from the Food and Drug Administration.“I think we’ve reached this tipping point, and Biden’s announcement will provide a lot of air cover for companies and boards of directors who have difficult decisions facing them,” said Jeff Hyman, a Chicago-based business author and recruiter for start-up companies.Some of the nation’s biggest corporations have moved to require vaccinations for their workers. Tech giants Facebook and Google announced this week their employees would have to show proof they’ve been fully vaccinated before returning to work.Delta and United airlines are requiring new employees to show proof of vaccination. Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are requiring workers to disclose their vaccination status though not requiring them to be vaccinated.But fewer than 10% of employers have said they intend to require all employees to be vaccinated, based on periodic surveys by the research firm Gartner.Still, there is opposition.State lawmakers across the U.S. have introduced more than 100 bills aiming to prohibit employers from requiring vaccination as a condition of employment, according to the National Academy for State Health Policy. At least six states have approved such bills.The Justice Department and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have both said no federal laws prevent businesses from requiring vaccinations as a condition of employment and the federal policy would take precedent. But the “medical freedom” bills underscore the resistance such guidance may encounter at the state level.Government actions in New York City and California have faced resistance from local unions. And prior to Biden’s announcement, some national unions were speaking out against it.Larry Cosme, President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, which represents 30,000 federal officers and agents, said in a statement while the organization supports the vaccine it opposes compelling it.“Forcing people to undertake a medical procedure is not the American way and is a clear civil rights violation no matter how proponents may seek to justify it,” he said.____

🎥  President Biden orders tough new vaccination rules 

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — A group of mostly Black pastors has joined other civil rights organizations in Kansas City who are seeking a federal investigation into officer misconduct in the city’s police department.

Getting to the Heart of the Matter has asked the Department of Justice to investigate the department because it has not been responsive to calls for more accountability, particularly in shootings or violent interactions with minority residents, Pastor Darron Edwards said.

“Something needs to happen to change the trajectory of our city in terms of protecting and serving people in all its Zip codes,” Edwards said Thursday.

On Monday, the Urban Council, an umbrella group of civil rights organizations, announced it had sent a letter to U.S Attorney Merrick Garland asking for an investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-race-and-ethnicity-michael-brown-racial-injustice-police-reform-a9f80387827324193e7f31f103206665">“disturbing patterns” of violent policing toward Black men.</a>

The civil rights groups also criticized the Board of Police Commissioners, which includes the mayor and four members appointed by the governor. They say the board has protected the police department and the current organization makes Kansas City one of largest metropolitan cities in the U.S. without local police control.

Edwards said his group hand-delivered its letter to Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who represents the Kansas City area, about two weeks ago. The group has also asked the Missouri State Auditor and the Kansas City auditor to investigate aspects of the department.

The U.S Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the two calls for investigations. Scott Holste, a spokesman for the Missouri Auditor’s office, said the request from Getting to the Heart of the Matter is under review.

Kansas City police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina said the department has had an agreement with the Justice Department, the FBI and the Jackson County Prosecutor’s office since 2015 to ensure the department reports incidents that could be considered civil rights violations or excessive force.

“We take very seriously the quality of relationships and respect between the community as well as members of the (police department),” said Becchina, who said the department has procedures to report discrimination or racial complaints and fully investigates those complaints.

The civil rights groups have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/896db17d0ecb1e921ce26ebc897760da">long criticized the department and called for the resignation or firing of Police Chief Rick Smith</a>, with the complaints increasing after racial injustice protests that began in the summer of 2020.

Unlike those groups, Getting to the Heart of the Matter had worked with the department to improve police-community relationships and was publicly lauded by Smith and others for those efforts.

That relationship changed on June 1, when the group released a video of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-kansas-police-shootings-07c9ee2bca9013d73d8751a263932aa5">a fatal police shooting of a Black man at a convenience store</a>. Edwards and others said video of Malcolm Johnson, 31, being shot as he struggled with several officers contradicted the police department’s version that he was shot after he shot an officer.

They contend Johnson was “executed” by police while several officers had him pinned on the floor.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has turned its investigation into Johnson’s shooting over to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s office.

Edwards said the department stopped working with his group since it held news conferences to question the Johnson case. He said he used to hear from Chief Smith or someone from the department nearly every day but has not received any communication or been asked to speak to any groups since June 1.

Becchina said in his statement that the department continues to work with Edwards and dozens of others in the faith based community on a weekly basis.

Edwards said the problems with the police department go beyond the Malcolm Johnson case.

“The investigations are necessary because I see no leadership from the chief of police,” Edwards said. “There is no accountability, no responsiveness to the needs or voices of the community.”

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — A group of mostly Black pastors has joined other civil rights organizations in Kansas City who are seeking a federal investigation into officer misconduct in the city’s police department.Getting to the Heart of the Matter has asked the Department of Justice to investigate the department because it has not been responsive to calls for more accountability, particularly in shootings or violent interactions with minority residents, Pastor Darron Edwards said.“Something needs to happen to change the trajectory of our city in terms of protecting and serving people in all its Zip codes,” Edwards said Thursday.On Monday, the Urban Council, an umbrella group of civil rights organizations, announced it had sent a letter to U.S Attorney Merrick Garland asking for an investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-race-and-ethnicity-michael-brown-racial-injustice-police-reform-a9f80387827324193e7f31f103206665">“disturbing patterns” of violent policing toward Black men.</a>The civil rights groups also criticized the Board of Police Commissioners, which includes the mayor and four members appointed by the governor. They say the board has protected the police department and the current organization makes Kansas City one of largest metropolitan cities in the U.S. without local police control.Edwards said his group hand-delivered its letter to Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who represents the Kansas City area, about two weeks ago. The group has also asked the Missouri State Auditor and the Kansas City auditor to investigate aspects of the department.The U.S Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the two calls for investigations. Scott Holste, a spokesman for the Missouri Auditor’s office, said the request from Getting to the Heart of the Matter is under review.Kansas City police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina said the department has had an agreement with the Justice Department, the FBI and the Jackson County Prosecutor’s office since 2015 to ensure the department reports incidents that could be considered civil rights violations or excessive force.“We take very seriously the quality of relationships and respect between the community as well as members of the (police department),” said Becchina, who said the department has procedures to report discrimination or racial complaints and fully investigates those complaints.The civil rights groups have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/896db17d0ecb1e921ce26ebc897760da">long criticized the department and called for the resignation or firing of Police Chief Rick Smith</a>, with the complaints increasing after racial injustice protests that began in the summer of 2020.Unlike those groups, Getting to the Heart of the Matter had worked with the department to improve police-community relationships and was publicly lauded by Smith and others for those efforts.ADVERTISEMENTThat relationship changed on June 1, when the group released a video of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-kansas-police-shootings-07c9ee2bca9013d73d8751a263932aa5">a fatal police shooting of a Black man at a convenience store</a>. Edwards and others said video of Malcolm Johnson, 31, being shot as he struggled with several officers contradicted the police department’s version that he was shot after he shot an officer.They contend Johnson was “executed” by police while several officers had him pinned on the floor.The Missouri State Highway Patrol has turned its investigation into Johnson’s shooting over to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s office.Edwards said the department stopped working with his group since it held news conferences to question the Johnson case. He said he used to hear from Chief Smith or someone from the department nearly every day but has not received any communication or been asked to speak to any groups since June 1.Becchina said in his statement that the department continues to work with Edwards and dozens of others in the faith based community on a weekly basis.Edwards said the problems with the police department go beyond the Malcolm Johnson case.“The investigations are necessary because I see no leadership from the chief of police,” Edwards said. “There is no accountability, no responsiveness to the needs or voices of the community.”

Kansas City Black clergy group calls for US probe of police

HUTCHINSON — Formal charges have been brought against a Hutchinson man arrested after packages containing 40 pounds of marijuana were intercepted in the mail.

Luis Gutierrez is charged with possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute.

Gutierrez was arrested last week after members of the Reno County Criminal Interdiction Unit along with members of the United States Postal Service Inspectors Division, Hutchinson Police Department's Special Operations Unit, and South Hutchinson Police Department executed two drug-related search warrants simultaneously at two neighboring houses in the south part of Hutchinson as part of a controlled delivery.&nbsp;

Approximately 40 pounds of marijuana was seized from the two residences. Gutierrez remains jailed on a bond of $270,000. He is also due back in court Friday, Aug. 6, on a motion on a community corrections violation from a case back in 2019.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627588668573.jpeg" alt="Gutierrez-photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Gutierrez-photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON — Formal charges have been brought against a Hutchinson man arrested after packages containing 40 pounds of marijuana were intercepted in the mail.Luis Gutierrez is charged with possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute.Gutierrez was arrested last week after members of the Reno County Criminal Interdiction Unit along with members of the United States Postal Service Inspectors Division, Hutchinson Police Department's Special Operations Unit, and South Hutchinson Police Department executed two drug-related search warrants simultaneously at two neighboring houses in the south part of Hutchinson as part of a controlled delivery.&nbsp;Approximately 40 pounds of marijuana was seized from the two residences. Gutierrez remains jailed on a bond of $270,000. He is also due back in court Friday, Aug. 6, on a motion on a community corrections violation from a case back in 2019.

Kan. man charged after marijuana sent in the mail

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged burglary.

Just before 10p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;&nbsp;were dispatched to a burglary in progress to a vehicle near SW 4th Street and SW Van Buren Street in downtown Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

While officers were responding to the scene, witnesses provided detailed suspect information. Police located a man matching the description walking near SW 3rd Street and SW Van Buren Street and took him into custody.

Officers located stolen items in the suspect’s possession. The stolen items were returned to the victim.

As a result of the investigation, Ezkekiel P. Rhoten, 59 of Topeka booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft or sexually motivated crime, Theft &lt; $1,500 Pocket-Picking, Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627585294270.png" alt="Rhoten photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Rhoten photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged burglary.Just before 10p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;&nbsp;were dispatched to a burglary in progress to a vehicle near SW 4th Street and SW Van Buren Street in downtown Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.While officers were responding to the scene, witnesses provided detailed suspect information. Police located a man matching the description walking near SW 3rd Street and SW Van Buren Street and took him into custody.Officers located stolen items in the suspect’s possession. The stolen items were returned to the victim.As a result of the investigation, Ezkekiel P. Rhoten, 59 of Topeka booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft or sexually motivated crime, Theft &lt; $1,500 Pocket-Picking, Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body.

Police: Kan. man found with items taken in burglary

BOSTON (AP) — Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was defrocked after a Vatican investigation confirmed he had sexually molested adults as well as children, has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenage boy during a wedding reception in the 1970s, court records show.

Court documents&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/07/29/metro/defrocked-cardinal-theodore-mccarrick-charged-with-sexually-assaulting-teenager-1970s/" target="_blank">obtained by The Boston Globe&nbsp;</a>shows that McCarrick is charged with three counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14.

McCarrick is the first cardinal in the U.S. to ever be criminally charged with a sexual crime against a minor, according to Mitchell Garabedian, a well-known lawyer for church sexual abuse victims who is representing the man alleging the abuse by McCarrick.

“It takes an enormous amount of courage for a sexual abuse victim to report having been sexually abused to investigators and proceed through the criminal process,” Garabedian said in an email. “Let the facts be presented, the law applied, and a fair verdict rendered.”

Barry Coburn, an attorney for McCarrick, told The Associated Press that they “look forward to addressing the case in the courtroom,” and declined further comment.

A report filed in court says the man told investigators that McCarrick was a family friend and began abusing him when he was a boy.

The man says McCarrick groped him when he was 16 in 1974 as they walked around the campus of Wellesley College, where his brother’s wedding reception was being held. The man also alleges that McCarrick led him into a room and fondled the boy before telling him to “say three our fathers and a Hail Mary or it was one Our Father and three Hail Marys, so God can redeem you of your sins,” according to the court documents.

McCarrick, 91,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theodore-mccarrick-ex-cardinal-scandal-989fb97f4f0cad8c4926e8cb795ba2bf">was defrocked by Pope Francis in 2019</a>&nbsp;after a Vatican investigation confirmed decades of rumors that he was a sexual predator.

The case created a credibility crisis for the church since the Vatican had reports from authoritative cardinals dating to 1999 that McCarrick’s behavior was problematic, yet he became an influential cardinal, kingmaker and emissary of the Holy See’s “soft diplomacy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578567833416.jpeg" alt="Disgraced former Catholic cardinal Theodore McCarrick moved to the St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria, Kansas in 2018. He moved from Northwest Kansas in January 2020 Credit: US Institute of Peace. CC BY NC 20" />
 <figcaption>Disgraced former Catholic cardinal Theodore McCarrick moved to the St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria, Kansas in 2018. He moved from Northwest Kansas in January 2020 Credit: US Institute of Peace. CC BY NC 20</figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was defrocked after a Vatican investigation confirmed he had sexually molested adults as well as children, has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenage boy during a wedding reception in the 1970s, court records show.Court documents&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/07/29/metro/defrocked-cardinal-theodore-mccarrick-charged-with-sexually-assaulting-teenager-1970s/" target="_blank">obtained by The Boston Globe&nbsp;</a>shows that McCarrick is charged with three counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14.McCarrick is the first cardinal in the U.S. to ever be criminally charged with a sexual crime against a minor, according to Mitchell Garabedian, a well-known lawyer for church sexual abuse victims who is representing the man alleging the abuse by McCarrick.“It takes an enormous amount of courage for a sexual abuse victim to report having been sexually abused to investigators and proceed through the criminal process,” Garabedian said in an email. “Let the facts be presented, the law applied, and a fair verdict rendered.”Barry Coburn, an attorney for McCarrick, told The Associated Press that they “look forward to addressing the case in the courtroom,” and declined further comment.A report filed in court says the man told investigators that McCarrick was a family friend and began abusing him when he was a boy.The man says McCarrick groped him when he was 16 in 1974 as they walked around the campus of Wellesley College, where his brother’s wedding reception was being held. The man also alleges that McCarrick led him into a room and fondled the boy before telling him to “say three our fathers and a Hail Mary or it was one Our Father and three Hail Marys, so God can redeem you of your sins,” according to the court documents.McCarrick, 91,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theodore-mccarrick-ex-cardinal-scandal-989fb97f4f0cad8c4926e8cb795ba2bf">was defrocked by Pope Francis in 2019</a>&nbsp;after a Vatican investigation confirmed decades of rumors that he was a sexual predator.The case created a credibility crisis for the church since the Vatican had reports from authoritative cardinals dating to 1999 that McCarrick’s behavior was problematic, yet he became an influential cardinal, kingmaker and emissary of the Holy See’s “soft diplomacy.”

First cardinal in U.S. criminally charged with child sex crime 

CLOUD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has arrested two individuals after an investigation into former employees of the Cloud County Jail.

Just after 8:35 a.m., Thursday Amber Lindberg, 40, of Concordia, was arrested at 212 N. Concord in Minneapolis, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

 She was arrested on a requested charge of theft, misuse of public funds, official misconduct, making false information, conspiracy to commit theft, conspiracy to commit official misconduct, conspiracy to commit misuse of public funds, and conspiracy to commit destroying a written instrument. 

Lindberg was the Cloud County jail administrator in June 2019 when the KBI initiated the investigation. Following her arrest, Lindberg was booked into the Saline County Jail.

Joyce Jasper, 62, of Concordia, was arrested on a requested charge of theft at 11th&nbsp;and State Street in Concordia. The arrest occurred at 8:40 a.m. on Wednesday. Jasper is Lindberg’s mother. She was booked into the Cloud County Jail.

The Lincoln County Attorney was appointed as the special prosecutor and is expected to prosecute the case.

The investigation is ongoing. Additional arrests are expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627595225257.png" alt="Lindberg-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Lindberg-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>CLOUD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has arrested two individuals after an investigation into former employees of the Cloud County Jail.Just after 8:35 a.m., Thursday Amber Lindberg, 40, of Concordia, was arrested at 212 N. Concord in Minneapolis, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI. She was arrested on a requested charge of theft, misuse of public funds, official misconduct, making false information, conspiracy to commit theft, conspiracy to commit official misconduct, conspiracy to commit misuse of public funds, and conspiracy to commit destroying a written instrument. Lindberg was the Cloud County jail administrator in June 2019 when the KBI initiated the investigation. Following her arrest, Lindberg was booked into the Saline County Jail.Joyce Jasper, 62, of Concordia, was arrested on a requested charge of theft at 11th&nbsp;and State Street in Concordia. The arrest occurred at 8:40 a.m. on Wednesday. Jasper is Lindberg’s mother. She was booked into the Cloud County Jail.The Lincoln County Attorney was appointed as the special prosecutor and is expected to prosecute the case.The investigation is ongoing. Additional arrests are expected.

Former jail administrator arrested after KBI investigation

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden is asking states and localities to offer unvaccinated residents $100 to get their COVID-19 shots.

The cash reward for vaccination was one idea in Biden’s latest plan to boost lagging vaccination rates in many parts of the nation. Rolled out Thursday, the core of his new plan is a requirement for federal workers to disclose their vaccination status to their agencies.

Biden is pointing to anecdotal evidence that a $100 reward will get results. The White House says the Kroger grocery store chain tried it and saw vaccination rates jump to 75% from 50% among employees. New Mexico, Ohio and Colorado have also experimented with the idea.

Biden says states and localities can use money from his COVID relief law to pay for the incentive programs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627590471007.png" alt="President Biden holding his mask Thursday afternoon as he begins remarks laying out the next steps in the effort to get more Americans vaccinated and combat the spread of the Delta Variant-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden holding his mask Thursday afternoon as he begins remarks laying out the next steps in the effort to get more Americans vaccinated and combat the spread of the Delta Variant-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden is asking states and localities to offer unvaccinated residents $100 to get their COVID-19 shots.The cash reward for vaccination was one idea in Biden’s latest plan to boost lagging vaccination rates in many parts of the nation. Rolled out Thursday, the core of his new plan is a requirement for federal workers to disclose their vaccination status to their agencies.Biden is pointing to anecdotal evidence that a $100 reward will get results. The White House says the Kroger grocery store chain tried it and saw vaccination rates jump to 75% from 50% among employees. New Mexico, Ohio and Colorado have also experimented with the idea.Biden says states and localities can use money from his COVID relief law to pay for the incentive programs.

Biden asks states to offer the unvaccinated $100

JEWELL COUNTY —Another small earthquake shook north central Kansas Thursday. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake just before 8a.m. measured a magnitude 3.2 and was centered south of Esbon in Jewell County.&nbsp; 

This follows a 2.9 magnitude quake in the same area on Wednesday.

A preliminary report from the Kansas Geological Survey indicated Wednesday quake&nbsp; at 9:15 a.m. measured 3.4 magnitude.

There are no reports of damage or injury, according to the Jewell County Sheriff's office.

JEWELL COUNTY —Another small earthquake shook north central Kansas Thursday. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake just before 8a.m. measured a magnitude 3.2 and was centered south of Esbon in Jewell County.&nbsp; This follows a 2.9 magnitude quake in the same area on Wednesday.A preliminary report from the Kansas Geological Survey indicated Wednesday quake&nbsp; at 9:15 a.m. measured 3.4 magnitude.There are no reports of damage or injury, according to the Jewell County Sheriff's office.